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MONDAY 26 APRIL 2021 ACL:AC Al coach Lamouchi praises players'pla efforts after Esteghlal draw ItIt mimightgh not have been like the previous one in terms of chances and goals butbut it wasw a big and exciting match. We controlled the match very well and after wwe took the lead, I thought that we were going to get the three points.

Al Duhail coach Sport |19

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: GROUP STAGE vs FC Goa (8:00pm), Al Sadd vs Foolad (9.00pm), Al Wahda vs Persepolis Draw ceremony to take place at Katara Opera House tomorrow

Regional legends look forward Firstly, the Arab Cup will provide the 2022 organisers with an important final test of stadiums and all the related infrastructure that to first FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar will play a key role in hosting a successful World Cup: THE PENINSULA – Adel Khamis Egyptian legend Wael Gomaa

Qatar will host the FIFA Arab We will have current and Cup later this year, with the draw for the tournament taking former continental champions place at Katara Opera House mixing it up with up-and- tomorrow at 9:00pm. coming teams – it will be an Twenty-three national exciting tournament and one teams will compete for the that shows teams from the trophy, with matches set to be played at six FIFA World Cup Arab region in the best Qatar 2022 venues. The tour- possible light: Former Qatari nament is regarded as a final star Khalid Salman rehearsal for the first World Cup in the Middle East and The Arab Cup will provide yet , which will take place from 21 November to 18 another important experience December 2022. before the World Cup and Ahead of the draw, comes as part of a qatar2022.qa caught up with a comprehensive plan put in number of Qatar Legacy place by the Qatar Football Ambassadors to discuss the tournament and its significance Association to prepare our Wael Gomaa ahead of the World Cup. team for the big stage: Qatari Wael Gomaa, regarded as legend one of Africa’s best defenders do at this scale in the recent legend, the Arab Cup will be against , , of all time, said: “Firstly, the past.” the culmination of an Korea Republic and Japan. Arab Cup will provide the Qatar Khalid Salman, who important year for the next Adel Khamis, the first 2022 organisers with an famously scored a hat-trick for World Cup hosts. Qatari player to play abroad “I’m certain that Arab important final test of stadiums Qatar against at the 1981 “The Qatar national team when he was signed by a teams will have their say at the and all the related infra- FIFA World Youth Champi- is in the midst of what will be Kuwaiti club in the late World Cup. In the past, one structure that will play a key onship, believes the Arab Cup a very formative few months Nineties, believes entering the Khalid Salman could see the anxiety that Arab role in hosting a successful will provide some highly antic- in its preparations. Playing in tournament as continental teams felt when facing football World Cup. ipated clashes. the European qualifiers, along champions will give the players giants like and “Secondly, Arab teams from “We will have current and with their debut in the Gold a boost. it out of the group stage at Brazil. More recently, this has Africa can use the tournament former continental champions Cup, will provide key experi- “Although many of the par- Mexico 86. Since then, only changed. Teams from the as a welcome opportunity to mixing it up with up-and- ences for their growth as a ticipating nations in the Arab Saudi Arabia and have region are now playing with test their squads for the African coming teams – it will be an squad,” said Khalfan. Cup will boast players from the made it to the second round, in much more confidence. This is Cup of Nations set to take place exciting tournament and one “The Arab Cup will provide world’s best clubs, and will 1994 and 2014 respectively. as a result of many Arab in early 2022, whereas those that shows teams from the yet another important expe- come into the tournament Mubarak Mustafa, however, players plying their craft in top Asian countries which end up Arab region in the best possible rience before the World Cup wanting to make a statement sees that the quality of Arab European leagues,” said qualifying for the World Cup light,” said Salman. and comes as part of a com- prior to the World Cup, I am teams has been gradually Mustafa. can use the tournament to “And to play the tour- prehensive plan put in place by certain that the Qatari team improving in recent years, “The Arab Cup, therefore prepare themselves for the big nament at World Cup stadiums the Qatar Football Association will prove to be a difficult pointing to the fact that four will be a celebration of this stage,” Gomaa added. while benefiting from World to prepare our team for the big opponent,” said Khamis. teams from the region qualified new, exciting style of play, and “Thirdly, there are the Cup infrastructure, including stage.” Despite the popularity of for the 2018 FIFA World Cup will give the world an idea of social implications of the Arab the transport network, training Qatar will enter the tour- the game in the Arab region, in Russia. In turn, the former what teams from the region are Cup, in that the tournament sites and top-class accommo- nament as the champions of the 23 participating countries of the Qatar national capable of achieving on the will unite fans and teams from dation, will make it even more Asia after lifting the continental have largely failed to qualify team is looking forward to the world stage,” he added. across the Arab region, some- special.” title in 2019 following an past the second round at the Arab Cup as a platform to The draw will be streamed thing that no other football For Khalfan Ibrahim, unbeaten run to the trophy, FIFA World Cup, with showcase some of the region’s live on @roadto2022 and @ competition has been able to another Qatari football which included victories being the first country to make talent to the rest of the world. roadto2022en. ACL: Al Rayyan seek Al Sadd take on Foolad with maiden win in Goa eye on top spot in Group D AFC/THE PENINSULA – GOA AFC/THE PENINSULA – Qatar's Al Rayyan and hosts FC Goa both will seek their Qatari champions Al Sadd will look first win in the 2021 AFC to settle down for nothing other than Champions League when a victory when they take on Foolad they square off in a Group Khouzestan FC in a vital Matchday E encounter at the Pandit Five clash today in Riyadh. Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium A loss is not an option for both today. teams today as they race to win top Al Rayyan who are spot in Group D of the 2021 AFC falling short in their bid to Champions League, but the Qatari advance to the Round of 16 giants will do their best to continue at the 10th time of trying, their winning run. began their 2021 AFC The Hernandez-led Wolves Champions League cam- Al Rayyan players clinched back-to-back wins against paign with a goalless draw take part in a ’s Al Wehdat to jump up to against the Goan side training session second place in Group D with seven before going down 3-1 yesterday. points, one adrift of leaders Al Nassr against ’s Persepolis. of Saudi Arabia. The -coached Iran’s Foolad are third on five points “It will be another tough game have to play with spirit, ambition and men then lost back-to-back to UAE’s Al have not performed to expectations, we and need to win their final two matches again with Foolad, because we’ve passion, especially against Iranian Wahda (3-2, 1-0) to suffer early will strive to get the result. It will be a to stand a chance of advancing. Al Sadd already faced them,” the Barca legend teams. We need to keep focused with elimination. difficult game against FC Goa because have done well to remain in contention said yesterday. a good mentality to get the three Blanc’s side sits bottom of the they are very organised. We have two after a slow start which saw them draw “We suffered in the first match of points tomorrow.” standings but the Frenchman is adamant suspensions and some injuries and I with Foolad and suffer a humbling 3-1 the competition. They’re a good team, Foolad's coach Jesus Javier Noble that their position doesn’t do justice to believe Goa have the same problem in defeat to Al Nassr. well organised and aggressive in said: “Tomorrow’s match is very their quality and with the likes of Yacine terms of injuries. We need new players, The 15-time defence. They know how to take important, and it will be decisive for Brahimi, Yohan Boli and Shojae Khalil- young players to fill in the positions but champions defeated Al Wehdat 3-1 advantage of set-pieces, so it will be both teams, and will be like the final zadeh in his squad, he will expect three I hope they will bring a huge morale and 2-0 to pull themselves back into difficult. for us,” points against FC Goa. boost to the team as we must win," the contention but face a tough test “We are ready to compete, and “Al Sadd are a strong team, and “Yes it’s true we are out of the com- Frenchman said. against Foolad. from my point of view, this will be they have many good international petition but we’re still not finished here,” “If we had converted our chances Former champions Al Sadd made like the final, because if we have the players with a lot of international said Blanc. “We will be motivated to (in previous matches) and had a little it past the group stage in their past six three points, we will be really close experience in big competitions. They perform our best against FC Goa more experience, we could have had at appearances in the tournament, and to qualifying,"Xavi said. have a very good coach, but we will tomorrow, not only for this club but also least seven or eight points. It is Xavi will demand their best against “We are excited and motivated to not give up and will make things dif- for Qatar,” he said yesterday. important to finish the competition on Foolad, with Al Nassr to come on the win against this team. Everything ficult for them," Noble said on the “We need to win and although we positive note,” Blanc said. final Matchday. depends on us, it’s in our hands. We eve of the match. MONDAY 26 APRIL 2021 SPORT 19 ACL: Lamouchi praises players’ efforts after Esteghlal draw

AFC —

Al Duhail SC head coach Sabri Lamouchi labeled his side’s 2021 AFC Champions League Group C 2-2 draw with Esteghlal FC on Saturday as “yet another crazy match.” In a thoroughly enter- taining encounter, Kenyan forward ’s brace for Al Duhail was can- celled out by Cheick Diabate and Mehdi Ghaedi of the Islamic Republic of Iran side Juventus’ Alvaro Morata celebrates scoring as the draw followed the a goal yesterday. Qatari team’s exciting 4-3 win on Matchday Three. The result meant Al Sub Morata Duhail remain unbeaten after Al Duhail's players four games, topping Group C celebrate a goal against rescues draw with eight points, while Esteghlal on Saturday. Esteghlal continue to chase PIC COURTESY: AFC for Juventus with seven points to their points. However, we made should see interesting team, they have international name, level with Al Ahli Saudi mistakes and this happens in matches in the last two experience and they are at Fiorentina We should be happy now FC. Matchday Five sees Al football.” rounds.” having good results. I believe that there is big Duhail facing Iraq’s Al Shorta “The players were tired Meanwhile, Esteghlal FC we played against the best REUTERS — MILAN competition between three while Esteghlal clash with Al and we saw fatigue showing assistant coach Farshad team in the group. teams in the group. Al Ahli Ahli tomorrow. at the end of the match,” Majedi praised the per- “We lost some players A superb strike from substitute Alvaro managed to reduce the “Another match which I added the Frenchman. formance of his players, who due injuries, including Cheick Morata earned Juventus a 1-1 Serie A draw call crazy,” said Lamouchi. “Playing four matches in 10 he said played against “the Diabate who had to leave the at Fiorentina yesterday in a result that deficit so we should see “It might not have been days requires a lot of effort best team in the group.” match, and we played with could prove costly for the Turin club’s interesting matches in the like the previous one in terms management under this “Our players played with 10 men at the end,” said Champions League qualification hopes. last two rounds. of chances and goals but it physical pressure. dedication,” said Majedi. Majedi. Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic was a big and exciting match. “We should be happy now “Due to the short period “We made several calmly dinked a penalty past Wojciech Sabri Lamouchi “We controlled the match that there is big competition between matches, quality changes to the plan because Szczesny to give the hosts a deserved lead. very well and after we took between three teams in the drops and injuries become of this. At the end, we got one Juve coach Andrea Pirlo brought on Al Duhail SC head coach the lead, I thought that we group. Al Ahli managed to more likely.” point although we were Morata at halftime and was immediately were going to get the three reduce the deficit so we “Al Duhail are a strong hoping to get three.” rewarded, as the Spaniard curled a shot into the top corner from a tight angle 31 seconds into the second half. The result moved the champions level Griezmann nets double in Barca with second-placed AC Milan in the standings on 66 points, but the Rossoneri can pull clear when they face Lazio today. The pressure is growing on Juve in comeback victory at Villarreal their fight for a top-four finish as Atalanta and Napoli, two and three points behind respectively, are yet to play this weekend. REUTERS — VILA-REAL behind Atletico, who have Foyth and beating Asenjo “We had a very bad first half, we also played 32. again with one touch. should have approached it in a different Barcelona’s Antoine Barca had thrashed Barca were on the back way because it was a fundamental game Griezmann struck twice to Getafe 5-2 in their last fixture foot early in the first half and in the Champions League race,” Pirlo told secure a 2-1 win at 10-man without playing too well and Ter Stegen had to use his Sky Italia. Villarreal yesterday as they they made a frantic start with imagination to save a low “Instead we were always late, not stayed within two points of three early opportunities but shot from Etienne Capoue aggressive, we left too much space to their leaders Atletico fell behind when Villarreal with his feet after already players, and these things together led to . defender Pau Torres committing himself. a bad first half, although we did a little Villarreal’s Nigerian delivered a pinpoint pass Villarreal lost some better in the second half.” forward into the path of Chukwueze, momentum when Trigueros It could be a valuable point for Fioren- gave the hosts the lead in the who dribbled around goal- was sent off for a wild tackle tina’s survival hopes, leaving Giuseppe 27th minute but Griezmann keeper Marc-Andre ter on Messi, getting the ball first Iachini’s side in 14th place with 34 points, responded immediately with Stegen to score. but then smashing into the six clear of the relegation zone. a coolly taken chip before The Catalans did not take Argentine’s ankle with his Fiorentina were the better side in the pouncing on a defensive slip long to respond thanks to an outstretched leg. first half and threatened when a Nikola to give Barca the lead in the incisive pass out of defence Messi was left in some Milenkovic shot was well saved by Szc- 35th. when Oscar Mingueza pain by the tackle but even- zesny, before Erick Pulgar’s deflected shot Villarreal put the Catalans picked out Griezmann and tually got up and Barca hit the post. under renewed pressure in the the Frenchman let the ball should have extended the A VAR review showed that Adrien second half but were reduced bounce a couple of times lead when Frenkie de Jong Rabiot was guilty of handball in the box, to 10 men in the 65th minute before delicately chipping bore down on Asenjo and Vlahovic tucked away the spot-kick when was keeper . unchallenged but somehow in style by executing a Panenka-style given a straight red card for a Griezmann had also missed the target. chipped finish. crunching tackle on Lionel scored with a sumptuous Villarreal coped well Pirlo rang the changes at halftime as Messi. chip in a 4-1 win at Villarreal with the sending off and had Morata and winger Dejan Kulusevski were The victory took third- last season and continued his a couple of chances to get an introduced, and Morata almost immedi- Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann placed Barca to 71 points strong recent record at the equaliser but neither top ately found the net with a swerving strike. (front, left) celebrates with Lionel after 32 games, level with La Ceramica stadium by scorer nor Juve’s performance improved but Messi after scoring a goal, yesterday. second-placed Real Madrid intercepting a sloppy captain could neither side could find a winner. who have played 33 and two backpass by defender Juan find the target. Berrettini sinks Karatsev to Nadal wins 12th Barcelona Open title REUTERS — BARCELONA quarter-finals in February, fought win Serbia Nadal, 34, will leapfrog Russian hard to stay in the match and Rafa Nadal saved a match point Daniil Medvedev to take back the saved two match points before Open before defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas world number two spot in the winning the second-set tiebreak 6-4, 6-7(6), 7-5 to claim a record- updated ATP rankings today. to force the decider. REUTERS — BELGRADE extending 12th Barcelona Open Nadal improved his unbeaten title yesterday, ending his Greek record to 12-0 in finals at one of Italian Matteo Berrettini won opponent’s nine-game unbeaten defeat in the 10th game of the final his favourite ATP events where the the Serbia Open after beating start to the European claycourt set but recovered to win three main showcourt carries his name. Russia’s Aslan Karatsev 6-1, swing. straight games to overcome Monte The 20-times Grand Slam 3-6, 7-6(0) in the final at Having collected his first title Carlo champion Tsitsipas after winner will be back in action at Novak Djokovc’s claycourt of the 2021 season, Nadal, 34, will three hours and 38 minutes -- next month’s ATP Masters 1000 tennis centre in downtown leapfrog Russian Daniil Medvedev making it the longest ATP Tour tournaments in Madrid and Rome Belgrade by the Danube river to take back the world number two match of the year. and will look to carry the yesterday. spot in the updated ATP rankings Tsitsipas, who won his pre- momentum into the French Open, Rafael Nadal celebrates Berrettini blew away Kar- today. vious meeting with the Spaniard where he will be seeking a record- with the trophy. atsev in the third set tiebreak Nadal was on the brink of in the Australian Open extending 14th Roland Garros title. 7-0 as the Russian showed signs of fatigue in the opening set and the tiebreaker after a gruelling three-and-a-half Ashleigh Barty beats Sabalenka in Stuttgart final hour win world number Barty one Djokovic in Saturday’s celebrates AP — STUTTGART and couldn’t prevent Barty from doubles final later Sunday as semi-final. with the going on to claim her 11th career Barty bids to become the first “It was a really good fight, trophy. Top-ranked Ash Barty beat Aryna title. player to win both the singles and it’s been a pleasure being here Sabalenka 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 It was the third straight doubles at Stuttgart since Lindsay as I came back from injury and yesterday to win the Porsche come-from-behind win for Barty, Davenport 20 years ago. I have to thank my team for all Grand Prix, her first title on clay who celebrated her 25th birthday Barty saved eight of the 10 their hard work,” Berrettini since the 2019 French Open. by playing three sets against Elina break points she faced against said courtside after lifting the The Australian player clicked Svitolina in Saturday’s semifinals. Sabalenka, converting five of the trophy. into gear for the final’s second set, Barty also won in three sets 12 opportunities she created to “It’s been an amazing which she won in just 20 minutes, against Karolina Pliskova in the win in 1 hour, 47 minutes. week and I am delighted to with Sabalenka taking a medical quarter-finals. The 22-year-old Sabalenka, have won this tournament timeout ahead of the third. Barty and Jennifer Brady who defeated Simona Halep to with my family watching,” he Sabalenka emerged with a faced Desirae Krawczyk and reach the final, had been going added. bandage around her right thigh Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the for her first career title. Sport MONDAY 26 APRIL 2021 18 Jalela dazzles again by winning Prix Nefta

THE PENINSULA – TOULOUSE Rose de Mai (L). Aspirante (Myboycharlie) was another Al Shaqab Racing’s homebred case in point, as she ran on well Jalela (FR) (Mister Ginoux x to claim third place - a length Nefertarie) made a victorious and three quarters further comeback in the Sheikh behind. She was coming off a Mansour Festival - Prix Nefta disappointing effort in the Prix (Gr2 PA) at Toulouse Maurice Caillault (L). yesterday. Winning trainer Jean- Jalela, with Jerome Cabre in Claude Rouget told Equidia: the saddle, did not take much “We wanted to ride her for a time as she immediately took place because we were disap- the lead and no one could really pointed by her performance at get near her in the straight line. Saint-Cloud last time. By In a race devoid of pace, she Jalela, ridden by Jerome Cabre, reaching the finish line to win the Prix Nefta allowing her the time to find her mastered Yas Horse Racing (Gr2 PA) at Toulouse Racecourse in France yesterday. Pics: Robert Polin feet, Light Stars was in a Management’s Elaf (Rabbah de position to deliver a wicked fin- Carrère x Mowafaka) by two ishing kick. She won in the style and a half lengths. Trigodet and jockey Antoine the Qatar Arabian Trophy for The mount of Christophe latter, similarly, showed of good filly. We will give her The runner-up is trained Werle. Jalela had finished fillies (Gr1 PA). Soumillon initially brought up improved form after finishing the necessary time to recover by X. Thomas-Demeaulte and second in the Qatar Arabian the rear on the rails. She fifth and last but one in the Prix from her efforts.” was ridden by Ioritz Trophy des Pouliches (Gr1 PA) Light Stars wins Prix Caravelle remained in that position, and Mendizabal. Mehdi Benmes- before opening her account in Light Stars (Sea The Stars) delivered was even a little detached from saoud’s Zarra Star (Azadi x the Prix Nevada II (Gr3 PA). a stellar performance in the Prix the rest of the pack down the Larissa Star) was three Her trainer, Thomas Caravelle - Haras des Granges backstretch. quarters of a length behind to Fourcy, said: “She was certainly (L), after coming from last to first In the straight, Light Stars collect third for trainer O. fitter than her rivals. She’s a and firmly putting the opposition got the ‘split’ between Jalwa good filly and was fully entitled in its place. (Shalaa) and Dream In My Head to win such a race. She could Co-owned by Claude Mar- (Golden Horn) and thrust herself tackle older mares later on in zooco and Ali Bin Hamad Al in the thick of the action. By now Jalela, with Jerome Cabre in the season.” Attiya, the filly made a winning in full cry, Light Stars showed the saddle, did not take much Bred by Al Shaqab, Jalela is debut at Cagnes-sur-Mer on sharp powers of acceleration time as she immediately took part of the first crop of the January 28th, before proving which enabled her to cut through the lead and no one could stallion Mister Ginoux. The slightly disappointing in the Prix the field in a few strides and win really get near her in the dam, Nefertarie (Mahabb), has Durban (Class 1) at Saint-Cloud. without forcing her talent. already produced Al Gha- However, at Toulouse yes- She prevailed by two and a straight line. shamiya (General), and the terday, she won in the style of half lengths from Lingering Light Stars in action yesterday. latter, too, finished second in a group class filly. Dream (Oasis Dream). The Pallekele run fest ends in dull draw

COLOMBO — REUTERS The home captain added , 345 runs for the fourth The bat-dominated opening with Dhananjaya de Silva, who Test between and made 166, and they batted out Bangladesh ended in a dull the penultimate day without draw yesterday with rain being separated. wiping out the final session at Bangladesh lost two quick the Pallekele International in their second innings Cricket Stadium. but , who made 74 Only 17 wickets fell over , and Mominul, who was five days and 1,289 runs were unbeaten on 23, resisted the scored on a flat track as two home bowlers before rain Pakistan players celebrate with the trophy after beating Zimbabwe in the final T20, yesterday.PIC: PCB TWITTER batsmen from each side intervened. notched up individual “I was struggling in the first hundreds. few overs, but I knew if I get a Pakistan win Zimbabwe T20 series Bangladesh posted 541-7 start and hang around, I can get declared with Najmul Hossain a big one,” Karunaratne said REUTERS — HARARE BRIEF SCORES 4-18 as he helped check Zim- on course for another surprise Shanto (163) making his maiden after being adjudged player of Pakistan 165/3 in 20 overs (Mohammad babwe’s progress after the success as opener Wesley Mad- Test and captain the match. Mohammad Rizwan hammered Rizwan 91 not out, 52; Luke home side had made a prom- hevere (59) and Tadiwanashe Mominul Haq (127) his first “We thought the wicket an unbeaten 91 and Hasan Ali Jongwe 3/37) beat Zimbabwe 141/7 in 20 ising start. Marumani put on 64 runs for the overseas hundred. would have good pace and

took four wickets to lead overs (Wesley Madhevere 59, Tadiwanashe In-form Rizwan, whose second wicket as the home team led bounce, but in these conditions, Pakistan to a 24-run victory runs came off 60 balls, featured reached 101-1 after 13 overs, the hosts’ reply with a career- with the heat, it was a bit flat.” Marumani 35; Hasan Ali 4/18) over Zimbabwe in the third and in a 126-run second-wicket needing 65 runs off 42 balls. best 244 as Sri Lanka posted Mominul said the Bangladesh final international at partnership with captain Babar When Marumani was 648-8 before declaring at lunch bowlers tried hard but there was Harare Sports Club yesterday. Zimbabwe replied with Azam who made 52 runs off 46 bowled by Mohammad Hasnain on the final day. nothing in the surface for them." Rizwan battled through the 141-7, falling well short of the balls. for 35, however, the runs dried 20 overs after Pakistan won the target as Pakistan claimed a 2-1 Zimbabwe, who secured up and wickets tumbled regu- SCOREBOARD toss, helping his side to 165-3 victory in the series. an upset 19-run victory in the larly as Pakistan completed a BANGLADESH, 1st innings: 541-7 dec. (Tamim 553-6 (Nissanka, 159.4), 585-7 (Dickwella, 166.5), on a slow surface. Hasan took a career-best second match on Friday, were comfortable victory. Iqbal 90, Najmul Shanto 163, Mominul Haque 127; V. 647-8 (Hasaranga, 177.3) Fernando 4-96) : Abu Jayed 19-2-76-0 (nb 1) (w 1), Taskin SRI LANKA, 1st innings (overnight 512-3) Ahmed 30-6-112-3 (w 1), Ebadot Hossain 21-1-99-1 D. Karunaratne c Shanto b Taskin ...... 244 (nb 2) (w 7), 58-6-160-1 (w 1), Taijul Jadeja smashes L. Thirimanne lbw b M. Hasan ...... 58 Islam 45-9-163-2, Mominul Haque 4-0-19-0, Saif O. Fernando c Liton b Ahmed ...... 20 Hassan 2-0-5-0 A. Mathews b Islam ...... 25 37 in an over D. de Silva b Taskin...... 166 BANGLADESH, 2nd innings P. Nissanka c Liton b Ebadot ...... 12 Tamim Iqbal not out ...... 74 N. Dickwella run out...... 31 Saif Hassan c Dickwella b Lakmal ...... 1 as Chennai win W. Hasaranga b Taijul ...... 43 Najmul Shanto b Lakmal ...... 0 S. Lakmal not out...... 22 Mominul Haque (c) not out...... 23 V. Fernando not out ...... 0 Extras: (nb2) ...... 2 AP — MUMBAI Extras: (b4, lb10, w10, nb3) ...... 27 Total: (2 wkts, 33 overs) ...... 100 Total: (8 wickets dec - 179 overs) ....648 Fall of wickets: 21-1 (Saif Hassan, 4.1), 27-2 (Naj- smashed a record- Did not bat: L. Kumara mul Shanto, 6.3) equaling 37 runs off the last over and Fall of wickets: 114-1 (Thirimanne), 157-2 (Oshada Bowling: Lakmal 8 2 21 2, V. Fernando 5 2 18 0, de then claimed 3-13 to lead Chennai Fernando, 53.3), 190-3 (Angelo Mathews, 62.3), Silva 11 1 46 0, Hasaranga 9 0 15 0 Super Kings to a 69-run victory over 535-4 (de Silva, 153.4) 544-5 (Karunaratne, 155.4) Result: Draw Royal Challengers Bangalore in the yesterday. It was Bangalore’s first defeat in this season’s IPL. Chris Gayle, while playing IPL under fire for plan for Bangalore, also hit 37 runs in a single over against Tuskers’ to keep playing despite Prasanth Parameswaran during the 2011 edition of the IPL. Chennai chose to bat and Jadeja, COVID-19 crisis who was dropped on zero, rocketed his team’s total from 154-4 at the end of REUTERS — NEW DELHI Indian Express said its the 19th over to 191-4 at the end of the decision to suspend coverage 20th. He hit five sixes and a four in The Indian Premier League was “a small gesture towards Harshal Patel’s 20th over - with one of (IPL) will carry on with keeping the nation’s the sixes coming off a no ball - for his games, its organisers said attention focused on life and 28-ball 62. yesterday, but came under death issues.” In reply, Bangalore scored 122-9, heavy criticism for the plan Australia’s Adam Gil- mainly due to Jadeja’s brilliance. as the country grapples with christ, who led now- Meanwhile, (DC) beat a massive surge in corona- defunct Deccan Chargers to (SRH) in Super virus cases. their maiden IPL victory in Over, in yesterday’s other match. The New Indian Express 2009, also waded into the BRIEF SCORES and a sister publication said debate. Chennai Super Kings 191/4 in 20 they had decided to “Best wishes to all in overs (Ravindra Jadeja 62 not out, Faf suspend its IPL coverage, India. Frightening Covid du Plessis 50; Harshal Patel 3/51, Yuz- while hundreds of fans numbers. #IPL continues. vendra Chahal 1/24) beat Royal Chal- lambasted the league on Inappropriate? Or important lengers Bangalore 122/9 in 20 overs social media. distraction each night? ( 34; Ravindra Jadeja An IPL governing council Whatever your thoughts, 3/13, Imran Tahir 2/16) by 69 runs member said the league has prayers are with you,” Delhi Capitals 159/4 in 20 overs “a robust bio-bubble” and is tweeted the former Test ( 53, 37; Sid- being played without fans player. dharth Kaul 2/31) beat SunRisers which made it safe to India’s tally of infections Hyderabad 159/7 in 20 overs (Kane Wil- continue. stands at 16.96 million with liamson 66 not out, Jonny Bairstow 38; The Chennai-based New 192,311 deaths. Avesh Khan 3/34) by Super Over.