Ian Botham hits out at Covid impact on Lords debut page 15 WEDNESday, NOVEMBER 4, 2020 Elias upstages Tamimi to dash home hopes in No. 1 Farag flies past Englisman Fallows

Agencies Doha

World No. 7 Diego Elias of Peru ended home hopes at the 2020 Qatar Classic, PSA World Tour Platinum event, on Tuesday preaviling over Qatar’s ace Abdulla Al Tamimi at the Khalifa In- ternational Tennis & Squash Complex. Elias had never beaten Al Tamimi in three attempts prior to this match but came through to win 11-9, 11-4, 11-8. The No.5 seed was also helped by a hamstring strain sustained by Al Tamimi, who was forced off court for an injury break during the third game while 8-6 down. Elias will take on fellow South American Miguel Rod- riguez in the next round. Co- lombian Rodriguez overcame USA’s Shahjahan Khan in straight games. “We’ve played all of our lives,” said Elias following the match. “I think the first time World No. 7 Diego Elias of Peru chases the ball during the match against Qatar’s Abdulla Al Tamimi during their second round Qatar Classic 2020 clash at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex on we played I was 14 and he was Tuesday. Elias won 11-9, 11-4, 11-8. 16. We played a couple of times in juniors and he beat me there to be certain of retaining the Platinum event for the third also, it’s the first time I’ve beat World No.1 spot which is under time in four events after the Results him here. He is really hard to threat from three-time cham- World No.31 took out Eng- Second Round play, he has so many different pion Mohamed ElShorbagy, land’s Declan James with a 3-Tarek Momen (EGY) bt Youssef Soliman shots from the front and I nev- who relinquished the ranking to terrific 3-0 victory. (EGY) 3-1: 13-11, 9-11, 11-1, 11-5 (56m) er know what he’s going to do. Farag two days ago. Yow is ranked seven places James Willstrop (ENG) bt Greg Lobban (SCO) “With Miguel, we’ve played “We’ve never played before, below James in the PSA World 3-1: 11-7, 13-15, 11-7, 11-7 (59m) Lucas Serme (FRA) bt Tom Richards (ENG) four times in PSA but maybe but I know how talented Richie Rankings but put in a peer- 3-1: 9-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 (57m) 35 times in South American is,” said Farag afterwards. less performance to win 13-11, 8- (WAL) bt tournaments and Pan Ameri- “This is a unique court in 11-7, 11-8, earning him a third (EGY) 3-0: 11-7, 11-3, 11-6 (33m) can tournaments. I’ve only a good way in that it takes the round meeting with Farag. 5-Diego Elias (PER) bt Abdulla Mohd Al beat him once in like 30 times, ball in very easily, so any bad “Once the tour was sus- Tamimi (QAT) 3-0: 11-9, 11-4, 11-8 (43m) so it’s always a really tough shot and you’re penalised im- pended (due to COVID-19), I Miguel Rodriguez (COL) bt Shahjahan Khan match. I’ve been watching him mediately. All credit to Richie, knew it would not be be pos- (USA) 3-0: 11-3, 11-3, 11-6 (45m) since I started playing, so I’m he played really well. In the sible to break in to the top 20,” Eain Yow Ng (MAS) bt Declan James (ENG) 3-0: 13-11, 11-7, 11-8 (42m) really looking forward to that first two I couldn’t really find Yow said. 2- (EGY) bt Richie Fallows (ENG) 3-0: match and I’m feeling good.” my range, and in the third I Elsewhere in the draw, 11-9, 11-8, 11-3 (28m) Meanwhile, Egypt’s Ali was happy I was able to find former World No.1 Willstrop Wednesday Order of Play Farag began his second reign the corners I was intending to” put in a vintage display to beat 11am: 6-Marwan ElShorbagy (EGY) v Raphael at World No.1 with a comfort- Reigning World Champion Scotland’s Greg Lobban, while Kandra (GER) able victory over England’s Tarek Momen made his return Welshman Joel Makin, Colom- 11.45: Borja Golan (ESP) v (EGY) Richie Fallows, winning 11-9, to the venue where he won World No. 1 and defending champion Ali Farag of Egypt in action against Englishman Richie Fallows. bia’s Rodriguez and France’s 1.30pm: Gregoire Marche (FRA) v (NZL) 11-8, 11-3 in 28 minutes, the the biggest trophy in men’s Farag won 11-9, 11-8, 11-3 in 28 minutes. Lucas Serme also claimed wins. 2.15: Lucas Serme (FRA) v 8-Joel Makin (WAL)3- shortest match of the round. squash 12 months ago with a Round three begins Tarek Momen EGY) v James Willstrop (ENG) 4pm: Eain Yow Ng (MAS) v 2-Ali Farag (EGY) Farag is the defending hard-fought 3-1 win over fel- Championship final, wasn’t at tory which will see him play lot together and that made it Wednesday at 11:00hrs 4.45: 1-Mohamed ElShorbagy (EGY) v Youssef champion in Qatar after beating low Egyptian Youssef Soliman. his best against a dogged Soli- former World No.1 James difficult today,” Momen said. (GMT+3) and will be shown Ibrahim (EGY) Germany’s Simon Rosner at the World No.3 Momen, who man, but did enough to book Willstrop in the next round. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s live on SQUASHTV and the 6.30: 3-Tarek Momen (EGY) vs James Wilstrop (ENG) 2018 tournament and needs to beat New Zealand’s Paul Coll his place in the last 16 courtesy “The issue is we are play- Eain Yow Ng has earned his official Facebook page of the 7.15: 5-Diego Elias (PER) v Miguel Rodriguez (COL) reach the final in Doha this week in last year’s PSA Men’s World of an 13-11, 9-11, 11-1, 11-5 vic- ing partners and so we play a spot in the third round of a PSA World Tour. Substitute Brahimi’s brace brings up first win for Al Rayyan

took the shot on the volley. a drab draw. six points. In the next 10 minutes, Meanwhile, Sailiya are two close chances went waste Sadd, seeking first win, fourth in the group with four when Ahli’s Hazem Shehata meet Al Khor points. Although The Per- unleashed a powerful shot On Wednesday, Group will egrines have the same number from the edge of the box and see holders Al Sadd face Al of points as Qatar SC, the lat- his shot kissed the crossbar Khor, Al Duhail take on Qa- ter are placed above on goal Tribune News Network and flew away. Moments later, tar SC, and Al Sailiya meet Al difference. Doha Rayyan’s Ibrahim Masoud Wakrah. Wakrah have two victories also muffled a shot from close Reigning champions Sadd to their credit. They beat Al A brace from substitute Ya- range as Al Ahli goalkeeper are placed fifth in the group Khor 2-1 in Round 2 and Al cine Brahimi saw Al Rayyan quickly moved in to kill the with only one point that they Duhail 3-1 in Round 3, having register a 2-0 win over Al Ahli angle of the shot. earned from their 4-4 draw opened their campaign with a in Round 4 of the Ooredoo Soon after the first wa- with Sailiya in Round 3. The 1-1 draw against Qatar SC. Cup at the Al Arabi Stadium ter break on the half-hour Wolves lost their opener 2-3 Reigning QNB Stars on Tuesday. mark, Boli produced a snap- against Qatar SC in Round 2, League champions Al Duhail This was also Al Rayyan’s header from close range, but after leading by two goals. are lying last in the group. They first win and they moved on to his deflection was smartly The Al Sadd vs Al Duhail have yet to open their account, four points in Group B, while blocked by Al Ahli goalkeep- game in Round 1 was post- having lost 1-3 to Al Sailiya in Ahli remained on one point er Yazan Naim. poned owing to both teams’ their opener in Round 2 and suffering their third defeat. On the hour mark, Ab- campaigns in the 2020 AFC then to Al Wakrah by the same Rayyan wasted a number dulrahman Al Harazi was Champions League. It has scoreline in Round 3. of chances before Brahimi benched and in walked Brahi- Yacine Brahimi propelled Al Rayyan to a 2-0 win over Al Ahli in the Group B Round 4 clash of Ooredoo Cup now been scheduled for this The Red will defi- converted a penalty in the mi. In the 65th minute, Franck at Al Arabi Stadium on Tuesday. Saturday. nitely look for a win when they 85th minute and then pro- Kom produced a neat slip pass Al Khor had started off take on Qatar SC, who are duced a deft finish for his to Brahimi, who failed to out- alert to the situation and dived surprise shot. the 61st minute, before Umm their campaign in grand style third in the group with four second goal of the match a duel his marker within strik- to his left to collect the ball. In another Group B Salal equalised through Adnan by beating Al Sailiya 5-1, but points. minute later. Rayyan’s Yo- ing range of the Ahli goal. Then came Brahimi’s match, Ilyes Hameed struck Mustafa four minutes later. they suffered a 1-2 defeat at the Results: Al Rayyan 2 (Yacine Bra- han Boli received a long cross Nine minutes later, Ahli goals. The penalty was award- in the 87th minute as Umm The game looked to be end- hands of Al Wakrah in Round himi 85’, 86’) bt Al Ahli 0; Umm from the flank as early as the skipper Omid Ebrahimi curled ed when he was brought Salal snatched a 2-1 win over ing in a draw before Hameed’s 2. However, The Knights Salal 2 (Adnan Mustafa 64’, Ilyes third minute, but the striker in a spectacular shot from the down by Fahad Ahmed. The Al Kharaitiyat. stunning long-range strike. bounced back with a 2-0 win Brimil 87’) bt Al Kharaitiyat 1 missed an easy tap into the edge of the box, but Rayyan Algerian attacking midfielder Evans Mensah had opened Meanwhile, Al Gharafa over Qatar SC in Round 3 to be (Evans Mensah 61’) ; Al Arabi 0 net from close range when he goalkeeper Saoud Al Hajri was scored his second goal with a the scoring for Kharaitiyat in and Al Arabi were involved in placed second in Group A with vs Al Gharafa 0. 14 Wednesday, November 4, 2020 Sports Maradona to undergo brain surgery: Doctor AFP yesterday, and he is looking difficulty retaining iron, leav- Buenos Aires forward to leaving. I would ing him prone to the condition. like him to stay one more day,” Maradona, who celebrat- Argentine football great Luque told reporters outside ed his 60th birthday last Fri- Diego Maradona will undergo the Ipensa clinic in La Plata, day, was admitted to hospital brain surgery for a blood clot south of Buenos Aires. on Monday. The doctor had in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, “He is anemic, a little de- ruled out any link to the coro- his doctor said. hydrated, we must correct this navirus pandemic, which is “I will operate on him. It’s and see that he continues to ravaging the South American a routine operation, he’s lu- improve,” said Luque. country, much of it still under cid,” said Leopoldo Luque. Fans of Argentine top-tier confinement. World Cup winner Mara- club Gimnasia, where Mara- Maradona, who has a his- dona, 60, was taken to hospi- dona is coach, flocked to the tory of drug and alcohol abuse tal on Monday for a series of clinic to leave messages of sup- and poor health, is considered tests after feeling unwell. port for the ailing icon. at high risk of coronavirus A scan revealed the blood “What he needs most is complications should he be clot, which Argentine media the support of the people,” infected. are speculating was the result Luque said. He has suffered two heart of a blow to the head. Normally, Maradona’s cur- attacks in the past and con- Earlier it was said that rent ailments would require he tracted hepatitis. Maradona “is much better and stay approximately three days Though he has recovered eager to leave” after being ad- in hospital, the doctor said. from a well-documented ad- mitted to hospital for medical “That’s my goal, but he has au- diction to hard drugs, Mara- checks. tonomy and can go.” dona takes medication in the The 60-year-old is suffer- When he does leave hos- form of tranquilizers and an- ing from anemia – a lack of pital, he will need long-term xiolytics. iron in his system – and de- outpatient care for anemia, “With a patient on medi- hydration, which had left him the doctor said, adding that cation, there are times when feeling “very weak, very tired,” because of a gastric bypass hospitalization serves to ad- Leopoldo Luque said. Maradona underwent in 2005 just that medication. That’s Flags depicting Argentine former football star and coach of Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata Diego Maradona hang outside the Ipensa clinic where “He is much better than to lose 50 kilos, his body has good,” said the doctor. he has been admitted, in La Plata, Buenos Aires province, on Tuesday. (AFP)

UEFA Champions League Messi is not difficult to manage: Koeman AFP Barcelona face Dinamo Not the worst time to face PSG, Madrid Kiev on Wednesday in the Champions League, where Ronald Koeman has denied their strong start in Group G suggestions Lionel Messi is has brought some relief from difficult to manage, insisting their poor form in La Liga. says Leipzig boss Nagelsmann he has a good relationship Koeman’s side sit top of with Barcelona’s . the group after beating Ju- In an interview published ventus and Ferencvaros but in in El Pais on Sunday, former La Liga, they are 12th, having Mbappe suffers Barca coach Quique Setien not won any of their last four said he found it hard to handle games. hamstring injury Messi during his brief spell in “I understand the criti- charge last season. cism. Two points from the last AFP “There are players that four games is not good and it is Leipzig (Germany) aren’t easy to manage, and Leo normal for criticism to come. is one of them,” Setien said. “I I accept it and keep working can’t do anything if those at to improve things,” said Koe- Injury to Paris Saint-Ger- the club have accepted him for man. main stars Neymar and Kylian how he is and haven’t changed Koeman also said goal- Mbappe gives RB Leipzig a him for years.” keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen slight advantage for Wednes- But Koeman defended is in contention to return after day’s Champions League Messi when Setien’s com- recovering from a knee injury. group match in a repeat of last ments were put to him in a “He’s been training with season’s semi-final, says their press conference on Tuesday. us for almost a week. He looks coach Julian Nagelsmann. “Everyone has their opin- well,” said Koeman. “Of course it’s not a disad- ion and I respect that but I can Dinamo Kiev have taken vantage that Mbappe and Ney- only say that Messi is a very, only a point from their first mar won’t play – they are fan- very good player, the best in the two Champions League games tastic players – but PSG have world. I see his ambition, his and could be weakened at other very good players that character but he is not a player Camp Nou, after six players many teams in Europe would I have difficulty managing. tested positive for coronavirus like to have in their ranks,” “Every coach is different on Monday. Nagelsmann told a press con- but for me he is the captain “It influences their qual- ference on Tuesday. and I talk to him every week ity but we saw last week that “It’s definitely not the about things in the dressing Shakhtar (Donetsk) came with worst time to face them, but room and on the pitch and players out and they beat Real we also have several injured there is a good relationship. Madrid,” said Koeman. “We players.” Mbappe was been “I don’t agree (with Setien) can’t expect them to be im- ruled out of the Group H clash but I respect his opinion and pacted too much.” with a hamstring injury, while RB Leipzig’s German coach Julian Nagelsmann during the UEFA Champions league Group H match against Manchester last week. (AFP) what he has experienced.” PSG were already missing Bra- zil forward Neymar, who has a do without midfielders Lu- selves well for a place in the the group stage.” For Nagels- have but still has to rotate his thigh strain, and Mauro Icardi. kas Klostermann and Konrad knock-out stages in the group mann, that defeat in Manches- players in a coronavirus-relat- The match in Germany Laimer due to knee injuries. they started with a 2-0 win over ter was a learning experience ed congested fixtures list, while is a rematch of last season’s “After the defeat in Man- Turkish champions Basaksehir. just as the August loss against missing injured Germany de- Champions League semi-final chester, fatigue was noticeable “We learned certain les- PSG as Leipzig have only fender Lukas Klostermann and when PSG won 3-0 in Lisbon - it’s hard to come home with- sons from the semi-finals,” played top flight football since Konrad Laimer. with Neymar and Mbappe in out a point, but that’s part of Nagelsmann told Sky TV on 2016 and are in only their third Leipzig midfielderC hris- their ranks. the job. Saturday. Champions League campaign. topher Nkunku is meanwhile Leipzig, who sit third in the “Defeats are hard to digest, “We also know that we are “We have to accept that upbeat that the Germans will group, are eager to bounce back we like to win, but we’ll prob- under pressure in the group Wednesday’s match will leave do better this time around from their 5-0 hammering at ably come out of them strong- stage. We have to win the an unfortunate page in the against star-studded PSG, the Manchester United last week. er if we learn the right lessons game to simply not have this RBL history books, but we club he left last year to get PSG are second in the section and learn them quickly.” mega-pressure in the return can’t forget the positives be- more playing time. but level on three points with leg against Paris, but rather to cause of that,” he said. “It is a chance for redemp- the Bundesliga club. Success is “not a door” put the pressure on their side. “Success isn’t a door. It’s a tion,” the 22-year-old told “With these two players but rather a “staircase” “If we don’t win that, we’ll stairway that you have to keep Monday’s edition of Kicker (Neymar and Mbappe), PSG DPA adds: Victory against be under pressure in the sec- on climbing.” Nagelsmann sports magazine. “We know would be a bit stronger, but PSG is now a must for Julian ond game to reach six points. doesn’t have the depth in his now how Paris play and it we also are missing players,” Nagelsmann and his players So one of the games is a must squad other top teams like PSG feels to be up against them on said Nagelsmann, who must if they want to position them- for us if we want to advance in or title holders Bayern Munich the pitch.”

Struggling Man Utd have leaders, insists Maguire Lionel Messi. Ronald Koeman.

AFP Paris Saint-Germain and a 5-0 ers prepare to fly to Turkey for have here with us,” said the Quick read London thumping of RB Leipzig al- Wednesday’s Group H match Norwegian boss. ready under their belts. against Istanbul Basaksehir. “We’ve got different jobs Twilight Payment wins Melbourne Cup Manchester United skip- Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Arse- “I can for sure say there are and Roy’s job is to give his marred by tragedy per Harry Maguire on Tuesday nal meant United had failed a lot of leaders in the squad,” opinion and I always listen rejected former captain Roy to win any of their opening said the England international. to Roy. MELBOURNE: Irish raider Twilight Payment won the coveted Aus$8.0 Keane’s assertion the team four top-flight games at Old “I am the captain and I’ve “But we move on here with million (US$5.5 million) Melbourne Cup on Tuesday in a race run lacks leadership and heart af- Trafford for the first time got a lot of leadership around a great group of players, strong without spectators and marred by the death of English Derby winner ter a terrible start to their Pre- since 1972/73. me as well, staff and players, group of players, and I’m sure Anthony Van Dyck. With Jye McNeil in the saddle, the eight-year-old mier League campaign. Keane, who is now a TV so, for sure, there’s a lot of we’ll see a response.” gelding held off a charging Tiger Moth and Prince of Arran in a thrilling Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side pundit, was scathing in his as- leaders in this squad.” Last week’s win against finish to the gruelling 3,200-metre (two mile) handicap, considered are languishing in 15th spot in sessment of his former club, Solskjaer was also asked last season’s semi-finalists the ultimate test of stamina and staying power. But Anthony Van Dyck, the table with just a single point saying he did not “see guys about Keane’s remarks but was a memorable Champions one of the pre-race favourites at Flemington, broke down with a leg from their four home games. you want to be in the trenches avoided criticising his players League debut for Maguire — injury and was later put down — the seventh Melbourne Cup horse to That is in sharp contrast with, guys you trust” and that or former team-mate. he missed the opening game perish on race day since 2013. McNeil, one of the rising stars of the to their form in the Champi- the team lacked leaders. “Roy has always been out- against PSG — who has had sport, triumphed in his maiden Melbourne Cup, which was held behind Manchester United’s English ons League, with a 2-1 win But Maguire rejected spoken and I’m very glad that a troubled season on and off closed doors for the first time because of the coronavirus pandemic. skipper Harry Maguire. against last season’s finalists those comments as the play- I’ve got the players that we the pitch. Sports Wednesday, November 4, 2020 15 Botham hits out at COVID-19 impact on Lords debut AFP “It’s no secret that I’m a “We need to get these London passionate and strong-willed grounds open again to spec- man who will fight for the tators in a controlled and England great causes close to my heart – be safe manner,” said Botham, Ian Botham warned about it sport, charity, countryside speaking by video link. the devastating impact of and the world we are now liv- A noted fundraiser for coronavirus on sport and ing,” said Botham. efforts to tackle leukaemia charities during his maiden The 64-year-old former and a supporter of Brexit, Tendulkar urges ICC to make speech in the House of Lords England captain, one of Botham said the coronavirus on Tuesday. cricket’s great all-rounders, was also affecting charities helmets must for batsmen Botham, who sits as a said that he had seen the in their work. non-party-political cross- negative impact of COV- “The impact of this will AFP the neck just below the helmet. bench peer took up his seat in ID-19 in his position as England cricket great Ian Botham warned about the devastating impact not only be felt now but also Dubai The International Cricket the unelected upper house of chairman of northeast coun- of coronavirus on sport and charities during his maiden speech in the threatens to slow progress Council has since improved parliament last month. ty side Durham. House of Lords on Tuesday. (AFP) achieved in research,” he said. Indian legend Sachin helmet standards with equip- Tendulkar Tuesday urged ment companies adding extra cricket’s world body to make protection in the neck area to helmets “mandatory” for bats- prevent serious injuries. men at all times during a match. England rest Tendulkar was reacting Tendulkar was reacting to an Warner, Saha power Archer and incident when Sunrisers to an IPL incident when Hyderabad batsman Vijay Stokes for Shankar took a blow on the batsman Vijay Shankar helmet by a throw from Kings took a blow on the helmet SA ODIs XI Punjab’s . by a throw from Kings XI “The game has become SRH into play-offs faster but is it getting safer? Re- Punjab’s Nicholas Pooran. AFP cently we witnessed an incident Tendulkar tweeted with a AFP London which could’ve been nasty,” video link of the action. Dubai Tendulkar wrote on Twitter England’s , with a video link of the action. Tendulkar, 47, also recalled Skipper David Warner and Sam Curran “Be it a spinner or pacer, a blow to current India coach struck an unbeaten 85 as Sun- will be rested from the one- wearing a HELMET should be Ravi Shastri during an exhibi- risers Hyderabad sealed the day international leg of the MANDATORY for batsmen at tion game in his playing days. final play-offspot in the In- 50-over world champions’ professional levels. Request @ “@RaviShastriOfc , this also dian Premier League with a tour of , it was an- icc to take this up on priority.” reminded me of the time when 10- win over Mumbai nounced on Tuesday. Batsmen usually wear a hel- you got hit after top edging a Indians on Tuesday. But the three players were met when facing a fast bowler full toss bowled by Mr. (Sunil) Warner put on an unbeat- all included in the squad for but take the head gear off when Gavaskar during an exhibition en opening stand with Wrid- the three , which a spinner comes on to bowl. game,” Tendulkar tweeted. dhiman Saha, who made 58, start later this month, ahead Shankar fell to the ground “That could’ve been a grave in- to drive home Hyderabad’s of the three-match ODI series. after taking the hit but escaped jury too but thankfully wasn’t!” chase of 150 in 17.1 overs Players will be confined to injury in the IPL league game Tendulkar, whose word in Sharjah and knock Kol- bio-secure bubbles during the last month. still holds weight in the crick- kata Knight Riders out of the tour as they were during the Head injuries in the game eting world, made his debut tournament with a English international season. were back in focus after Aus- for India aged just 16 in 1989 better run rate. Archer, Stokes and Curran tralian batsman Phil Hughes’ and broke almost every batting Hyderabad won their have all been in a new bubble tragic death in 2014 due a hit on record before retiring in 2013. third straight league match to while taking part in the In- finish third in the table ahead dian Premier League tourna- of Virat Kohli’s Royal Chal- ment, which is being staged in lengers Bangalore with the the United Arab Emirates on two teams scheduled to meet Wicketkeeper-bat Wriddhiman Saha (left) and David Warner of Sunrisers Hyderabad during their unbeaten health grounds. Watson set to end career in the eliminator. opening stand of 151 runs against the Mumbai Indians in crucial IPL match played at the Sharjah Cricket Fast bowler Archer spent The result of the last league Stadium on Tuesday. 87 days in the England bub- after IPL disappointment game was disappointing for ble, although he was ruled Mumbai’s returning captain Boult and Jasprit Bumrah. out of the second Test against AFP remarkable IPL career. Con- Rohit Sharma who said he was “I pride myself on giving the the West Indies in Manches- Dubai gratulations mate you’ve done “fit and fine” at the toss after team a great start. That is my ter in July after breaching yourself proud and made every missing four games due to a duty and responsibility,” Warn- COVID-19 regulations. Australian all-rounder team you’ve played in so com- hamstring injury. er who hit 10 fours and one six All-rounder Stokes missed has decided plete,” wrote another former “Not the day we want to in his 58-ball knock, said. a chunk of the English season to retire from all cricket after Australia all-rounder Tom remember. Probably the worst “Fortunately we haven’t to spend time with his ill fa- Chennai Super Kings failed Moody on Twitter. performance of the season for had to chase a big total.” ther in New Zealand but left- to reach the Indian Premier Watson quit international us,” Sharma, whose number On the eliminator on Fri- arm seamer Curran appeared League playoffs, a team mem- cricket in 2016 but kept playing one team will meet second- day, Warner said: “RCB are a in both red and white-ball in- ber told AFP on Tuesday. in Twenty20 leagues such as placed Delhi Capitals in the very good side. They have a lot ternationals. The 39-year-old has made the IPL. He retired from Aus- first qualifier on Thursday, of dangerous players. We beat Archer, speaking last nothing public but told his tralia’s Big Bash last year. said after the loss. Sharma, who was left out to score 149 for eight after a them in the 2016 final. Anoth- week, said bubble life had Chennai teammates of his deci- He has played more than On his return after the in- of India’s squad for the upcom- crucial 41-run cameo from Ki- er do-or-die game. Hopefully been tough even though at the sion in an “emotional” speech 700 international and do- jury break, Sharma said: “I was ing tour of Australia, added the eron Pollard. we can carry the momentum IPL team hotels are away from after their last IPL game on mestic matches, scoring more happy to be back. It has been hamstring is “absolutely” fine. In reply, the left-right bat- from this game.” the grounds and not on-site as Sunday. Tributes have already than 25,000 runs with his big- a while. I was going through He was out early after fac- ting combination of Warner The winner of the eliminator they were in England. been made to the former stal- hitting style and claiming in some tough times. I am look- ing just seven balls, falling to and Saha took the attack to will then meet the loser of the “You’re not at the ground wart of the Australian Test side. excess of 600 with his ing to play a few games here paceman Sandeep Sharma for the opposition who had rested first qualifier to fight for a place but you still can’t get away “The curtain closes on a pace . and see what happens.” four. Mumbai though went on their top pacemen in Trent in the final on November 10. from cricket,” he explained. “It’s OK and it will be over soon anyway. You’re just counting days down till you’re free again.” England’s matches in Muzarabani stars as Zimbabwe beat Pak in Super Over South Africa will be staged at Park in Paarl and AFP ald Tiripano (2-39) left Newlands, in Cape Town. Rawalpindi Pakistan staring at defeat with Newlands will stage both the score at 6-151. the opening T20 on Novem- Lanky paceman Blessing Debutant Khushdil scored ber 20 and the first ODI on Muzarabani took career-best 33 and added 63 for the sixth December 4. figuresof 5-49 as Zimbabwe wicket with Azam. beat Pakistan in a thrilling Su- Earlier, Williams’s 135-ball Twenty20 squad: per Over finish in the third and knock for his fourth ODI hun- (Middlesex, capt), Moeen final One-DayI nternational dred lifted Zimbabwe from a Ali (Worcestershire), Jofra Archer on Tuesday. precarious 22-3 after they won (Sussex), Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire), The actual match finished the toss and batted. Sam Billings (Kent), in a tie after Pakistan num- It was 20-year-old pace- (Lancashire/wkt), Sam Curran (Surrey), ber ten Musa Khan cracked man Hasnain who shook Tom Curran (Surrey), Chris Jordan the final of the 50th the tourists by removing (Sussex), (Yorkshire), Adil over from Richard Ngarava Zimbabwe skipper Chamu Rashid (Yorkshire), (Surrey), for a boundary to level the Chibhabha (nought), Craig Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley scores at 278. Ervine (one) and Brian Chari (Surrey), Mark Wood (Durham) In the Super Over, man- (nine) in his first four overs of-the-match Muzarabani of hostile . ODI squad dismissed Iftikhar Ahmed Williams added an invalu- Eoin Morgan (Middlesex, capt), Moeen and Khushdil Shah for two able 84 runs for the fourth Ali (Worcestershire), Jonny Bairstow runs on four balls. Zimbabwe wicket with Brendon Taylor (Yorkshire), Sam Billings (Kent), Jos scored off just three balls, (56) and another 75 for the Buttler (Lancashire/wkt), Tom Curran without any loss. fifth with Wesley Madhevere (Surrey), (Somerset), Despite the defeat Pakistan (33) to stage a fightback. (Lancashire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), (Yorkshire), won the three-match series 2-1. Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani (right) celebrates after the dismissal of Pakistan’s Khushdil Shah during the Super Over in the third One-Day Dropped thrice on 73, Azam, who made a run- 75 and 81, Williams finally Jason Roy (Surrey), Olly Stone International against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on Wednesday. (AFP) a-ball 125 with 13 bounda- reached his hun- (Warwickshire), Reece Topley (Surrey), ries and a six, led Pakistan’s dred with a couple (Warwickshire), Mark fightback and stood firm after Scoreboard off paceman Wahab Wood (Durham) Pakistan were set a daunting Riaz, to the jubila- 279-run target. Zimbabwe Did not bat: R. Ngarava, B. Muzarabani, T. Chisoro. lbw b Ngarava 13 (Haider), 4-51 (Rizwan), 5-88 (Ahmed), 6-151 tion of the Zim- Reserves across both formats: He added a match-turning B. Chari b Hasnain 9 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Chibhabha), 2-4 (Ervine), Mohammad Rizwan b Tiripano 10 (Khushdil), 7-251 (Riaz), 8-266 (Afridi), 9-266 babwe dressing Jake Ball (Nottinghamshire), Tom Banton C. Chibhabha c Ahmed b Hasnain 0 3-22 (Chari), 4-106 (Taylor), 5-181 (Madhevere), Iftikhar Ahmed b Tiripano 18 (Azam). 100 for the seventh wicket with C. Ervine c Rizwan b Hasnain 1 6-277 (Raza). Khushdil Shah c Taylor b Muzarabani 33 Bowling: Muzarabani 10-1-49-5 (w3), room. (Somerset), Tom Helm (Middlesex). , who made 52. B. Taylor c Khushdil b Hasnain 56 Bowling: Afridi 10-1-42-0 (w3), Hasnain 10-3- Wahab Riaz c Williams b Muzarabani 52 Ngarava 9-0-62-2, Chisoro 7-0-48-0, The two With 28 needed, Riaz holed S. Williams 118 26-5 (1w), Musa 10-0-80-0 (2w), Riaz 10-0-65- Shaheen Shah Afridi c Raza b Muzarabani 2 Tiripano 7-0-39-2 (2w) Raza 10-0-42-0 teams now England Itinerary: out off Muzarabani to leave the W. Madhevere c and b Hasnain 33 1 (2w), Ahmed 10-0-60-0. Musa Khan not out 9 (1nb), Williams 7-0-37-0. play three Nov 27: South Africa v England, 1st T20, fight to Azam. Sikandar Raza b Riaz 45 Pakistan not out 3 Result: Match tied, Zimbabwe win on Twen- Newlands, Cape Town Azam, who hit a six off D. Tiripano not out 1 Imam-ul-Haq b Muzarabani 4 Extras: (lb1, nb1, w5) 7 Super Over. ty20 Nov 29: South Africa v England, 2nd the first ball of Muzarabani’s Extras: (lb5, nb1, w9) 15 Fakhar Zaman lbw b Ngarava 2 Total: (50 overs, for nine wkts) 278 Super Over: Pakistan 2-2; Zimbabwe 3-0 interna- T20, Boland Park, Paarl 49th over for a six, was caught Total: (50 overs; for six wkts) 278 c Taylor b Muzarabani 125 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Imam), 2-6 (Zaman), 3-20 Toss: Zimbabwe. tionals Dec 1: South Africa v England, 3rd T20, behind off the last ball of the on November Newlands, Cape Town same over. Muzarabani’s previous best the One-Day Super League, the liams who helped his team defeats and gave them 7, 8 and 10, Dec 4: South Africa v England, 1st ODI, Pakistan needed 13 off the figures of 4-47 came against qualification process for 2023 recover from paceman Mo- only their fifth win over all in Rawal- Newlands, Cape Town last over and five off the final Afghanistan at Bulawayo two World Cup in India. hammad Hasnain’s best fig- Pakistan in 62 ODIs. pindi. Dec 6: South Africa v England, 2nd ODI, delivery, whoch Musa hit for a years ago. Zimbabwe’s total of 278- ures of 5-26. Zimbabwe’s pace Boland Park, Paarl boundary to tie the game. Musa The series gives Pakistan 6 was built around a fighting The win broke Zimbabwe’s trio of Muzarabani, Blessing Dec 9: South Africa v England, 3rd ODI, scored nine not out. 20 points and Zimbabwe ten in unbeaten 118 by Sean Wil- sequence of ten consecutive Ngarava (2-62) and Don- Muzarabani Newlands, Cape Town.