Sports Roundup – 3rd March 2018
CRICKET
India Wins T20 Series Against South Africa
Great batting from Shikhar Dhawan (47) and Suresh Raina (43) and excellent bowling performance by Bhuvneshwar Kumar helped India win a thrilling contest by seven runs during the third T20 against South Africa, winning the series 2-1 at Newlands, Cape Town. Batting first, the visitors put up a fighting total of 172-7 in 20 overs. For the Proteas Junior Dala picked 3-35 in four overs while Chris Morris grabbed 2-43. In reply, SA were reduced to 109-4 in 15.6 overs but debutant Christiaan Jonker’s 49 off just 24 deliveries with five boundaries and two big sixes gave hope. India emerged victorious bringing home their second cup of the tour. Bhuvneshwar snapped up 2-24 while Jasprit, Shardul, Hardik and Raina scalped one each. Suresh Raina won the ‘Man of the Match’ while Bhuvneshwar took home the ‘Man of the Series’ award.
Indian Women Win T20 Series Against South Africa
The women in blue won their fifth T20 and the series in style thanks to an all-round team effort. Batting first, India made 166-4 in their allotted 20 overs as Mithali Raj smashed eight boundaries and three huge sixes. Young gun Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 44 in just 34 deliveries. For SA, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka and Shabnim Ismail picked a wicket each. In reply the Proteas women were bundled out for 112 in 18 overs as Kapp top scored with 27. Amongst the Indian bowlers Shikha Pandey, Rumeli Dhar and Rajeshwari Gayakwad snapped three wickets each. The ‘Player of the Match and the Series’ was awarded to Mithali Raj.
BADMINTON
Sameer Verma Wins Swiss Open Title
Indian shuttler from Madhya Pardesh performed well to outplay Jan O Joergensen of Denmark 21-15, 21-13, winning the Men’s Singles title at the USD 150,000 Swiss Open Super 300 tournament.
BASKETBALL
Israel Overpower Great Britain
Great Britain lost their third World Cup qualifier to Israel, defeated 82-75. Gabe Olaseni added on 19 points while Luke Nelson and Gareth Murray contributed 12 each.
