Al Annabi Hold Off Fighting Argentina to Register Second Successive Win

Captain Rahane’s unbeaten ton at MCG puts India on top MONday, DECEMBEr 28, 2020 page 14 Al Annabi hold off fighting Argentina to register second successive win

CaptionHosts Qatar defeated Argentina 24-22 in an exciting clash of Qatar International four-nation handball preparatory tournament, ahead of the 2021 World Championships, at the Al Duhail Indoor Hall on Sunday. Qatar now play Spain next on Tuesday.

Tribune News Network led 14-8 at the half-time but being conducted as Qatar and Qatar coach Valero Rivera The ongoing friendly inter- At next month’s IHF IHF World Championships Doha then had to deal with resur- three other teams – Tunisia, continued to rotate his squad national tournament against event, Qatar, drawn in Group held in Doha. gent South American cham- Argentina and Spain – pre- as the Spaniard had said on European champions Spain, C, will open their campaign In another match of the In a thrilling contest, hosts pions Argentina who put in a pare for the World Champion- the tournament eve. And his Argentina and Tunisia will against Angola in what will be day, the Tunisian and Spanish Qatar prevailed over Argen- strong show trying to make a ship in Egypt to be held from bench strength has not disap- serve as vital preparations for a rematch of one of the most national teams drew 30-30. tina 24-22 to register their comeback. However, Qatar January 13-31. pointed him so far. the World Championships. memorable matches from the Argentina will play Spain second successive win in the managed to hold on to the lead Qatar stars Rafael Da Cos- In the last few months, Rivera wanted to have a 2019 World Championships. on Monday and the tourna- Qatar International handball and secure a nervy win. ta Capote and Ahmed Madadi Qatar team has gone through camp in a European country The EURO 2020 runners-up ment will conclude on Tues- tournament at the Al Duhail In the opening match on once again put on a fine show, several training camps besides but the travel restrictions in Croatia and Japan are the oth- day with two matches, where Indoor Hall on Sunday. Friday, Qatar had edged past but it was hosts defence which featuring in a number of friend- place due to the COVID-19 er teams in their group. in the firstTunisia will face The Asian champions Tunisia 33-30. The four-na- withstood the late offence ly matches, including games pandemic meant Qatar had to Asian champions Qatar Argentina, and in the second dominated the first half and tion friendly tournament is from Argentina. against top clubs of Qatar. train at home. were runners-up at the 2015 Qatar will play against Spain. Al Shaqab to host spectacular LGCT and GCL 2021 season-opener in March Tribune News Network Doha

Al Shaqab, a member of Qa- tar Foundation, will once again host the opening competition of the Longines Global Champions Tour (LGCT) and Global Cham- pions League (GCL) team series. The latest edition of the world’s premier five-star showjumping competition will bring together the best riders and horses in their quest for individual and team glory from March 4-6, 2021, under the stunning and iconic architecture of the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, setting the scene for an electrifying weekend of equestrian sport. There will be 16 events world- The world’s premier five-star showjumping competition will bring together the best riders and hors- wide on the LGCT and GCL cal- es in their quest for individual and team glory from March 4-6, 2021, under the stunning and endar next year, starting with the iconic architecture of the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab, setting the scene for an electrifying week- championship season opener in Doha, and finishingwith the Fi- end of equestrian sport. There will be 16 events worldwide on the Longines Global Champions Tour nals in New York, in September, (LGCT) and Global Champions League (GCL) team series calendar next year, starting with the before the ultimate showdown championship season opener in Doha, and finishing with the Finals in New York, in September, at the Global Champions Prague before the ultimate showdown at the Global Champions Prague Playoffs in November. Playoffs in November. The kick-off event in Doha will see the maiden LGCT Grand events such as this, Al Shaqab coveted titles in the world of partners to deliver a welcome Prix of the year, where riders will preserves and perpetuates an im- showjumping.” return to top-level showjump- look to be the first to book their portant aspect of Qatari tradition Jan Tops, President of LGCT ing with robust health and safety Golden Ticket to the Prague Play- and culture. Al Shaqab’s host- and GCL, said: “We are pleased to protocols. I would like to thank offs. The GCL teams will go into ing of such an internationally announce our dates for 2021 and everyone for their continued battle over two rounds, armed renowned championship bears look forward to a new season with support including our sponsors with new strategies to take them testament to Qatar’s position as a confidence and excitement, but and team owners.” to victory in 2021. global sporting destination. also with humility. I know all our In view of the current COV- Khalifa Al Attiya, Execu- “The Longines Arena at Al stakeholders and especially our ID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of tive Director, Al Shaqab, said: Shaqab will provide the perfect loyal fans are looking forward to a Public Health’s precautionary “Since 2013, Al Shaqab has backdrop for the world’s leading fresh start with a new season after measures will be strictly enforced been a proud host of the Lon- equestrian athletes and horses such a difficult year for everyone to ensure the safety and well- gines Global Champions Tour. to kick off what promises to be a due to the global pandemic. being of participants, equestrian The Arab world has a very rich thrilling championship, as they “We are working closely with fans, and all who are involved equestrian heritage and, through compete for one of the most our host cities and organizing with the event. 12 Monday, December 28, 2020 Sports Al Duhail get the better of Al Ahli 5-3 to go second

Tribune News Network Doha

Having found their momentum, defending champions Al Duhail displayed strong Al Sadd coach Xavi Hernandez during a team training session ahead of attacking abilities as they de- their QNB Stars League Week 11 match against Qatar SC on Monday. feated Al Ahli 5-3 in a thrilling Week 11 encounter of the QNB Stars League at the Al Facing Qatar SC Ahli Stadium on Sunday. In other matches of the day, Al Rayyan edged Al Khor 1-0, and Al Arabi downed Al a daunting task for Sailiya by a similar margin. Johan Boli scored in the 47th minute as Al Rayyan, Al Sadd, says Xavi with their fourth victory, raised their points tally to 16. Tribune News Network possible way in every match, Mehrdad Mohammadi Doha but the task is not impossible scored the only goal of the and we hope that we too will match in the 43rd minute as Al Sadd will face their tough- appear well. Our preparations Al Arabi took their tally to 12 est test thus far, according to went off well,” he said. points with their third victory. their coach Xavi Hernandez “The wonderful thing is Al Sailiya remained on 12 when the QNB Stars League that our team has become points after suffering their leaders take on Qatar Sports a well-oiled machine on the fifth loss.I t was the Duhail- Club at the Suheim Bin Ham- field, thanks to everyone’s ef- Ahli clash that kept that fans ad Stadium on Monday. forts. The level of the team enthralled with as many as Al Duhail players celebrate one of their five goals against Al Ahli in the QBN Stars League at the Al Ahli Stadium on Sunday. While Al Sadd hold a com- now prompts us to pursue en- eight goals being scored at fortable seven-point lead at thusiasm, drive and focus, as regular intervals. ute when Almoez scored after the top, Qatar SC too are on we have great ambition in the Eduardo Rodrigues (fifth a series of slick passion. Al a hot streak having won five club to return to the position minte), Ahmed Yasser (eighth Duhai’s Karim Boudiaf, sta- consecutive matches to climb that Qatar SC deserve. We also minute), Paulo Edmilson (12th tioned close to the Al Ahli box, to fifth in the table. have a strategy to provide op- minute), Almoez Ali (56th slipped in a cross to Moham- Qatar SC’s rising fortunes portunities for young players. minute) and Mohammed med who was on the right of is mainly due to their striker “There is no doubt that the Muntari (90th minute) found the pitch. From the flank, Mo- Youcef Belaili. The Algerian recent victories have fueled the net as Al Duhail posted hammed curled in a cross for has scored nine goals so far our ambitions to provide our their seventh win of the season Almoez who clipped the ball and is the leading scorer of the best in the next match, which and moved on to 21 points. into the net on the volley. league. Sadd themselves are on is the most important and our Nasser Saleh Al Khalfan El Zhar added his second a seven-match winning streak, focus is on it now. After the re- (second minute) and Nabil El of the match on a loopy cross but their unbeaten run will be cent contracts, there is a state Zhar (45+4 penalty and 67th from half of the pitch by Mo- put to test by Belaili and co. of satisfaction in the club and minute) scored the goals for hammed Diame. Despite be- Al Ahli, who remained on 19 ing chased by a defender, El points after their fourth defeat. Zhar calmly slotted the ball Fans barely took their seats Fans live the eight-goal encounter between Al Duhail and Al Ahli at the Al Ahli Stadium on Sunday. past the keeper. when Al Ahli opened the scor- Muntari, who replaced Al- ing through Al Khalfan, who through Rodrigues. Khaled edge of the Al Ahli box before a few yards away from the Al moez in the 75th minute, added was completely unmarked. Mohammed found Rodrigues dipping a little away from the Ahli keeper who was rooted on one more from close range for After a couple of short passes with a short pass on the far goalmouth. Yasser followed the the goalline. Al Duhail to complete a 5-3 win. among team-mates, El Zhar right of the pitch. Rodrigues dipping ball and deflected the In injury time of first half, Results chipped in a cross for Al Khal- ran for some 10 yards with ball on the volley with Yazan Al Duhail’s Ali brought down Al Duhail 5 (Dudu 5’, Ahmed fan. The young Al Ahli player the ball and close to the edge Naim out of position. The ball Hazem Shehata inside the Yasser Mohammedi 8’, Edmil- jumped high in the air and eas- of the box, he curled in a fast- went into the net as Al Duhail box. Referee Saoud Ali Al son Junior 12’, Almoez Ali 56’, ily sent the ball into the net with paced flick that took keeper celebrated their second goal in- Athba sought VAR assistance Mohammed Muntari 90’) bt Al defenders Mohammed Moosa Yazan Naim by surprise. side three minutes. and pointed to the spot and Ahli 3 (Nasser Khalfan 2’, Nabil and Ismail Mohammed out of Three minutes later, Rodri- It was 3-1 for Al Duhail El Zhar easily converted the Zhar 45+5’ (P), 67’); Al Rayyan Qatar Sports Club coach Younis Ali speaking to the media on Sunday. position to stop the move. gues assisted with a perfectly- as Edmilson, on a long loopy penalty kick. 1 (Yohan Boli 48’) bt Al Khor 0; Three minutes later, Al taken long-distance free-kick cross from the flank, managed Al Duhail jumped to a Al Arabi 1 (Mehrdad Moham- Duhail found their equaliser that sailed above the wall on the to deflect the ball into the net 4-2 cushion in the 56th min- medi 43’) bt Al Sailiya 0.

PREMIER LEAGUE

“We are facing a team that we aspire to be the best, con- appears at their best level in tinue with the same pace and Liverpool stumble as Allardyce’s the league so far because they overcome any pressure that have won five consecutive may arise,” said Younis. matches with their new player In another match on Mon- Youcef Belaili, who made the day, Al Gharafa will hope to difference and also with the reclaim the second spot, when West Brom snatch draw at Anfield presence of good overseas re- they take on Umm Salal today. cruits such as Elmehdi Barrah- Al Gharafa have the most num- AFP said Robertson. ma, Ali Karimi and (Anthony) ber of victories, after leaders Al Liverpool “We went slack. Every one Okpotu,” said Xavi yesterday. Sadd (nine). They have the sec- of us made a mistake in the The Al Sadd coach said two ond-best goal difference as well Jurgen Klopp said Liverpool second half which can’t hap- in-form teams should produce and have scored the most num- only had themselves to blame pen.” a top quality match. “Qatar SC ber of goals, also after Al Sadd. after West Brom snatched a The Reds suffered another players will have confidence Umm Salal too go into the shock 1-1 draw at Anfield in injury blow at centre-back as and so are we. I think it is pos- match on a confident note as the latest twist in the Premier Matip pulled up with a mus- sible to expect a match of top they have not lost in their last League title race on Sunday. cle problem and had to be quality because they have a three games. The Orange For- The Baggies remain sec- replaced by 19-year-old Rhys good level and performance tress, who were the basement ond bottom of the table, but Williams. and the same holds true for Al side for some time, are now gave their chances of survival Despite their lowly posi- Sadd,” the Spaniard said. 10th with nine points. a huge boost by becoming the tion in the table, West Brom Xavi praised Qatar SC’ coach Al Gharafa coach Slavisa first side to take points off Liv- have already taken points off Younis Ali. “From my point Jokanovic said: “If we perform erpool at home this season in Manchester City and Chelsea of view, Qatar SC have a good with the same focus and the Sam Allardyce’s second match this season and were extreme- coach in Younis Ali, who does players show the same spirit in charge. ly unfortunate not to take at a big job. He also made a good as in the previous matches, our The English champions least a point away to Manches- effort with Al Markhiya last sea- chances of beating Umm Salal seemed set for a comfortable ter United. son. He is a capable coach and will be great. I admit that we afternoon as Sadio Mane’s fine Ajayi was denied his first was a good player as well and he are facing a team distinguished finish gave them a deserved Premier League goal when has a lot of experience, so get- by good organisation, especial- 12th minute lead. his strike away to City in a 1-1 ting these three points means a ly in defence. They will defi- Liverpool’s dominance of draw earlier this month was lot to us,” he said. nitely rely on counter-attacks possession reached 84 percent credited as a Ruben Dias own Al Sadd will be without and that requires our team to in the first-half as West Brom goal. star striker Akram Afif, who show utmost concentration. struggled just to get out of West Bromwich Albion’s Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi (right) watches as his header comes back off the But he repeated the trick tested positive for coronavirus “We played the past matches their half. post beating Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker to cross the line for their first goal during the and this time got the credit and is likely to out of action for more confidently and more co- However, the visitors grew English Premier League match at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on Sunday. The game ended 1-1.( AFP) with a powerful header in off two weeks. herently, and there began more into the game in the second- the inside of the post that this Meanwhile, Younis Ali was harmony in our ranks, which half and got their reward when table, but a rare slip up at “Every man today showed against Palace and showed his time left Alisson helpless. in a confident mood of Qatar created mutual trust among the Semi Ajayi headed home from home offers the chasing pack the spirit this team needs to sharpness in front of goal is Liverpool have made a SC’s clash against Al Sadd. players. Each of them is ready a corner. in the title race an unexpected get out of this position,” said back with a brilliant touch to habit of winning games late The ex-Qatar international and able to cover the mistakes of “It was our own fault,” said boost. Allardyce. control and finish from Joel in the past two seasons, most said his team was in awe of Al a team-mate during the match- Klopp. “We gave them simple Just four points separate “Goals are precious to us Matip’s pass on 12 minutes. recently when Roberto Fir- Sadd’s quality but would not es. The team has a great desire corners and that’s the only Everton in second from South- and this one has given us a That could and should mino’s injury time header beat be daunted by the challenge. to achieve victories. Even when thing they wanted to have to- ampton in ninth in a tightly point because we defended so have opened the floodgates for Tottenham 2-1 in their last “We have a tough task we were stung by deficit, the night. bunched table. well and we took the opportu- Klopp’s men given their level outing at Anfield. on hand because Al Sadd are players believed in their ability “To be fair West Brom did Allardyce was the last visit- nity when it came.” of control before the break. The Brazilian nearly did league leaders and the best to win and those are the most their job inside 90 minutes. ing manager to win a Premier A series of dangerous it again at the death, but his team in Asia, and includes important steps we took in or- They deserved the point to- League game at Anfield, when Liverpool ‘slack’ crosses from Andy Robert- downward header was bril- many star players - Qataris der to be stronger.” night because we didn’t finish in charge of Crystal Palace The Baggies set out to limit son failed to find the finishing liantly saved by Sam John- and foreigners. This match In the third match of the game. back in April 2017. the sort of damage suffered by touch, while Mane headed just stone. will be difficult also becauseA l the day, Al Wakrah face Al “It is not a game we will The former England man- Crystal Palace in a 7-0 ham- wide from Jordan Hender- Results: Leeds 1 (Bamford Sadd are a technically-stable Kharaitiyat. Al Wakrah are in talk about in 20 years but it is ager is now unbeaten in his mering inflicted by Liverpool son’s delivery. 5-pen) Burnley 0 team and have the ability to ninth with 10 points, while Al a game we have to play and we last four away games against last weekend. “We created a lot of chanc- West Ham 2 (Johnson 60, impose their style excellently Kharaitiyat are in a precarious didn’t play as we could.” Klopp’s men with four differ- Mane ended his longest es in the first half and then Soucek 82) Brighton 2 (Maupay over their competitors. They position as they are the base- Liverpool move three ent clubs and his gameplan drought of nine games without in the second half it was as if 44, Dunk 70) Liverpool 1 (Mane present themselves in the best ment side with six points. points clear at the top of the again worked to perfection. a goal as a Liverpool player we didn’t want to do it again,” 12) West Brom 1 (Ajayi 82). Sports Monday, December 28, 2020 13 Australian QOC Beach Games: Women’s basketball golf legend Norman 3X3 takes centrestage on Day 8 quarantining Tribune News Network are on the card in the handball Doha On Monday, the men’s - Al Nosour will take on Al Fo- at home in beach volleyball and houd in the first match while The women’s beach basket- Al Edaid versus Al Soqour will Covid scare ball 3X3 was the major high- handball events will come next. The last two games lights of Day 8 of the ongoing take centrestage. will be between Al Ruwais and AFP maiden edition of the Qatar Al Khafji, and Al Hazm versus Miami Olympic Committee (QOC) involving Qatar B and Pro Al Nomour B. Beach Games being held at Sport also ended 12-5 with In volleyball, the two Australian golf great the Aspire Park in Doha until Qatar B triumphing. matches will be between Al Greg Norman said Satur- January 3. In the men’s beach football Adaam and Nawakhza, and day he was quarantining at Six exciting matches in- event, Al Ennabi, which wal- Lusail versus Al Nojoum. home after spending Christ- volving eight teams in Group loped Al Wukair 7-0 on Thurs- In the women’s beach mas Day in the hospital with A and B were held in the day, continued their excellent handball event, Al Shaqab Covid-19 symptoms. The event. form at the tournament showed their superiority over 65-year-old Aussie, a former In the first match of the with a 4-1 defeat of Ma- the Lusail team to make the world number one who won day, the Doha team, com- dinat Khalifa to top final which they will now play the 1986 and 1983 British prising some of the national Group A. Al Wukair, against Yasminat Tunisia, Opens, said in an Instagram team players, showed their on the other hand, who also edged Msheireb 2-0 post on Saturday that he still superior class over the Fight- bounced back in the semi-final. had fever, joint and muscle ers, trouncing them 16-0. Up from their first- Next Friday’s encounter aches and headaches “but on next was Doha A versus Pro day loss as promises to be a clash of the a lesser level.” Sport which ended 15-0 in they post a titans as it involves, undoubt- Although he had yet to get favour of the former. 5-2 victory edly, the two best teams at results of his latest Covid-19 While the first two games over Al Et- the tournament. Both finalists test, Norman said he had a were almost no-contest tihad. were unbeaten en route the chest X-Ray and blood test in matches, the third game of In Group final and some of the players the hospital “where 2 mark- the day between Black Mam- B, Al Sha- from both sides have show- ers showed up leading the bas and Hustlers, mean- haniya de- cased impressive skills indicat- Doc to say, assume you are while, was closely-contested feated Al Ra- ing that the future is bright for positive with these symp- with the Black Mambas nar- heeb 3-2 while Qatar’s game. toms and markers. rowly winning by two points Al Doha trounced Al Over 500 male and fe- “They released me to con- (14-12). Jasrah 3-0. male athletes are participat- tinue quarantining at home on Other event results are On Monday, ing in the maiden QOC Beach medication in our guest house Qatar B versus Sport Lab the men’s beach Games, a legacy event of the away from the main house,” (Qatar B won 8-7) and Hus- volleyball and 2019 ANOC World Beach added Norman, who posted a tlers against Fighters, which handball events Games Doha, which is be- picture of himself on the bal- ended 14-7 in Hustlers fa- will take centre- ing held over two weeks until cony of the guest house. vour while the last match stage. Four matches January 2, 2021. On Friday, Norman had posted a photo of himself with medical equipment in the background, an NFL Pittsburgh Steelers mask over his lower face and the Brady’s superb half lifts Tampa Bay into NFL playoffs caption: “This sums it all up. My Christmas Day.” AFP the first time since 2007. we play next. “We’re going to be NFL club in a decade. In his tough to beat,” Brady said. “We “You could feel this was a Norman competed in last Washington “We played pretty good in a pretty tough out.” 300th career NFL game, Brady have to learn to do it more con- playoff practice week,” Arians week’s PNC Championship the first half,” Brady said. “Good Brady, who completed 22 of threw touchdown strikes of 33 sistently.” said. “Even with the holidays, at Orlando with his son Greg Tom Brady threw for 348 yards execution. Guys were making 27 throws, set a first-half career yards to former New England Evans, who had 10 catches they handled their business Jr., finishing in a share of and four touchdowns in the first plays for me all over the field. best and club record in passing teammate Rob Gronkowski, 27 for 181 yards, broke his own well.” ninth. half Saturday to power Tampa It was just a great effort by the yardage and the four touch- yards to Mike Evans, 12 yards team touchdown reception re- The Lions avoided a shutout He tested negative for Bay to a 47-7 win over Detroit whole team.” down passes were his most in a to Antonio Brown and 7 yards cord with 13. when Jamal Agnew returned a Covid-19 prior to the event and lift the Buccaneers into the The Buccaneers led 34-0 at first half since 2014. to Chris Godwin. Leonard “We’ve been scratching punt 74 yards for a touchdown and again as recently as NFL playoffs. half-time in improving to 10-5, Brady’s club-record 36 Fournette added a four-yard and clawing every year,” Evans in the third quarter. Detroit, Tuesday. The 43-year-old quarter- securing a playoff spot while the passing touchdowns this season touchdown run and Brady’s said of the Bucs’ playoff quest. hampered by a right ankle inju- “Until I get 2 consecutive back, who joined the Bucs this Lions sank to 5-10. sent the Bucs to the playoffs, back-up Blaine Gabbert added “We’re happy we finally accom- ry to quarterback Matthew Staf- negative tests I will continue year after 20 campaigns and six “It’s just the beginning,” a feat New England failed to touchdown passes of 25 yards plished it, but that’s just where ford, also had five coaches side- to isolate with my dog Apollo Super Bowl crowns with New said Bucs coach Bruce Arians. manage without him. to Gronkowski and 22 yards to it starts.” lined by Covid-19 and contact keeping me company,” he England, was benched for the “Our goal when this all started The Buccaneers also set Evans in the rout. Arians said he could sense tracing, with receivers coach wrote, thanking fans and second half after guiding Tam- was to get into the dance. Now a team record with 410 total “When we do play the way a great performance coming Robert Prince serving as acting friends for messages of sup- pa Bay into the post-season for it’s to win 11 games and see who first-half yards, the most by any we’re capable of playing, we’re while watching workouts. head coach. port and concern.

NBA Five-time finalist Murray McCollum lifts Trail Blazers to OT win handed Australian Open 2021 wildcard DPA over Rockets, Cavs edge Pistons Berlin AFP the steal from Harden as he maining. But Gilgeous-Alex- Andy Murray is to compete at Los Angeles was driving toward the basket. ander took an inbounds pass the delayed Australian Open in In Detroit, Cleveland and drained a jump shot over February after being handed Portland’s CJ McCollum guard Collin Sexton scored Caleb Martin to seal it for the a wildcard to the Melbourne drained the game-winning 32 points, including a layup Thunder. tournament by organisers on three-pointer with 6.9 seconds to force a second overtime as Sunday. left in overtime as the Trail the Cavaliers beat the Detroit Westbrook triple-double “We welcome Andy back to Blazers edged James Harden Pistons 128-119. A triple-double from Rus- Melbourne with open arms,” and short-handed Houston Andre Drummond added sell Westbrook and 39 points tournament director Craig Ti- Australia in losing in the 2019 128-126 in the Rockets’ be- 23 points against his former for Bradley Beal were not ley was quoted by the BBC and first round. lated NBA season opener on team, Cedi Osman scored 22 enough for the Washington other British media outlets as But he has since recovered Saturday. off the bench and Darius Gar- Wizards, who fell 130-120 to saying. from major hip surgery to play McCollum scored 44 points, land chipped in 21 as the Cava- the Orlando Magic. “His retirement was an on though he is now ranked with a career-high nine three- liers rallied from a nine-point Westbrook joined another emotional moment and seeing 122nd in the world and far pointers, and Damian Lillard deficit with 2:15 left in the first elite club with 15 points, 15 him come back, having under- from the form which saw him added 32 as the Trail Blazers overtime. rebounds and 12 assists, be- gone major surgery and built win three grand slams in ad- withstood a 44-point, 17-assist The Pistons appeared to coming just the fourth player himself back up to get on to dition to reaching five finals in performance by Harden. seize control in the third quar- in NBA history -- after Magic the tour again, will be a high- Melbourne. Center Christian Wood ter, when Jerami Grant scored Johnson, Jerry Lucas and light of AO 2021.” The Australian Open has added 31 points for the Rock- 14 of his 28 points. Blake Oscar Robertson -- to post a The 33-year-old Briton been delayed from its usual ets, who had just nine players Griffin scored 26 points and triple-double in his team’s first Murray feared he had played January slot to February 8 due in uniform – one above the Derrick Rose had 13, but the two games of a season. his last professional match in to the coronavirus pandemic. NBA minimum of eight – after Pistons – with 24 turnovers But his home opener for two players tested positive for leading to 31 Cavaliers points – the Wizards, where he landed Covid-19 and four more were could not hang on for the win. in a trade from Houston, was listed as unavailable due to “It was multiple opportu- another defeat. Terrence Ross “health and safety protocols” nities where we could’ve given led the Magic with 25 points after being declared close con- in, there were multiple oppor- off the bench. Nikola Vucevic tacts of those with the virus. tunities that we could’ve lost scored 22 points and grabbed The Rockets’ scheduled the fight,” Cavaliers coach J.B. 17 rebounds and Markelle season opener against Oklaho- Bickerstaff said. “Every player, Fultz added 21 for Orlando. ma City had been postponed to a man, decided that was not Philadelphia big man Joel when they could not field eight going to happen.” Embiid scored 27 points and players. CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles around James It was close in Charlotte, grabbed 10 rebounds in the Harden was among those Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets during overtime at Moda Center where Oklahoma City’s Shai 76ers’ 109-89 victory over the unavailable on Wednesday af- in Portland, Oregon, on Saturday. (Getty Images/AFP) Gilgeous-Alexander drained a New York Knicks. ter he was deemed to have vio- game-winning jump shot with Ben Simmons added 15 lated NBA anti-Covid meas- pion played more than 43 calmly sank a three-pointer of 1.4 seconds left in the Thun- points, nine rebounds, six as- ures that ban players from minutes. He connected on 12 his own. der’s 109-107 season-opening sists and a dominant defensive attending indoor gatherings of of 22 shots from the field, in- “I just got to the corner,” win over the Hornets. performance as the Sixers im- more than 15 people. cluding six three-pointers. McCollum said. “I knew (Lil- Oklahoma City led by 13 proved to 2-0 under new head He was fined $50,000, in Harden’s step-back three- lard) was going to be aggres- with less than two minutes to coach Doc Rivers. the latest instalment of the pointer with 15.3 seconds left sive, he drew a crowd. My play and held off a Hornets The victory moved Rivers pre-season drama surrounding in overtime put the Rockets up man turned his back so I just rally to gain the win. into sole possession of 10th Harden, who turned up late to 126-125. relocated to the open area and Miles Bridges scored three place on the NBA’s all-time training camp amid reports he But the Trail Blazers re- knocked down the trey.” 3-pointers in the final 25 sec- wins list, his 945th victory has demanded to be traded. sponded, Lillard driving to- The Rockets had the ball onds as the Hornets battled in his 22nd season as a head The three-time – and ward the basket then kicking again after a timeout, but Rob- back, knotting the score at coach, moving him ahead of reigning – NBA scoring cham- the ball out to McCollum who ert Covington came up with 107-107 with 10.3 seconds re- Bill Fitch. Andy Murray 14 Monday, December 28, 2020 Sports

Super Sunday Captain Rahane stands and Ajinkya’s knock delivers to put India on top inspires India Shares unbeaten 104-run stand with Jadeja  Half-century stands with Vihari, Pant teammates AFP Scoreboard Agencies Rahane’s 104-run stand Melbourne Melbourne with Ravindra Jadeja (40 Australia (1st Inns): 195 not out) has India well- Stand-in skipper Ajinkya India (1st innings; Overnight 36 for one) India opener Shubman placed at 5-277 with a first- M. Agarwal lbw Starc ��0 Rahane rode his luck to hit a S. Gill c Paine b Cummins �� 45 Gill was full of praise for innings lead of 82 as they gritty unbeaten century as In- C. Pujara c Paine c Cummins �� 17 Ajinkya Rahane’s compo- attempt to level the series. dia built an ominous 82-run A. Rahane not out �� 104 sure under pressure after But the skipper’s 12th lead over Australia on day H. Vihari c Smith b Lyon �� 21 the stand-in captain’s styl- Test century wasn’t with- R. Pant c Paine b Starc �� 29 two to take a stranglehold on R. Jadeja not out �� 40 ish century put India in a out its nervous moments as the second Test in Melbourne Extras: (b12, lb6, w1, nb2) �� 21 strong position in the sec- Mitchell Starc and the hosts on Sunday. Total: (For 5 wickets, 91.3 overs) �� 277 ond Test. were left to rue a string of It was a determined and To bat: Ravi Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Siraj, Rahane finishedunbeat - missed opportunities. Jasprit Bumrah. crucial knock against a world- Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Agarwal), 2-61 (Gill), 3-64 en on 104 at stumps on day Rahane was dropped class attack by the mild- (Pujara), 4-116 (Vihari), 5-173 (Pant). two at the MCG after peel- twice - first by Steve Smith mannered 32-year-old, who Bowling: Starc 18.3-3-61-2, Cummins 22-7-71-2, ing off a dozen boundaries on 73 and then by Travis assumed the captaincy from Hazlewood 21-6-44-0, Lyon 18-2-52-1, Green 12-1- from 200 deliveries. Head moments before 31-0-56-4, Yadav 12-2-39-0, Ashwin 24-7-35-3, Virat Kohli after he returned Jadeja 5.3-1-15-1, Siraj 15-4-40-2. “This knock was all stumps - and nicked an- home for the birth of his first Toss: Australia. about timing and patience,” other ball through a vacant child. Test debutant Gill said. first slip. Batting at four, he faced joyed some good fortune. “Importantly, some- Each of those chances 200 balls for his 104 to steer Australia removed first slip times against a high-quality were off Starc’s bowling. India to 277 for five before during Starc’s first spell in the bowling attack you go into “We should have got rain ended play 15 minutes finalsession and lived to re- your shell and then you’re him out three, four, maybe early. Ravindra Jadeja was not gret it with Rahane getting an not able to score runs. five times before he got to out 40. edge on 57 that would almost “But the way Rahane 100 but he’s run his luck The hosts took just four certainly have been caught if played, it was such a magnif- there and scored a good wickets during a frustrating the fielder was there. icent knock (to watch) from hundred,” Starc said. day in the field as the match He had a huge let-off on 73 outside. “Those tough peri- Rahane’s brilliant in- began to slip away with India when he was dropped at sec- ods, he saw off those tough nings came a day after he zeroing in on levelling the se- ond slip by Steve Smith and periods, and then with the was widely praised for his ries after losing the first Test again on 104 when the ball loose balls he was mak- captaincy as India bowled by eight wickets in Adelaide. popped out of Travis Head’s ing sure he put all of them out Australia for 195. “Not our best day, but not hands as he landed after tak- away.” (Courtesy: The Canberra Times) our worst,” said Australia’s ing the catch. Mitchell Starc, who has two Jadeja, back in the team wickets but also saw catches after missing the first Test in- put down off his bowling. jured, ably supported Rahane “Jinx (Rahane) batted re- after Vihari fell for 21 attempt- ally well through the day there ing to sweep Nathan Lyon, and they had some pretty good with Smith taking the catch. partnerships. That brought the exuber- “I thought there was some ant Pant to the crease. Pre- really good stuff from us as ferred to Wriddhiman Saha well, we just didn’t capitalise on as wicketkeeper, he scored some of the chances we created a breezy 29 before becom- to finish in a better position. ing Starc’s 250th Test victim, “We’re just going to have to caught by Tim Paine for his back up tomorrow and take five 150th dismissal. wickets as quick as we can.” India were reduced to 64 While Rahane was the for three before lunch after hero, it was a gutsy Indian Cummins caused all sorts of team performance, with three problems. 50-plus wicket partnerships to He signalled his intent help silence their critics after with the first ball of the day, being skittled for their all-time India’s Ajinkya Rahane (left) celebrates scoring his century as teammate Ravi Jadeja applauds on the sec- which zipped past Pujara’s low of 36 last week. ond day of their second Test against Australia at the MCG in Melbourne on Sunday. (AFP) bat. Paine called for a review, Debutant Shubman Gill believing it took a nick, but re- chipped in with an impressive to watch, the way he saw off nings 195, having weathered 11 That brought Rahane to plays showed it was not out. 45 and paid tribute to Rahane. the tough periods and the overs Saturday when they lost the crease and -- first with Cummins finally got the “His knock was all about loose balls he was making sure Mayank Agarwal for a duck to Hanuma Vihari, then Rishabh wicket he deserved when Gill, patience. Sometimes against he put them all away.” Starc. Pant and finally Jadeja – he who added 17 to his overnight such a high-quality bowling In an action-packed morn- built half-century stands to score, got a nick and Paine attack you go into your shell Problems ing, the Australian attack put India in a strong position. took the catch. and then you’re not able to On a steamy day at the consistently hit its line and He brought up his 12th He then removed Pujara, Indian fans jubilate during the second day of the second cricket score runs,” he said. Melbourne Cricket Ground, length with Pat Cummins bag- Test ton in his 67th game, and again enticing an edge with Test match between Australia and India at the MCG in Melbourne “The way Ajinkya played, it India resumed on 36 for one ging Gill then the experienced his second in Melbourne, with Paine holding a brilliant div- on Sunday. (AFP) was such a magnificent knock in reply to Australia’s first in- Cheteshwar Pujara for 17. a four off Cummins, but he en- ing catch. Al Nashaab horseback archery Pakistan suffer early setback championship final today dent of the Qatar Equestrian in reply to New Zealand’s 431 Federation. They also thanked the great efforts made by the head AFP but was clearly in pain. of the organising commit- Mount Maunganui (NZ) New Zealand, having start- tee of the championship, Ali ed the day at 222 for three, Al-Rumaihi, which led to the New Zealand were banking added a further 209 runs before provision of the venue for the on a deteriorating pitch to de- Wagner was the last man out. championship and in provid- fend their Kane Williamson- The innings was headlined ing media support to uncover anchored 431 after reducing by Williamson’s 129, his 23rd this new sport in Qatar. Pakistan to 30 for one on day Test century, with sizeable The next step would be to two of the first Test at Mount contributions from BJ Watling lay down plans to develop and Maunganui on Sunday. (73) and Henry Nicholls (56) expand the horseback archery Abid Ali was not out 19 to go with Ross Taylor’s 70 on sport in the country and to with nightwatchman Moham- the first day. hold more tours, depending mad Abbas yet to score after Williamson described his on the success of the inaugu- Kyle Jamieson removed open- knock as “really satisfying” af- The first Horseback Archery Championship (Al Nashaab Champion- ral championship, the com- er Shan Masood for 10. ter New Zealand were sent into ship) will be held at QEF’s outdoor arena on Monday evening. mittee said. The Bay Oval pitch, Wil- bat on a green wicket and with During the qualification liamson’s home wicket, is re- Afridi and Mohammad Abbas Tribune News Network Al Mudahka informed that skills test, participants had to nowned for supporting the making life difficult with swing Doha the participation for the skills aim at targets from a horse- bowlers on the first and last and seam on the first day. test was very good despite the back in a 90m arena. Partici- day. But Williamson said it Although there was not The Qatar Equestrian and newness of the sport in the pants need to have a passport was already showing signs it the same movement on day Modern Pentathlon Federa- country. for their horses, who must be would favour spin through the two, the drying pitch started tion, in cooperation with the “We had a very good skills vaccinated, and are required middle stages, while New Zea- New Zealand’s paceman Kyle Jamieson (left) celebrates the wicket of to show signs of turn which Horseback Archery Society, qualificationtest where we to clear a test before the event. land sweated on the availabil- Pakistan’s Shan Masood on the second day of their first cricket Test at brought spin into play with will hold the first Horseback had sixteen horseback arch- Participants have to obtain a ity of short-ball specialist Neil the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday. (AFP) Yasir Shah taking three wick- Archery Championship (Al Na- ers. They were divided into rider’s ID from the technical Wagner. ets, including the prized scalp shaab Championship) at QEF’s two groups of eleven and five. office of the EQ F, organisers “Hopefully the cracks start of Williamson. outdoor arena on Monday. And out of these 13 have quali- stressed. Junior riders must to open and hopefully it starts Scoreboard Nicholls, who had part- The organizing committee fied for the final,” Al Mudahka be in the 12-18 age category, to deteriorate,” Williamson New Zealand (1st innings: Overnight 222-3) (Watling), 10-431 (Wagner). nered Williamson in a 133-run comprising Ali bin Yousef Al had said. while riders intending to take said. T. Latham c Azhar Ali b Afridi 4 Bowling: Afridi 36-7-109-4 (1nb), Abbas 31-14-49-1 stand for the fourth wicket, T. Blundell c Yasir Shah b Afridi 5 (1w), Ashraf 19-8-40-1 (1w), Naseem Shah 25-3-96-1 Rumaihi, assistant Secretary- Notably among these, Mu- part in the senior event should “Spin will come more into K. Williamson c Sohail b Yasir Shah 129 (3w, 5nb), Yasir Shah 37-4-113-3, Shan Masood 2-1- was the first to fall, bizarrely General, Qatar Equestrian hammad Sultan Al Naama, Ali be 18 or above. play. There are bits of rough as R. Taylor c Rizwan b Afridi 70 2-0, Sohail 5-0-17-0. departing the field when he Federation, and Fuad Al Mu- Hamad Al Athba and Rashid Entrants must wear the well so I’ve no doubt spin will H. Nicholls c Masood b Shah 56 Pakistan (1st innings) would have been allowed to dahka, President of Horseback Al Dossary from Lekhwiya helmet and horse riding shoes definitely have a role.” B. Watling c Yasir Shah b Afridi 73 S. Masood c Watling b Jamieson 10 stay had he argued his case. M. Santner c Rizwan b Ashraf 19 Abid Ali not out 19 Archery Society, had earlier stood out with their horseback over traditional wear and the The immediate concern K. Jamieson c Rizwan b Abbas 32 M. Abbas not out 0 He was given out caught overseen the skills test which archery skills. horse must be over five-years- for New Zealand was the avail- T. Southee b Yasir Shah 0 Extras: (nb1) 1 off the gloves, and after con- will see the final twelve horse- The organizing commit- old. A maximum of two players ability of Wagner who was to N. Wagner c Masood b Yasir Shah 19 Total: (For 1 wicket: 20 overs) 30 sulting with Williamson they back archers competing in the tee has allocated in-kind and may participate on one horse. have a scan at the end of the T. Boult not out 8 Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Masood). felt the ball may have also Extras: (lb5, w5, nb6) 16 To bat: Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Mohammad final. The referees’ committee is financial prizes for the win- Horseback archery is consid- day after being hit on the foot Total: (All Out; 155 overs) 431 Rizwan (capt), Faheem Ashraf, Yasir Shah, Shaheen touched the bat so they decid- headed by Adel al-Muhannadi. ners of the championship ered as one of the important by a Shaheen Afridi yorker Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Latham), 2-13 (Blundell), 3-133 Afridi, Naseem Shah. ed not to seek a review when A rehearsel of the cham- and extended thanks and ap- upcoming sports activities in when he batted. (Taylor), 4-266 (Nicholls), 5-281 (Williamson), 6-317 Bowling: Southee 7-2-13-0, Boult 4-2-8-0, Jamieson replays later showed the ball pionship was conducted preciation to Hamad bin Ab- Qatar and has a traditional Wagner managed three (Santner), 7-383 (Jamieson), 8-388 (Southee), 9-421 6-4-5-1, Wagner 3-1-4-0 (1nb). Toss: Pakistan. hit his forearm and did not on Sunday. dulrahman Al Attiyah, Presi- and cultural importance. overs when Pakistan batted brush either glove or bat. Sports Monday, December 28, 2020 15

2020 Year in Review: Generation Amazing GA’s online streaming reached 160,000 worldwide in challenging circumstances

Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), with an IFRC official during the Partnership Sign- Former Australian international Tim Cahill was named as a new global ambassador of the Supreme Com- ing Ceremony for Generation Amazing. mittee for Delivery & Legacy and Qatar 2022.

n 2020, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) social and human legacy pro- Igramme, Generation Amaz- ing (GA), celebrated its 10th anniversary with several major milestones, including reaching over 160,000 people worldwide with its online programme streamed weekly via Instagram Live. In January, GA teamed up with partner club and Belgian First Division side KAS Eupen to host a football-for-development session for local school children during the team’s winter training camp in Doha. Eupen players trained with participat- ing children at Aspire Academy to instill a greater appreciation for teamwork. This initiative with Eupen marks one of several organised since GA signed a strategic partnership with the GA teamed up with partner club and Belgian First Division side KAS Eupen to host a football-for-develop- With the spread of COVID-19, on-pitch sessions including the school and worker programme sessions came Belgian side in September 2019. ment session for local school children during the team’s winter training camp in Doha. to a halt in March – leading to GA’s decision to take its football for development programming online. In February, the announce- ment of former Australian up a plan to ensure continued monthly discussions involving vulnerable youth in several international Tim Cahill as a outreach to youth. GA was GA was committed to taking its programme online as a way to raise the spirits of its the SC Legacy programmes, countries across the Middle new global ambassador of the committed to taking the pro- followers and to empower the learning journey of youth around the world. In efforts plus representatives from East, Asia, Africa and South SC and Qatar 2022 was cel- gramme online as a way to raise to continue to inspire youth and audiences in Qatar and globally, GA streamed their strategic partners. America. ebrated through an engage- the spirits of its followers and to football for development drills, for example, in the form of GA master-led home Later in October, GA hosted GA is wrapping up the year ment with GA, which took empower the learning journey workouts designed to get those confined at home active and learning about a high-level webinar about the with two prestigious Golden place at Aspire Academy, en- of youth around the world. soft power of sports diplomacy. Bridge Awards for the GA Live gaging GA school programme In efforts to continue to programme-taught skills like teamwork, communication and organisation. Titled ‘Introduction to Sports online campaign aimed at in- children, who were all excited inspire youth and audiences Diplomacy: From Concept to spiring youth to stay active to meet the former English in Qatar and globally, GA SC global ambassadors and GA partner club AS Roma’s number of 26.1 million people Practice’, the virtual event was and healthy at home during Premier League player. streamed football for devel- regional ambassadors which Allison Swaby. engaging with the GA Live ses- organised with JI, in collabora- the ongoing pandemic. With the spread of COV- opment drills, for example, included football legends Xavi Additionally, the sessions sions and hashtag. tion with the UNESCO Office The programme’s online ID-19, on-pitch sessions in- in the form of GA master-led Hernandez and Cafu, and local included a variety of live talks In July 2020, GA teamed for the Gulf States and Yemen, presence has opened new cluding the school and work- home workouts designed to stars Khalid Salman and Ibra- with sport development part- up with with Josoor Insti- to provide a platform for shar- doors for the ways in which er programme sessions came get those confined at home him Khalfan. In line with the ner organisations including tute (JI) and the University ing a global perspective on us- football for development can to a halt in March – leading active and learning about United Nation’s Sustainable the International Federation Campus of Football Busi- ing the power of sport to ad- make a positive impact on to GA’s decision to take its programme-taught skills like Development goals (SDGs), of Red Cross and Red Cres- ness (UCFB) to deliver a se- vance national goals. youth and there are plans to football for development pro- teamwork, communication the programme’s pillar causes, cent Societies (IFRC). Book ries of webinars about the Additionally, this year continue to leverage this op- gramming online. and organisation. gender equality and inclu- readings based on GA learn- role of sport and learning in GA announced a partnership portunity to raise awareness This year brought a chal- Also included in the sion, were also with women ings and in collaboration with supporting youth during the agreement with the IFRC to and to connect with our target lenging set of circumstances streams were an array of week- footballers such as Paris Saint Maktaba were also on the pro- COVID-19 pandemic. This jointly deliver football for de- audience in Qatar and around and it was important to set ly GA Star Chats featuring Germain’s Nadia Nadim and gramme, which saw a total was to be the first in a series of velopment programmes to the world. (SC) South African batsmen take charge against depleted Sri Lankans

AFP day) is massive, knowing and the batsmen took advan- wicket as South Africa scored Centurion the new ball is coming in the tage of some loose bowling, at better than four runs an over morning,” said Elgar. The striking a total of 48 bounda- throughout their innings. South African opening bats- new ball will be due eight ries in 72 overs. man Dean Elgar said the overs into the day. “We are down one bowl- Scoreboard momentum had swung back Sri Lanka went into the er so it is a responsibility to Sri Lanka (1st innings; Overnight 340-6) to the host team after a free- match without leading fast bowl more overs,” said all- D. Karunaratne b Ngidi ...... 22 scoring second day of the bowler Suranga Lakmal be- rounder Shanaka, who had K. Perera c De Kock b Mulder ...... 16 firstTest against Sri Lanka at cause of a hamstring strain and to come into the attack in K. Mendis c Ngidi b Nortje ...... 12 SuperSport Park in Centurion suffered a major blow when the sixth over when Rajitha D. Chandimal c Du Plessis b Mulder ...... 85 D. de Silva retired hurt ...... 79 on Sunday. opening bowler Kasun Rajitha broke down. “It is hard but it N. Dickwella lbw b Mulder ...... 49 The left-handed Elgar limped off the field with what is Test cricket.” D. Shanaka not out ...... 66 scored 95 and shared an open- appeared to be a groin injury Shanaka followed up a W. Hasaranga b Sipamla ...... 18 ing stand of 141 with Aiden after bowling one ball in his flamboyant innings of 66 not K. Rajitha c Elgar b Sipamla ...... 12 V. Fernando b Sipamla ...... 0 Markram (68) to set South Af- third over. out by bowling 16.5 overs and L. Kumara c Van der Dussen b Sipamla ...... 0 rica on the way to 317 for four taking the wicket of Elgar when Extras: (b16, lb9, nb6, w6) ...... 37 at the close in reply to Sri Lan- ‘Hard’ with a bowler short he held a sharp return catch. Total: (All Out, 96 overs) ...... 396 Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Karunaratne), 2-54 ka’s first innings total of 396. Sri Lanka were already “We are still in with a (Mendis), 3-54 (Perera), 4-284 (Chandimal), The runs were scored off without batsman Dhananjaya chance,” said Shanaka. “The 5-296 (Dickwella), 6-320 (Hasaranga), 7-387 only 72 overs against a deplet- de Silva who was ruled out of morning plan will be to bowl (Rajitha), 8-387 (Fernando), 9-396 (Kumara) ed Sri Lankan bowling attack. the rest of the series after suf- wicket to wicket and when Bowling: Ngidi 19-3-64-1, Sipamla 16-1-76-4 (3nb), Nortje 22-3-88-1 (2w), Mulder 20-4-69- “It was a rewarding day fering a grade two tear in his the new ball comes hopefully 3 (3nb), Maharaj 19-3-74-0. for all of us today, we re- left thigh which forced him to get wickets.” ally changed the momentum retire hurt after scoring 79 on Elgar and Markram made South Africa (1st innings) throughout the day and poten- Saturday. batting look easy but Sri D. Elgar c and b Shanaka ...... 95 A. Markram c Shanaka b Fernando ...... 68 tially had the momentum back With De Silva also a capa- Lanka briefly fought back H. van der Dussen c Dickwella b Kumara .....15 in our change room after what ble off-spin bowler, the tour- when Rassie van der Dussen F. du Plessis not out ...... 55 was a very tough day for us yes- ists were reduced to a four- and Elgar fell in successive Q. de Kock c sub (Thirimanne) b Hasaranga .18 terday,” said Elgar. man attack, which included overs to make the total 200 T. Bavuma not out ...... 41 Extras: (b8, lb6, nb5, w6) ...... 25 From being well behind the Dasun Shanaka, bowling at a for three, while South African Total: (For 4 wkts, 72 overs) ...... 317 game after the Sri Lankan in- South Africa’s Dean Elgar (left) and his batting partner Aiden Markram (centre) take a drinks break during gentle medium pace, and deb- captain Quinton de Kock fell Fall of wickets: 1-141 (Markram), 2-200 (Van nings, South Africa could look the second day of their first Test against Sri Lanka at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Sunday. The two utant leg-spinner Wanindu four overs later after making der Dussen), 3-200 (Elgar), 4-220 (De Kock) forward with confidence to the shared an opening partnership of 141 runs. (AFP) Hasaranga. a quick 18. Bowling: Fernando 15-2-59-1 (1w), Rajitha 2.1-0-16-0 (1nb), Shanaka 16.5-2-56-1 (3nb), rest of the match, according to As had been the case with Former captain Faf du Hasaranga 23-3-99-1 (1nb), Kumara 15-0-73- Elgar, who said his team would “It’s going to be hard graft batting once on this wicket, ground’s reputation for uneven the inexperienced South Afri- Plessis (55 not out) and Temba 1 (1w) be looking to secure a first in- but our chat in the change knowing what SuperSport Park bounce later in a match. can bowlers, the Sri Lankans Bavuma (41 not out) put on To bat: W. Mulder, K. Maharaj, A. Nortje, L. nings lead of more than 100. room has been about maybe is like,” he said, referring to the “That first hour (on Mon- struggled to findconsistency an unbeaten 97 for the fifth Sipamla, L. Ngidi.