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Abhinav Mukund and Ajinkya Rahane smashed twin half centuries as India crushed New Zealand by seven wickets in their second match of the Emerging Players 40-over tournament in Brisbane....

Rahane,Mukund script win

Abhinav Mukund and Ajinkya Rahane smashed twin half centuries as India crushed New Zealand by seven wickets in their second match of the Emerging Players 40-over tournament in Brisbane. Mukund scored a fine 80 while Rahane made 62 off 64 balls to see India home in 31.4 overs after restricting the Kiwis to a modest 197 for nine in their allotted 40 overs. Michael Bates was the most successful bowler for New Zealand,scalping two wickets for 51 runs.

Swann blames trapped cat

England bowler Graeme Swann told police that he decided to drive while over the legal alcohol limit because he needed to buy tools to rescue a trapped pet cat. Swann was stopped by police in April and appeared in court on Monday. The policeman who stopped Swann said that the spin bowler told him that his cat was trapped under the floorboards of his house.Constable Steven Denniss said Swann cooperated fully and 8220;was slightly upset due to his cat and what had just happened.8221;

Somdev makes Mason Masters

Somdev Devvarman qualified for the singles main draw of the ATP Western and Southern Financial Group Masters after making short work of local wild card Tim Smyczek in straight sets. The unseeded Indian won the second and final round 6-3 6-2 to qualify for his second successive Masters event. Last week Somdev had entered the Toronto Masters as a lucky loser and then lost to Gael Monfils in the first round. By making the main draw,Somdev has already pocketed 25 ranking points.

Mary Kom to lead challenge

Four-time champion and Khel Ratna awardee M C Mary Kom will spearhead the 10-strong Indian challenge in the sixth AIBA World Women8217;s Boxing Championship to be held in Barbados next month. The 27-year-old mother of two will compete in the light fly weight 48kg category after winning four world titles in the pin weight 46kg division.

India wins rugby title

The Indian rugby team led by Nasser Hussain had a good tune-up for the October CWG in Delhi by winning the Bee8217;s Rugby 78217;s tournament at Bradford in England. India defeated favourites Yorkshire Select Green 26-24 by scoring a try in the dying moments of the final after trailing 21-24.The tournament included like Yorkshire All Stars,British Asian Rugby Association and the Bees. The team was undefeated in the league stage and also won a thrilling match against host side Bradford and Bingley.