sign in sign up
<<
Home , AFC Asian Cup, Al Ahli Saudi FC, Al Sadd SC, Luke Jongwe, Mohammed Waad, Prasidh Krishna

Sport TUESDAY 27 APRIL 2021 RealR Madrid turn focus from Super LLeague to Champions League What we have to do is to compete and to only think about playing soccer.s That’s it. If we start to think about everything that is being said...s it would make it worse. We can only think about the match. The referee will do his job. We have to compete as always.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane Sport | 23

IPL: 123/9 (M Agarwal 31, P Krishna 3/30); 126/5 in 16.4 overs (E Morgan 47 , R Tripathi 41) Legends, FIFA Director to conduct ceremony tonight at Katara Opera House Stage set for historic FIFA Arab Cup draw

THE PENINSULA –

Fourteen out of a total of 23 teams yesterday learned their opponents in the qualifying round ahead of the historic FIFA Arab Cup 2021 draw which takes place at Katara Opera House tonight. The highly sought-after event will kick off the pro- ceedings at 9:00pm under strict COVID-19 protocols imple- mented by the Ministry of Public Health. The organisers yesterday revealed the face-offs between the 14 lowest-ranked teams among the participants according to the April edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings and they will partic- ipate in single-leg play-offs ahead of the tournament, which will be held later this year.

The play-offs were decided according to the rankings, as follows: Oman (FIFA World Ranking: The FIFA Arab Cup 80) vs Somalia (197) (93) vs Djibouti (183) Jordan (95) vs South Sudan 2021 in numbers (169) (99) vs (148) Reigning CAF Africa Cup of Nations champions Mauritania (101) vs Yemen 24:Algeria are unbeaten in their last 24 games since (145) their last defeat to Benin in 2018. Palestine (104) vs Comoros En route to their maiden Asian title in 2019, Qatar scored (131) 19:19 goals in seven matches. Nine of those came from Libya (119) vs Sudan (123) tournament top-scorer , who set a record for the most goals in a single edition of the competition. The seven winning teams Egypt, Africa’s most successful team, wining will join the nine highest-ranked 18:seven AFCON titles have an impressive record teams who have already qual- in recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers, losing none of their last ified for the tournament, the first 18 home games. of its kind. Kuwait are the most successful team in the history Hosts Qatar, ranked 58th in 10:of the , winning the title 10 times. the world, will enter the tour- nament as the champions of Asia 9: have taken part in the AFC Asian Cup on nine occasions after lifting the continental title with their last appearance in 2019 being their seventh in a row. in 2019 following an unbeaten 8: Tunisia qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup after run to the trophy, which going eight games undefeated, winning six and included victories against Saudi drawing two. Arabia, Iraq, Korea Republic and 6: Syria have appeared at the Asian Cup six times, . Tunisia (26), Algeria (33), most recently in 2019, but have yet to go beyond Morocco (34), Egypt (46), Saudi the group stage. Arabia (65), Iraq (68), the United 5: are one of the most successful Asian teams, Arab Emirates (73) and Syria (79) from each progressing to the Mahmood (Iraq), along with The FIFA Arab Cup is seen participating at the World Cup five times. are the others who will begin the quarter-finals. Matches will be FIFA’s Director of Competitions, as an important opportunity to 4: Oman have graced four of the last five Asian Cups. Arab Cup campaign from the played at six FIFA World Cup Manolo Zubiria. test operations and facilities Their best performance was in 2019, when they Group Stage. Qatar 2022 tournament venues. A limited number of officials ahead of Qatar 2022. Both tour- progressed from the group stage for the first time in their history. The tournament will consist Today's draw will be made will attend the draw, in line with naments will take place in a 2: UAE qualified the FIFA World Cup in only their second attempt of a group stage and knockout by four FIFA legends: Wael Qatar’s COVID-19 protocols, but similar timeslot, with the finals when they reached Italy 1990. rounds. The 16 teams will be Gomaa (Egypt), Nawaf Al the ceremony will be aired live of each scheduled to take place 1: Morocco were the first African side to progress split into four groups of four, Temyat (Saudi Arabia), Haytham on @roadto2022 and @ exactly one year apart – on 18 from the group stage at a World Cup, reaching the with the top two Mustafa (Sudan) and Younus roadto2022en. December, Qatar’s National Day. Round of 16 at Mexico 1986. ACL: Al Sadd beat Foolad; Al Rayyan frustrate Goa

AFC - RIYADH Niknafs missed with his shot after a salvaged a 1-1 draw with the hosts FC perfect set-up by Ayanda Patosi seven Goa in Group E. Al Sadd SC placed themselves in pole minutes later. The late leveller was a huge blow position in Group D of the 2021 AFC For Al Sadd, the first half was a for debutants FC Goa, who had looked Champions League with a 1-0 win over story of missed opportunities, espe- like they were heading for a historic Foolad Khouzestan FC in Riyadh, Saudi cially so for who first win for an Indian club in the group Arabia, yesterday was always a step too late, as the stage of the continental showpiece The result, coupled with Jordan's Algerian failed to connect to any of the after Jorge Ortiz had given them an Al Wehdat's stunning win over Al Nassr crosses into the area.. early lead. of Saudi Arabia in the other Group D The stalemate continued well into Both teams came into the tie with match, means the Qataris lead the the second half, with Al Sadd holding a point to prove after failing to secure standings with 10 points going into the the lion’s share of possession and the a win in their previous four matches final matchday against Al Nassr, who Foolad defence finally began showing but it was FC Goa who showed more are second on eight points. signs of cracking as determination from the start. Foolad's hunt for top spot, however, found space between the backline but Brandon Fernandes sent a deep came to an end although the Islamic his shot lacked the firepower to chal- cross from the centre to Ortiz whose Republic of side can still advance lenge Foroozan. effort was blocked by Al Rayyan goal- if they finish among the three best Al Sadd should have opened the keeper Soud Alhajri. The Spanish mid- second-placed teams. scoring at the hour-mark as the fielder, however, regained possession Al Sadd, who came into the tie Foolad goalmouth was left wide open from Alhajri’s poor clearance and having defeated Al Wehdat in back- after Foroozan failed to hold onto the slotted the ball home from close range to-back matches, started brightly, ball, but Bounedjah’s strike was safely to give FC Goa the lead just three dominating possession in the opening swept away by defender Moussa minutes in. minutes but Foolad goalkeeper Mohsen Coulibaly. Al Rayyan equalised in the 89th Foroozan was on form, cutting out the The Qatar champions’ persistence, minute when Ferydoon steered the ball Qatari passes and crosses into the box however, paid off four minutes later Al Sadd's Nam Tae-Hee vies for the ball with an opponent. into the back of the net from close with ease. when Nam Tae-hee rose high to head range after a fumble by Dheeraj Singh. Foolad, needing all three points to home Al Haydos’ curling cross to end FC Goa will play UAE’s Al Wahda stand a chance of a first place finish, the stalemate. dismay, the effort was ruled out for but goalkeeper was FSCC in their final group match matched the Al Sadd's aggression but The Korea Republic player then offside. perfectly placed to deny Patosi as Al tomorrow while Al Rayyan will aim to couldn’t get their shots on target with almost turned provider in the 69th An exchange of passes between Sadd clinched a crucial win. end their campaign with a win against Sasan Ansari rattling the side netting minute when Mohammed Jadoua Chimba and Patosi gave Foolad a Elsewhere, in India, Ali Ferydoon Islamic Republic of Iran’s Persepolis in the 26th minute, before Zobeir headed in his cross but to Al Sadd’s chance to equalise in the 81st minute struck in the 89th minute as Al Rayyan FC. TUESDAY 27 APRIL 2021 SPORT 23 In-form Al Duhail Real turn focus from SL ready for Al Shorta to Champions League challenge in ACL AFC — JEDDAH will not be a lot. We have some AP — MADRID injuries in the team and we Al Duhail SC will aim to tighten worked hard in order to regain Real Madrid coach Zinedine their grip on the Group C lead the positive mood of the players Zidane wants nothing to do with when they play Al Shorta in the after the last defeat.” the Super League (SL) . 2021 AFC Champions League Al Duhail opened their 2021 Last week, the Spanish club today. AFC Champions League cam- was doing everything possible With challengers Esteghlal paign with a 2-0 win over Al to make the controversial If we start to think about FC and Al Ahli Saudi FC facing Shorta and head coach Sabri breakaway competition everything that is being off in Group C’s other tie with Lamouchi will not be expecting happen, attracting attention to said... it would make it both needing victory, a win for his side to slip up in their it and trying to convince eve- worse. We can only think Qatar’s Al Duhail against Al second meeting, not when the ryone it was a good idea. Shorta will take them to 11 Qatari are unbeaten in four Now, on the eve of the about the match. The points and closer to the auto- matches. Champions League semi-finals referee will do his job. We matic slot to the Round of 16. Al Duhail’s attacking against Chelsea, Zidane is have to compete as always. Esteghlal and Al Ahli Saudi players have served them well working hard to steer away We can’t control the rest, are tied on seven points while and with Al Shorta struggling from it. so we can’t think about it. Al Shorta are still in search of to find goals, Lamouchi will “What we have to do is to their first after four defeats. surely set his team up with compete and to only think The stats don’t favour Al three points the target. about playing soccer. That’s it,” Zinedine Zidane Shorta going into their penul- “We want to win the match Zidane said yesterday. Real Madrid coach timate 2021 AFC Champions in order to remain at the top of “If we start to think about League tie against the group the group,” said Lamouchi. everything that is being said... leaders. “There is no doubt that the it would make it worse. We can Aleksandar Ilic’s side match will not be easy and we only think about the match. The looked to set to claim their first respect Al Shorta a lot because referee will do his job. We have point of the tournament in the they are a good team. to compete as always. We can’t European governing body UEFA immediate future. “It would be will need to play two very good Matchday Four encounter “What we are looking control the rest, so we can’t was vehemently against the absurd to think that we won’t matches to advance.” Zidane against Al Ahli Saudi but were forward to is getting the three think about it.” new soccer competition and be in the Champions League will likely be able to count again denied by Abdulrahman points but everything is pos- Today’s first leg against threatened to punish those next season,” Zidane said. on Eden Hazard, the former Ghareeb’s strike 11 minutes sible in football. The AFC Chelsea in Madrid comes after involved. There was even the “What we have to do is to Chelsea forward who has been from time as they fell 2-1. Champions League is not an widespread backlash against threat of kicking out of the continue to stay focused on marred by injuries with Madrid “The match against Al easy competition but our target the attempt to create the new Champions League the teams tomorrow’s match. We can’t but will be available to play. Duhail will be very difficult is to win matches. Super League, which had that didn’t officially announce control the rest. A lot will be He returned to action for a because they are one of the best “We will be putting the best Madrid president Florentino they were giving up on the said. My opinion is that we want few minutes in the team’s 0-0 teams in the group. It might be formation for tomorrow’s Pérez as one of its masterminds. Super League. to see Real Madrid in the Cham- draw against Real Betis in the difficult to play against them match because we must be Chelsea also was among the The Madrid president still pions League again next year.” Spanish league on Saturday, but we must work very well in serious and eager to get the founding members, but the hasn’t backed away from the Madrid is playing in the and Zidane said the Belgian order to have a good ending in three points. We are preparing team pulled out along with the competition and said it’s still Champions League semi-finals player could become “very the competition," said Ilic. the players well and they are rest of the English clubs imme- needed to help the clubs finan- for the ninth time in the last 11 important” for the team in this “We will be making some physically and mentally ready diatelyiately aafterfter tthehe criticism cially.cially. Pérez saisaidd tthehe lleagueeague is seasons,seasons, hhavingaving won four titles decisive stage of the season. changes in the formation but it for the match.” surfaced.urfaced. on “stand-by”“stand-by” anandd in thatthat pperiod.eriod. “I talked to him and he is ChelseaChelsea coach ThomThomasas willwiw ll eventuallyeventually It is comingcoming ooff two consec- very motivated,” Madrid Tucheluchel saidsaid tthehe game against happenhappen in utiveutive eliminationselimination in the last 16, defender Raphael Varane said Madridadrid wouldn’twouldn’t be affected somesome foform.rm. though.though. ChelseaChels won the of Hazard. byy the off-the-field antics ZidaneZidane EuropeanEuropean tittitlele in 2012 and “You are always motivated off the owners.owners. is kkeepingeeping mademade it to the lastl four again when you are playing in a “I do not imagineimagine that hhisis focus two yyearsears later,later but it hadn’t Champions League semifinal, therehere is any aadvantagedvantage oorr oonn the beenbeen back to tthe semifinals and even more so if it’s against disadvantageisadvantage becausebecause sincesince then.then. your former club. He knows our off a ssportsports ppoliticalolitical didis-s- “What“What mattersma is the opponent very well.” cussion,”ussion,” TuchelTuchel saisaid.d. present,” ZidaneZidane said. Madrid will also be boosted “I don’t even wantwant “This“This ChelseaChels team has by the return of veteran mid- too think about iit,t, done its jobjob in tthe Champions fielder Toni Kroos, who was Al Duhail head coach becauseecause itit ddoesoes nnotot LeagueLeague andand deservesdes to be in rested in the team’s last three during existxist iinn my thethe semifinasemifinals.l Just like Real games. But Zidane won’t be able a press conference, eyes.”yes.” MadridMadrid deserves it. to count on left back Ferland yesterday. Thomas Tuchel CChelseahelsea also is a very Mendy and Sergio experiencedepeexperie team. We Ramos because of injuries. Guardiola hails Sterling Al Wahda end Persepolis’ perfect run after League Cup win REUTERS — Action during the REUTERS — LONDON showed the opponent we came Persepolis’ perfect record in this AFC Champions here to win the game. He was year’s Asian Champions League League match Manchester City manager Pep incredibly aggressive. was brought to an end between Guardiola (pictured) said “(Serge) Aurier is a fast yesterday as Tim Matavz’s early Persepolis and Al Raheem Sterling’s aggression defender and they are strike earned Al Wahda of the Wahda, yesterday. had set the tone for Sunday’s incredibly good at defending a 1-0 win PIC: AFC 1-0 League Cup victory over shots and the blocks. (Hugo) that kept alive their own hopes Tottenham Hotspur. Lloris made some incredible of a place in the knockout Sterling had been in and saves but he was brilliant.” rounds. out of the lineup due a drop off Guardiola said the win, Yahya Golmohammadi’s in form and Sunday’s game was which sealed a record- side had won their first four just his fourth start in City’s last equalling fourth successive games in Group E to guarantee 11 matches in all League Cup triumph, felt even themselves a place in the last competitions. more special as it came in front 16 of the competition, but But the 26-year-old6-year-old was at of 22,000,000 CitCityy susupporters.pporters. slipped to their first loss as Slov- his best at Wembleyembley as he tor-tor- “We“We mimisseds enian striker Matavz netted five mented the Spurs’ defence, ththem,”em minutes into the game in Goa. winning the ffreeree kick that led GuardiolaGuard The win for Henk ten Cate’s to City’s goal sscoredcored by Aymeric said.said. “It side, who were reduced to 10 Laporte. wasn’twasn’t full men for the final seven minutes Sterling aalsolso came close butbut ththey when Abdulla Anwar was sent to getting on the rerepre-pr off, means the club from Abu scoresheet inn the ssentedented all Dhabi could also progress alongside the six best west. Matavz earned Al Wahda round of matches remaining first half but waswas thethe people.peo should they win their final runners-up. all three points with his fifth following their 0-0 draw with denied by Tobyoby ToTo ssharehare it group game against FC Goa on Persepolis’ four straight minute strike that slammed into Iran’s Tractor in Sharjah. Alderweireld’sld’s withwith them,them it Thursday. wins mean they cannot finish the roof of the net, beating goal- Pieter Huistra’s side were block. soundssounds bbetter.et Only the winners of the 10 any lower than second in the keeper at his near held for a fourth time in five “Amazing,”ing,” “The“T groups - five are being played group and are certain to take post. games and will need to win Guardiola saidaid ooff rereasonason we in the west of the continent and one of the last 16 positions In Group B, Pakhtakor of against Air Force Club from Iraq the Englandgland do tthathat is for five in the east - are guaranteed available to three teams that Uzbekistan are on the brink of when they meet on Thursday to forward. “He“He them.”them.” to advance to the Round of 16 finish runners-up from the being eliminated with one have any hope of progressing. Federer playing French Open with eye on Wimbledon: McEnroe REUTERS — LONDON “He wouldn’t be showing up second season today, said Federer, whose first eventvent “He’s“He’s stillstill a timate greatnessgreatness and he’s Roger Federer’s (pictured) to play if he didn’t think he Federer, 39, may make a run in back ended in a quarter-finalfinal threat to win a great,great, one of theth greatest decision to make his long- could play well,” former player Paris but a potential clash with loss at the Qatar Open, will bbigig totour-ur- if not the greatestgrea of all awaited Grand Slam return on McEnroe said. reigning champion Rafa Nadal kickstart his claycourt cam-am- nnament,”ament,” said time.time. his least favourite surface at “But I don’t think he is real- or world number one Novak paign at the Geneva Openn in MMcEnroe,cEnroe, the “He jjustust loves the next month’s French Open is istically going there thinking he Djokovic could prove too much three weeks before going oontonto younger game.game. He loveslov to play. part of a grand plan to peak in could win the tournament.” to handle. the French Open for his first bbrotherrother of I don’t thinkthink he plays time for his beloved According to McEnroe, “Even when Roger was at Grand Slam event since tthehe seseven-timesven-times withwith tthehe sosolele iintentionn of Wimbledon, according to ESPN Federer just wants to get more his highest level he was the 2020 Australian Open. GGrandrand SSlamlam ‘I’m going to playp to try commentator Patrick McEnroe. matches under his belt and is second best claycourt player in McEnroe conceded he wwasas championchampion John. andand win everyev tour- Federer, who due to injury more focused on both the the world, which is saying among those who did not “I nevernever nament’name and I or schedule preference has not grasscourt and hardcourt something. I don’t think we can expect Federer to pull off a llate-ate- underes-underes- thithinkn that’s competed on the clay courts at events ahead, particularly say that right now, especially career revival during whichh he papart of his Roland Garros in four of the last Wimbledon, where he has won coming off such a long layoff,” added three Grand Slamlam popopularity five years, returned to compe- a record eight times, and the US said McEnroe. crowns over a 12-month spspanan andan part of tition last month after sitting Open. “But his expectations are cer- that started at the 2017 AusAus-- hish out more than a year following McEnroe, whose “Holding tainly to go there and play well tralian Open and has learnedned susustaina- two knee operations. Court” podcast will begin a and make a little bit of a run.” to never count him out. bility.”b Sport TUESDAY 27 APRIL 2021 22 No quarantine in updated Tokyo Games rules

AP — TOKYO media and others unveiled on Friday. state of emergency to accommodate Muto Toshiro, CEO of Tokyo 2020 The first edition published in February Bach. The government and the Interna- attends a press conference after a Tokyo Olympic organisers and the IOC Organisers are was vague, and there are doubts the tional Olympic Committee have said the Tokyo 2020 executive board meeting are to unveil new plans this week to expected to latest editions will offer much precautions are in place specifically for in Tokyo, yesterday. explain how 15,400 Olympic and Para- announce daily specificity. Japan’s “Golden Week” holiday, which lympic athletes can compete in Japan testing for A final edition of all Playbooks will begins on Thursday. when the games open in three months be published in June. Toshiro Muto, the The torch relay, which began on in the midst of a pandemic. athletes. They CEO of the Tokyo organising com- March 25 in Fukushima in northeastern The rollout of the second edition are also mittee, said yesterday that 500 nurses Japan, has been detoured several times of the “Playbooks” - an IOC guidebook expected to were being requested for the games. this month and was forced to run in an explaining how the games can be drop a 14-day “Of course, this is on the premise empty city park in Osaka. It was also pulled off - comes as Tokyo, Osaka and quarantine that this won’t have a negative effect rerouted in Matsuyama City Ehime several other areas have been placed on the local health care system,” Muto prefecture. under a third state of emergency as requirement, said, though he did not indicate if any It will be banned altogether this coronavirus cases surge. allowing research had been done in this area. weekend on the Okinawa island of Japan, which has attributed about athletes to Resistance to the Olympics in Japan Miyakojima. 10,000 deaths to COVID-19, has also train when they arrive. Athletes will be is still running high with 70-80% The small island has only one hos- been slow with local vaccination with required to stay within a “bubble” opposed in recent polls. Fans from pital. The relay will run through other about 1% so far getting shots. abroad have already been barred, and locations on Okinawa. Organisers are expected to consisting of the Olympic Village on organizers have put off until as late as The heavily sponsored relay is a announce daily testing for athletes. Tokyo Bay, and venues and training June a decision on having any fans at caravan of more than a dozen cars and They are also expected to drop a 14-day areas. all at Olympic venues. other vehicles festooned with advertising quarantine requirement, allowing ath- Taro Kono, the minister in charge from major sponsors like Coca-Cola and letes to train when they arrive. Ath- of vaccination in Japan, suggested Toyota. Torch runners - there are 10,000 letes will be required to stay within a staff will have to be tested twice within earlier this month that empty venues in total - typically bring up the rear amid “bubble” consisting of the Olympic 96 hours before leaving home. They was a probable option. would be just days after the latest state blaring music and banter from DJs. Village on Tokyo Bay, and venues and will also be tested upon arrival in IOC President Thomas Bach last of emergency ends on May 11. The relay is scheduled to end at training areas. Japan. week said his plans to meet the torch Opposition lawmakers in Japan’s the National Stadium on July 23 for Japan’s Kyodo news agency, citing The Playbook for athletes is to be relay in Hiroshima on May 17-18 are national legislature have suggested Prime the opening ceremony of the Tokyo unnamed sources, said athletes and updated tomorrow, with Playbooks for still not confirmed. Bach’s arrival Minister Yoshihide Suga scheduled the Games.

Ravichandran Ashwin F1 adds PIC COURTESY: IPL: Australian trio returns home sprint as COVID-19 cases surge in India qualifying REUTERS — MELBOURNE

to three ’s Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson and Andrew Tye have cut short their Indian Premier races in A file photo League (IPL) season and headed of Australia's home as India struggles with a Andrew Tye. 2021 massive surge in COVID-19 cases. Tye, who was with the , flew to Sydney REUTERS — LONDON on Sunday, citing the “stress of bubble life” and concerns about Formula One said borders closing in Australia. yesterday it will debut a “I just thought I should try new sprint qualifying and get on the front foot and get format at three races in Ashwin taking a break home before I got locked out of the 2021 season after it the country,” he told Australian was unanimously radio station SEN. approved, with the events from IPL to ‘support Zampa and Richardson fol- to be hosted at two lowed suit, with Royal Chal- European and one non- family’ amid pandemic lengers yesterday European Grands Prix. saying the pair were returning to REUTERS — The new format will Australia for “personal reasons”. have a qualifying session India off-spinner said he is taking India off-spinner Ravi- in Dubai for a couple of weeks Cummins donated $50,000 to an after the first free practice a break from the (IPL) to support chandran Ashwin has also pulled before we can fly home.” Indian coronavirus relief fund to session on Friday to his family as India grapples with a massive surge in novel out of the IPL. Australia said last week it help purchase oxygen for determine the grid for coronavirus cases. A number of Australia’s top would cut flights from India and hospitals. sprint qualifying on Ashwin, who plays for Delhi Capitals in the lucrative cricketers remain in India, reduce the number of its citizens “I encourage my fellow IPL Saturday. T20 tournament, made the announcement on social media including batsmen Steve Smith able to return from other red- players - and anyone else round The results from sprint following his team’s Super Over victory against Sunrisers and David Warner plus paceman zone countries to prevent more the world who has been touched qualifying -- where Hyderabad in Chennai on Sunday. . virulent strains of COVID-19 by India’s passion and generosity drivers will compete over “My family and extended family are putting up a fight Australian fast bowler Nathan spreading. to contribute,” Cummins said. 100 km -- will determine against COVID-19 and I want to support them during these Coulter-Nile said he felt safer in Governing body Aus- India reported 352,991 new the grid for Sunday’s race tough times,” he wrote on Twitter. the tournament bubble. tralia and the Australian players COVID-19 cases on Monday, the while the top three fin- “I expect to return to play if things go in the right “I was surprised to see AJ go union said they were in “regular fifth straight day of record ishers also receive three, direction. Thank you Delhi Capitals.” home, then Zamps and Richo, but contact” with Australian players, peaks. two and one point Ashwin said he would be stepping back from the IPL when you speak to them, you coaches and commentators at the IPL organisers have said they respectively. from yesterday, and Delhi Capitals said they supported his definitely understand where IPL. will push on with the tournament “I am delighted that all decision. they’re coming from,” the “We will continue to listen to amid growing criticism. An IPL the teams supported this “Extending our full support to you in these difficult Indians player told feedback from those on the governing council member told plan,” Formula One pres- times,” the franchise tweeted. “Sending you and your family cricket.com.au. ground in India and the advice of Reuters on Sunday the league ident and CEO Stefano all the strength and prayers from all of us at Delhi “I feel like it’s safer for me to the Australian government,” the provided a “much-needed dis- Domenicali said. Capitals.” stay in the bubble... Worst comes bodies said in a joint statement. traction from all the doom and “It is a testament to to worst, we’ll have to quarantine Kolkata Knight Riders’ gloom”. our united efforts to con- tinue to engage our fans in new ways while Zimbabwe recall ensuring we remain com- Kolkata beat Punjab to end mitted to the heritage and meritocracy of our sport.” Taylor for Domenicali had earlier said one of the four-match losing streak sprint races would be at Pakistan Tests the British Grand Prix at AP — (left) during his his quickfire 30 off 18 balls Silverstone in July. innings yesterday. PIC: KKR lifting Punjab’s total past REUTERS — The next race Kolkata Knight Riders 100 before he was clean weekend is the Portu- carved out a convincing bowled by Krishna in the Zimbabwe have recalled batsman Brendan guese Grand Prix from five- win over Punjab last over. Taylor and picked five uncapped players in April 30-May 2. Kings to end their four- Kolkata’s batting their 16-man squad for the two-Test series Defending champion match losing streak in the problems up front con- against Pakistan that starts at the Harare Lewis Hamilton of Mer- Indian Premier League tinued as Punjab took three Sports Club on Thursday. cedes leads the 2021 yesterday. in the first three Taylor did not feature in Zimbabwe’s pre- standings after two races After losing successive overs and reduced it to 3-17. vious series against Afghanistan in the United with 44 points, one point games at Mumbai and But Morgan and Rahul Arab Emirates due to ill health, but provides ahead of Red Bull’s Max Chennai, Kolkata’s move to Tripathi, 41, combined for some much needed experience, especially Verstappen. Ahmedabad saw them 66 to ensure victory. Tri- in the absence of middle-order batsman produce a dominant display pathi survived a close Craig Ervine, who has a calf injury. and jump to fifth with a run-out off a direct throw Pakistan-born all-rounder , The new format will have a second win in six games. from Gayle and hit seven who has also been a stalwart of the middle order qualifying session after Punjab was strangled boundaries. Morgan’s in recent years, misses out as he receives the first free practice for 123-9 against the pace 40-ball knock included four treatment for a bone marrow infection. and spin of Kolkata, led by boundaries and two sixes. The five uncapped players are all- session on Friday to ’s 3-30 and Although Kolkata lost rounders Luke Jongwe and Roy Kaia, left- determine the grid for pairs from and Tripathi in the 11th over and arm seamer Richard Ngarava, top-order sprint qualifying on Pat Cummins. was run out batsman Milton Shumba and fast bowler Saturday. The results from Captain Eoin Morgan for 10 in the 15th over, Tanaka Chivanga, who at the age of 27 has sprint qualifying -- where finally came good with the closed the only played three first class matches to date. bat with his best score of the performance was really , who was match with two boundaries The first Test will start on Thursday, with drivers will compete over season, an unbeaten 47, as impressive, especially from caught behind off the first against fast bowler the second scheduled for May 7-11 at the 100 km -- will determine Kolkata raced to 126-5 with our bowlers, and the way he faced. Arshdeep Singh. same venue. the grid for Sunday’s race more than three overs to we started and kept the (31) Brief scores: Punjab ZIMBABWE TEST SQUAD while the top three spare. pressure throughout.” and (19) Kings 123/9 in 20 overs (M finishers also receive “We’ve worked The early four-over couldn’t capitalise on good Agarwal 31, C Jordan 30, P Sean Williams (captain), Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chisoro, Tanaka incredibly hard but didn’t spell of , 1-13, starts, falling to the guile of Krishna 3/30, S Narine 2/22, Chivanga, Luke Jongwe, Roy Kaia, Kevin Kasuza, Wellington three, two and one point perform as well as we didn’t allow Punjab to get Narine and Varun Chakar- V Chakravarthy 1/24) lost to Masakadza, Prince Masvaure, Tarisai Musakanda, Blessing respectively. would have liked,” Morgan away. The fast bowler con- varthy respectively. Kolkata Knight Riders 126/5 Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Milton Shumba, said. ceded just one boundary hit three in 16.4 overs (E Morgan 47 Brendan Taylor, Donald Tiripano. “Today, our and got the key wicket of sixes in the last two overs, not out, R Tripathi 41).