Thursday 1 August 2013

Dunya TV

Dunya TV

Imran braces for court appearance

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ISLAMABAD (Online): Chief of Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Imran Khan Thursday said that he will not back down from his words regarding ECP’s and SC’s role in rigging the May 11 general elections.Talking to media, he announced to appear in person before the Supreme Court (SC) today (Friday) after being summoned for remarks against the court.A three-member bench of SC judges headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry would will hear Contempt of Court notice against him today.He blatantly refused to apologize for what he had said earlier even if he had to go to jail or was barred from contesting future elections.“I am fighting for democracy in Pakistan and will continue to fight for democracy”, he resolved.The PTI chief said that SC had made a blunder as it sent notice to him, adding he was disappointed at the court’s decision.Imran Khan had criticized the role of the judiciary and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) while addressing a press conference on July 26.Khan will be accompanied by his lawyer Hamid Khan and senior party leaders.

UN weapons experts to depart for Syria in days

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UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The U.N. says chemical weapons experts are gathering in The Hague, Netherlands, and will depart within days for Syria to investigate three allegations of alleged chemical weapons use.U.N. spokesman Martin Nesirky said Thursday that Swedens Ake Sellstrom will lead a team of about 10 experts from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the World Health Organization.Nesirky announced Wednesday that the experts will investigate three alleged incidents of chemical weapons use following an understanding reached between the U.N. and the Syrian regime.The team will visit the village of Khan al Assal near Aleppo, where the government and rebels blame each other for a March 19 attack. Nesirky said the other two locations are being kept confidential as a safety and security precaution.

Obama calls Palestinian and Israeli leaders

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WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama has called Palestinian and Israeli leaders as the sides are resuming peace talks.The White House says Obama made separate calls Thursday to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that Obama urged Abbas to make use of the current momentum to reach a deal with Israel.Wafa quoted an Abbas aide saying he hoped a deal could be reached in six to nine months.The two sides agreed earlier this week to end a five-year freeze and resume negotiations to reach agreement on terms of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.The release was part of an agreement brokered early this month by Secretary of State John Kerry to bring the sides back to the negotiating table.

Threat closes US embassies in Muslim world for day

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WASHINGTON (AP) - The United States is shuttering its embassies and consulates throughout the Muslim world on Sunday after receiving an unspecified threat, officials said.State Department officials said Thursday that they were taking action out of an abundance of caution.Spokeswoman Marie Harf cited information indicating a threat to U.S. facilities overseas and said some diplomatic offices may stay closed for more than a day.Other U.S. officials said the threat was in the Muslim world, where Sunday is a workday. American diplomatic missions in Europe, Latin America and many other places are closed on Sunday.Those officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to speak publicly about the matter.The State Department issued a major warning last year informing American diplomatic facilities across the Muslim world about potential violence connected to the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.Dozens of American installations were besieged by protest over an anti-Islam video made by an American resident.In Benghazi, Libya, the U.S. ambassador and three other Americans were killed when militants assaulted a diplomatic post. The administration no longer says that attack was related to the demonstrations.

Germany urges Egypt to avoid selective justice

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CAIRO (Reuters) - Germany urged Egypt to avoid the appearance of selective justice on Thursday following the arrests of some senior leaders of deposed President Mohamed Mursis Muslim Brotherhood.German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle was speaking to journalists alongside his Egyptian counterpart Nabil Fahmy, who responded by saying: There is no justice of vengeance and no selective justice. There is law and it applies to everyone.His remarks were translated into German.On Wednesday the Egyptian authorities decided to refer the Brotherhoods three top leaders, including its general guide Mohamed Badie, for trial on charges of inciting violence. Badie has not yet been arrested. His two lieutenants are in custody.Mursi has been in detention in an undisclosed location since he was deposed by the army on July 3. He faces a judicial inquiry into accusations that he conspired with the Palestinian Islamist Hamas group during his escape from prison during 2011. He is also accused of murder.All appearance of selective justice must be avoided, said Westerwelle.Germany had pressed for access to Mursi by neutral parties and welcomed a visit made by European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton earlier this week, Westerwelle said.Asked whether Germany viewed Mursis removal as a military coup, he said: These are first minutes of an historic hour ...You cannot judge a movement conclusively which is still in flow.

Haase tops Verdasco to reach Kitzbuehel semifinals

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KITZBUEHEL (AP) - Two-time defending champion Robin Haase reached the semifinals of the bet-at-home Cup on Thursday by rallying to beat third-seeded Fernando Verdasco 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.Haase, who came off his third career final in Gstaad last week, lost the opening set as Verdasco converted the only break point, but he broke the Spaniard at 5-4 in the second set. Haase lost his opening service game in the third before winning six of the following eight games to wrap up the win.It was very tough and very hot, Haase said. He was the better player in the first set. I didnt have a chance. From the end of the second set, I managed to put him under some pressure.After winning in 2011 and 12, the Dutchman is now 12-0 at the event. Haase beat Granollers on a third-set tiebreaker in the quarterfinals in Gstaad a week ago.The Dutchman will next play eighth-seeded Marcel Granollers of Spain. Juan Monaco of Argentina takes on Albert Montanes of Spain in the other semifinal.Granollers hit five aces and held serve throughout to beat Leonardo Mayer of Argentina 6-3, 6-1 and reach his first semifinal of the season.The second-seeded Monaco advanced to his third semifinal of the year by defeating Daniel Gimeno-Traver of Spain 6-2, 3-6, 6-4. The Spaniard had beaten Monaco from two sets down at Roland Garros in May but couldnt complete a comeback this time.It wasnt great but I am just happy to go through, said Monaco, who won the event in his last appearance in 2007.From now on, I have nothing to lose.Montanes, who lost the 2011 final to Haase, defeated Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-3 in the 19-year-old Austrians first career quarterfinal.

Del Potro beats Harrison in 2 sets at Citi Open

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WASHINGTON (AP) - Playing his first match since a semifinal loss at Wimbledon, top-seeded Juan Martin del Potro beat American Ryan Harrison 6-1, 7-5 on Thursday at the Citi Open.Del Potro improved to 10-1 at the hard-court tuneup for the U.S. Open. He won Washingtons tournament in 2008 and 2009.Del Potro, who received a first-round bye, was scheduled to face 14th-seeded Bernard Tomic of Australia later Thursday.The match between 2009 U.S. Open champion del Potro and Harrison originally was supposed to be played Wednesday, but rain washed out part of the schedule.Del Potro hadnt competed since July 5, when he was eliminated in five sets by No. 1 Novak Djokovic in 4 hours, 43 minutes, the longest semifinal in Wimbledon history.

Bolt prepares for worlds that's missing top stars

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LONDON (AP) - Usain Bolts hamstring has healed. So, too, have any other nagging injuries that have been holding him back in recent months.The fastest man on the planet feels completely healthy heading into the world championships in Moscow next week.His sport cant say the same thing.Track has a dark cloud hanging over it after some of the best sprinters recently tested positive for banned substances, a list that includes Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, Veronica Campbell-Brown and Sherone Simpson.Bolts task may not be to just win titles, but to win in spectacular fashion, which could be one way to change the conversation his sport is currently mired in.The Jamaican sensation insists theres no added pressure and that once he coils his 6-foot-5 frame into the starting blocks, his focus is only on one thing the finish line.I cant let those scandals cloud my job, Bolt wrote in an email to The Associated Press. I see running as a gift given to me to inspire people.He certainly puts on an entertaining show, preening and prancing before a race and then dominating once the gun goes off. As is often the case, Bolt will be the star attraction in Moscow even in a depleted field.Id be lying if I said we have the normal anticipation and hype going into the worlds, said Ato Boldon, a four-time Olympic medalist and NBC sprint analyst. The fans, on social media, theyre like, Ill watch, but its not like I can see Gay vs. Bolt. Its not what it couldve been.Maybe not. But theres always the prospect of what numbers Bolt can put on the board, because a world record is always possible when he steps on the track.Bolts proud sprinting country has fallen under scrutiny after Powell and Simpson tested positive for a banned stimulant at their national championships in June. Before that, Campbell-Brown had a positive test for a banned diuretic at a meet on the island in May.Obviously, that doesnt reflect well on his nation.Of course there is an impact, but I have to remain focused on making my country proud, said Bolt, who will be featured as a character in the video game Temple Run 2 and given special abilities that will make him run as if he needs it even faster. Right now, my only focus is winning three gold medals at worlds.Bolt has been virtually unbeatable since his rise to prominence leading up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Hes won six Olympic titles and shattered world records in the 100 (his current mark is 9.58 seconds) and the 200 (19.19).Both the current records were set in 2009, the year after Beijing, which kept track in the headlines for the right reasons.In 2013, the year after the London Olympics, Bolt is essentially racing against the clock again. His main competition has gone. Yohan Blake, who famously beat him in the 100 and 200 at Olympic trials last year and who won the worlds in 2011 when Bolt false-started, is out with a hamstring injury. Gay will be a no-show after relinquishing his spots when he failed drug tests this summer.Not that Bolt is too concerned about who will step into the blocks next to him.Having the best athletes in the world in the finals is always good for the sport, Bolt said. However, I have to focus on what I have to do and thats winning three gold medals at worlds.The main person in his way looks to be Justin Gatlin, the American who edged him at a meet in Rome nearly two months ago. Asked if Gatlin is on his mind, Bolt responded: I never focus on any single athlete.Gatlin certainly is concentrating on Bolt, though. Gatlin is eager for a rematch on an even grander stage and with even more fans watching, just to validate his success that day in Rome against a sprinter who rarely gets beaten.I have mutual respect for him, said Gatlin, who added a bronze medal in London to the gold he captured at the 2004 Athens Games. Im not scared of anything. I have to (compete) anyway, so why do it with fear in my heart?He knows that Im going to come with my A and hes going to come with his A game, because were both the kind of people that turn it on when the lights come on in a competition.

World Cup countdown clock stuck in 365 days

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RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - The official World Cup countdown clock in Rio de Janeiro has stopped in time.Although theres less than 11 months before the 2014 World Cup begins, the clock set up by local organizers at Copacabana Beach still shows there are 365 days to go before footballs showcase event.The Hublot clock has been stuck since the Pope arrived in Rio a few weeks ago, attracting millions of people for masses at the famed beach.Local organizers said in a statement Thursday they are aware of the malfunction, and that the company in charge of maintaining the clock will fix the technical problem soon.There have been widespread concerns with Brazils readiness for the World Cup. The preparations for the Confederations Cup earlier this year were plagued by delays.

Denmark's Pedersen sets WR in 200 breast

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BARCELONA (AP) - Denmark's Rikke Pedersen has set a world record in the semifinals of the women's 200 breaststroke.Swimming in the first heat at the world championships in Barcelona on Thursday, Pedersen blew away the field in a time of 2 minutes, 19.11 seconds. She broke the record of 2:19.59 set by American Rebecca Soni to win gold at last summer's London Olympics.Soni is taking the year off from swimming but is in Spain to watch the championships.

Study: Hotter temperatures lead to hotter tempers

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WASHINGTON (AP) - As the world gets warmer, people are more likely to get hot under the collar, scientists say. A massive new study finds that aggressive acts like committing violent crimes and waging war become more likely with each added degree.Researchers analyzed 60 studies on historic empire collapses, recent wars, violent crime rates in the United States and lab simulations that tested police decisions on when to shoot. They found a common thread over centuries: Extreme weather very hot or dry means more violence.The authors say the results show strong evidence that climate can promote conflict.When the weather gets bad we tend to be more willing to hurt other people, said economist Solomon Hsiang of the University of California, Berkeley.He is the lead author of the study, published online Thursday by the journal Science. Experts in the causes of war gave it a mixed reception.The team of economists even came up with a formula that predicts how much the risk of different types of violence should increase with extreme weather. In war-torn parts of equatorial Africa, it says, every added degree Fahrenheit or so increases the chance of conflict between groups rebellion, war, civil unrest by 11 percent to 14 percent. For the United States, the formula says that for every increase of 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit, (3 Celsius) the likelihood of violent crime goes up 2 percent to 4 percent.Temperatures in much of North America and Eurasia are likely to go up by that 5.4 degrees by about 2065 because of increases in carbon dioxide pollution, according to a separate paper published in Science on Thursday.The same paper sees global averages increasing by about 3.6 degrees ( 2 C) in the next half-century. So that implies essentially about 40 percent to 50 percent more chance for African wars than it would be without global warming, said Edward Miguel, another Berkeley economist and study co-author.When the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change updates its report next year on the impacts of global warming, it will address the issue of impacts on war for the first time, said Carnegie Institution scientist Chris Field, who heads that worldwide study group. The new study is likely to play a big role, he said.Hsiang said that whenever the analyzed studies looked at temperature and conflict, the link was clear, no matter where or when. His analysis examines about a dozen studies on collapses of empires or dynasties, about 15 studies on crime and aggression and more than 30 studies on wars, civil strife or intergroup conflicts.In one study, police officers in a psychology experiment were more likely to choose to shoot someone in a lab simulation when the room temperature was hotter, Hsiang said. In another study, baseball pitchers were more likely to retaliate against their opponents when a teammate was hit by a pitch on hotter days. Hsiang pointed to the collapse of the Mayan civilization that coincided with periods of historic drought about 1,200 years ago.People often dont consider human conflict when they think about climate change, which is an important oversight, said Ohio State University psychology professor Brad Bushman, who wasnt part of the study but whose work on crime and heat was analyzed by Hsiang.There is a good reason why people get more aggressive in warmer weather, Bushman said. Although people say they feel sluggish when they are hot, their heart rate and other physical responses are aroused and elevated. They think they are not agitated, when in fact they are, and thats a recipe for disaster, Bushman said.Experts who research war and peace were split in their reaction to the work.The world will be a very violent place by mid-century if climate change continues as projected, said Thomas Homer-Dixon, a professor of diplomacy at the Balsillie School of International Affairs in Ontario.But Joshua Goldstein, a professor of international relations at American University and author of Winning the War on War, found faults with the way the study measured conflicts. He said the idea of hotter tempers with hotter temperatures is only one factor in conflict, and that it runs counter to a long and large trend to less violence.To read this you get the impression, if climate change unfolds as we all fear it will, that the world will be beset by violent conflict and thats probably not true, Goldstein said.Because of positive changes in technology, economics, politics and health conflict is likely to continue to drop, although maybe not as much as it would without climate change, he said.Miguel acknowledges that many other factors play a role in conflict and said its too soon to see whether conflict from warming will outweigh peace from prosperity: Its a race against time.

Oil soars on positive signs for global economy

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NEW YORK (AP) - The price of oil is suddenly marching upward again.Oil rose $2.86 a barrel Thursday, for a two-day gain of $4.81, or 4.7 percent. That erased a $4 decline in the week ended Tuesday.Positive signs on the global economy were the catalyst Thursday. Data from China and Europe showed improvement in manufacturing. In the U.S., in addition to a strong report on manufacturing, a drop in unemployment claims indicated a strengthening job market.Even with those signs of improvement, global central bankers show no inclination of easing up on measures that have kept interest rates at historic lows and prompted investment in riskier assets like oil and stocks.On Thursday Mario Draghi, head of the European Central Bank, indicated it is nowhere near withdrawing its help for the euro area's economy. On Wednesday the U.S. Federal Reserve hinted that it's not ready to slow its bond-buying program, which has kept long-term rates low in an effort to boost borrowing and spending.U.S. benchmark oil for September delivery gained 2.7 percent to close at $107.89 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.Brent crude, traded on the ICE Futures exchange in London, rose $1.84 to finish at $109.54 per barrel.On Friday attention will be focused on the release of hiring figures for July, which will be examined for hints about future energy demand in the world's No. 1 economy.

Clarke ton drags Australia back into Ashes series

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MANCHESTER (AP) - Michael Clarke dragged Australia back into the Ashes series by hitting his 24th test century against a lackluster England on Thursday, taking the spotlight away from more umpiring controversy on the opening day of the third test.The captain became the first Australian to make three figures this series as he reached stumps on 125 not out, with the tourists in command on 303-3 as they look for a victory to stay alive in the Ashes.On a hot and humid day at Old Trafford, Australias batsmen finally found some form on a good wicket with opener Chris Rogers hitting a test-best 84 and Steve Smith adding 70 in an unbeaten 174-run stand for the fourth wicket with Clarke.As a batting side, we have been under a lot of pressure and copped a lot of criticism, Rogers said. Today the pressure was off us a bit and we could play with a bit of freedom and things worked out much better for us.The steady flow of runs helped Australia overcome the dubious dismissal of Usman Khawaja, who was given out caught behind off Graeme Swann for one, despite replay technology showing the batsman hadnt touched the ball.Third umpire Kumar Dharmasena upheld the on-field umpires decision to the amazement of most in the ground as well as Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who tweeted: That was one of the worst cricket umpiring decisions I have ever seen.Australia announced at the end of play that it was seeking an explanation from the ICC about how the umpires reached the call, because in our view, the on-field decision and referred decision using DRS were both incorrect.He said he didnt hit it and I said he didnt hit it, said Rogers, who was out in the middle with Khawaja when the decision was made.Swann found some turn at a ground widely seen as a spinners paradise Shane Warne produced the so-called Ball of the Century here 20 years ago to grab two wickets but Englands pace attack toiled and struggled with their footing.Stuart Broad limped off for six overs midway through the final session.We stuck to our task and it could have gone a couple of different ways today, England bowler Tim Bresnan said.With the chances we made it could have been six down. Hopefully well get the rewards tomorrow.England is 2-0 ahead in the five-match series and needs a draw or victory to keep hold of the urn.That might not be so straightforward on this evidence, and is on the back foot for the first time this series.Clarke has been the captain of a sinking ship this summer and his own form has dipped as a result, making just 102 runs in his four previous innings this series.As Australias one world-class batsman, the team depends heavily on Clarke and he delivered under huge pressure.After reaching his hundred with a scampered single, he held his bat aloft, wiped the sweat off his brow and then kissed the badge on his helmet.Hes such a key person in out batting side that if he scores runs, it makes it easier on everybody else, Rogers said.We need him scoring runs ... its massive for us.Australias batting has been far too open and expansive this series the team hadnt reached 300 before today but the perfomance was noticeably more patient here after winning the toss. Clarke, in particular, picked his moments to pounce, with a lofted uppercut for four off Broad when 79 and then a straight drive down in the 90s being his highlights.His knock was all the more impressive as he had come into the middle with Australia on 82-2 and its fast start in danger of being wasted, with Shane Watson (19) edging Bresnan to Alastair Cook at first slip and then Khawaja becoming the latest batsman to be left aggrieved by DRS.HotSpot didnt pick up an edge while the sound that umpire Tony Hill heard appeared to be Khawajas bat making contact with his pad before the ball whizzed past.Hills performance was further blotted later when he failed to give a plum lbw against Smith off Broad. Replays showed the ball would have hit middle stump, but England had already used up its two reviews.The 35-year-old Rogers shared a 76-run opening partnership with Watson and splayed Englands pace attack to all corners of Old Trafford, with five fours in the two overs after the drinks break, bringing up his fifty off just 49 balls.He started getting twitchy as he entered his 80s, playing and missing twice. He then became irritated by movement in his eyeline in the pavilion and Swann seized his chance, claiming his second wicket with the very next ball.Smith by contrast grew into his innings, hitting seven fours and looking just as well set as Clarke by the time stumps was called.With Clarke having a penchant for going on to make big scores he had four double centuries last year alone Australias bowling attack, which features recalled pair Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc, should have some much-needed leeway when England come into bat.Australia also has David Warner to come, after the powerful batsman was brought back into the team after serving a ban for punching Englands Joe Root in a late-night bar-room incident in June following a Champions Trophy match.

Australia complains to ICC about Khawaja decision

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MANCHESTER (AP) - Australia asked for an explanation from the International Cricket Council about how umpires arrived at a controversial decision to give Usman Khawaja caught behind on the opening day of the third Ashes on Thursday.Third umpire Kumar Dharmasena upheld an on-field call test at Old Trafford, despite replay technology failing to provide any evidence that Khawaja touched the ball with his bat.Cricket Australia has sought an explanation from the ICC on the dismissal of Usman Khawaja, CA chief executive James Sutherland said in a statement. In our view, the on-field decision and referred decision using DRS were both incorrect.We understand and accept that from time to time mistakes can be made. However in this instance, on behalf of the player, the team and all cricket fans, we feel duty bound to seek further explanation as to how this decision was arrived at.The dubious call was widely condemned, with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd tweeting: That was one of the worst cricket umpiring decisions I have ever seen.Australia great Shane Warne, commentating for Sky Sports in Britain, called it a ridiculous decision.Khawaja was out for one to leave Australia on 82-2 but the team recovered thanks to Michael Clarkes 125 not out and Chris Rogers 84 to finish the day on a healthy 303-3.The decision still aggrieved Khawaja and the Australia team.From what we saw on the replays, I think even the England guys had given up hope of it being out, Rogers said. Its disappointing and another question mark I guess.Its peoples careers on the line. You want these decisions to be right. I felt for him but its been happening so you just have to get on with it.

Raina, Rohit Sharma ensure 9-wicket win for India

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BULAWAYO (AP) - Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma produced unbeaten half-centuries Thursday as India scored a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in the fourth one-day international to take a 4-0 lead in the five-game series.Raina scored 65 off 71 balls and Rohit Sharma 64 off 90 balls to guide India to 145-1 in 30.5 overs after the home side had been bowled out for 144 in 42.4 overs.The Virat Kohli-led second-string Indian side dominated from start to finish. Leg-spinner Amit Mishra continued his fine run in the series taking 3-25, while debutant pace bowler Mohit Sharma gave a good account of himself with 2-26.Resting five main players for this series, including regular captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, India continued to experiment as it handed one-day debuts to Mohit Sharma and test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara.Though the pace bowler struck a fine rhythm early on, Pujara could only make 13 before he was bowled off an inside edge by Tendai Chatara.Pujaras dismissal brought together Raina and Rohit Sharma, who started cautiously before exhibiting some fine shots either side of the wicket.Raina struck six fours while Rohit Sharma smashed five fours and one six to make it quick toward the end.For Zimbabwe, Elton Chigumbura made an unbeaten 50 and figured in an 80-run sixth-wicket stand with Malcolm Waller, who contributed 35.But there was no other performance of note on either side of the stand. Zimbabwe struggled against new-ball bowlers Mohit Sharma and Mohammad Shami and could do no better against spinners Mishra and Ravindra Jadeja (2-28).Opener Sikandar Raza, who had scored 82 in the first game of the series, was the first man out for seven in a team score of 16. The Pakistan-born batsman edged one to wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik to give Mohit Sharma his first international wicket.Hamilton Masakadza was run out for 10 to a direct throw from point by Jadeja. Left-arm spinner Jadeja later trapped captain Brendan Taylor lbw for zero and also removed a well-set Vusi Sibanda as Zimbabwe slumped to 47-5 in the 16th over.There was something in the wicket and we tried to exploit that early on, Kohli said. Mohit was accurate from ball one and helped put pressure on the batsmen.Chigumbura and Waller rescued the Zimbabweans before Mohit Sharma induced an edge from Waller that was taken well by Karthik.Mishra then ran through the lower order and the innings folded up in 42.4 overs.India had won the first three games in Harare by six wickets, 58 runs and seven wickets. The last game of the series will be played in Bulawayo on Saturday.
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