Kerber celebrates b’day with win at the Open. “I think it’s the 12th time in a row.” SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 2019 Sanchez plays down favourites tag as Qatar make the big impression

AFC prefer to play Iraq rather than ABU DHABI someone else as we always play to win the group. it is go- HEAD coach Felix Sanchez has ing to be very tough. We know been quick to play down any that we will have to perform notion of Qatar being favour- well to compete with a well- ites to win the AFC Asian Cup organised team like Iraq who UAE 2019 following Thurs- have talented players.” day’s 2-0 win over Saudi Ara- Meanwhile, Juan Antonio bia which saw his side finish Pizzi was left to rue the mis- top of the Group E standings. takes that cost Saudi Arabia Almoez Ali scored twice dear on a night when they fin- to take his tally for the tour- ished as runners-up to Qatar, nament to an impressive sev- setting up Monday’s Round of en, as the Qataris recorded 16 clash with four-time cham- a third successive victory, a pions Japan in the process. run of form that has yet to see “We tried to impose our them concede. style of play on Qatar, but However, despite the fly- our finishing and our ability ing start, Sanchez is adamant to make the right decisions that Qatar’s impressive record at crucial moments were not will count for nothing come MORE CHALLENGES AHEAD there tonight,” declared the the knockout phase. one-time Chile boss. “I want to congratulate my Each game is going to be very hard, and we do “We were good in the first players for the game against not consider our favourites as we know our 30 minutes, but an individual Saudi Arabia,” said the Span- opponents in the next round will be very difficult. error for the first goal and then ish tactician. another mistake from a set- “They showed great team Qatar coach Felix Sanchez piece saw us concede twice. spirit and plenty of quality. “I am just starting to think It is good for the team to just one match going forward. runners-up Iraq in Abu Dhabi of the game versus Japan. As finish first as it helps build “Each game is going to on Tuesday, with Sanchez I have stated before, I respect confidence going into the be very hard, and we do not predicting another tough en- all of the teams that are here next round.” consider our favourites as we counter for his charges. and do not feel either superior “Nevertheless, we have know our opponents in the next “We know that our next or inferior to anyone. It is now finished the group stage and round will be very difficult.” opponents are one of the important for us to learn from now it does not matter if you Qatar, quarter-finalists strongest in the competition,” the mistakes we made against have three wins or just the in 2000 and 2011, are now he said. Qatar and perform better one, as it all comes down to scheduled to meet Group D “It’s not that we would when we play Japan.”

(Pic left) Qatar players celebrate with Almoez Ali (No. 19) after he scored during the AFC Asian Cup match against Saudi Arabia on Thursday. Al Annabi to play Iraq in Asian Cup 2019 Round of 16 on January 22

FTER 36 matches, and JORDAN v VIETNAM (Jan 20) since 1972, Thailand will meet a memorable 3-1 win over AUSTRALIA v UZBEKISTAN crowd, host nation United dramatic last-minute winner Ano shortage of drama, UNBEATEN Group B winners FIFA World Cup-winner Marcello Turkmenistan. (Jan 21) Arab Emirates will face Kyrgyz against India which sealed their the qualifiers for the AFC Jordan face a Vietnam side ap- Lippi’s China PR, who qualified IN a re-match of the 2011 AFC Republic, who have made his- path to the last 16. Asian Cup UAE 2019 knock- pearing in the knockout stage as the second placed team JAPAN v S ARABIA (Jan 21) Asian Cup semi-final, reign- tory by reaching the knockout out stage have been finalised. for the first time since 2007, in Group C. A blockbuster clash between ing champions Australia will stage in their first appearance QATAR v IRAQ (January 22) The line-up was confirmed on and just the second time in two of the competition’s most meet Hector Cuper’s emerging at the Finals. QATAR, and current tournament Thursday, when Oman and their history, with the winners IRAN v OMAN (Jan 20) successful nations in Sharjah. Uzbekistan, after both sides leading scorer Almoez Ali, meet Vietnam claimed the Round to meet either Japan or Saudi THREE-TIME Asian champions Four-time champions and Group qualified by finishing second in S KOREA v BAHRAIN (Jan 22) 2007 champions Iraq in a mouth- of 16’s two remaining places, Arabia in the quarter-finals. and Group D winners Islamic F winners Japan will meet Sau- their respective groups. A Son Heung-min-inspired watering final Round of 16 tie, setting the scene for what Republic of Iran will look to di Arabia, who have lifted the Korea Republic will look to with the winners to face either promises to be an unforgetta- THAILAND v CHINA PR (Jan 20) continue their unbeaten start trophy on three occasions and UAE v KYRGYZSTAN (Jan 21) continue their perfect start to South Korea or Bahrain in the ble climax to the largest ever APPEARING in their first AFC to UAE 2019 against an emerg- finished second in Group E. IN front of a typically passion- the AFC Asian Cup against a last eight coming Tuesday at the edition of the competition. Asian Cup knockout fixture ing Oman side revitalised by ate Zayed Sports City Stadium Bahrain outfit buoyed by the Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Tourney starts with knock-out phase for Iran boss Queiroz

DPA have to step up a level. It could have been different ABU DHABI “What’s important is we had Sardar Azmoun or Jahan- Iran are searching for a first have qualified for the round bakhsh scored good chances in IRAN entered the Asian Cup as Asian Cup since 1976 and of 16 as the winners,” he was the first half but after the break the top ranked team in the con- the beginning of the knock- quoted in the Tehran Times. it was Iraq who were pressing tinent and for coach Carlos out phase is where coach “However, we wanted to ad- more for a winner. Queiroz the bid to end a 43- Carlos Queiroz believes the vance to the next stage with Iran won the first three year title drought begins in ear- nine points.” Asian Cups they reached 1968- nest with the knock-out phase. campaign really gets going. South Korea, Japan and Qa- 1976 but have not been back to “From now on, it’s a game tar all made it through the group the final since despite regular- Mourinho pats Qatar’s performance which is everything for the phase with perfect records. ly being in contention. winner and nothing to the Unable to play in the first In the last six editions they DOHA: Former Manchester the better team. So I would loser,” the veteran Portu- two games in the United Arab have not once been eliminated United and Chelsea coach congratulate the country, guese said. “All the profile of Emirates, naming Jahan- in regulation, twice going out Jose Mourinho praised Qa- congratulate the working the games have changed, so bakhsh in the squad was not in extra-time and losing four tar’s good show on the field group.” we can say that the Asian Cup without risk. penalty shoot-outs. against Saudi Arabia in the Apart from being as an starts for us in the next game.” “I just want to say a huge But whatever the hard Asian Cup 2019 on Thursday. expert during beIN’s expan- Iran impressed in their these three games, it’s impor- Queiroz took the chance to thanks to the coaching staff for luck stories, advancing in Making his first appear- sive coverage of the 24-team opening matches, humbling tant to have a good rest, and shuffle his team against Iraq trusting me,” he said. “Hope- only two knock-out games ance on television as an ex- AFC Asian Cup, Mourinho minnows Yemen 5-0 and beat- start to be mentally fresh for the with qualification already guar- fully I can help Team Melli in from the last eight attempts pert exclusively for BeIN will also be commenting on ing Vietnam 2-0 before finding [next] games,” said Queiroz. anteed, including offering first the next matches.” – not including third-place Sports, Mourinho – a former the Premier League match life tougher against Iraq. Iran return to action action to midfielder Alireza Ja- Queiroz was - publicly at games - is a dismal record. Portuguese international between Arsenal and Chel- Nonetheless, a goalless on Sunday in Abu Dhabi hanbakhsh who has been side- least - more relaxed about the Queiroz is widely reported himself – said, “Qatar was sea on January 19. draw with their regional rivals against Oman, who qualified lined with a hamstring injury. performance against Iraq, say- to be leaving at the end of the ensured they progressed as as third from Group F. The The Brighton midfielder ing the “game was intense, en- tournament and signing off winners of Group D. winner will meet either Thai- played an hour of the contest thusiastic, and it was played in with the trophy would be the Former Mourinho assistant Rui “Now we need to rest. After land or China in the last eight. but warned the players would good spirit.” best way to go. Faria is now Al Duhail coach

DOHA: Al Duhail on Friday DESERT STORM: TOP GUNS STROLL IN ASIAN CUP GRAVEYARD announced the appointment of Rui Faria, a former assis- FIVE things we’ve learned from SON SHINES ON ‘CURSED’ fired a hat-trick in a 3-1 win who severed political ties with tant to Jose Mourinho, as the the group stages of the Asian SOUTH KOREANS over Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Qatar in June 2017. Almoez Ali club’s new head coach. Cup football tournament. South Korea are looking to end Philippines that sent the White has scored seven goals in three Faria, who has worked 59 years of Asian Cup hurt -- and Falcons through. The Filipino games as Qatar have emerged with Mourinho in all his man- COACHES GRAVEYARD even replaced fake gold med- “street dogs” bared their fangs as title contenders. agerial spells across Europe, The Asian Cup has traditionally als for relatives of players who in a plucky performance against will be unveiled to the media proved a minefield for coaches won the trophy in 1960 to lift a title-chasing South Korea, but YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE soon according to a statement not used to fierce local rivalries “curse” some believe has scut- war-torn Yemen lost all three HOSTS UAE secured their place on the club’s website. and the tournament’s idiosyn- tled their dreams in recent years. games, conceded 10 goals and in the last 16 by finishing top of The Portuguese replaces who split with Mourinho crasies and it did not take They looked distinctly ordinary failed to score on their Asian Group A -- job done you would Tunisian coach Nabil Maal- before the latter got fired at long for the merry-go-round to in beating first-timers Kyrgyzstan Cup debut. have thought, unless you had oul, who was sacked last week Manchester United, will be crank into gear in the Emirates. and Philippines by a single goal been forced to sit through their after the defending league tasked with taking Al Duhail Thailand coach Milovan Raje- -- before their talismanic captain HATERS GONNA HATE three games. The Emirates champions fell off the mark in back to the top of the Qatar vac barely had time to unpack Son Heung-min jetted in from QATAR have never gone beyond continue to look as if they are the AFC Champions League. Stars League. before he was fired following the London and inspired them to South Korea’s talismanic striker the quarter-finals of the Asian running through treacle under “Al Duhail management He joins former Iceland 4-1 thrashing by India in their an impressive 2-0 victory over Son Heung-min. (REUTERS) Cup but they are quietly going Alberto Zaccheroni, who won has succeeded in agreeing to World Cup coach Heimir opening match, before Syria China, establishing the Koreans about their business this year, the Asian Cup with Japan in a contract with Portuguese Hallgrimson (appointed as acrimoniously dumped German as the team to beat. dead goat polo, Kyrgyzstan were despite suffering a long-running 2011 but looks bereft of ideas coach Rui Faria after inten- Al Arabi coach in Decem- Bernd Stange. India coach not expected to make much of political row. with the Gulf side. The Italian sive negotiations,” the club ber) as another high pro- Stephen Constantine quit after DEAD GOATS SOCIETY a dent in their first Asian Cup THE 2022 World Cup hosts will hope they can dispatch said on its website. file football personality in the Blue Tigers narrowly failed Better known for horseback appearance. But they have done finished top of their group after Kyrgyzstan next and belatedly The 43-year-old Faria, Qatar football. (TNN) to reach the last 16. wrestling, eagle hunting and just that after striker Vitalij Lux a 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, kick-start their challenge. (AFP) Sports Saturday, January 19, 2019 13 Sharapova stuns Wozniacki as ice men Nadal and Federer plough on AFP Melbourne fourth round for the MELBOURNE 17th time -- more than anyone else ever. MARIA Sharapova stunned “Taylor played really well. defending champion Caroline He is going to have many Wozniacki to sweep into the more years on tour playing at Australian Open last 16 on this level.” Friday and join ice men Rafael The double defending Nadal and Roger Federer, who champion is gunning for a re- clinically disposed of their op- cord seventh Australian title. ponents. If he goes on to win the tour- The Russian five-time nament, he will become the Grand Slam winner, who has first man ever to claim seven struggled since returning from or more crowns at two Slams, a drugs ban in 2017, was at full having already won eight throttle in ending the Dane’s Wimbledons. dream of a second major title. Next up for him is fiery Sharapova won 6-4, 4-6, Greek 14th seed Stefanos Tsit- 6-3 with the roof closed on Rod sipas, who beat Georgia’s 19th Laver Arena and will next play Marin Cilic of Croatia during his men’s singles third round match against Fernando Verdasco of Spain at seed Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-3, in-form local hope Ashleigh the Australian Open Grand Slam in Melbourne on Friday. (EPA-EFE) 3-6, 7-6 (9/7), 6-4. Barty, who bounced Greece’s Barty beat Greece’s Sakkari Maria Sakkari, for a berth in the Cilic edges Verdasco in five-set marathon 7-5, 6-1, with the 15th seed yet quarter-finals. to drop a set in her best perfor- “I thought the level was SIXTH seed Marin Cilic has survived a marathon five-set match against Fernando Verdasco to mance at Melbourne Park. quite high. I knew it would be scrape into the fourth round of the Australian Open 4-6, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10-8), 6-3. She has won seven of eight a tough match,” said the 2008 The Spanish world number 28 claimed the first two sets comfortably but failed to convert two matches this month to back up champion, who has been in siz- match points in the fourth set tiebreak, double faulting on the second. a title victory in Zhuhai late last zling form at the tournament as “It was a tough match, unbelievable emotions,” said Cilic. “When I was down two sets to love it year to shape up as a dangerous she chases her first Slam title was a big hill to climb but I stayed with my game, stayed positive, played a great third set, saved one opponent for Sharapova. since Roland Garros in 2014. or two match points in the fourth and played another great fifth set. “It was definitely a tough tiebreak, “It’s getting to the point “These types of matches are both of us played really good, a lot of winners, he was serving really well and it came down to one shot now where I’m feeling more what I train for and it was re- or just basically one decision ... today I was just slightly luckier in those crucial moments.” (DPA) and more comfortable on the ally rewarding to win that last court and can play my brand of point,” added the 30th seed. ing for an 18th Grand Slam title. reached the semi-finals in 2014 Slam crown. tennis, which when I execute I Second seed Nadal called He paid tribute to De Min- and 2015 but is unseeded this On a rain-affected day that know it works against the best Maria Sharapova in action against Caroline Wozniacki during their young Australian Alex de Min- aur, who saved six match points. year as he returns from a back delayed play on outside courts, in the world,” said Barty. round three women’s singles match. (EPA-EFE) aur “one of the best in the “He’s a big fighter and su- injury that almost forced his re- the 37-year-old showed no No Australian woman has world” ahead of their evening per quick. Alex has an amaz- tirement last year. mercy to the 21-year-old in won the season-opening Grand Birrell 6-1, 6-0. seed Petra Kvitova for a place clash, then proceeded to hand ing future.” Swiss great Federer was his 100th match on the centre Slam at Melbourne Park since Meanwhile, unseeded in the quarter-finals. him a tennis lesson, disman- Nadal’s reward is a meet- also on fire in taming big-serv- court in Melbourne. Christine O’Neill in 1978. American Amanda Anisimova Russia’s Anastasia Pav- tling the teenager 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. ing with Tomas Berdych, who ing American Taylor Fritz 6-2, “I had a really good feeling Germany’s second seed continued her dream run, lyuchenkova also advanced, “I hit a good serve and rallied to beat Argentine 18th 7-5, 6-2 to stay on track for a out here today against some- Angelique Kerber, the 2016 ousting 11th seed Aryna Sa- crushing Aliaksandra Sas- played a solid game,” said the seed Diego Schwartzman 5-7, third successive title at Mel- one who can be dangerous,” title winner, steamrolled Aus- balenka in straight sets. The novich for a showdown with 2009 champion who is search- 6-3, 7-5, 6-4. The Czech veteran bourne Park and a 21st Grand said Federer after reaching the tralian youngster Kimberley 17-year-old will play eighth fifth seed Sloane Stephens. Last gasp Al Kharaitiyat stun 10-man Al Rayyan 3-2 in QSL Cup quarters

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA D Gukesh (PIC: CHESSBASE 15) AL Kharaitiyat stunned 10-man India’s Gukesh Al Rayyan with a late goal to book a semi-final spot against becomes defending champions Al Chelsea’s Italian head coach Maurizio Sarri. Gharafa in the QSL Cup at the world’s second Al Gharafa Stadium on Friday. Al Kharaitiyat defeated Al youngest chess Rayyan 3-2, while Al Gharafa Sarri focussed on put it across Al Ahli 1-0. The Grand Master semifinals will be played on 26th January. AGENCIES pitch as Higuain Al Kharaitiyat’s goals came CHENNAI through Abdulhadi Amin (sixth and 17th minutes) and Moham- INDIA’S D Gukesh has become deal drags on med Raza in the 90th minute. the second youngest Grand Sebastian Soria grabbed Al Master in the world and the Rayyan’s goals in the 66th and youngest Indian to achieve the AFP ket and I think it’s better if I 82nd minute. feat at 12 years, seven months LONDON spend all my mental energies The match kicked off at a and 17 days, erasing the mark on the pitch.” frenetic pace and Al Kharaitiyat set by his Tamil Nadu state- CHELSEA manager Maurizio Morata, who joined Chel- were rewarded for their early Al Kharaitiyat’s Abdulhadi Amin celebrates with teammates after scoring against Al Rayyan during their mate R Praggnanandhaa in Sarri will not be able to call on sea from Real Madrid for $77 efforts when Amin popped up QSL Cup quarter-final match on Friday. June last year. Gonzalo Higuain for Saturday’s million in July 2017, has been unmarked at the near post to Gukesh achieved his third visit to Arsenal but said his focus linked with a move to Atletico flick a header into the net from disadvantage, Al Rayyan grew against Al Ahli at the Al Ghara- as he disguised his goal-bound and final GM norm at the was already on the game and not Madrid but Sarri didn’t rule out a corner. into the game with Soria hav- fa Stadium. The only goal of the free-kick, but Abdulla Abdo 17th Delhi International Open moves in the transfer market. the possibility that the Spain Barely 10 minutes in, Amin ing a host of chances and gave night came from Diogo Amodo was equal to it. Chess tournament on Tuesday Higuain is expected to striker could face Arsenal. was again on hand, this time his team a lifeline when he con- in the 62nd minute. The moment of the match beating compatriot DK Shar- complete a loan move from “For him I think it’s a very with a piece of individual bril- verted a cross at the near post. The match played out like came midway through the sec- ma in the ninth round. Guke- Juventus but no deal was an- difficult moment, but it’s normal liance. With the defence fail- With the game drifting to- a chess game from the outset, ond half when Amado rose sh is now India’s 59th Grand nounced before the midday for a player in January to be in ing to clear a free-kick into the wards the finale, Soria scored with neither side looking to give highest to meet a drifted corner Master. deadline on Friday for the Ar- the market,” said Sarri. box, Amin received the ball in the equaliser as he ran onto a too much away as they aimed kick and his header from dis- Ukraine’s Sergey Karjakin gentine striker to be registered Callum Hudson-Odoi has a tight position and beautifully Lucca Borges pass. The match for the semifinal berth. tance was sumptuously direct- remains the youngest-ever to enable him to feature at the been linked with a big-money whipped in a curled shot that was heading for extra time The greatest opportunity of ed into the goal via the inside GM, having achieved the feat Emirates. move to Bayern Munich, but left the goalie with no chance. when substitute Raza headed the first half had come from an post. at the age of 12 years and seven Sarri previously coached Sarri’s discussions with the Already at a disadvantage, home from close range to send Al Gharafa counter-attack as Weiss nearly doubled the months in 2002. Higuain at Napoli when he 18-year-old winger have focused Al Rayyan were in further trou- Al Kharaitiyat through. Vladimir Weiss found Mouayed lead late on, but his drive was “I am very happy and ex- scored a Serie A record 36 goals on footballing performances. ble midway through the half Fedially free in the box. Howev- spectacularly parried by oppo- cited to have become a Grand in a league campaign in 2015/16. “I don’t want to talk with when Rodrigo Tabata was sent Al Gharafa 1 Al Ahli 0 er, he miscued with the goal in sition goalkeeper Ivanildo Rod- Master. I am delighted to have That sort of firepower is him about something that I off after lashing out at Mehad Al Gharafa secured the sec- plain sight. riguez, who was on hand again won the third (GM) norm and what Chelsea have been badly cannot resolve,” Sarri said. Al Khamasi. ond semifinal spot with a 1-0 Later on, Nigel de Jong when his goal came under at- the title. I would like to play missing in recent months, with “Mentally he’s in a very posi- In spite of the numerical victory in a testing encounter looked to deceive the keeper tack from Othman Al Yahri. Anand sir sometime,” he said. Sarri’s lack of confidence in Al- tive moment. On the pitch we varo Morata and Olivier Giroud are really very happy with him. forcing Eden Hazard into an He’s improving a lot in the last unfamiliar centre-forward role. two months.” Sarri said he had made the Chelsea start the weekend club’s director and chief transfer in fourth place and victory at Dhoni finishes off job to clinch ODI series for India negotiator Marina Granovskaia the Emirates Stadium would aware of what his side needed. see them go nine points clear AFP SCOREBOARD “I spoke with Marina two of Arsenal, currently fifth, in MELBOURNE weeks ago, so Marina knows the race for Champions League AUSTRALIA 8-1-28-2, Shami 9.4-0-47-2 (1w), Shankar 6-0-23-0 very well my opinion how to im- qualification. MASTER finisher Mahendra A. Carey c Kohli b Kumar 5 (2w), Jadhav 6-0-35-0, Jadeja 9-0-53-0 (4w), Chahal A. Finch lbw b Kumar 14 10-0-42-6 (1w) prove the team,” said Sarri. “This match for us is a risk Singh Dhoni eased India to a U. Khawaja c & b Chahal 34 INDIA “Then I decide to be focused and an opportunity,” Sarri seven-wicket victory to clinch S. Marsh st Dhoni b Chahal 39 R. Sharma c Marsh b Siddle 9 on the pitch, on matches, on said. “They’re really a very their one-day international se- P. Handscomb lbw b Chahal 58 S. Dhawan c & b Stoinis 23 training. I don’t call her every good team. (In) the offensive ries against Australia in Mel- M. Stoinis c Sharma b Chahal 10 V. Kohli c Carey b Richardson 46 G. Maxwell c Kumar b Shami 26 M.S. Dhoni not out 87 evening, otherwise I spend all phase they are one of the best bourne on Friday. J. Richardson c Jadhav b Chahal 16 K. Jadhav not out 61 my mental energy on the mar- teams in the Premier League.” The unflappable veteran A. Zampa c Shankar b Chahal 8 Extras (lb1, w7) 8 wicketkeeper hit his third P. Siddle not out 10 Total (3 wickets; 49.2 overs) 234 half-century of the three- B. Stanlake b Shami 0 Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Sharma), 2-59 (Dhawan), 3-113 Extras (lb2, w8) 10 (Kohli) Did not bat: D. Karthik, V. Shankar, R. Jadeja, B. game series to again prove Total (all out; 48.4 overs) 230 Kumar, M. Shami, Y. Chahal Bowling: Richardson 10-1- Quick read the difference after his match- Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Carey), 2-27 (Finch), 3-100 27-1 (2w), Siddle 9-1-56-1 (3w), Stanlake 10-0-49-0 winning knock in the second (Marsh), 4-101 (Khawaja), 5-123 (Stoinis), 6-161 (1w), Maxwell 1-0-7-0, Zampa 10-0-34-0, Stoinis 9.2- game in Adelaide. Mahendra Singh Dhoni plays a shot during the third One-Day Interna- (Maxwell), 7-206 (Richardson), 8-219 (Handscomb), 0-60-1 (1w) Solskjaer loving life as manager at surging United 9-228 (Zampa), 10-230 (Stanlake) Kumar The 37-year-old wicket- tional against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. (AFP) Bowling: Result: India won by 7 wickets Series: India 2-1 LONDON: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Friday he is loving life as Man- keeper-batsman kept his usu- chester United’s interim manager. Solskjaer has won all six games, al cool during an unbeaten 87 Down Under. hav with a belligerent unbeaten series after losing the opening overs skipper three years later. five of those in the Premier League, since taking over for Jose Mour- off 114 balls as India chased “It’s been an amazing tour 61 from 57 balls in a match- match in Sydney by 34 runs be- Kohli looked set for another inho last month. That marks the best start for any manager in club down Australia’s 230 with for us. We drew the T20 se- winning 121-run stand. fore levelling with a six-wicket big score before he was caught history. “I love it to be fair, and I have to say I look forward to getting up four balls to spare at the Mel- ries, won the Test and the ODI “I am happy to bat at any win in Adelaide to set up the behind off Jhye Richardson for in the morning to start work again,” he told a new conference ahead of bourne Cricket Ground. series,” Kohli said. number,” said man-of-the- decider in Melbourne. 46 off 62 balls in the 30th over Saturday’s home game against Brighton. It consummated a huge- “We are feeling confident series Dhoni. “The important Dhoni, a much-loved sport- leaving his side at 113 for three. United have scored 15 goals in five league games since his hiring, ly-successful tour of Aus- and balanced as a side with the thing is where the team needs ing hero back home, captained Dhoni and Jadhav took compared to 29 in the first 17. That’s helped fuel a run which has tralia where Virat Kohli’s World Cup in mind.” me. I can’t say I can’t bat at India to a World Cup win in up where Kohli left off, guid- pulled them level on points with fifth-placed Arsenal.(DPA) team also claimed an historic Dhoni was given tremen- No.6 after playing 14 years.” 2011. He quit Tests in 2014, and ing their team to a convincing first-ever 2-1 Test series win dous support from Kedar Jad- India wrapped up the ODI stepped down as the limited- victory.