TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014 SPORTS Jayawardene not worried after 2 quick dismissals

DUBAI: ’s seasoned batsman Mahela The veteran of 139 test matches last played a test But Mathews featured in two big century stands Sri Lanka neutralized offspinner Saeed Jayawardene doesn’t blame a lack of test matches match against in January 2013 before fail- with (89) and Prasanna Ajmal, who returned wicketless in the second for his two quick dismissals in the drawn first test ing at . Jayawardene did not face Bhatti in Jayawardene (63 ) before setting Pakistan left innings despite bowling 49 overs to finish the match against Pakistan. Debutant Bilawal Bhatti dismissed last month’s and one-day series against with no other choice but to play out a draw. with just two . “If we play him like we did in Jayawardene for 5 and 0 in Abu Dhabi, and Pakistan after he was given paternity leave. Opening batsman Kaushal Silva (81) also scored a the first match and also play the quicks well, there’s a Angelo Mathews played a career-best knock of 157 “When you face a bowler for the first time there is fine half century before he was dismissed in the last good chance we can win the series,” Jayawardene not out to set up a stiff target of 302 and force always a small difference,” said Jayawardene, who over on the third day. said. “We won the last series against Pakistan 1-0 in Pakistan to settle for a draw. has hit 31 centuries and scored 10,811 runs. “He “The way our batsmen played in the second Sri Lanka by coming up with similar plans.” “Difficult to say that the long break had a big bowled in really good areas when I went to bat ... I innings was really good ... We got back into the With Sri Lanka not playing much of test effect,” Jayawardene said Monday after the team’s had watched how Bhatti bowls, but watching him game and that’s what is about,” this year, Jayawardene has not set long term goals training for the second test, which starts Wednesday. and playing him are very different things.” Jayawardene said. “When we are behind, we have to for himself. “This year there are only 5 or 6 tests “I got two good balls and I couldn’t avoid getting The Pakistan team was looking to finish off the show a little character and we did that, even turning remaining,” he said. “I’ve said before that I don’t have out to them. I’m not thinking too much about what’s first test inside four days after reducing Sri Lanka to it into a potentially winning situation. That was a a plan for the long term ... When you get to this been, but I prepared well for that match and I’m 186-4 at the end of the third day’s play for an overall great boost of confidence, particularly for the young stage in your cricketing career, it’s not easy to have preparing for the next one.” lead of just seven runs. players who are getting that experience.” long-term targets.” —AP Jackson, Durant lead Thunder over Celtics

OKLAHOMA CITY: Reggie Jackson scored a career-high 27 points, Kevin Durant added 21 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, and the Oklahoma City Thunder halted their home- court swoon with a 119-96 win over the Boston Celtics on Sunday night. Serge Ibaka added 17 points and 11 rebounds for Oklahoma City, which had lost three of its previous four home games after starting the season 13-0 at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Thunder (27-7) have the best record in the Western Conference. Oklahoma City is 4-2 since All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook had arthroscopic knee surgery on Dec. 27. Jeff Green and Avery Bradley scored 19 points apiece for Boston, which has lost four straight games and seven of its last eight. PYONGYANG: Former NBA basketball star Dennis Rodman, foreground right, and fel- A day after the Thunder narrowly avoided a low US basketball players arrive at a hotel in Pyongyang, North Korea after returning three-game losing streak - rallying from a 13- from an official dinner yesterday. Rodman arrived in the North Korean capital with a point fourth-quarter deficit to win at Minnesota squad of former basketball stars in what he calls “basketball diplomacy,” although behind Durant’s season-high 48-point effort - US officials have criticized his efforts. — AP they seized control early against the Celtics, going on a 10-0 run in the first quarter and nev- Rodman, ex-NBA All Stars er trailed again. Oklahoma City matched its sea- son high for points in a half and led 66-56 at the break. The Thunder scored the first six points of arrive in North Korea the second half and the Celtics came no closer than 11 the rest of the way. DALLAS: Amar’e Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, Shawn Marion, Monta Ellis New York Knicks PYONGYANG: Dennis Rodman said yester- meet with Kim then. Durant didn’t record his first field goal until forwards Amar’e Stoudemire (1) and Carmelo Anthony (7) and Dallas Mavericks forward day that a game he and other former Rodman has been given the red-carpet 51/2 minutes into the second quarter, but still Shawn Marion (0) and guard Monta Ellis (11) scramble for a loose ball during the second half National Basketball Association players are treatment on each of his trips, but visiting had 17 points by halftime thanks to 9-of-10 free of an NBA basketball game, in Dallas. The Knicks won 92-80. — AP planning in North Korea will be a “birthday North Korea for any high-profile American is throw shooting. He sat out the entire fourth present” for one of their most unlikely fans: a political minefield. To keep the game itself quarter with the game in hand. Jackson hit six leader Kim Jong Un. friendly, the two sides will only play against of his first seven shots and was 3 of 3 from 3- NBA results/standings Rodman’s squad - featuring ex-All Stars each other in the first half, and then mix point range while scoring 19 in the Kenny Anderson, Cliff Robinson and Vin together in the second. first half. He surpassed his previous career Memphis 112, Detroit 84; Indiana 82, Cleveland 78; Miami 102, Toronto 97; Golden State Baker - will play against a team of North Americans are regarded as enemies in high of 23 points with 2:57 left in the third quar- 112, Washington 96; Oklahoma City 119, Boston 96; NY Knicks 92, Dallas 80; Denver 137, LA Koreans on Wednesday, which is believed to North Korea since the two countries never ter, taking a pass from Durant and rising for a Lakers 115. be Kim’s birthday. The former NBA players, signed a peace treaty to formally end the one-handed dunk. Jackson finished 9 of 12 from who arrived in Pyongyang on Monday, also 1950-53 Korean War. Thousands of U.S. the field. Eastern Conference Western Conference include Eric “Sleepy” Floyd, guard Doug troops are still based in South Korea, and Ibaka followed with another slam moments Atlantic Division Northwest Division Christie and Charles D. Smith, who played the Demilitarized Zone between the North later to put Oklahoma City ahead 89-68. Jordan W L PCT GB Oklahoma City 27 7 .794 - for the New York Knicks. Four streetballers and South is one of the most heavily forti- Crawford scored 17 points and Kris Humphries Toronto 16 16 .500 - Portland 26 8 .765 1 are also on the squad. fied borders in the world. added 14 for the Celtics. Jeremy Lamb scored 13 Boston 13 21 .382 4 Denver 16 17 .485 10.5 Rodman told The Associated Press he Relations are also tense because of the points and Kendrick Perkins added a season- Brooklyn 12 21 .364 4.5 Minnesota 16 17 .485 10.5 was glad to be in North Korea for the game, North’s development of nuclear weapons high 12 points to go with six rebounds for the Philadelphia 12 21 .364 4.5 Utah 11 25 .306 17 though he said he has gotten death threats and its threats to use them if a conflict Thunder. NY Knicks 11 22 .333 5.5 Pacific Division for his repeated visits. He said proceeds breaks out with Washington or Seoul. Central Division Golden State 23 13 .639 - Indiana 27 6 .818 - from the game would go to a charity for the Rodman has also been slammed for not try- Heat 102, Raptors 97 LA Clippers 23 13 .639 - deaf in North Korea. ing to use his influence with Kim to secure Chicago 14 18 .438 12.5 Rallying from a nine-point, third-quarter Phoenix 20 12 .625 1 “The marshal is actually trying to change the release of Kenneth Bae, an American Detroit 14 20 .412 13.5 deficit, the Miami Heat earned a victory over the LA Lakers 14 20 .412 8 this country in a great way,” Rodman said of missionary with health problems who is Cleveland 11 23 .324 16.5 Toronto Raptors in a battle of division leaders. Sacramento 10 22 .313 11 Kim, using the leader’s official title. “I think being held in North Korea on charges of LeBron James led the Heat with 30 points and Milwaukee 7 26 .212 20 that people thought that this was a joke, committing “anti-state” crimes. Southeast Division Southwest Division the Southeast Division-leading Heat (26-8) won San Antonio 26 8 .765 - and Dennis Rodman is just doing this To make the trip more complicated, for the 10th time in their past 12 games. Toronto Miami 26 8 .765 - Houston 22 13 .629 4.5 because fame and fortune.” Instead, he said, Kim’s once-powerful uncle was recently got a team-high 26 points from guard DeMar Atlanta 18 16 .529 8 Dallas 19 15 .559 7 he sees the game as a “birthday present” for executed for a long litany of alleged crimes, DeRozan, who pulled Toronto to within 96-95 Washington 14 17 .452 10.5 Kim and his country. including trying divide the regime and with 1:04 left in the fourth quarter before Miami Charlotte 15 20 .429 11.5 New Orleans 15 17 .469 10 “Just to even have us here, it’s an awe- usurp power from Kim. Although that has closed the game at the free throw line. Toronto, Orlando 10 23 .303 15.5 Memphis 15 18 .455 10.5. some feeling. I want these guys here to generated speculation abroad about the which leads the Atlantic Division at 16-16, had show the world, and speak about North regime’s unity, North Korean officials say the its five-game win streak snapped but is 9-4 Korea in a great light,” he said. “I hope peo- execution settled the issue and there is no since they traded forward Rudy Gay. away and have won nine straight games for the Randolph powered for 16 points and 16 ple will have a different view about North instability. Rodman, however, says none of first time since 1975. Point guard John Wall had rebounds as the Memphis Grizzlies blew out the Korea.” that is his concern. “I’m not a president, I’m Pacers 82, Cavaliers 78 14 points and 10 assists for the Wizards (14-17), Detroit Pistons. It was the Grizzlies’ (15-18) The game will be another milestone in not a politician, I’m not an ambassador,” he All-Star forward Paul George had a team- who have lost three straight games. eighth consecutive win over the Pistons. Power Rodman’s surprising relationship with Kim, said before arriving. “I’m just an athlete and high 16 points and six assists, as the Indiana forward Greg Monroe had 19 points for the who rarely meets with foreigners and about the reason for me to go is to bring peace to Pacers held off the stubborn Cavaliers. The Knicks 92, Mavericks 80 Pistons (14-20), who have lost four straight. whom very little is known outside of North the world, that’s it. That’s all I want, no mon- Pacers (27-6) saw their 16-point, fourth-quarter New York forward Carmelo Anthony scored a Korea. Rodman is the highest-profile ey. I want no money, no money.” lead cut to just one in the final minute but game-high 19 points and grabbed seven American to meet Kim since the leader Former Knicks player Smith said he recovered to seal it at the free throw line. Dion rebounds as the Knicks completed a solid four- Nuggets 137, Lakers 115 inherited power after his father, Kim Jong Il, hopes the game will lead to better relations Waiters scored 12 of his 14 points in the fourth game road trip. The Knicks (11-22) split their Nate Robinson scored 12 of his 21 points in died in late 2011. between the two countries. “It’s new being to lead a comeback for the Cavs (11-23). four-game road trip, but they went 2-1 against the fourth quarter, sparking the Denver Nuggets Rodman traveled to North Korea for the here, but overall the concept is not new,” he the Texas trio of the San Antonio Spurs, Houston to a rout of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Nuggets first time last February with the Harlem said. “The team is made up of a lot of guys Warriors 112, Wizards 96 Rockets and Dallas. The Mavericks (19-15) (16-17), who won their second straight after Globetrotters for an HBO series. After who really care, that’s the most important, Klay Thompson scored 26 points on six 3- dropped their fourth consecutive home game. ending an eight-game losing streak with a win spending time together, Rodman called Kim it’s not about bringing dream-teamers. It’s pointers and David Lee had 21 points and 11 over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, dealt the a “friend for life” and came back just before about guys who are coming that want to be rebounds as the Golden State Warriors won Grizzlies 112, Pistons 84 Lakers their seventh defeat in their last eight Christmas to hold tryouts for the North a part of this, that care, and really that care their ninth straight game. The Warriors (23-13) Reserve forward Joe Leuer tied his career- outings. Pau Gasol led Los Angeles (14-20) with Korean basketball team, though he did not about humanity.” — AP used a 30-5 run during the third quarter to pull high with 23 points and power forward Zach 25 points and 10 rebounds. — Reuters Pakistan look to spinners for win over Sri Lanka

DUBAI: Pakistan are hoping for a both teams as regards spinners in Abu in the first Test. Sri Lanka have sum- “I was a little bit under pressure and I that takes turn to give their spinners an Dhabi, but I think the Dubai wicket will moned one-day opener am happy that I justified my place,” he edge in the second Test against Sri be different and spinners will get turn after failed to recover said. Lanka starting tomorrow in Dubai. on the third day,” he said. from an ankle injury. They have not Teams (from): toiled for 49 wicketless Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by nine wick- sought a replacement for paceman Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), overs in Sri Lanka’s second innings in the ets in Dubai on their way to a 1-0 series , who returned home , Ahmed Shehzad, drawn first Test in Abu Dhabi last week, win in 2011. In that game Ajmal took with a hamstring injury. Khurram Manzoor, Shan Masood, Azhar as skipper Angelo Mathews hit a career eight wickets and Abdul Rehman four. Sri Lanka will be counting on the Ali, Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan, Sarfraz best 157 not out. Left-arm spinner Rehman is likely to vastly experienced Ahmed, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, His fighting knock helped Sri Lanka replace fast bowler Rahat Ali, who went to come good after he failed in the first Abdul Rehman, Rahat Ali, Mohammad erase Pakistan’s 179-run lead and set wicketless in the first Test. Test, managing five and nought. Spinner Talha. them a 302-run victory target. They fin- Despite hundreds from Misbah and will also look for more Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (capt), ished on 158-2. It was the first time in Younis Khan last week, Pakistan will also rewards after getting just four wickets in Dinesh Chandimal, , Ajmal’s 31-Test career that the 36-year- look to bolster their after they Abu Dhabi. And off-spinner Sachithra Mahela Jayawardene, Kaushal Silva, old had bowled more than 17 overs in a slumped from 329-4 to 383 all out in Senanayake will try to secure his place in , Kusal Perera, second innings and finished wicketless. their first innings in Abu Dhabi. “We the side after getting support from his Prasanna Jayawardene, , Ajmal has taken 24 wickets at Dubai need to work on our batting more as we skipper. Shaminda Eranga, , stadium, including seven against should have got 450-odd runs on the “We all know Sachithra is a good spin- , Rangana Herath, which helped Pakistan inflict a board to have a big lead to put pressure ner. Playing in his first Test, it was not Dilruwan Perera, Vishwa Fernando. 3-0 series defeat on the then-world on the opposition,” said Misbah. easy playing on a pitch like this,” said Umpires: Bruce Oxenford (AUS) and number one team in 2012. Pakistan have the option of replacing Mathews after Senanayake went wicket- Sundaram Ravi(IND) DUBAI: Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Irfan delivers a ball Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq is opener Khurram Manzoor with Shan less in Abu Dhabi. Mathews, who scored TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough during a practice session at the Dubai Sports city in Dubai hoping his spinners get more help from Masood. The recalled Sarfraz Ahmed will 91 in the first innings before his unbeat- (ENG) yesterday. Sri Lanka and Pakistan are due to play three the pitch in Dubai for the second of keep wicket after Adnan Akmal had to en century in the second, was delighted Match referee: Javagal Srinath (IND). Test matches, the second Test match starting tomorrow at three Tests. “It was a sort of a setback for return home following a fractured finger with his own form. — AFP the Dubai Sports city cricket stadium. — AFP