ABU DHABI: Tim Southee, the New Zealand fast bowler, has been tipped for his One-day International return in the coming week. Southee got a look-in for the limited-overs fixtures against Pakistan in the UAE to make up for the absence of an injured Daryl Tuffey, and his captain has strongly indicated he will feature in the first game of the series.
Aga Khan Gym overwhelm Hussain CC
By our correspondent
KARACHI: Aga Khan Gymkhana outclassed Mohammad Hussain Colts Cricket Club by 152 runs in the opening match of the Musheer Rabbani Invitation Cricket Tournament here at Aga Khan Gymkhana Ground on Monday. Fluent half centuries from Mir Afzal (79), Suleman Huda (58) helped Aga Khan Gymkhana to 278 for three in 40 overs. The inexperienced Mohammad Hussain Colts CC was routed for 127 in 27 overs despite a fighting half century from Muhammad Zia (57). Raheel Siyani (4-38) and Sikander Khan (2-35) shared the bowling honours for Aga Khan Gymkhana.
Aamir cruises into World Open second round
KARACHI: Top Pakistani squash player Aamir Atlas Khan secured his expected berth in the second round of the Kuwait World Open Squash Championship underway at the Salmiya Club in Kuwait City. Seeded 17th in the prestigious event, Aamir thrashed unseeded German Simon Rosner recording a formidable 11-9, 11-9, 11-5 win in 34 minutes. Meanwhile, another Pakistani player Yasir Butt conceded a straight set defeat from 2004 champion French Thierry Lincou who eased into the second round after a convincing 11-5, 11-7, 11-3 victory in 32 minutes. Experienced Mansoor Zaman faced favourite and world No 1 Karim Darwish of Egypt in the first round. Mansoor gave a scare to the World No 1 taking the first to 15-15. However, the Egyptian won the extended set 17-15 and eventually recorded a 17-15, 11-4, 11-7 win in 35 minutes to remain on course for the anticipated title.
Police Games get Rupees 1million
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah announced Rs1 million for the Sindh Police Games during the closing ceremony of the event here on Monday at Sindh Police Headquarter. He also saluted the Army who are fighting terrorists in Waziristan. Meanwhile, Sindh Sports Minister Mohammad Ali Shah announced Rs100,000 for the winning team of the event. CCP Karachi won the tournament with 513 points with a total of 38 medals. Hyderabad Police secured second spot with 281 points clinching 29 medals. Training Unit also made it to the podium with 145 points coming off 23 medals. Sukkur Police grabbed 19 medals carrying a total of 144 points.
Radio system in place for 2012
LONDON: British officials have acquired a $64 million radio communications system to boost security for the 2012 London Olympics.The Home Office said Monday the Airwave system would be used by police, fire, ambulance and other emergency services during the games. British security minister Alan West says the system will benefit all 2012 host venue police forces and other counties which are hosting events or athlete training camps.
RBS thrash AKU team by 28 runs
KARACHI: Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) defeated Aga Khan University Faculty & Staff (AKU F&S) by 28 runs in the 8th AKU Sports Centre Cricket Tournament here on Sunday at the AKU Sports Centre Cricket Ground. Summarised Scores: Royal Bank of Scotland 197-8 in 22 overs (Salman Hafeez 56no, Umair Khairi 52, Afaq Qazi 28, Aminuddin 3-17, Raheel Somani 2-23): Aga Khan University Faculty & Staff 168-7 in 22 overs (Noor Ali 49, Kareem Khan 34, M. Maisam 3-26).
Totti to sign new contract
ROME: AS Roma captain Francesco Totti is expected to sign a five-year contract that will tie him to the Italian club until he retires.Sports daily Corriere dello Sport reports that Totti has persuaded the club to include a clause that will allow him to become technical director of either the first team or the youth team when he retires. Totti has set a provisional date of 2014 for his retirement.
Bologna sign free agent Appiah
MILAN: Ghana midfielder Stephen Appiah has signed for Bologna, the Serie A strugglers said on their website on Sunday. The former Juventus player has been without a club since leaving Fenerbahce last year but has still continued to turn out for the Ghana national side. No details were given on the length of contract.
Barichello and Hulkenberg sign up for Williams
PARIS: The Williams Formula One team announced on Monday that their drivers for next year will be veteran Brazilian Rubens Barichello and German rookie Nico Hulkenberg. The Oxford-based team struggled throughout the just-concluded season when Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima were the drivers and the former world champion outfit finished a lowly seventh in the constructors championship. “Team leader Frank Williams said: “Rubens needs no introduction. He is not only the most experienced driver in Formula One, but a passionate and talented driver who fought hard for the drivers championship this year. “Nico Hulkenberg won the GP2 Championship this season as a rookie and has previously won the F3 Euroseries, Formula Masters, A1 GP and Formula BMW Germany. “Nico Rosberg and Kazuki Nakajima remain our drivers until the end of 2009 and I would like to thank them for their contribution to the team.”