KATHMANDU, FEB 13 -
Nepal lost their game against Thailand by 8 wickets after setting them a target of 40 runs in the ACC Women’s Premier at the Gymkhana ground in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on Thursday.

Nepal batted first and made 39 runs. Thailand bowled out Nepal in 28 overs.

For Nepal, Saraswati Chaudhary made 11 runs in 51 balls while Neera Rajopadhyay made 5 runs, Mamta Thapa contributed 3 runs and Sarita Magar, Mamata Chaudhary, Shova Ale and Rubina Chhetri made two runs each.

On Tuesday, Nepal beat Iran by 221 runs in the opener.

KATHMANDU, JAN 21 -A solid half century from Gyanendra Malla failed to register a first victory for Nepal in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier campaign as they went down by 12 runs against Canada at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 256 runs in the game reduced to 41 overs each, Nepali side managed to score 243 runs for the loss of eight wickets.

Gyanendra Malla hit nine boundaries for his 97 ball 86 building a 83 runs partnership with Pradeep Airee (26) for the second wicket. Nepal continued losing wickets after Airee was run out in the 15th over and eventually fell short of 12 runs. The defeat also meant that Nepal ended the tournament winless.

Canada had posted a challenging total of 255 runs after winning the toss and deciding to bat first. Raza-ur-Rehman top scored with 89 runs followed by Nitish Kumar on 67.

Sompal Kami took three wickets for Nepal. Basanta Regmi claimed two while Shakti Gauchan and Sagar Pun registered one each in their names.

KATHMANDU, JAN 19 -
Hong Kong thrashed Nepal by 10 wickets in the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier at Mainpower Oval, Rangiora, in New Zealand on Sunday.

Hong Kong chased the 151-run target set by the Nepali side without losing any wickets and with 100 balls to spare.

Losing the toss and batting first, Nepal's batting faltered again and were bowled out for just 150 runs. Basanta Regmi (46) and Sompal Kami (26) rescued the Nepali side late on to take the team to the 150-mark.

Skipper Paras Khadka (29) was the only other batsman to score a double digit mark for Nepal while Hong Kong conceded 21 runs in extras.

Haseeb Amjad took four wickets for Hong Kong .

In reply, Hong Kong openers Irfan Ahmed (86) and Waqas Barkat (56) raced towards the target in 33.2 overs.

This is the third defeat for Nepal in as many matches in the tournament. The defeat has virtually ended Nepal's hopes of playing the cricket world cup.

KATHMANDU, JAN 17 -
Chasing 250 runs, Nepal stumbled to 27-3 and never really recovered
The second successive defeat in the World Cup Qualifier meant that Nepal now not only need massive wins in their next two remaining Group A matches against Hong Kong (Jan 19) and Canada (Jan 21) but also hope others results favour them. After losing their opening match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 102 runs on January 13, the second heavy defeat on Thursday will also not help their cause as Nepal fell far too behind their opponents on net run-rate.
With only top three teams from each of the two pools qualifying for the Super Six round, Nepal’s chances look very bleak. The UAE lead the Group with maximum four points from two matches. Scotland are second and Hong Kong third, both of whom have two points but the latter have played just one match. Pointless Nepal are bottom of the table behind another winless team Canada, who have played  one match.
Put in to bat first by stand-in Nepal skipper Gyanendra Malla, Scotland made a respectable 249-7 in 50 overs. Nepal crumbled to 159 runs in 46.1 overs. Nepal were forced to drop their influential skipper Paras Khadka due to the side strain he sustained during a warmup match ahead of the Qualifier. Khadka played through the pain in their opener but was deemed unfit for this crucial match.
Stand-in Nepal captain Malla said the target was well within their reach considering their strong middle order. “But it was too much pressure for them since our top order is not clicking for us,” said Malla. “We need to be positive and look forward to the remaining two games.”
Nepal coach Pubudu Dassanayake expressed concern over his team’s batting. “This is the second time our batsmen have  failed,” said Dassanayake. “No excuses for failure but we missed Paras and Subash,” added the Nepal coach. Khadka said: “We should not get our heads down but play to our potential. We still have chances.”
 It was a team effort that helped Scotland to build their total. Opener Kyle Coetzer (14) and Calum MacLeod (46) put on 48 runs while Matt Machan (37) and Preston Mommsen also chipped in. Freddie Coleman was  unbeaten on 64.
Som Pal Kami was pick of the Nepali bowlers with 3-35 while Sagar Pun took 2-38.
Chasing 250 runs to win, Nepal lost three wicket for 27 runs and never really recovered. Malla made a fighting 34 off 61 balls. Sharad Vesawkar also battled to a 64-ball 30 and Baskota made 21 but Nepal never threatened Scotland, eventually being bowled out in the 47th over.  Iain Wardlaw took three while Rob Taylor and Majid Haq grabbed two wickets apiece for Scotland.

KATHMANDU, JAN 16 -
Nepal lost its second game of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier against Scotland by 90 runs at Queenstown Events Centre in New Zealand on Thursday.

Chasing a huge total of 249 runs, Nepali side was bowled out for 159 runs in 46.1 overs.

Nepal struggled against the Scotland bowling attack in most of the run chase and had a nightmare start after opener Sagar Pun was caught behind for a golden duck. Another opener Anil Kumar Mandal returned to the pavilion scoring 10 runs. The chase soon became worse when Shakti Gauchan was also caught for a duck with only 27 runs on board.

Gyanendra Malla, who led the Nepali side in the game in place of injured Paras Khadka, and Sharad Bheswakar ignited some hopes with a 33-run partnership before Malla fell in the 18th over for 34 runs. Bheswakar (30) was stumped in the 36th over when came forward to clear the ropes in a desperate attempt to meet the surging run rate but missed.

Prithu Baskota (21), Basanta Regmi (20), Pradeep Airee (15) and Binod Bhandari (12) notably contributed to the teams total.

Iain Wardlaw took three wickets for the Scottish side.

Earlier, an explosive batting from Freddie Coleman (64) propelled Scotland to a commanding total of 249 with the loss of seven wickets. Calum MacLeod also scored 46 runs for the Scottish team. Sompal Kami grabbed three wickets while Sagar Pun claimed two to his name. Shakti Gauchan and Basanta Regmi took a wicket each. Nepal had won the toss and invited Scotland to bat first.

Nepal had lost to UAE by 102 runs in the first match.

KATHMANDU, JAN 16 -
Nepal has started poorly chasing a huge target of 250 runs against Scotland in their second game of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in New Zealand on Thursday.

After 21 overs, Nepal has lost four wickets for 72 runs. Sagar Pun and Shakti Gauchan were out for a duck while Anil Mandal scored 10 runs and Gyanendra Malla contributed 34 before returning to the pavilion.

Earlier, an explosive batting from Freddie Coleman (64) propelled Scotland to a commanding total of 249 with the loss of seven wickets. Calum MacLeod also scored 46 runs for the Scottish team. Sompal Kami grabbed three wickets while Sagar Pun claimed two to his name. Shakti Gauchan and Basanta Regmi took a wicket each. Nepal had won the toss and invited Scotland to bat first.

Nepal had lost to UAE by 102 runs in the first match.

KATHMANDU, JAN 12 -
Nepal lost their second ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier warm-up match, going down by one wicket to Kenya in a thrilling finish at the St. Andrew’s College ground, Christchurch, in New Zealand on Saturday.

Bating first, Nepal put 269 runs on the board for the loss of eight wickets. Kenya in reply completed the chase in 49.5 overs, losing nine wickets.

After a shaky start, No. 4 batsman Morris Ouma steadied the innings with a well-made 73 before Thomas Odoya hit unbeaten 66 to take the Kenyans home.

Shakti Gauchan, who claimed four wickets, provided Nepal the first breakthrough trapping Alex Obanda (7) leg before in the second over. But opener Irfan Karim made 44 runs to steady the ship before being stumped off Gauchan in the 23rd over.

 Spinners did their job for Nepal to put Kenya in precarious position at 127-6 in 23.3 overs. But Ouma held firm sharing a 44-run seventh wicket stand with Steve Tikolo (29). Basanta Regmi then bowled Tikolo in the 39th over with Kenya at 171-7.

But a 54-ball 66 (not out) from No 9 batsman Odoyo including a 73-run partnership with Ouma put Kenya back into contention. Jeetendra Mukhiya provided Nepal the much needed break when he got rid of Ouma in the 47.3 overs to shrink Kenya to 244-8. But Odoya held his ground to take Kenya home with a ball to spare.

Earlier, Anil Mandal top-scored with 62 runs for Nepal after early wickets of  Mahesh Chhetri (6), Sagar Pun (13) and Gyanendra Malla (14). A 66-run seventh wicket stand between Binod Bhandari and Pradeep Airee steadied Nepal’s innings. Elijah Otieno bowled Bhandari (48) in 46th over as Nepal posted 265 runs.

Nepal, who had lost their first warmup game to Namibia by four wickets on Friday, will play UAE in thier  ICC World Cup Qualifier opener on Monday.

KATHMANDU, JAN 11 - A clash between two departmental teams — Nepal Police Club (NPC) and Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) — ended in a 1-1 draw during the Martyrs Memorial Red Bull A Division League here on Friday.

Tek Bahadur Budathoki scored for TAC while Ganesh Khadka struck the equaliser for NPC in a high intensity match at the Dashrath Stadium. In another match, NIBL Friends Club edged NMB Bank Machhindra FC 1-0.


With the results, TAC and Friends are tied at second with equal seven points as well as goal difference. NPC, who also have seven points, remain on fifth and only goal difference separates fourth-placed Himalayan Sherpa Club and NPC. Manang Marshyangdi Club lead the standings with nine points.

In a match where chances went begging on both ends, it was the Armymen who came close to scoring early in the fourth minute. Budathoki made a mess of a wonderful scoring opportunity by applying a feeble shot on goal in Tanka Basnet pass.

Armymen themselves got a reprieve in the 25th minute when custodian Ganga Ram Deuja spilled a straight forward ball, allowing Ramesh Katuwal to pounce on the chance but his shot was cleared from goalline by Jitendra Karki. Budathoki then made up for his miss to put Armymen ahead in the 30th minute. Budathoki’s fierce strike from edge of the area kissed the roof of the net at the far post.

However, TAC’s celebration was shortlived as Ganesh Khadka pulled NPC level five minutes later with an equally good goal, also struck from edge of the area. Fed at the edge of the box, Khadka  blasted a shot leaving TAC custodian hardly any time to react.



Armymen came close to retaining the lead in the 75th minute when Basnet pierced the NPC defense running in from right flank and cut the ball back for star striker Bharat Khawas. Khawas did manage to tap the ball from four yards but unluckily the ball struck his left leg allowing  a NPC defender to clear it.

NPC almost walked away with three points only for substitute Dipen Shrestha  to  miss a clear scoring opportunity, when he shot the ball over the bar  from eight yards after being setup by Bhola Silwal  into the second half injury time.

“We were expecting to win  but that did not happen,” said TAC coach Yogamber Suwal.



 NPC coach Birat Krishna Shrestha said that lack of coordination in midfield caused big problems in the first half. “Two of their (TAC) defenders were causing panic in our area as they were easily supplying balls from both the wings,” added the NPC coach.

In the second match Bishnu KC scored the decider, heading home Deepak Gurung’s freekick  in the eighth minute. “It was an even game as both teams failed to shine,” said Friends coach Megh Raj KC.

Johan Kalin, Machhindra’s  Swedish coach, was disappointed with the result. “We conceded the goal due to our own mistake,” added Kalin who rued on missed chances.

KATHMANDU, JAN 10 - Nepal has lost to Namibia by 4 runs in the ICC World Cup Qualifier warmup match held at Christchurch in New Zealand on Friday.

Nepal scored 227 runs in 50 overs losing nine wickets as they narrowly missed out by four runs. They were chasing 232 runs for win.

Batsman Binod Bhandari scored 65 runs in 60 balls, while Basanta Regmi made 39 runs.

Likewise, Sangar Pun and Sarad Vesawkar contributed 21 and 20 runs respectively.

Earlier, electing to bat first after winning the toss, Namibia had made 231 runs for the loss of 9 wickets.

Batsman Nicolaas Scholtz and Stephan Baard scored 79 and 73 runs respectively for Namibia.

KATHMANDU, JAN 10 -
Baitadi registered a comfortable seven-wicket win over Janakpur to almost ascertain their place in the semi-finals of the Senior Women’s National Cricket Tournament as Group A runners-up of Group A on Thursday.

Baitadi have a better net run-rate than Janakpur, who also had four points after four matches. Biratnagar have two points and even if they win their last game against Pokhara by huge margin, the chances of overhauling Baitadi’s net run-rate is very slip. In the other game, Kanchanpur registered their first win of the tournament beating Birgunj by 30 runs in Group B in Kirtipur.

Batting first, Janakpur were restricted to 147-7.  Baitadi completed their chase after 26 overs scoring 150-3 courtesy of Rekha Rawal’s unbeaten half-century.

 Janaki Bhatta trapped opener Shanti Chaudhary leg before wicket in the second over of the innings but a steady 61-run stand between Sobha Ale (38) and Anuradha Chaudhary (28) guided Janakpur to 62 after 18 overs. Janakpur then lost both the set batswomen in quick succession to Chetna Bohara.

Captain Kabita Gautam was looking dangerous on 31 before she was run-out by Manju Bokati. Janakpur then lost wickets at regular intervals with Saraswoti Chaudhary (10) and Mamata Chaudhary (14) the only other batswoman to score double figures. Janaki Bhatta took 2-22 for Baitadi .

Baitadi had a poor start to their run chase as opener Dropati Kunwar (6) was bowled by Santoshi Chaudhary in the eight over. However, Rekha Rawal (59) shared important partnerships with Anjali Chand (24) and Janaki Bhatta (32), to guide her team to victory after 26 overs. Sobha Ale (2-24) and Santoshi Chaudhary (1-39) were the only Janakpur bowlers to pick up wicket.

In the other game, Kanchanpur posted 185-7 in 40 overs. Birgunj could only muster 155 runs in 30.3 overs. Openers Bimala Bhatta (53) and Nirmala Chand (46) gave a solid start to Kanchanpur putting on 98 runs in 23.1 overs. Nirmala was then run out which started a collapse as Kanchanpur lost their next six wickets for 87 runs.  Sita Shrestha finished with figures of 3-35  for Birgunj.

In reply, Birgunj lost wickets at regular intervals as Sita Shrestha top scored with 46 runs. Rabina Ghimire chipped in 18 runs. Kabita Joshi (3-29) was pick of the Kanchanpur bowlers.

KATHMANDU, JAN 06 -
Gurung, Thapa Magar scores as JYC beat defending champs for the first time ever in league
Samsung Jawalakhel Youth Club (JYC) recorded a stunning 2-0 upset of defending champions Laxmi Bank Three Star Club in the Martyrs Memorial Red Bull A Division League here at the Dashrath Stadium on Sunday.

Subash Gurung and substitute Ram Thapa Magar scored as JYC beat the fellow Lalitpur-based outfits for the first ever win top-tier league. “We don’t have high ambitions but want to focus on discipline.” said JYC coach Kishore KC adding that it would help strengthen the team which in turn will bring positive results.

Three Star coach Anjan KC admitted that his players could not come up with full commitment but denied any rift or discontent for his team’s below-par performance. This is the first loss for Three Star while it was the first win for JYC in two matches.

Three Star paid for the early missed chances to suffer an embarrassing defeat against the perennial league strugglers. After JYC custodian Bikesh Kuthu denied Jagjit in the 14th minute star forward Santosh Sahukhala missed out a sitter six minutes later. In one-on-one situation with Kuthu, Sahukhala chipped over the advancing goalkeeper only to see the ball roll whiskers away from the target. JYC skipper Pradeep Maharjan almost scored against his former team when hit shot ricocheted of the inner cross bar deep into the first half injury time.

JYC went ahead 12 minutes after resumption when Razz teed up a cross at far side for Gurung to score unchallenged. The desire for goals was never there in Three Star as the defending champions hardly threatened JYC despite going down by a goal.

Instead it was JYC who put the game to bed by adding the second goal in the 87th minute thanks to a wonderful 30-yard shot from Thapa Magar. Three Star custodian Kiran Chemjong was slow to react to the looping ball as the ball kissed the net.

In another match, Nepal APF Club defeated Boys Union Club (BUC) 2-0 for their second win from three matches. “Our team is on the mend as we have better youngsters in the squad,” said APF coach Janak Singh Tharu.

Jangbu Sherpa provided the departmental team the 40th minute lead, converting a Santosh Shrestha pass that kissed the net. Nabin Lama scored the second in the 70th minute to seal the match for good. It was second successive defeat for the BUC and coach Bijay Maharjan express concern for the first time. “We still have many games left but this defeat is a real concern for us,” said Maharjan, who had said after the first defeat that more than the relegation fears they were looking to play the Super League.

KATHMANDU, JAN 03 -
Nepal opened their practice tour of New Zealand on a winning note as they comfortably beat Canterbury Selection XI by eight wickets at Burnside Park in Canterbury on Thursday.

Batting first, Canterbury were bowled out for a moderate 204 runs in 49.3 overs as Som Pal Kami and Sagar Pun starred with the ball for the visitors picking up four wickets each. In reply, opener Anil Mandal remained unbeaten on 99 as Nepal completed the chase with ease in 33.2 overs with eight wickets in hand. The practice match was one of the four Nepal were set to play against the team prior to their ICC World Cup Qualifiers.

Canterbury openers Simon Keen and skipper Joel Abraham gave the home side a solid start as they reached 65 after the first 15 overs. But it was Pun who broke the opening partnership by dismissing Abraham for 21 runs. Pun then picked up two quick wickets of Keen (47), who was caught by Gyanendra Malla, and Cole McConchie (1) as the hosts stumbled to 71-3 in the 20th over.

Middle-order batsman Jeff Case then played a brilliant innings of 88 but received little support from the other end as Canterbury lost wickets at regular intervals with only Hugh Paterson (16) and Chris Cooper (10) getting into double figures. Paterson was bowled by paceman Kami while Cooper also fell to the seamer. Kami then had Case caught by Binod Bhandari to put brakes on the home team’s charge. Case smashed eight fours and three sixes in his 95-ball knock.

Pun (4-26) and Kami (4-39) were the standout bowlers for Nepal while spinner Basanta Regmi also chipped in with figures of 2-37.

Nepal started their chase well as openers Mandal and Subash Khakurel (31) took the total to 60 after 12 overs. Paterson then broke the opening stand dismissing Khakurel. Mandal and Gyanendra Malla (51) then shared a brilliant second-wicket partnership of 129 runs to propel Nepal’s total to 189 after 32 overs before the latter was trapped fell leg before wicket to Keen.

Captain Paras Khadka then joined Mandal at the crease to guide the visitors safely home. Mandal, who smashed nine fours and three sixes in his blistering 93-ball knock, was unlucky not to compete his century as the batsman was stranded one run short of the milestone. Khadka was unbeaten on five as Nepal completed the chase scoring 207 runs in 33.2 overs. Keen was pick of the Canterbury bowlers taking 1-27 in his five overs, while Paterson claimed 1-31.

AUSTRALIA, JAN 02 - Nepali National Cricket Team has registered an easy eight wicket victory over a local team of New Zealand , Canterbury Selection Team, at Christchurch on Thursday. The Nepali team registered a victory against the local team during a practice match prior to the World-cup qualifiers.

The Canterbury team which opted to bat first scored 204 runs losing all of their wickets at the 49.3 over. Jeff Case put up 88 runs for the locals followed by Simon Keen contributing 47 runs in the scoreboard.

Sagar Pun and Sompal Kami of the Nepali team took four wickets each of the home team and Basanta Regmi pocketed two wickets in his name.

Meanwhile, the Nepali national team chased down the target in 33.2 over with the loss of two wickets. For Nepal's win Anil Mandal scored 99 runs without loosing his wicket while Gyanendra Malla contributed 51 runs and Subash Khakurel added another 31 with captain Paras Khadka's 5 runs not out. The match played with the much celebrated local team was scheduled earlier which had to be rescheduled for today due to whether conditions.

Speaking with eKantipur after the match, Nepali Cricket team manager Purna Lama said the match played today was an important one hence the match was scheduled with the local team. After a few more matches with the local teams Nepal will be playing other practice match es with the National teams of Namibia and Kenya on 10 and 11 January.

The World-cup qualifier matches kicks off at 13 January.

QUEENSTOWN, JAN 01 - New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson cracked the fastest century in one-day international history, reaching three figures in just 36 deliveries against the West Indies on Wednesday.

The previous record was held by Shahid Afridi, who took 37 balls to reach his ton playing for Pakistan against Sri Lanka in 1996.

Anderson, who finished the New Zealand innings unbeaten on 131, hit 14 sixes in his whirlwind assault, the third highest number of sixes in an ODI innings.

India's Rohit Sharma hit 16 sixes against Australia two months ago and Australia's Shane Watson hit 15 against Bangladesh in 2011.

Anderson put on 191 for the fourth wicket with Jesse Ryder who slammed a 46-ball century, which is the sixth-fastest ODI century. Ryder is in his comeback to international cricket after a two-year absence.

New Zealand reached a daunting 283/4 off just 21 overs in the rain-shortened third one-day international.

Anderson said that throughout his innings he had no inkling he was on target to break Afridi's record.

"I didn't have a clue actually. It's not that I'd look it up and try and take it down. But it's nice to have it."

Anderson went to the wicket with New Zealand at 84/3 and with Ryder already on 41 he thought he would be playing a support role.

"I thought I would look at singles and try and get myself in but a couple came out of the middle and you keep going.

"Me and Jesse started thinking every ball was either going to get us out or go for six and it's nice to have that feeling when you're out there."

As for their mid-wicket conversations during their quick-fire partnership of 191, Anderson said the talk was brief.

"It was 'shot-bro' and that's about it. We couldn't say too much."

KATHMANDU, DEC 31 -
Khawas scores brace as Armymen defeat JYC 3-0
Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) opened the Martyrs Memorial Red Bull A Division League with a nervy 1-0 win over promoted side Boys Union Club (BUC) here at the Dashrath Stadium on Monday.

In the day’s second match, Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC) blanked Samsung Jawalakhel Youth Club 3-0.

The 10th minute Sulabh Maskey goal separated the two teams in a match where both sides missed several easy goal scoring opportunities. Fed inside the area, Maskey beautifully controlled the ball, beat two defenders and fired at the far post beyond the reach of diving BUC custodian Raju Yogi Nagarkoti.

“We paid for our misfiring frontline players,” said former player and BUC coach Bijay Maharjan. “We missed too many easy chances due to lack of coordination,” added Maharjan. “Since the first match will always be difficult for any team, we hope to improve game as the league wears on.”

MMC should have doubled the lead in the 18th minute only for Kamal Shrestha to clear a weak but goal-bound ball from the line in Yona Elias’ attempt. BUC then wasted a wonderful opportunity to level the score in the 27th minute when set free inside the area with only MMC goalie to beat, Akeen Babatunde shot straight into the grateful hands of Bishal Shrestha.

Chances came thick and fast on both ends but none turned into goal. MMC forward Anil Gurung saw his attempt from edge of the area rolled agonisingly just wide at the far end in the 28th minute before Elias shot high over the bar in the 36th.

MMC got a lucky reprieve five minute from the interval when an alert goalie Bishal punched out on-the-move Rakesh Lama’s shot for a corner. Set free at the edge of the area with MMC custodian exposed, ABA Norbert should have done better for BUC than shooting straight into the hands of Bishal.

MMC coach Hari Om Shrestha also said that the first match was always going to be tough to any teams. MMC coach also partly blamed the under-par performance to the insufficient practice. “We had a ideal start and scored early on but had to fight hard after missing out on several goal scoring opportunities,” added the MMC coach.

In the second match of the day, Armyman Bharat Khawas struck twice and Nawayug added another against the hapless JYC.

National team striker Khawas opened the scoring in the 54th minute and Nawayug doubled the tally with a solo effort in the 79th minute. Khawas sealed the emphatic TAC victory adding his second goal of the game in the 89th minute. JYC custodian Bikesh Kuthu was partly at fault in both the goals scored by the Army striker.

DEC 30 -
Retired seven-times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher was in 'critical' condition with head injuries after an off-piste skiing accident in the French Alps resort of Meribel, his agent said on Sunday.

The 44-year-old German was in hospital in Grenoble and under the care of Professor Gerard Saillant, a brain and spinal injury expert who is also president of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Institute.

"He suffered head trauma with coma that needed prompt neurosurgical treatment," Schumacher's agent Sabine Kehm said in a statement late in the evening, which a hospital official read to reporters.

"He remains in a critical condition."

A hospital official declined to give more details but said more information would be given on Monday.

Christophe Gernigon-Lecomte, the director of the Meribel ski resort where Schumacher has a vacation home, said earlier that the former champion was wearing a helmet when he fell and hit his head on a rock at around 11 a.m. local time (1000 GMT).

He added that the German had been conscious while being transported first to a local hospital in Moutiers before then being transferred to Grenoble.

"He was conscious but very agitated while being taken to hospital," said the director.

In Germany, Schumacher's accident topped news bulletins, with the bestselling tabloid newspaper Bild reporting on its website: "Schumi fighting for his life".

Bild reporters also said that Ross Brawn, the Briton who worked with Schumacher at Ferrari and Mercedes as technical director and team principal respectively, had arrived in Grenoble.

SHOCK AND PRAYERS

The Formula One community, and the wider world of motorsport, reacted with shock and prayers on social network Twitter for the champion to win his biggest battle.

"If anyone can pull through, it's him," said Britain's triple Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, who is still walking on crutches after a huge crash in October that ended his racing career.

"Come on Michael, give us one of those race stints at pure qualifying pace to win through, like you used to. You can do it," said Schumacher's former Benetton team mate Martin Brundle.

Former Ferrari team mate Felipe Massa, who suffered a near fatal head injury at the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix, said he was praying for his friend.

Schumacher is the most successful Formula One driver of all time with a record 91 race victories in an extraordinary - and frequently controversial - career spanning more than two decades.

He won his first two titles with Benetton in 1994, the year when Brazilian triple champion Ayrton Senna died in a crash at the San Marino Grand Prix, and 1995.

The German then took five in a row with Ferrari between 2000 and 2004 in what now seems a golden age for the Italian team who named a square after him at their Fiorano test track.

Schumacher left the sport last year after a less successful three-year comeback with Mercedes following an earlier retirement from Ferrari at the end of 2006. He lives in Switzerland with his wife and two children.

DEC 29 -
Chris Rogers smashed just his second test century in emphatic style to lead Australia to an eight-wicket win over England and a fourth successive Ashes victory before tea on the fourth day of the fourth test Sunday.

Resuming on the overnight score of 30-1, David Warner was caught behind off Ben Stokes (1-50) for 25 before Rogers and Shane Watson shared a second-wicket partnership of 136 to aggressively chase down the victory target of 231.

Rogers was caught behind of Monty Panesar (1-41) for 116 attempting to cut through the off-side, ending a 155-ball knock with 13 boundaries.

Watson scored a classy 83, while Michael Clarke added 6 to help see the Australians to 231-2 and the win.

The 36-year-old Rogers produced the innings of his nine-test career to claim his first century on home soil in emphatic fashion. He brought up the milestone driving Jimmy Anderson for four through cover and raised his bat to the resounding applause of the 38,522 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“Amazing feeling to get 100 in a Boxing Day test and get the win,” Roger said.

Watson reached his half century off the first ball of the next over when he cut Bresnan for four.

Australia had already clinched the five test series in commanding fashion with a third-straight win at Perth on December 17, marking a dramatic reversal of form after losing the previous Ashes series 3-0 in England earlier this year.

Despite the series already being decided, more than 271,860 fans were on hand at the MCG over the four days, including a world record single day’s attendance of 91,092 on day 1.

England looked tired and dejected in the field Sunday as Australia confidently batted toward an increasingly inevitable win.

England will rue some early missed chances after Jonny Bairstow failed to move on a Rogers edge off Stuart Broad, leaving a difficult attempt that Cook let slip through for four when Rogers was on 19. Cook then put down a straightforward edge from Warner at first slip two overs later off Stokes.

Stokes gained revenge shortly after when Warner added just three runs before becoming the only wicket of the morning. Warner, who made just 9 in the first innings Saturday, was again attempting a big shot off a short ball only to edge to the wicketkeeper.

England followed its most dominant performance this series with perhaps its poorest when it dismissed Australia for 204 early on the third day only to suffer two dramatic collapses of 3-1 and 5-6 either side of tea. Nathan Lyon (5-50) took five wickets to help dismiss England for 179 and usher Australia in for its victory chase shortly before stumps on Saturday.

KATHMANDU, DEC 26 -
The junior team led by Bhuwan Karki are keen to emulate the success of the senior team in the ACC U-19 Asia Cup scheduled to begin in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 28.

The challenge awaiting Nepal in the UAE is tough as they are in the same group as teams from Test giants India and Pakistan along with the hosts. However, Karki, who has also played for the senior team, believes his team are ready to ruffle the feathers of the Test team.

“If we are to progress from the group stage we have no option but to beat the teams from the Test-playing nations and we are ready for that,” said Karki. With the senior team doing so well of late, we are aware that we need to prove that the next batch of cricketers are ready to continue in their footsteps,” Karki said on Wednesday. The team is leaving for the UAE on Thursday. “We need to believe in our potential and play our normal game,” Karki added.

Coach Jung Bahadur Thapa believes his team would be a formidable opponent. “There is not much difference between the teams in the age-group and if our boys perform like they have been during practice sessions, I am sure we will be able to upset some of our neighbours,” said the coach, who had to reshuffle the team after his key player Sompal Kami was included in the senior team.

“He (Kami) was my best asset and the team would have been different had he and Avinash Karn been in the squad,” said the coach showing a bit of concern over the bowling department. “The boys are pretty inexperienced but I am hopeful as they had shown great maturity during practice matches with the senior side.”

Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Malaysia and Afghanistan are in Group B in the week-long tournament with the top two progressing to the semi-finals.

KATHMANDU, DEC 21 - The FIFA World Cup trophy landed here in the Capital on Saturday, the first time since the Trophy Tour began in 2006.

The original World Cup trophy arrived at the Tribhuvan International Airport this afternoon and has been put into display at the Dashrath Stadium.

Huge crowd had gathered at the TIA to have a glace at the trophy this morning.

President Ram Baran Yadav is scheduled to grace the moment at the stadium. The original trophy is 36.5 centimetres long — 13cm in diameter and 6.175 kg in weight. The trophy will travel to India on Sunday.

Security has been tightened in and around the stadium.

MAHOTTARI, DEC 20 -
The U-16 National Cricket Championship is going to be held in Jaleshwar, the headquarters of Mahottari district, for the first time beginning December 27.

The championship would be held at the Jaleshwar Stadium. The U-16 players from all the nine regions throughout the country would participate in the tournament, said Roshan Singh, President of the Mahottari District Cricket Association, which is organizing the championship.

Teams from Cricket Region No. 1, Biratnagar; Region No. 2, Birgunj; Region No. 3, Kathmandu; Region No. 4, Bhairahawa; Region No. 5, Nepalgunj; Region No. 6, Baitadi;, Region No. 7, Janakpur; Region No. 8, Pokhara and Region No. 9, Kanchanpur will participate in the tournament. RSS