16 SATURDAY SPORT 1 APRIL 2017 Al Gharafa corner Cup glory

Chinthana Wasala The Peninsula

l Gharafa took sweet revenge on defending champions to lift theA prestigious in a thrilling finale at the Al Gharafa Indoor Hall yesterday. Just as coach Qusay Hatem expected, his team erased the memories of losing last year's final to Al Rayyan, with an impres- sive 104-91 win, defying a strong comeback from the Qatari basketball giants in the third quarter. American guard Michael Taylor was the driving force behind Al Gharafa’s success, bagging 43 and making nine rebounds and six assists during his 29-minute stay on court. Sammy Monroe Jr. II also made valuable contributions to Al Al Gharafa players and officials celebrate with the winners' trophy after defeating Al Rayyan 104-91 in the Gharafa, scoring 22 points with 11 rebounds. Qatar Cup final at Al Gharafa Indoor Hall yesterday. Pics: Mohammed Faraj For Al Rayyan, Abdel- rahman Abdelhaleem was game slip away without a reduce the deficit, making Hassan Abdul Maati’s team quarter showed less signs the chief scorer with 26 fight. it 48-39. At the end of the took the lead for the first of passion from the reign- points. Also he made two They reduced the gap second quarter, Al Gharafa time in the final, making it ing champions. assists and 8 rebounds with the help of impressive had extended the lead 57-58 in favour of the Al Gharafa went on to during their unsuccessful shooting and defending again, making it 53-49. defending champs. score back to back baskets bid to secure back to back skills to add 26 points in But Al Rayyan showed After that, the fight to while Al Rayyan struggled titles. the second quarter in con- courage once again and stay on top was on, but Al to keep the momentum Al Gharafa had a per- trast to Al Gharafa’s 18. added 27 points in the third Gharafa once again took going. Eventually the score Al Gharafa's Sammy fect start in the final to take At one stage, the scores quarter to pose a huge the lead at 69-68 to head shot up from 95-91 to 104- Monroe Jr. II shoots to score the much needed lead at read 24-39 in favour of Al threat to Al Gharafa. Half- to the final period with a 91 in the last three minutes during yesterday's final. the end of the first quarter Gharafa, but within min- way into the third quarter, score of 78-76 in favour of to secure Qatar Cup glory (35-23) but the reigning utes, Al Rayyan collected Addison Spruill shot back them. for last year’s runner-up Al champions did not let the back to back points to to back baskets, and But the fourth and final Gharafa. Nakheel Landscapes emerge Workers Cup champions

The Peninsula Number 10 Mahamat Aboubakar sensational Nakheel Landscapes strike made it 3-0 in the 29th minute after he team players and officials akheel Landscapes emerged Workers’ received the ball in the box and then sent the celebrate with the Cup 2017 champions when they defeated ball into the net with the outside of his right foot. Workers Cup 2017 trophy. NAl Asmakh Facilities Management team The second half saw Nakheel protecting their 3-0 at Qatar Sports Club Stadium yesterday. advantage while Al Asmakh pushed forward to Nakheel Landscapes, who upset 2016 cham- no avail. pions Taleb Group in the quarter-finals, were With the 3-0 victory Nakheel were crowned the top favourites to win this year's tournament, the 2017 Workers’ Cup Champions. This is the co-sponsored by the Supreme Committee for first trophy for the team who also took part in Delivery & Legacy. the tournament last year. The match had a frantic pace from the kick In the third place play-off, DULSCO Qatar off as Nakheel scored from a free kick goal early defeated DELTA 2-0 after the goal-less first half. on in the fifth minute. Jacques Baone free kick DULSCO upped the ante and were rewarded landed into the near corner as Nakheel went up with a goal when Iddrisu Amadu shot the ball 1-0. Later on, in the 18th minute a goal from into the right side of the goal in the 45th minute Mahamat Mohamoud doubled Nakheel’s to give his side the lead. advantage. Later on, in stoppage time, Lawrence Avet A third and final goal put the cherry on top made it 2-0 after driving the ball into the box for Nakheel as Al Asmakh’s defence had no and smashing the ball into the roof of the net to answer for the fluid play of their opponents. ensure the Workers Shield for DULSCO.

TODAY'S QSL FICTURES QSL: aim to avoid the drop Al Ahli vs Al Kharaitiyat at Al Ahli Club (Hamad Bin Khalifa Stadium), 6.20pm Armstrong Vas points and will be looking for a prepared the team well during the show our real abilities, both Al Arabi and Al Shahaniya vs at Al Arabi Club The Peninsula Al Arabi Al Shahania win in today’s match to make break, this win against teams will play for the win.” will lock horns at the Al Arabi sta- (Grand Hamad Stadium),6.20pm their position safe in the league. could start the great escape for “The only option for us is to dium. The Dream Team has seen t’s a do-or die situation for bot- Fernandez opposite number us,” Tunisian tactician said. win, I only play to win. Especially a host of managerial changes this Al Wakrah vs Al Khor at Al Wakrah tom sitters Al Wakrah as they knows that only a positive result Yaakoubi said that it will be when we take on a team who like season will be looking for stabil- Club (Saoud Bin Abdel Rahman Stadium), I head into the last three rounds from the remaining matches will tough match. us is fighting for survival. We are ity in their side and to register a 6.20pm of the (QSL). keep them afloat in the QSL “Al Khor are also in a tough not thinking of the play-off we win over their struggling oppo- With just 14 points in their “We are in the final games of situation, however ours is not the are just focusing on the Wakrah nents. IIgor Stimac’s Al Shahania Muaither SC vs Al Sailiya at Al Gharafa kitty, coach Kais Yaakoubi’s side the season, nine points to play for. best either. We have no excuses match” added the French are in the drop zone in twelfth Club (Thani Bin Jassim Stadium), 6.20pm has to win all their remaining We need to win all of our games going into this match because our tactician. place and will be hoping for their matches in order to avoid the now and wait for other results. situation is critical. My message “We have to take the posi- first win since their victory over QSL STANDINGS drop to second division. The task seems to be impossible to my players is to get ready for tives. We must win in order Al Sailiyah in October. P W D L G/F G/A PTS Today at the Al Wakrah Sta- but anything is possible in foot- our championship in the next survive in the league.” Second from bottom Al Lekhwiya 23 17 5 1 70 29 56 dium, the Blue Waves will take ball. In the last four seasons Al three games, we need three wins In the other matches today, Muaither will be in for a tough Al Sadd 23 16 6 1 69 19 54 on another relegation threatened Wakrah have battled from this then we will leave it to fate.” seventh placed Al Ahli will take challenge against ninth placed Al Rayyan 23 14 5 4 47 21 47 side Al Khor in the Round 24 position before. Mathematically Al Khor head into the match on tenth placed Al Kharaitiyat at Sailiya at the Al Gharafa stadium. El Jaish 23 13 6 4 42 31 45 match of the QSL. we have a chance and we will be knowing that a victory would the Al Ahli Stadium. Philip Birrol’s men have lost their Al Gharafa 23 11 4 8 40 38 37 Following new Qatar Foot- playing for hope against Al Khor.” effectively relegate their rivals, Despite facing many injury last three matches despite com- 23 7 9 7 26 32 30 ball Association rules, teams that The Blue Waves have only and boost their survival chances blows this season; the Brigadiers ing close to registering a point Al Ahli 23 7 6 10 32 37 27 finish 12th, 13th and 14th place picked up two wins from 23 no end. have shown great fighting spirit against El Jaish in the last round. Al Arabi 23 8 3 12 36 49 27 will automatically be relegated, matches. Their first win was “We have prepared the team as exemplified by their 3-2 win Sami Trabelsi’s Al Sailiya will fight Al Sailiya 23 7 5 11 26 41 26 the eleventh place team will go against Al Khor in well in this match, we played over Al Sailiyah last time out. Al for all three points and will be fly- Al Kharitaiyath 23 7 4 12 21 32 25 for a play-off against Qatar Sports mid-December. friendly games which were use- Kharaitiyat, on the other hand are ing high off the back of their Al Khor 23 5 6 12 23 35 21 Club, the second-placed team in “We registered our first win ful in getting the team ready for just above the drop zone with closely fought 3-2 win over Al Al Shahaniya 23 2 11 10 23 49 17 the Qatargas League. against Al Khor this season, we the final three games for the sea- twenty-five points and will be Gharafa last time out. Al Muaither 23 4 4 15 20 45 16 Coach Jean Fernandez are will keep that victory in mind son. We are in a similar position looking for the win to improve All four matches kick off at Al Wakrah 23 2 8 13 26 43 14 also in the drop zone with 21 going into the game today. We as Al Wakrah, and the game will their survival chances. 6.20pm. SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017 SPORT 17

Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge kicks off South Korean Kang one back of Fowler atop Houston Open

Los Angeles AFP

outh Korea's Kang Sung, seeking a win to reach Shis first Masters, birdied four holes in a row before a closing bogey left him one adrift of leader Rickie Fowler after the first round of the Houston Open. US star Fowler fired a bogey-free eight-under par 64 to seize the lead in the final PGA tuneup event for next week's Masters, the first Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah (right) and his co-driver Matthieu Baumel take selfies with a camel during the testing stage of eth Abu Dhabi Desert major championship of the Challenge yesterday. The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge powered by Nissan fired into life with a short spectator stage at the Al-Forsan International Resort year at Augusta National. in Abu Dhabi. Right: Hernan Garces of Chile gets to grips with his Ford Ranger across the sands of the UAE. But Kang, whose impres- sive birdie putt run began with a 14-footer at the third, sank another 14-footer at 17 to match the lead before missing a four-foot par putt at the last, an error he blamed on spike marks. Chelsea look to switch focus "Couple spike marks right on my line as I tried to hit a straight putt and went to the Centre of attention week he is a target for Real indication Hazard wants to significant signs of improvement said: "Wilfried did not impose a right, but except for that Madrid. leave and Conte will expect recently with manager Sam timescale or set a date by which played great today," Kang Chelsea is Hazard has been one of the the player's response against Allardyce confident he has he had to be selected by England, said. "I played pretty solid." determined to hold main factors in Chelsea's domi- a much-improved Palace to plugged the defensive holes that there was no 'disappearing egg Kang, 29, has never on to Hazard but the nance of the Premier League underline his commitment to contributed to the team's fall into timer'. played in the Masters. He interest from Spain table this season -- Antonio Con- remaining at Stamford the bottom three. The 'private' meeting with Mr shared 18th at last year's US has provided an te's side face Palace sitting ten Bridge. Four victories in the last six Southgate was very amicable. Open in his only major start. unwanted distraction points clear, with ten games The return of striker Diego games -- each secured on the "It was Wilfried's personal He has not won since the 2013 remaining -- after rediscover- Costa, who missed Spain's meet- back of a clean sheet -- have choice and it was his right as a Korean Open. as Conte attempts to ing the form he showed in the ing with France because of ankle moved Allardyce's side four senior player to accept the To reach Augusta, he will maintain his team's 2015 title triumph. injury, will also help Conte's side points and two places clear of the opportunity to represent his have to change that this concentration. Chelsea are determined to pick up from where they left off relegation zone. nation of birth and that of his weekend, but he's not want- hold on to the player but the before the break. New signings Mamadou family heritage. ing to think too much of the London interest from Spain has provided The victory at Stoke was Sakho and Luka Milivojevic have "His 'desire' or 'passion' Masters just yet despite open- AFP an unwanted distraction as secured by a late goal from Gary been credited with adding steel should never have been publicly ing on 65. Conte attempts to maintain his Cahill that came as a blow to sec- to the side. questioned for making that "No. First day just finish," helsea will aim to resume team's concentration during the ond-placed Tottenham who Wilfried Zaha's form has decision." Kang said. "I don't really think their steady march run-in. have been hoping to capitalise helped reignite the debate about about the future very much. Ctowards the Premier But the head coach's efforts on any slips made by Conte's the winger's decision to reject ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE Whatever happens, League title after an interna- won't have been helped by com- side. England, despite winning two Fixures (GMT) happens." tional break in which the focus ments made this week by former With an FA Cup semi-final caps in friendly internationals, Today "I just keep grinding, keep was on the future of Eden Real Madrid president Ramon meeting with Tottenham also and commit himself to Ivory Liverpool vs Everton (1130) playing well, and just do what Hazard. Calderon who insisted Hazard's looming at the end of April, Coast. Burnley vs Tottenham Hotspur (1400) I can do the next few days and The 26-year-old Belgian star future will be decided by the Conte remains on course for a Speaking after last Sunday's Chelsea vs Crystal Palace (1400) just accept the result." sat out Chelsea's last game at player himself. league and cup double in his first World Cup qualifier against Hull City vs West Ham United (1400) Fowler, who began on the talkSPORT Leicester City vs Stoke City (1400) Stoke City as well as Belgium's Calderon told radio season in English football after Lithuania, England coach Gareth Manchester United vs West Bromwich back nine, birdied five of his fixtures during the recess with a station: "Chelsea aren't a selling leaving the post of Italy coach Southgate appeared to suggest Albion (1400) first seven holes and added calf problem but should return club, so it wouldn't be easy, but as last summer. Zaha had imposed a timescale Watford vs Sunderland (1400) back-to-back birdies at the for the visit of Crystal Palace to always it would depend on the A few weeks ago, the visit of for his selection by England. Southampton vs Bournemouth (1630) third and fourth before clos- Stamford Bridge. wishes of the player. If he wants Palace would have been viewed However, the comments Tomorrow ing with a birdie at the par-3

The forward, though, has still to leave, he will leave -- that's as a routine three points for the drew a strong response in a Swansea City vs Middlesbrough (1230) ninth.

Arsenal vs Manchester City (1500) found himself the centre of always the point." Blues. statement that came through the "I was fortunate enough attention following reports this There has been no However, they have shown player's agent Will Salthouse to take advantage of the par- 3s, played them at 3-under, and I managed my way around nicely with mud balls all day," Fowler said. PSG aim to retain French League Cup "The golf course was get- table, but it's tough when Paris Europe's highest scorers on the striker Diego Costa last week quarter-finals. you're playing in those kinds AFP pitch. called Mbappe "a In contrast to the surging of conditions with mud balls. They have also earned a phenomenon". confidence in Monaco, in Paris Not as much when you have onaco have a real fortune selling on the likes of Underlining his fast-grow- there is a feeling that Unai wedges in your hands, but chance to end two James Rodriguez, Anthony ing reputation, Barcelona's Emery will be shown the door once you get some longer Myears of complete Martial and others to balance Gerard Pique picked out the in the summer after only a irons to potentially woods domestic dominance by Paris the books at a visibly burgeon- youngster at half time of the year in charge at PSG follow- going for par-5s in two, it Saint Germain when they face ing club. France v Spain game on Tues- ing the Champions League becomes a bit dicey." the title holders in today's The latest starlet to emerge day, asking Mbappe for his meltdown at Barcelona. Sharing third were Amer- French League Cup final. at Monaco is 18-year-old shirt. Winger Javier Pastore said icans Kyle Stanley and Owned by billionaire Rus- striker Kylian Mbappe, who Striker Radamel Falcao is the players were behind their Stewart Cink and Venezue- sian businessman Dmitry will be firmly in the spotlight also back on form, helping Spanish coach. la's Jhonattan Vegas on 66. Rybolovlev, Monaco have at Lyon's Stade Olympique this Monaco plunder 87 goals so "Another reason we want "It was a great round," PSG forward Javier Pastore arrives banked on recruiting the weekend. far in the French league, which to win (the League Cup) is for Vegas said. "From the begin- for a training session at the Parc cream of French youth whilst Chelsea are among they lead with eight games to him, he's worked hard and ning all the way to the end, I Olympique Lyonnais Stadium on the their Portuguese coach Leon- Europe's big guns reportedly go and face Dortmund in the deserves something," Pastore felt like I had a great process eve of the French League Cup final. ardo Jardim has unleashed chasing him and their star Champions League said. going. Shooting 6-under on this course with everything this course brings is always really nice." Reigning Olympic champion Justin Rose of Volleyball: Qatar Cup begins tomorrow England was among seven others another stroke off the pace. The Peninsula League champions, Police spirited resistance from Al Ahli Two-time major winner will lock horns against Al Club and scripted a 26-24, Jordan Spieth and fellow atar Volleyball League Rayyan the fourth placed win- 18-25, 25-15, 25-22 victory. Al American Jimmy Walker, the champions, Police will ner and the league runners-up, Gharafa also battled hard 2016 PGA Championship win- Qtake on Al Rayyan while El Jaish will shake hands with against Al Sadd Club to clinch ner, were on 69, while the league runners-up, El Jaish Al Arabi, which finished third a 25-23 25-23 25-21. five-time major winner Phil will face Al Arabi in the Qatar in the league. Al Khor and Al Gharafa Mickelson, who won at Hou- Cup fixtures released by Qatar The first leg matches will be joined five other teams who ston in 2011, opened on 72 Volleyball Federation. played on April 2 and the return were directly drawn into the and Sweden's Henrik Sten- The teams will play each leg action is set for April 4. All quarter-finals –Police, Al Arabi son, the reigning British Open other in a double leg format, the matches will be played at Club, Al Rayyan Club, El Jaish champion, was on 74. with the winners clashing in the the Women's Sports Commit- and . The quarter- "I played terrible and final of the tournament which tee Hall. finals will be played next unfortunately I put myself is restricted for the top-four Meanwhile, Al Khor month. back quite a bit, but I've been teams of the league. Club and Al Gharafa Club made Al Arabi take on Al Shamal, playing well," Mickelson said. A file picture of the match between Al Rayyan and El Jaish at League runners-up El Jaish it to the last eight stage of the Al Rayyan Club are pitted "Playing here really helps me will take on Al Arabi, who were Emir Cup Volleyball Champi- against Al Khor, Al Wakrah Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiya Arena. Besides Al Rayyan and El Jaish, to get sharp so that I don't the third placed team in the onship in on Friday. clash with El Jaish and Police the other teams which will be seen in actin in the Qatar Cup are have a day like this next League Al Khor warded off a will face Al Gharafa. Police and Al Arabi. Thursday (at the Masters)." 18 SPORT SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017

J ohanna Konta of Great Britain stretches for a Federer, Kyrgios forehand in her match against Venus Williams of USA in the semi finals at Crandon Park advance to semis Tennis Center yesterday in Key Biscayne, Florida. Miami point in the second game. The AFP Swiss was comfortable on his serve and then broke Berdych oger Federer dramati- again at 4-2 to put the open- cally fought his way into ing set beyond doubt. But then, Rthe Miami Open semi- the Czech dug deep and came finals with a 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6) out fighting. victory over Czech 10th seed Berdych broke to go 5-3 up Tomas Berdych on Thursday. and took the contest into a The 35-year-old Swiss, third set, where Federer made who has already won the Aus- the most of some unforced tralian Open and Indian Wells errors from his opponent to so far this year, extended his break at 4-2 but then, unchar- win streak over Berdych to acteristically, Federer let some seven matches. sloppiness creep into his game. There was plenty of tension Federer was broken when in the match-deciding tie- serving for the match at 5-3 breaker, where Federer saved and was unable to convert on match point and then Berdych match-point at in the next lost on a double-fault. game. "I definitely got very lucky Berdych led 6-4 in the tie- at the end, but I think I showed breaker but gave up two points great heart today," Federer and Federer blasted a superb said. "I fought and Tomas def- ace to get in front before the Konta, Wozniacki set up initely started to step it up, but double-fault from the Czech it was a great match at the ended the contest. end." It was the second demor- Federer will face Nick Kyr- alizing defeat this month for gios in the semi-finals after the Berdych. He lost at Indian Australian came through an Wells in the third round after final showdown in Miami entertaining 6-4, 6-7 (9/11), 6-3 leading 6-1, 5-2 against Japan's victory over 19-year-old Ger- Yoshihito Nishioka. Miami stayed. Good morning by MIAMI OPEN RESULTS day. It's a huge part of my man Alexander Zverev. Asked about his frustration, Reuters the way," Konta joked in a game," Wozniacki, who Federer next will play the Berdych said: "What should I courtside interview at an MEN - QUARTER-FINALS completed the 2014 New winner of Thursday's later do? Should I destroy the table? ohanna Konta became the almost empty stadium Roger Federer (SUI x4) bt Tomas Berdych (CZE x10) 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (8/6) York Marathon in less quarter-final between two of Then you see how much I'm first British woman to reach after the pair traded eight Nick Kyrgios (AUS x12) bt Alexander Zverev (GER x16) 6-4, 6-7 (9/11), 6-3 than three-and-a-half the ATP's up and coming stars, frustrated. I don't know. a Miami Open final when breaks of serve in a base- WOMEN - SEMI-FINALS hours, said in a courtside Australia's Nick Kyrgios and Federer improved to 17-1 she outlasted American vet- line slugfest. Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x12) bt Karolina Pliskova (CZE x2) 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 interview. Germany's Alexander Zverev. in 2017, his best start to a sea- Jeran Venus Williams 6-4 7-5 "To be honest it was so Johanna Konta (GBR x10) bt Venus Williams (USA x11) 6-4, 7-5 "It was definitely a Should Federer win Friday, son since 2006, and has now yesterday morning. incredibly close, so many mental grind. Having two there is a chance he will play won seven tie-breakers in a The clock had ticked past back-and-forths in every or three set points in that Sunday's final against long- row. midnight and most of the crowd point of every game. I feel very Konta predicted a marathon first set and ending up losing it standing rival Rafael Nadal, The Kyrgios-Zverev quar- had long since departed before fortunate I was able to take final against Wozniacki, who is kind of depressing, but I got a who faces Italy's Fabio Fognini ter-final was billed as a Konta eventually put away the advantage of a couple more capitalised on her renowned good start to the second set and in the other semi-final. glimpse at the future of top- 36-year-old Williams after more opportunities than maybe her. endurance and made fewer that got me fired up and I just But Thursday could very level tennis and if so, the sport than two hours of attrition on the It really could have gone either unforced errors in wearing down kept playing." easily have been the end of the should have an entertaining Crandon Park hardcourt. way." Pliskova, despite frittering away Wozniacki, a part-time south tournament for the 18-time era ahead. The 10th seed will play Caro- The final will be Konta's sec- three set points in the opener. Florida resident, said she con- Grand Slam champion, who The match featured huge line Wozniacki in today's final ond of the season after the world The result exacted a meas- sidered the Miami Open her local entered the match having not serves from Kyrgios, audacious after the Danish 12th seed won number 11 won the Sydney Inter- ure of revenge for Wozniacki, tournament. dropped a set over eight con- and expertly executed lobs from an even longer semi-final, 5-7 national in January, with the who was beaten by the big-serv- "It's extremely special," she secutive matches at Indian Zverev and an intense second 6-1 6-1 against second seed Briton meeting Wozniacki for a ing Czech in the Doha final last said of reaching her first Miami Wells and Miami. set tie-breaker decided for the Karolina Pliskova to kick off the second time following her third month. final. "Having a place here and Berdych was broken in the German after his rival tried day's action. round win over the Dane at this "Fitness is something I'm training here in the off season, opening game of the match and unsuccessfully to return a lob "Thanks to everyone who year's Australian Open. working really hard on every it's a home court." then Federer dealt with a break on set point through his legs. Shadab shines again as New Zealand's World Cup hero Pakistan deny Windies Elliott quits internationals Port of Spain Samuels caught at the wicket for a AFP top score of 44. Wellington to have made some special friendships along From that point the balance was Reuters the way. A team environment I will never for- Shadab Khan gave another tilting in favour of Pakistan although get," he wrote on Twitter, posting a picture of match-winning bowling perform- West Indies captain Carlos rant Elliott, who smashed a six off South himself with New Zealand fast bowler Tim Shaharyar Khan ance and Hasan Ali held his nerve Brathwaite, who had earlier taken Africa paceman Dale Steyn to put New Southee and captain Kane Williamson. for Pakistan to sneak a three-run three wickets on a sultry afternoon, GZealand into their maiden World Cup final Elliott played 83 one-day internationals and victory over the West Indies in the battled to keep his team on course in 2015, has confirmed his retirement from five test matches, with his last New Zealand second T20 International on in partnership with fellow all- international cricket after signing a deal to play match in the semi-finals of the World T20 against Pakistan Thursday. rounder Jason Holder. in England's Twenty20 competition. England a year ago. A destructive batsman when Set a relatively modest target of But it came down to fast- The all-rounder joins New Zealand inter- on song and a handy swing bowler, Elliott will board 133 to level the series following a six- medium bowler Ali retaining his nationals Colin de Grandhomme and Jeetan be remembered in New Zealand for his starring wicket defeat in the opening match focus and concentration in the final Patel at the Birmingham Bears after signing a role for the co-hosts at the World Cup. in Barbados, the hosts were over after being smashed for bound- Kolpak deal, which means he gives up his right He scored an unbeaten 84 in the Auckland chief to restricted to 129 for eight to suffer aries by Sunil Narine off the first two to play for his country and is not classed as an semi-final, with his six on the second-last ball their fifth consecutive T20 loss to deliveries. overseas player in county cricket. sending a packed Eden Park into raptures, while step down the visitors. West Indies needed just six more The South Africa-born 38-year-old con- leaving a number of South Africa players in Pakistan now hold an unbeata- runs to complete the victory but the firmed his retirement from the Black Caps after tears. ble 2-0 lead ahead of the final two bowler's excellent accuracy denied an awards night on Thursday. He then top-scored for the Black Caps with Lahore matches at the weekend back at the both Narine and Holder, who could "Loved playing with the @BLACKCAPS and 83 in their loss to Australia in the final. Reuters Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad. only manage a single off the last ball In the wake of an impressive when a boundary was needed to tie akistan Cricket Board senior international debut at Ken- the scores and force a super over. (PCB) chief Shaharyar sington Oval, Shadab snared four Put in to bat after Brathwaite PKhan will not seek for 14 with his mesmerising mixture won the toss, Pakistan struggled to another term in office due to of leg-breaks and googlies to stymie gain any sort of batting momentum personal and health reasons the West Indies quest. against the twin spin threat of Nar- and is to step down in August His most important strike came ine and Samuel Badree. when his current tenure ends. on the last delivery of his four-over Narine claimed three for 22 and The 83-year-old admin- allotment when he had Marlon Badree two for 14. istrator, who has been in the post since 2014, said he had SCOREBOARD already made his plans Pakistan (I innings): West Indies (I innings): known to Prime Minister K Akmal b Badree 0 E Lewis (run out) 3 Nawaz Sharif, who is the A Shehzad c Brathwaite b Narine 14 C Walton b Shadab Khan 21 patron of the PCB. B Azam c Walton b Brathwaite 27 M Samuels c Ahmed b Khan 44 "I have taken the board in S Malik c Pollard b Brathwaite 28 L Simmons lbw Ali 1 F Zaman c Holder b Badree 5 K Pollard st Ahmed b Khan 3 confidence and conveyed my S Ahmed c Samuels b Narine 12 R Powell b Khan 0 decision that I will not con- I Wasim c Brathwaite b Williams 4 C Brathwaite b Riaz 15 tinue after our mandate is S Tanvir lbw Narine 4 J Holder (not out) 26 ending on August 18," Shaha- S Khan (run out) 13 S Narine run out 9 ryar told reporters after W Riaz c Holder b Brathwaite 24 S Badree (not out) 0 H Ali (not out) 0 Extras (W-7) 7 New Zealand’s Grant Elliott hits chairing a board meeting in Extras (W-1) 1 Total (8 wkts, 20 overs) 129 the winning six during their ICC Lahore. Total (all out, 20 overs) 132 Fall of wickets: 1-10, 2-60, 3-65, 4-76, 5-76, 6-81, 7-114, 8-128 Cricket World Cup semi-final "I will not continue after Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-41, 3-43, 4-51, 5-87, 6-87, 7-91, 95-8, Did not bat: K Williams match against South Africa at it as chairman or as in any

9-131, 10-132 Bowling: I Wasim 4-0-28-0, S Tanvir 4-0-29-0 (1w), H Ali other capacity and it's my

Bowling: S Badree 4-0-14-2, J Holder 4-0-32-0, K Williams 4-0-35-1 (1w), W Riaz 4-0-23-1 (1w), S Khan 4-1-14-4 Eden Park in Auckland in this decision on the basis of per- 4-1-27-1, S Narine 4-0-22-3, C Brathwaite 4-0-37-3 (1w) Result: Pakistan won by 3 runs March 2015 file photo. sonal and health reasons." SATURDAY 1 APRIL 2017 HOME 19