Jasprit Bumrah scalps four as India bounce back to skittle Australia at the MCG page 14

SUNday, DECEMBER 27, 2020 Al Ahli in rising Al Duhail’s path as both sides eye second place in standings

Al Duhail players train ahead of their Sunday QNB Stars League clash against Al Ahli. Al Ahli players warming up for a training session.

Tribune News Network Qatar SC. We needed to pause, re- Rayyan manager as they take on Al Doha think and then move forward as we Khor today. Rayyan put on a fight- have learned the lessons of defeat,” ing performance against Al Sadd Al Ahli host the fast rising and he said. in the last round, before going to defending champions Al Duhail in “It is necessary in football that leaders. And with Al Khor, who an exciting clash of the QNB Stars a player always looks forward and are 11th with seven points, having League on Sunday with both sides works with all his energy for the sacked Frederic Hantz on the match aiming to rise to second place in the best. At the same time, I would tell eve, Rayyan should be able to sail standings. my players that whoever cannot through their opponents. Al Ahli briefly held the top spot play with all strength is better for Blanc said he was still hurting on the table before Al Sadd notched him to stay at home. Al Duhail are a ranks, Lamouchi should fancy his from the defeat to Al Sadd. “There nine wins in a row to claim the place strong team and it will be a difficult team’s chances against Ahli. is no doubt that I am sad about the and are the current leaders with a game for us. I respect them a lot, In another match on Sunday, Al loss against Al Sadd. It was also a difference of seven points. also their bench strength, and they Sailiya play Al Arabi at the Al Ahli difficult loss for our players and While Al Gharafa are placed are the title holders,” he said. Stadium. Al Sailiya are seventh with fans. That is why we are working second, both Al Ahli and Duhail can Jovovic, however, expected his 12 points, while Al Arabi are placed to get wins starting with our next climb with a win. players to bounce back. “I have ninth with nine points. match against Al Khor. Wins will Only two points separate Ahli trust in the capabilities of my play- Heimir Hallgrimsson-coached give the team new identity and per- and Gharafa, and one point is the ers to provide a distinguished level, Al Arabi are on a high after defeat- sonality. There is no doubt that last difference between Ahli and Duhail. a performance that keeps Al Ahli in ing Al Kharaitiyat 3-1 in Week 10. week we played against a side that Duhail stormed into the top four their current position. I expect the The Dream Team thus put behind is a good team and also has a good with 18 points after beating Al Khor players to present a distinguished the disappointment of suffering a coach. Xavi is a coach who was able last week. The Red Knights are tied level and provide everything they 1-2 defeat at the hands of Al Sadd match will give us a high morale. A schedule has taken a toll on his to make effective changes, but for Al with Qatar SC on 18 points and have in the match. We need our in the Amir Cup final played at the win would also relieve the pressure team. “There was not enough time Rayyan, we made only one change goal difference (+8), but are placed fans at the stadium to support us, newly-inaugurated Ahmed bin Ali on the players to give their best and to prepare, there is a match every when the midfielders felt tired,” fourth having scored more number especially when we lose and come Stadium. it will elevate us on the points table. four or five days, and our focus is said Blanc. of goals. back stronger with their support in Hallgrimsson said his players So, yes, I would say it is a very im- currently on working to restore “Our preparation for the Al Khor Al Ahli will be looking to re- order to achieve victory and cele- must build on recent good perfor- portant match,” said Hallgrimsson. physical fitness, and we are work- match went off in the same way that gain second place in the standings, brate with them. I will be happy if Al mances. “We performed well in the Meanwhile, Sami Trabelsi’s ing on the offensive aspects as we we put together before we prepared which they lost to Gharafa following Ahli fans came to the stadium and Al Kharaitiyat match and scored Sailiya are having a roller-coaster miss many scoring opportunities,” for the last match against Al Sadd. their loss (1-4) to Qatar SC in Week encouraged the team,” said Jovovic. three goals in what was an im- ride this season. They had recorded he said. “I believe Al Arabi is a good So all matches are equally impor- 10. Duhail, meanwhile, are on the portant victory. We hope that we an upset 2-1 victory over holders Al team, and I hope that our motiva- tant. The players should know this, On Friday, Ahli’s coach Nebojsa path of recovery after initial fum- will use this good form in the next Duhail in Week 8, but then crashed tion is greater than that of Al Arabi that all preparations must be very Jovovic admitted that his team was ble with coach Sabri Lamouchi still match and take advantage of the op- to a 1-3 loss to Qatar SC and played and we are able to win,” Trabelsi high and we have a lot to do in or- low on confidence after their loss searching for the right balance. But portunities that we get to win. It is out a 1-1 draw with Umm Salal in added. der to be able to perform well. The to Qatar SC. “We suffered a loss of with Eduardo Rodriguez (Dudu) always important to win, especially the last round. Elsewhere, Laurent Blanc will performance was good against Al confidence after our game against and Paulo Edmilson in Duhail’s in a clash involving Al Sailiya as this Trabelsi said the busy playing be hoping for his first victory as Al Sadd,” the French coach added.

QOC Beach Games: Team Al Shaqab qualify for women’s beach handball final

Team Al Shaqab blanked Team Lusail 2-0 in the women’s beach handball semi-final to book a place in the final of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Beach Games 2020 on Saturday. Msheireb were involved in the second semis against Yasminat Tunisia. Over 500 male and female athletes are participating in the maiden QOC Beach Games which will be held over two weeks until January 2, 2021. (TNN) Sports Sunday, December 27, 2020 13

21st QREC RACE MEETING: RACE HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy

AL Wasmiyah Farm represenattive receives the owner’s trophy from HH Sheikh The winning group of Noor Al Hawa with their trophies and prizes at the Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club’s Al Rayyan Park on Saturday. Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park on Saturday. Noor Al Hawa bags HH Sheikh Mohamed trophy, AJS Moaddie wins Jaafer Cup

Tribune News Network Ridden by Alberto Sanna, Of Life) had missed out on Doha AJS Moaddie held off a threat- Assy Thoroughbreds (Fillies ening challenge by Umm & Mares) (Class 4) for two Noor Al Hawa completed a Qarn’s versatile Sealine (Amer straight years finishing in the hat-trick of wins this season x Jaljalah), the Alban Elie Ma- frame both the times. landing the 2000m Group 2 rie De Mieulle trained 6yo who The Ali Yousuf Al Kubaisi- feature in style in the 21st Race finished second underR onan trained mare was third time Meeting of the Qatar Racing & Thomas by a neck. A length lucky as the 6yo won the 1850m Equestrian Club at the Al Rayy- behind was HH Sheikh Mo- race in a cozy finish. an Park on Saturday. hammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani’s Ridden by Ronan Thomas, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khatafaynee (AF AlBahar x Festive one better than her Khalifa Al Thani crowned the Fifth), ridden to third by Tomas last outing earlier this month winners of HH Sheikh Moham- Lukasek for Julian Colin Smart. to enter the winner’s circle for med Bin Khalifa Al Thani Tro- Patrice Alexandre Nicolet’s the sixth time in her career. At phy and Jaafer Cup. Barra (Munjiz x Daniah) won the post, Festive had beaten The ten race card concluded for the first time since Febru- Rashid Ali Al Marri ridden Cru- with Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Noor ary 2019 when the Alban Elie The AJS Moaddie group, the winners of the Jaafer Cup, after being honoured by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa. ella Dovil by three lengths and Al Hawa (Makfi x MajesticR oi) Marie De Mieulle schooled three quarters. landing the QR1,000,000 fi- horse claimed the Harran Lo- horse landed the Djendel Local After missing out on his first nale, and Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS cal Purebred Arabian Condi- Purebred Arabian Novice Plate 21st Race Meeting - results win in his last couple of starts, Moaddie (AF AlBahar x Gabie tions (Far Bend) in a breezy (Far Bend) in fine fashion. Mohammed Bin Fahad Al Atti- De Carrere) winning the Jaafer finish.With apprentice rider Ridden by Tomas Lukasek EBRAZ THOROUGHBRED HANDICAP (CLASS PLATE (Far Bend): Dawi (FR), Julian Colin Smart, ya’s GoldAmer (Amer x Nacree Cup. Ali Khalid Al Mosallam in the for the fourth straight start, the 4): Al Mikdam (FR), Saeed Mohammed Shafi Al Francois Herholdt Al Maury) finally stepped into Helmed by third straight saddle, the 7yo was unstoppa- duo won by a length and a quar- Shafi, Rashid Ali Al Marri DJENDEL LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN NOVICE the winner’s circle. time by Alberto Sanna, the ble racing to a dominant finish ter at the post, beating Marco ASRAA MIN ALBARQ PUREBRED ARABIAN HANDI- PLATE (Far Bend): Ghali Al Athman (QA), Julian The Alban Elie Marie De Georges Mikhalides trained 7yo with five lengths and a quarter Casamento ridden Muthhil for CAP: Goldamer (FR), Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, Colin Smart, Tomas Lukasek Mieulle’s ward landed the As- Noor Al Hawa had started the to spare at the post as another the victory. Soufiane Saadi GAZWAN LOCAL THOROUGHBRED CONDITIONS raa Min Albarq Purebred Ara- widest in the 15 strong feature. De Mieulle ward, Umm Qarn’s HH Sheikh Mohammed bin ASSY THOROUGHBREDS (FILLIES & MARES) (Far Bend): Black Pearl (QA), Bader Al Balushi, bian Handicap (70-90) with a Coming on to the home Abahat, finished runner up un- Khalifa Al Thani’s Dawi (Amer (Class 4): Festive (FR), Ali Yousuf J Y Al Kubaisi, Soufiane Saadi dominant display. straight, the chestnut horse der Ronan Thomas. x Djamour Des Forges) made a Ronan Thomas HARRAN LOCAL PUREBRED ARABIAN CONDI- The 4yo was helmed by upped his pace and took a nar- Abdulatif Hussain Al Ema- winning debut. AZIZ ASF PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN PLATE TIONS (Far Bend): Barra (QA), Alban Elie Marie Soufiane Saadi who was in the row lead in the final furlong. di’s Black Pearl (Footstepsin- In the Mared Al Sahra (Far Bend): Fahd De Faust (FR), Gassim Moham- De Mieulle, Ali Khalid Al Mosallam saddle in a C&D outing earlier Abdulatif Hussain Al Emadi’s thesand x Ella) improved his Purebred Arabian Maiden Plate mad Ghazali, Marco Casamento JAAFER CUP (Far Bend): AJS Moaddie (QA), Hadi this month too. This time there Pazeer (Siyouni x Parandeh) strike rate winning for the sev- (Far Bend), Julian Colin Smart- MARED AL SAHRA PUREBRED ARABIAN MAIDEN Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani, Alberto Sanna was no stopping the duo on the gave chase under Soufiane enth time in nine starts when trained colt had Francois Her- HHSHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN KHALIFA AL THANI home straight in the mile long Saadi, but Noor Al Hawa the Bader Al Balushi trained holdt for company, and despite TROPHY (QA GR2) (Far Bend): Noor Al Hawa run as Goldamer breezed past held on to his advantage and gelding emerged victorious in a wide start to the 2000m race, (FR), Georges Mikhalides, Alberto Sanna the post for a five length win. won the event for the second the Gazwan Local Thorough- a fantastic ride put the 3yo grey Saeed Mohammed Shafi straight year. bred Conditions (Far Bend). horse in a great position for the Al Shafi’s Al Mikdam (Myboy- Pazeer was second ahead of With Soufiane Saadi in the win. Dawi made good use of the charlie x Kilfarasy) raced to his Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Kuwari’s saddle, the 4yo had little trou- advantage on most in the field second C&D victory this season The Blue Eye (Dubawi x So- ble building the advantage in to win by a length and a quarter when the 6yo landed the Ebraz neva), guided to third by Jason the seven furlong race and win- in front of Soufiane Saadi rid- Thoroughbred Handicap (Class Watson for Mohammed Hus- ning by two lengths, holding off den Bin Al Tair. 4) (80 & below) in a thrilling sain Afroz. two Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Injaaz Stud’s Fahd De Faust finish. Al Jeryan Stud’s AJS Moad- Malki’s wards — Shaman Bu (No Risk Al Maury x Hagnes De In the miler, the bay horse, die (AF AlBahar x Gabie De Thaila and Al Faisaliya, for the Faust) had not finished outside saddled by Al Shafi himself, had Carrere) won a thriller halting a victory. the top three since a fifth place Qatari rider Rashid Ali Al Marri string of near misses since the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin finish in the Aziz ASF Purebred for company just like their win- Qatar bred 5yo won the Qatar Khalifa Al Thani’s Ghali Al Ath- Arabian Maiden Plate (Far ning outing in a handicap in Silver Sword in April of 2019. man (Harran ASF x Al Nefor) Bend) last year, even as a win October this year. The crack at Jaafer Cup had made a promising start to had eluded the Gassim Mo- On Saturday, Al Mikdam (Far Bend) (Local PA) was also his time in Qatar with a maiden hammad Ghazali trained horse. and his partner edged Alberto the grey horse’s second attempt win, followed by promising top The 5yo finally entered Sanna ridden Al Haitham, the 2000m run, with the Hadi three finishes in two handicaps the winner’s circle on the sev- Noor Al Hawa is guided by jockey Alberto Sanna to victory at Al Rayyan Park on Saturday. trained by Ibrahim Saeed Ibra- Nasser Rashid Al Ramzani sad- thereafter. Julian Colin Smart enth time of asking as Marco him Al Malki, by a head at the dled horse finishing runner up trained colt was back in the Casamento guided the bay and three quarters to spare in berto Sanna ridden Rammah Khalifa Bin Sheail Al Ku- post in what was Al Marri’s last year. winner’s circle when the grey horse to a fine win with a length the seven furlong run, with Al- finishing runner up. wari’s Festive (Literato x Path ninth win of the season. Jassim Al Kuwari’s double in dressage to top round 3 Tribune News Network ing a large participation due to number has been increasing Doha the nature of the competition. in each round of Longines “The Qatar Equestrian Hathab,” he added. Jassim Al Jaham Al Kuwari and Modern Pentathlon Fed- He also explained that excelled to top in both Level eration is working hard to great attention is being given 1 and Level 2 events of the encourage the culture of the to the dressage competition third dressage competition dressage riding by organising which will definitely have a of the fourth edition (2020- many tours, increasing the great impact on the develop- 21) of Longines Hathab Qatar prize-money and providing ment of Qatari riders and help Equestrian Tour, organised the technical staff capable of in preparing them well for in- by the Qatar Equestrian Fed- training the riders.” ternational events. eration in with Al He also informed that Results Shaqab, member Qatar Foun- trainer Michel Jerimes is Dressage | Medium (Level dation, and supported by the working continuously to help 1) | Test 1C | Prize-Money: Social and Sport Contribution riders prepare well with help QR15,000 Fund, which was held QEF’s of her long experience. 1. Rider: Jassim Al Jaham Al Ku- indoor arena on Saturday. He revealed that one of the wari; Horse: Monopoly; Score: Al Kuwari firsttopped the most important championships 66.71; Prize:QR4,950 Prelim (Level 2) Test 2C com- that will be held this year for 2. Maryam Ahmed Al Semaitt; petition on his mount Sandro dressage will be for the HH The Rythm; 65.781; QR3,975 girl and later returned to the Amir’s Sword in February 2021. 3. Saoud Ahmed Al Boinin; Drum arena to steal show in the Me- Meanwhile, Jassim Al Mousse; 65.781; QR2,700 dium (Level 1) | Test 1C event Jassim Al Jaham Al Kuwari receives his prize from Ali Al Rumaihi, Jassim Al Jaham Al Kuwari in action during one of the dressage events. Jaham Al Kuwari expressed Dressage | Prelim (Level with Monopoly registering a Event Director, Longines Hathab Equestrian Tour, at the Qatar Eques- delight on winning the two 2) | Test 2C | Prize-Money: score of 66.71. trian Federation on Saturday. of the riders in the dressage they must have a specific horse dressage events on Saturday. QR10,000 Maryam Ahmed Al Semaitt competition, which has at- for each competition.” “It was tough since there was 1. Jassim Al Jaham Al Kuwari; on Rhythm (65.781) finished Junior (69.250) had to settle precautionary health and safety tracted large participation. He added: “Dressage in- large participation and the Sandro Girl; 69.750; QR2,500 as the runner-up, while Saoud for the second spot, and Mary- measures against COVID-19 of He said, “While partici- cludes the basics of equestrian competition was challenging,” 2. Asmaa Yasser Moham- Ahmed Al Boinin on Drum am Ahmed Al Semaitt on Spe- the Ministry of Public Health. pation is open to all riders in education for young riders and he said. med; Quatro Junior; 69.250; Mousse (65.781) was third. cial Edition 19 (66.250) third. Ali Al Rumaihi, Event Di- dressage and riders are also there is a great development in “Dressage (an Olympic QR2,000; 3. Maryam Ahmed In Level 2, Asmaa Yasser Longines Hathab is being rector of Longines Hathab, allowed to take part in both the level of the championship event) has been attracting a Al Semaitt; Special Edition 19; Mohammed riding Quatro held behind closed door with all praised the performing levels showjumping and dressage, year on year. Now, it is enjoy- lot of young riders and the 66.250; QR1,500. 14 Sunday, December 27, 2020 Sports

AT CENTURION Gutsy India bounce back Gritty Williamson lifts Kiwis after to skittle hosts at MCG early Pak strike AFP AFP conceded only 25 runs off his Melbourne Mount Maunganui 21 overs. Taylor, in his 104th Test, A resilient India bounced An unbeaten 94 by a gritty could not help but be impressed back from their embarrassing had New Zea- with Afridi playing his 12th. first Test exploits to bundle land at 222 for three in the face “When the ball was 50 overs out Australia for just 195 and of a concerted Pakistan attack old it was still swinging and he take a grip on the second Test at stumps on day one of the first could pick and choose when he in Melbourne after a riveting Test in Mount Maunganui on used it and he’s got a slippery opening day on Saturday. Saturday. bumper. He’s only going to get After their horror show in Henry Nicholls was the better and Pakistan are going to Adelaide last week, where they other not out batsman on 42 see a very good bowler in years lost by eight and were as New Zealand recovered to come,” Taylor said. skittled for 36 in their second from being 13 for two after Pa- Afridi’s opening onslaught innings, the tourists were des- kistan’s baby-faced destroyer had New Zealand at two for 13 perate to start well. Shaheen Afridi removed open- before Williamson and Taylor And they delivered after ers Tom Latham and Tom combined in a century partner- Australian Blundell cheaply on a green, ship, their 10th together. won the toss and chose to bat seaming . By stumps, Williamson in front of 27,615 socially- In a 120-run stand, filled had faced 243 deliveries af- distanced fans, just short of with determination and con- ter being in the middle for all the maximum allowed under centration in difficult condi- but the first three balls before coronavirus restrictions at the tions, Williamson and Ross Latham was dismissed. Melbourne Ground. Taylor pulled New Zealand back The closest Pakistan came On a pitch offering turn into the game. to dismissing the New Zealand and bounce, the hosts found Taylor hit 10 fours and a captain came before lunch with it hard going against a high- six as he attacked the bowling Williamson on 18 when Shan quality attack led by Jasprit while Williamson took a more Masood spilled a difficult one- Bumrah (4-56), Ravi Ashwin Visitors conservative approach. handed chance low to his left. (3-35) and the impressive Mo- 36-1 in reply “Obviously we’re happy Naseem Shah was the un- hammed Siraj (2-40), making with where we’re at,” Taylor fortunate bowler and the teen- his debut for the injured Mo- said. “You had to try and take aged quick was to suffer again hammed Shami. them on or just try and get when he tempted Nicholls, on Marnus Labuschagne top- through it. six, to hook a short ball only for scored with 48 but that was as “You expect that on a day Mohammad Abbas, waiting for good as it got. Scoreboard one wicket. It definitely flat- the catch at long leg, to drop the It left Indian openers tened out and it’s probably a regulation chance. Shubman Gill, also on debut, India (1st innings) S. Smith c Pujara b Ashwin 0 little bit two-paced at times and and Mayank Agarwal needing M. Agarwal lbw b Starc 0 T. Head c Rahane b Bumrah 38 I’m sure it’s only going to get Scoreboard to negotiate 40 minutes at the S. Gill not out 28 C. Green lbw b Siraj 12 more uneven over the next cou- New Zealand (1st innings) end of the day. C. Pujara not out 7 T. Paine c Vihari b Ashwin 13 ple of days.” T. Latham 4 Agarwal was not up to the Extras: (nb1) 1 M. Starc c Siraj b Bumrah 7 After Afridi split the pair T. Blundell 5 task, trapped lbw by a Mitchell Total: (For one wicket, 11 overs) P. Cummins c Siraj b Jadeja 9 with a masterful piece of bowl- K. Williamson not out 94 Starc inswinger in the first over. 36 N. Lyon lbw b Bumrah 20 ing to remove Taylor for 70, R. Taylor c Rizwan b Afridi 70 Gill was dropped on five To bat: Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma J. Hazlewood not out 4 Williamson and Henry Nicholls H. Nicholls not out 42 by Labuschagne but otherwise Vihari, , Ravindra Extras: (b10, nb3, w1) 14 added a further 89. Extras: (lb3, nb4) 7 looked comfortable, smacking Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Umesh Total: (All Out, 72.3 overs) 195 Taylor was set up to fall by Total: (For 3 wickets; 87 overs) five boundaries to reach 28 Yadav, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Burns), Afridi who bowled full, short 222 and help steer India to 36 for Bumrah. 2-35 (Wade), 3-38 (Smith), then a in successive Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Latham), one at close with the experi- Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Agarwal). 4-124 (Head), 5-134 (La- deliveries and followed with 2-13 (Blundell), 3-133 (Taylor) enced un- Bowling: Starc 4-2-14-1, Cum- buschagne), 6-155 (Green). a good-length, rising ball that To bat: BJ Watling, Mitchell Sant- beaten on seven. mins 4-1-14-0, Hazlewood 2-0-2- 7-155 (Paine), 8-164 (Starc), Taylor could not resist slash- ner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee, “In the first session we 0, Lyon 1-0-6-0. 9-191 (Lyon), 10-195 (Cum- ing at. Neil Wagner, Trent Boult were just trying to bowl in the mins). But he succeeded only in Bowling: Afridi 20-5-55-3, Abbas rights areas,” said Bumrah, India’s (left) celebrates dismissing Australia’s Australia (1st innings) Bowling: Bumrah 16-4-56-4, feathering the ball to Moham- 21-11-25-0, Ashraf 13-5-30-0, who praised Siraj for “bowling Marnus Labuschagne. (AFP) J. Burns c Pant b Bumrah 0 Yadev 12-2-39-0, Ashwin 24-7- mad Rizwan behind the stumps. Naseem Shah 15-1-51-0, Yasir his heart out”. M. Wade c Jadeja b Ashwin 30 35-3, Jadeja 5.3-1-15-1, Siraj The 20-year-old Afridi, Shah 16-2-56-0, Shan Masood He added that the plan cisions, to lead a recovery, put- hit a cameo M. Labuschagne c Gill b Siraj 15-4-40-2. standing 1.99 metres (6ft 6in) 2-1-2-0. Sunday was for the batsmen ting on 86 with 20 but Australia’s tail other- 48 Toss: Australia. tall, also removed Latham for Pakistan: Abid Ali, Shan Masood, to be positive, rather than con- (38). wise failed to wag. four and Blundell for five to end Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Haris So- servative. Head had a nervous start the day with three for 55. hail, Mohammad Rizwan (capt), “We’re just looking to but grew in confidence before Still in the game With still in- started finding the gaps before Mohammad Abbas, while Faheem Ashraf, Yasir Shah, Mo- control the controllables, not Bumrah enticed an edge which “We had probably three jured, the hosts went into the attempting a big hit off Ash- not taking a wicket, kept the hammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi, being reckless but being con- carried to Rahane at gully, innocuous dismissals that we clash unchanged, with Burns win, which proved his down- batsmen pinned down and Naseem Shah. Toss: Pakistan. fident.” sparking a collapse. probably didn’t need to, frus- opening alongside Wade. fall for 30. With Ajinkya Rahane cap- Labuschagne looked set trating dismissals and they Burns hit an unbeaten 51 Ravindra Jadeja took the taining the side in place of for a ninth half-century but a were guys who were set and in Adelaide to relieve some catch, but only just with Gill , who has returned brilliant catch by Gill ended in,” said Labuschagne. pressure after a long lean spell, also underneath it. The pair home for the birth of his first his vigil and handed Siraj his “Just need to be better but his performance Saturday collided but Jadeja managed child, India got off to a perfect first Test wicket. there ... that whoever gets in will once more raise questions to hang on. start, getting Burns (0), Mat- Allrounder Cameron on the day, whether myself over his place in the team. Ashwin then claimed the thew Wade (30) and Smith (0) Green ground out 12 before or anyone else in the top or- He looked tentative against crucial scalp of Smith, who before lunch. he too fell to Siraj, then an ex- der, we make sure we get big Bumrah and got a nick to a de- was undone by an off-break It left Australia in trou- cellent catch by Hanuma Vi- scores.” livery he should have left. with Pujara holding a catch at ble but Labuschagne rode his hari off Ashwin accounted for But he added: “I think At the other end, Wade slip after the world’s top bats- luck, surviving two review de- Paine (13). we’re (still) in the game.” had an escape on four but man faced just eight balls.

De Silva, Chandimal put Lanka in command New Zealand’s Kane Williamson makes a run as Pakistan’s Naseem Shah looks on during the opening day of their first cricket Test at the AFP Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Saturday. (AFP) Centurion (South Africa)

Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinesh Chandimal put Sri Lan- ka in a strong position on the Dinesh hails show first day of the first Test against South Africa in Centurion on AFP former South African batting Saturday. Centurion (South Africa) great Hashim Amla on his pre- De Silva made 79 before re- vious visit to South Africa in tiring hurt and former captain Former captain Dinesh 2016 had helped him prepare Chandimal hit 85 as Sri Lanka Chandimal said Sri Lanka to deal with the bounce and reached 340 for six at the close. had exceeded their expecta- pace of pitches there. De Silva suffered what tions by scoring 340 for six on Amla, watching the inter- appeared to be a left hip in- the first day of the first Test view in his capacity as a com- jury while running between against South Africa in Centu- mentator for SuperSport televi- wickets and was taken off the rion on Saturday. sion, said he had not passed on field on a motorised stretcher. Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Chandimal (left) celebrates his half-century with Sri Lanka’s Dhananjaya de Silva (right) is helped off the field by Chandimal and Dhanan- any great secrets. “It was basic It was not clear whether he his teammate Niroshan Dickwella during the first day of their first Test medical staff after being injured at SuperSport Park in Centurion on jaya de Silva were mainly re- stuff,” said Amla. “He batted would be able to take any fur- against South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Saturday. (AFP) Saturday. (AFP) sponsible for putting the tour- very well today, he left well and ther part in the match. Scoreboard ists in a strong position, scoring he judged the length well.” His injury ended a partner- finally claimed a fourth wicket 35 wickets between them. was bowled off an inside edge Sri Lanka (1st innings) 85 and 79 respectively -- but Chandimal praised De ship of 131 with Chandimal. when Chandimal was caught at On a pitch which offered by Ngidi with the total on 28 in D. Karunaratne b Ngidi ...... 22 De Silva had to retire hurt after Silva, who was the dominant Together they stabilised the Sri slip when he gloved a ball from bounce and early movement, the fifth over. K. Perera c De Kock b Mulder ...... 16 what appeared to be a hip in- partner in a stand of 131 which K. Mendis c Ngidi b Nortje ...... 12 Lankan innings after a helter- all-rounder Wiaan Mulder the bowlers struggled to find Sri Lanka then lost two D. Chandimal c Du Plessis b Mulder ...... 85 jury which could keep him out enabled Sri Lanka to recover skelter start in which they lost which kicked off a length. consistency, with Sipamla leak- wickets to loose shots with the D. de Silva retired hurt ...... 79 of the rest of the match. from 54 for three on a pitch their first three wickets for 54 Chandimal hit 11 fours in his ing 28 runs in three overs with total on 54. N. Dickwella lbw b Mulder ...... 49 “To be honest we were which had good bounce and runs inside 11 overs. 161-ball innings. the new ball. Kusal Mendis mistimed D. Shanaka not out ...... 25 thinking 280-plus would be a offered sideways movement to W. Hasaranga b Sipamla ...... 18 De Silva played some flow- The medium-paced Mulder Sipamla was playing ahead a pull shot and was caught at K. Rajitha not out ...... 7 good first innings score so this the seam bowlers. ing strokes in hitting 11 fours was South Africa’s most consist- of the uncapped Glenton Stuur- mid-on off Nortje before Kusal Extras (b8, lb8, nb5, w6) ...... 27 is surprising everyone in our “He batted outstandingly. and a six off 105 balls, while ent bowler and finished the day man, who had been expected to Perera played a wild slash at Total (For 6 wkts, 85 overs) ...... 340 team,” said Chandimal. He is a really cool-minded guy,” Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Karunaratne), 2-54 (Mendis), Chandimal played an anchor with three wickets for 68 runs. play but was judged not to have Mulder and was caught behind 3-54 (Perera), 4-284 (Chandimal), 5-296 (Dickwella), “As a team we have got said Chandimal. role, reaching his half-century South Africa were fielding recovered fully from a thigh in- in the next over. 6-320 (Hasaranga). great confidence after today’s But Chandimal said De Sil- off 116 balls in the last over be- their most inexperienced fast jury. Because of Covid-19 pro- Bowling: Ngidi 16-2-54-1, Sipamla 14-1-68-1 (2nb), play. We are looking forward va was concerned that his inju- fore tea. bowling attack since 1993, with Sri Lankan captain Di- tocols, the match was played Nortje 18-3-60-1 (2w), Mulder 18-3-68-3 (3nb), to put them under pressure to- ry could keep him out of action Maharaj 19-3-74-0. Chandimal and Niroshan Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, muth Karunaratne capitalised without spectators. South Africa: Q. de Kock, D. Elgar, A. Markram, H. van morrow if we can score another for two or three weeks, which Dickwella (49) added another debutant Lutho Sipamla and on Sipamla’s loose bowling to It is the first Test match der Dussen, F. du Plessis, T. Bavuma, W. Mulder, K. 30 or 40 runs.” would rule him out of the rest 99 runs before South Africa Mulder having just 12 caps and score 22 off 20 balls before he since January for both teams. Maharaj, A. Nortje, L. Sipamla, L. Ngidi. Chandimal said a chat with of the two-match series. Sports Sunday, December 27, 2020 15 Arsenal bounce back to beat Chelsea, Man Utd denied by Leicester AFP A share of the spoils be- London tween the sides in second and third gives Everton the chance Arsenal eased fears of be- to move into second behind ing dragged into a relegation Merseyside rivals Liverpool battle with a stunning 3-1 win when they visit winless Shef- over Chelsea on Saturday, as field United later onS unday. Manchester United’s Premier League title challenge stumbled Villa soar into top six after they conceded a late equal- Aston Villa are another iser to draw 2-2 at Leicester. unlikely challenger for the top Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to four as they eased past Crystal win the FA Cup the last time Palace 3-0 despite playing the they faced Chelsea in August, full second half a man down but less than five months on after Tryone Mings’ red card. the Spaniard was under in- Bertrand Traore gave Villa Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan performs during the men’s free skating at the Ja- tense pressure after a run of the perfect start by turning pan’s figure skating national championships in Nagano on Saturday. (AFP) one win in 10 league games. in the rebound after Vicente Arteta had bemoaned his Guaita saved Ollie Watkins’s side’s fortune in recent weeks, first effort. Hanyu caps masterful but the Gunners’ luck turned A tussle between Mings on a night when he gave young- and Wilfried Zaha resulted in a sters Gabriel Martinelli and yellow card for both. Moments comeback with Emile Smith Rowe the chance later Mings blocked off Zaha to shine in the absence of more and the England internation- Japan national title experienced figures such as al was dismissed in first-half David Luiz, Willian and Pierre- stoppage time. However, Villa AFP the more subdued “Heaven Emerick Aubameyang. soaked up the pressure and Tokyo and Earth” but still wowed the Kieran Tierney won a soft the 10 men extended their lead crowd with his artistry and penalty for a push by Reece when Kortney Hause forced Two-time Olympic figure skill. He began with a quad James and Alexandre Laca- the ball home from close range skating champion Yuzuru loop and a quad salchow be- zette slotted home the spot- after Watkins’s header came Hanyu crowned his comeback fore nailing a triple axel into a kick to open the scoring on 34 off the bar. from a 10-month layoff with double toe loop. minutes. Watkins also played a part a commanding victory at the He then landed a quad toe Granit Xhaka then an- in the third as he teed up An- Japanese national champion- loop into a triple toe loop, a swered his critics after being war El Ghazi to fire in off the ships on Saturday. quad toe loop-single euler-tri- stupidly sent off in a 1-0 defeat far post for his fourth goal in Hanyu, who had been out ple salchow combination, then to Burnley earlier this month four games. of action since February af- finished with a triple axel. with a brilliant free-kick to Fulham edged to within a ter deciding his asthma made Hanyu has been training double Arsenal’s lead just be- point of safety with a 0-0 draw competing in this season’s by himself this year, with his fore half-time. at home with Southampton. Grand Prix series too risky Canadian coach Brian Orser A third consecutive away Twice the visitors were amid the coronavirus pan- unable to join him because defeat for Chelsea further dam- denied a late winner as Shane demic, blew the competition of travel restrictions, and he ages their chances of competing Long and Theo Walcott had ef- away in Nagano with an effort- again sat alone clutching a for the title and there was no forts ruled out for offside. lessly graceful free skate for an Winnie the Pooh tissue box as way back for Frank Lampard’s Manchester City are also in overall score of 319.36. he waited for his scores. men once Bukayo Saka chipped Arsenal’s English striker Bukayo Saka (left) celebrates scoring their third goal with English midfielder Emile action later at home to New- The win gave the 26-year- “I’ve been working on my in off the inside of the post 11 Smith Rowe during their English Premier League match against Chelsea in London on Saturday. (AFP) castle, with Pep Guardiola’s old superstar his first national own for a long time and that’s minutes after the break. side badly needing a win to title since 2015 and earned meant I’ve had more worries Tammy Abraham did pull chester United missed out on nandes 11 minutes from time. movement in the box as the keep their title hopes alive as him a place at next spring’s and anxieties to deal with,” a goal back five minutes from equalling a Premier League “One point is not the worst veteran striker latched onto they trail Liverpool by eight world championships in said Hanyu. “But I haven’t re- time and Chelsea could have set record of 11 straight away wins result but we are disappointed Ayoze Perez’s cross and saw points with a game in hand. Stockholm. “Last year was ally been alone. Training on up a grandstand finish in stop- as for once this season they we didn’t get away with three,” his shot deflect in off the un- Results: Leicester 2 (Barnes very frustrating for me, and my own has made me appreci- page time, but Jorginho’s pen- paid for not finishing strongly. said Solskjaer. fortunate Axel Tuanzebe. 31, Tuanzebe 85-og) Manches- a part of me is happy that I ate the connections I have. Of alty was saved by Bernd Leno. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s “We had loads of big “It’s important for the ter United 2 (Rashford 23, was able to take revenge,” said course I’ve been getting advice Victory lifts Arsenal up to men had come from behind chances and we could’ve fin- development of us as a team Fernandes 79) Aston Villa 3 Hanyu, who finished second at from afar, but I’ve taken more 14th, six points clear of the in each of their previous away ished it off. They are a very and as a squad that we can (Traore 5, Hause 66, El Ghazi last year’s nationals. strength from the goodwill peo- relegation zone, while Chelsea league games this season, but dangerous side.” come from behind against a 76) Crystal Palace 0 One day after unveiling a ple have sent me.” Pyeongchang drop down to sixth on goal dif- twice went in front at the King Harvey Barnes’s blistering really, really good side, a top Arsenal 3 (Alexandre Lacazette new high-octane short pro- Olympic silver medallist Shoma ference. Power Stadium through Mar- strike levelled for Leicester side, and get the result,” said 34’ (P), Granit Xhaka 44’, gramme routine set to Robbie Uno was denied a fifth straight Man Utd miss outIn ear- cus Rashford midway through before half-time and United Leicester manager Brendan Bukayo Saka 56’) Chelsea 1 Williams’s “Let Me Entertain national title, finishing second lier Boxing Day action, Man- the first half and Bruno Fer- were undone by Jamie Vardy’s Rodgers. (Tammy Abraham 85’). You,” Hanyu performed to with 284.81 points. Indian Expats emerge victors in QND cricket tournament Tribune News Network ponents to 107 runs. Earlier, While the Indian team Abdullah Aman Al Khater Doha India Expats defeated Paki- won the National Day Cup presented a memorial shield stan Expats by 18 runs while and QR20,000 in prize, Bang- to the Chargé d’Affairs of the The India Expats team pre- Bangladesh Expats confirmed ladesh received the runners- Sri Lankan Embassy. vailed over their Bangladesh their place in the final with a up cup and a prize QR15,000. Yousef Al Kuwari ex- counterparts in the final to an eight-wicket win over Sri The Pakistan team which pressed his happiness on the claim the Asian Communities Lanka Expats. finished third-place received excitement at the day-long T10 Cricket Tournament title A women’s match was a trophy and QR5,000, and tournament where a large held to mark Qatar National also played which saw Team Sri Lanka team QR5,000. number of fans attended the Day festivities at Asian Town Pink beat Team Yellow by 7 The tournament were at- matches. Cricket Stadium on Friday. wickets. tended by Youssef Jeham He thanked all the partici- The Qatar Cricket As- The event was held af- Al Kuwari, Chairman of Qa- pants and fans for adhering to sociation (QCA) organised ter ensuring all COVID-19 tar Cricket Association, HE the measures put in place by a four-team event of Asian preventive health and safety Muhammad Jashimuddin, the Ministry of Public Health communities which included measures. Ambassador of Bangladesh and the Ministries of Health. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka Abdullah Aman Al Khater, to Qatar, and a number of For his part, Issa Al and Bangladesh expat teams. Secretary of the Rugby Union, embassy members, as well as Yaqoub said that the tourna- In the final, IndiaE x- Issa Al Yaqoub, Director of Kohala Rangoon Ratnenjam, ment came out in a very dis- pats overcame Bangladesh Public Relations & Supervisor Chargé d’Affairs of the Sri tinctive atmosphere with a Expats by 37 runs. Having of Cricket, QCA, and Sabait Lankan embassy to Qatar. very large crowd, indicating scored a total of 144 runs in Al Hassawi, an administrator Al Kuwari presented a that despite the great turnout the allotted ten overs, the for the cricket teams, crowned memorial shield to the Am- the precautionary ensured the winners restricted their op- the winners. bassador of Bangladesh while safety of everyone. Dignitaries at the Asian Communities T10 Cricket Tournament title held to mark Qatar National Day festivi- ties at Asian Town Cricket Stadium on Friday.

A large crowd following all health measures against COVID-19 watched the action at Asian Town Cricket Stadium. The Indian Expats winning team with the trophy and prize.