10 July 2019 Serena Williams beats Alison Riske to reach semi-finals of Wimbledon 2019
The 23-time Grand Slam champion beat Riske 6-4 4-6 6-3 to set up a last four meetings with Czech Barbora Strycova, who defeated Britain’s Johanna Konta. Williams is chasing her eighth Wimbledon title and her first Grand Slam title since January 2017. “It was really satisfying,” the 37-year-old told the BBC. “I wouldn’t have won that match a couple of weeks ago. “I’m glad I was able to come through. She was honestly playing amazing, she beat so many great players. “I was really pumped, it was for a place in the semis at Wimbledon and that doesn’t happen every day. It’s a long, arduous road.” Imam-Ul-Haq regrets letting Pakistan down during the World Cup match against Australia
Opener Imam-ul-Haq on Tuesday acknowledged that the Pakistan team should have won their World Cup match against Australia and regretted that his dismal performance in that game contributed to the Green Shirts’ loss. “That match was very much going in our favour and I was set [on the pitch]. But then I got out and Pakistan was let down because of me,” Imam said while addressing a press conference in Lahore. Sitting alongside him was star batsman Babar Azam, who too said he should not have gotten out in the match against Australia. “It was my mistake that I played a bad shot. If I hadn’t been dismissed maybe there would have been good results.” Imam regretted that his maiden World Cup century hadn’t come in his team’s earlier matches. “At the same time, this is cricket. You have to learn from your mistakes. Not everything can go the way you want it to,” he said. World Cup semi-final between New Zealand and India postponed to today after no let up in rain
The Black Caps were 211 for the loss of five wickets after 46 overs, when play was stopped. ESPNcricinfo reported that the “weather forecast for tomorrow is apparently worse”. According to ESPNcricinfo , it was raining heavily at first in Manchester which later reduced to a drizzle, but again picked up after a while. The commentators reported at 5pm (9pm PST) that “if the match fails to start by 6:35pm (10:35pm PST), for a 20-over game, then it will be deferred to tomorrow. And for that to happen the rain has to ideally stop by 5:30pm (9:30pm PST).” This is in accordance with the rules of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
———————————————————————————————————————— 9 July 2019 Virat Kohli happy for Rohit Sharma to take the spotlight
Virat Kohli admits Rohit Sharma’s blistering form has made him alter his own role in the top-order as India gear up for Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final against New Zealand. Sharma has smashed a record five centuries in a single World Cup to lead the tournament batting charts with 647 runs from eight innings. Kohli has hit five fifties but a hundred has so far eluded the world’s top ODI and Test batsman, who is happy to let Sharma play the more aggressive role once again when they face New Zealand at Old Trafford. “It’s been a different kind of role that I have had to play in this World Cup. As the captain of the team I have been open to play any role that the team wants me to,” Kohli told reporters yesterday. Imad Wasim has dismissed rumours of groupings within the Pakistani cricket team
Wasim was addressing a press conference in Islamabad along with teammate Shadab Khan a day after skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed spoke to the media in Karachi. The players returned to the country from the United Kingdom after Pakistan failed to qualify for the semifinals due to net run-rate difference with New Zealand after both the teams earned 11 points each from nine league matches. The all-rounder, in the press conference today, said that had there been any grouping within the team, he would not have played. “All of us play for Pakistan,” he declared and added: “I’ve known Sarfaraz for 15 years, he is not that type of a person. There have never been any disagreements or disputes. On field, if there are minor disagreements or if the captain says something, we should take it as a player.” Leicester have signed Youri Tielemans from Monaco on a four-year deal for a club record £40m
Tielemans, 22, scored three goals and provided four assists in 13 Premier League appearances on loan at the Foxes last season. He is Leicester’s third summer signing after Ayoze Perez joined from Newcastle and James Justin arrived from Luton. “I really can’t wait to get started again with this club,” said Tielemans.”I believe that we have the talent in our squad to achieve something special and for any player, that’s an exciting thing to be a part of.” Tielemans became Claude Puel’s final signing as Leicester boss when he joined on loan in January. Puel was sacked the following month and replaced by Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers. “I’m delighted that Youri has chosen to be part of Leicester City’s journey,” said Rodgers. “It’s an incredibly exciting time for this football club and to be able to bring players of Youri’s quality here is an indication of the hunger for success we have here.
———————————————————————————————————————— 8 July 2019 Jasprit Bumrah says India is in top shape ahead of semi-finals
Pace bowler Bumrah claimed three wickets in India’s win over Sri Lanka on Saturday at Headingley, with Virat Kohli’s side taking top spot in the final group table. Australia’s loss to South Africa on Saturday means India face New Zealand in the first semi-final in Manchester, while Aaron Finch’s side take on hosts England in Birmingham on Thursday. Opening batsman Rohit Sharma scored his record fifth century in a single World Cup on Saturday and lead the tournament’s batting charts with 647 runs. Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza said that he took responsibility for failing to reach the World Cup final four
“We are definitely disappointed. If some results had gone our way maybe we could have reached the semi-final,” Mashrafe told reporters after the team’s return to Dhaka. “Overall, the way we played was very positive… but we couldn’t fulfill our expectations,” he said. “If we had won the last match, we could have finished fifth. But I’m sure all spectators and players wanted the team to finish in the top four,” he said. Bangladesh dropped down to eighth place at the end of the league phase of the World Cup after South Africa defeated Australia in the last match before the semi-finals, at Old Trafford. Egypt have sacked head coach Javier Aguirre after the hosts suffered a shock defeat by South Africa
The Pharaohs were the pre-tournament favourites but lost 1-0 in Cairo after Thembinkosi Lorch’s 85th minute winner. Egypt Football Association president Hany Abo Rida has also resigned, saying it was a “moral obligation”. Mexican Aguirre, 60, was appointed in August 2018, succeeding Hector Cuper, who left after their World Cup exit. Speaking after Saturday’s defeat, Aguirre, who still had three years left on his contract, said: “Of course I am responsible. “I think the game was open and there were chances for both teams. The only difference was the goal for South Africa.”
———————————————————————————————————————— 5 July 2019 Chris Gayle strikes as West Indies see off Afghanistan in World Cup
Chris Gayle removed Afghanistan top-scorer Ikram Alikhil with his tame off-breaks as the West Indies secured just their second win of a chastening World Cup campaign on Thursday. The Caribbean side scored 311 for six in their 50 overs in Leeds and although the Afghans put up a brave fight, they ultimately went down by 23 runs. Gayle, almost certainly playing in his final World Cup match at the age of 39, failed with the bat but struck with the ball, trapping Alikhil lbw for 86 in the 36th over to put a huge dent in Afghanistan´s slim hopes of victory. Despite the victory, two-time former champions West Indies remain second-bottom of the 10-team table and will slink home with just two wins from nine matches. Afghanistan have flickered in spells during only their second World Cup — going close against India and Pakistan — but head home with a dispiriting nine defeats out of nine. Serena Williams recovered from being a set down to beat teenage qualifier Kaja Juvan
Williams was surprised by the 18-year-old world number 133 from Slovenia, who twice broke serve to win the first set. The 11th seed, 37, responded to take control in the second and eventually closed out the decider for a 2-6 6-2 6-4 victory in one hour 36 minutes. “She played well and I started out a little slow,” said the American. “I like the pressure. I would rather be in this position than any other and I play best when I am down sometimes. I am a fighter.” Williams, who last won Wimbledon in 2016, will face German 18th seed Julia Gorges in the third round. Frank Lampard says that Chelsea’s managing job will be the biggest challenge of his career
The 41-year-old ex-England midfielder was appointed on Thursday by the club where he spent 13 years as a player. Lampard had been in charge of Championship side Derby – his first job in management – for 14 months. “I am not naive. I understand fans want success. I don’t see this as a risk. I am not fearful of the downsides,” he said. When asked if taking charge at Stamford Bridge, where he has legendary status and is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, will be the biggest challenge he has faced, Lampard replied: “Yes.” He added: “Coming here 19 years ago was a challenge. I had the radio on and some people were questioning whether I should be here for £11m.
———————————————————————————————————————— 4 July 2019 Andy Murray can’t wait to play with Serena Williams in Wimbledon 2019 mixed doubles
Andy Murray says playing with Serena Williams in the Wimbledon mixed doubles is potentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which he could not miss. Britain’s Murray, 32, will play with the American great as he continues his recovery from major hip surgery. “The chance to play with her is brilliant and not something I expected to happen,” the Scot said. The decorated pair will play Germany’s Andreas Mies and Chile’s Alexa Guarachi in the first round. Williams’ coach Patrick Mouratoglou contacted Murray’s Jamie Delgado to see if the Scot was available and the blockbuster partnership between two of the sport’s most high profile players, who have 26 Grand Slam titles between them, was confirmed on Tuesday. England crushes New Zealand with 119-run victory
England scored a comprehensive 119-run victory in their must-win match against New Zealand at Chester-le-Street yesterday. Eoin Morgan’s side scored 305-8 in their 50 overs as Jonny Bairstow, player of the match, top-scored with 106 and Jason Roy hit 60. The tournament hosts then bowled out New Zealand for 186 to guarantee a top-four finish in the 10-team group stage. England, who have never won the competition, are into the World Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1992. As soon as the match was over, the commentators at ESPN Cricinfo began speculating what the semi final composition could look like given today’s win, whether Pakistan have a chance, and considering the fact that Australia and India are already through. “Pakistan will need to beat Bangladesh by 316 runs at Lord’s on Friday to oust New Zealand. That is, if they score 400, they need to keep Bangladesh to 84 or less. The exact margin will change depending on scores. It’s not over yet!” they said. Imamul Haq says Pakistan will go all out against Bangladesh even if they can’t reach the World Cup semi-finals
Victory for New Zealand against England on Wednesday would have left the door open for Pakistan to seal a place in the last four if they win their final group match. But a win for the tournament hosts has all but ended the 1992 champions’ chances of reaching the last four — England would be out of reach on 12 points while New Zealand have a far-superior net run rate to Pakistan so would likely progress even if the two teams finished level on 11 points. Imam said there was no despondency in the Pakistan camp despite the difficult situation.
———————————————————————————————————————— 3 July 2019 Mickey Arthur says “Now all we want is to get to Friday with a real opportunity and our destiny in our own hands.”
England’s victory over India on Sunday made it harder for Pakistan to reach the semi-finals and another win for the host nation against New Zealand on Wednesday would effectively end Pakistan’s chances of qualifying from the round-robin stage. “How they (India) played, again that’s the issue which we can’t control,” said Arthur. “Obviously, I was following the game intently and was disappointed that India did not get up because that would have opened the door for us. India defeated Bangladesh by 28 runs, dashing its hopes of making it through to the semifinals
India defeated Bangladesh by 28 runs, dashing its hopes of making it through to the semifinals as the two sides met at Edgbaston on Tuesday. Bangladesh were given a target of 315 runs by India to pursue. ‘The Tigers’, as they are otherwise known, had needed to win both of their remaining matches and hope New Zealand beat England if they were to go through to the semifinals. Tottenham have signed France midfielder Tanguy Ndombele for a club record 60m euros
The 22-year-old has signed a deal until 2025 and the fee could rise to 70m euros (£62.8m) with incentives. Tottenham’s previous transfer record was the £42m paid to sign defender Davinson Sanchez from Ajax in August 2017. Ndombele joined Lyon in 2017 and helped them finish third in the French top-flight last season. He also twice played against Manchester City in Champions League group games. In total Ndombele, who has six caps for France, made 96 appearances for Lyon and registered 16 assists. ———————————————————————————————————————— 2 July 2019 Sri Lanka beats West Indies by 23 runs at the ICC World Cup
Avishka Fernando scored 104 from 103 balls to guide Sri Lanka to 338-6, its highest total of the tournament, and Lasith Malinga took two early wickets to stymie the start of the run chase before adding another one late to all but finish it off. West Indies, with some star power support from Rihanna on a blustery, slightly overcast day no need for shade, or shelter from the rain made a chase of it but ran out of time and finished 315-9. Rihanna’s reaction when Chris Gayle got out, head back in disbelief, summed up the overall feeling of the game over at 71-3. Fifteen-year-old American qualifier Cori Gauff caused a stunning upset by defeating five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams
World number 313 Gauff beat Williams – 24 years her senior at 39 – 6-4 6-4. Fellow American Williams had won four Grand Slam titles – including two at Wimbledon – before Gauff was born. “It’s the first time I have ever cried after winning a match,” said Gauff, who previously said Venus and sister Serena were her “idols”. “I don’t know how to explain how I feel.I definitely had to tell myself to stay calm, I had to remind myself that the lines are the same lines, the courts are the same size and after every point I told myself ‘stay calm’.” Arsenal has submitted an opening bid of about £40m for Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha
No players have been offered as part of the proposed deal, and the bid will be rejected by Palace. The 26-year-old is keen to leave the club this summer and favours a move to Arsenal, but the Eagles value the Ivory Coast international at up to £80m. The Gunners will have to hope a compromise can be reached on a lower fee and staggered payments.
———————————————————————————————————————— 1 July 2019 Sarfraz Ahmed has hailed Pakistan’s 3-wicket vitory over afghanistan as “a great win” despite close match
“It is a great win for us on not an easy pitch,” said Sarfraz. “We know it was not an easy target. Their bowlers used the conditions very well. Everyone chipped in, it was good team work.” After a terrible start with just one win from their opening five matches, Pakistan have now won three in matches in succession to leapfrog hosts England into fourth place. A semi-final place is still in England’s hands, but they face the daunting task of having to beat at least one and most likely both of India and New Zealand in their final two fixtures. Allan Border has said Australia may win the World Cup as the holders head towards the semi-finals in fine form
“After a gentle start, Australia now look the real deal and the win against New Zealand has brought back that old familiar feeling that often leads to a World Cup trophy,” Border said in an ICC Media column. “This was a very impressive win because they did it the hard way. “In this tournament, they have relied on Aaron Finch, David Warner and Steve Smith at the top of the order to get runs but all of a sudden, they had to dig deep, and to come through that is a very good sign. England deal India bruising 31-run defeat in must-win World Cup clash
England dealt India a bruising 31-run defeat — and in the process ended the unbeaten streak of the Men in Blue — in the World Cup clash between the two sides at Edgbaston on Sunday. England, who came into this match on the back of successive defeats by Sri Lanka and Australia, will be assured of a place in the last four if they beat New Zealand in their last group match on Wednesday. India can reach the knockout phase by beating Bangladesh when they return to Edgbaston on Tuesday. England’s bid to win a first World Cup title is based on aggressive top-order batting but the runs had dried up lately. ———————————————————————————————————————— 28 June 2019 England looks at India and New Zealand matches as quarter-finals
England’s 64-run loss to Australia at Lord’s on Tuesday left their qualification hopes in the balance with Bangladesh, Pakistan (both one point behind) and Sri Lanka (two points behind with a game in hand) breathing down their necks. England have not beaten India or New Zealand in seven attempts at the World Cup since 1992 but Root is confident they can still reach the knockout stages. “We’ll see these two games as quarter-finals… which in a way when it comes round to the knockout stage should serve you well,” Root told reporters. Sri Lanka hopes to beat South Africa to stay afloat in World Cup
Just when it appeared to be shaping up as a bit square the top four teams progressing relatively untroubled to the semi-finals the tournament got a lot more interesting. Suddenly, it was no foregone conclusion that the semi-finals would comprise No. 1 England, No. 2 India and 2015 finalists Australia and New Zealand. A day after Sri Lanka’s 20-run win at Leeds, India only just avoided one of the biggest upsets in tournament history by holding off Afghanistan. New Zealand just fended off West Indies by five runs one catch on the boundary the difference between winning and losing that game in Manchester and then lost to Pakistan at Edgbaston. The Pakistanis were following up on a win over South Africa and, along with Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, were genuinely back in contention. David Warner says the fans have a right to boo during the matches if they want
The left-handed batsman shared an opening stand of 123 with his captain Aaron Finch as the defending champions beat hosts and pre-tournament favourites England at Lord’s on Tuesday to book a place in the semi-finals. It was Warner’s seventh match for Australia after returning from the ban for his part in the Newlands Test scandal and his innings of 53 runs took his tournament tally to 500 at an average of 83.33. There were boos for Warner and his former captain Steve Smith when they took the field but the 32-year-old from the tough southeastern Sydney suburbs was not letting it bother him.
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