ICC rates Ahmedabad pitch which hosted World Cup final as ‘average’
New Delhi, Dec 8: The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which hosted the ODI World Cup final between India and Australia on November 19, has been rated “average” by the International Cricket Council (ICC). ICC match referee and former Zimbabwe batter Andy Pycroft, however, rated the outfield as “very good”. Australia had won the World Cup final after beating India by six wickets on a pitch which was slow and sluggish. The pitches used in India’s league matches against South Africa, England, Pakistan and Australia in Kolkata, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Chennai respectively were also rated as ‘average’ by the ICC. However, the Wankhede Stadium pitch on which India faced New Zealand in the semifinals received a ‘good’ rating. (PTI)
Advani to face Malkeet Singh in Natl Billiards & Snooker semis
Chennai, Dec 8: World champion Pankaj Advani entered the semifinals of the 6-Red snooker event at the ongoing National Billiards & Snooker Championships, beating Brijesh Damani here on Friday. The 26-time IBSF world champion scored a 6-4 (1-60, 37-12, 32-11, 51-7, 47-14, 41-24, 5-39, 5-43, 0-43, 75-0) victory over Damani in the quarterfinals. Advani will take on on Malkeet Singh of RSPB in the last-four round. Malkeet defeated Younis Nazir Kuchey of Jammu & Kashmir 6-3 (35-45, 49-5, 20-38, 59-4, 39-38, 38-32, 4-45, 46-10, 44-38). In the other semi, Aditya Mehta will take on E Pandurangaiah. While Mehta prevailed over Muddasir Ashiq 6-4 (16-50, 20-42, 43-14, 0-54, 43-32, 1-44, 67-0, 71-0, 36-23, 46-7), Pandurangaiah defeated Md Hussain Khan 6-3 (9-50, 34-15, 59-8, 26-45, 36-41, 42-5, 33-17, 43-21, 67-21). (PTI)
