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Ground, hostile crowd biggest challenge for SA: Graeme Smith

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Auckland: Former South African skipper Graeme Smith believes a hostile crowd and a small Eden Park ground will be the two biggest obstacles that his country’s side will face when they take on New Zealand in the first semi-final match of the cricket World Cup on Tuesday.

Smith said South Africa will find it difficult to contain the in-form New Zealand batsmen on the small ground.

The distance to the ropes beyond each end of the pitch at the Eden Park is only 55 metres from the centre of the wicket whilst behind the batsman the boundary is only 45 metres away.

“The Eden Park ground may actually be the greatest challenge facing the Proteas on the day. The smaller field aided by a nation swept up in the euphoria of their team’s success will undoubtedly serve to disrupt the visiting team,” Smith said in a column written for International Cricket Council’s (ICC) website on Monday.

“And the Proteas will know they need to settle into a rhythm as soon as possible to have any chance of progressing. Something which was definitely lacking against India.”

The former left-handed opener also said the Proteas will be facing a dilemma in picking their third seamer with Vernon Philander and Kyle Abbott giving a good account of themselves in the tournament so far.

“The ball has been swinging more in New Zealand than it has in Australia this tournament hence the difficult choice facing the Proteas selectors when deciding on the identity of the third seamer.

“As opposed to Sri Lanka, who were especially destructive in the last ten overs, New Zealand have been chiefly severe on opposition attacks in the first ten overs,” Smith observed.

He declined to name his preferred third seamer for the team but said the windy conditions in New Zealand may ultimately force the selectors to pick Abbott ahead of Philander.

“This may lead the selectors to opt for Philander’s control as opposed to Kyle Abbott’s aggression. However, the prevalence of conditions favouring swing may assist the latter’s cause on the day.”

Smith also believes that South Africa — eyeing their first ever World Cup final — will take heart from the fact that both New Zealand openers have been quite unsuccessful against them.

“For all the hype around the two New Zealand openers, the Proteas will take heart from the fact that Guptill averages 11.5 against them in ten innings and McCullum 30.77 in 25 innings,” he said.

Smith also said that though New Zealand look a well settled side, the chinks in their armour have already been exposed and he feels there is no reason why his former side cannot exploit that too.

“On the whole, the Black Caps XI is well balanced and settled and has been on the offensive since day one. They haven’t doubted their strategy, execution or ultimate objective for a moment.

However, for all their strengths, chinks in their armour have also been exposed. Against Scotland and Australia they made relatively modest run chases look problematic and also snuck in against Bangladesh though chasing a slightly more imposing score,” he said

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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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