BP's XI lead
Pakistani spinners Nadeem Khan and Shahid Afridi claimed five quick wickets after tea to restrict Board President's XI to 282, a lead of 35, just as the home team propelled by J P Yadav's 62 and Virender Sehwag's quickfire 66 were going strong in the three-day match today. Pakistan, who declared their first innings closed at 247 for nine, were 27 for no loss in their second essay.

Improve rankings
More than a year after the Indian badminton scene was saved from a split down the middle, its new chief, Prakash Padukone, has enough reaons to visualise a bright future. However, while taking to The Indian Express during the Nationals here this week, the former all-England champion who led the revolt on behalf of the Players Association against the establishment admitted that a lot of work is still to be done.

Final abandoned
The second limited-overs cricket final between Australia and England was abandoned today because of rain. The Australian Cricket Board said the game would be replayed at the Melbourne Cricket Ground tomorrow. A third match, if required, would also be held at the MCG on Sunday. Australia currently lead the best of three series 1-0 after winning Wednesday's opening match in Sydney by 10 runs.

Vijay leads

An expensive error by defending champion Basad Ali marred his chances of retaining the title as Vijay Kumar moved to the top of the leaderboard at the end of the third day of the Cyanamid Open Golf Championships today.