Kolkata Knight Riders conquer Rajasthan Royals fortress to go top of the table
JAIPUR: Rajasthan Royals needed more than just Sanju Samson to stand up and be counted to get a positive result against the Dinesh Karthik-led Kolkata Knight Riders, who have the most successful spinners in the IPL so far. On Wednesday, here at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Samson failed to produce a magical knock like the one against Royal Challengers Bangalore last week. His contribution on the day was just seven, and that dented the team’s chances of putting up a big total. Royals, however, managed 160/8 in 20 overs. But that was not enough as Knight Riders, despite losing two early wickets, clinched the tie by seven wickets in 18.5 overs. (TNN)

KXIP vs SRH Preview: Kings XI Punjab look to end home run with win
MOHALI: It will be the batting might of Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) against the bowling prowess of Sunrisers Hyderabad when the two teams face off at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium, here on Thursday. This will KXIP’s last home match in Mohali. KXIP batsmen have shown good form with KL Rahul, Chris Gayle and Karun Nair leading the way. Rahul has hit 135 runs in the tournament in three innings at a strike-rate of 198.52. The Karnataka opener also hit the fastest-ever IPL fifty this season against Delhi Daredevils. (TNN)

Three arrested for IPL betting
KOLKATA: Three persons were arrested for their alleged involvement in Indian Premier League betting racket from Kasba in southern part of the city, police said. The trio was allegedly betting during the high profile match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians match on Tuesday. Acting on a tip-off, the police also seized two laptops and 11 mobile phones from the three who were staying at a rented house on Dr GS Bose Road in Kasba. (PTI)

Indian Army felicitates CWG medalists
NEW DELHI: Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat on Wednesday felicitated army athletes who were a part of the Indian contingent for the recently concluded Commonwealth Games (CWG) held in Gold Coast, Australia. Army athletes brought home a haul of three gold, three silver and four bronze medals from the Games. (IANS)

BCCI should come under RTI Act, recommends Law Commission
NEW DELHI: The Law Commission of India on Wednesday recommended the central government to include the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) along with its constituent member cricketing associations under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The report, submitted to the Law Ministry, states that BCCI ought to be classified as ‘state’ within the meaning of Article 12 of the Constitution. “When all other national sport federations are covered under RTI Act, why not BCCI,” Law Commission said. (TNN)

NBA: Cleveland ‘lucky’ to beat Pacers, James says after 100-97 win

Cleveland: The Cleveland Cavaliers were “lucky” to get the 100-97 win to level their NBA playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, LeBron James said on Wednesday. Having faced the prospect of two opening losses in the best-of-seven series at home, Cleveland limped across the line, with James scoring a game-high 46 points. James was disappointed with his team’s defense in the waning moments, especially when Indiana guard Victor Oladipo got free for a golden three-point chance that would have tied the score with 27 seconds left. (Reuters)

Real Madrid held to draw at home by Athletic Bilbao
MADRID: Real Madrid may be the favourites for the Champions League but a 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday will hardly have struck fear into Bayern Munich. Zinedine Zidane’s side started complacently at the Santiago Bernabeu and ended frantically, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s 87th-minute equaliser cancelling out a delightful early chip from Athletic’s Inaki Williams in between. (AFP)

FIFA plans to revamp Club World Cup, scrap Confederations Cup
LISBON FIFA has laid out plans to replace the Confederations Cup with an expanded Club World Cup that will only be held every four years from 2021, a source told AFP on Wednesday. According to a letter Gianni Infantino, the president of world football’s governing body, sent to the heads of the continental confederations, the Confederations Cup will cease while the club tournament will no longer be played annually in December. It will now be held every fourth June in the year before a World Cup — just as the Confederations Cup was. (AFP)

LOCAL
Goa Police Cup from Apr 28

PANAJI: SRPF Maharashtra will be the lone outstation team participating in the 15th Goa Police Cup scheduled to start simultaneously at Athletic stadium, Bambolim, Nehru stadium, Fatorda and GFA stadium, Duler on April 28. The GFA stadium will host two matches- one at 4pm and the other at 7pm on the opening day. Eleven teams from Goa are participating in the tournament which was won by FC Bardez last year. Dempo Sports club, Salgaocar FC, Sporting Clube de Goa,Churchill Brothers, Cavelossim SC,Guardian Angel SC , Panjim Footballers,newly promoted Velsao Sports and Cultural Club, St Savio Calangute , Sesa Football Academy and hosts Goa Police are the eleven teams from Goa. (NT Network)

King’s HS claim President’s Cup
PAJIFOND: King’s HS, Sao Jose de Areal defeated Progress High School, Sanquelim by 8 wickets to emerge State champions in the U-16 Girls President’s Cup cricket tournament organised by Goa Cricket Association, at Dr Rajendra Prasad Stadium, Margao, on Wednesday. Electing to bat, Progress HS scored 109 for 2 in allotted 20 overs with Sejal (37) being the top scorer. In reply, King’s HS achieved the target in 18 overs with 8 wickets in hand. Ibtisam Shaikh played a major role scoring 55 runs. (Herald)