S Africa refuses to tour Pakistan

TAFF WRITER 21:43 HRS IST

Karachi, Apr 1 (PTI) The Pakistan Cricket Board has started preparations of its 'home' series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates after the Proteas refused to tour the trouble-torn country.

South Africa were scheduled to tour Pakistan in October-November for the series of Tests and one-day internationals but conveyed to the PCB they were not inclined to play in Pakistan in the present security situation.

"We have agreed to host the series at neutral venues in the UAE and we are in the process of finalising dates and venues," PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt said.

He said the South Africans had agreed to play in the UAE as they were keen to have the series against Pakistan.

"The series is on but the venues have changed we are now looking at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as possible match venues," Butt said.

Lajong again out from danger zone

Lajong again out from danger zone

By our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI, April 1: Shillong Lajong FC once again bailed out themselves from the relegation Zone by a draw in their away match against Air India by 1-1 at Mumbai on Wednesday. With this one point Shillong Lajong FC collected 21 points from their 19 matches and they are now in the 12th position. Mumbai FC and Sporting Clube de Goa are behind them collecting 20 and 11 points respectively. ND Opara put the hosts ahead in the first half, but Lajong were rewarded for their perseverance as Wailadmi Passah equalized late to earn a point from the game.

Ganguly guide KKR to victory

Ganguly guide KKR to victory

Kolkata, April 1: Sourav Ganguly led from the front with a blazing 54-ball 88 as a resurgent Kolkata Knight Riders bulldozed a hapless Deccan Chargers by 24 runs in their return-leg Indian Premier League match here today.

Ganguly blasted nine fours and five sixes and added 78 runs for the fourth wicket with David Hussey to take the Kolkata Knight Riders to a competitive 181 for six at the Eden Gardens here. The home team then returned to restrict the defending champions to 157 for five to zoom to the fifth place, just behind Rajasthan Royals with eight points from eight matches in the points table.

Barring offie Mohnish Parmar, the KKR bolwers put up a disciplined performance with Shane Bond, Angelo Matthews, Murali Kartik, Ajit Agarkar and Chris Gayle taking one wicket each to contribute to their team's win.