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SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2021 Bank of Italy says country needs cohesion to grow and cut debt We cannot cultivate the illusion that the public debt can increase indefinitely.

Ignazio Visco Bank of Italy Governor BUSINESS | 02 QSE 10,431.36 -40.56 (-0.39%) FTSE 100 6,489.33 −14.39 (0.22%) DOW 31,140.70 +84.84 (0.27%) BRENT $59.29 (+0.29)

Teen entrepreneurs launch first ’s e-commerce ever Qatari-Italian abaya collection market sales to exceed $3.2bn by next year LANI ROSE R DIZON THE PENINSULA SACHIN KUMAR Qatar Financial Centre last week. THE PENINSULA Because of the increase in The Qatari Business Women Association trend of more people using (QBWA) and the Italian Chamber of The boom in Qatar’s online payment platform, the Commerce (ICC) have partnered in supporting e-commerce market is set to e-commerce penetration rate two -based teenage Qatari and Italian continue amid growing number in Qatar has more than doubled entrepreneurs in launching the first ever of retailers and consumers to 37 percent in 2019 from 15 Italian and Qatari collection of abayas which shifting to online platforms and percent in 2018. are especially made for teens in the region. increase in the demand for One of main reasons behind The duo, 18 year old Fatima Al Ansari digital banking products and growth of e-commerce in Qatar from Doha and 16 year old Aimee Jade (AJ) services. With increasing is the outbreak of pandemic Monti from Rome, aptly called their fashion number of consumers and which has forced many people project the ‘DOME’ Fashionistas, which is a retailers opting for online to opt for online payments. combination of their birthplaces. The DOME’s payments, Qatar’s e-commerce With the spread of coronvirus, first collection ‘Dream Big 2021’ is dedicated market is now expected to banks and financial institutions to a niche of young clients who are gradually exceed the earlier estimated and financial institutions swung introducing colours and new styles in their target of $3.2bn by next year. into actions and launched new abayas. “The Ministry of Transport products and services that Addressing a press conference recently, and Communications (MoTC) allowed customers to avail Italian Ambassador to Qatar, Alessandro had projected in 2018 that services at the click of mouse Prunas, said: “We are pleased to encourage e-commerce sales would reach and make online payments. fashion projects between Qatari designers $3.2bn by 2022, up from $1.3bn Banks have launched con- Italian Ambassador to Qatar, Alessandro Prunas (right), with Qatari and Italian teen and Italian SMEs which can supply the craft- in 2017. This projection could tactless ATM cards which allow entrepreneurs Fatima Al Ansari (left) and Aimee Jade Monti, during a press conference, manship and the finest materials from clothes potentially be exceeded as online customers to make contactless recently. to shoes to jewellery and accessories. This sales were boosted by the payment by just a taping on the particular project involved three companies “Italian fashion designer Eliana Casaula cooperation will lead to a bigger exchange COVID-19 outbreak, which PoS (Point of Sale) machines. from the region of Abruzzo and Marche, was a mentor to our young designers via between Qatar and Abruzzo and Marche, forced many retailers and con- With these cards, there is no where craftmanship still plays a big role and Zoom and supported them to develop the which are also wonderful holiday destina- sumers to shift to online plat- need for customers to touch artisans are the backbone of the economy. Dream Big Collection. I hope this initial tions,” added Prunas. `P2 forms,” said a report released by PoS buttons. `P2 02 BUSINESS SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2021 IMF upgrades global growth projections despite COVID-19 uncertainties THE PENINSULA — DOHA QNB ECONOMIC upgraded its projections for immunisation and COVID-19 Revision of IMF growth projections by country COMMENTARY global growth this year to 5.5 containment policies, the US (total change versus October WEO in basis points) Last year started on a positive percent from 5.2 percent in and Japan had significant note for the global economy. October. Key reasons for the upgrades on their growth pros- Bullish sentiment was rampant Four points summarise the upgrade include additional pects. The Euro area, however, while overall activity was updated IMF take on the global policy stimulus from large had a significant downgrade on setting the stage for another economy. advanced economies and the their growth projections for period of accelerating First, the global economy is development of several 2021, as the region suffers with expansion. In January 2020, the estimated to have performed effective vaccines, therapies new waves of severe epidemics International Monetary Fund better than previously antici- and COVID-19 containment and struggles to secure prompt (IMF) projected that the global pated last year. While in efforts. Expectations of a access to effective vaccines. economy was set to grow at a October the IMF projected a vaccine-powered strengthening Fourth, despite the “excep- healthy pace of 3.4 percent for global GDP contraction of 4.4 of activity later in the year out- tional uncertainty” surrounding the year. However, global percent for 2020, it now esti- weigh the current drag on near- the baseline projections, the conditions took a dramatic turn mates a smaller contraction of term momentum due to rising balance of risks is well levelled. with the spread of the COVID-19 3.5 percent for the same period. COVID-19 infections. On the upside, further pandemic. The difference is attributed to Third, recoveries will favourable vaccine news could As the pandemic plagued a stronger-than-expected diverge across countries and increase expectations of a faster the global economy with a col- recovery in private con- regions, producing an uneven end to the pandemic, supporting lapse in demand and activity, sumption and fast adjustments path to economic normali- the confidence of corporates the IMF downgraded its growth to work-from-home, which sation. The strength of the pro- and households. On the projections for 2020 to a 4.4 boosted global demand and jected recoveries varies downside, activity could turn percent contraction in October, alleviated potential supply-side depending on the severity of the out weaker if the virus surge on a previous update to the constraints. Importantly, all health crisis, the extent of (including from new COVID-19 World Economic Outlook major economies (US, Euro supply chain disruption (related variants) proves difficult to (WEO). That was part of what area, Japan and China) outper- to the structure of the economy contain before vaccines are the IMF labelled as “a crisis like formed previous expectations and its reliance on contact- widely available, and social dis- as the US, China or the Euro economic performance has no other.” in the second half of 2020. intensive sectors), the tancing measures or lockdowns area. been stronger than anticipated, But conditions have Second, global growth for deployment of effective vac- prove stronger and longer than All in all, despite short-term growth projections were improved since the third the year is expected to be cines, and the effectiveness of anticipated. Moreover, the challenges associated with new upgraded and the balance of quarter of 2020 and the IMF has stronger than previously pro- policy support to limit persistent recovery is also vulnerable to waves of COVID-19 and a softer risks seems to be “neutral” started to take stock of the jected. According to the IMF, the damage. Due to larger than policy mistakes, particularly an recovery in Europe, the IMF has rather than tilted to the changes in its most recent WEO global recovery is set to accel- expected fiscal stimulus pro- early withdrawal of policy presented a positive outlook for downside for the first time in report, from late January 2021. erate. In fact, the IMF has grams and effective support in key countries such the global economy. Recent years. Teen entrepreneurs launch first Asian gas prices fall as spring nears ever Qatari-Italian abaya collection THE PENINSULA — DOHA percent last week, the biggest Europe. Four US vessels have FROM PAGE 1 percentage gain since October, changed their trajectory in the wanted to be a fashion designer Oil prices hit highest in a year in part due to US inventories middle of the Atlantic in the last Italian Ambassador to Qatar since I was 7 years old and my on growth hopes & OPEC+ dropping to levels last seen in two weeks, diverting from their Alessandro Prunas, said : "In dream is to go to the Polimoda output cuts March. Brent also rose by about intended delivery in Asia towards 2020, we were supposed to host in Florence, which is ranked Oil prices rose about 1 6 percent for the week. The last Europe instead. As prices fall in a trade mission to Qatar led by among the top three fashion percent last Friday, after hitting time Brent traded at $60 a all regions, analysts expect there the famous fashion designer institutes in the world. The their highest in a year and barrel, the pandemic had yet to to be a flurry of purchases for Filippo Flocco. Hopefully they ‘Dream Big Collection’ was closing in on $60 a barrel, sup- take hold, economies were open, delivery in March, as consumers will come soon. The companies, mostly inspired by the feelings ported by economic revival and fuel demand was much seek to replenish stock exhausted which specialise in embroidery, and communication styles that hopes and supply curbs by pro- higher. last month. confetti, and jewellery, are very are typical of the teenage years. ducer group OPEC and its allies. The rollout of COVID-19 vac- collectively known as OPEC+, Congestion delaying LNG interested to explore the Qatari From the freedom of the but- Oil prices were also supported cines has fed hopes of demand also stuck to their supply tight- shipments via the Panama market. We need to work terflies to the adventurous mer- as US stock markets hit record growth. Still, even optimists, such ening policy at a Wednesday Canal, which has been driving together to support the local maids, the fragility of Japanese highs on signs of progress as OPEC, which expects a market meeting. Record OPEC+ cuts have up freight costs in the past SMEs in joint projects with our flowers, to the social media toward more economic stimulus. deficit throughout 2021, do not been one of the biggest contrib- months, has also eased over the crafted Italian artisans who are icons and emojis. We depicted At the same time, a US jobs expect oil consumption to return utors in helping lift prices from last couple of weeks. LNG tanker probably amongst the best in the symbols of a teenager’s report confirmed that the labour to pre-pandemic levels until historic lows last year. transits of the Panama Canal hit the world in the fashion world. I believe that teenagers market was stabilising. 2022. Last week, Aramco raised Asian spot LNG prices fell for a record in January, with 58 US industry” . should dream big! To build their Brent crude ended Friday’s its Arab Light official selling price a third week in a row, as Spring vessels finding a shorter route President of the Italian self-esteem through practical session up 0.9 percent, at $59.34, (OSP) to North-West Europe for approaches in the northern to Asia, the canal operator said Chamber of Commerce in Doha, things and not just virtual. An after hitting its highest since March by $1.40 a barrel from the hemisphere, reducing the in a February 3 note. Modifica- Palma Libotte, added: “The experience like this stays with February 20 at $59.79. US crude previous month. Some traders heating demand that sent prices tions in the Canal’s reservation Italian Chamber hopes that us all our lives regardless of the settled up 1.1 percent, at $56.85, feel this could signal Saudi Arabia to a historic high last month. The system on January 4 allowed DOME will encourage other success we will have. Our next after reaching $57.29, its highest is more confident in the demand average LNG price for March last-minute slots to be offered female entrepreneurs for step will be a very exclusive since January 22 last year. US outlook and is feeding the bullish delivery into North-East Asia through auctions. From the 25 private-label projects to presentation of the collection, crude futures gained nearly 9 sentiment. OPEC and allies, was estimated at $7.20 per auctions last month, nine have develop bespoke clothes, shoes, at the presence of the Italian million British thermal units been awarded to LNG vessels, bags and jewellery collections. Ambassador, for a very selected (mmBtu) last week, 80 cents the Canal’s operator said. The Italian Chamber has also group of ladies”. lower than the previous week. In the US, natural gas futures supported the first Qatari shoe Al Ansari added: “My dream For April delivery, cargoes were dropped more than 2 percent on designer Hissa Al Haddad in is to pursue a career in fashion estimated at $6.60 per mmBtu. Friday on midday forecasts for producing her collections. The management. This project was Supply disruptions during winter less cold weather and less heating DOME fashion project blends very challenging to achieve as sent prices to a record high of demand for the coming week Italian stylish ideas with tradi- it took lots of thinking to come $32.50/mmBtu on January 13. than previously expected. That tional abaya models using the up with color styles, patterns, In two of the world’s top LNG price decline came even though finest Italian fabrics from the and fabrics. Our idea consisted consuming countries, tempera- all forecasts continue to call for regions of Abruzzo and Marche. of creating a line of abayas that tures in Tokyo and Shanghai are extreme cold in two weeks, which AJ and Fatima designed and would not only respect Islamic expected to rise slightly above the helped boost futures to their produced the abayas and traditions but also stand out for historical average over the next highest levels in 12 weeks earlier together they possess a rare set its originality. Teens, regardless two weeks, weather data from on Friday. The contract was up of skills considering their young of their culture, spend a signif- Refinitiv Eikon showed. Falling about 11 percent for the week, its age”. icant amount of time and prices in Asia are also normal- highest weekly percentage gain During the event, both Al concern on their appearance. ising the flow of US ships to since October. Ansari and Monti, who were Sometimes we want to fit in and wearing their own designs, also follow the most common spoke about their dreams to trends, but other times we want Qatar’s e-commerce market sales to exceed $3.2bn by next year pursue careers in the fashion to be unique and stand out. FROM PAGE 1 industry. Together, the two Also, passion is a force that allowing people to observe platforms were the best solution customers and boost sales. young entrepreneurs, who had brings people together to help Banks have also begun to social distancing. for consumers to continue pur- In order to tap online retail met during the COVID-19 pan- narrow cultural gaps and break launch wearable devices (wrist- E-commerce companies chasing and receiving all types market, many companies in demic last year, started to work stereotypes. This is precisely the bands) which enable customers have played a significant role of products. Qatar have registered with on their first collection. They spirit that Qatar will show to the to make payment without as they enabled other busi- Sensing the need to online, ministries. Over 350 e-com- visited local abaya productions world in 2022. I am a Qatari, wallets, credit cards, debit nesses to maintain their many retail outlets and small merce websites have regis- and analysed various abaya and Aimee has lived in Qatar cards, or smartphones. Such operations. and medium enterprises (SMEs) tered with e-commerce companies to develop a trendy most of her life. It is a country innovations have not only add During periods when started exploring social media directory of the Ministry of product suitable for the local that we both love very much to customer’s convenience but COVID-19 measures restricted platforms such as Whatsapp, Transport and culture. and we wish to set an example have also played crucial role in individuals’ movement, these Instagram and Talabat to attract Communications. Monti said: “I have always of integration as teenagers”. Ghana signs Bitcoin rally takes crypto Bank of Italy says country needs cohesion to grow post-Brexit trade REUTERS — MILAN As the immediate market value to new record crisis recedes, Visco said agreement Italy’s central bank called it was important to keep BLOOMBERG The developments provide yesterday for cohesion as the in place support with UK more evidence of the way the country battles a government measures for firms and BLOOMBERG Bitcoin topped $40,000 in a casino-like gyrations of digital crisis, saying it was imperative households while rally that helped the market coins are seeping into the main- to revive growth and reduce a making them more Ghana and the UK have signed value of digital tokens scale a stream. High-profile proponents public debt that the coronavirus selective over time. an interim trade agreement, new peak. of Bitcoin like Musk say it’s pandemic has pushed to levels After the collapse of a one of the last bilateral deals The largest cryptocurrency winning broader acceptance in last seen after World War One. coalition government led hanging in the balance rose more than 7 percent to the finance community. Regu- Italy’s debt is expected to by Prime Minister following Britain’s withdrawal $40,658 at 12 pm in New York lators, meanwhile, are stepping approach 160 percent of Giuseppe Conte, Italy’s from the European Union. yesterday, taking it closer to early up warnings of volatility that domestic output at the end of President Sergio Matta- The agreement restores the January’s all-time high of almost could wipe investors out. this year, posing a major chal- rella has called on former duty-free and quota-free access $42,000. The value of more than "Investor perception is at an lenge to an economy which stag- European Central Bank Ghanaian exporters had to the 6,000 tokens tracked by all-time high at both the retail nated over the past decade. chief Mario Draghi to form UK market before Brexit, CoinGecko hit about $1.23 trillion. and hedge fund levels,” said “We cannot cultivate the a new government. according to a joint statement The jump comes after Jehan Chu, managing partner illusion that the public debt can Draghi’s prospects of posted on the UK government another volatile week in crypto- with blockchain advisory firm increase indefinitely,” Bank of cohesion it needs to return to the securing a majority in par- website dated February 4. It also currencies marked by Elon Kenetic Capital in Hong Kong. Italy Governor Ignazio Visco path of development,” Visco said liament advanced yesterday reinstates the preferential tariffs Musk’s support for Bitcoin and a Even so, many investors still (pictured) told a gathering of at the annual Assiom-Forex when the two largest parties, the enjoyed by Britain’s exporters record runup in Ether, the view digital coins as a treach- financial market participants . conference. anti-establishment 5-Star to the West African country. second-largest token. Billionaire erous sector. That was underlined Rome’s €2.6 trillion ($3 The central banker flagged Movement and the rightist "The Agreement will enter Musk also posted tongue-in- in the US, where the 24-year-old trillion) debt is set to drain “very substantial risks” threat- League, both gave him their con- into effect following the com- cheek tweets about Dogecoin — founder of two New York-based almost €60bn euros from public ening the base forecast of a ditional backing. pletion of relevant internal pro- a Shiba Inu-themed unit that cryptocurrency hedge funds with coffers in interest payments this recovery in output starting in the Visco said Italy could not cedures required in both Ghana began as a joke — stirring buying more than $100m in investments year alone, despite record low spring, mainly due to the danger afford to waste the opportunity and the UK,” both governments that drove its market capitali- pleaded guilty Thursday to secu- rates. that containing the pandemic provided by the European said in the statement. zation past $6bn. rities fraud. “Italy must now find the proves harder than expected. 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Ravi- became the first batsman to chandran Ashwin dropped a smash a double-hundred in his return catch from Stokes, then 100th Test, crafting a massive on 31, and in the next over, the 218 runs to put his team in all-rounder’s slog-sweep charge of the opening match brushed a diving Cheteshwar against India in Chennai SCOREBOARD Pujara’s fingers at midwicket. yesterday. Pujara later made amends Pakistan’s Hassan Ali celebrates taking five wickets on day three The 30-year-old registered ENGLAND (overnight 263-3, Root 128) by taking a juggling catch after R. Burns c Pant b Ashwin ...... 33 of the second and final Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi his second double-century in Stokes had played a slog-sweep D. Sibley lbw b Bumrah ...... 87 yesterday. PIC: @THEREALPCB three matches as England D. Lawrence lbw b Bumrah ...... 0 against left-arm spinner amassed 555-8 on a flat wicket J. Root lbw b Nadeem ...... 218 Shahbaz Nadeem. at the MA Chidambaram B. Stokes c Pujara b Nadeem...... 82 Root prevailed in a duel with Stadium. O. Pope lbw b Ashwin ...... 34 Ravichandran Ashwin, hitting J. Buttler b Sharma ...... 30 Linde keeps South At the end of Day Two, Dom D. Bess not out ...... 28 the off-spinner for six to bring Bess was batting on 28 with Jack J. Archer b Sharma ...... 0 up his fifth Test Leach on six at the other end. J. Leach not out ...... 6 double-hundred. Root was seen battling Extras (b2, lb16, nb19) ...... 37 For England, only Wally Africa hopes alive cramps in the final overs on Total (180 overs, 8 wickets) ...... 555 Hammond on seven has more Fall of wickets: 1-63, 2-63, 3-263, 4-387, 5-473, 6-477, Friday but returned to hound 7-525, 8-525 double-centuries than Root, India’s bowlers when England To bat: J. Anderson who also scored a double- in Rawalpindi Test resumed on 263-3. The right- Bowling: Sharma 27-7-52-2 (nb5), Bumrah 31-4-81-2 hundred and a century in his last hander looked typically solid (nb6), Ashwin, 50-5-132-2 (nb2), Nadeem 44-4-167-2 two Tests in Sri Lanka. REUTERS - RAWALPINDI against an Indian attack which (nb6), Sundar 26-2-98-0, R. Sharma 2-0-7-0 Nadeem eventually ended INDIA: V. Kohli (capt), R. Sharma, S. Gill, C. Pujara, A. Ra- could manage only a couple of hane, R. Pant, W. Sundar, R. Ashwin, I. Sharma, J. Bumrah, Root’s nearly nine-hour vigil by South Africa left-arm spinner George Linde took three wickets half-hearted lbw appeals against S. Nadeem trapping him lbw, which the to reduce Pakistan to 129 for six at the close of the third day, but him in the first two sessions. batsman immediately reviewed the home side have a lead of 200 in a finely balanced second and England captain Joe Root Root was more than happy unsuccessfully. final Test in Rawalpindi. celebrates reaching his to let Ben Stokes dominate their Ishant Sharma gave India a South Africa’s batting woes on the sub-continent are well- 124-run collaboration for the double hundred against India boost late in the day, dismissing documented and they will not want to chase anything over 250 fourth wicket as the boundaries on day two of the first Test in Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer in batting last on a wearing wicket, but have given themselves a flowed, while the latter praised Chennai yesterday. successive deliveries, although chance to level the series with two full days remaining. PIC: @ENGLANDCRICKET his captain’s performance later. Leach denied him a hat-trick. Mohammad Rizwan (28 not out) and Hasan Ali (0 not out) will “It’s a bit frightening when “On such a docile track, hope to take the game away from the tourists on day four. you’re at the other end and he’s conditions, so alien to us as asserted himself early, hitting those back-to-back wickets Rizwan put on an excellent 52-run stand for the sixth wicket playing like that and how easy England batsmen, is incredible.” off-spinner Ravichandran really lifted our morale,” with Faheem Ashraf (29) before the latter became Linde’s third he makes the game look,” Stokes Playing his first Test since Ashwin over his head for a six. Nadeem told reporters. victim, caught at backward point by Anrich Nortje just before the said. August, Stokes smashed 10 India’s desperation for a “The pitch is still very good close. “At the moment he’s in boundaries and three sixes in a breakthrough showed when for batting, and I’m sure our Pakistan had been reduced to 76 for five in their second innings incredible form and to play the typically entertaining 82. they blew back-to-back reviews batsmen will also put up a big as South Africa’s spinners made inroads through the top order way he has done in such tough Test ’s top all-rounder after lbw appeals against Stokes total.” having been bowled out for 201 in another shambolic display with the bat. Seamer Kagiso Rabada removed Imran Butt for a duck, before Abid Ali (13) fell to Keshav Maharaj (2-74), who also picked up the 'Phenomenal' Root has answer for key wicket of home captain Babar Azam (8), trapped leg before wicket by the left-arm spinner for the third time in four innings. When Linde (3-12 from nine overs) removed Azhar Ali (33) everything, says all-rounder Stokes and Fawad Alam (12) in quick succession, the contest started swinging South Africa’s way. They were made to pay for their profligacy in the field when REUTERS - CHENNAI turning ball in India’s spin-friendly wickets. England will also be pleased with they dropped Faheem and Rizwan in consecutive deliveries, but “He makes us all feel pretty rubbish with Stokes’ performance with the bat in his first Linde’s late wicket has left the contest even. Joe Root is England’s best player of spin how easy he makes batting look,” Stokes, Test since August last year. Earlier, South Africa’s batting struggles continued. They have bowling and has an answer for anything who contributed a breezy 82 and domi- “It’s nice to be back in with a bit of time now passed 300 just once in their last 17 innings away from home, thrown at him, all-rounder Ben Stokes said nated his 124-run stand with the captain, off and spending time in the middle,” and again their effort was a mix of poor shot selection and inex- in a tribute to his captain after he smashed told reporters. “He’s in phenomenal form, Stokes, the top-ranked test all-rounder, plicable running between the wickets caused by panic. his fifth double century yesterday. just making things look very very easy and said. “The most pleasing thing is coming They resumed their innings on 106 for four but lost captain Root’s 218 in the opening Test against the way he plays, well - dominates - spin here and starting the tour really well as a Quinton de Kock (29) early as his ambitious attempt to take the India was his second double ton in three is incredible to watch. team. “I don’t think we could really have attack to the bowlers saw him chop a Shaheen Afridi delivery Tests, illustrating the red-hot form of a “I don’t think we’ve had an England asked for anything better than how this tour onto his stumps. batsman who forms cricket’s “Big Four” batsman play spin in the way that he does. started - win the toss, bat first and we’ll still Temba Bavuma (44 not out) and Wiaan Mulder (33) put on 50 with India counterpart , Austral- He’s just got an answer for everything that’s bat on day three, so you know it’s really for the sixth wicket to put pressure back on the home side, but ian’s Steve Smith and New Zealand captain thrown at him, and it’s just a delight to pleasing.” the latter was run out attempting an unnecessary second run. Kane Williamson. watch at the moment.” England will resume on 555-8 today Including that wicket, the tourists lost their last five for a paltry During his nine-hour vigil, Root pro- Root’s five double hundreds puts him having gained an upper hand in the first 37 runs with left-hander Rabada also run-out after being called vided a spin masterclass for all touring second behind Wally Hammond’s seven match of the four-Test series against Kohli’s through by Bavuma for a risky single. batsmen who often struggle against the among English batsmen. men.

England SCOREBOARD captain and PAKISTAN 1st innings 272 5 (nb6), Ashraf 8-2-20-1, Nauman 17-8-36-1, Yasir 12- middle order SOUTH AFRICA 1st innings (overnight 106-4) 2-54-0 batsman D. Elgar c Rizwan b Hasan ...... 15 A. Markram c Shaheen b Nauman ...... 32 PAKISTAN 2nd innings Joe Root R. van der Dussen b Hasan ...... 0 Imran Butt lbw b Rabada ...... 0 celebrates F. du Plessis c Rizwan b Ashraf ...... 17 Abid Ali c de Kock b Maharaj ...... 13 reaching T. Bavuma not out ...... 44 Azhar Ali lbw b Linde ...... 33 his double Q. de Kock b Shaheen ...... 29 Babar Azam lbw b Maharaj ...... 8 hundred W. Mulder run out ...... 33 Fawad Alam c Markram b Linde ...... 12 G. Linde b Hasan ...... 21 Mohammad Rizwan not out ...... 28 against India on day K. Maharaj b Hasan ...... 1 Faheem Ashraf c Nortje b Linde ...... 29 two of the first Test K. Rabada run out ...... 0 Hasan Ali not out ...... 0 in Chennai yesterday. A. Nortje b Hasan ...... 0 Extras: (b4, nb2) ...... 6 PIC: @ENGLANDCRICKET Extras: (nb9) ...... 9 Total: (51 overs, for six wkts) ...... 129 Total: (65.4 overs; all out) ...... 201 Still to bat: Yasir Shah, Nauman Ali, Shaheen Shah Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Elgar), 2-26 (Dussen), 3-55 Afridi (du Plessis), 4-81 (Markram), 5-114 (de Kock), 6-164 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Butt), 2-28 (Abid), 3-45 (Mulder), 7-186 (Linde), 8-192 (Maharaj), 9-201 (Rab- (Azam), 4-63 (Azhar), 5-76 (Fawad), 6-128 (Ashraf) ada) Bowling: Rabada 7-3-4-1, Nortje 8-5-24-0, Maharaj Bowling: Shaheen 13-2-37-1 (nb3), Hasan 15.4-2-54- 21-3-74-2, Mulder 6-1-11-0 (2nb), Linde 9-5-12-3

South Africa players wait for the third umpire to making his decision on day three of the second and final Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi yesterday. PIC: @THEREALPCB

It was a pretty special atmosphere. We got used to playing in front of Sydney Sixers retain Big Bash League title empty stands, so to come home and play in front of this crowd was fantastic. They gave us an extra leg: Sydney Sixers captain Moises with 27-run win over Henriques REUTERS - SYDNEY chase in the qual- his first three overs, ifier against the with the veteran first Credit goes to Sydney. They’ve been the best team in the competition for two The Sydney Sixers sealed back-to-back Big same opponents, dismissing Bancroft years and they deserve the title: Perth Scorchers captain Bash League (BBL) titles after beating the Vince narrowly before getting rid of Perth Scorchers by 27 runs in the final missed out on a Livingstone. between the league’s two most successful century when he With pressure teams at the attempted to cut climbing and 75 runs to SCOREBOARD yesterday. spinner Fawad get in six overs, Ben BANGLADESH first innings 430 81-3, Gabriel 12-0-37-3, Warrican 17.5-0-57-3 (nb2), The Sixers, who were playing at home Ahmed but pro- Dwarshuis struck twice WEST INDIES first innings 259 Bonner 2-0-13-0 (nb1), Brathwaite 1-0-7-0, Mayers for the first time in the tournament with a duced a thick when Vince first took BANGLADESH second innings (overnight 47-3) 1-0-11-0 crowd of about 25,000 fans in attendance, edge to find a sharp diving catch in Shadman Islam c Da Silva b Gabriel ...... 5 Tamim Iqbal lbw b Cornwall ...... 0 WEST INDIES second innings are now tied with the Scorchers with three at the covers to dismiss Najmul Hossain c Blackwood b Cornwall ...... 0 Kraigg Brathwaite c sub b Mehidy ...... 20 titles each after 10 editions of the BBL. backward point. Marsh before Josh Mominul Haque c Roach b Gabriel ...... 115 John Campbell lbw b Mehidy ...... 23 “It was a pretty special atmosphere,” In response, Inglis sliced a shot to Mushfiqur Rahim lbw b Cornwall ...... 18 Shayne Moseley lbw b Mehidy ...... 12 Sixers captain Moises Henriques said. “We the Scorchers Henriques at mid off. Liton Das c Mayers b Warrican ...... 69 Nkrumah Bonner not out ...... 15 got used to playing in front of empty stands, started on the Aaron Hardie pro- Mehidy Hasan b Warrican ...... 7 Kyle Mayers not out ...... 37 so to come home and play in front of this front foot with vided some late fire- Taijul Islam b Warrican ...... 3 Extras (b1, lb 2) ...... 3 crowd was fantastic. They gave us an extra Cameron Ban- works with 26 off 13 Nayeem Hasan not out...... 1 Total (three wickets; 40 overs) ...... 110 Sydney Sixers captain Moises Henriques (right) leg.” croft (30) and but it was too big a Extras (w1, nb4) ...... 5 To bat: Jermaine Blackwood, Joshua Da Silva, Rah- is seen celebrating winning the Big Bash League Put into bat by the Scorchers, Sixers’ mountain to climb as Total (dec, eight wickets; 67.5 overs) ...... 223 keem Cornwall, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel, Jomel title yesterday. PIC: @BBL Did not bat: Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman Warrican opening batsman James Vince smashed 95 (45) scoring at Dwarshuis had him Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Tamim), 2-1 (Najmul), 3-33 Fall of wickets: 1-39 (Campbell), 2-48 (Brathwaite), off 60 balls including 10 boundaries and more than 10 caught for his third (Shadman), 4-73 (Mushfiqur) 5-206 (Liton Das), 3-59 (Moseley) three sixes, setting up his side to finish on runs per over. wicket, before the tail enders fell cheaply 6-214 (Mominul), 7-222 (Taijul), 8-223 (Mehidy) Bowling: Mustafizur 4-1-14-0, Taijul 13-8-12-0, Me- Bowling: Roach 7-1-17-0 (w1, nb1), Cornwall 27-2- hidy 16-2-52-3, Nayeem 7-1-29-0 188-6 after their 20 overs. But fast bowler Jackson Bird throttled and the Scorchers fell short to finish on Having scored 98 not out in a successful the scoring and conceded only 14 runs in 161-9. SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2021 SPORT 07

Home heroes Al Duhail face Asian champions in fifth place play-off

We have left our defeat to Al Ahly We will play to win: Lamouchi behind and all our focus is now in the match against Ulsan Hyundai. All our players tried their best against Al Ahly FAWAD HUHUSSAINSSAIN AL DUHAIL SQUAD but we lost. Now the team is THE PENINSULAPENINSULA Coach: (France) determined to do well in the final Mohammed Al Bakri (Qatar), (Qatar), Ali Malolah (Qatar), game of the tournament and leave FollowingFollowing Al Duhail’sDuhail 1-0 loss to Al (Morocco), Bassam Al-Rawi (Qatar), Ahmed Yasser (Qatar), mark in this prestigious event. We will AhlyAhA ly inin theirtheir firstfirst gamegag at the FIFA (Qatar), Luiz Júnior (captain) (Qatar), play to win and take the fifth position ClubClC ub WorldWorldl Cup,Cup, team’steea star striker (Belgium), (Qatar), Mubarak Shanan Hamza (Qatar), Abdullah of this tough tournament. I am very AlmoezAllmomoeze AAlili llamentedamene teed giving ‘too much Al-Ahrak (Qatar), (Qatar), Sultan Al-Brake (Qatar), Almoez confident that players will give a very respect’rerespecct’t ttoo ththehe AfAfricanfricaan champions. But Ali (Qatar), (Qatar), (Qatar), (Qatar), good performance to achieve win: TheThhe ReReded KnightsKKnnights aararee in no mood to (Qatar), Ali Karimi (Iran), (Kenya), Mohammed Al Duhail coach Sabri Lamouchi adoptaddopopt thethhe samesas mem approachap again as Muntari (Qatar) and Dudu (Brazil) theythhey taketake ono AsianA champions UlsanUlU sas n HyHHyundaiunundaa FC today. ULSAN HYUNDAI SQUAD We were not lucky enough to find net ThThehe twtwowo Asian rivals will Coach: Hong Myung-bo (S Korea) against Al Ahly but we gained a lot of facefacec ooffff aatt 66:00pm at Ahmad Jo Su-huk (S Korea), Bae Jae-woo (S Korea), Jason Davidson (Australia), experience against a very good side. BinBiB n AlAlii StSStadium,taad looking to Dave Bulthuis (Netherlands), Kim Tae-hyeon (S Korea), Shin Hyung-min We still have one match left in the avoidavvoio d thetth proverbial (S Korea), Kim In-sung (S Korea), Kim Ji-hyeon (S Korea), Yoon Bit-garam tournament and all we target is the woodenwwooddeenn spoons in the six- (S Korea), Lee Dong-jun (S Korea), Kim Min-jun (S Korea), Won Du-jae (S victory. We are confident of doing teamteeaamm tournament.toou While Korea), Kim Sung-joon (S Korea), Kang Dong-hyeok (S Korea), Jo Hyeon- well to finish this event on a high note: Al DDuhailuuhha went down woo (S Korea), Kim Tae-hwan (S Korea), Kang Yun-gu (S Korea), Seo Al Duhail defender Sultan fightingfif ghg tiinngg aagainst the Egyp- Ju-hwan (S Korea), Lee Ho (S Korea), Lee Hyeong-kyeong (S Korea), Kim Al Brake tianstiaanns ini the second Kee-hee (S Korea), Seol Young-woo and Lukas Hinterseer (Austria). round,rrouunndd, South Korea’s UlsanUlUlssaan ssusuffered a narrow Al Duhail players during a training session yesterday. 2-122-1 defeatddeefe against Mex- ico’sicicoo’s TTigres UANL on Thursday.ThThuurrssd InIn today’s clash whichwwhhicch is expected to be a ththriller,hrrill Ulsan will be favouritesffavvoouur to clinch theirththeeiir first-everffir victory at theththe CClClubl World Cup afteraaffteter theirt 2012 cam- paignpapaiggn ended with two defeats.ddeefef aatts But Al Duhail – havinghhaavviinngg home fans supportsus pppporr – can take heart fromfrf omom theirth dominating performanceperffoorm in second halfhalf aagainstg Al Ahly on Thursday.Thhuurrssda “We“W“We have left our defeatded feeata tto Al Ahly behind andannd allalall our focus is now inin thethhee match against UlsanUUllsaan Hyundai,” Al DuhailDuDuhhaail ccoach Sabri Lam- ouchiouo chhi ttotoldo a video con- ferenceffeerrencce yesterday. “All“AAll ouro players tried tournament and all we target is the Ulsan Uyundai players celebrate after scoring against Tigres UANL in their theirththeeir bebbests against Al Ahly victory. We are confident of doing well FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 second round match played at Ahmad butbbut wwee lost.loos Now the team to finish this event on a high note,” he Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday. PIC: SALIM MATRAMKOT/THE PENINSULA isis ddeterminedeetteerrmmiin to do well in added. thethhe fiffinalnaal ggagamea of the tour- Being the reigning AFC Champions namentnanamemennt aandnndd lleavee mark in this League champions, Ulsan have more prestigiousppresestiigig oouus eevevent,”ve he added. stakes in today’s match as victory will “W“WeWe wiwwillllll pplaylaay to win and take maintain their supremacy in Asian ththehe fifthfiiftth poppositionosisittiioonn ooff this tough tour- football. After their Club World Cup, nament.nnaameennt. I amm vveryeery confident that Ulsan will begin preparations for 2021 playersplplayayerrs willwiw lll ggiveivi e a very good per- K League season. formancefoformmanancce toto acachievechhieevve win,” added the Head coach Hong Myung-bo hoped Frenchman,FrFrenenchhmmaan,n wwhohoho iiss eexpected to make Ulsan will return home with the maiden changeschchanangeges inin tthehehe teamteeaam with Almoez victory at FIFA Club World Cup. expectedexexpep ctteedd ttoo stsstartaarrt tththehe match. “Our players did a good job against AlAl DDuhailuhuhaiail ddedefendereffenndde Sultan Al Brake Tigres, the strongest player. It wasn't hopedhoopped forfofor betterbetttterr luckluuck in today’s game a long time, but I think he showed well afterafafteter goalggooalal eeludedluudeded hhihiss team against Al what he prepared. After the opening AhlyAhAhlyly despitedeespiitete takingtakakining seven shots on goal, both goals scored with set pieces, Al Duhail coach Sabri targettatargrgete inin theththe secondseseccoondnd half.h but after the game, we tried to com- Lamouchi during a practice “We“W“We werewew rere notnotot luckylucu k enough to find pensate through meetings and training. session on the eve of netnenet agaagainstgaiainsnst AlAl AAhlyhhly bubbutu we gained a lot The mind of representing the K-League their FIFA Club World Cup ofof eexperiencexpxpererieiencnce agaagainstaia n a very good and Asia remains unchanged. For fifth place play-off match side,” Al Brake said yesterday. Ulsan fans, I will reap the beauty of Yu against Ulsan Hyundai. “We still have one match left in the Jong and return to Korea,” he said. Bayern win snow battle in Berlin to go PSG's Neymar doubtful for 10 points clear before departure for Doha Marseille clash REUTERS – BERLIN REUTERS – PARIS Bayern Munich were unaffected by heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures as they beat Neymar is doubtful for Paris St Germain’s clash hosts Hertha Berlin 1-0 to go 10 points clear at against at the Stade Velo- the top of the on Friday with their drome today due to gastroenteritis, the fifth consecutive league victory. club said yesterday. French winger Kingsley Coman scored the PSG said in a statement that the condition of winner with a deflected shot from the edge of the Brazil forward, who missed the previous the box in the 21st minute with the ball flying game through suspension, would be “assessed over goalkeeper , who had earlier in the coming hours”. saved a penalty from Robert Lewandowski. “We hope that he will recover. We will see Bayern are now on 48 points ahead of tomorrow if he can be part of the squad,” coach second-placed RB Leipzig. Mauricio Pochettino told a news conference. It was a successful dress rehearsal for Bayern, PSG, third in the standings on 48 points from who left for sunny Qatar and the Club World Cup 23 games, three behind leaders Lille, will also earlier yesterday. miss keeper Keylor Navas as he has not yet fully The will face Egypt’s Al Ahly in the semi-finals recovered from a groin injury. as they look to win their sixth trophy in less than “He’s not ready yet, but he might be for the 10 months and match Barcelona’s tally from Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman scores against Hertha BSC during their Bundesliga match on Friday. French Cup (last-64 game against Ligue 2 side 2009. Caen),” said Pochettino. “It will now be a good flight,” Bayern coach OM are ninth on 33 points from 21 matches. Hansi Flick said. “We wanted to leave for Qatar keeper brought Sane down in the box but quickly double digits for goals and assists -- 10 apiece. They will probably be without new striker Arka- with a win,” he said. made amends, picking the right corner to block Bayern kept up the pressure after the break diusz Milik after the former Napoli player picked Hertha, without a win in their last six league Lewandowski’s 12th-minute spot kick, the first and Serge Gnabry forced another good save from up a thigh injury. games, looked far sharper in coach Pal Dardai’s penalty miss for the Pole since January 2019. 36-year-old Jarstein. Marseille have been going through some- second game in charge and Dodi Lukebakio came Lewandowski, who has scored 24 times in The Norwegian keeper has now started both thing of a crisis recently, with supporters breaking agonisingly close after three minutes only to be his pursuit of Gerd Mueller’s 40-goal league games since Dardai’s return to Hertha. into their training centre amid protests against denied by goalkeeper ’s foot. record from the 1971/72 season, had netted in The hosts had one last glorious chance to president Jacques-Henri Eyraud last Saturday The visitors responded with a chance of their the previous nine consecutive league games. equalise a minute from the end when Matheus and coach Andre Villas-Boas being suspended own and Leroy Sane’s effort was saved by Thomas Mueller fed Coman for the winner Cunha chipped the ball over Neuer but his effort after offering to resign this week. Jarstein. almost 10 minutes later as the German became went just wide of the goal. Struggling Hertha are OM drew 2-2 at RC Lens on Wednesday to With the snowfall getting heavier the Hertha the first player in the league this season with in 15th place on 17 points. end a three-game losing streak. Sport

SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2021 RootR has answer for everything: Stokes He’sH in phenomenal form, just making things look very very easy aand the way he plays, well - dominates - spin is incredible to wwatch. I don’t think we’ve had an England batsman play spin in tthe way that he does. He’s just got an answer for everything that’s tthrown at him, and it’s just a delight to watch at the moment.

Ben Stokes Sport |06

RUGBY: SIX NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP: France beat Italy 50-10, Scotland beat England 11-6 TODAY'S FIXTURE: Wales vs Ireland

European champions Bayern touch down in Doha

UEFA Champions League winners FC Bayern Munich players arriving at the Hamad International Airport in Doha yesterday ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2020 semi-final clash against Egyptian side Al Ahly SC. TOP: Fans waiting outside the airport to welcome Hans-Dieter Flick’s men who are targeting their second Club World Cup title. Palmeiras, Tigres ready for feisty contest in first CWC semi-final PALMEIRAS Coach: FAWAD HUSSAIN Palmeiras players during a practice session (Portugal) THE PENINSULA at Aspire Zone yesterday. Weverton (Brazil), PIC: TWITTER / @PALMEIRAS We are aware of Palmeiras’ (Brazil), Newly-crowned Copa Liberta- quality. I don't think there is Emerson Santos (Brazil), dores champions Palmeiras are anything that we don't know Benjamín Kuscevic (Chile), set to make their FIFA Club World (Brazil), Cup debut as they take on about them. But we treat all the Alan Empereur (Brazil), Zé Mexican giants Tigres UANL, with teams equally, be it Brazilian, Rafael (Brazil), both sides eyeing victory at the Chinese, Korean, German. We do (Brazil), (Brazil), Education City Stadium to book not value or belittle anyone. (Brazil), Luan spot in the final. Tomorrow is not going to be the (Brazil), Palmeiras, the Sao Paulo club, (Brazil), Gustavo Gómez was the last side to qualify in the exception: Tigres UANL coach (Paraguay), Matías Viña six-team event being held in Ricardo Ferretti (Uruguay), Lucas Lima Qatar after they edged three-time (Brazil), Jailson (Brazil), champions Santos on last-gasp (Brazil), Vin- goal on Saturday to regain Copa stay focused as a group and keep icius Silvestre (Brazil), Libertadores trophy after 21 years. dreaming. That’s what we’re (Brazil), Being one of the most suc- doing,” said Melo. (Brazil), cessful football clubs in Brazil, Danilo (Brazil), Willian The Greens – coached by Portu- Tigres UANL look to (Brazil), and guese Abel Ferreira – will start as (captain) (Brazil) favourites against CONCACAF make history at Cup Champions League winners Mexican clubs have played Tigres in today’s first semi-final, Tigres UANL players taking part in a training session. PIC: TWITTER / @TIGRESOFICIAL FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals which will kick off at 9:00pm. on nine occasions but they have But Tigres, who reached the not reached the title match of the semi-final of the ongoing event tournament yet, and Tigres are with a 2-1 comeback win over hoping to achieve the feat. Asian champions Ulsan Hyundai “Just as the fans are excited, FC following Andre-Pierre Gig- so are we and we want to do nac’s brace on Thursday, are things well. The message is the capable of pulling off a shocker same: we will try to do our best,” against the Brazilians. Brazil-born Ferretti said a pre- With head coach Ricardo match video conference Ferretti at the helm since 2010, yesterday. the Mexican side Tigres has "We are aware of Palmeiras’ TIGRES UANL shown phenomenal progress quality. I don't think there is any- Coach: Ricardo Fer- winning four of their seven Liga thing that we don't know about retti (Brazil) MX titles between 2015 and 2019, them. But we treat all the teams Nahuel Guzmán and Palmeiras are aware of their equally, be it Brazilian, Chinese, (Argentina), Carlos Salcedo threat. Korean, German. We do not value (Mexico), Hugo Ayala “Tigres have played in the or belittle anyone. Tomorrow is (Mexico), Rafael Carioca three finals of CONCACAF in the not going to be the exception,” the (Brazil), Jordan Sierra last five years and are a team 66-year-old added. (Ecuador), André-Pierre which has been invested heavily. Tigres captain Guido Pizarro Gignac (France), Diego In addition they have a collective, said his team is targeting a spot Reyes (Mexico), Juan purposeful way of playing. They in the final - against Bayern Sánchez Purata (Mexico), like colourful, attacking football,” But Ferreira, 42, said his this player, we have to worry skilled and strong forwards. We Munich or Al Ahly, who will Leonardo Fernández Palmeiras coach Ferreira told a team will enter the important before the ball reaches his feet, know the ability of the Tigres square off in the second semi- (Uruguay), Aldo Cruz video conference on the eve of match with a positive frame of we have to anticipate. More than striker, hopefully we can have a final tomorrow. (Mexico), Guido Pizarro the semi-final. mind. being concerned about Gignac, great game.” “We are aware of the hier- (captain) (Argentina), “We have to do what we do we have to worry about Tigres Palmeiras defensive mid- archy they have, the same as us. Javier Aquino (Mexico), best: play top football, so we feel as a team. We will impose our fielder Felipe Melo said the team It will be difficult from a technical Francisco Meza safe. We want to go out with way of defending and attacking is focused on today’s semi-final point of view, we face a tough (Colombia), Raymundo Ful- Tigres have played in the three courage and respect. We know against them. We have defend against a tough side. opponent, but trusting in the gencio (Mexico), Luis finals of CONCACAF in the last five they have quality, but we know well because our opponent has “We saw part of the Tigres capabilities we have to go to the Quiñones (Colombia), Luis years and are a team which has our goals, ambitions, what it will a lot of quality and tremendous game, we know that they are a final,” said Pizarro. Rodríguez (Mexico), Jesús been invested heavily. In addition cost us,” he added. potential with great players,” strong team. They are focused “We know that we have the Dueñas (Mexico), Carlos Ferreira also had instructions said the coach. on the World Cup and showed ability and enthusiasm to go González (Paraguay), they have a collective, purposeful for his side against Tigres’ main Yesterday, Palmeiras their strength against Ulsan. looking for it. Sunday will be like Julián Quiñones way of playing. They like colourful, weapon in Frenchman Gignac – defender Gustavo Gomez added They demonstrated strengths a final, to reach the goal that is to (Colombia), Juan Pablo attacking football: Palmeiras the all-time leading scorer for on Gignac: “It will be a difficult and weaknesses, as did all the reach the final, and then we will Chávez (Mexico), Érick coach Abel Ferreira the Mexicans with 146 goals in game, but we work every day teams. We are going to work on go in search of everything. Hope- Ávalos (Mexico), Arturo all competitions. against great forwards. In the it, just as they are going to work fully, we can do it for everyone,” Delgado (Mexico) and “We have to look closely at Brazilian League there are also on us. The important thing is to the midfielder added. Patrick Ogama (Mexico)