‘Pakistan, India to carry forward talks’

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and India have decided to carry forward the dialogue process and all issues, including the core issue of Kashmir, were discussed with the Indian leadership in Mohali.

Five die in Kandahar protest over US Quran burning

KANDAHAR: At least five people have been killed in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, on a second day of violent protests over the burning of a Quran by an obscure US pastor, a health official and government spokesman said on Saturday.

A suicide attack also hit a Nato military base in the capital Kabul, the day after protesters over-ran a UN mission in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif and killed seven foreign staff, in the worst ever attack on the UN in Afghanistan.

Fever pitch atmosphere for World Cup final

Frenzied fans, ticket touts and paramilitary police promised a heady mix of carnival and caution for the cricket World Cup final in Mumbai Saturday between hosts India and South Asian rivals Sri Lanka.

Roads have been blocked around the Wankhede Stadium venue, with some 3,500 police personnel out in force to ensure the safety of the two teams and the 32,000 spectator

Sharapova set for Miami final

MIAMI:

Eighth-seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus beat Russian third-seed Vera Zvonareva 6-0, 6-3 in a night match to reach the final of the $9 million WTA and ATP Masters tournament .

Azarenka faces former world number one Maria Sharapova today who rallied for a 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 victory over German Andrea Petkovic in the other semi-final.

The final showdow

MUMBAI:

As two subcontinent teams prepare to battle it out for the World Cup trophy for the first time, India captain MS Dhoni warned rivals Sri Lanka to expect a tough contest in today’s final in Mumbai, saying his team had yet to play their best cricket.

History-defying India lift World Cup

MUMBAI: Gautam Gambhir made 97 and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni smashed an unbeaten 91 off 79 balls as India won the World Cup for the first time since 1983 with a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka on Saturday.

Sri Lanka, who won the toss and elected to bat in the day-night final, rode on Mahela Jayawardene’s 103 not out off 88 balls to pile up 274-6 in their 50 overs.

Gambhir and Dhoni star as India win World Cup

MUMBAI: Gautam Gambhir and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni starred as India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets to win the World Cup final at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday.

Gambhir, dropped on 30 and nearly run out on 49, made 97 to put India within sight of victory after openers Virender Sehwag (nought) and Sachin Tendulkar (18) both fell cheaply to fast bowler Lasith Malinga.