“It was a tough game. We showed our quality in the last minute.” – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019 of Liverpool Super sub Firmino’s late strike steers Liverpool into the final European champions to clash with Flamengo on Saturday DPA DOHA

ROBERTO Firmino struck in stoppage time as Liverpool laboured to a 2-1 victory over Monterrey on Wednesday and Liverpool’s players celebrate their win on Wednesday. (AFP) a place in the Club World Cup final. Naby Keita opened the scoring for the European cham- pions Liverpool in the 12th but Rogelio Funes Mori responded two minutes later, and Monter- rey frustrated Juergen Klopp’s side until Firmino flicked home at the death. Scoreline Liverpool 2 (Naby Keita 11’, Roberto Firmino (0+1’) vs Monterrey 1 (Rogelio Funes Mori 14’) Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp greets supporters after the match at the Khalifa International Stadium. (AFP)

Alexander-Arnold crossed from the final minutes.” Looking at the right. an incident in which he furi- “It was a tough match, we ously called for Liverpool’s Joe tried our best to keep focusing Gomez to be red-carded which throughout match, i’m very drew sharp criticism with proud of my team, the match Klopp and led to both being was decided by minor details,” booked, he said: “For me there Monterrey coach Antonio Mo- war a red card, so I talked to the hamed said. referee, maybe Liverpool word In Saturday’s final at the Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino shoots to score during the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 semi-final against Mexico’s Monter- “We were very close to has more weight and therefore same Khalifa International Sta- rey at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Wednesday. (AFP) win, we lost concentration in player was not sent off.” dium, Liverpool meet South American champions Flamen- front of goalkeeper Marcelo go of Brazil who beat Saudi Barovero into the right corner Arabia’s Al Hilal 3-1 in the first in the 12th. semi-final on Tuesday. But Monterrey were level “It was a tough game. We just two minutes later. Goal- showed our quality in the last keeper Becker saved minute,” Liverpool star striker well from Jesús Gallardo but Mohamed Salah said. Funes Mori tapped home on Manager Juergen Klopp the rebound. said: “I was afraid of extra time, Barovero then denied I was more then happy that he while Alsson de- scored the goal. He helped us a nied the lively Dorlan Pabon on lot. the half-hour mark and again “We controlled the game for in the 50th on a free-kick as the a long period. I’m really overly central and North American happy with the performance champions defended well and because I knew it’s going to be tried to counter-attack. tough,” he said, adding that “it Still Keita got another will be more difficult for sure” chance in the 58th but his un- against Flamengo. marked shot from some 12 me- Liverpool missed top de- tres wasn’t placed well and eas- fender due to ill- ily saved by Barovero. ness while Sadio Mane and Fir- then miscued mino didn’t start as Klopp rang on James Milner’s pass shortly the changes at the unbeaten after Mane replaced Xherdan leaders. Shaquiri, and Firmino then also They had a bright start came on to grab the late winner when Mohamed Salah released at the near post, after Salah had Keita to score unmarked in kept the ball in play and Trent Monterrey’s players greet supporters following their FIFA Club World Cup 2019 semi-final against Liverpool at the Khalifa International Stadium on Wednesday.(AFP)

Officials & fans at the Khalifa International Stadium

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (right) and Liverpool CFO Peter Moore (left) during the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 semi-final between Mexico’s Monterrey and ’s Liverpool at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Wednesday. (AFP) Liverpool and Mohamed Salah fans ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Wednesday.(AFP) Sports Thursday, December 19, 2019 13 ‘We must ensure football is developing at the same rate everywhere’

Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in Qatar as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development

AST month, FIFA announced the even better around the world?” the FIFA Club World Cup presented by arrival of a major new signing: the Renowned for his meticulous Alibaba Cloud, where champions from Lone and only Arsene Wenger. The study and approach to the game, every continent in the world vie for the former Arsenal, Nagoya Grampus Eight Wenger’s role with FIFA sees him right to be crowned the world’s best. FIFA has a responsibility to and AS Monaco manager was unveiled act as a leading authority on techni- While the current format sees seven ensure football is developing as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football De- cal matters, as well as including a sides – six continental kings and a at the same rate everywhere. velopment, where he is responsible for particular focus on coach education host club – battle for global glory, the overseeing and driving the growth and when not helping develop the beauti- competition will be expanded in 2021 There is a demand there for the development of the sport for both men ful game all over the globe. to 24 teams. organisation of competitions, and women around the world. “FIFA has three roles: one as an or- “There are two demands at the coaching development, player Drawing on enormous experience ganiser of competitions, the second as moment: one is the local demand development – and that’s from a hugely successful coach- a regulator of competitions and rules, within countries where people are still what we’re trying to do. ing career, where he was one of the and the third is developing football all interested locally in their club,” said longest-serving and most eminent over the world,” he said. “In Europe, Wenger. “Then you have the interna- – Arsene Wenger coaches in English top-flight history, we are privileged that on the organisa- tional fan who wants to see the best Wenger is applying his vast knowledge tion front, there is not too much to against the best. of the beautiful game in a different do. But there is a huge gap between “There is a demand for elite match-changing decisions. role. So, what is life like away from the Europe and the rest of the world. football and what you can still sell on Since then Video Assistant Refer- sidelines for the 70-year-old? “FIFA has a responsibility to en- the local level is not sellable anymore ees (VAR) have spread across world “It was a different change because sure football is developing at the same on the international level – and this football, being used at the FIFA World I spent my whole life on one side of rate everywhere. There is a demand demand has to be satisfied. People Cup 2018, the FIFA Women’s football: the competitive side, focused there for the organisation of competi- want to see top level football because World Cup France 2019 and having on winning the next game,” said tions, coaching development, player they know today what it means.” its debut season in the English Pre- Wenger, speaking to media in Doha. development – and that’s what we’re In 2016, the Club World Cup was mier League, where Wenger coached “Now, it is more about what is next for trying to do.” the first FIFA tournament to use video from 1996 to 2018, winning three the game: how we can develop it to be Wenger is currently in Qatar at assistance to support referees with league titles.

Beckham swings into Doha De Arrascaeta, Flamengo show their resilience

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK plate the possibility of extra DOHA time, Bruno Henrique made it 2-1 in the 78th minute. Four THE dictionary defines ‘resil- minutes later, the forward ience’ as “the capacity to re- capped off an inspired perfor- cover from or adjust easily to mance by sending in a tempt- misfortune or change”, and ing cross that led to an unfor- this sums up perfectly what it tunate own goal. means to support Flamengo at “Bruno Henrique showed this moment in time. While it what a quality player he is is true that the Brazilian side and the great season he’s had are enjoying a historic season, with us,” said the Rio Negro- their matches have certainly born . “We’re all put their fans through the mill. very happy for him, because Indeed, they had barely he’s really contributing to the even had time to digest the team’s results.” Former England football star David Beckham with Paris Saint-Germain thrilling comeback victory We showed that we’re a A glance at De Arrascaeta’s (PSG) president Nasser al Khelaifi in Doha. Beckham is here for FIFA in the final of the Copa Lib- mentally strong team in own statistics makes it clear Club World Cup Qatar 2019 tournament. ertadores when their heroes the way that we went that he has also been one of put them through another Flamengo’s top performers emotional rollercoaster in the looking for the win. over the past year: semi-finals of the FIFA Club – Giorgian de Arrascaeta Matches in 2019: 51; World Cup Qatar 2019. Goals: 18; Assists: 19 People’s choice “We showed that we’re a Following their exciting Salzburg’s Haaland becomes youngest mentally strong team in the semi-final, the Brazilians are way that we went looking for Flamengo’s midfielder Giorgian De Arrascaeta celebrates his goal during the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar now where they want to be and Austrian footballer of the year the win,” said Giorgian de Ar- 2019 semi-final against Saudi’s al-Hilal at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on Tuesday, (AFP) await with interest to find out BERLIN: Red Bull Salzburg’s Erling Braut Haaland became the young- rascaeta, one of the key men who they will take on in Satur- est player ever to be voted Austria’s footballer of the year on Wednes- involved in the Rio de Janeiro entire 90 minutes was very The coach made some solid net. “We got the quick goal day’s high-profile final. “We’ve day, in a poll conducted by Austrian news agency APA of the country’s club’s fightback versus Saudi important in terms of scoring tactical changes so that we and I think that gave us the achieved our objective,” said 12 top-flight coaches. The exciting young attacker beat competition outfit Al Hilal. A few minutes the goals we required.” could put in a better showing push we needed to go and De Arrascaeta. from two Germany-based players - RB Leipzig midfielder Marcel prior to speaking to FIFA.com, Al Hilal’s goal came just in the second half.” And those score more,” remarked the “We don’t know which Sabitzer and Bayern Munich’s David Alaba – to take the award aged the Uruguay international had 18 minutes after kick-off, and alterations by Jorge Jesus cer- attack-minded Uruguayan. team we’re going to play yet, just 19 years and 150 days. Haaland is also the first non-Austrian to been celebrating his team’s Flamengo’s inability to find tainly paid dividends, with his But it was still not an easy but whoever it ends up being, win the award since Rapid Vienna’s German star Steffen win in raucous fashion with their feet and get into their charges providing him with the task – Flamengo’s fans and we’re going to face very dif- Hofmann in 2009. “It’s a big thing for me,” Halland the large number of Flamengo usual rhythm in the first half reaction he was looking for. players would have to suf- ficult, physical, and tactically said. “The youngest ever and the first foreigner for 10 fans congregated in Khalifa was plain for all to see. In the 49th minute, De Ar- fer for a little longer. Despite sound opponents, and we’re years – that’s something special. It’s an honour for International Stadium. rascaeta equalised for O Ru- having conceded a leveller, going to have to fight to win.” me.” Alaba – a six-time player-of-the-year winner – was “People said we were fa- Astute tactical adjustments bro-Negro when he received Al Hilal remained resolute in There will, of course, previously the youngest recipient, aged 19 and 199 days vourites, but we knew we were De Arrascaeta continued with a pass from the influential defence and the South Ameri- likely be some more suffering when he won in 2011. Haaland has scored 28 goals in going to face a really tough a wry smile: “We all felt a bit Bruno Henrique and, finding cans had trouble finding a way along the way, but the team’s 22 games in all competitions. (DPA) team,” he said. frustrated at half-time – we himself completely unmarked, through. Just when their fans resilience may just see them “Keeping our focus for the hadn’t got what we wanted. tapped the ball into the empty were beginning to contem- through in the end. Owen helps inspire Generation Amazing Esperance’s centenary has

ence to continue their football been special: Elhouni Former England for good journey and inspire TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK afterwards, FIFA.com spoke social change in their commu- DOHA with man of the match Ham- star kicked off nities through the Generation dou Elhouni, who said: “We Amazing programme.” FOR the players of Esperance have to thank all the fans who first Generation Operating in eight coun- Sportive de Tunis, the feelings support us through thick and Amazing Festival tries at present – Qatar, Nepal, at the conclusion of their game thin. They stood behind us , Pakistan, Philippines, against Al Sadd were undoubt- throughout the season and in Qatar Oman, Jordan and Lebanon – edly mixed. There was helped us win tro- its reach is set to expand into contentment at com- phies.” IFA Legend Michael both Haiti and Rwanda. Gen- prehensively beat- Like his team- Owen inspired youngsters eration Amazing was part of ing the host nation’s mates, Elhouni was Ffrom across the world as Qatar’s initial bid for the FIFA representatives and understandably a the first Generation Amazing World Cup which, having finishing the FIFA bit subdued after Festival kicked off in Qatar. won the right to host it, was Club World Cup Qatar the game, regret- The former England and The former England and Liverpool star was on hand to take questions from the participants – many extended to run until the end 2019 in fifth place, but ting his side could Liverpool star was on hand to representing projects the programme has impacted around the globe since its inception in 2010. of the tournament in 2022. It also regret at missing not have performed take questions from the partici- has since seen 28 pitches built out on a semi-final better against their pants – many representing pro- ball and put into everyday life,” With its commitment to world, getting reinforcement around the world, using them berth last weekend Saudi conquerors jects the programme has im- Owen told FIFA.com after- promoting social inclusion from a figure like Owen has big as a hub for inspiring social after losing to Saudi last Saturday. pacted around the globe since wards. “There’s no better tool and cohesion, gender equality benefits, according to Nasser development. Arabia’s Al Hilal, the “We came to Qa- its inception in 2010. He also to make good of certain aspects is one of Generation Amaz- al Khori, Generation Amazing “I, like probably most same team Al Sadd Hamdou Elhouni tar determined to reinforced the importance of of the world than football. It ing’s key aims. All of its pro- Programme Director. other footballers, am guilty of only narrowly lost to get past Al Hilal and the activities they were taking brings everybody together and jects operate at a 50-50 split of “We were delighted to having a one-track mind at the in this year’s AFC Champions progress to the semi-final, part in, which were aimed at it’s great that people are using male and female participants have FIFA Legend Michael World Cup – how are we going League semi-final. particularly as this is our third building teamwork and person- it for positive change. and the day’s events were Owen joining us for an in- win the next game, how are we At the final whistle, the appearance at the tournament al development through foot- “The more days like this mixed gender throughout. spiring session today at the going to win the tournament,” Esperance players saluted and we’re more experienced. ball and other physical games. you get exposed to, the more And with the participants Generation Amazing Festival Owen reflected. “You forget their fans who had stayed on However, that’s football and we “There’s so many different you realise what a brilliant looking to take the skills they 2019. The youth were moti- the positive effects it has on so in Doha to support them after didn’t have much luck against skills you can take out of foot- game we’re involved in.” are learning out into the wider vated by his story and pres- many people.” the defeat to Al Hilal. Shortly Al Hilal,” he lamented. 14 Thursday, December 19, 2019 Sports INDIA VS WEST INDIES Azhar Ali seeks memorable home win after 10-year drought

replacing fast bowler Usman Second Test all Shinwari, who has been ruled out with typhoid. set to begin in Azhar will also hope to re- gain his own form, hav- Karachi today ing managed just 36 at Rawal- pindi following his miserable afp 62 in four innings in Australia Karachi and 59 in six innings in South Africa earlier this year. Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali Sri Lanka are aiming to said on Wednesday he wants spoil Pakistan’s homecoming the return of Test to the following a string of strong per- country to be a memorable one formances. as his team seeks victory over Earlier this year, they be- Sri Lanka in Karachi starting came the firstA sian team to on Thursday. win a Test series in South Af- Their series is the first in rica (2-0) before drawing 1-1 at Pakistan since a militant attack home against New Zealand. India’s centurians (right) and KL Rahul during the second One-Day International (ODI) cricket India’s Kuldeep Yadav (centre) celebrates with teammates a hat-trick on the Sri Lankan team bus match against the West Indies in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. (AFP) of dismissals in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. (AFP) killed eight people in March Pakistan are likely to 2009, leading to the suspen- sion of international cricket in make one change from the country as foreign sides re- the first Test, with leg- fused to visit over security fears. spinner Yasir Shah The return of to replacing Usman Shinwari. Rohit, Rahul slam tons Pakistan last week was some- thing of a washout, with their firstencounter badly hit by the Rajitha injured weather in Rawalpindi before Skipper Dimuth stuttering to a tame draw. Karunaratne said the team is After 10 years playing away, looking to continue their win- as India level ODI series Azhar said Pakistan desperate- ning ways as part of the World ly wanted to make the most of Test championship. playing at home. “We look forward to giving Shreyas hammers Chase for 31 runs in one over, contributes 53 in India’s massive 387 for five “We are playing a home se- good competition to Pakistan, ries and need to capitalise on but know that it will be tough to AFP balls, and went on to com- that home advantage,” he told beat them,” he said. Visakhapatnam (India) plete his 28th ODI hundred reporters. “We want to win this The visitors will be without Kuldeep becomes first Indian amid loud cheers from a ca- series and make the occasion their pace spearhead Kasun Opener Rohit Sharma pacity crowd. memorable.” Rajitha, who pulled a ham- smashed 159 in a power- Rahul recorded his third string during the Rawalpindi packed batting show to set up bowler to claim two hat-tricks ODI hundred with a bound- Extra special Test and is likely to be replaced India’s 107-run series-level- ary off , but lost Despite the Rawalpindi by uncapped fast bowler Asitha ling win over West Indies in his to the paceman four washout, Pakistan gained a Fernando. The Sri Lankans are the second one-day interna- afp , and Mohammed balls later when mistiming a psychological edge against the in third place on the Test cham- tional on Wednesday. Visakhapatnam (India) Shami. shot to third man. Sri Lankans with Abid Ali and pionship table with 80 points. Sharma put on 227 runs However no Indian bowler has taken Babar Azam notching hun- World number one India sit with opening partner KL Ra- Spinner Kuldeep Yadav became India’s more than one hat-trick across formats. Yadav strikes dreds to steer their team to 252- atop the nine-team table with hul, who made 102, as India first bowler to claim two international hat- Yadav also joins international bowlers Nicknamed the Hitman, 2 in reply to Sri Lanka’s 308-6 360 points while Australia are amassed 387 for five while tricks on Wednesday after striking three Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka), Sharma registered his eighth declared. second with 216. batting first and went on to times on successive balls in the second one- (Pakistan), Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka), score of 150 plus before edg- It was extra special for Abid, Pakistan - currently sixth - make the three-match series day against West Indies. Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan) and ing an incoming from who became the first bats- lost 2-0 to Australia recently, 1-1 in Visakhapatnam. Yadav, a left-arm wrist spinner, sent (New Zealand) to pick up more than one paceman to man to follow a one-day debut but got 20 points from last back for 78, (11) hat-trick in ODIs. While Malinga leads the the wicketkeeper. century -- against Australia in week’s draw in Rawalpindi. Rohit Sharma put on 227 and Alzarri Joseph (0) on the final three de- list with three ODI hat-tricks, all the others West Indies responded Dubai in March this year -- with Launched in August, the liveries of his eighth over in Visakhapatnam have picked up two in the 50-over format. strongly with Hope, who was a hundred in his first Test. championship involves the top runs with opening partner to record his second ODI hat-trick. The 25-year-old Yadav, who also has a dropped on nought, and Evin Pakistan will likely make nine Test teams in the world. KL Rahul, who made 102, He claimed his first against Australia hat-trick for India in under-19 cricket, has Lewis putting on 61 runs for one change from the first Test, The top two will contest the as India amassed 387 for at ’s in 2017 to join taken 99 in 55 ODI matches since the first wicket. with leg-spinner Yasir Shah final at Lord’s in June 2021. five while batting first and India’s ODI hat-trick club that includes his debut in 2017. Hope then put on 106 runs went on to make the for the fourth wicket with three-match series 1-1 , who sur- in Visakhapatnam. vived a reprieve on 22 with Scoreboard dropping a India: Pierre 9-0-62-0 (w2), Paul 7-0-57-1 (w1), Joseph 9-1-68- S. Cottrell 0 simple catch at long-on off Spinner Kuldeep Yadav R. Sharma c Hope b Cottrell 159 1 (w3), Chase 5-0-48-0 (w3, nb1), Pollard 2-0-20-1 (w1). Extras (b1, lb2, w8) 11 , hitting 75 off KL Rahul c Chase b Joseph 102 Total (all out, 43.3 overs) 280 claimed a hat-trick - his sec- V. Kohli c Chase b Pollard 0 West Indies: Fall of wickets: 1-61 (Lewis), 2-73 (Hetmyer), 3-86 47 balls. ond in the career - as the hosts S. Iyer c Hope b Cottrell 53 E. Lewis c Iyer b Thakur 30 (Chase), 4-192 (Pooran), 5-192 (Pollard), 6-210 Shami broke the stand with bowled out the West Indies R. Pant c Pooran b Paul 39 S. Hope c Kohli b Yadav 78 (Hope), 7-210 (Holder), 8-210 (Joseph), 9-260 (Pierre), the wicket of Pooran and struck for 280 in 43.3 overs. Wick- K. Jadhav not out 16 S. Hetmyer run out (Iyer/Jadeja) 4 10-280 (Paul) on the very next ball to get skip- R. Jadeja not out 0 R. Chase b Jadeja 4 : Chahar 7-1-44-0 (w2), Thakur 8-0-55-1 (w2), etkeeper-batsman Shai Hope Extras (b1, lb3, nb1, w13) 18 N. Pooran c Yadav b Shami 75 Shami 7.3-0-39-3 (w1), Jadeja 10-0-74-2 (w1), Yadav per caught be- top-scored with 78 while Nich- Total (5 wickets, 50 overs) 387 K. Pollard c Pant b Shami 0 10-0-52-3, Iyer 1-0-13-0 (w2). hind for a first-ball duck. olas Pooran made 75. Did not bat: D. Chahar, M. Shami, S. Thakur, K. Yadav J. Holder st Pant b Yadav 11 Toss: West Indies Yadav then got the prized Fall of wickets: 1-227 (Rahul), 2-232 (Kohli), 3-292 K. Paul b Shami 46 Yadav returned figures of Result: India won by 107 runs wicket of Hope with Kohli (Sharma), 4-365 (Pant), 5-373 (Iyer) A. Joseph c Jadhav b Yadav 0 3-52 with his left-arm wrist Bowling: Cottrell 9-0-83-2 (w2), Holder 9-0-45-0 (w1), K. Pierre c Kohli b Jadeja 21 Series: Three-match series level at 1-1 taking a superb catch in the spin after becoming India’s outfield and then sent back first bowler to claim two hat- Jason Holder for 11 tricks in international match- the one at Wankhede (third has scored 1292 runs in 25 , who hit 39 off and Alzarri Joseph caught at es. Paceman Mohammed Sha- against West In- ODI matches. 16 deliveries. second slip for nought to cel- mi also took three wickets. dies) and first two ODIs, we’ve Shreyas Iyer also tore into Sharma, who was dropped ebrate the hat-trick. Sharma though remained batted well in the first half,” the West Indies attack with on 70 when Debutant Khary Pierre the hero with his seventh cen- said Kohli. a 32-ball 53 as he hit Roston spilled a Chase shot, was slow made 21 and Keemo Paul hit tury of the year, taking him “It’s always good to get 40- Chase for 31 runs – including out of the blocks but got into 46 before being bowled by past skipper as the 50 extra. Rohit and KL were four sixes and one four – in his stride after reaching 50 off Shami as India won convinc- top run-getter in 2019 with outstanding, the opening part- the 47th over. 67 deliveries. ingly after losing the by eight 1427 runs off 27 matches. nership set it up.” His partnerships including The attacking batsman wickets. “What’s been good is in Kohli, who had a rare flop a 73-run fourth-wicket stand soon overtook his partner, The third ODI is on Sun- Pakistan’s Azhar Ali prepares to bat during a practice session at the the last three games, including as he fell for a first-ball duck, with wicketkeeper-batsman who had raised his fifty in 46 day in Cuttack. National Cricket Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday. (AFP)

Windies mourn Big hitters & a magician to watch at IPL auction death of ‘batting

AFP of the fiveA ustralians to have their to perform the sleight of hand, tak- legend’ Butcher New Delhi base price set at 20 million rupees ing 14 wickets in nine matches and he AFP ($282,000). has set his base price at a modest five St. John’s (Antigua and Barbuda) Many of the world’s top cricket- million rupees ($70,000). ers will be among 332 players going (England) Basil Butcher was hailed as under the hammer when the Indian Having led England to their first Shimron Hetmyer (West In- a West Indies “cricket legend” Premier League holds its auction on 50-over World Cup in July, fast-scor- dies) after the former Test batsman Thursday. Here are five players who ing Morgan will be a hot property Hetmyer is fast building a reputa- died aged 86. could break the bank when the eight again having set his base price at 15 tion as the new big-hitting weapon to Butcher was a member of teams in the Twenty20 tournament million rupees ($212,000). take over from the now-retired Chris a star-studded West Indies top place their bids in Kolkata: Morgan last played for Kings XI (From left) Glenn Maxwell, Eoin Morgan and Gayle and the 22-year-old would order for over a decade in a Test Punjab in 2017 and went unsold last have done no harm to his auction career starting in the late 1950s. Glenn Maxwell (Australia) year, but that is unlikely to happen given his rapid of more ner since ’s retirement price with a sparkling career-best 139 right-hander Explosive hitter Maxwell sur- again given his exploits in the World than 145 in and a base from ODIs. in the West Indies’ one-day interna- Butcher more than held his prised the cricketing world when he Cup which included a world record price of 15 million rupees ($212,000). The left-arm bowler’s unusual tional win against India on Sunday. own in such distinguished recently took a short break because of 17 sixes in blasting 148 off 71 balls He played previously for the now- wicket celebrations include the magi- The left-hander, whose release by company, scoring 3,104 runs in mental health issues. against Afghanistan. defunct Gujarat Lions and Delhi Capi- cian’s trick of turning a handkerchief the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challeng- 44 Tests at an average of more He returned to club cricket last tals as well as enjoying successful stints into a stick, with online footage of his ers Bangalore may yet turn out to be than 43, including seven hun- month and put his name in the IPL Jason Roy (England) in South Africa’s Mzansi Super League exploits going viral. “The most im- a huge mistake, smashed 11 fours and dreds, from 1958-69. auction having played previously for South African-born batsman Roy and the Pakistan Super League. portant thing is still the bowling,” he seven sixes during his 106-ball blitz, Butcher’s best performanc- Kings XI Punjab, was a key to England’s World Cup said. “If there are no wickets, there but denied that he had an eye on the es were reserved for England. and Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals). success with a hundred and four half- Tabraiz Shamsi (South Af- are no celebrations.” auction. “I wasn’t thinking about that He made 133 in the second Maxwell has scored 1,397 runs centuries. Rated as one of the game’s rica) Playing for the Paarl Rocks in too much, said Hetmeyer who should innings of the Lord’s Test of in the IPL at an average of 22.9 at a most destructive limited-overs open- Shamsi has emerged as South Af- the domestic Mzansi Super League, see plenty of interest at a base price of 1963, which produced one of rapid strike rate of 161.13. He is one ers Roy could trigger a bidding war rica’s first-choice limited-overs spin- Shamsi has had many opportunities five million rupees ($70,000). cricket’s most dramatic draws.