INTERNATIONAL

CRICKET: Having clinched the one-day series 3-2, hosts India, led by new captain Anil Kumble, take on Pakistan in the first of the three-match Test series at New Delhi from Thursday. Kumble, who picked up 10 second-innings wickets against the same opponents at the same venue eight years ago, will be looking for a good start.
Hosts South Africa, who crushed New Zealand in the two-Test series, take on the visitors in the first one-dayer at

Durban on Sunday. Dale Steyn, who was the Kiwi destroyer in the Tests, has been drafted into the ODI team as well. Before that, the two countries play a Twenty20 game at Johannesburg on Friday.

GOLF: The World Cup concludes at Shenzen, China on Sunday. India are represented by European Tour regular Jyoti Randhawa and Gaurav Ghei.

FOOTBALL: The Champions League group stage matches will be played at various venues in Europe.

NATIONAL

CRICKET: Karnataka, fresh from their brilliant innings victory over Himachal Pradesh, will be looking extend their run when they take on hosts Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy beginning on Friday at Chennai. Karnataka will be without ace leg-spinner Anil Kumble and Rahul Dravid, who are both doing duty for the country against Pakistan in the Tests.

Other Super League and Plate matches will be played at various venues across the country.

HANDBALL: The National Championship concludes at the Sree Kanteerava stadium in Bangalore on Saturday.

TENNIS: The fourth leg of the Good Earth Super Series junior tournament concludes at the KSLTA courts in Bangalore on Friday.

LOCAL/ STATE

FOOTBALL: The BDFA Super Division and 'A' Division leagues make progress at the Bangalore Football Stadium.

VOLLEYBALL: The Association Cup tournament draws to a close at the Sree Kanteerava stadium outdoor courts on Saturday. League champions KSP will be hoping for a fine double.

HOCKEY: The State ‘B’ Division league continues at the KSHA stadium.