SPORT Sunday 18 November 2018 PAGE | 27 PAGE | 29 Boult leads New Neymar penalty Zealand fightback in punishes Uruguay in first Test feisty friendly Stajf clinches historic win in Qatar

THE PENINSULA The podium winners of the 2018 Manateq LOSAIL: Czech rival Vojtech International Rally Stajf and his female navigator of Qatar, celebrate Veronika Havelkova created after the presentation their own little piece of history ceremony at iconic with a shock victory in the Souq Waqif yesterday. Manateq International Rally of Qatar, the final round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship yesterday. Zverev didn’t Following Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah retirement on the first deserve to be stage of the day, Stajf cruised to an emphatic win. His success booed, says marked the first victory in the Qatar International Rally for a beaten Federer non-Arab driver since the late REUTERS Bjorn Waldegard’s success with co-driver Fred Gallagher in a LONDON: Roger Federer Toyota Celica Turbo way back sprang to Alexander Zverev’s in 1986. The win also marked the defence after some of the first for a non-Qatari driver since Swiss great’s diehard fans 2002 and the first MERC win for booed the young German the Czech at the end of his debut after his superb victory in the season. last four of the ATP Finals Stajf won the first stage of the yesterday. day and then extended his We will be stronger next year, warns Stajf Zverev, 21, won fair and advantage over Adel Abdulla to square 7-5 7-6(5) to claim a RIZWAN REHMAT 2018 MANATEQ INTERNATIONAL 1min 50sec with the fastest time we will be stronger,” Stajf warned. “We were keeping the pace to third victory in six meetings THE PENINSULA RALLY OF QATAR - FINAL STANDINGS: through Al Ghariyah. The Skoda “To win over Nasser at his home be safe from the beginning, with Federer, but the semi- 1. Vojtech Stajf (CZE)/Veronika Havelkova (CZE) event is quite a miracle here I would holding back and waiting for a pos- Fabia R5 driver’s eventual Skoda Fabia R5: 1hr 39min 46.7sec final ended in uproar after a DOHA: Czech driver Vojtech Stajf say,” he said. “In rallying anything can sible problem for Nasser. That’s winning margin was 4min 2. Adel Hussein (QAT)/Ziad Chehab (LEB) Ford controversial second-set yesterday produced an upset win over happen. We started the rally with what happened. My first rally was 07.8sec. Havelkova is a two-time Fiesta R5: 1hr 43min 54.5sec tiebreak. home hero Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah on caution as we were trying to avoid actually in 1986 with my uncle. Slovakian national champion, 3. Abdullah Al Kuwari (QAT)/Nasser Al Kuwari Federer was leading 4-3 the final day of the Manateq Rally of making any serious mistakes,” he said. That’s when I decided to become but this was her first event with (QAT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X: 1hr 52min 48.0sec when Zverev stopped mid- Qatar and then quickly promised to “There were different stages and a rally driver. Stajf. 4. Mohammed Al Meer (QAT)/Ahmad Al rally after a ball slipped from give it another shot next year. after the crash in Kuwait Rally, my “I am so happy for my sponsors, Al Attiyah and French navi- Fares (KWT) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X: 2hrs a ball boys’ hand and into his The 44-year-old became the first team got a better car,” Stajf said. who have supported me to expe- gator Matthieu Baumel headed 13min 57.1sec line of vision. When the point non-Arab to win the final round of this “Thanks to my teams for the role they rience such a hard and challenging into the opening Al Khor stage 5. Rashid Al Mohannadi (QAT)/Yousef Juma (JOR) was replayed Zverev served year’s FIA Middle East Rally Champi- played. This year we did really well. It event like Rally Qatar. defending a lead of just over two Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX: 2hrs 20min 27.8sec an ace. minutes, but the Qatari’s hopes onship in more than 32 years after has been a special year for us,” he said. “This year’s Middle East Cham- A few points later Zverev Qatari star Al Attiyah - a two-time “We are a Czech team with a great car pionship was very hard for me. All of securing a record 14th home 2018 FIA MIDDLE EAST RALLY finished off the 37-year-old Dakar Rally winner - pulled out of the and we deserved to win here,” he said. the rallies were new for me and all event win were ruined just CHAMPIONSHIP - FINAL STANDINGS: with a nerveless volley, but metres into the stage when the race early yesterday. Stajf praised his co-driver the events were very different. I am 1. Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (QAT) 153pts his on-court interview was rear left-hand drive flange broke The last team to win the Qatar leg Veronika, a two-time Slovakian still learning at the age of 44, even 2. Vojtech Stajf (CZE) 131pts drowned out by a cacophony on his Ford Fiesta R5. The crew of the Middle East Championship was national champion. though I have been doing rallies for 3. Meshari Al Thefiri (KWT) 59pts of boos and heckling from struggled to the stage finish, late Bjorn Waldegard and co-driver “When I mentioned that we will 22 years. This has been a great 4. Roger Feghali (LBN) 38pts fans who believed the dropping 2min 40.9sec to new Fred Gallagher in their Toyota Celica racing in the desert she was all over- challenge.” 5. Henry Kahy (LBN) 33pts German had gained an unfair leader Stajf, but retired after the Turbo way back in 1986. whelmed,” he joked. “She has done a “We decided to go for the chal- 6. Khaled Juma (JOR) 32pts advantage. flying finish. After the pulsating challenge great job. I was looking for a good lenge for the while year. Each rally 7. Adel Abdulla (QAT) 29pts “Look, I understand the Al Attiyah said: “The upright across the deserts in Qatar, Stajf and navigator and I found a good driver,” was different. Races had different 8. Christos Demostheous (CYP) 25pts frustration. It’s just unfor- was completely broken. Maybe it his female navigator Veronika Stajf said with a smile. pace,” Stajf said yesterday. 9. Abdullah Al Kuwari 24pts tunate circumstances,” was some damage when we had Havelkova yesterday were crowned Stajf said retirements in off-road Despite the win, Al Attiyah still 9. Rodolphe Asmar (LBN) 24pts 20-time Grand Slam a puncture in Kuwait. It was the champions at a spectacular prize dis- challenges can happen. finished the season as the overall champion Federer told same corner. It is bad luck. The tribution ceremony held at Souq Waqif “I feel sorry for Nasser, but that winner of the FIA Middle East Rally 2018 FIA MERC 2 - FINAL STANDINGS: reporters. “Booing, I never problem was from the start of the in front of a huge crowd. happens sometimes. That is rallying,” Championship. The Qatari sealed the 1. Meshari Al Thefiri (KWT) 117pts like it. We see it in other stage. There was a vibration. We “To win in the home event of Stajf, who was behind the wheel of MERC title triumph - 14th overall - 2. Khaled Juma (JOR) 49pts sports all the time, but in did 300 metres and stopped to Nasser is a big achievement,” Stajf said his Skoda Fabia R5, said. at the Rally of Kuwait two weeks 3. Abdullah Al Kuwari (QAT) 39pts tennis it’s rare. check if it was a flat tyre. We saw after the race. “Our rivals will have to ago. 4. Savvas Savva (CYP) 37pts “So when it happens, it nothing and decided to keep be well prepared next year because 5. Ihab Al Shorafa (JOR) 33pts gets very personal and we going to the finish. The wheel was 6. Costas Zenonos (CYP) 30pts take it very direct. I think it’s completely stuck and we only had 7. Mohammed Al Meer (QAT) 29pts unfortunate that this hap- three wheels. We let Vojtech pass 8. Ahmed Shaban (JOR) 25pts pened. Sascha doesn’t and we finished behind him. But 8. George Englezou (CYP) 25pts deserve it. it was over for us.” 10. Rashid Al Mohannadi (QAT) 24pts “He apologised to me at Qatar’s runner-up Adel Vojtech Stajf in 10. Nasser Khalifa Al Attiyah (QAT) 24pts the net. I was like, ‘buddy, Abdulla and new Lebanese nav- action during shut up! You don’t need to igator Ziad Chebab delivered an the final stage 2018 FIA MERC 3 - FINAL STANDINGS: apologise to me here. Con- impressive debut performance in of the Manateq 1. Henry Kahy (LBN) 166pts gratulations on a great match a Ford Fiesta R5. Adel got to grips International 2. Rony Kanaan (LBN) 39pts and a great tournament so with the increased performance rally of Qatar 3. Panayiotis Xenophontos (CYP) 37pts far.’ quickly, although the loss of over yesterday. “He didn’t do anything two minutes in the seventh stage 2018 FIA MERC JUNIOR about it. He just called it how because of power steering issues CHAMPIONSHIP – FINAL STANDINGS: it was. He felt it affected play. cost him any realistic chance of 1. Matthias Njeim (LBN) 39pts There is a rule that if some- catching Stajf. thing like this happens, obvi- Abdullah Al Kuwari moved ously you replay points.” into third overall when Al Attiyah Qatari driver Adel Abdulla Federer, who was retired and then lost over two and (second, left) and his already being pencilled in a half minutes with a puncture navigator Ziad Chehab for a today showdown with and a turbo issue in stage six. But celebrate at the finish line great rival Novak Djokovic, the Qatari and his nephew Nasser with Manateq CEO Fahad said he had asked the ball Al Kuwari secured the final Al Kaabi (right) and Qatar boy whether or not he had podium place and won the MERC dropped the ball. Motor and Motorcycle 2 category. “He said, ‘Yes, I did drop Federation (QMMF) President Engine issues prevented Al the ball.’ From that stand- Abdulrahman Al Mannai Rawahi from restarting in the FIA point, it’s okay, no problem, (second, right) section and co-driver illness also that happens. It’s all good. I sidelined the MERC 2 champion hope he doesn’t have a Meshari Al Thefiri. The National sleepless night. It’s not a big category also lost Oman’s deal at the end of the day. This Humaid Al Waili with engine is life, this is sport. Definitely issues and Hamed bin Eid Al not mad at him. It’s all good,” Thani with turbo-related engine he added. problems. Zverev, the first German None of the other National to reach the final of the pres- Rally contenders made it to the tigious season-ender since stage start yesterday. Boris Becker in 1996, 28 SPORT SUNDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2018 Zverev shocks Federer to reach final AFP Germany’s Alexander Zverev in action during his LONDON: Alexander Zverev beat Roger Federer 7-5, 7-6 (7/5) ATP Finals semi-final match yesterday to reach the title against Switzerland’s Roger decider at the ATP Finals in a Federer at The O2, London, match that ended in confusion Britain, yesterday. and high drama. The 21-year-old German, leading the charge of the new generation against the old guard, is now just one win away from the biggest title of his career but the Swiss must wait for a tilt at his 100th tournament victory. The end of the match was overshadowed by an unusual incident, Zverev stopping a rally with Federer leading 4-3 in the second-set tie-break after a ballboy dropped a ball, forcing Zverev shakes hands with the point to be replayed. Federer after winning his Zverev won the point with an ace and nudged into a 5-4 semi-final match. lead before Federer inexplicably netted with a simple forehand volley to hand the German two tie-break,” said the German. “The of a high-class match, with watching helplessly as Zverev the next game as Zverev levelled event since Juan Martin del Potro set points, the second of which ball boy dropped the ball and it neither player able to make zipped a magnificent passing at 2-2. Federer’s level slipped as in 2009. In the other match, he took on his own serve. is the rules we have to stop the serious inroads, Zverev sending shot past him down the line on his young opponent stayed world number one Djokovic Immediately after the match point.” “I’m unbelievably proud,” down howitzers around the 140 his way to breaking to love. The focused but he clung on to take takes on South Africa’s Kevin finished there were boos from added the world number five. miles-per-hour (225 kilometres second seed regrouped and drew the set to a tie-break. The tie- Anderson in a repeat of the Wim- the pro-Federer crowd at Lon- “My team and me have been per hour) mark. first blood in the second set, break went with serve until the bledon final for the right to face don’s O2 Arena and on-court working so hard for this. Six-time champion Federer, breaking in the third game with 10th point, when Federer netted the German in Sunday’s final. interviewer Annabel Croft told “I’m a little bit upset now 37, and third seed Zverev both a thunderous backhand down to hand Zverev a mini-break -- The Serbian top seed has them to be “more respectful” as about how it all ended, I didn’t showed a willingness to get to the line that drew enormous an advantage he did not stormed up the rankings in the Zverev had been playing by the want it to end that way, but the net in a match featuring cheers from the partisan crowd. squander. Zverev, who already second half of the year and is just rules. hopefully I’ll have many more power and guile. The Swiss But the frustrated 20-time has three Masters series titles two wins away from pulling level “First of all I want to apol- great matches here.” - veteran eventually faltered in the Grand Slam winner could not under his belt in his short career, with Federer’s record number of ogise for the situation in the Serve dominated the first set 12th game of the opening set, consolidate his position, losing is the youngest finalist at the titles at the season finale.

Former Ancer dazzles at Australian Open Masters champions AFP who won last week in Mexico, is The softly-spoken Abraham Ancer of a shot further back. Nakajima, who won gold at the take joint lead SYDNEY: On-fire Mexican Mexico in action Bradley called Ancer’s round Asian Games this year and fin- AP Abraham Ancer battled howling in this file picture. one of the best he had seen all ished second at the Asia-Pacific winds to sink nine birdies and year anywhere, given the wind, Amateur Championship last race to a five shot lead at the and the Mexican admitted it had month, admitted he was battling DUBAI: Patrick Reed and Australian Open yesterday, with been tough going. nerves. Danny Willett each put on a Japanese amateur Keita “I had to stay patient and just “Tomorrow will be a tough green jacket the last time they Nakajima a surprise package in keep the ball in play, and I was day, but I’ll enjoy the 18 holes won a tournament. Now they second. able to do that,” said Ancer, and really do my best,” he said have their eyes set on another World number 96 Ancer, whose stature is currently unri- in broken English. significant prize. who already has two top five fin- valled among his countrymen. Bradley, who won the BMW Reed, the reigning ishes on the US PGA Tour this “It was a very challenging Championships this year, stayed Masters champion, and season, started two shots off the round, but everything went my in touch but said he was Willett, who won that event leaders but made an incredible way, and whenever something “bummed out” by his finish, two years earlier, closed yes- run of five birdies at the sixth to didn’t go my way, I managed to hitting two late bogeys to ruin terday at 14-under 202 and 10th holes to take control. make at most a bogey, which his scorecard. will enter the final day of the Further birdies at the 16th out here is pretty good.” The “Abraham’s been playing European Tour’s season- and 17th ensured a superb 65 to 27-year-old has never been to really good golf. I wish I wasn’t ending DP World Tour Cham- be 13-under-par going into the Australia before and said that far back obviously, but you pionship as co-leaders. final day. on the Stonehaven Cup alongside claim what would be a famous winning the trophy “would never know,” said the world Willett, one stroke off the Overnight frontrunners An the likes of Jack Nicklaus and victory. mean the world to me”, with number 30. lead after the second round, Byeong-hun and Max McCardle Rory McIlroy. Australia veteran Marcus only one previous professional “This is a tricky little course. shot a 4-under 68, and Reed slumped to 76 and 75 respec- Nakajima stayed in touch Fraser is at seven-under in third victory on the web.com tour -- You can go out and shoot a low carded a 5-under 67 to move tively to all but end their hopes with a battling 70, but the young place with Keegan Bradley. a pathway to the PGA Tour -- in one out here, so I look forward one stroke ahead of Jordan of having their names engraved gun has a huge task ahead to Fellow American Matt Kuchar, 2015. to doing that tomorrow.” Smith. Lee Westwood, who won the Nedbank Challenge last week, shot a 65 and moved Horikawa leads, Koepka five into a tie for fourth place with Dean Burmester. Reed, who had just one three-putt bogey - on the long strokes off the pace in Japan par-3 fourth hole - made four birdies when the wind started AFP LPGA TOUR picking up on the 7,675-yard Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Leading scores after Friday’s second round TOKYO: World number one Brooks Koepka has his work cut out Estates. of the LPGA Tour Championship at Tiburon if he is to win the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament for a third year in “I feel good,” said Reed, Golf Club in Naples, Florida (USA unless not- a row after falling five strokes behind leader Mikumu Horikawa who entered the week ranked ed, par 72): during the third round in Miyazaki yesterday. 1]32 - Lexi Thompson 65-67 135 - Brittany 17th in the world. Japan’s Horikawa will take a two-shot lead into the final round Lincicome 64-71, Amy Olson 63-72 136 - “I feel like the consistency at Phoenix Country Club after firing seven birdies with a single Marina Alex 69-67, Nelly Korda 69-67 137 - of my game is where it needs bogey in a six-under-par 65 to move to 12-under 201 for the tour- Charley Hull (ENG) 69-68, Pannarat Thana- to be. You’re always going to nament after 54 holes. polboonyaras (THA) 67-70, Carlota Ciganda have hot flashes here and Australian Brendan Jones and Japan’s Shugo Imahira also shot (ESP) 66-71 138 - Megan Khang 71-67, Jessi- there and you’re always going 65s for a share of second on 10-under with South Korean Park ca Korda 69 69, Ryu So-yeon (KOR) 69-69 to have kind of low points. Sang-hyun alone in fourth a further shot back after shooting a 68 139 - Cristie Kerr 69-70 140 - Gaby Lopez “I feel like my low points for the third day in a row. (MEX) 71-69, Lee Mi-hyang (KOR) 70-70, Liz- are getting better, and they Koepka started the day three shots off the pace after landing ette Salas 69-71, Ashleigh Buhai (RSA) 69-71, are more manageable and I three late birdies on Friday and looked to have ignited his round Lydia Ko (NZL) 69-71, Liu Yu (CHN) 68-72, can miss the golf ball where when he nailed an eagle putt at his fourth hole, a par five. I need to miss it. When you

Nasa Hataoka (JPN) 64-76. Danny Willett of England plays The American stalled when he gave back the shots with a double can do that, you’re able to a shot during day three of the bogey at the next hole, however, and two more birdies over the Australian Open eliminate a lot of the big mis- back nine left him with a 69 to stand in a share of eighth on DP World Tour Championship at takes and keep the bogeys off Leading third-round scores at the Australian Jumeirah Golf Estates golf course seven-under. Open at The Lakes in Sydney yesterday (par the card and I think that’s in Dubai yesterday. “It was pretty bad,” Koepka told reporters. “I didn’t hit very 72, AUS unless stated, *denotes amateur): key.” good, didn’t putt very good. It’s kind of continuation of last two 203 - Abraham Ancer (MEX) 69-69-65 208 - Reed, who said winning days. I haven’t got any momentum. I played poorly. *Keita Nakajima (JPN) 70-68-70 209 - would be “a little early “I need to play better. If I can put a good round together, I Keegan Bradley (USA) 72-66-71, Marcus Fra- Christmas gift,” will have to should have myself in contention with nine holes to go. That’s the ser 69-69-71 210 - Matt Kuchar (USA) get past a resurgent Willett, plan.” 70-67-73, Dimitrios Papadatos 69-70-71, was ranked No. 462 in May Overnight leader Emiliano Grillo managed only a level par 71 Cameron Percy 69-69-72, Aaron Pike 72-71- but entered the event 276th. and fell to a tie for fifth on eight-under with Yuki Inamori (70) and 67 211 - Maverick Antcliff 73-69-69, Max Mc- Willett was 1 under another South Korean Japan Golf Tour regular in Ryu Hyun-woo Cardle 70-66-75, *David Micheluzzi 68-69- through 13 holes before (68). 74 Selected 212 - An Byeong-hun (KOR) making three consecutive The Argentine world number 48 was equally unimpressed 67-69-76, *Takumi Kanaya (JPN) 70-70-72 birdies for a 68. with his round. 213 - Mikko Ilonen (FIN) 73-72-68 215 - Cam- “It would be nice to win, “Absolutely garbage to be honest,” he said. “Didn’t hit it good eron Smith 74-71-70 218 - Brandt Snedeker but there’s a lot of golf left,” off the tee, didn’t hit good second shot, putting was horrible. A lot (USA) 73-72-73 Willett said. “A lot can happen of work to do tomorrow.” in 18 holes.” SUNDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 29

Brazil’s Neymar ahead of a friendly game against Uruguay in London on Friday. Neymar penalty punishes Uruguay in feisty friendly

AFP since losing in the World Cup Brazil are now Torreira was on home turf quarter-finals against unbeaten in their last and the Arsenal midfielder LONDON: Neymar kept his Belgium. 10 meetings with showed the steely streak that cool to score the controversial “It was a typical South Uruguay, who haven’t has endeared him to Gunners penalty that fired Brazil to a American derby. We have defeated the five-time fans when he earned a 1-0 win over Uruguay in a respect for Uruguay. They world champions since booking for clattering into full-blooded friendly on have dangerous players,” Neymar. Friday. Brazil boss Tite said. 2001. That crunching tackle was Brazil Neymar “We managed to control typical of the robust approach was subjected to some fero- them. This is our third game forced a good save from that has remained Uruguay’s cious fouls from Uruguay as now without conceding a Martin Campana. trademark for decades. the clash between the South goal.” Neymar thought he had Brazil nearly fell behind American rivals boiled over Even on a dank, misty opened the scoring when he just before the interval as at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. north London evening that slotted home from Filipe Alisson was forced to repel But the Paris Saint- was a million miles from the Luis’s cross, but his close- Edinson Cavani’s close-range Germain striker had the last sun-soaked beaches of Rio, range effort was ruled out for strike from a Suarez cross. laugh, netting from the spot Brazil’s global popularity offside. Suarez went close himself, late in the second half after ensured a large crowd braved Trying his luck from long blasting a low free-kick that Diego Laxalt was harshly the elements to see their star- range soon after, Neymar forced Alisson to save at full ruled to have fouled Danilo. studded line-up. whistled a fierce strike just stretch after the interval. Brazil are now unbeaten Neymar was the headline over Campana’s crossbar. Neymar finally got his in their last 10 meetings with act as the Maracana came to Uruguay were hardly revenge for the rough Uruguay, who haven’t the Holloway Road. short of star power them- treatment in the 76th minute. defeated the five-time world His every touch brought selves and the two-time When Uruguay’s Laxalt champions since 2001. cheers of approval from the World Cup winners came dived in on Danilo, the Bra- Brazil, building towards crowd and it wasn’t long close to taking the lead in the zilian launched into a theat- hosting the Copa America next before he conjured the Sele- 23rd minute. rical fall that convinced year, take on Cameroon in cao’s first chance. Seizing on Brazil’s careless Pawson to give a dubious another friendly in Milton Tripped by Rodrigo Ben- loss of possession, Barcelona penalty. Keynes on Tuesday. tancur after a flamboyant run, forward Luis Suarez Neymar grabbed the ball It will be their last match Neymar picked himself up to unleashed a dipping shot that and stepped up to send of 2018, having recorded five take the resulting free-kick was turned over by Alisson Campana the wrong way from successive friendly victories and drilled a low shot that Becker.Uruguay’s Lucas the spot.

Croatian midfielder Argentina cruise Rakitic out of England to 2-0 victory Nations League game

REUTERS over Mexico REUTERS LONDON: Croatian midfielder Ivan Rakitic will miss the winner-takes-all Nations League game against England CORDOBA: A first-half header at Wembley today due to injury, manager Zlatko Dalic from defender Ramiro Funes Both teams were led said on Friday. Mori and a second half own goal Barcelona’s Rakitic came off in the 67th minute of the from substitute Isaac Brizuela by interim coaches 3-2 home win over Spain on Thursday which gave Croatia gave an experimental Argentina and Argentina were the chance to top League A Group 4 and claim a place in side a 2-0 win over Mexico in once again without next year’s four-team finals. a friendly in Cordoba on Friday. “He will go to Barcelona, it’s a serious injury. You know The Villareal centre half Lionel Messi, who that I usually take no risk. If there is a doubt that the injury opened the scoring a minute took a sabbatical could be serious, then we let him rest,” Dalic told Sky before half time when he got from international Sports. his head to a Paulo Dybala free football after the He did not specify the injury but Rakitic left the pitch kick as Mexican defenders in Zagreb suffering discomfort in the back of his right stood back and watched. World Cup finals in thigh. Then Brizuela, who had Russia. “We want healthy players and Ivan in this moment is replaced Miguel Layun only not 100 percent ready. Unfortunately, we are going to three minutes earlier, put play without him.” Rakitic, 30, has played 102 games for through his own net eight Velez Sarsfield midfielder Croatia but Dalic said they have players capable of filling minutes from time to seal a Gaston Gimenez and was in. deserved win for the home side. delighted with the perform- “We will see who will replace him. We have (Mateo) Both teams were led by ances of what was a young and Kovacic, we have (Josip) Brekalo, we have (Milan) Badelj,” interim coaches and Argentina experimental side that included he added. were once again without Lionel the return of Erik Lamela after “There is always a solution and we should stop whining Messi, who took a sabbatical injury. about someone who’s not going to be there. We will find from international football after “I am very happy because a solution and we are going to Wembley to enjoy football.” the World Cup finals in Russia. some players were able to make The winners of Sunday’s game will qualify for the But it was Lionel Scaloni, in their debuts today,” Scaloni Nations League semi-finals with the losers being rele- charge after Jorge Sampaoli’s said. gated to League B. A draw would see leaders Spain clinch short stint ended with a disap- “They are adding something top spot in Group 4. pointing World Cup, who came and important things come Rakitic is suspended for La Liga leaders Barca’s next out on top to record his third along with them. The young game on Nov. 24 at third-placed Atletico Madrid, who trail win in five games and his fourth lads have to know that the Argentina players celebrate after a goal against Mexico, during their by a point, after being sent off in the home defeat by Real clean sheet. jersey carries a weight.” friendly match at Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Cordoba, Argentina, Betis on Sunday. Scaloni handed debuts to Argentina and Mexico meet on Friday. Spurs defender Juan Foyth and again in Mendoza on Tuesday. Tabarez lauds youngsters for new-look Uruguay REUTERS that of Gimenez, who played his neighbours Argentina and Brazil, first international match, also and has lifted the World Cup LONDON: Uruguay coach Oscar aged 18, in a crucial World Cup twice, while winning the Copa Tabarez lauded his young players qualifier against Colombia in America 15 times, more than any on Friday after a team featuring We were very much 2013. of their rivals. two debutant defenders matched the equal of Brazil, we “He showed things today that “So we don’t have an abun- Brazil in a scrappy game in had chances, they had, all talents show, they seem like dance. When one player appears London before falling 1-0 to a too. It’s a shame the they are wise beyond their in Uruguay, 10 appear in controversial late penalty. years,” Tabarez said. Argentina and 40 in Brazil,” Missing Atletico Madrid’s match was decided “It seems like they have more added Tabarez. defensive pair Jose Gimenez and by a controversial experience than they actually Brazil won the decisive Diego Godin, Tabarez handed incident, the game have. That happens in small penalty after Danilo was brought debuts to 18-year-old centre didn’t deserve that: countries where there aren’t that down in the box but Uruguay back Bruno Mendez and many footballers. claimed there was a handball in 22-year-old full back Mathias Coach Oscar Tabarez “Jose Maria Jimenez also the build-up. Suarez, as well as a first start to debuted in very similar condi- “We were very much the goalkeeper Martin Campana. Mendez, who more than held his tions to Bruno Mendez and now equal of Brazil, we had chances, All three did not let him own against a pacy Brazilian he has consolidated his interna- they had, too,” Tabarez said. down at the Emirates Stadium attack of Neymar, Roberto tional position,” he said. “It’s a shame the match was as Uruguay were unlucky to lose Firmino and Douglas Costa. Uruguay, with a population decided by a controversial Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez to Neymar’s 76th minute spot The veteran coach Tabarez of 3.5 million, has no problem incident, the game didn’t deserve kick. Tabarez singled out compared Mendez’s debut to competing with bigger that.” 30 SPORT SUNDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2018 Salah crafts Australia, South Korea share Egypt win as Morocco spoils in early Asian Cup test overcome

AFP But in a game Australia dom- Cameroon inated, Massimo Luongo got their BRISBANE: Australia scrambled just rewards when he tapped the REUTERS an injury-time equaliser to share ball home after Korean keeper the spoils with South Korea in a Kim Seung-gyu spilled a shot JOHANNESBURG: Mohamed 1-1 draw yesterday between two from Tom Rogic deep into Salah scored a last-minute of the big guns preparing for the stoppage time. winner as Egypt came from Asian Cup in January. The Socceroos beat the behind to end Tunisia’s 100 Gamba Osaka striker Hwang Koreans in the final of the 2015 percent record in African Ui-jo gave his team the continental championship and Nations Cup qualifying with advantage, coolly burying the the showdown in Brisbane was a 3-2 win in Alexandria on ball past Brighton goalkeeper their first meeting since then. Friday. Mat Ryan after 22 minutes before It was also Australia’s first Morocco beat Cameroon being stretchered off just before home game under new coach 2-0 in Casablanca and are half-time clutching his right Graham Arnold, who took over now one point from a place knee. after Bert van Marwijk’s tem- in next year’s finals while tiny Gamba Osaka striker porary role in charge during the Burundi moved a step closer World Cup in Russia. to qualification for the first Hwang Ui-jo gave his He named an attacking time with a 5-2 away win team the advantage, line-up with Jamie McLaren up over South Sudan. coolly burying the ball front and they showed their Egypt and Tunisia had Australia’s Robbie Kruse past Brighton goalkeeper intent immediately, with a hatful already secured their places (foreground) gets past South of chances in the opening 10 at the finals by making sure Mat Ryan after 22 minutes Korea’s Hwang In-beom during before being stretchered minutes. of the top two spots in Group They were in charge and their international friendly match J but their clash was still bris- off just before half-time Huddesfield’s Aaron Mooy in Brisbane, yesterday. tling with tension after last clutching his right knee. missed a golden opportunity on week’s victory for Tunisian the volley after 17 minutes, club Esperance over Cairo’s But in a game blasting it over the bar. Al Ahly in the African Cham- Australia dominated, But against the run of play, pions League final. it was the Taeguk Warriors, Naim Sliti scored the Massimo Luongo got coached by ex-Portugal manager regulars, including Newcastle’s second half, Matthew Leckie Australia were playing opener for Tunisia after 13 their just rewards when Paulo Bento, who got on the Ki Sung-yeung and Tottenham’s went close with a header and without two of their most expe- minutes but Egypt were level he tapped the ball home scoresheet first. Son Heung-min, the goal Ryan pulled off a stunning save rienced players -- Tim Cahill and at the break after Mahmoud after Korean keeper Kim A deft long pass exposed the sparked the visitors into life and from a Ju Se-jong freekick to long-time skipper Mile Jedinak, “Trezeguet” Hassan equalised Seung-gyu spilled a shot Australian defence with Trent they were dangerous when keep them alive. who both recently retired. with a deflected shot. from Tom Rogic deep into Sainsbury slow to react as winning the ball in the The intense pressure paid off Ahead of the game, veteran Baher El Mohamady put Hwang raced onto the ball and midfield. with the last-gasp equaliser defender Mark Milligan was Egypt ahead with a 59th- stoppage time. powerfully placed it past Ryan. Australia had a goal disal- sending the 33,000-strong named the new Socceroos minute header but fellow In a team missing several lowed for offside early in the crowd home happy. captain. defender Ahmed Hegazy handed Sliti the chance to score his second with a poor Italy coach Roberto Mancini clearance 18 minutes from time. Coach Mancini wants to ‘bring Salah, who had a quiet match, then produced yet another last-gasp winner for his country in the 90th Italy back where it belongs’ minute with a deft chip over the goalkeeper after a quick AP interchange of passes. Bernardeschi was a key per- Tunisia remained top of MILAN: A year after its stunning former in the 1-0 win over Poland the group on the head-to- elimination by Sweden in a World last month, lining up alongside head countback with both Cup play-off, Italy is back at the We would like Lorenzo Insigne and Federico countries on 12 points from San Siro Stadium for another Chiesa. five matches. Egypt have now potentially decisive match. to advance, and Unable to use the same lineup, won four matches since the The Azzurri have to beat Cris- we’ll try to, but Mancini announced that Ciro World Cup in Russia under tiano Ronaldo-less Portugal and the No. 1 objective Immobile will likely start at center new coach Javier Aguirre. then hope the European champion remains qualifying forward. A hat-trick from Abdul does not defeat Poland three days Italy has had trouble scoring. Razak Fiston inspired later in order to reach the UEFA for the European The last time the Azzurri scored Burundi to a comfortable win Nations League finals. Championship: Mancini more than one goal was in May, a over South Sudan in Juba and “We would like to advance, 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in a top place in Group C with and we’ll try to, but the No. 1 slated to make his 100th friendly, while the last time they nine points from five games. objective remains qualifying for appearance for Italy while wearing accomplished the feat in a com- Burundi, reinforced in the European Championship,” the captain’s armband. petitive match was in June 2017, recent matches by Saido coach Roberto Mancini said on “I want to celebrate the a 5-0 victory over Liechtenstein in Berahino’s decision to switch Friday. achievement only at the end of the a World Cup qualifier. international allegiance from Portugal leads Group 4 with a match,” Chiellini said. Italy next plays the United England, would need a result perfect six points, Italy has four, “First let’s focus on Portugal, States in a friendly in Genk, at home to Gabon in their last and Poland one. try to bring home three points and Belgium, on Tuesday. qualifier in March to finish in The group winner advances to provide continuity to the good Mancini announced Chiellini, the top two places and book the Final Four in June. Poland is work done to this point.” Alessandro Florenzi, Jorginho and a place in June’s finals in already assured of finishing last in Chiellini retired from the Insigne would be sent home after Cameroon. the group and will be relegated to national team in the aftermath of the Portugal game and Gianluca Berahino and Cedric League B. the loss to Sweden but then Mancini and Moise Kean would be Hamissi scored Burundi’s Mancini was hired after pre- changed his mind. called up from the under-21 side. other goals while Atak Lual vious coach Gian Piero Ventura “The real disappointment came Mancini and Chiellini both and Dominic Aboy Koni got was blamed for Italy’s failed World in June when many of my club expressed disappointment that South Sudan’s first goals of Cup qualification. teammates left for Russia while I Ronaldo, who is taking a break the campaign, although they “I see a team that wants to roll was preparing my suitcases for from the national team, isn’t with remained without any its sleeves up and bring Italy back vacation,” Chiellini said. Portugal. points. where it belongs,” Mancini said. Fellow defender Alessio “It’s always great to face the Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech “Let’s be clear, we still need Romagnoli left Italy’s squad on best players,” Mancini said. netted a 54th-minute penalty some time, but we’re on the right Friday with a muscular injury, and “Anyhow, Portugal remains a and struck with a shot from path.” Italy is also without forward Fed- great squad even without outside the box 12 minutes Defender Giorgio Chiellini is erico Bernardeschi. Cristiano.” later to settle the heavyweight clash against Cameroon in Casablanca. Netherlands performance surprises delighted Koeman REUTERS The result means the Netherlands looking much changed from the side that “It has given the team a lot of self- can win the group if they draw in missed out on the 2016 European Cham- confidence. France did not come to play ROTTERDAM: The Netherlands have Gelsenkirchen against Germany on pionship and the last World Cup in and try and make a decent game of it. put behind them the poor form that saw Monday, usurping the last two World Russia. It made it difficult to stay patient and to them miss out on the last two major Cup winners to advance to next June’s The Netherlands beat Germany 3-0 pick out moments. tournaments and even coach Ronald Nations League finals. last month in the Nations League to “We had many chances a second Koeman is pleasantly surprised by “I also did not expect that this team signal their potential but Koeman, goal but their keeper (Hugo Lloris) was Friday’s victory over world champions would be as far in their reading of a appointed coach in February, then tried tremendous, otherwise the final score France. match. We’ve shown on such a night that to temper the euphoria. could have been 3-0 or 4-0,” the coach “We’ve have shown we are broken we’ve made enormous steps. From the But he was fulsome in his praise added. the slump but I did not expect that we beginning to the end we played really after the latest victory. Depay said that the young team would be so much better through 90 well,” Koeman said. “In the previous matches there were on the right track. minutes,” said a delighted Ronald Georginio Wijnaldum scored just were moments where we could have “I’m enjoying how the team is devel- Coach Ronald Koeman Koeman after a 2-0 win in Rotterdam before halftime and Memphis Depay been a lot better. But to be better than oping and if, in games like this, are able inflicted a first defeat on the French converted a late penalty as the Dutch we were against France will be very to get result, then we are on the right since they won the World Cup in Russia. dominated against the world champions, difficult. path.” SUNDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 31 QSL Cup: Al Duhail and Qatar gear up for Iceland friendly Umm Salal share points

FAWAD HUSSAIN was Abdula Hassan Kamal, U-23 THE PENINSULA player, who scored opening goal of the match on a ball from Yannick DOHA: Qatar football giants Al Sagbo. Duhail and Umm Salal played out With five Al Duhail players a 1-1 draw as battle to conquer inside the circle, Sagbo cleverly Group A continued after Round 3 spotted Kamal from the centre just matches of QSL Cup yesterday. outside the circle and the youngster Al Gharafa thrashed Al Al made no mistake on his tap into Kharaitiyat 3-0 to register their the goal from left. first victory in the tournament and But just when Umm Salal were climb on top of the group, while sensing a possible victory, El Arabi Qatar SC edged Al Arabi 2-1 to fired a goal from a close range in claim winning points in another the 85th minute to secure a point match of the group yesterday. for Al Duhail. At Thani bin Jassim Stadium, At Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium, Moayad Hassan Fedaily (49’ and Al Duhail star Yousef El Arabi 92’) scored twice to help Al Gharafa rescued his side from a setback, earn their first victory after back- scoring a late equaliser after Umm to-back drawn games. Salal took the lead. Captain Wesley Sneijder (74’) Both the teams entered yester- scored the other goal. The victory day’s game with four points apiece put Al Gharafa on top with five and with a same goal difference, points and a better goal difference and Al Duhail having an edge only than Al Duhail and Umm Salal. for scoring more number of goals In Group B matches on Friday, Qatari players in action during a training session in Eupen (three as against Umm Salal’s one). Al Sailiya held Al Sadd to a 3-3 yesterday, ahead of their international friendly match against Both looked matching outfits draw while Al Rayyan clinched a sharing ball possession and 3-1 victory over Al Shahania 1. Iceland which will be played at the Kehrwegstadion in Eupen, Action from the QSL Cup match exchanging attacks on an even In other match on the same Belgium tomorrow. Qatar will go into tomorrow’s encounter between Al Gharafa and Al Kharaitiyat basis. However, there were no day, Al Khor thrashed Al Ahli 3-1 following a morale boosting win against eighth ranked Switzerland at Al Gharafa Stadium yesterday. goals until the 77th minute when to continue their good form in the on Wednesday as coach Feliz Sanchez’s team revs up their PIC: ABDUL BASIT/THE PENINSULA Umm Salal broke the deadlock. It tournament. preparations ahead of next year’s Asian Cup. Al Rumaihi dominates with another double CHINTHANA WASALA THE PENINSULA Equestrian set for massive DOHA: Qatari show jumping star Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi sealed his supremacy at the 2018 Al Rayyan Inter- national Show Jumping Championship when he scooped boost, says QEF official another double at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Outdoor Arena. THE PENINSULA Al Rumaihi, 34, yesterday guided Bolandro to win the 135 cm class in an impressive manner, and later grabbed the top prize of €3,360 in the feature class - the Grand Prix DOHA: Equestrian, one of astride his reliable gelding Vivaldi K. more popular sports in the Less than 24 hours after winning the feature event of country, is set for a massive the penultimate day, the Al Rumaihi-Vivaldi K combination boost on all fronts of the outclassed a star-studded line-up of local and international game, a top Qatar Equestrian riders in the Grand Prix which also served as one of the Federation (QEF) official said qualifying rounds of the Arab League for the 2018 World yesterday. Cup. Badr Al Darwish, Sec- The duo clocked a time of 78.17 seconds in the first retary-General of QEF, said round, followed by the second which was completed in that the Board of Directors 54.62 seconds. of the Federation has pre- Badr Al Darwish, Carport, with Faleh Suwead Al Ajami in the saddle, spent pared a list of development Secretary- 81.31 seconds to complete the first round and the 12-year- plans to create a bigger General of Qatar old gelding finished the next round in 56.65 seconds to seal player-base in the country. Equestrian the second spot on the podium. Al Ajami got richer by Al Darwish said QEF, Federation. €2,700. with help from the Qatar Qatar Equestrian Federation (QEF) President Hamad bin Asian Games bronze medallist Hamad Ali Al Attiyah’s Olympic Committee (QOC), Abdulrahman Al Attiyah and Tournament Director Ali Al Clinton conceded four errors on his way to complete the is looking to go for further soon be in the level of the at top events. Top rider first round in 82.34 seconds. The 11-year-old gelding made Rumaihi pose for a photograph with the podium winners development in the sport top riders in the region and Bassem Mohammed earlier 12 more faults while contesting in the second round in which of the Grand Prix at the QEF’s Outdoor Arena yesterday. whether it is a matter of the world. Our overall goal this month won two events he clocked a time of 52.49 seconds as the duo sealed the improving the riding is to give quality experience at the three-day final round third place in the feature class. Al Attiyah won €2,100 in AL RAYYAN INTERNATIONAL SHOW JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP: RESULTS -DAY 2 standards, getting better to our riders,” he said. of the Longines Global prize money. COMP. 7 TABLE A, AGAINST THE CLOCK, 120CM, PRIZE MONEY €6,000 horses, helping trainers, President of QEF Champions Tour leg held at Earlier, Al Rumaihi’s Bolandro clocked a time of 52.49 Rank/Horse Rider Faults Time Prize administrators and Hamad bin Abdulrahman Al Al Shaqab. Last year seconds to win the eighth competition of the three-day 1: Dolce Vita M Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi 0 54.25 €1,500 referees. Attiyah recently appointed Bassem won the Grand Prix championship. The victory also made Al Rumaihi richer by 2: Vlacido Mohammed Nasser Al Qadi 0 56.60 €1,200 “The new plans shows Abdullah Al Marri as the at the same event at Al €2,000. Apple Bee, with Mohammed Said Haidan in the 3: Dusty Khalifa Abdulla Al Khaldi 0 57.05 €900 our intention of creating a Director of the national Shaqab Arena. saddle, clocked the second fastest time to win €1,600 in bigger player-base that gets teams. Al Marri will be Qatar riders won prize money. Apple Bee completed the task in 53.10 seconds. COMP. 8 ACCUMULATOR COMPETITION WITH JOKER, 135CM, PRIZE MONEY €8,000 the best of training and top assisted by Fahad Al Ameri, medals at this year’s Asian Rank/Horse Rider Points Time Prize Daydreamer EC, ridden by Saeed Nasser Al Qadi, com- event exposure at a young Rashid Al Nebha and Khaled Games in Indonesia. In 1: Bolandro Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi 65 52.49 €2,000 pleted the same task in 54.03 to seal the remaining spot on age,” Al Darwish said. Hamad. 2016, Qatar equestrian 2: Apple Bee Mohammed Said Haidan 65 53.10 €1,600 “We want our young Al Darwish lauded ‘the team made their debut at the podium as all three riders bagged 65 points each. 3: Daydreamer EC Saeed Nasser Al Qadi 65 54.03 €1,200 The day’s first event saw Dolce Vita M, ridden by Khalid riders competing with the fruitful cooperation’ the Olympic Games held in Mohammed Al Emadi, winning the top prize after com- COMP. 9 GRAND PRIX - WORLD CUP COMPETITION - 160CM, PRIZE MONEY €12,000 best and reaching podiums between QEF and the QOC, Rio de Janiero. pleting the round in 54.25 seconds while Mohammed Nasser Rank/Horse Rider 1st Round 2nd Round Prize at top events,” he added. saying the bodies are deter- Last year QOC launched Al Qadi (Vlacido, 56.60 secs) and Khalifa Abdulla Al Khaldi Faults Time Faults Time “We want our riders know mined to raise the profile of a new riding event - the (Dusty, 57.05 secs) finished second and third 1: Vivaldi K Mubarak Yousuf Al Rumaihi 0 78.17 0 54.62 €3,360 how to improve physically the sport at a big scale. Hathab Series - primarily to respectively. 2:Carport Faleh Suwead Al Ajami 0 81.31 0 56.65 €2,700 and tactically when it comes He pointed out that QEF help newcomers to get the The world class show jumping competition was 3: Clinton Hamad Ali Al Attiayah 4 82.34 12 52.49 €2,100 to riding,” he added. remained ‘proud to be rep- right lessons in riding at a 4: Colibri 19 Khalid Mohammed Al Emadi 4 84.47 € 1,500 launched in 2014 – was organised by QEF in cooperation “I hope that they will resented by quality riders’ relatively young age. 5: Gerlin Vd Waterkant Cyrine Cherif 4 84.60 € 840 with Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation. Arab Shooting Championship kicks off in Qatar THE PENINSULA Duaij Khalaf Al Otaibi, President of the Arab Shooting Federation speaking yesterday at the inauguration Shooting and Archery shooters in pistol, air rifle ceremony of the 14th Arab Shooting Championship at Losail shooting Range in the presence of Ali Mohammed Association and Majid Al and shotgun events. Al Kuwari, President of Qatar Shooting and Archery Association (QSSA), Majid Al Nuaimi, Championship Director DOHA: The 14th Arab Nuaimi, Championship Besides Qatar, other and Secretary-General of QSSA and other officials. Shooting Championship Director and Secretary- participating countries kicked off yesterday at the General of QSAA. include Sudan, Iraq, Jordan, Losail Shooting range with Over 200 shooters from Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, a colourful ceremony. ten countries, including Oman, Palestine and Duaij Khalaf Al Otaibi, hosts Qatar will be seen in Morocco. The champi- President of the Arab action in the eight -day onship will conclude on Shooting Association event. The prestigious November 24 with the declared the champi- event, features men, Double Trap (Men), 10m Air onship open in the women, junior men and Pistol (Junior Women & presence of Ali women, youth men and Youth Men) and 10m Mixed Mohammed Al Kuwari, women. Hosts Qatar are Team (Youth Men and President of Qatar taking part with around 35 Women) events. SUNDAY 18 NOVEMBER 2018 SPORT 27 The bowlers once again stepped up and produced the goods. Pick- South African CRICKET ing up in this format is cricket captain England vs Sri Lanka Pakistan vs New Zealand always important because T20 is Faf du Plessis 2nd Test - Day 5 1st Test - Day 3

all about slogging. ACTION Pallekele, Sri Lanka Abu Dhabi, UAE TODAY’S South Africa too good for Leach strikes as England Australia in rain-hit T20 AFP , while Australia could inch closer to series win manage only 27, and lost their SYDNEY: Speedster Chris top three batsmen. Morris claimed two key wickets Earlier Andrew Tye and AFP English bowler as South Africa strangled Nathan Coulter-Nile claimed Jack Leach (right) Australia to a 21-run victory in two wickets each as South Africa KANDY, SRI LANKA: Spinners celebrates after their rain-reduced reached 108 for six after being led by Jack Leach helped dismissing Sri Lanka’s international on the Gold Coast sent into bat. The Proteas got England close in on a series- Dhananjaya de Silva yesterday. away to a flyer with opener clinching victory after Sri Lanka during the fourth day The South Africans easily Quinton de Kock clubbing 22 off lost a fighting Angelo Mathews of the second Test protected their 108 for six total 16 balls with two sixes and du for 88 in the second Test on match at the Pallekele off 10 overs to restrict Australia Plessis hitting 27 from 15 balls. Saturday before rain stopped International Cricket to 87 for seven with Morris the The South Africans raced to play. Stadium in Kandy star of the Proteas 42 inside the opening three Moeen Ali trapped Mathews yesterday. attack. overs before Coulter-Nile lbw in the first over after tea to Morris claimed the wickets claimed the wicket of Reeza end the senior batsman’s solid of D’Arcy Short for a first-ball Hendricks for 19 in the resistance that had kept alive Sri duck and for 14 in his deep by Ben McDermott. Lanka’s hopes of chasing down opening over to trigger a wicket Maxwell had de Kock a target of 301. slide. by wicketkeeper Carey Leach struck soon to get Dil- The Australians fell away and two overs later du Plessis ruwan Perera for one when tor- from 21 for one after two overs fell to a brilliant leaping catch rential rain halted proceedings to be 60 for six upon the dis- over the boundary rope by for the day with Sri Lanka on 226 missal of Alex Carey for eight in Maxwell off Billy Stanlake. for seven in Kandy. the seventh over with Lungi That left South Africa at 84 The hosts, who trail the Ngidi (2-16) and Andile Pheh- for three, triggering a rash of late three-match series 0-1, need lukwayo (2-21) also among the wickets for only 24 runs. another 75 to win with three wickets. Heinrich Klaasen chipped in wickets and three sessions in South Africa also downed with 12 and David Miller hit 11, hand. Niroshan Dickwella was Australia 2-1 in the one-day before he was the first of Tye’s on 27 when play was with a faint edge. The umpire SCOREBOARD series preceding the one-off T20 wicket double. stopped. had given Silva before ENGLAND, First innings 290 1-101-1, Dananjaya 25-0-115-6, De Silva 4-0-7-0, international. Tye bowled out his only two “It is evenly poised. Unfor- England successfully reviewed SRI LANKA, First innings 336 Lakmal 4-0-14-0 was Australia’s topscorer with overs at the end of the innings tunate I got out at a very crucial the decision in their favour. ENGLAND, Second innings 38 off 23 balls with two sixes but to finish with two for 18 while time. But we still have got a “It is a wicket where there is J. Leach lbw b Perera ...... 1 SRI LANKA, Second innings was guilty of moving around the Coulter-Mile captured two for batter at the crease,” a confident lot of assistance to the spinners. R. Burns lbw b Pushpakumara ...... 59 D. Karunaratne c Foakes b Rashid ...... 57 wicket and missing hittable 19. The match was reduced to Mathews told reporters after an Credit to England for bowling so K. Jennings c de Silva b Dananjaya ...... 26 K. Silva st Foakes b Leach ...... 4 deliveries as the pressure 10 overs a side after heavy rain intriguing day’s play. well. They didn’t give too many J. Root lbw b Dananjaya ...... 124 D. de Silva c Jennings b Leach ...... 1 mounted on the home side. prevented a scheduled start. B. Stokes lbw b Perera ...... 0 K. Mendis lbw b Leach ...... 1 “Then guys like Akila Dan- loose balls. We had to work J. Buttler b Dananjaya ...... 34 A. Mathews lbw b Ali ...... 88 In the end the difference The T20 is the start of four anjaya and Suranga Lakmal are extremely hard to score runs,” M. Ali lbw b Dananjaya ...... 10 R. Silva c Root b Ali ...... 37 was the execution of the pow- matches for Australia over the no mugs with the bat. So we are said Mathews. B. Foakes not out ...... 65 N. Dickwella not out ...... 27 erplays. South Africa smashed next week with three interna- not out of the game. If we get one “Dimuth (Karunaratne) was S. Curran b Dananjaya ...... 0 D. Perera lbw b Leach ...... 2 42 runs, losing just the one tionals against India good partnership we are in with superb today with the bat and it A. Rashid lbw b Dananjaya ...... 2 Extras (b5, lb4) ...... 9 a win,” said Mathews. was extremely unfortunate that J. Anderson b Perera ...... 12 Total (7 wickets, 65.2 overs) ...... 226 SCOREBOARD Leach has claimed four he had to fall for a brilliant catch. Extras (b4, lb9) ...... 13 To bat: A. Dananjaya, S. Lakmal, M. Puhspaku- SOUTH AFRICA AUSTRALIA wickets with his left-arm “That changed the game. He Total (all out, 80.4 overs) ...... 346 mara Quinton de Kock st Carey b Maxwell ...... 22 Aaron Finch b Ngidi ...... 7 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Leach), 2-77 (Jennings), Fall of wickets: 1-14 (K. Silva), 2-16 (De Silva), Reeza Hendricks c McDermott b Coulter-Nile ..19 Chris Lynn b Morris ...... 14 orthodox spin while Ali has was the batsman in form. Had 3-108 (Burns), 4-109 (Stokes), 5-183 (Buttler), 3-26 (Mendis), 4-103 (Karunaratne), 5-176 (R. Sil- Faf du Plessis c Maxwell b Stanlake ...... 27 D’Arcy Short c Phehlukwayo b Morris ...... 0 taken two on a turning pitch. we got a bigger partnership we 6-219 (Ali), 7-301 (Root), 8-301 (Curran), 9-305 va), 6-221 (Mathews), 7-226 (Perera) Heinrich Klaasen c Maxwell b Coulter-Nile ...... 12 Glenn Maxwell c Behardien b Ngidi ...... 38 Mathews, who hit his third would have been in a com- (Rashid), 10-346 (Anderson) Bowling: Anderson 5-2-12-0, Leach 23.2-2-73-4, David Miller c Short b Tye ...... 11 M Stoinis c sub (Markram) b Phehlukwayo ...... 5 half-century of the series, took manding position,” he added. Bowling: Perera 20.4-2-96-3, Pushpakumara 27- Ali 15-0-65-2, Rashid 17-1-52-1, Root 5-0-15-0 Chris Morris c Carey b Tye ...... 0 Ben McDermott c de Kock b Phehlukwayo ...... 4 the crease with Sri Lanka on a Leach had rattled the Sri Farhaan Behardien not out ...... 3 Alex Carey c Klaasen b Shamsi ...... 8 shaky 26-3. Lankan top-order with three Andile Phehlukwayo not out ...... 2 Nathan Coulter-Nile not out ...... 2 The former captain played a early wickets after the tourists anticipated the hit from forward England, who had resumed Extras (lb7, nb1, w4) ...... 12 Extras (lb5, w4) ...... 9 Total (6 wickets; 10 overs) ...... 108 Total (7 wickets; 10 overs) 87 gritty innings that lasted 137 were bowled out for 346 in the short leg to get a hand to the ball the day on 324-9, stretched their Did not bat: Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Did not bat: Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff, Bil- deliveries and also built crucial morning session. which popped out and an alert second innings lead to 300 with Shamsi. ly Stanlake. partnerships. Left-handed Karunaratne Ben Foakes finally took the catch. overnight batsman Foakes hitting Fall of wickets: 1-42 (Hendricks), 2-61 (de Kock), Fall of wickets: 1-21 (Finch), 2-26 (Short), 3-27 His 73-run fifth wicket stand then put on 77 runs with “I saw him go down to an unbeaten 65. 3-84 (du Plessis), 4-99 (Klaasen), 5-104 (Miller), (Lynn), 4-37 (Stoinis), 5-43 (McDermott), 6-60 with Roshen Silva (37) frustrated Mathews before falling to Adil paddle and just set off running. Foakes, who hit a ton on debut 6-106 (Morris) (Carey), 7-87 (Maxwell) the English spinners in the Rashid for 57. He got a little too much bat on it in Galle, added 14 to his overnight Bowling: Behrendorff 1-0-15-0, Stanlake 2-0- Bowling: Rabada 2-0-21-0 (1w), Ngidi 2-0-16-2 23-1 (2w), Coulter-Nile 2-0-19-2, Maxwell 2-0-14- (1w), Morris 2-0-12-2 (1w), Phehlukwayo 2-0-21- afternoon session. Karunaratne swept a turning and it ended up at me,” said 51 and shared 41 runs for the last 1, Short 1-0-12-0, Tye 2-0-18-2 (1w, 1nb) 2 (1w), Shamsi 2-0-12-1 Ali had Silva caught behind as Keaton Jennings Jennings. wicket with James Anderson (12). Boult leads New Zealand fightback in first Test AFP a Test at this venue last year against Sri Lanka by 21 runs, New Zealand’s Tom Latham is bowled out SCOREBOARD ABU DHABI: Left-arm pacer falling short of a target of just by Pakistani bowler Hasan Ali during the NEW ZEALAND, first innings 153 Trent Boult helped New Zealand 136. second day of the first match PAKISTAN, first innings at the Sheikh Zayed International Cricket Imam-ul-Haq c Williamson b de Grandhomme ...... 6 foil Pakistan’s advantage with Pakistan squandered a good Mohammad Hafeez c Williamson b Boult ...... 20 four wickets as the first Test was chance of taking a big lead Stadium in Abu Dhabi yesterday. Azhar Ali c Watling b Boult ...... 22 evenly poised after day two in through some inept batting, with Haris Sohail c Latham b Sodhi ...... 38 Abu Dhabi yesterday. only Babar Azam (62), Asad Asad Shafiq b Boult ...... 43 Babar Azam c Watling b Boult ...... 62 Boult’s 4-54 derailed the Shafiq (43) and Haris Sohail (38) Sarfraz Ahmed c Wagner b Patel ...... 2 Pakistani batsmen who were making significant Bilal Asif st Watling b Patel ...... 11 bowled out for 227 in response contributions. Yasir Shah c Watling b Wagner ...... 9 New Zealand’s first innings total Azam hit five boundaries in Hasan Ali c Taylor b de Grandhomme ...... 4 Mohammad Abbas not out ...... 0 of 153. his 109-ball knock and was the Extras: (b 4, lb 4, nb 1, w 1) ...... 10 He was well supported by last man out when he edged Total: (all out; 83.2 overs) ...... 227 debutant spinner Ajaz Patel Boult for wicketkeeper BJ Fall of wickets: 1-27, 2-27, 3-91, 4-91, 5-174, 6-177, 7-195, (2-64) and Colin de Grand- Watling to take a low diving 8-220, 9-227 Bowling: Boult 18.2-6-54-4, de Grandhomme 13-6-30-2, Pa- homme (2-30) as Pakistan catch. tel 24-4-64-2, Wagner 18-5-30-1 (1nb, 1w), Sodhi 10-0-41-1 managed a first innings lead of Pakistan had resumed at just 74. 59-2 but lost overnight batsmen NEW ZEALAND, 2nd innings New Zealand then battled to Sohail and Azhar Ali (22) in the J. Raval not out ...... 26 T. Latham b Hasan ...... 0 56-1 when bad light forced space of just six balls at the same K. Williamson not out ...... 27 umpires to end the day with 4.2 score of 91. Extras: (b 3) ...... 3 overs still remaining. Sohail was the more con- Total: (for one wkt; 22.4 overs) ...... 56 The Black Caps still trail by fident of the pair who added 64 Still to bat: R. Taylor, H. Nicholls, BJ Watling, C. de Grand- homme, I. Sodhi, N. Wagner, A. Patel, T. Boult 18 runs with nine wickets for the third wicket. He hit four Fall of wickets: 1-0 remaining. boundaries but was caught at Bowling: Abbas 6-4-5-0, Hasan 4-1-12-1, Yasir 8-1-21-0, Skipper Kane Williamson short mid-wicket by Latham Sohail 1-0-1-0, Asif 3-0-13-0, Hafeez 0.4-0-1-0 will hold the key for his team as after a loose shot off leg-spinner he walked off with 27 not out and Ish Sodhi’s low full toss. with him opener Jeet Raval on Azhar was dropped by Jeet In spite of losing those two start of a passage that saw Paki- Test, achieved a personal mile- wickets are Daniel Vettori (361 26 not out. Raval off Boult on 19 and was wickets during the morning stan’s last six wickets fall for 63 stone by becoming the eighth in 112 Tests), Chris Martin (233 in The pair has added 56 for the again lucky two runs later when session, Pakistan were well- runs. New Zealand bowler to take 150 71), Tim Southee (220 in 60), second wicket after Tom Latham given not out as the fast bowler placed at 144-4 at lunch, seeking Patel had Sarfraz Ahmed wickets when he dismissed Yasir Boult (219 in 55), Chris Cairns was bowled by Hasan Ali for reviewed for a leg-before a big lead to get a 1-0 advantage caught off a miscued sweep for Shah for nine. (218 in 62) and Danny Morrison nought in the second over, nego- decision. in the three-match series. two and Bilal Asif stumped by Richard Hadlee leads the (160 in 48). tiating the spin bowling well But Boult had the last laugh, But Boult checked their Watling for 11 while Boult, de chart of New Zealand The second Test will be under cloudy conditions. forcing an edge off Azhar’s bat progress by dismissing Asad Grandhomme and Neil Wagner bowlers with 431 wickets in played in Dubai (November New Zealand can take heart for Watling’s one-handed diving Shafiq for 43, bowled off an also chipped in. 86 Tests. 24-28) and the third in Abu from the fact that Pakistan lost catch. inside edge. That was 174-5, the Wagner, playing in his 37th Others who have 150 or more Dhabi (December 3-7).