Sourav Ganguly ruminates on hopes and dreams; on ambitions and checks; on wishes and fulfillment -- and on what the future holds for him.

Uttar Pradesh pushed Bengal to the brink of relegation from the elite group, skittling them out for a paltry 149, before notching up 128 for two at stumps on day one of the Ranji trophy tie in Kolkata.

It is still almost imperceptible. But the jostling in India's private sector for a position in what promises to become one of the country's biggest industries has already begun.

As we move through the sharp, precise details of Anita Desai's Clear Light Of Day, we pass through the boundaries between what is real and what is imagined. It is the greatest gift a novelist can give us, says Kamila Shamsie.

Kamran Akmal scored a magnificent 119, while Misbah-ul Haq was unbeaten on 108 as Pakistan posted 358 for 6 in 104 overs at close on Day 3 of the second Test. They still need another 59 runs to avoid the follow-on.

Dogged centuries from Misbah-ul-Haq and Kamran Akmal helped Pakistan stage a resolute fightback on day three of the second Test in Kolkata on Sunday

India put up an imposing 616-5 declared in the first innings and then had one Pakistan wicket down for 50 runs at close on Day 2 of the second Test.

Statistical highlights after the first day's play in the second Test between India and Pakistan at in Kolkata on Friday.

The opening batsman was unbeaten on 192 as India amassed 352 for 3 on Day 1 of the second Test against Pakistan.

Anoof Pai scored an unbeaten 119 as Hyderabad drew with Bengal in the Ranji Trophy Super League Group B match.

Hyderabad, following-on, were 81 for 3 in their second innings, still 148 runs behind Bengal, on the penultimate day of the Ranji Trophy match.

Rather than calling Kumble a tail-ender, it would be more appropriate to hail him a bowling all-rounder, one who is talented enough to frustrate the best of bowlers when armed with the willow.

Reader Suchet Bal sends us his experiences.

Shivraj Patil, who is most likely to succeed Kalam, has listed his interests as shooting and horse-riding.

V S Achuthanandan has taken on Kerala's land sharks.

A sellout crowd of 88,000 would turn out at the Eden Gardens in the opening game of the four-match India-Sri Lanka ODI series.

The opening match of the India-Sri Lanka series will be a day-night affair at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

After bowling out Bengal for 238, Karnataka, who were dismissed for 89 in the first innings, were 97 without loss in their second essay, at close on Day 2 of the Ranji Trophy semi-final.

Bengal were well-placed on Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy semi-final, scoring 121 for 4 after Karnataka were dismissed for 89 in the first innings.

Bengal posted a strong 465 for four on the second day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group B match against Rajasthan.

Bose claimed six wickets as Rajasthan were dismissed for 193 in their first innings, in the Ranji Trophy match against Bengal.

Hrishikesh Kanitkar's unbeaten 151 went in vain as Bengal finished with two points by virtue of a first innings against Maharashtra.

Bengal were 199 for five in reply to Maharashtra's 215 in the Ranji Trophy match.

Sourav Sarkar sizzled on debut claiming four wickets to rattle the Maharashtra top order in the Ranji Trophy match.

Parthiv Patel scored a century as Gujarat posted 329 in their first innings. In reply, Bengal were 227 for 5 in the Ranji Trophy match.

Bhavin Thakkar scored an unbeaten 108 as Mumbai cruised to 206 for two in response to Bengal's 578 for seven declared.

Bengal, electing to bat first, scored 226 for two against Mumbai on the first day of the Ranji Trophy tie.

North Zone beat Sri Lanka A by eight wickets to claim their 17th Duleep Trophy title.

Sri Lanka 'A' were 259 for 4 in their second innings, needing another 81 runs to save an innings defeat against North Zone.

North Zone were 627 for 7 in reply to Sri Lanka A's first innings' 296, at close on day 3 of the Duleep Trophy match.

North Zone were 321-2 in the first innings on day 2 of the Duleep Trophy match against Sri Lanka 'A'.

North were 51 for no loss at close on day 1 in the Duleep Trophy final.

Sri Lanka 'A' took a 61-run first innings lead over South Zone on the second day of their four-day Group 'A' Duleep Trophy match.

Readers pay tribute to their moms

Bengal pacer S S Paul returned a five-wicket haul as Baroda caved in for 241 on the opening day of the five-day Ranji Trophy Elite group semi-final.

Aiming for maximum points to book a berth in the semi-finals, Bengal did manage the first innings lead, but their match against Railways seems heading for a draw.