India will be aiming to continue their dominance at home as they prepare for a three-match T20 series against New Zealand, even though there is little at stake when looking at bigger assignments later in the year.
India are fresh from a 3-0 ODI series win against the Black Caps, a result that catapulted them to the top of the ODI rankings. That came on the back of T20 and ODI series wins over Sri Lanka at home in the preceding assignment.
While the big tournaments later in the year are the World Test Championships final and the 50-over World Cup in India, there is still quite a lot to play for when the teams clash in Ranchi on Friday.
The T20 leg of the Kiwis' visit gives Hardik Pandya an opportunity to fine-tune the side according to his vision, now that he has become the de facto captain of the 20-over side.
This will be the third series to be captained by Pandya, with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli not included in the team. It is not clear whether senior players Sharma and Kohli are out of the plans for T20 cricket, but it does give youngsters a chance to cement their spots and not let the management feel the need for any senior reinforcements.
Young opener Ruturaj Gaikwad has been ruled out of the series because of a wrist injury, which gives batsmen like Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw an opening to grab any chance that comes their way.
Among bowlers, young all-rounder Shivam Mavi has emerged as a potent hard-hitter who can be relied to bowl his seamers every match. In the spin department, left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav could play ahead of his right-arm counterpart Yuzvendra Chahal as the team management seems to have more faith in the southpaw's wicket-taking instincts.
For New Zealand, left-arm seamer Ben Lister has been backed to make his debut after impressing with his variations in the domestic circuit.
More importantly, all performances in Indian conditions will count while selecting teams for the 50-over showpiece in October.
Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters
The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.
Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.
A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.
The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.
The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.
Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.
Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment
But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.
Company Profile
Name: JustClean
Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries
Launch year: 2016
Number of employees: 130
Sector: online laundry service
Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding
TALE OF THE TAPE
Manny Pacquiao
Record: 59-6-2 (38 KOs)
Age: 38
Weight: 146lbs
Height: 166cm
Reach: 170cm
Jeff Horn
Record: 16-0-1 (11 KOs)
Age: 29
Weight: 146.2lbs
Height: 175cm
Reach: 173cm
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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Results:
Men’s wheelchair 200m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 27.14; 2. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 27.81; 3. Rheed McCracken (AUS) 27.81.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
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Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
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The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
