SPORT Tuesday 18 December 2018 PAGE | 08 PAGE | 11 Kohli and Paine ready for AFC exchange words Asian Cup, says in Perth coach Sanchez

UEFA Champions League last-16 draw PSG set date with Manchester United AFP NYON Former Spanish player Luis Garcia shows the slip of Neymar to Bayern Munchen next to the Cup during the draw for Liverpool will take on fellow five- the UEFA Champions League last-16 in Nyon, yesterday. time winners Bayern Munich in miss PSG’s the last-16 of the Champions League, while Jose Mourinho’s League Cup struggling Manchester United face French giants Paris Saint- Germain. clash today Holders Real Madrid were paired with Ajax in yesterday’s AFP draw in Nyon as the Spaniards PARIS attempt to lift the trophy for the fifth time in six seasons, while Neymar will miss today’s Lionel Messi and Barcelona will French League Cup last-16 play Lyon. encounter against second Both Liverpool and Bayern division Orleans to nurse a have a rich tradition in the com- nagging groin injury, Paris petition, with Jurgen Klopp Saint-Germain coach returning to his homeland to face Thomas Tuchel said. the side that beat his Borussia The Brazil forward Dortmund team in the 2013 final. underwent tests at hospital Liverpool, defeated finalists yesterday and “is not at 100 last season, are the current form percent” according to side of the two and sit top of the Tuchel, who said the results Premier League while Bayern were otherwise reassuring. have been far short of their own The world’s most high standards in the Bundesliga expensive player came off this term. early in the second half of “That’s the team of the hour, a 2-2 draw at Bordeaux on the league leaders in England, stepping it up. We are looking of the tie with Liverpool. “Teams that have been strug- December 2 after hurting they are playing really good forward to it,” Bayern sporting Klopp said: “It will be a tough gling in their leagues have still the same groin he injured football, very physical, really director Hasan Salihamidzic said one, an interesting one, and I am they’ve done very well in the playing for Brazil against looking forward to it.” It’s always difficult Champions League,” said Cameroon last month. UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW LIST Pep Guardiola’s Manchester to play Manchester Begiristain. “He trained yesterday City take on German side Schalke “Schalke will be difficult. (Sunday) but not at full First Leg, Tuesday, February 12 04 while Atletico Madrid, United: PSG boss After a winter break, German intensity. That’s why he’s Manchester United (England) vs Paris Saint-Germain () runners-up in 2014 and 2016, Thomas Tuchel clubs are always very not able to play” at Orleans, Roma () vs Porto (Portugal) come up against Cristiano dangerous.” said Tuchel. Wednesday, February 13 Ronaldo and Italian heavy- Lyon coach Bruno Genesio PSG’s last two league weights Juventus. Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Liverpool, says his team can draw on their matches, at home to Tottenham (England) vs Borussia Dortmund () “A very difficult match, with meet PSG for the first time and a group-stage displays against City Montpellier and away to Ajax (Netherlands) vs Real Madrid (Spain) few goals,” Juve vice-president formidable task awaits against a -- a 2-1 away win and 2-2 home Dijon, were postponed Tuesday, February 19 Pavel Nedved predicted. side featuring Neymar and Kylian draw -- ahead of their clash with amid ongoing protests Lyon (France) vs Barcelona (Spain) “No doubt Cristiano is the Mbappe -- the world’s two most five-time European champions across France and the Liverpool (England) vs Bayern Munich (Germany) man of the Champions League, expensive players. Barca. threat of further terror Wednesday, February 20 he has always shown that, with “It’s always difficult to play “We’ll need to pull off two big attacks following last goals and victories. Our team is Manchester United,” said PSG performances, in the first leg and week’s shooting in Schalke (Germany) vs Manchester City (England) very strong and we can be calm boss Thomas Tuchel. in the return, but we can do it. Strasbourg. Atletico Madrid (Spain) vs Juventus (Italy) and confident.” “They have lots of experience We did it against City,” said “It was a bit difficult Second Leg, Tuesday, March 5 Bundesliga leaders Dortmund in this competition, they’ve won Genesio. because Thursday they told Borussia Dortmund (Germany) vs Tottenham (England) will meet Tottenham Hotspur for it numerous times. It’s always dif- “It’s tough. They are a team us that the match against Real Madrid (Spain) vs Ajax (Netherlands) the second season in a row, ficult to play at Old Trafford, it’s that Lyon has already played Dijon was off, but Friday Wednesday, March 6 having faced each other in last always a big challenge. against but never beaten. Barca they said it was possible we year’s group stage, while Roma “It’s the same thing against are more experienced and play on Sunday.” Paris Saint-Germain (France) vs Manchester United (England) meet two-time former cham- Mourinho. He has lots of expe- stronger but over two matches The German also Porto (Portugal) vs Roma (Italy) pions Porto. rience in this competition and anything is possible,” Gerard sowed further doubt over Tuesday, March 12 “We’ve already met them you must have respect,” he Houllier, who holds an advisory the future of midfielder Manchester City (England) vs Schalke (Germany) (Tottenham) twice. A strong added. role at the French club, told RMC Adrien Rabiot, who is out Juventus (Italy) vs Atletico Madrid (Spain) opponent, the chances are at City’s director of football Txiki Sport. of contract at the end of the Wednesday, March 13 50-50. The team has top players. Begiristain warned the English “The first match is key and season. “I cannot guarantee We are also strong, it will be champions will not have it easy we are playing at home. Barca that ‘Adri’ will finish the

Barcelona (Spain) vs Lyon (France) interesting,” Dortmund CEO against a Schalke outfit languishing are potential champions. We season with us,” said Bayern Munich (Germany) vs Liverpool (England) Hans-Joachim Watzke told Sky. in 13th place in Germany following have nothing to lose. Everything Tuchel. United, at a low ebb after a nightmare start. is a bonus for Lyon.” Worlds in line with Qatar National Vision 2030: Dahlan

QNA President of International Asso- at a fast pace at all levels, and as interests, thanks to a range of DOHA ciation of Athletics Federations the countdown for the largest innovations such as the modified (IAAF) in a statement, said that IAAF event continues, Doha con- schedule that allows for more The Director General of the Qatar has the legacy in hosting tinues to establish itself as the excitement by organising compe- Organising Committee of Doha major world championships, sports capital and the athletics titions through one evening 2019 IAAF World Champion- saying the prestigious events home of the Middle East. session as well as a variety of dif- ships, Dahlan Al Hamad has said which the country has been The Qatari capital has hosted ferent ticket options. hosting of the next year’s mega hosting is an honour for the several world championships Since the announcement of event corresponds to the Qatar whole Arab world and the over the past decade in numerous Khalifa International Stadium as National Vision 2030, saying Middle East. sports such as swimming, venue, which will introduce the preparations were in full swing He pointed out that Doha handball, boxing, and athletics. In cooling technology, the Organ- to host top athletes from around started hosting the athletics recent weeks, Doha has added ising Committee has been the globe. championships 21 years ago with 48th World Gymnastics Cham- receiving requests to register Doha will host the World an ambition of hosting the World pionships to that list. tickets from countries around Championships from September Championships, which will be The 17th IAAF World Cham- the world including Australia, 27 to October 6 next year. The achieved next year. pionships in Doha will be unique, Canada, France, Brazil, China, event will be hosted in the The Director General of opening up new horizons for the Cameroon, Chile, South Africa, Middle East for the first time. Organising Committee said that game and attracting new fans Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Jordan, Dahlan, who is also the Vice preparations were proceeding and athletes of all ages and Syria and Tunisia. Dahlan Al Hamad 08 SPORT TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018

SCOREBOARD Australia (I innings) ...... 326 India (I innings) ...... 283 Australia (II innings) M Harris b Bumrah ...... 20 A Finch c Pant b Shami ...... 25 U Khawaja c Pant b Shami ...... 72 S Marsh c Pant b Shami ...... 5 P Handscomb lbw Sharma ...... 13 T Head c Sharma b Shami ...... 19 T Paine c Kohli b Shami ...... 37 P Cummins b Bumrah ...... 1 M Starc b Bumrah ...... 14 N Lyon c Vihari b Shami ...... 5 J Hazlewood () ...... 17 Extras (B8, LB3, W4) ...... 15 Total (all out) ...... 243 Fall of : 1-59, 2-64, 3-85, 4-120, 5-192, 6-192, 7-198, 8-198, 9-207, 10-243 “It has been a bit of a Bowling: Sharma 16-1-45-1, Bumrah 25.2-10- 39-3, Shami 24-8-56-6 (2w), Yadav 14-0-61-0 long time between wins. (2w), Vihari 14-4-31-0 We’re pretty excited to India (II innings) KL Rahul b Starc ...... 0 come back tomorrow. M Vijay b Lyon ...... 20 There is still a bit of C Pujara c Paine b Hazlewood ...... 4 work to be done, there is V Kohli c Khawaja b Lyon ...... 17 A Rahane c Head b Hazlewood ...... 30 obviously enough there H Vihari (batting) ...... 24 in the and we R Pant (batting) ...... 9 Extras (B6, W2) ...... 8 just have to hit the right Total (five wkts) ...... 112 areas.” Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-13, 3-48, 4-55, 5-98 Bowling: Starc 10-2-28-1 (1w), Hazlewood 11- Australia’s Nathan Lyon (right) reacts after dismissing 3-24-2, Cummins 8-0-24-0 (1w) , Lyon 12-2- India’s Virat Kohli for 17 runs on day four Pace ace Josh 30-2 of the second Test match against India at Perth Hazlewood Stadium in Perth, Australia, yesterday. Kohli, Paine exchange Spirited Australia closing in on words in Perth WWW.CRICINFO.COM

The fourth day witnessed heated conversations between Test match win after long wait the two captains, Tim Paine and Virat Kohli, in Perth as Australia AFP Australia. The loss of Kohli continued a fine match for Lyon, were strengthening their grip on PERTH appeared a fatal blow to who picked up five in the Indian the match. their chances of a famous first innings to move into the top During the wicketless first Australia is poised for their first win. 25 all-time Test wicket-takers, session, the captains even came Test match win since the ball- Lyon dismissed Kohli for currently on 333. into physical contact when tampering scandal after spinner the seventh time in Test After Australia lost their last Paine ran down the pitch for a Nathan Lyon claimed the prized , two more than any six wickets for 51 runs to be dis- single in the 71st over. wicket of Indian captain Virat other bowler, when he had missed for 243, with Mohammed As Paine nudged the first Kohli in the second Test in Perth him caught at slip by Usman Shami claiming a career-best ball of the over towards mid- yesterday. Khawaja for 17. 6-56, India made a disastrous wicket for a run, Kohli ran Set 287 to win on an unpre- Kohli was unable to start to their run chase just towards the pitch in anticipation dictable pitch, India were repeat the heroics of his first before tea. of collecting the ball and col- reduced to 112 for five at stumps innings century, the ball Opener KL Rahul didn’t lided with Paine before the on the fourth day. catching the outside edge as survive long, falling to the fourth batsman could reach the non- Hanuma Vihari was 24 not he probed forward ball of the innings from Mitchell striker’s end. Even as Kohli col- out and Rishabh Pant was on defensively. Starc for a duck. lected the ball and made his way nine. His departure was the Rahul attempted to pull the towards mid-on for the next The visitors still needed 175 cause of great delight for bat away and only succeeded in delivery, Paine followed him for to win with just five wickets in Australian captain Tim getting an inside edge onto his a few words before hand as Australia seek to level Paine, after the pair had stumps. Chris Gaffaney interrupted. the four-Test series and claim exchanged words at the Cheteshwar Pujara then Kohli to Paine: “I’m not their first Test win since beating conclusion of the third day. feathered a short delivery from saying a word to you, why are South Africa at St George’s Park The Australian wicket- Josh Hazlewood on four, as India you getting riled up?” in March. keeper, looking for his first slumped to 13 for two. Paine to Kohli: “I’m fine. It was during the following win as skipper in five Tests Across the two teams, eight You’re the one that lost it yes- Test at Newlands that Cameron since taking over from the wickets fell for 68 runs between terday, why are you trying to be Bancroft was caught using sand- disgraced , cel- lunch and tea, as batting cool today?” paper to alter the ball. ebrated the dismissal with appeared to become very dif- Chris Gaffaney: “Oi, that’s The scandal led to lengthy a cheeky comment to not ficult due to variable bounce. enough, that’s enough.” suspensions from Cricket Aus- out batsman Murali Vijay. Australian number eight Pat Paine: “We’re allowed to tralia for Bancroft, captain Steve “Murali, I know he’s Cummins was the chief victim talk.” Smith and opener David Warner. your captain, but you can’t of the pitch gremlins after lunch, Gaffaney: “Nah, nah, come Australian paceman Josh seriously like him as a when he was clean bowled for on, play the game. You guys are Hazlewood said the home team Australia’s bowler Nathan Lyon (centre) is congratulated bloke,” Paine said, in com- one by a Jasprit Bumrah delivery the captains.” were excited by the chance of an by team mates after dismissing India’s captain Virat Kohli ments picked up by micro- that kept very low off the wicket. Paine: “We can have a con- overdue victory on the fifth day. during day four of the second Test in Perth yesterday. phone. Just two overs later The home team had resumed versation... there’s no swearing, “It has been a bit of a long Vijay was also on his way at 190 for four after lunch, but no...” time between wins,” he said. back to the pavilion, bowled Shami cleaned up the tail, Gaffaney: “Tim you’re the “We’re pretty excited to be done, there is obviously areas.” India lead 1-0 after off an inside edge by Lyon, removing Khawaja for 72 and captain.” come back tomorrow. enough there in the wicket and victory in Adelaide, but have who took two for 30. Paine, on 37, with sharply rising Paine: “Keep your cool, “There is still a bit of work to we just have to hit the right never won a Test series in The pair of wickets deliveries. Virat!” It’s time you also grew up, Harbhajan tells Symonds

AFP called three years after the ugly incident overturned when India threatened to PERTH in the 2008 Sydney Test, where Singh quit the tour in what was an all-time was accused of calling Symonds a low in India-Australia cricket Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has “monkey”. relations. refuted claims from Andrew Symonds He told Fox Sports that Singh It left Symonds feeling let down by that he broke down and cried in apol- “actually broke down crying” after the system while the need for teammates ogising over the infamous “monkeygate” saying sorry when they met up in and close friends Matthew Hayden, scandal, telling the Australian to “grow Mumbai. Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting and up”. But the Indian took to Twitter to Michael Clarke to step up as witnesses Symonds on Sunday recounted what dispute this, saying: “When did that weighed on his conscience. he claimed was a truce between the pair happen??? Broke down?? What for???” In his interview with Fox, Symonds In a later tweet to his nine said the pair were reunited by the million followers he told Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier Symonds to get over it. League in 2011. “I thought he was a very “We go to a very wealthy man’s good cricketer but Symonds place for a barbecue, drinks and dinner Harbhajan Singh (right) is seen with former Indian players Sunil Gavaskar has turned out to be a good one night and the whole team’s there (second right), Ashish Nehra (second left) and Deepdas Gupta during a TV fiction writer,” he said. and he had guests there, and Harbhajan show yesterday. “He sold a story then said ‘mate, can I speak to you for a (2008) and he is ‘selling a minute out in the garden out the front’,” gave him a hug and said: ‘Mate, it’s all latest in a series of alcohol-related story’ now (2018). Mate, the Symonds claimed. good. It’s dealt with’.” indiscretions. world has come of age in “He goes, ‘look, I’ve got to say sorry Symonds, who was born in England “I suppose this would be the moment these 10 years and it’s time to you for what I did to you in Sydney. I with one of his parents of West Indian where my whole persona to cricket you also grew up.” apologise, I hope I didn’t cause you, your background, has previously recounted changed,” Symonds, who is commen- At the time, Singh was family, your friends too much harm and how his life went downhill after the tating on India’s current tour of Aus- charged with racial abuse and I really apologise for what I said, I incident. tralia, said of “monkeygate”. suspended for three matches shouldn’t have said it’. He started drinking heavily and in “I didn’t realise how powerful one despite denying any “And he and I could just see that was June 2009 his Cricket Australia contract player, one incident, how much money wrongdoing. a huge weight off his shoulders, he had was withdrawn after he was sent home was at stake and the ramifications,” But the ban was to get rid of it. We shook hands and I from the World following the Symonds said. TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 09 Imperious Latham strokes epic 264 as Sri Lanka face defeat

AFP do,” he said. New WELLINGTON Zealand skipper Kane Williamson helped the New Zealand opener Tom Black Caps reach their Latham flayed Sri Lanka’s imposing total with a bowlers with an unbeaten 264 sparkling 91, while yesterday before the tourists’ top Ross Taylor and Henry order failed again, leaving them Nicholls both reached on the verge of a heavy first Test 50. defeat in Wellington. Lahiru Kumara Latham walked off to a was the pick of a Sri standing ovation at the Basin Lanka attack that Reserve after carrying his bat struggled on a flat and helping New Zealand to 578, wicket, taking four for a commanding first-innings lead 127. of 296. Taylor was Seamers Tim Southee and dismissed for 50 in the Trent Boult then combined to first over of the day remove Sri Lanka’s top order, after failing to add to reducing them to 20 for three at his overnight score, stumps on day three. thanks to a sharp catch Boult dismissed Danushka from Dimuth Gunathilaka on three, while Karunaratne. Southee snared Dimuth Karu- The ball was naratne for 10 and Dhananjaya forcefully struck and de Silva for a duck, taking his initially bounced off tally for the match to eight. Karunaratne’s hand at The Kiwi pair, along with silly mid-off before he short-ball specialist Neil recovered to grab it as Wagner, will be relishing the he tumbled to the prospect of having two full days ground. to attack Sri Lanka’s misfiring Henry Nicholls batting line-up. also went for 50 after But the day belonged to lunch trying to take on Latham, who added steadily to spinner Dilruwan New Zealand’s Tom his overnight total of 121, offering Perera. Latham plays a shot no chances to the frustrated Sri BJ Watling during day three of Lankans. followed without the first It was the sixth best Test scoring when he match against Sri score by a New Zealander and tucked his bat Lanka at the Basin the highest this year by a awkwardly under his Reserve in Wellington India’s captain Virat Kohli (left) greets paceman Mohammed batsman from any nation. arm as he ducked a yesterday. Shami (centre) for his fifth wicket during day four of the His innings, which lasted Kumara bouncer and second Test cricket match against Australia in Perth yesterday. more than 11 hours, also con- the ball clipped it on tinued a horror run at the Basin the way through. Colin Reserve for Sri Lanka, where de Grandhomme Frontline spinner they have now conceded double scored three sixes centuries to four New during an aggressive Zealanders. innings but fell on 49 could have helped Latham said he always attempting to bludgeon a fourth. month. They have faced their first away Test series win believed he was capable of pro- Sri Lanka, who are upheaval in their coaching and over Pakistan in 49 years. ducing such a performance but currently ranked sixth in the selection ranks in recent weeks The New Zealanders are it was pleasing to achieve it on world, have lost their last five and arrived in New Zealand looking for a fourth straight India, says Shami the international stage. Test matches against New low on confidence. Test series win after also REUTERS “These innings don’t come Zealand and suffered a In contrast, the fourth- defeating England and the PERTH around too often, so you have to shocking 3-0 home Test series ranked Black Caps entered the West Indies in the past 12 enjoy the moment when they whitewash against England last two-match contest buoyed by months. India would have been better served with a frontline spinner in their side, pace spearhead Mohammed Shami said yesterday following the potentially match-winning exploits of Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon in the second Test in Perth. In the absence of injured off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Cottrell, Hope guide West Indies the touring side opted to go in with four quicks on the green- tinged pitch with all-rounder Hanuma Vihari being the only slow bowling option for India. to convincing T20 win over BD Lyon proved India’s main tormentor in the first innings with 5-67 and has already taken the wickets of captain Virat Kohli and opener Murali Vijay in the second to put Australia AFP on course for a series-levelling win. SYLHET “The decision is taken by the team management and we can’t do anything about it,” Shami told reporters at the end of Left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell the fourth day’s play with his team still needing another 175 delivered a career best 4-28 for a 2-0 series lead with just five second innings wickets before Shai Hope struck a half- remaining. century as West Indies crushed “We had a spinner in Hanuma Vihari and you can’t say he Bangladesh by eight wickets in bowled badly. He bowled well. But I feel, probably we could their Twenty20 series opener have played a frontline spinner.” yesterday. India have left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja and left-arm West Indies raced to 130-2 wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav as the other slow bowling options in just 10.5 overs after Cottrell in the squad. Vihari, playing only his second Test, took 2-53 in and his fellow pacers bowled out the first innings but went wicketless in the second. Bangladesh for 129 runs in India were left to chase a target of 287 to win the second Sylhet. Bangladesh skipper West Indies cricketer test after Shami’s spectacular spell of fast bowling saw Aus- Shakib Al Hasan scored 61 off 43 Keemo Paul (left) and tralia dismissed for 243 even after a wicketless first session on balls for the home side but could Nicholas Pooran run the fourth day. not stave off a thumping defeat. between the wickets Shami, 28, took career-best figures of 6-56 with some blis- Hope accelerated the West during the first T20 match tering short-pitched bowling as Australia lost five wickets for Indies’ run chase with 55 off 23 against Bangladesh at 15 runs. balls that included six sixes and the Sylhet International “When there is a partnership we have to be patient, espe- three fours. Cricket Stadium in Sylhet cially on a wicket on which we were constantly beating them. Victory never looked in yesterday. We were not bowling badly, we were maintaining good line doubt as he struck spinner and length,” he said. Mehidy Hasan for three sixes and “But the wickets were not coming. As soon as the first wicket a four in just the second over of overs of batting power play had “Everything (fell) apart from 180 on the board.” He hit eight fell, we got momentum and we carried that momentum the innings, yielding 23 runs. elapsed. Shakib put on two small the toss. Batting failed and then fours and two sixes before being forward. “The wicket was normal for the first two days. But it Spinner Riyad partnerships of 25 and 30 the bowling also obviously went dismissed by Cottrell. has been a little up and down from the third day, there has dismissed Hope after medium respectively with Mahmudullah wrong,” Shakib said after the Paul wrapped up Bangla- been some uneven bounce. Some balls have kept low but it’s pacer Riyad and Ariful Haque to lift the match. “Was a good pitch, desh’s innings with 2-23. a typical Perth wicket.” broke a 51-run opening stand side briefly. should have probably got about The West Indies are hoping with , who fell for 18. a series win will end their Bang- SCOREBOARD But Nicholas Pooran and SCOREBOARD ladesh tour on a positive note Sri Lanka (I innings)...... 282 Fall of wickets: 1-59, 2-221, 3-312, 4-426), Keemo Paul ensured West Indies Bangladesh: 6-103, 7-110, 8-122, 9-129, 10-129 after losing their Test and New Zealand (I innings) 5-426, 6-499, 7-520, 8-520, 9-549, 10-578 cruised to their target, with c Brathwaite b Cottrell ...... 5 Bowling: Thomas 4-0-33-1, Cottrell 4-0-28-4 one-day international series 2-0 J Raval c Dickwella b Kumara ...... 43 Bowling: Lakmal 31-6-88-1 (1nb), Rajitha 34-5-144- quickfire innings of 23 and 28 Liton Das c Brathwaite b Thomas ...... 6 (w1), Paul 4-0-23-2 (nb1), Brathwaite 3-0-13-1, and 2-1 respectively. T Latham not out ...... 264 0 (1w, 1nb), Mathews 4-3-1-0, Perera 40-1-156-2, Ku- respectively. Cottrell and fellow Soumya Sarkar c Powell b Cottrell ...... 5 Allen 3-0-19-1, Powell 1-0-7-0 “Very good win but it’s only K Williamson c Rajitha b de Silva ...... 91 mara 31.3-2-127-4, de Silva 15-0-54-2, Gunathilaka pacer Oshane Thomas earlier Shakib Al Hasan c&b Cottrell ...... 61 West Indies one game,” skipper Carlos R Taylor c Karunaratne b Kumara ...... 50 2-1-3-0 choked Bangladesh, who opted to Mushfiqur Rahim run out ...... 5 E Lewis c Ariful b Saifuddin ...... 18 Brathwaite said. “We have H Nicholls c Rajitha b Perera ...... 50 Sri Lanka (II innings) bat first, at the start of their innings. Mahmudullah Riyad c Hope b Cottrell ...... 12 S Hope c Mustafizur b Mahmudullah ...... 55 started with a win before and BJ Watling c Dickwella b Kumara ...... 0 M Gunathilaka lbw Boult ...... 3 Openers Tamim Iqbal and Ariful Haque c Pooran b Allen ...... 17 N Pooran (not out) ...... 23 then gone on to lose the series C de Grandhomme c Rajitha b de Silva ...... 49 F Karunaratne c Boult b Southee ...... 10 M Saifuddin c Pooran b Brathwaite ...... 1 K Paul (not out) ...... 28 Liton Das, as well as Soumya in recent times. So, it’s T Southee run out (Chandimal)...... 6 D de Silva b Southee ...... 0 Mehidy Hasan c Hope b Paul ...... 8 Extras ( LB 5, W1) ...... 6 N Wagner c de Silva b Lakmal ...... 0 K Mendis (batting) ...... 5 Sarkar, all fell for single-figure Abu Hider (not out) ...... 1 Total ( two wkts) ...... 130 important to be respectful of A Patel b Perera ...... 6 A Mathews (batting) ...... 2 scores to short-pitch Mustafizur Rahman b Paul ...... 0 Fall of wickets: 1-51 (Lewis), 2-98 (Hope) the opposition.” Bangladesh T Boult c Dickwella b Kumara ...... 11 Total (3 wkts) ...... 20 deliveries. Extras (B4, LB2, W1, NB1) ...... 8 Bowling: Shakib 3.5-0-32-0, Mehidy 2-0-37-0, and West Indies play the Extras (LB5, NB2, W1) ...... 8 Fall of wickets: 1-5, 2-10, 3-13 Bowling: South- In-form Mushfiqur Rahim Total (all out) ...... 129 Hider 1-0-15-0, Saifuddin 1-0-13-1 (w1), Mustafi- remaining two T20 interna- Total (all out) ...... 578 ee 5-3-7-2, Boult 6-0-12-1, Wagner 1-0-1-0 was run out for five, leaving Fall of wickets: 1-11, 2-19, 3-31, 4-48, 5-73, zur 1-0-15-0, Mahmudullah 2-0-13-1 tionals of the series in Dhaka Bangladesh on 48-4 before six this week. 10 SPORT TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018

Abdulla Al Khelaifi takes the chequered flag during one of the two races in round two of the Qatar Touring Car Championship (QTCC) at Losail International Circuit. RIGHT: The podium winners from the QTCC race 2. QTCC: Al Khelaifi storms to wins again

THE PENINSULA pushed back to fourth position This spectacular shot shows the Losail Sports and I stayed there until the end. Complex in the background as drivers are seen in It was another perfect weekend For race two, I started in the for the defending Qatar Touring action during round two of the QTCC. BOTTOM: The fourth position and we jumped Car Championship (QTCC) podium winners from the QTCC race 1. for the second position but the winner Abdulla Al Khelaifi who Honda cars on the straight line posted another double at Losail are faster and I finished third. I International Circuit (LIC). hope for the next round I have In the first race, Al Khelaifi, more time to work on the car and who started from pole position, make better results,” Al Khaiat took the lead from the start to said. the checkered flag and emerged After the second round, Al the winner in front of newcomer Khelaifi leads the standings with driver Ghanim Al Maadheed with 64 points. Al Khaiat is second a gap of 1.398 seconds. with 39 points and Al Asiri is The third place in the podium third with 36 points. Ghanim Al was secured by Hamad Al Sulaiti. Maadheed is fourth with 35 Mohammad Al Khaiat fin- points. The trophies were pre- ished fourth and Hamad Al Asam sented by QMMF President in fifth place. Abdulrahmam Al Mannai and Ahmed Al Asiri had a Khalid Al Remaihi, the LCSC Vice problem with his tyres and could President and General Manager. not finish the race. The next round of QTCC will In the second race, with the be held on Jan 25 and 26. reverse grid in play, Al Khelaifi after an intense battle finished controlling the race,” Al Khelaifi second in the first race, was very me happy,” Al Maadheed added. ahead of Al Asiri. The third place said. happy with his first podium. “In the second race, I had a went to Al Khaiat while Al “The second race was much “‘This is my first time in good start. I thought that Abdulla Maadheed finished fourth. more exciting as I started from this championship and will fight eventually so I wanted After the race, Al Khelaifi was last position due to the reverse although the car is not ready, to widen my gap but when he very happy with another double grid. As Al Asiri didn’t finish the this second position is great. shadowed me, I pushed very victory. first race, he started from the Hopefully for the next round, hard and we battled for seven “The first race was nice with pole position and managed to we can prepare the car in a laps but at the end he passed me a bit of difficulties with the wind build a big gap. I managed to pass better fashion. For the second and won again,” Al Asiri said. but I had an exciting lap with Al almost everyone easily except race, starting second from the “In the first race, I started Asiri. Unfortunately for him, he him but I passed him in the back was very difficult to reach from the sixth place and I jumped had an incident and left the track seventh lap and retained my the front as some slow cars were for the second place in the third so I was saved from battling with lead,” he added. blocking the way but it is OK. My lap but unfortunately I had a him. From that point I was only Al Maadheed, who finished new lap time record also makes problem in the turn 10 so I was US coach says Vonn plans to return to racing next month

AP races, downhill and super-G - this season but the injury Italy coach Giovanni Feltrin said. SELVA DI VAL GARDENA which are Vonn’s specialties. prompted her to announce “The idea is for her to return The series opens January recently that she plans to come in January,” Feltrin added. “The Lindsey Vonn is hoping to return 12-13 in St Anton, , fol- back for one more series of exact date I don’t know but it from injury next month and lowed by stops in Cortina speed races in Lake Louise, would be great if it’s in Cortina.” resume her pursuit of the all- d’Ampezzo, Italy, and Garmisch- Alberta, next season. Both Goggia and Vonn won time World Cup wins record, Partenkirchen, Germany. Kristofic said Vonn is also downhills in Cortina last season. according to the US Ski Team’s A win or two in that stretch expected to compete in one Mikaela Shiffrin will also be head coach. would move Vonn closer to the more final major event - the missing from speed races today “That’s what we’re hopeful mark of 86 victories set by world championships in Are, and tomorrow in Val Gardena. In this file photo taken on October 25, 2014, French former for. That’s the plan,” Paul Swedish great Ingemar Sweden, in February. The overall World Cup leader is tennis player Sebastien Grosjean (left) gestures next to Richard Kristofic said yesterday. Stenmark. Vonn has 82 wins. “It’s in the plans to do it,” he resting after winning her last Vonn hyperextended and However, Vonn has not said. Meanwhile, Olympic three races and with a big set of Gasquet (right) during a French L1 football match between Paris sprained a ligament in her knee returned to on-snow training downhill champion Sofia Goggia events coming up in her spe- Saint-Germain (PSG) and Bordeaux at the Parc des Princes in during a training crash on yet. “She’s just doing rehab and is also hoping to return from cialties of slalom and giant Paris. Grosjean was appointed captain of the France’s Davis Cup November 19. She also suffered strength and conditioning,” injury in January. Goggia broke slalom. “I won’t be racing as my team yesterday. a bone bruise in the crash, in Kristofic said, adding that there a bone in her right ankle during team and I needed a rest and which she fell on a turn, did the is no precise date set for her a fall in giant slalom training in reboot after the busy last six splits and went into the pro- return to ski training. Hintertux, Austria, in October. weeks,” Shiffrin wrote on social Grosjean named France tective fence. “It really depends on how “She has a doctor’s media Sunday. January would be an things go when she’s not on appointment on or about The next downhill on Shif- opportune time for Vonn to snow. It’s sort of day by day.” December 21 and hopefully she’ll frin’s schedule is in Cortina on Davis Cup captain return, since there are three con- The 34-year-old Vonn was be cleared for on-snow training January 19, Kristofic said. secutive weekends of speed planning to retire at the end of before the end of this month,” With Breezy Johnson, Jac- AFP PARIS queline Wiles, Alice McKennis Pictures also out injured, that leaves only of Lindsey Laurenne Ross and Alice Merry- Former world number four Sebastien Grosjean was named as Vonn weather to represent the US. the new captain of France’s Davis Cup team, the national fed- posted on team in Val Gardena. eration announced yesterday. her Twitter The Gardena races were The 40-year-old takes the role ceded by Amelie Mauresmo handle @ originally scheduled for Val earlier this month after she objected to the competition’s new lindseyvonn d’Isere, France, this weekend but format. Mauresmo, who would have been the first women’s were moved due to a lack of captain of France’s men’s tennis team, was appointed in June snow in the French resort. to take over from Yannick Noah in 2019, when the Cup will While the US has plenty of be played under a new single-week format in Madrid. starting spots available in Noah led France to three Davis Cup victories but ended Gardena, Kristofic said that the his third spell as captain in November with defeat to Croatia team’s younger athletes “are not in the final. “I am very proud to be named captain of the France ready to race World Cup Davis Cup team because I have always been very attached to downhill, especially on a men’s the event,” said Grosjean in a statement released by the track.” It’s the first time that the federation. Saslong course will host As a player Grosjean won the Davis Cup with France in women’s World Cup races, 2001. He also won the Paris Masters and reached three Grand having been a classic stop on the Slam semi-finals. Grosjean will also be in charge of the France men’s circuit for a men’s team heading to the Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020. half-century. TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 11

Qatar ready for AFC Asian Cup, says Sanchez

QNA friendly matches against JJordan,ordan, Kyr-Kyr- DOHA gyzstan, Algeria and Irann in the final Queiroz names phase of the preparation Qatar coach Felix Sanchez said his for Asian Cup. He said the players are raring to go as they enter the friendly matches will be a squad for Doha trip final stage of preparations before partic- good opportunity for playerss ipating in the AFC Asian Cup 2019, which to prepare for the toughh will be held from January 5 to February challenge. AFC.COM IRAN SQUAD 1 in the UAE. Sanchez added that hee had several Goalkeepers: (Persepolis), Hos- Qatar are placed in Group E along options of friendly games aandnd opted the sein Hosseini (Est), Payam Niazmand (Sepahan). with Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and North four teams because they representepresent dif-dif- Coach has Defenders: (Al Shahania), M Korea. ferent schools in play. announced a 21-player Islamic The national coach said at a press On the team’s ambitionn as they get Republic of Iran squad for a training Khanzadeh (Al Ahli), (Esteghlal), conference that the team will play four ready to take part in Asianian Cup, the camp in Doha ahead of the AFC (A’ Grozny), Vouria Ghafouri (Est), Mohammadhossein Kananizadegan (Machine Sazi), Qatar are placed in Group Spaniard said that every teamam gogoeses into Asian Cup UAE 2019. any competition eyeing thee title. The squad named will be based Ehsan Haji Safi (T’Sazi), (Est). E along with Lebanon, Saudi He stressed that the QatariQatari team’s in Doha from December 17 to 24, Midfielders: (Qatar’s Al Ahli), Ashkan Arabia and North Korea. They goal is no different, sayingg that Qatari with a friendly against Qatar also Dejagah (Tractor Sazi), (Tractor Sazi), will play four friendly games fans have big hopes for the currentcurrent batchbatch Felix Sanchez part of the training plan. (Persepolis), Ali Karimi (Est) against Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, of players. Three-time champions Iran are Strikers: Ali Gholizadeh (Charleroi),

Algeria and Iran before the The coach maintained tthathat Qatar’s in Group D of the AFC Asian Cup (Gharafa), (R’ Kazan), Asian Cup. group was a tough one, andd that all the UAE 2019 with Iraq, Yemen and (Per), Ali Alipour (Per) teams in it deserve their respect.espect. Vietnam.

Sevilla to face Lazio in Europa Messi hat-trick restores League last-32 Barcelona’s lead REUTERS NYON AFP until the 55th minute to Five-times champions Sevilla will face a tough MADRID break the deadlock, when tie against side Lazio in the Europa striker Andre Silva was League round of 32 following yesterday’s Lionel Messi continued his tripped in the area by Girona draw. sublime form by netting his defender Juanpe. Sevilla hit 18 goals on the way to winning 31st La Liga hat-trick as Argentinian Banega their group unbeaten, but Lazio fell into the Barcelona thrashed Levante stepped up to send visiting unseeded pot after scraping through in second 5-0 on Sunday to regain goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz place with three wins and three defeats. their three-point lead at the the wrong way from the La Liga’s other three teams in the league top of the table. penalty spot. were also paired against tricky opponents with The 31-year-old Argen- The points were Valencia facing former European champions tinian arrived in Valencia wrapped up only nine Celtic, Villarreal meeting Portugal’s Sporting having scored two free- minutes later, as Wissam and Betis meeting French side Rennes. kicks in last weekend’s Ben Yedder cut the ball back , one of the teams who para- derby thumping of Espanyol. for the onrushing Sarabia to chuted into the competition after finishing He took his goals tally slide home his 14th goal of third in their Champions League group, will for the season to 20 after a the season in all play Rapid Vienna and Napoli, also knocked virtuoso display, while also competitions. out of the premiere competition, take on FC teeing up Luis Suarez’s 35th- “In the first half they Zurich. minute opener and Gerard (Girona) were very good,” “We were disappointed with the Cham- Pique’s late fifth. said Machin. pions League exit but we are ready to have a Barca were under “They were very very good campaign in the Europa League pressure after Atletico Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (left) celebrates after scoring a goal during organised and had good now,” Inter vice-president Javier Zanetti said. Madrid and second-placed the La Liga match against Levante in Valencia. chances, when (Sevilla goal- The two English Premier League sides Sevilla had both moved level keeper) Tomas (Vaclik) was were given fairly straightforward ties, although on points with the Catalan crossbar, the reigning Messi took his goals tally for the season to 20 splendid. could face wintry conditions. giants. Spanish champions broke Elsewhere, Villarreal after a virtuoso display, while also teeing up Luis Arsenal will play Belarus champions BATE But after resting his key the deadlock as Messi jinked were plunged further into Borisov, while Chelsea visit Malmo, with both stars for their final Cham- through a mesmerised home Suarez’s 35th-minute opener and Gerard Pique’s crisis as Samuele Longo’s playing their away ties in the second week of pions League group-stage defence and picked out late fifth. 93rd-minute strike saw February. match against Tottenham in Suarez who volleyed home. them held to a 2-2 draw at Elsewhere, Benfica were drawn against midweek, coach Ernesto But Levante, who had Barca were under pressure after Atletico bottom club Huesca. Galatasaray, Eintracht Frankfurt against Sha- Valverde saw his refreshed ended Barcelona’s dreams Madrid and second-placed Sevilla had both Villarreal, who khtar Donetsk and Zenit St Petersburg against side cruise to a third straight of going through last sea- replaced Javier Calleja play Fenerbahce. league win without con- son’s La Liga campaign moved level on points with the Catalan giants. with Luis Garcia Plaza as ceding a goal. unbeaten with a remarkable coach in midweek, are Levante started the 5-4 victory in the penul- simple tap-in from Arturo scoreline in the 88th minute, only one point and one game brightly and visiting timate game, came close to Vidal’s square pass on the rampaging forward to place above the relegation goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter a quick response as Jose Luis hour mark. collect Messi’s pass, before zone. Real Betis eased to a Stegen was forced into an Morales fired over. Messi has scored five keeping his cool and rolling 3-1 win at Espanyol to La Liga’s other three teams in early save by Ghanaian The match was all but goals in two league games the ball home. move into fifth place after the league were also paired Emmanuel Boateng. ended as a contest when since finishing only fifth in Sevilla reclaimed second a third successive league But Barca did not take Messi bore down on goal the voting for the Ballon place earlier on Sunday as victory. against tricky opponents long to start moving through two minutes before half- d’Or earlier this month. second-half strikes from Giovani Lo Celso with Valencia facing former the gears, with Messi curling time and drilled low into the A bad evening for Ever Banega and Pablo scored and missed a European champions Celtic, wide from long range before net. Levante worsened with 14 Sarabia sealed a 2-0 win penalty for Betis, with Villarreal meeting Portugal’s testing Oier Olazabal in the He wasted little time minutes to play, as left-back over Girona. Cristian Tello also on the Levante goal with a after the restart to add his Erick Cabaco was sent off for Pablo Machin’s side are scoresheet. Espanyol, who Sporting and Betis meeting free-kick. second in the 47th minute, a reckless lunge on unbeaten in seven league led the table earlier in the French side Rennes. Just seconds after sweeping home Jordi Alba’s Ousmane Dembele. games since a 4-2 loss at season, have lost five Boateng hammered a left- clever cutback, before com- Centre-back Pique Barcain October. straight matches to slip footed strike against the pleting his treble with a added further gloss to the The hosts had to wait into the bottom half. City will not sacrifice League Cup for title race: Guardiola

AFP League Cup -- their next match is growing injury list. Belgian star LONDON against Wolverhampton Wan- Kevin de Bruyne returned against derers on Friday -- and if City Everton and should play again Holders Manchester City will take progress they will face a two- It is a competition, it whilst record goalscorer Argen- today’s League Cup quarter-final legged semi-final in January. tinian Sergio Aguero could start with Leicester City seriously, says “We could say yes,” said Guar- must be respected, like after a four week absence through manager Pep Guardiola, even diola, answering a question at his we did it last season. injury. though they are in a tight duel with press conference over whether We are going to try and “We don’t have many players,” Liverpool for the Premier League Liverpool had an advantage in said Guardiola. title. having a lighter fixture list. win the game: Man City “We have a lot of injured Guardiola -- whose Premier “But I’d prefer to be in the coach Pep Guardiola players. Some players that played League champions trail Liverpool League Cup than not. Saturday and in the last games by a point -- says it is only by “I cannot imagine going into a have to play. winning trophies the club can get game thinking, ‘Oh, it will be better better. And that’s what we have to “But it is a chance to reach a better, even if the League Cup is to lose because then we’ll have do.” semi-final and since I’ve been here viewed as the third most important more time to rest’. I have never Guardiola said that those my teams have never dropped one domestic trophy in English thought in that way. players who had played on Sat- game, not even a friendly game. football. “That is the only way a club urday in the 3-1 win over Everton “It is a competition, it must be The 47-year-old Spaniard con- like Manchester City -- who 10 would probably have to shoulder respected, like we did it last Pep Guardiola cedes Liverpool may benefit from years ago were not in this position the responsibility of backing up season. We are going to try and no longer being involved in the -- can grow up, and get better and against Leicester due to a win the game.” TUESDAY 18 DECEMBER 2018 SPORT 07

We had a spinner in Hanuma Pacer Mohammed Vihari and you can’t say he Shami says India would FOOTBALL CRICKET bowled badly. He bowled well. have been better served But I feel, probably we could have with a frontline spinner EFL Cup, last-8: Leicester 2nd Test: Australia vs City vs Manchester City played a frontline spinner. in their side in Perth. ACTION India, day five in Perth TODAY’S Thomas voted BBC Sports-Personality-of-the-Year

REUTERS Thomas was the first European sprint champion Dina LONDON Welshman to win the award Asher-Smith, English cricket’s since soccer player Ryan Giggs record test wicket taker James Cyclist Geraint Thomas was in 2009. Anderson and double Olympic voted BBC Sports-Personality- “I feel very lucky to have skeleton champion, Lizzy of-the-Year on Sunday, come into cycling when I did. I Yarnold. receiving British sport’s premier just went down to the local It completed a happy day for annual individual accolade in leisure centre for a swim and the 32-year-old Thomas at the Birmingham as a reward for his instead I rode my bike,” Thomas end of an unsettling week in remarkable Tour de France said. which Sky, sponsors of Team triumph. Although he had previously Sky, announced it would end its The Welshman, whose been a double Olympic involvement with his team at victory in cycling’s most pres- champion on the track, he had the end of 2019. tigious race was the sixth by a lived in the shadow of four- Thomas picked up a replica British rider in seven years, times Tour de France winner of the winner’s trophy from topped the public vote ahead of Chris Froome in Team Sky until Tour de France organisers Formula One world champion beating his team mate and earlier on Sunday after the Lewis Hamilton and England defending champion in the 2018 original was stolen from a soccer captain Harry Kane. race. cycling show. Gareth Southgate, who led Gareth Southgate, who led England to the World England’s soccer men to the Cup semi-finals in Russia, won Coach-of-the-Year World Cup semi-finals, won title while the England women’s netballers, who took Coach-of-the-Year while the England women’s netballers Commonwealth Games gold won Team-of-the-Year Team Sky’s Geraint Thomas during the homecoming parade after his victory in the Tour De France in this August 9, 2018, file photo. who took Commonwealth award. Games gold won Team-of-the- “As a bike rider, I always inspire people back home,” youngster Monger made an Year award. focus on myself. Obviously, Thomas said. uplifting comeback to motor Italian golfer Francesco Italian golfer Francesco Molinari, star of Europe’s people want me to win, but Fury amazingly beat the racing after having his legs Molinari, star of Europe’s Ryder Ryder Cup win and British Open champion, was voted hearing stories like Tyson count after being knocked down amputated following a Formula Cup win and British Open World Sport-Star-of-the-Year. (Fury)’s and Billy (Monger)’s, you in his world heavyweight title 4 crash. The others short-listed champion, was voted World realise that what we do does draw with Deontay Wilder while for the award were triple Sport Star-of-the-Year.

NFL: Play-off NBA: Nuggets topple Raptors races tighten into Week 15 AFP for Cleveland. Rodney Hood and Jamal Murray (left) of the Denver LOS ANGELES Matthew Dellavedova each had Nuggets drives against Danny Green 13 points, and rookie point guard REUTERS Jamal Murray scored 15 points of the Toronto Raptors at the Pepsi Collin Sexton added 12. NEW YORK in the final quarter as the short- Center in Denver, Colorado on Sunday. The Cavaliers led 44-34 handed Denver Nuggets rallied early in the second quarter, but The National Football League to beat the Toronto Raptors Philadelphia ended the first half (NFL) play-off picture became 95-86 on Sunday in a battle on a 31-14 run. clearer on Sunday as teams between the league’s East and Cleveland went on a 12-0 made another push for the West Conference leaders. run in the third quarter to cut the post-season in Week 15 Nikola Jokic tallied 26 points Sixers lead to 86-85. action. and Murray finished with 19 for But that is as close as they The Chicago Bears the Nuggets, who posted their would get as Wilson Chandler’s capped a worst to first-place 10th win in 12 games and three pointer as time ran out in turnaround after their 24-17 maintain a slim lead over Golden the third helped spark a game- win over Green Bay Packers State in the Western deciding run that stretched into clinched the NFC North Conference. the fourth by Philadelphia. Division. Denver improved to 20-9 on Also, John Wall was at his “Anytime you can win a the season by going on a 23-2 attacking best as the Washington division that’s a pretty big run after falling behind 70-57 in Wizards easily rolled over the milestone,” Bears wide the third quarter. Los Angeles Lakers 128-110. receiver Allen Robinson told This marks the latest the While Wall finished with 40 reporters. Nuggets have been in first place points and 14 assists, Lakers star “This was the first mile- in the West since December LeBron James could only muster stone that had to be accom- 1984. a season-low 13 points on dismal plished. And we were able to Kawhi Leonard had 29 and still have the NBA best Simmons finished with 22 then followed up by losing to five-of-16 shooting. do that.” points and 14 rebounds for the record of 23-9. points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds Brooklyn and Indiana. “We’re a team that’s built on The New Orleans Saints Eastern Conference-leading The Nuggets didn’t have Will and Joel Embiid tallied 24 as the “Having Jimmy back helped energy and depth,” four-time (11-2) and Los Angeles Rams Raptors. Barton (right hip surgery), Gary Sixers rallied from a second because we had multiple guys league MVP James said. “We (11-3), despite a loss to Phila- Toronto won two of four Harris (hip) and Paul Millsap (big quarter deficit to lead 65-58 at that could put it away,” Simmons didn’t have either tonight.” delphia, have each secured games on their recent road trip toe) in the lineup. the half. said. A day after he and Lonzo division titles and play-off The Raptors were also “Ben is doing what he “I just do what I can offen- Ball each registered a triple- berths leaving three spots up NBA RESULTS missing several players including always does for us, passing the sively and help find guys who are double in a win at Charlotte, for grabs in the conference. Kyle Lowry (thigh injury) and ball,” Butler said. scoring. Numbers are numbers. James had six rebounds and The Dallas Cowboys (8-6) Washington 128, LA Lakers 110 Jonas Valanciunas (thumb). “When he’s playing like that, Obviously, stat-wise, it looks three assists and sat out the saw their lead in the NFC East Denver 95, Toronto 86 Elsewhere, Ben Simmons the game is really easy for good.” fourth quarter. shrink to just one game over Dallas 113, Sacramento 120 delivered his third triple-double everybody.” Landry Shamet added 16 Recently acquired forward Philadelphia and Washington New Orleans 96, Miami 102 of the season and Jimmy Butler Philadelphia had lost both points for Philadelphia, JJ Redick Sam Dekker scored a season- with two weeks to go. Indiana 110, New York 99 returned from an injury to score games without Butler, who had 14 points and Wilson high 20 for Washington, The Seattle Seahawks

Cleveland 105, Philadelphia 128 19 points as the Philadelphia injured his groin in the first Chandler 11. including a buzzer-beating shot (8-6) failed to lock down a Brooklyn 144, Atlanta 127 76ers rolled over the Cleveland quarter Monday against Detroit. Cedi Osman and Jordan at the end of the third quarter playoff spot after a 26-23 Cavaliers 128-105. Philadelphia won that game, but Clarkson each scored 18 points that put the Wizards up 99-76. overtime loss to San Fran- cisco but still lead the wild card race. The Minnesota Vikings, at 7-6-1, are also firmly in the Sabres get best of Bruins again mix. In the AFC, The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles REUTERS -- all in the third period -- and and Mathieu Perreault also scored Chargers are locked in a BOSTON Rasmus Dahlin posted two helpers goals for the Jets, who improved battle for the West Division for the Sabres, who won for the to 9-1-0 in their last 10 games. crown though both have Buffalo’s Jeff Skinner scored two third straight time in Boston. Connor Hellebuyck had 43 saves punched a ticket to the goals, including the go-ahead tally Jets 5, Lightning 4 (OT) to pick up the win in net. post-season. late in the third period, as the Mark Scheifele scored the Sharks 7, Blackhawks 3 The Chargers stunned the Sabres knocked off the host game-winning goal with 41.4 Evander Kane, Melker Chiefs 29-28 on Thursday to Boston Bruins 4-2 on Sunday. seconds left in overtime as Win- Karlsson, Tomas Hertl, Logan add intrigue, though Kansas Skinner broke a 2-2 tie when nipeg Jets moved into first place Couture and Kevin Labanc each City can own the division by he lifted a pass from Jack Eichel in the Central Division with a had a goal and an assist as San winning out. for his team-leading 24th goal to victory over visiting Tampa Bay. Jose rallied past host Chicago for The defending AFC give Buffalo its third lead of the Scheifele, who also had two its fourth straight win. champion New England game with 3:31 remaining. Eichel assists, slapped in a rebound of a Five of San Jose’s goals came Patriots missed a chance to put it away with an empty-net Patrik Laine shot from the slot for after Blackhawks goaltender secure post-season by losing marker, his second goal of the his 21st goal of the season and give Corey Crawford was forced to to Pittsburgh 17-10. Buffalo Sabres left wing Jeff Skinner (53) celebrates after scoring game, with 25 seconds left. Winnipeg its fifth straight win. leave after hitting the back of his The Pats (9-5) are still in against Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (40) during the Eichel also had two assists, Nikolaj Ehlers had two goals and head on the goalpost following a prime position with a two- Sam Reinhart had three assists an assist, while Brandon Tanev collision. third period at the TD Garden in Boston on Sunday. game lead in the AFC East.