India outclass New Zealand in series opener
KANPUR (India): India celebrated their 500th Test in style when they overcame New Zealand’s final dogged resistance with mesmeric spin and masterful swing to claim the series opener by 197 runs.
New Zealand were always going to do well to manage anything more than delaying the Indian celebrations when they resumed on 93 for four in their pursuit of an improbable 434-run victory target on a track offering generous spin and bounce.
To their credit, they kept the home bowlers at bay for 50 overs on a turning day-five track before collapsing for 236 to give the hosts a comprehensive victory in the milestone Test.
Ravichandran Ashwin claimed 6-132 to complete his 10-wicket match haul and prove why he is considered India’s premier spinner.
“The boys applied themselves well, there were a few moments where we were in a spot of bother,” said India skipper Virat Kohli.
“It’s been a memorable Test match and exciting to play. (New Zealand) showed some resistance and that’s what you want in a Test match.
“I’m sure the series is going to get more and more competitive as it goes on.”
n DUBAI: Captain Sarfraz Ahmed hit an unbeaten 46 and spearheaded Pakistan to 160-4 against the West Indies in the second Twenty20.
West Indies fielders struggled in humid conditions as Ahmed and Shoaib Malik, with 37, featured in a fourth-wicket stand of 69 runs off 44 balls, to set up a challenging target for the visitors to level the three-match series.
Samuel Badree dropped Malik at point before the batsman scored, and Jerome Taylor missed a run out chance off his own bowling just before Malik eventually holed out in the last over.
Pakistan won the first match by nine wickets on Friday.
BENONI (South Africa): South Africa beat Ireland by 206 runs in a one-off, one-day international (ODI) at Willowmoore Park.
Temba Bavuma (113) made a century on his ODI debut as South Africa made 354 for five after being sent in to bat.
Ireland were bowled out for 148 in less than 31 overs in reply. DHAKA: Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah Riyad struck half-centuries to steer Bangladesh to a respectable total of 265 in the first of their three ODIs against Afghanistan in Dhaka on Sunday.