Sports

Southee gets perfect sendoff as NZ clinch 423-run win over England

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The victory for New Zealand saw them rise to fourth place in the latest ICC World Test Championship standings

Published Date – 17 December 2024, 10:49 AM


Southee gets perfect sendoff as NZ clinch 423-run win over England

New Zealand’s Tim Southee waves as he leads his teammates from the field after defeating England in the third cricket test between England and New Zealand in Hamilton, New Zealand on Tuesday. — Photo:AP

Hamilton: Retiring fast bowler Tim Southee received a perfect sendoff from Test cricket as New Zealand clinched an emphatic 423-run triumph over England in the third Test on Tuesday.

It was New Zealand’s biggest-ever Test win in terms of runs. While England had already clinched the series with wins in the opening two matches, the victory for New Zealand saw them rise to fourth place in the latest ICC World Test Championship standings.

England, meanwhile, fell to sixth in the standings and behind New Zealand (fourth) and Sri Lanka in fifth. Southee picked up a pair of wickets during England’s second innings to finish his career with 391 Test scalps in 107 Tests, with teammates Mitchell Santner (4-85) and Matt Henry (2-62) doing the majority of the damage to offset half-centuries from Jacob Bethell (76) and Joe Root (54).

Chasing a daunting target of 658, England resumed from the overnight score of 18/2. With Ben Stokes opting not to bat after injuring his hamstring, New Zealand were needed seven wickets to seal the victory. Root and Bethell made positive progress, bringing up a 50-run partnership inside the first nine overs and went on to put a 104-run stand in just 125 balls as both batters scored fifties.

England’s brief spell of dominance in the sun came to an abrupt end when Root was dismissed lbw, missing a sweep off Mitchell Santner. Harry Brook followed soon after, caught in the slip cordon off Will O’Rourke. However, Bethell continued to counterattack, hitting three boundaries in an O’Rourke over as he surged into the seventies. Gus Atkinson and Ollie Pope maintained the pressure with the bat until Pope was bowled by Matt Henry after missing a reverse lap.

Santner then removed Atkinson, dismissing him while attempting another big hit. Matthew Potts fell in similar fashion two balls later while Brydon Carse ran out to be stumped comprehensively giving Santner his fourth of the innings and seventh of the match as the visitors were bundled out for 234 in the chase of 658.

Santner was adjudged Player of the Match for his seven wickets and 125 runs across the two innings, while Harry Brook was named Player of the Series for his 350 runs over the three matches. Brief Scores: New Zealand 347 and 453 (Kane Williamson 156, Daryl Mitchell 60; Jacob Bethell 3-72) beat England 143 and 234 (Jacob Bethell 76, Joe Root 54; Mitchell Santner 4-85) by 423 runs.

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Gabba Test: Jadeja stands tall as India need 45 runs to avoid follow-on

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Jadeja and Nitish add 53 runs for the seventh wicket, ensuring that KL Rahul’s classy 84 will not go in vain

Published Date – 17 December 2024, 12:20 PM


Gabba Test: Jadeja stands tall as India need 45 runs to avoid follow-on

India’s Ravindra Jadeja plays a shot during play on day four of the third cricket test between against Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane. — Photo:AP

Brisbane: Ravindra Jadeja stonewalled the Australian bowlers with a characteristically doughty fifty, carrying India to 201 for seven at tea on a rain-interrupted fourth day of the third Test here on Tuesday. Jadeja (65 batting, 109b, 6×4) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (16, 61b) added 53 runs for the seventh wicket, ensuring that KL Rahul‘s classy 84 will not go in vain.

India still trail the hosts by 244 runs, but more importantly, they are 45 runs closer to avoiding the follow-on and forcing the Aussies to bat again, which will all but ensure a drawn match. Mohammed Siraj, who was promoted to No. 8, is giving company to Jadeja on 1.

Jadeja’s selection ahead of R Ashwin and Washington Sundar might not have pleased everyone around, but the left-hander showed the value he brings to the table as a batter here. In Australia, Jadeja now averages over 54 and his last four innings on these shores are: 65 not out, 28 not out, 57 and 81. The 36-year-old scored a good chunk of runs either down the ground or square of the wicket, enabling him to collect the runs without the risk of getting caught behind or in the cordon.

Jadeja brought up his 22nd fifty in Test cricket off 89 balls and the innings was also dotted with sweep shots that he effectively employed against off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Nitish should also be patted for giving some solid company to Jadeja as batting for time was of more importance than the volume of runs considering the weather pattern in Brisbane.

However, a slice of misfortune ended Nitish’s stay as he dragged Pat Cummins’s climbing delivery back onto his stumps, moments before the teams dispersed for tea after yet another rain interruption.

Earlier, Rahul displayed admirable technical nous to withstand the stern test posed by the Australian bowlers, making a resolute fifty. A nine toes down Rahul (84, 139b, 8×4) and Jadeja raised 67 runs for the sixth wicket before the former fell to a remarkably athletic catch by Steve Smith at first slip off Lyon, as the home side regained the momentum.

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BGT Third Test: Akash-Bumrah salvage follow-on for India on rain-hit Day 4

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In the last session of the day, India were in deep trouble after the dismissal of Ravindra Jadeja (77) as they were 33 runs behind the follow-on total. Akash joined his senior bowling partner in the middle and went on to play a memorable knock for India as the pair stitched an unbeaten 39-run partnership off 51 balls

Published Date – 17 December 2024, 03:05 PM


BGT Third Test: Akash-Bumrah salvage follow-on for India on rain-hit Day 4

photo: BCCI

Brisbane: The entertaining partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep for the 10th wicket stole the show on Day 4 as the duo saved India from follow-on and guided the side to 252/9 in 74.5 overs at stumps in the third Test against Australia on Tuesday.

In the last session of the day, India were in deep trouble after the dismissal of Ravindra Jadeja (77) as they were 33 runs behind the follow-on total. Akash joined his senior bowling partner in the middle and went on to play a memorable knock for India as the pair stitched an unbeaten 39-run partnership off 51 balls to frustrate Australia on the rain-marred day.

Despite playing his first Test on foreign soil, Akash displayed remarkable commitment and determination to face Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins in the final session of the day. With Bumrah on the other end, Akash not only played cautiously but also hit Starc for four on cut. Before that, Bumrah also hit a six off Cummins over fine leg.

In the final over of the session, Akash edged over gully to get a boundary off Cummins to avoid a follow-on which was celebrated by the Indian dressing room and the fans in the stadium. After winning the first battle, just a ball later, Akash opened his arms and smashed Cummins for a six over midwicket which left Virat Kohli and others in awe.

Akash remained unbeaten on 27 off 31 balls while Bumrah went not out on 10 runs as stumps were called early due to bad lights. India still trail by 193 runs and the possible result of the match depends on the weather conditions on Wednesday.

Earlier, Jadeja’s composed half-century dragged India to 201/7 at tea in the rain-interrupted second session. India lost Nitish Kumar Reddy (16) and added 34 runs in 13.2 overs of the truncated session as the rain gods helped the touring party with regular interruptions since the start of play on Day 4.

Post lunch, Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy weathered the storm and tackled Australian pacers Cummins and Starc well as Josh Hazlewood’s calf injury restricted him to just one over in the day. The duo stitched a 53-run stand before Cummins dismissed Reddy on an inside edge that hit the stumps.

In the opening session of the day, Australia bagged two crucial wickets of Rohit Sharma (10) and Rahul (84) while India added 116 runs to the scoreboard in the extended opening session which saw 32 overs being bowled despite a brief rain interruption.

It was not an ideal start for Australia as Steve Smith dropped Rahul on the first ball of the day at the second slip off Pat Cummins. Rahul was batting on 33 at that time and went on to add 51 more runs to his tally before Smith finally redeemed himself at first slip off Nathan Lyon.

Resuming from an overnight score of 51/4, India desperately needed someone to step up and show resilience. Rahul rose to the challenge and appeared a class apart from his teammates. The Aussies set an attacking field with three slips and a gully, leaving gaps in the covers and point region, tempting Rahul to play his trademark drives. However, he was astute enough to resist the temptation, only going for the shot when the bowlers pitched the ball firmly into his driving zone. He struck his second half-century of the series.

For Australia, Cummins and Starc shared seven wickets between them while Lyon and Hazlewood shared one scalp apiece.

Brief scores: India 252/9 in 74.5 overs (KL Rahul 84, Ravindra Jadeja 77; Pat Cummins 4-80, Mitchell Starc 3-83) trail Australia 445 (Travis Head 152, Steve Smith 101; Jasprit Bumrah 6-76) by 193 runs.

Sports

TN govt to felicitate World Chess Champion Gukesh; To present Rs.5 crore as reward

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The felicitation ceremony will also be attended by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and chess legend Viswanathan Anand. Gukesh reached Chennai along with his parents on Monday after winning the World Championship in Singapore

Published Date – 17 December 2024, 03:14 PM


TN govt to felicitate World Chess Champion Gukesh; To present Rs.5 crore as reward

D Gukesh

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin will felicitate World Chess Champion D. Gukesh on Tuesday and him over a Rs 5 crore cheque.

The felicitation ceremony will also be attended by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and chess legend Viswanathan Anand. Gukesh reached Chennai along with his parents on Monday after winning the World Championship in Singapore.

The World Chess Champion was received at the Chennai International Airport by the Additional Chief Secretary (Youth Affairs and Sports Development) Atulya Misra and Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) Member-Secretary Meghanath Reddy.

Gukesh and his parents were then escorted to a specially decorated vehicle adorned with pictures of the young champion’s achievements. Gukesh, categorised as an “elite sportsperson” by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), continues to receive financial support under the high-incentive category.

The state government went the extra mile in 2023 by organising the Chennai Grand Masters event to help Gukesh gain FIDE circuit points. Notably, Gukesh qualified for the Candidates Tournament 2024 only because of his victory in the Chennai event. His success in the Candidates Tournament earned him a spot in the World Chess Championship, which was held in Singapore.

Gukesh did not have enough circuit points to qualify for the Candidates Tournament, and it was at this point that the Tamil Nadu government stepped in by hosting the event – a move that proved critical to Gukesh’s journey to success.

The 18-year-old Gukesh defeated China’s Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in Singapore last week to become the youngest World Champion, breaking the longstanding record of Russian great Garry Kasparov.

Kasparov won the World Chess Championship in 1985 at the age of 22, defeating then-reigning champion Anatoly Karpov. Interestingly, Gukesh will take on Magnus Carlsen, the world’s highest-rated player, at the Norway Chess Tournament next year.

Scheduled to take place in Stavanger, Norway, from May 26 to June 6, 2025, the Norway Chess Tournament promises to be an unmissable spectacle for chess fans across the globe.

In 2023, Gukesh finished third in Stavanger. This time, however, he returned as World Champion, ready to prove his mettle against the best, including Carlsen.

Sports

Pruthvi Sai to lead ECDG Hyderabad team in finals against Bengaluru

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Pruthvi Sai has been appointed captain of the ECDG Hyderabad team for the multi-day finals against Bengaluru in the fourth edition of the Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Junior National Cricket Championship, organised by the Emerging Cricketers Development Group (ECDG) in Hyderabad

Published Date – 17 December 2024, 08:13 PM


Pruthvi Sai to lead ECDG Hyderabad team in finals against Bengaluru

Pruthvi Sai

Hyderabad: Pruthvi Sai has been appointed captain of the ECDG Hyderabad team for the multi-day finals against Bengaluru in the fourth edition of the Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Junior National Cricket Championship, organised by the Emerging Cricketers Development Group (ECDG) in Hyderabad, starting from December 24.

Squad: Pruthvi Sai (C), Manikanta P (VC), G Sravan (VC), Farhan Khan (WK), Lohitesh Reddy (WK), Abhinav Kumar, Adarsh Deshmukh, Chilla Sathwik, Rehan Khan, Mohammed Arshad, MA Adnan, SLN Kashyap, Dhairya, MD Faiyazuddin Ghazi (Manager).

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Santosh Trophy: Odisha stun Goa, Delhi beat TN to continue fine form

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Goals from Rahul Mukhi (60th minute) and Kartik Hantal (64th) in the second half helped Odisha bounce back from their previous defeat against Delhi

Published Date – 17 December 2024, 08:16 PM


Santosh Trophy: Odisha stun Goa, Delhi beat TN to continue fine form

Player of Odisha and Goa vie for the ball in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Odisha stunned former champions Goa 2-0 while Delhi continued their winning run in the final round of Group B matches in the 78th National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy at Deccan Arena, Hyderabad, on Tuesday.

Goals from Rahul Mukhi (60th minute) and Kartik Hantal (64th) in the second half helped Odisha bounce back from their previous defeat against Delhi. With the win, Odisha moved up from the bottom to the third spot. Goa, with two 0-2 defeats from two matches, remain the only team in Group B to have not scored a single point thus far.

In the other match, Delhi beat Tamil Nadu with an identical 2-0 scoreline to stay atop the Group B table with six points from two matches. Bhaaranyu Bansal (7th) and Ashish Shaw (65th) were the goal-scorers as Delhi extended their winning streak. Tamil Nadu remained at fifth in Group B with a solitary point from their two matches so far.

Results: Goa 0 lost to Odisha 2 (Rahul Mukhi 60’, Kartik Hantal 65’), Delhi 2 ( Bhaaranyu Bansal 7’, Ashish Shaw 65) bt Tamil Nadu 0.

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U-23 One Day Trophy: Himateja’s heroics goes in vain as Gujarat win

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Himateja’s scintillating 158 off 132 balls goes in vain as Priyesh’s unbeaten century and Jaymeet Patel’s 92 guide Gujarat to a three-wicket win over Hyderabad in the Round 2 clash of the Under-23 State ‘A’ One Day Trophy at Vadodara, Gujarat, on Tuesday.

Published Date – 17 December 2024, 08:24 PM


U-23 One Day Trophy: Himateja’s heroics goes in vain as Gujarat win

Himateja’s scintillating 158 off 132 balls goes in vain as Priyesh’s unbeaten century and Jaymeet Patel’s 92 guide Gujarat to a three-wicket win over Hyderabad in the Round 2 clash of the Under-23 State ‘A’ One Day Trophy at Vadodara, Gujarat, on Tuesday.

Hyderabad: Himateja’s scintillating 158 off 132 balls goes in vain as Priyesh’s unbeaten century and Jaymeet Patel’s 92 guide Gujarat to a three-wicket win over Hyderabad in the Round 2 clash of the Under-23 State ‘A’ One Day Trophy at Vadodara, Gujarat, on Tuesday.

Priyesh scored 117 off 112 balls (11×4, 3×6), while Jaymeet Patel was unlucky to miss his century by eight runs. Rudra Mayur Patel added 45 as Gujarat chased down Hyderabad’s 324/7 in 50 overs. Earlier, Himateja led Hyderabad’s attack with 16 boundaries and 6 sixes, while A Avinash Rao scored 98.

Vijay Merchant Trophy

Hyderabad restricted Madhya Pradesh to 209 runs in 277.5 overs on Day one of the Round 3 clash of the Under-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy at Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday. Arnav Sharda top-scored with an unbeaten 82, with Saksham Verma contributing 48. The rest of the team struggled to contribute much to their total. Hyderabad finished the day at 23/1 in 7 overs.

Brief Scores: U-23 State ‘A’ One Day Trophy: Hyderabad 324/7 in 50 overs (Himateja 158, A Avanish Rao 98, Jay Malusare 2/49, K Bhatt 3/56) lost to Gujarat 328/7 in 49.1 overs (Jaymeet Patel 92, Priyesh 117no, Saketh Dhatrak 2/64, Nishanth 2/68);

Vijay Merchant Trophy: Madhya Pradesh 209 in 77.5 overs (Saksham Verma 48, Arnav Sharda 82no, Dev Mehta 2/45, Uzair Ahmed 2/19) vs Hyderabad 23/1 in 7 overs.

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Harbhajan, Kohli and now Jadeja, Indian crickets who came under Australian media’s radar

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During the press conference ahead of the fourth Test of BGT in Mebourne, Jadeja interacted with the media in Hindi. The Australian media claimed the all-rounder refused to answer questions in English and left the session even before the Australian reporters could pose questions.

Published Date – 23 December 2024, 09:22 AM


Harbhajan, Kohli and now Jadeja, Indian crickets who came under Australian media’s radar


Hyderabad: The Indian cricket team which is currently playing the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, found itself under the scanner of Australian media, yet again, as Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja‘s press conference was dragged into unwarranted controversy.

As per reports, during the press conference ahead of the fourth Test of BGT in Mebourne, Jadeja interacted with the media in Hindi. The Australian media claimed the all-rounder refused to answer questions in English and left the session even before the Australian reporters could pose questions.

However, the Indian media group and the team’s media manager refuted the claims saying the cricketer did not refuse to answer the questions in English but was genuinely in a hurry to board the team bus after a training session.

Moreover, the highly anticipated T20 match between the media representatives of both nations was ultimately scrapped owing to the press conference controversy.

Few days prior to Jadeja’s controversy, star player Virat Kohli was also termed as ‘bully’ following a confrontation of the cricketer with the Australian media over filming him along with his family at the Melbourne airport.

Kohli, who arrived at Melbourne along with wife Anushka and his two kids, requested the media to film him but not his wife and children. The video of the cricketer’s reaction has gone viral on social media drawing heavy criticism from the Australian media fraternity.
Interestingly, this is not the first time that such altercations has occurred between the Indian cricket team and the Australian media.

Harbhajan Singh’s ban during the 2008 Sydney Test

One of the earliest and high-profile controversy occurred during the infamous 2008 Sydney Test match, when Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was accused of making a racial slur against Australian cricketer Andrew Symonds.

The controversy sparked heated reactions in both countries, with Australian media supporting Symonds and the Indian media defending Singh. The all-rounder, after a hearing, was found guilty and was handed a three-match ban.

The BCCI and Indian cricket team strongly protested resulting in overturning the rule, but Singh was fined 50% of his match fee.
Kohli vs. Australian media in 2017 Australian tour

Another altercation occurred during the India vs. Australia 2017 Test series, where Australian players were accused of unsporting conduct and verbal sledging. Virat Kohli, in particular, was found in the Australian media crosshairs for his vocal criticism of Australian players.

Kohli made it to the headlines of several Australian papers, where one paper termed him ‘egomaniac,’ while the other called him ‘childish.’ The Australian media fired at the cricketer after he openly condemned the behaviour of Australian cricketers.

The 2021 Gabba Test

After the historical win against Australia in 2021 in Gabba, tensions flared up yet again as the Australian media criticised India’s celebrations. The Indian cricketers, visibly upset, expressed frustration over constant scrutiny and criticism of Australian media on Indian players.

The constant friction between the Indian cricket team and Australian media has caught the eyes of cricket fans across the country where many question the close scrutiny of Australian media on Indian players.

Sports

HCA Tournament: Sathwik stars in Pallavi Model School’s win

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Sathwik shone with figures of 7/20 in Pallavi Model School’s comfortable nine-wicket win over Genesis School in the HCA U-14 Boys One Day Knockout Tournament on Tuesday.

Published Date – 17 December 2024, 08:29 PM


HCA Tournament: Sathwik stars in Pallavi Model School’s win

Sathwik Reddy

Hyderabad: Sathwik shone with figures of 7/20 in Pallavi Model School’s comfortable nine-wicket win over Genesis School in the HCA U-14 Boys One Day Knockout Tournament on Tuesday. Batting first, Genesis were bundled out for a mere 83 runs in 25.5 overs, as Sathwik wreaked havoc. In reply, Akhil’s unbeaten 40 runs guided their side to reach the target in 15.4 overs.

Brief Scores: Genesis School 83 in 25.5 overs (Sathwik 7/20) lost to Pallavi Model School Boduppal 84/1 in 15.4 overs (Akhil 40 no), HPS Ramanthapur 203 in 28.4 overs (Srikar 43, Sai Karthik 3/37, Keerthin 4/29) bt Johnson Grammar Mallapur 100 in 20.3 overs, St Joseph P School 27 in 11.5 overs (Jeeth Adhya 7/19) lost to Warangal Dist 28/0 in 3.5 overs, Adilabad Dist 132/10 in 27.2 overs (Anas 41, Vishwateja 5/28) bt Karimnagar Dist 73 in 22 overs (Anas 5/22), Tatva Global School 211 in 35.3 overs (Sriniketh 33, Tanishq 4/19) bt St Anthonys Grammar S 42 in 9.3 overs (Parvez 3/9, Sriniketh 3/2), Bhavans SRK Vidyalaya 143 in 40.3 overs (Utkarsh 48) lost to Gowtham Model S Ameerpet 150/2 in 35 overs (Sudhamsh 67 no), World One School 290 in 38 overs (Harsh Gandra 132, Ashwin 4/73) bt The Shriram Universal S 88/10 in 19.1 overs (Hare Krishna 3/21), Medak Dist 310/6 in 45 overs (Sai harshith 102, Jagathveer 101) bt St Anns HS Kompally 52 in 25.4 overs, St Peters 260/8 in 38 overs (Anish Reddy 92) bt St Anns HS Miyapur 144 in 33.5 overs (Vamsi 58, Prabhmeet 4/36), Rockwell Int S 172 in 37.4 overs (Mokshith 68, Akshith 5/32) lost to Johnson Grammar S Mallapur 173/1 in 27.3 overs (Sai Smaran 111 no), Pragathi Central School 146/2 in 26 overs (Shreyas 59 no) bt St Marks Boystown 123/10 in 18.1 overs (Abdul Khaliq 76, Yuvan Chandra 3/11), Goutham Model S west Marredpally 338/3 in 48 overs (Riteesh Reddy 138, Karthikeya 52, Anirudh Naik 81) bt Crescent HS 150/7 in 48 overs (Trishik Gupta 64 no, Krish 3/12), Oakridge Int S Bachupally 111/8 in 23 overs (Rana 43, Rudraneel 3/28, Arpit Kumar 3/28) bt Oak Valley S 95/10 in 15 overs (Aarush 47 no, Rana 3/17).

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Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship: Telangana beat Uttarakhand 49-34

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After an emphatic win over Assam on the opening day, Telangana girls continued their good form by beating Uttarakhand 49-34 in the 49th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship for Boys and Girls in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Updated On – 17 December 2024, 08:35 PM


Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship: Telangana beat Uttarakhand 49-34

Players of Telangana and Uttarakhand in action in Hyderabad on Tuesday

Hyderabad: After an emphatic win over Assam on the opening day, Telangana girls continued their good form by beating Uttarakhand 49-34 in the 49th Sub-Junior National Basketball Championship for Boys and Girls in Hyderabad on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the State boys’ team suffered two defeats – losing to Chattisgarh 63-58 and Himachal Pradesh 52-48 – meaning they are virtually out of the race for qualifying for Level-I.

Results: Girls: Chattisgarh 63 bt Punjab 18, Haryana 51 bt Madhya Pradesh 57, Kerala 45 bt Uttar Pradesh 29, Chandigarh 82 bt Jammu & Kashmir 16, West Bengal 39 bt Gujarat 38, Chandigarh 84 bt Himachal Pradesh 30, Gujarat 88 bt Bihar 10, Telangana 49 bt Utharakhand 34; Boys: Chattisgarh 63 bt Telangana 58, Himachal Pradesh 52 bt Telangana 48, Rajasthan 72 bt Punjab 71, Tamil Nadu 79 bt Maharashtra 59, Haryana 98 bt Mizoram 33, Gujarat 66 bt Bihar 54, Delhi 72 bt Bihar 42.