Al Sadd teammates hail after two-goal effort in AFC Champions League PAGE 18 THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

Mumbai Indians beat Kings XI by three despite Rahul’s ton PAGE 19 UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE ARSENAL VS NAPOLI

HH THE AMIR GRACES ARABIAN CAMEL RACING FESTIVAL

The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani presented the prizes to the winners at the end of the annual Arabian Camel Racing Festival for the 2018-2019 season which was held at the Al Shahaniya Camel Racetrack on Wednesday. His Highness also honored the sponsors of the festival. The competition was attended by a number of dignitaries and senior officials from Arab countries besides camel race enthusiasts.

31st meeting of GCC Zanetti praises Qatar’s Olympic Committees concludes in Muscat

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK presidents and representatives preparations for 2022 DOHA of the GCC Olympic Commit- tees for congratulating Qatar THE 31st meeting of the Council on winning the 2019 AFC Asian The Inter icon says Qatar’s ‘cutting-edge’ technology will bring an innovative experience of Presidents of GCC National Cup. Olympic Committees was held Another decision of the in Muscat, Oman on Tuesday. meeting was the formation of The meeting was attended a team including the Oman by Jassim bin Rashed al Bue- Olympic Committee and Kuwait nain, Secretary- General of Olympic Committee to prepare the Qatar Olympic Committee a vision draft of joint sport co- (QOC). operation in the GCC countries. The meeting approved the On international cooperation, formation of the GCC Dispute the GCC meeting emphasised Resolution Authority to be the continuation of cooperation based in Bahrain. The Author- in the field of sport between the ity’s board of directors will in- GCC and both Jordan, and Mo- clude secretaries- general of the rocco. GCC Olympic Committees, ex- Also in Muscat, Qatar par- ecutive director of the authority ticipated in the 32nd meeting and representative of the GCC of the Gulf Cooperation Council Secretariat- General. (GCC) Committee of Ministers The meeting, chaired by of Youth and Sports. Sheikh Saif bin Hilal al Hosni, Minister of Culture and Acting Chairman of Oman Sports Salah bin Ghanim al Ali Olympic Committee, also con- led Qatar’s delegation to the gratulated Qatar on winning the meeting. title of 2019 AFC Asian Cup held The meeting discussed the in the United Arab Emirates. final communique of the 39th The QOC Secretary -Gen- session of the GCC supreme eral Jassim al Buenain thanked council, and 31st meeting of the officials of the Oman Olym- the GCC ministers of youth and pic Committee for hosting the sports as well as the recommen- meeting and for their efforts to dations of the 35th meeting of strengthen the GCC joint action. the GCC youth and sports un- and of Italy legend Javier Zanetti during his visit to the Qatar 2022 Legacy Pavilion in Doha. Buenain also thanked the dersecretaries.

SC.QA “All of the new stadiums over three years’ time. The for the World Cup.” DOHA and all of the cutting-edge Maroons recently shocked the As for the future of Argen- technology being used will football world by winning the tine football, Zanetti is hoping ARGENTINA and Inter Milan definitely bring an innovative AFC Asian Cup thanks to a a new generation of players can legend Javier Zanetti expects feel to it. The fact that it’s the stunning run which included help bring back the glory days. Qatar to host a ‘cutting-edge’ first World Cup being held in victories over three countries The two-time World Cup win- FIFA World Cup in 2022. the Middle East means it will which qualified for last sum- ners were eliminated by even- Zanetti, currently a Vice- be a big test, but I think Qatar mer’s World Cup in Russia, tual champions France in the President for Inter, was in will be ready.” namely Saudi Arabia, Korea last 16 stage in Russia. Doha recently to attend a Zanetti, who won 143 caps Republic and Japan. “We didn’t have a good sports diplomacy workshop or- for Argentina and played at Next up for Qatar is the World Cup last time out,” ganised by the Josoor Institute. both the 1998 and 2002 World Qatar ready! Copa America in Brazil, which said Zanetti. “Now we have a During his time in Doha, Zan- Cups, was particularly im- kicks off in June. Along with new generation and I’m sure etti visited the Qatar 2022 Leg- pressed with Qatar’s stadiums. All of the new stadiums and all Japan, Qatar have been afford- Argentina will play its part acy Pavilion, which showcases Seven venues have been built of the cutting-edge technology ed a special invitation to take (in 2022). The side will do Council of Presidents of GCC National Olympic Committees during a preparations for the tourna- from scratch, while Khalifa In- being used will definitely bring part in the tournament and everything to prepare for the meeting in Muscat. ment, including the stadiums ternational Stadium was rede- an innovative feel to it. The have been drawn in a group World Cup because everyone and legacy programmes. veloped before being inaugu- fact that it’s the first World containing Argentina, Colom- in Argentina has very high ex- Zanetti, who combines his rated in 2017. Later this year, Cup being held in the Middle bia and Paraguay. For Qatar pectations for it.” Formula One role at Inter with membership Khalifa will host the World East means it will be a big it’s another chance to face top- And as for star man Lionel of the Organising Committee Athletics Championships. test, but I think Qatar will be class opposition – and Zanetti Messi, Zanetti is hopeful the for FIFA Competitions, praised Zanetti, who won 17 major ready. says Argentina will not be tak- man regarded by many as the Vettel is underestimated, says Ecclestone Qatar’s preparations for the honours during his illustrious ing them lightly. best player in the world will FIFA World Cup, which will career, said: “All the new sta- Javier Zanetti “We have great respect for play his part for Argentina SEBASTIAN Vettel can bounce back from a difficult start to the season kick off on November 21, 2022. diums are state-of-the-art and the Qatar national team,” said during Qatar 2022 – and be- and go on to win many more titles, former Formula One boss Bernie “I’ve been very impressed will ensure the World Cup will World Cup is. I think the de- Zanetti. yond. “Let’s hope it’s not his Ecclestone said on Wednesday. The German, who won the F1 title four – I think Qatar will be ready be a success. I was very im- signs are wonderful.” “I think the fact that they’ve last World Cup. The most im- times with Red Bull, has struggled for consistency since moving to Fer- for the World Cup,” said Zan- pressed because the stadiums While matters continue been invited to take part in the portant thing is that Leo Messi rari in 2015. “Formula One needs a Sebastian who wins,” the 88-year- etti, who made 615 ap- will make it very comfortable apace off the pitch, Qatar con- Copa America is a chance for gets to Qatar in the best shape old said in an interview with Sport Bild and Auto Bild Motorsport. pearances for Inter – a record for the fans. They’ll be able to tinues to prepare its players them to develop. It will be a possible and can help Argen- “People underestimate Sebastian,” the Briton added. (DPA) for a foreign player. enjoy the huge event that the to face the world’s best in just great preparatory experience tina to win it – why not?” 18 Thursday, April 11, 2019 Sports L’pool on course for CL Ismaeil hails exemplary Xavi semis; Spurs shock City after ACL heroics

AFC Sadd rebounded with a Full steam TASHKENT 1-0 victory over Persepolis ahead! thanks to Baghdad Bouned- HAMID Ismaeil has sung jah’s last-gasp goal as they the praises of Xavi Hernan- breathed new life into their First half goals from dez after the Al Sadd campaign. Naby Keita and Roberto scored twice in an entertain- Since that game in Firmino gave Liverpool a ing 2-2 draw against Pakhta- mid-March, the Doha side solid advantage in the kor in Group D of the 2019 have welcomed back their AFC Champions League on inspirational skipper and quarter-final first leg with Tuesday. wrapped up their first Qa- Porto and Juergen Making his first appear- tar Stars League title since Klopp’s side will feel ance in this year’s compe- 2013. confident going into the tition after a lengthy in- But Tashkent is widely April 17 return. jury lay-off, the Spanish regarded as a tough place to midfielder opened the scor- visit and unbeaten Pakhta- ing in the sixth minute at kor have returned to the AFC than them.” Pakhtakor Stadium with a Champions League boasting Pep Guardiola’s men had sweetly struck curling effort a squad brimming with Uz- been gifted an early chance from the edge of the area. bek internationals that has when Danny Rose, after a video Then, after the Uzbek captured the imagination of review, was penalized for han- side levelled through Khoji- the local support, with more dling Raheem Sterling’s shot. akbar Alijonov’s rocket from than 32,000 turning out on Aguero stepped up but his poor distance, the 2010 FIFA Tuesday. penalty was easily saved by World Cup winner netted “The team did well to- Hugo Lloris. a delightful free-kick from day as playing away always “We created chances, more just outside the right side of involves some difficulties,” than the penalty,” Guardiola the penalty area. admitted Ismaeil. Liverpool’s Guinean Naby Keita celebrates with Roberto Firmino after scoring a goal against FC Porto during the UEFAChampions told the BBC. The hosts equalised once “The atmosphere, the League quarter-final, first leg match at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool on Tuesday.(AFP) “We controlled the game, more when Dragan Ceran ground and the fans are all we did not let them run a lot. scored shortly before the in- factors that definitely in- DPA Manchester United host game ahead of an intense sec- “We wanted to come out in The result is not the best one terval, but the eventual draw crease the pressure. But for- BERLIN Barcelona and Ajax welcome ond leg,” said Klopp. the second half and score one but we have to make these kind in Tashkent leaves Al Sadd tunately, today the team put Juventus in the other quarter- “We scored two wonderful or two more but that wasn’t to of comebacks to go through.” just a point off Tuesday’s in a great performance and LIVERPOOL took a big step final first legs on Wednesday. goals and controlled the game be,” said Liverpool captain Jor- Spurs, a distant 16 points opponents at the Group all the players did well. towards the semi-finals of the Beaten finalists in 2018, most of the time. 2-0 is a very dan Henderson told BT Sport. behind City domestically, D summit with two home “Pakhtakor are re- Champions League with a 2-0 five-time champions Liver- good result.” Porto’s Moussa “We didn’t create that worked hard in the first Cham- games to play from the next nowned in Asia and this is home win over Porto on Tues- pool were immediately on top Marega, chasing a goal in a sev- much and it was a bit stop- pions League clash hosted in three matches. not their first participation day while Tottenham Hotspur against two-time winners Porto. enth consecutive Champions start, but overall we have to be their new stadium but rarely “Of course, Xavi is a (in the AFC Champions shocked Manchester City 1-0 in They needed only five minutes League games, had a trio of half pleased to take 2-0 over there.” threatened until they scored. huge player; he is an exam- League). Uzbek teams are an all-England clash. at Anfield before Keita opened chances easily saved by Alisson. Liverpool top the Premier England captain Harry ple for us all to follow,” said known to be tough to play.” First half goals from Naby the scoring from the edge of the “We deserved to score a goal League table by two points from Kane seemed surprised by ad- Ismaeil, who was part of Al Sadd will next wel- Keita and Roberto Firmino gave box with a deflected shot flying and the result would have been second-placed City, who are vantage being played following Qatar’s AFC Asian Cup UAE come Pakhtakor to Doha in Liverpool a solid advantage in past keeper Iker Casillas. better,” said Porto midfielder chasing an English record haul a foul and sent a weak shot at 2019-winning squad. two weeks’ time knowing a the quarter-final first leg with The former Real Madrid Oliver Torres. “But we always of four trophies in a season. Ederson with their best chance “We benefit a lot from win would see them jump to Porto and Juergen Klopp’s side stopper was beaten again by believe.” That has been placed in of the first half. His game ended him. Today, he played a the top of the standings. will feel confident going into the Mo Salah who rolled a shot Firmino blazed off target jeopardy by Son’s 78th minute prematurely when he appeared huge game and scored two Al Ahli will then visit the April 17 return. past him but also just past the when a third looked certain be- winner when he turned back to go over his ankle blocking a great goals, and to be hon- Qatari capital before Al Sadd In contrast everything will post after pouncing on a poor fore the break but despite Liver- from the by-line and drilled a clearance from Fabian Delph est, this is round off their group stage be open in Manchester when back-pass. But there was no re- pool continuing to press it never close-range shot through keep- and Lucas Moura replaced him. Xavi, you ex- with a trip to Tehran to face Spurs will defend Son Heung prieve in the 26th minute when did arrive. That would have put er Ederson. “It’s very, very sad,” Spurs pect him to Persepolis in what is a re- Min’s late winner. City, trying Trent Alexander-Arnold hit the them on the brink of a meeting “As a team we never give manager do that.” peat of the 2018 semi-final to avoid a third consecutive last byline and Firmino slotted in with historic rivals United or up, we fight until 90 minutes,” said. “It’s going to be tough and After as Group D looks set to go to eight exit, will rue Sergio Ague- the second. Barca but they will still expect to Son said. “I think we deserved we’re going to miss him - maybe beginning the wire. ro’s early penalty miss. “I’m happy, it’s the first finish the job in eight days time. to win, we were more clinical for the rest of the season.” Group D “We have hope,” added with a loss Ismaeil. “We still have a at Saudi game left to play against Arabia’s Al them in Doha and, Ahli, hopefully, we can Samba begins season with a bang! French football bosses fear Al win in this match and Champions League changes top the group.” AFP feature four groups of eight PARIS teams in the pool phase as op- posed to the eight groups of four THE French Football League in the current format, according (LFP) fired a broadside on to media reports. Wednesday at plans to revamp The top six teams in each the Champions League, saying group would qualify for the proposed changes would weak- following year’s edition re- en national championships. gardless of where they finish The league’s board said in in their domestic competition, a statement it was “deeply con- according to reports. cerned” that club finances and That would mean the role playing standards would suffer of national leagues would be if plans backed by European diminished with France vulner- football’s governing body UEFA able to losing one automatic went through. place in the Champions League It called for an emergency which currently goes to the Xavi Hernandez Qatar’s Abderrahman Samba kicked off his season at the Tuks Athletics in Pretoria South Africa hitting meeting of the league to take an team finishing second in Ligue a personal best time of 44.60secs in the 400 metres. His previous PB was 44.62 which he managed at official stand on the controver- 1. Dates for the new Champions the Diamond League in London last year. Another Qatari Abdellelah Haroun won that race in 44.27. sial plans. A revamped Cham- League would also clash with pions League from 2024 would domestic match schedules.

QSL holds annual Club Licensing Workshop Quick read Legend Pele to have TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK club licensing system, invita- urinary tract surgery DOHA tion process to apply for club in Brazil licensing, core process time- THE Qatar Stars League line, deadlines, appeal pro- SAO PAULO: Pele will have an (QSL) held the annual Work- cess, applicable policies and operation to remove a ‘ure- shop on Club Licensing which procedures, objectives for the teral stone,’ his doctors said was attended by QSL CEO system and quality procedures Wednesday, a day after the Hani Taleb Ballan as well as adopted by the QSL in rela- football great returned to Brazil members and representatives tion to Club Licensing. Details following treatment in a Paris of 17 clubs competing in the of individual criteria, such as hospital for an infection. QNB Stars League and Sec- interim financial statements, The 78-year-old was admitted to ond Division. auditor’s opinion and other the Albert Einstein hospital in The main objective of the points were explained. Sao Paulo for more tests after workshop was to update clubs Qatar Football Associa- arriving in Brazil early Tuesday. on the applicable regulations QSL CEO Hani Taleb Ballan Representatives of Clubs and participants during the Qatar Stars League Workshop on Club Licensing. tion’s Youth Category Techni- “The tests show the presence and requirements for the cal Supervisor Dr. Mouwafq of stones in the left ureter and award of Club Licences for the impact on us,” said Ballan. entitlements, revision of clubs’ nancial Control Regulations AFC Champions League. The Majed Al Mola gave an in- their removal is scheduled dur- next season (2019-20). systems, regulations and pro- as the two systems support AFC has issued regulations to depth presentation on Coach ing the current hospital stay, but “The aim of this workshop Evolution of Club Licens- cedures, increased financial each other in areas such as be implemented.” Education and Youth Devel- still without a defined date,” the was to introduce the latest ing System in QSL transparency and improve- financial results of clubs, ef- The QSL’s Executive Com- opment Programme consid- hospital said in a statement. developments regarding club Hani noted the positive de- ment in youth category devel- forts to decrease the number mittee instructed the Club Li- erations. He indicated the key “The patient is in a stable con- regulations and requirements, velopments of Club Licensing opment programmes were also of complaints about player censing departments to imple- steps for clubs to create player dition and good general state as well as requirements for so far. This is the ninth work- highlighted. entitlements and improved ment those regulations. pathways for young players from a clinical point of view.” the qualifications of trainers shop of Club Licensing process financial planning and club QSL’s Director of Business and the importance of clubs Pele was discharged late Mon- for the development of age implemented in the league. It Role of Financial Control budgeting preparation. Planning and Club Licens- being aware of the qualifica- day from the private American groups. I would also like to shows improvement in many Regulations ing Mr. David McVeigh spoke tions of coaches prior to any hospital in the Paris suburbs highlight three factors — the areas such as increase in the The QSL CEO said that Developments in AFC about the applicability of Club employment being offered. where he had been taken after evolution of Club Licensing number of youth coaches hav- since the Financial Control Licensing System and Licences in light of new AFC All clubs had the opportu- falling ill following an appear- System in the QSL, role of Fi- ing coaching licences, meet- Regulations and statements their impact requirements. nity to engage with the speak- ance at a promotional event nancial Control Regulations ing the criteria of AFC. The were released, there was a Hani said, “There’re devel- The topics discussed were ers to clarify the information with France striker Kylian and developments in the AFC decrease in the number of strong link between the Club opments regarding require- key amendments to club li- presented related to the work- Mbappe. (AFP) Licensing System and their complaints related to players’ Licensing System and Fi- ments for participation in the censing regulations as well as shop’s agenda. Sports Thursday, April 11, 2019 19

Balushi rides Muraqabah to Al Dibal Cup victory

Al Moatasem al Balushi helmed Muraqabah to beat Saar and win the Al Dibal Cup at the 42nd Race Meeting at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club Racecourse on Wednesday. On the dirt track, the Khalifa bin Sheail al Kuwari-owned seven-year-old dark brown mare, who was fourth when Footprintinthesand emerged the winner last year, posted the victory by three quarters of a length for her third winner of the season. Saar, looking for his first win of the season in 10 runs, was over two and a half lengths ahead of third-placed War King. The defending champion Footprintinthesand finished fourth, beating Nahaab. Kohli Wisden’s Abdelrasoul and Mumbai beat Punjab leading player in the world Mahmoud go IANS in thrilling finish NEW DELHI down fighting in INDIA captain Virat Kohli was on Wednesday named the Pollard’s 83 in 31 balls overshadows WC hopeful Rahul’s unbeaten ton Leading Cricketer in the World Satun tourney and featured in Wisden’s Five IANS XI raced to 93/0 at the halfway Cricketers of the Year, by the MUMBAI stage. Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. The Qatari team come up a bit short Gayle then brought up his It was a double delight for KEIRON Pollard poured cold 26th fifty in the IPL off 31 balls Kohli, who will lead India’s and lose the 46-minute thriller water on KL Rahul’s maiden by smacking Krunal Pandya for World Cup campaign in Eng- hundred with a whirlwind a six in the 11th over. Punjab land later this year, as he was TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK gey Bogatu bested second seeds knock as badly needed to break the part- named the best cricketer in the DOHA and former Asia champions Al- scripted a last-ball three-wick- nerhip and Behrendorff did it, world for an unprecedented exandr Dyachenko and Alexey et victory over Kings XI Pun- coming back to remove Gayle. third year in a row. NINTH seeds Tamer Ab- Sidorenko 2-1 (14-21, 21-19, jab in a thrilling Indian Pre- David Miller (7) did not last delrasoul and Assam Ahmed 15-11. mier League (IPL) encounter long, caught behind by Quin- Mahmoud of Qatar went out Two European teams were here on Wednesday. ton de Kock off Hardik as the of the FIVB Beach World Tour pitted against each other in World Cup hopeful Rahul scoring slowed down. Satun 1-Star Tournament in the fourth quarter-final match, slammed an unbeaten 100 off Karun Nair followed suit Satun, Thailand, after losing an where Ukrainians Vladysla 64 balls (6x4; 6x6) along with managing only five runs before absorbing first round knockout Iemelianchyk and Denys De- Chris Gayle’s 63 off 36 balls to nicking one to de Kock behind match to local players Phicha- nysenko cruised past Hungar- help Punjab post a challenging the stumps off Pandya. kon Narathon and Phanupong ians Artur Hajos and Balazs 197/4 after Pollard – captain- Thanan. Benko in straight sets (21-12, ing the team in the absence of Both the sets very close and 21-13). Rohit Sharma who is injured – Chasing 198 for a win, the Qatari pair unfortunately Iranian pair Raoufi and Mir- asked them bat first. Mumbai were stuttering at India skipper Virat Kohli: Another ended up on the wrong side of zaali will face Thai duo Kitti and Chasing 198 for a win, 56/2 when Pollard (83 off feather in the cap them as they suffered a 26-28, Dunwinit in the first semi-final Mumbai were stuttering at 31 balls) pushed himself 19-21 defeat in 46 minutes. match on Thursday morning, 56/2 when Pollard (83 off 31 up at No 4 and took the Kohli was also among Jos The Thai players might have followed by the match between balls) pushed himself up at No game away from Punjab by Buttler and Sam Curran to be won against the Qatari but paid Ukraine’s Iemelianchyk and 4 and took the game away from hitting 10 sixes and three listed in Wisden’s Five - a heavy price in the next match Denysenko and Kazakhstan’s Punjab by hitting 10 sixes and ers of the Year, a rare accolade as their performance had a dip Yakovlev and Bogatu. three fours. fours. which has been eluding him in in the crucial stages. Despite With 15 needed in the last Kings XI Punjab cricketer Lokesh Rahul reacts after scoring a century his career until now. winning the opening set, they Results (Winner’s Bracket) over, Pollard dismissed after during the 2019 (IPL) cricket match Sam Curran (8) tried to The India skipper had a fan- could not maintain the momen- Round 1 smashing a six off a no ball and against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on be cheeky but Bumrah got the tastic 2018 in which he racked tum and were knocked by 11th Abolhamed Mirzaali / Rahman Raoufi Iran (3) def. Narongdet Kangkon / Banlue Nakprakhong Thailand (4) a four by Ankit Rajpoot. Wednesday. (AFP) better off him as the England up 2,735 international runs at seeds and compatriots Kitti Du- 21-15, 21-16 (0:34) But Alzarri Joseph (15 all-rounder scooped one to 68.37 across all formats, more angjinda and Dunwinit Kaewsai Phichakon Narathon / Phanupong Thanan Thailand (10) not out) kept his cool to take to give the visitors a blistering the fifth over that the legendary de Kock. Just when it looked than 700 more than his nearest 15-21, 21-19, 15-8 in 45 minutes. def. Tamer Abdelrasoul / Assam Mahmoud Qatar (9) his team over the line with start. West Indian changed gears by like Mumbai had successfully challenger, England’s Joe Root. Iranian and Kazakh pairs 28-26, 21-19 (0:46) Denys Denysenko / Vladyslav Iemelianchyk Ukraine (7) two needed from the last ball. While Rahul hit six fours hitting Jason Behrendorff for reined in, Rahul went berserk Kohli scored a remarkable came through with three-set def. Fan Shen / Kingsley Tay Singapore (8) 21-16, 21-19 Mumbai posted 198/7. and six sixes, Gayle bludg- three sixes and one four as the in the last two overs and to- 11 centuries in 37 innings, seven comeback wins, while an all- (0:35) Mumbai were 56/2 when eoned seven maximums and Aussue leaked 23 runs. gether with Mandeep Singh (7 of which came on India’s tours European duel decided the re- Sergey Bogatu / Dmitriy Yakovlev Kazakhstan (5) def. Pollard came to the crease. The three fours. Kings XI were 50/0 at the not out) associated a brisk 46- of South Africa, England and maining spot. Anton Kislytsyn / Daniil Kuvichka Russia (14, Q11) 21-10, 21-17 (0:29) veteran West Indies all-round- Gayle was dismissed in the end of Powerplay with both run stand for the fifth . Australia. In one of the two country er then joined hands with Ishan 13th over after which Kings XI batsmen looking in ominous Smriti Mandhana was versus country quarter-final Round 2 Kishan (7) and Hardik Pandya slowed down a bit. But Rahul form. named the Leading Cricketer matchups, third seeds Rahman Abolhamed Mirzaali / Rahman Raoufi Iran (3) def. BRIEF SCORES Bahman Salemi / Arash Vakili Iran (1) 19-21, 21-19, 19) to stitch together 32 and 41 ensured they get to a above Rahul hit Joseph for a de- in women’s cricket, after the Raoufi and Abdolhamed Mir- 16-14 (0:56) run stands for the fourth and par score by smashing Hardik lectable six and a four in the opening batsman amassed zaali stunned top seeds Arash Kings XI Punjab: 197/4 (K.L. Rahul Kitti Duangjinda / Dunwinit Kaewsai Thailand (11) def. fifth wickets respectively to Pandya 6-4-6-6 in the first four seventh over to continue his 1,291 runs across limited-overs Vakili and Bahman Salemiinje- Phichakon Narathon / Phanupong Thanan Thailand (10) 100, Chris Gayle 63; Hardik Pandya then associate with Joseph for deliveries of the 19th over and good form. formats, including 13 half-cen- boroun in the tightly contested 15-21, 21-19, 15-8 (0:45) 2/57) Denys Denysenko / Vladyslav Iemelianchyk Ukraine (7) a seventh wicket 54-run part- then hitting Jasprit Bumrah for There was no stopping turies. all-Iranian clash. Raoufi and def. Balazs Benko / Artur Hajos Hungary (12, Q7) 21-12, nership. a four and six in the final over, Gayle as he plundered a six Mumbai Indians: 198/7 (Keiron Pollard Afghanistan leg-spinner Mirzaali rallied from a set down 21-13 (0:29) Earlier, Rahul and with as 38 runs came in the last two. and two fours off Hardik in the 83; Mohammed Shami 3/21) Rashid Khan was named the to beat their compatriots 2-1 Sergey Bogatu / Dmitriy Yakovlev Kazakhstan (5) def. Gayle combined for a 116-run Gayle, typically, took time ninth over which costed the Leading Twenty20 Cricketer (19-21, 21-19, 16-14). Alexandr Dyachenko / Alexey Sidorenko Kazakhstan (2) opening wicket partnership to get going and it was only in home team 17 runs as Kings for the second year in a row. Dmitriy Yakovlev and Ser- 14-21, 21-19, 15-11 (0:48)

AL WAKRAH WIN QHA HANDBALL LEAGUE WITH VICTORY OVER AL DUHAIL

Al Wakrah beat Al Duhail to win the QHA Handball League title at the Duhail Sports Complex. In an important match, they posted a fine 22-18 victory and took their tally to 49 points, while Al Duhail could manage only 47 and had to be satisfied with the runners-up finish. In other matches, Qatar Sports Club defeated Al Sadd 31-25 , Al Gharafah outclassed Al Ahli 25-19, Al Rayyan got the better of Al Khor 27-25 and Al Arabi cruised past Al Shamal 34-27. QHA President Ahmed al Shaabi presented the awards at the closing ceremony.