WEEKLY SPORTS DIGEST: Black Caps miss key batsmen
WEEKLY SPORTS DIGEST: Black Caps miss key batsmen
29/11/10 Executive sport summary – An overview of the major sporting events – Results, key moments and talking points – Everything you need to know to foot it at the water cooler this week.
By Jonathan McKeown
BLACKCAPS: The Black Caps have been soundly beaten in the first ODI against India at Guwahati. New Zealand started on shaky ground in the opening game of the five match series as the visitors were missing the talents of Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum and Jesse Ryder. Without three of their top batsmen chasing India’s total of 276 was always going to be difficult.
The bowlers failed to contain the Indian batsmen as Kohli scored a fantastic century. In reply New Zealand looked as headed for a hiding at 169 for eight after 36 overs but Nathan McCullum and Kyle Mills put on a partnership of 67 to save face as the Kiwis were dismissed for 236.
ASHES: On day four of the first England fight hard to boost the likelihood of a draw. Australia started the day in a commanding position with England still 202 runs behind. English openers Andrew Strauss (110) and Alastair Cook (132 not out) both hit fighting centuries as England capitalized on Australia’s failure to take their chances. By dropping three catches the Aussies let England off the hook too many times. At stumps England lead Australia by 88 runs making a statement by reaching 309-1.
ATP TOUR: Roger Federer has beaten his nemesis Rafael Nadal at the ATP World Tour Finals. In the 22nd match between two of the greats Federer triumphed 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 handing Federder a fifth season-ending title. But perhaps a rare victory over Nadal was just as important.
The Spanish and world No. 1 is the only person to hold a legitimate winning record against Federer and the win cut Nadal's career record to 14-8 against the second-ranked Swiss maestro. In Grand Slam finals Nadal is 5-2 against Federer but on form the former No1 is almost unstoppable.
ALL BLACKS: The All Blacks have completed a fourth Grand Slam defeating Wales 37-25. After Dan Carter became the leading test point scorer the match looked set to be a one-sided affair. But indiscipline kept Wales in touch as first-five Stephen Jones punished the All Blacks’ infringements with his boot. The Welsh Dragon was only subdued in the final 10 minutes at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. As the All Blacks relax this summer they will reflect on a stellar year winning 13 out of fourteen tests, but the loss against the Wallabies will haunt them, all the way to the World Cup where the sides could meet in the final.
INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: The November internationals are over ending the season for the Southern Hemisphere Unions with Australia, South Africa and the Pacific Nations looking good for 2011.
The Wallabies made a strong statement and ended a breakthrough season beating France in emphatic fashion. Wins over New Zealand and in South Africa were capped by a stunning performance in Paris as a rampant Wallabies team scored 46 second-half points to demolish France 59-16. Just like the All Blacks did last year, the Aussies saved their best for last and a full house at Stade de France witnessed seven tries and a record defeat by Australia.
South Africa failed to take the Grand Slam but beat England 21-11 at Twickenham to end their season on a positive note. Mirco Bergamasco's kicked Italy to a 24-16 victory over a strong Fijian outfit. Scotland claimed a 19-16 win over a Samoan side that look dangerous while Argentina were blown off the park as Ireland earned a comprehensive 29-9 win.
PREMIER LEAGUE: Aaron Lennon scored a late winner to give Tottenham Hotspur a 2-1 win over Liverpool and reaffirm their title hopes. Chelsea moved into second place after being held to a 1-1 draw away to Newcastle continuing a horror run for the champions.
Arsenal is now third on goal difference having briefly led with a 4-2 victory at Aston Villa. But it is Manchester United who are on top again after a stunning 7-1 defeat of Blackburn Rovers. Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov was irrepressible in scoring five goals for the Red Devils.
PHOENIX: The Wellington Phoenix have arrested the
form slump but more is required against Sydney FC this
weekend if they are to push on to the finals.
The
Phoenix showed determination to steal a late 2-2 draw
against the Melbourne Victory.
A win against the Heart and the latest draw is not quite a season revival but it gets the ball rolling toward the goal. Much of the momentum has been created by Paul Ifill’s three goals in two matches. The striker scored a superb 84th minute goal against the Victory but needs his efforts to be matched by others up front and supported by the defence which has been paper thin over the last two months.
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