'Glowing' SA ready for big game pressure

Dale Steyn, who is fit again after two months on the sidelines with a “broken shoulder,” explained that while Test cricket presents more of a physical challenge, the shorter format takes its toll in other ways

Firdose Moonda16-Mar-2016As is always the case at major tournaments, South Africa’s mindset will be under the microscope at this World T20, and the shortest format could prove to be their toughest test yet. Dale Steyn, who is fit-again after two months on the sidelines with a “broken shoulder,” explained that while Test cricket presents more of a physical challenge, Twent20s takes its toll in other ways.”The T20 game can be quite mentally hard. Being a bowler, you’ve only got four overs. If you find the edge, it can go for four and it’s not your fault. In Test matches you’ve got five days to make up for it,” Steyn said in Mumbai, where South Africa face England on Friday. “T20 is slightly easier on the body but it might be more taxing on the mind.”Steyn believes South Africa are in a good space. Despite losing at home to Australia, their five-match winning streak over England prior to that did wonders for their self-worth. “When I walked into the side, I could see the guys were glowing with confidence,” Steyn said. “I realised how much these guys have grown as a team even in that two month gap that I had.”Now, that growth will be tested under major tournament pressure.The fast pace of a T20 game means mistakes have to be forgotten as quickly as they happen, so South Africa have worked on living in the moment. “We talk about it in our bowling meetings and our team meetings: It’s the next ball that matters,” Steyn said. “You can go for 80 runs in 3.5 overs, but when a team needs four runs to win off the last ball, and you’ve got that ball in your hand, that’s all that matters.”Steyn has experienced that first-hand, albeit not in this format. At last year’s 50-over World Cup, New Zealand needed five off runs off two balls in the semi-final. Steyn was hit for six. All that mattered was that ball, even though Steyn has banished it from his memory. “It’s a pity that everyone thinks about that ball. I think about what happened after that ball. Grant Elliot came and picked me up.”South Africa have travelled to this World T20 with largely the same squad that played in that event, which will raise questions about old scars. But, of the three players who did not play in last year’s World Cup, one has tasted success the rest can only dream of. Kagiso Rabada is an under-19 World Cup winner and has injected new life into the senior side. Steyn hinted that Rabada’s state of mind – fresh and uncluttered – could make the difference.”He is fantastic. He is really quick, but he is also unpredictable. I don’t think many teams have played against him yet, so it’s not like they can plan for him. He is surprising for us too,” Steyn said. “I will be standing down there at fine leg thinking he is going to bowl a gun bouncer and he comes up with a beautiful yorker. He has got a gut feel for himself and that’s his biggest strength right now. People don’t know what he is going to deliver.”In Steyn and Rabada, South Africa have the core of a pace pack that will be the envy of all their opponents, but on Indian pitches, they may need something else, and it’s something they still lack – a spin attack.South Africa have Imran Tahir, who is ranked third on the T20 rankings and has won matches on his own, but their only other specialist spinner is Aaron Phangiso, who they may not use at all. Phangiso travelled through the 2015 World Cup without playing a game and has just remodeled his action after it was declared illegal. JP Duminy can bowl some part-time off-spin, but South Africa will still rely on the quicks to do most of the work.After New Zealand upset India with three spinners on a dry Nagpur pitch – where South Africa will play West Indies – South Africa may be wondering whether their resources will be enough. But Steyn wants to erase any doubts from their mind with an assurance that he can fill in any gaps.”I’ve always said I can bowl on anything. I prefer the wickets that are slow and turning because the ball stops. It makes it tough for batters to hit you out of the ground,” he said. “As a seamer, I back myself to bowl fast cutters. It is really difficult to hit out when the ball is coming at 140-145 [kph], its gripping and stopping. You don’t have to worry about running in and bowling the perfect yorker. You can bowl a back of a length ball, one might bounce and skid, one might stay low, and it’s really tough to bat on those wickets.”

‘The honour of a lifetime’ – Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds receives Order of British Columbia award 2023 for his ‘service to communities’

Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds has received an Order of British Columbia award in a private ceremony in Canada, recognising his "service to communities".

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Reynolds earns Order of BCAward given those who have gone "above and beyond"Actor owns Wrexham and boasts lengthy Hollywood careerWHAT HAPPENED?

The Wrexham owner was born and raised in Vancouver and is one of 14 inductees to the Order of BC. The award is given to "people who have gone above and beyond without expectation of reward in service to their communities". One can reasonably expect that Reynolds' ownership of Wrexham, as well as his work in Hollywood, has played a key role in him earning the award.

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Reynolds took to Instagram to express his delight at earning the award. He wrote: "Receiving the Order of British Columbia is the honour of a lifetime. I could have been born anywhere but I had the dumb and incredible luck to be made in Vancouver… Thank you, @lgjanetaustin and @davidebybc and everybody on the OBC selection committee. Also, huge thanks to my three older brothers, Patrick, Terry and Jeff as well as my mom, Tammy… we’re always there for each other. No matter what. Love you.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Reynolds was given the award at a private ceremony due to scheduling conflicts. The government biography of the Wrexham owner claims he is a "homegrown heavyweight" and say that his kindness and selflessness have benefitted those both in British Columbia and beyond.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR REYNOLDS?

He is working on Deadpool 4 and is also likely to be pictured at various Wrexham games throughout the season. Their next game comes against Accrington Stanley this weekend.

Valentin Barco: Why Man City and Liverpool are targeting the teenage Boca Juniors left-back who moonlights as an attacking playmaker

The 19-year-old helped inspire Boca to the Copa Libertadores final and is ready to take the plunge into European football

Manchester City pulled off one of the steals of the 21st century when they signed Julian Alvarez in January 2022. The striker was only just making a name for himself in Argentina when City struck a deal with River Plate for just £14 million ($17m), and 18 months later he had lifted every trophy imaginable, a World Cup winner with the Albiceleste and a crucial part of City's treble-winning team.

While Brazil has become a highly-competitive hunting ground for European clubs searching for young talent in the last few years, Argentina continues to be overlooked in comparison, meaning teams can get real value for money. And nearly two years after unearthing Alvarez, City are one of several clubs casting their eye over the next superstar to come out of Argentina.

Valentin Barco, 19, has emerged as one of the top players for Boca Juniors and, like Alvarez, has built his reputation in the Copa Libertadores, South America's answer to the Champions League. Barco helped the Xeneize reach the 2023 final, where they were narrowly beaten in extra-time by Fluminense at the Maracana, but is being tipped for far bigger things in the future.

In his first full year in the Buenos Aires' giants first team, the teenager has stood out in a side of veterans including Edinson Cavani, Marcos Rojo and Sergio Romero. He broke into the team as a marauding left-back but soon evolved into an attacking playmaker, showing versatility that will stand him in good stead when he eventually takes the next logical step and heads to Europe…

Boca Juniors oficialWhere it all began

Barco grew up in the town of 25 de Mayo in Buenos Aires province and shone for local side Club Atletico Sportivo as a striker. He attracted the attention of Boca's scouts and was signed by the club at the age of nine by highly-respected scout Ramon Maddoni, who discovered Carlos Tevez, Juan Roman Riquelme, Esteban Cambiasso and Fernando Redondo, among others.

Barco, though, decided to remain with his family and each day would embark on a 450-kilometre roundtrip each day from his hometown to Boca's La Candela training base in the capital. "I'd go to school in the morning and train in the afternoon and it was a three or four hour journey. I'd get home at 10 or 11 at night," he recalled.

"I'm so grateful to my family, they made huge sacrifices for me since a young age and that's why I matured quicker than normal. What they did was very difficult, they gave up everything for me. Their dream was to see me make my debut at the Bombonera and they said that once I'd done that, they could die happily."

Barco made his Boca debut in 2021 at the age of 16 against Union, becoming the fourth-youngest player in the club's history.

AdvertisementMarcelo Endelli/Getty ImagesThe big break

Barco consolidated his place in Jorge Almiron's side at the start of 2023, and he showed his quality and maturity in a Copa Libertadores group game at home to Deportivo Pereira. With their side trailing 1-0, Boca's vociferous fans were booing their side, who could barely string a pass together.

The one exception was Barco, who led the way in every statistical department, taking more touches, making more tackles, attempting more dribbles and drawing more fouls than any of his team-mates. Boca levelled in the 89th minute before Barco set up the winning goal deep in added-time with a pin-point cross for Alan Varela, who hailed his teenage team-mate as "a phenomenon".

Barco struck his first goal for Boca in another Libertadores game against Monagas, while he was the star of the show in 2-1 league win over Newell's Old Boys, scoring the first goal before setting up the second with a dinked cross for team-mate Cristian Medina.

Getty ImagesHow it's going

In the space of little more than six months, Barco went from being an impressionable teenager to Boca's most influential player and one of the spearheads of their charge to the Copa Libertadores final.

He began as a left-back, but as Almiron started to realise the true extent of his talent, he moulded him into an attacking midfield playmaker. Although he has continued to wear the number 19, Barco has taken on the prestigious role of Boca's No.10, following in the footsteps of Diego Maradona and Riquelme. He has two goals and eight assists in all competitions.

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Getty Biggest strengths

Barco is following in the fine Argentine tradition of dribbling, meaning he is frequently fouled. He is remarkably adept with both feet, as comfortable crossing with his left as he is shooting with his right. And he has developed his passing game, leading to him being used more as an attacking midfielder than a full-back, even if he prefers the latter.

"I feel comfortable in both roles and I'll play whether the coach or team needs me," he told . "A lot of people see me as a midfielder as my main quality is attacking play, but I love to play at left-back because I have the whole pitch in front of me."

The teenager also has proved to have nerves of steel in clutch moments, calmly converting decisive penalties in shootout wins over Nacional in the Libertadores and Talleres de Cordoba in the Copa Argentina.

Coventry in line for Zimbabwe recall

Charles Coventry, Vusi Sibanda, Brian Vitori and Chris Mpofu are all expected to be recalled to the Zimbabwe squad for the upcoming series in Pakistan

Firdose Moonda07-May-2015Charles Coventry, Vusi Sibanda, Brian Vitori and Chris Mpofu are all expected to be recalled to the Zimbabwe squad for the upcoming series in Pakistan but there may be no room for Malcolm Waller, Graeme Cremer or Solomon Mire.The tour, which has been confirmed despite FICA’s independent security assessment calling the risk of any team visiting Pakistan “unacceptably high,” will be Zimbabwe’s first international outing since the 2015 World Cup, coach Dav Whatmore’s first bilateral series in charge of the team, and their first without Brendan Taylor who quit international cricket for a county career in March.Taylor’s absence has paved the way for the return of both Sibanda, who was dropped for the World Cup squad, and Coventry, who last played for Zimbabwe four years ago. Sibanda has been active in the domestic competition and scored two centuries and two half-centuries in his last six first-class games, while Coventry has come in from the wilderness. He turned down a call-up ahead of the 2014 World T20 because of Zimbabwe Cricket’s precarious financial situation and has since played club cricket in Dubai and South Africa.Zimbabwe have also had to bulk up their bowling reserves following Tendai Chatara’s leg injury, which will sideline him for six months. Chatara, who was Zimbabwe’s best bowler at the World Cup, broke his leg in two places playing football and will be replaced by Mpofu, who last played international cricket in 2013, and fit-again left-arm seamer Vitori, who was also not part of the World Cup squad.With Zimbabwe going back to many of the players they have relied on in the past, there could only be room for one new cap. Allrounder Roy Kaia, who bowls offspin, is in the mix. Zimbabwe’s other slower bowling resources will include Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza, while Prosper Utseya, who now bowls medium-pace after he was banned from bowling offspin, will also travel with the squad. Legspinner Cremer, who returned to training with the national squad, has not played any domestic cricket since quitting the sport for golf two years ago, and has not been deemed match-fit.Elton Chigumbura will continue to lead the limited-overs teams while Zimbabwe’s administrators mull a replacement for Taylor in the Test side, which will retain a core of players that includes Hamilton Masakadza, Craig Ervine and Tinashe Panyangara. Richmond Mutumbami is expected to take over as wicketkeeper from Taylor.Squad (probable): Elton Chigumbura (capt), Sikandar Raza, Charles Coventry, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Roy Kaia, Hamilton Masakadza, Chris Mpofu, Tawanda Mupariwa, Richmond Mutumbami, Tinashe Panyangara, Vusi Sibanda, Prosper Utseya, Brian Vitori, Sean Williams

Gale braced for further ban

Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale is braced for a further ban as the ECB looks for a face-saving exit route from its investigations into alleged racial abuse.

David Hopps03-Oct-2014Yorkshire captain Andrew Gale is braced for a further ban as the ECB looks for a face-saving exit route from its investigations into alleged racial abuse.The ECB is expected to retreat from the suggestion that Gale’s abuse of Ashwell Prince during a heated end to the Roses match at Old Trafford had a racial element. But the governing body is poised to justify its own investigation into the affair by extending the two-match ban that Gale served at the end of the season as Yorkshire won their first Championship for 13 years.Clearing Gale of any charges of racial abuse is regarded as essential by Yorkshire as they seek to protect the reputation of a captain who, as the Champions Dinner at Elland Road in Leeds again testified on Thursday night, is held in high regard by players and administrators alike.Colin Graves, Yorkshire’s chairman, told a 700-strong audience that he would like to see Gale lead Yorkshire for many years to come.Even though Yorkshire would regard an extension of Gale’s two-match ban as unnecessarily severe, their priority in legal discussions with the ECB has been for any suggestion of racism to be dropped and a guilty plea could be lodged – with expectation of a further penalty – if they can rid Gale of an allegation that would besmirch his reputation for life.A guilty plea by Gale, with such a concession by the ECB, adorned by rhetoric about upholding behavioural standards in the game, would be likely to bring a ban of up to two more matches. The first match would be the season’s opener between the MCC and Champion County in Abu Dhabi, but if Gale is banned for two more games, he would miss the opening Championship match at a time when Yorkshire’s resources could be stretched because of England’s Test tour of the West Indies.Gale was reported by the umpires Steve Garrett and Steve O’Shaughnessy for a Level 2 offence – essentially using language or a gesture of an offensive nature – and received an automatic suspension for two matches once previous incidents were taken into account.The ECB guidelines for Level 3 offences refer to “using language or gesture that offends, insults, humiliates, intimidates, threatens, disparages or vilifies another person on the basis of that person’s race, religion or belief, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation or background.”The incident, towards stumps on the third day, came when Gale became infuriated by what Price has since admitted was deliberate time-wasting. Prince is alleged to have told Gale to “f*** off to your fielding position”, causing Gale to respond by telling Prince to “f*** off back to your own country, you Kolpak f******”.The legal argument has centred on whether the term “Kolpak” has racial overtones, or even refers specifically to any particular race or country, or whether it is simply a generic term for a foreign player who qualifies to play professional cricket in England under the EU trading agreement that is popularly known as the Kolpak rule.Both Prince and his batting partner at the time, Usman Khawaja, have been at pains to distance themselves from the ECB’s investigation.Yorkshire’s anger with the ECB will remain long after the affair ends – with the only debate in the Broad Acres being whether it is Giles Clarke, the ECB chairman, Alan Fordham, head of first-class cricket operations, or Gerard Elias QC, who chairs the cricket disciplinary panel, who should bear the brunt of their scorn.

Messi, Maradona and the top 20 Argentine footballers in history

While the two great No.10s have made history with the Albiceleste, the nation has been blessed with a host of incredible talents over the years

With two World Cup wins and a further three final appearances, Argentina are up there amongst the elite of international football.

Not only that, but players like Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and Gabriel Batistuta to name just three have become icons of the game, instantly recognisable the world ever. 

But who is the greatest of all? Here, Goal ranks the top 20 to have ever worn the famous Albiceleste jersey…

ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP/Getty Images20Hernan Crespo

Hernan Crespo was, at one point, the world's most expensive football player, a title that, among his compatriots, only Diego Maradona has held in the modern game.

A striker of impossible elegance and potency, he became a firm favourite thanks to his exploits with Parma, Lazio, Milan, Inter and Chelsea among others.

A veteran of three World Cups, Crespo also became the first man to score in the Champions League with five different teams, while helping Inter to three Scudetti in as many years from 2006 to 2009.

He is sometimes overlooked when putting together lists of football's best strikers but, at his most deadly, few could resist the Argentine when bearing down on goal.

AdvertisementGetty19Ricardo Bochini

You know you are not just another run of the mill player when someone of Diego Maradona's stature insists you are picked for a World Cup.

A living legend at Independiente, Ricardo Bochini was the archetype of the languid, supremely gifted Argentina No.10, playing his entire career at the Avellaneda club and helping them to four Primera titles, five Copas Libertadores and two Intercontinental Cup victories in what proved to be their most successful spell in history.

Bochini's time in the national team was understandably curtailed by the emergence of Maradona, who was nevertheless a great friend to his older team-mate.

“Come over, maestro, we've been waiting for you”, Argentina's captain famously said to him when he entered in the 1986 World Cup against Belgium for the last five minutes, his only experience of football's most-coveted trophy.

18Roberto Ayala

When it comes to Argentine football, the list of heroes is dominated by creative geniuses and prolific forwards. It is testament, then, to Roberto Ayala's supreme abilities that the former Valencia favourite is remembered among the nation's elite.

Ayala was a formidable defender in his day, playing 115 times for his nation in a career that spanned three World Cups.

He was also an integral part of Valencia's all-conquering team of the early 2000s, winning two La Liga titles as well as the UEFA Cup in Los Che's most successful spell since the 1940s.

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Gabriel Rossi17Sergio Aguero

While Sergio Aguero has often been criticised for struggling to replicate his club form on the international stage, there is no doubting his brilliance in front of the net.

Ever since he burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old wonderkid for Independiente great things have been expected from 'El Kun', and he has certainly delivered in England.

With two Premier League titles and more than 200 goals for Manchester City, fans at the Etihad Stadium at least have taken Aguero to their hearts as one of the club's all-time greats.

And, at 30, there is still plenty of time for the striker to show Argentina fans exactly what he can do at the highest level.

Chris Adams joins Ireland academy

Chris Adams, the former England batsman, has been appointed manager of Cricket Ireland’s National Academy

ESPNcricinfo staff04-May-2016Chris Adams, the former England batsman, has been appointed manager of Cricket Ireland’s National Academy.Adams, 45, who played county cricket for Derbyshire and Sussex – helping bring regular silverware to the latter – and has since had coaching roles with Sri Lanka and Netherlands after a spell as Surrey coach will take up his role at the Shapoorji Pallonji National Academy in June. He replaces Australian Craig Hogan who is returning home.”I am really looking forward to starting in my new role,” Adams said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to work with Ireland’s emerging talent, and I hope my experience and knowledge will help all the players and academy coaching staff achieve their potential.”The goal will most definitely be to ensure that Ireland head coach John Bracewell has the very best talent supply over the next few years, to ensure we remain on course to be competitive across all three forms of the game at the highest level.”The appointment of Adams was welcomed by Cricket Ireland Performance Director Richard Holdsworth who said: “We are very pleased to secure the services of Chris. We see him as an integral part of overseeing the development of our most talented young players and those on the fringes of the national team over the coming years.”We are now looking to develop our talent into world class players who are capable of performing against the best in the world in all three formats.”With Chris’ experience of coaching internationally, not to mention as a player in the Test arena with England, he will bring great understanding of what it takes to perform at the highest level.”Our one-day international fixture list is increasing all the time, and with more multi-day and T20 cricket in the pipeline, we need to ensure we have young players who are challenging the established senior players for places and ready to compete on the world stage.”

Aitana Bonmati is queen of the world! Barcelona star wins 2023 Women's Ballon d'Or after inspiring Spain to Women's World Cup glory

Aitana Bonmati has won the 2023 Ballon d'Or Feminin after a historic season for both club and country.

Ballon d'Or caps off outstanding campaign for BonmatiWon treble with Barca and lifted World Cup for SpainPutellas relinquishes crown after back-to-back winsGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

Bonmati was the runaway winner of this year's award after leading Barcelona to a famous treble as well as helping Spain overcome significant off-field strife and lift the World Cup. She received the trophy at a glitzy ceremony in Paris on Monday night.

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Bonmati enjoyed her best-ever season for Barca, registering 15 goals and 18 assists as the Blaugrana won Liga F, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup. She also starred for Spain Down Under, playing a key role in La Roja's World Cup victory and being named player of the tournament.

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

After winning the 2021 and 2022 awards, Alexia Putellas has relinquished her crown as the best women's player in the world. An ACL injury suffered on the eve of Euro 2022 significantly limited her involvement throughout the season, with the midfielder only returning to play a bit-part role in the World Cup.

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WHAT NEXT?

Bonmati is well placed to defend her Ballon d'Or in 2024. Barcelona have made a flying start to the league season, winning their opening six games, and stand a good chance of lifting the Champions League again, having been placed in a very-winnable group alongside Eintracht Frankfurt, Rosengard and Benfica.

Ill-tempered match ends in draw

It took around half an hour for Anureet Singh and Krishnakant Upadhyay to ensure three points for Railways but cricketing achievements became incidental in their ill-tempered Ranji Trophy match against Bengal

The Report by Amit Shetty in Delhi09-Dec-2013
ScorecardFile photo: Murali Kartik was one of the central characters on an ill-tempered day•Getty ImagesIt took around half an hour for Anureet Singh and Krishnakant Upadhyay to ensure three points for Railways but cricketing achievements became incidental in their ill-tempered Ranji Trophy match against Bengal that witnessed a poor display of sportsmanship from players of both sides.Anureet who bowled tirelessly for 45 overs was rewarded with a match-haul of 5 for 97 as Bengal were bowled out for 270 in 133.5 overs with Railways getting a 36-run first innings lead to take their points tally to 20. While Railways, currently No. 2 in the group, remain firmly in contention for a place in the last eight, Bengal with 12 points from six matches will need to win both their matches in order to qualify.Anureet’s new-ball partner Upadhyay complemented him well, taking 3 for 78 in 38.5 overs. Bengal captain Laxmi Shukla remained unbeaten on 95 but should partly accept the blame for missing out on a landmark, having exposed his tail-enders by taking a single or three within the first three balls of the over.But it was the conduct of the players and also one of the coaches that remained the talking point. During the Bengal innings, the umpires had to tell Murali Kartik to get back to his position when he stood near the striker’s end, making a show of setting the field while taking a dig at Ashok Dinda. Then there was a slew of unsavoury remarks from the slip-cordon, prompting Shukla to seek square-leg umpire P Jaypal’s intervention. It went from bad to worse when Upadhayay gestured a kick after getting last-man Shib Paul, which didn’t escape umpire Milind Pathak’s eyes.Upadhyay later told , “It wasn’t aimed at Maco [Paul] but I couldn’t control my anger as Dinda had said something really abusive. We played in IPL for the same team [Pune Warriors] and suddenly he becomes abusive.”With the match over as contest, Railways batsmen were getting some much needed batting practice and everyone expected play to end as soon as the mandatory overs started. While the visitors were ready to come off the field, Kartik intimated to the match officials that he wanted his batsmen to continue, which irked Bengal further. Once the match ended, the Bengal players, led by Dinda, refused to shake hands with their opponents. Kartik had in fact walked up to the huddle of Bengal players, who were doing their post-match drills, but they refused to shake hands.Bengal captain Shukla later defended the decision. “If my boys don’t want to shake hands after what all they did during the last two days, I can’t blame them. As it is they were doing a cool-down exercise and told Kartik not to disturb them. If they want to shake hands, they should have waited,” Shukla said.Shukla then questioned Kartik’s sportsman spirit,”Was it right on their part to continue playing when the match was over as a contest? We hear that a lot of players learn a lot of things sharing the dressing room with Sachin and Sourav… Leave it, I don’t want to say anything more.”On his part Railways coach Abhay Sharma said that decision to continue was done to give Nitin Bhille, who is finding it hard to convert his starts into big scores, the chance to complete his century. “A first-class hundred is a milestone and we wanted him to get there. Also Dinda was bowling well, so it was a very competitive atmosphere. It was a well-contested game,” Sharma said.

Azhar's son in UP Vijay Hazare squad

The Uttar Pradesh one-day squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy includes former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin’s son Mohammad Asaduddin

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Oct-2014The Uttar Pradesh one-day squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy includes former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin’s son Mohammad Asaduddin. The squad, which was announced on Friday, will be led by Piyush Chawla.Asaduddin, also known as Abbas, was reportedly picked after appearing for trials at the state team’s nets only last week. He is a left-hander, and was a part of the Hyderabad Under-22 squad in 2010. He is also believed to have appeared for trials for various IPL franchises without much success. The UP squad also includes 19-year-old left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav, who is yet to make a List A debut.The Vijay Hazare Trophy will be held between November 6 and November 25 and UP will begin the tournament with a Central Zone game against Railways in Nagpur on November 7.UP squad: Piyush Chawla (capt), Akshdeep Nath, Prashant Gupta, Praveen Kumar, RP Singh, Ali Murtaza, Mukul Dagar, Eklavya Dwivedi (wk), Amit Mishra, Parvinder Singh, Ankit Rajpoot, Tanmay Srivastava, Kuldeep Yadav, Umang Sharma, Mohammed Asaduddin, Imtiaz Ahmed, Dipendra Pandit, Israr Azim Khan

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