SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates: A row between man of the match Mohinder Amaranth and New Zealand wicketkeeper Ian Smith over allegedly racist remarks soured India’s passage into the final of the Sharjah cup 50over one day cricket competition on Sunday.
India comfortably beat New Zealand by 93 runs, making the highest total ever in the tournament — 267 for six — and restricting New Zealand to 194 for eight.
But an ugly argument broke out when Pakistani umpire Khizar Hayat rejected a New Zealand appeal for caught behind off Amarnath.
Amarnath, a veteran of almost 20 years of first class and test cricket, later accused Smith of bringing the game into disrepute by making racist remarks and by saying India cheated.
Smith refused to comment on the incident.
Amarnath made 102 not out with six fours and his third wicket stand of 158 with opener Navjot Sidhu, who made 88 with three sixes off only 92 balls, turned the Indian innings round after they lost their first two wickets for four runs,
The early loss of Captain John Wright for 19 and of the highly regarded Andrew Jones for six dented New Zealand’s hopes of catching the Indian state
Newcomer Mark Great batch tried hard to pep up the run rate, scoring 45. but the other batsmen found the Indian bowling, spearheaded by Kapil Dev and teenage Jegspinner Narendra Hirwari, too good.
NEW DELHI, India: The Iron Pillar (at Qutab Minar) will be the logo of the 1994 Commonwealth Games if they are awarded to Delhi, the Indian Olympic Association has decided.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 1, 1988
