SPORT Monday 25 December 2017

PAGE | 25 PAGE | 26 PAGE | 27 Warriors’ De Villiers ready Pochettino hails win streak snapped for Zimbabwe ‘fantastic‘fan duo’ after by Nuggets and India Burnley rout Gulf Cup games to boost Qatari juniors ahead of AFC U-23 event, says Sanchez

Rizwan Rehmat from their players - in a state of on our weaknesses. Kuwait City/The Peninsula shock. “We have to be ready. This “It was a great start. (In) the match is a very good lesson. We he younger players in the first 18 minutes we scored three have to bring the players up and Qatar squad are getting goals and kept on creating chances get them ready for the remain- They have a long way to go some much-needed for more goals,” Sanchez said. der of the tournament,” he match practice at the “After that they kept pressu- explained. and to improve. The kids ‘highly competitive’ Gulf rizing us but we dominated the “The Qatari players were bet- are working on the same TCup, coach Felix Sanchez has said. game. I think they split the team ter than us. They deserved to win. Gulf Cup squad members in the second half. They left a lot The important thing from this target, to represent Qatar Akram Afif (21), Al Moez Ali (21), of players in the front. Finally we match is we have to play the right way. Our Assim Madibo (21) and Ahmed scored the fourth goal and got our aggressively for the first 20 Moin (22) are some of the players deserving win,” Sanchez said. minutes. In the coming target is to be certain to appear for Qatar at the “Our target was to start well to match, we have to see match- competitive. AFC U-23 Asian Cup to be held in show we want to win the game. I we don’t make China next month. think in the first 15 minutes we mistakes.” That’s the goal for Sanchez, who manages the showed that. We will try to do that “We have to assess our players, Qatar’s Assim Madibo (top) vies for the Qatar U-23 squad as well, has again but we know it will be diffi- our performances especially the ball during the opening match of the Gulf tutored most of the national team cult. Every game is different. So really well,” the Yem- Cup on Saturday. players at the junior level. Sanchez many things have to be taken into eni coach youngsters: was the coach when Qatar won the account before every game,” he said. Sanchez AFC U-19 Asian Cup title in Myan- said. mar in October 2014. Sanchez said his players are in Injured Madibo The Spaniard also coached the top physical condition but he still Qatar squad at the FIFA U-20 has to wait for the latest report World Cup held in New Zealand in before finalising the squad for the ruled out of Cup June 2015. clash against Iraq tomorrow. “We have a mix of players here “First we need to evaluate the who are also in the U-23 group and players. I have to see their physi- The Peninsula that is good for this team and (for) cal condition. We will play a the one which will play in China,” different team (against Iraq). We atar suffered an unexpected setback Sanchez said with a rare smile on need to be in possession more yesterday when it was announced that his face following Qatar’s 4-0 rout and we know the next game will QAssim Madibo will miss the remaining of Yemen in their Gulf Cup opener be different because the qual- part of the Gulf Cup due to a back injury. on Saturday. ity will be different too,” he The 21-year-old midfielder was taken “They have a long way to go added. to a local hospital for scans, QFA said and to improve and to get the Yemen’s Ethiopian coach yesterday. experience. The kids are working Abraham Mebratu wore a The player needs rest to stage a com- on the same target, to represent dejected look after the match plete recovery. Qatar the right way,” Sanchez on Saturday. The prescribed rest means he will miss explained. “We had limited time to pre- the remainder of the Gulf Cup. “Our target is to be match- pare for this match. My players Madibo was injured during Qatar’s first competitive. That’s the goal for our lack the experience of interna- game against Yemen on Saturday during the players, especially the youngsters,” tional football. As you know we second half. Sanchez said. don’t have a league back home. We Ahmed Fathi replaced Madibo in the sec- “We got our target (on Satur- are trying to learn and improve. ond half as Qatar beat Yemen 4-0. day). Hopefully we will do the Unfortunately in the first 18 min- Madibo’s absence is a huge loss for the same in the next two matches. utes, we conceded those goals,” Qatari team, which is defending its title at After this (tournament), we will Mebratu said. Gulf Cup. continue in China and that’s good “The first big challenges for us A replacement has not been announced for the players who are getting is not to concede goals like this. but Qatar can call in a new player accord- good match practice,” he said. We played much better in the sec- ing to the tournament rules and Qatar fired three goals inside ond half. We still have two more regulations. the first 18 minutes leaving Yemen matches to go. We have to learn Qatar coach Felix Sanchez - known for individual brilliance from this match. We have to work

Al Mohannadi Hassan relishing the challenge in Kuwait hails Qatar’s Rizwan Rehmat in the squad (announced by despite their young age,” to defend their title although explosive start Kuwait City / The Peninsula coach Felix Sanchez) which has Mohammed said. there has been an induction of a large number of young players “Some of them are playing new players,” he added. On the QNA tar defender Abdulkareem now,” the 24-year-old defender professionally and some of them Yemen match at the Kuwait Hassan is relishing the chal- explained. were with the team that won the Sports Club Stadium on Saturday, ice-President Qatari and Slenge of appearing in his Prior to the start of the Gulf Asian U-19 Cup so they have Hassan said: “We did not under- Asian Football Associa- second Gulf Cup, saying the Cup, Spanish coach Sanchez played under pressure and deliv- estimate them at any point. We Vtions Saud Al Mohannadi young players in the Qatar squad ignored veteran strikers Rodrigo ered. Qatar has a good mix of played a draw when we last faced congratulated the national team will also stand to gain in experi- Tabata and Sebastian Soria opt- young and experienced and we them, You have to respect their for Saturday’s win over Yemen ence once they are done with ing for captain and star striker hope to do our best and honour individual brilliance. But we in their opening match of 23rd their campaign in Kuwait. Hassan Al Haydos and Akram Afif Qatar football fans,” Mohammed played better in the match.” Gulf Cup. Hassan, who was member of to lead Qatar’s charge at the added. Mohammed said: “We arrived Al Mohannadi said that the the Qatar squad that won the eight-team event in Kuwait. Hassan, who was the skipper ready for this event despite the win was a good start but must 2014 Gulf Cup in Saudi Arabia, “Despite having a young side, of the Qatar squad that featured doubts that were hovering be put in perspective as the has risen through the ranks we promise to make the maxi- at the 2016 AFC U-23 Champi- around the start (of the event). road to maintaining the title will rather quickly impressing with mum effort. These young players onship held in Doha, said Gulf We have entered the champion- be long. his feisty nature on the pitch with will go step-by-step to the end,” Cup rivals are giving greater ship strongly with this win. We He also stressed that the the senior team and at home club Hassan said. importance to Qatar as they have will try to maintain the intensity win will be a boost for the play- Al Sadd. Midfielder Ismail Mohammed landed in Kuwait as the defend- and we aim defend our title we ers to deliver even better “It is a good experience for - who was one of the star per- ing champions. won three years ago.” performances in the coming all of us but for our young play- formers in Qatar’s win against “We are aware that everyone He added: “In general, there matches. “What is more impor- ers, the Gulf Cup will be very Yemen on Saturday - echoed looks at us as the defending is no easy game and we have to tant than the result is to focus useful,” Hassan told reporters Hassan’s sentiments. champions but the team manage- enter every match as a final. We on continuing the good per- yesterday following Qatar’s 4-0 “We are confident that these ment do not want to put a lot of can’t be thinking about other formance in the future,” Al hammering of Yemen on (young) players will get the sup- pressure on them,” Hassan said, competitors but we need to focus Mohannadi said. Saturday. port they require They are all “Having said that, these on our performances, our He also expressed his hap- “There has been a big change players with decent experience young players will do their best strengths.” piness at the high level of Abdulkareem Hassan performance of youngsters. SPORT MONDAY 25 DECEMBER 2017 25 Barzal’s hat-trick gives Warriors’ win streak Islanders 5-2 victory; Knights blank Capitals snapped by Nuggets New York NHL RESULTS Agencies St. Louis 3 Vancouver 1 Los Angeles athew Barzal collected San Jose 2 Los Angeles 0 AFP his first NHL hat trick Las Vegas 3 Washington 0 Mas New York cruised Colorado 6 Arizona 2 he Denver Nuggets past Winnipeg. Dallas 4 Nashville 3 stunned the Golden Barzal (20 years, 211 days) Edmonton 4 Montreal 1 State Warriors 96-81 scored twice in the first and Tampa Bay 3 Minnesota 0 on Saturday, holding once in the third to become the Florida 1 Ottawa 0 the NBA champions to youngest Islanders player to New Jersey 4 Chicago 1 Ta season-low in points and snap- record a hat trick since John Toronto 3 NY Rangers 2 ping their 11-game winning Tavares did so at 20 years and Anaheim 4 Pittsburgh 0 streak. 117 days on Jan. 15, 2011. Anders The Warriors high-octane Lee and Anthony Beauvillier Carolina 4 Buffalo 2 offense -- which they’ve main- also scored for New York and Columbus 2 Philadelphia 1

tained despite a spate of injuries Jaroslav Halak recorded 38 Boston 3 Detroit 1 that include two-time NBA Most saves. NY Islanders 5 Winnipeg 2 Valuable Player Stephen Curry’s Tucker Poolman and Adam sprained ankle -- sputtered all Lowry scored for the Jets, who en route to the 45th career night. ended a four-game road trip shutout of his career. “It was frustrating for sure,” with three straight losses (0-2- Braden Holtby had 25 saves Denver Nuggets said Kevin Durant, who led the 1). Steve Mason made 24 saves. for Washington, which fell out Warriors with 18 points, but con- guard Gary Harris Meanwhile, Marc-Andre of first place in the Metropoli- nected on just six of 17 shots (left) shoots the Fluery stopped 26 shots to pick tan Division. from the field and couldn’t get basketball against up his first shutout of the sea- Lightning 3, Wild 0 any of his five three-point Golden State son and lead the Vegas Golden Dan Girardi, Tyler Johnson attempts to drop. Warriors forward Knights to a 3-0 victory over and Nikita Kucherov scored in He wasn’t the only one suf- David West during the Washington Capitals on Sat- the final 2:42 to lift Tampa Bay. fering. Klay Thompson was the second quarter urday night at T-Mobile Arena. Andrei Vasilevskiy finished six-of-21 from the field, and one- of their NBA game It was the eighth win in nine with 22 saves for his fourth of-10 from three-point range in at Oracle Arena on games (8-0-1) for the Golden shutout of the season and producing 15 points. Saturday. Knights, who are tied with eighth of his career. Overall, the Warriors made Tampa Bay for the most home The NHL-best Lightning 32 of their 83 shots from the wins in the NHL (15). enter the three-day break for floor, and just three of 27 from you can feel the energy -- after the Washington Wizards with a Victor Oladipo was the star Alex Tuch, Oscar Lindberg Christmas with nine wins in three-point range as they pro- every miss Denver was just tak- 117-92 romp past the Chicago in Indianapolis, scoring 38 points and William Karlsson all scored the past 10 games and seven duced their season-low in ing it away from us as far as Bulls. and handing out six assists as the first-period goals for Vegas. consecutive victories on home points. energy was concerned.” The Celtics out-scored the Indiana Pacers defeated the That was all Fluery needed ice. They missed from beyond The Nuggets took full advan- Bulls 38-18 in the third quarter Brooklyn Nets 123-119 in the arc, they missed layups -- tage, with Gary Harris scoring to pull away, avenging a hum- overtime. Andre Iguodala was stunned to 19 points to lead a balanced bling defeat in Chicago two The Nets led by as many as miss a dunk. attack that saw five Denver play- weeks ago in which Boston 19 in the first half, but the Pac- All those misses took a toll, ers score in double figures. scored a season-low 85 points. ers out-scored them 40-23 in the Durant said. Nikola Jokic added 18 points, Boston guard Kyrie Irving third quarter. Indiana were up “It’s a feel-good game,” he Wilson Chandler and Trey Lyles scored 25 points and handed out by nine before the Nets battled said. scored 15 apiece and Jamal Mur- seven assists as the Celtics back to force overtime. “You want to make shots, ray chipped in 14 as Denver bounced back from a loss to the “In the second half, things that’s what gets us going, that’s followed up Friday’s win at Port- New York Knicks on Thursday. started going our way. We just what gets the crowd going. So land with another impressive In Salt Lake City, reigning picked it up and played at a high road victory. NBA MVP Russell Westbrook level at both ends, and we were NBA RESULTS “What a great effort. What a posted his 11th triple-double of successful because of it,” Olad- San Antonio 108 Sacramento 99 great performance. What a great the season to lead the Oklahoma ipo said. Portland 95 LA Lakers 92 win for us,” Nuggets coach City Thunder to a 100-89 vic- In Sacramento, the absence Minnesota 115 Phoenix 106 Michael Malone said. tory over the Utah Jazz. of forward Kawhi Leonard and Denver 96 Golden State 81 Warriors coach Steve Kerr Westbrook scored 27 points guard Danny Green made no dif- insisted his team would put the with 10 rebounds and 10 assists. ference to the San Antonio Spurs, New Orleans 109 Miami 94 disappointing outing behind Paul George added 26 points and who extended their dominance Mathew Barzal of the Memphis 115 LA Clippers 112 them before hosting the Cleve- Carmelo Anthony scored 16 for over the Kings with a 108-99 New York Islanders Oklahoma City 103 Utah 89 land Cavaliers in a Christmas the Thunder, who beat Utah for victory. celebrates his goal Atlanta 112 Dallas 107 Day showcase -- a rematch of a third straight time. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 29 against the Winnipeg Boston 117 Chicago 92 the last three NBA Finals. “We wanted to come out and points and grabbed 10 rebounds Jets in New York City on Charlotte 111 Milwaukee 106 “You flush this down the toi- set the tone early,” Anthony said. and Pau Gasol contributed a tri- Saturday. Indiana 123 Brooklyn 119 let and move on,” Kerr said. “Defensively, we did that. Once ple-double of 14 points, 11

Washington 130 Orlando 103 The Eastern Conference we set the tone early, we had the rebounds and 10 assists as the Toronto 102 Philadelphia 86 leading Boston Celtics warmed momentum going throughout Spurs beat the Kings for the 11th up for their Christmas tilt against the whole game.” straight time. Flacco stars as Ravens hang on to beat the Colts

New York touchdown. Brissett did not have inactive and receiver Jordy Nel- Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco Agencies a turnover and was sacked once. son lost for the second half, (left) scrambles past Indianapolis Colts Indianapolis receiver TY simply lacked the horses to chal- oe Flacco threw a pair of linebacker Tarell Basham during the Hilton created matchup prob- lenge the Vikings. touchdown passes and the second quarter of their NFL game on lems for much of the game and Minnesota won for the 10th JBaltimore Ravens held off the Saturday. finished with six receptions for time in 11 games by knocking off Indianapolis Colts for a 23-16 100 yards. the rival Packers 16-0 in a game victory and took over the sixth The Ravens’ opening drive played in sub-10 degree play-off spot in the AFC on Sat- stalled at the Colts’ 12 after 14 temperatures. urday night. plays, and they settled for a For the fourth time in their Colts linebacker Anthony 30-yard field goal by Tucker. last six games, the Vikings (12-3) Walker blocked a punt with 2:36 Tony Jefferson blocked an allowed fewer than 10 points. It left in the game, giving his team attempted 38-yard field goal by was their first shutout victory the ball on the Ravens’ 27-yard Vinatieri on the ensuing drive. since 1993. Harrison Smith’s sec- line. However, on fourth-and-10, That led to a 6-yard touch- ond interception of the night Baltimore cornerback Maurice down pass from Flacco to preserved the achievement. Canady knocked down a pass Michael Campanaro and Balti- Green Bay (7-8) was blanked from Indianapolis quarterback more led 10-0 with 12:16 left in for the second time this season, Jacoby Brissett to seal the win. the half. also losing at home to Baltimore The Ravens (9-6) overtook The Colts responded when 23-0 on November 19. Buffalo (8-6) in the postseason Frank Gore took a short pass Brett Hundley, making his race, and Baltimore currently has from Brissett and ran it in for a eighth start for Rodgers, was a better record against common 14-yard score. Another 39-yard ineffective, going 17 of 40 for 130 opponents, which would be a tie- kick by Tucker with two minutes yards and two interceptions. He breaker. The Bills play at New left made it 13-7, wasn’t helped by a handful of England on Sunday. Vinatieri missed a 60-yard drops, a makeshift offensive line Flacco was 29 of 38 for 237 open the second half. Colts costly for the Colts (3-12) on the pulled the Colts to within 23-16 attempt in the final seconds and and the lack of two of the team’s yards. kicker Adam Vinatieri kept his Ravens’ next drive. Flacco made with 4:33 left in the game. That the Ravens led 13-7 at the break. top weapons. Baltimore was able to move team in the game with 48- and them pay with a 4-yard touch- gave Indianapolis just enough life In Green Bay, the Minnesota Case Keenum threw a first- the ball against the Colts’ 30th- 38-yard field goals and Indian- down pass to tight end Maxx to put itself in position to win the Vikings’ defence dominated the quarter touchdown pass to ranked defense, but struggled to apolis trailed just 16-13 with 1:34 Williams -- his first score of the game. short-handed Packers. Stefon Diggs, and running backs find the end zone. Justin Tuck- left in the third quarter. season. That put Baltimore ahead Brissett did a solid job man- The Packers, with quarter- Latavius Murray and Jerick er’s third field goal of the game Two penalties -- a hold and 23-13 aging the game. He completed back Aaron Rodgers on injured McKinnon combined for 111 increased their lead to 16-7 to pass interference -- proved to be Vinatieri’s 30-yard field goal 16 of 33 for 215 yards with a reserve, receiver Davante Adams rushing yards for Minnesota. 26 SPORT MONDAY 25 DECEMBER 2017

Overton out Ashes gone, pride at stake of fourth Test with for wounded England at MCG injury Melbourne Melbourne AFP AFP ngland paceman Craig ngland are contemplat- Overton is out of the ing changes as they Efourth Ashes Test look to restore bat- against Australia with a frac- tered pride in tured rib, officials said tomorrow’s fourth yesterday. EMelbourne Test after surrender- The England and Wales ing the Ashes to Australia. Board confirmed he It’s been a tour from hell for would not play in the Mel- Joe Root’s beleaguered team, bourne Test, starting on succumbing to three heavy Boxing Day. defeats and rendering the last Uncapped fast bowler two Tests in Melbourne and Syd- Tom Curran will reportedly ney as “dead rubbers.” make his debut to replace Root has been in the eye of him, although fellow speed- the storm over the tourists ster Mark Wood has trained underwhelming efforts with with the team this week. former Australia captain Ricky Overton, who made his Ponting deriding him as a “little Test debut in Adelaide this boy” who has been a “bit soft” month, was diagnosed with a during the one-sided series. cracked rib during the third Several other under-per- Test in Perth. forming senior players, notably He was struck when bat- Alastair Cook, Stuart Broad and ting in Adelaide and Moeen Ali, have also been under exacerbated the injury when the gun with some critics calling he tumbled while attempting for their axing. to take a catch off his own England are more likely to bowling in Perth. call up either Tom Curran or It is a blow for England, Mark Wood for injured paceman with Overton one of their best players on a troubled tour in Enjoying tennis after sealing Ashes: Australia’s cricket team captain Steve Smith hits a return against tennis player Milos Raonic which the Ashes urn was sur- of Canada during a media call for the upcoming Australia Open in Melbourne on Friday. rendered before Christmas. “It’s obviously quite sore... Craig Overton who is in doubt is another for England, who have in the ICC’s all-time rankings list no let-up with short-pitched and not the most ideal thing There is some with a cracked rib, while young had their moments in the series, along with England’s Len Hut- bowling to England’s tailenders to get,” Overton told report- leg-spinner Mason Crane is but have been blown away by ton and only behind the despite claims their batsmen ers last week. respite for England pushing for a Test debut. big losses -- 10 in Bris- legendary Don Bradman. deserve more protection from “It just seemed like bat- with Australian England and Wales Cricket bane, 120 runs in Adelaide and Smith has a career average the umpires. “We obviously had tling through the pain was in Board chief Tom Harrison typi- an innings and 41 runs in Perth. of 62.32 from 59 Tests, second a plan from the start of the series my nature. I’ve always been pace spearhead fied the feelings inside the team Cook, who became the first only to Bradman’s pinnacle that we were going to bowl a lot taught to fight through things Mitchell Starc when he said this week: “I don’t Englishman to play 150 Tests 99.94. of short stuff to those guys, much and that’s what I’ve had to ruled out think this is the moment for rash during the series, has scored just The Australian skipper is like we did back in 2013,” Smith do.” decisions.” 83 runs in six innings, while Root gunning for his fourth consecu- said this week. Curran, a right-armer yesterday with a Wicketkeeper Jonny has two half-centuries but only tive Melbourne Test century after Australia have won half of from Surrey, was only added bruised heel and Bairstow has called on his team- 176 runs at 29.33. hundreds against Pakistan, the the 56 Tests played at the vast to England’s Ashes squad mates to rally behind their In comparison, Australia West Indies and India in the last MCG, although England won when Steve Finn was ruled replaced by under-fire skipper. skipper Steve Smith is in crack- three Boxing Day showpieces. there in 1998 and 2010. Cricket out at the start of the tour Jackson Bird “We don’t just owe him ing form and is coming off a Test There is some respite for Australia chief executive James with a torn knee cartilage. (Root), we owe ourselves as best 239 in the third Test. He is England with Australian pace Sunderland said the Boxing Day Born in South Africa, the well,” Bairstow said. “We’ve got averaging 142 for the series. spearhead Mitchell Starc ruled crowd was likely to surpass the 22-year-old played a one- to go out there and try and win Smith’s phenomenal form out yesterday with a bruised heel 91,112 that made Ashes history in day international and three both of these Test matches.” has him in rarefied company and and replaced by Jackson Bird. 2013-14 even though England had T20s for England earlier this Talking is one thing, doing it occupying joint second position But Smith has vowed already lost the series. year. India secure five- win De Villiers ready for Zimbabwe and India over SL, inflict whitewash Port Elizabeth captain when he last played AFP , against England in January 2016. Since then he’s Mumbai SCOREBOARD outh Africa’s batting icon battled injury, taken a break IANS AB de Villiers (pictured) from the long form of the game Sri Lanka says his near two-year and handed over the captaincy N Dickwella c Siraj b Unadkat ...... 1 S ndia produced a dominant U Tharanga c Pandya b Unadkat ...... 11 Test break has enabled him to to former school team-mate Faf performance to hammer Sri K Perera c & b Sundar ...... 4 prepare thoroughly for his du Plessis. ILanka by five wickets in the S Samarawickrama c Karthik b Pandya ...... 21 comeback in a one-off day- “I think that Faf has all the third and final Twenty20 Inter- A Gunaratne c Yadav b Pandya ...... 36 night Test against Zimbabwe, credentials to make a really national (T20I) and win the D Gunathilaka c Pandya b Yadav ...... 3 starting tomorrow. successful captain. I believe he series 3-0 at the Wankhede Sta- T Perera c Sharma b Siraj ...... 11 “I’ve had a great pre-sea- has the potential to become the dium here on Sunday. D Shanaka (not out) ...... 29 son, which I haven’t had for 13 best captain South Africa has Opting to bowl on winning A Dananjaya (not out) ...... 11 years,” he said in an interview seen so far,” he said. “I faced a Extras (LB2, W6) ...... 8 Sunday the toss, India restricted Sri Total (7 wkts) ...... 135 with South Africa’s few pink balls last night on a Times Lanka to 135/7. Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-14, 3-18, 4-56, 5-72, 6-85, newspaper. spicy wicket, it was slightly The hosts then overcame the 7-111 The big challenge for De tough,” he said. loss of early wickets to overhaul Did not bat: D Chameera, N Pradeep Villiers and his team-mates, “But then again it’s a great the target with four balls to Bowling: Sundar 4-0-22-1, Unadkat 4-0-15-2 though, is what happens after challenge. It’s the ultimate form spare. (w1), Siraj 4-0-45-1 (w2), Pandya 4-0-25-2 (w3), the four-day clash against Zim- of the game. It’s the greatest Pacers Dushmantha Cha- Yadav 4-0-26-1 babwe - a three-Test tour by challenge to come out on top meera and Dasun Shanaka India number one team India, start- with batting when the ball is Indian players celebrate a Sri Lankan wicket during their third R Sharma c K Perera b Shanaka ...... 27 bagged two wickets each for Sri L Rahul lbw b Chameera ...... 4 ing in Cape Town on January moving around in Lanka. Chasing a modest target, T20 in Mumbai yesterday. S Iyer run out (Dananjaya) ...... 30 5. “I’m veryy excitedexcited thatthat TestTest criccricket,”ket,” India did not enjoy a great start M Pandey b Chameera ...... 32 they are ggoingoing to be hehe saisaid.d. as openers Lokesh Rahul and man region, but his miscued shot not out off 24) were the main H Pandya c Dickwella b Shanaka ...... 4 touring inin SouthSouth Rohit Sharma departed in quick was safely grabbed by Sri Lanka contributors for the struggling D Karthik (not out) ...... 18 Africa. I haven’t succession. wicket-keeper Niroshan visitors, who lost the first two M.S Dhoni (not out) ...... 16 played againstgainst Shreyas Iyer and Manish Dickwella. T20Is in Cuttack and Indore. Extras (LB5, W3) ...... 8 India for a whwhileile Pandey then added 42 runs The hosts suffered another Both openers Niroshan Dick- Total (5 wkts) ...... 139 now, so it’s Fall of wickets: 1-17, 2-39, 3-81, 4-99, 5-108 between them in 36 deliveries setback when the in-form Man- wella (1) and Upul Thranga (11) Did not bat: W Sundar, K Yadav, J Unadkat, M Siraj going to bbee a to bring the Indian inings back ish Pandey, who was their top fell to left-arm seamer Jaydev Bowling: Danajaya 4-0-27-0 (w1), Chameera really goodood on track. scorer with 32 runs off 29 balls, Unadkat (2/15). 4-0-22-2 (w2), Perera 3.2-0-22-0, Pradeep 4-0- series,” saidd De The visitors struck back was bowled by Dushmantha While left-hander Dickwella 36-0, Shanaka 4-0-27-2 Villiers.

when Iyer was run out thanks to Chameera. was caught by Mohammad Siraj Result: India won by 5 wickets India willill be led by an excellent piece of fielding by However, Dinesh Karthick at mid-on, Tharanga played one Series: India won the three-match series 3-0 his Indiann Premier Akila Dananjaya in the 14th over. and the veteran Mahendra Singh to the hands of Hardik Pandya League team-matem-mate Virat Hardik Pandya was also dis- Dhoni came together to finish at deep midwicket, leaving his Gunaratne (36 off 37) and Kohli. “I’d sayay Virat is one missed in the very next over as off the chase. side at 18/3 in 3.3 overs. Sadeera Samarawickrama (21) of the best captainscaptains at tthehe the Sri Lankans looked to make Earlier, India rode on a In between these two wick- seemed to be building a strong moment, thee most improved a strong comeback. strong bowling performance to ets, debutant off-spinner partnership until the latter mis- - there’s a bbigig cchangehange ffromrom Pandya had attempted to restrict Sri Lanka to a low total. Washington Sundar got Kusal timed Pandya and Dinesh when I first ssawaw him captaincaptain-- guide a delivery from Dasun Asela Gunaratne (36 off 37 Perera’s catch of his own bowl- Karthik caught it at mid-off, with ing to now.”” Shanaka through the empty third balls) and Dasun Shanaka (29 ing as Sri Lanka struggled. Sri Lanka at 56/4 in 8.3 overs. De Villiersiers was ththee MONDAY 25 DECEMBER 2017 SPORT 27 Khalifa Complex gets new look for Qatar ExxonMobil Open

The Peninsula Dominic Thiem, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Tomas Berdych, Richard Gasquet and Fernando he Khalifa International Tennis and Verdasco as well as Pablo Carreno Busta, Squash Complex in Doha has started to the event. Tto wear a new look in preparation Tournament Director Karim Alami for the 2018 Qatar ExxonMobil Open. said, “We are set to host the world once The prestigious tournament will be again. Qatar ExxonMobil Open has held from January 1 to 6, 2018. earned the reputation of being one of Ahead of the tournament, necessary the best organised tournaments on the branding materials are already being put ATP tour and this year won’t be an in place and the courts are getting the exception. Fans are guaranteed the best required facelifts in readiness for the of entertainment as they watch their tournament. beloved stars slug it out on the courts at The Qatar Tennis, Squash and Badmin- the Khalifa International Tennis and ton Federation (QTSBF), under the dynamic Squash Complex.” leadership of His Excellency Nasser Al Tickets for the 2018 Qatar ExxonMo- Khelaifi, is leaving no stone unturned in bil Open are currently on sale online and ensuring yet another very successful week- in the malls and they are available at City long feast of tennis. Centre, Landmark, Lagoona, Villaggio and Former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic Mall of Qatar or can be purchased online will be leading a star cast which includes at www.qatartennis.org QFA hosts draw for Asian Communities Tournament

The Peninsula

he sixth Asian Commu- nities Football Tournament (ACFT) draw ceremony took place at the Qatar Foot- T ball Association’s (QFA) headquarters on Saturday. The ACFT tournament this year features the participation of twelve Asian community teams divided into two groups of six who will battle out win the title. Organised by the QFA, the ACFT is a community tournament which brings together various Asian communities residing in Qatar, and encourages them to play more football in a fun com- Qatar Football Association Sub- Barca’s Lionel Messi celebrates after petitive environment. Leagues Committee member Khalid The draw was conducted by winning the La Liga El Clasico against Real Al Rumaihi (left) picks a team during Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Khalid Al Rumaihi, member of the draw ceremony. the Sub-Leagues Committee at Madrid, Spain on Saturday. QFA, QFA officials and was attended by the twelve partici- Jordan’s Charge d’Affaires and pating teams’ community Minister Plenipotentiary Soufian ASIAN COMMUNITIES FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT DRAW leaders. Al Qudah. Conclusions from The tournament will kick-off Commenting on the occasion, Group A: Group B: on January 11, 2018 while the Hilal Al Mohannadi, Chairman 1. Jordan 1. Singapore opening ceremony will take place of the Sub-Leagues Committee 2. India 2. Japan Barcelona’s on the following day at 7:30pm. said: “We are very excited to 3. Philippines 3. Lebanon Matches will be played on Thurs- launch the sixth edition of this 4. Malaysia 4. Indonesia days and Fridays at 8pm and exciting tournament. The ACFT 5. Sri Lanka 5. Bangladesh 9.20pm. demonstrates QFA’s objective 6. Korea Republic 6. Nepal El Clasico cruise The final of the tournament which is to organise a tourna- will take place on March 30 and ment that acts as an effective Madrid for not building from a position will kick off at 7pm. tool to help support integration teams split into two groups the number of participating AFP of strength as they cashed in Last year’s tournament was and positive community engage- where they will play group stage teams as more communities rather than splashing out in the won by Jordan who beat Leba- ment amongst the various matches, followed with the top expressed huge interest in being arcelona further tightened transfer market in the non 1-0 in the final match that communities in Qatar through four teams of each group qual- part of this exciting community their vice-like grip on the summer. took place at Al Ahli Stadium, football. It also provides an ifying for the knockout stage. tournament. BLa Liga title by sweeping Alvaro Morata, James Rod- allowing them to be crowned opportunity for community The ACFT was launched in The ACFT is sponsored by aside eternal rivals Real Madrid riguez and Pepe all left, whilst champions for a second time, teams to display their talents at sports season 2012-2013 and the Supreme Committee for 3-0 on Saturday to leave the Real failed to get their premier which made them the team with an organised football tourna- saw the participation of six Delivery & Legacy as the official European champions 14 points target as Kylian Mbappe chose most titles won. Last year’s final ment officiated by the QFA teams. In its’ first edition, the strategic partner, Nike as the adrift down in fourth place. to join Neymar at PSG. match and closing ceremony was referees.” tournament saw huge success official supplier, and Al Kass Here are some conclusions Missing out on Mbappe attended by Lebanon’s Ambas- The tournament will follow and as a result, the following edi- Sports Channels as the official to draw from El Clasico: could prove even more costly sador to Qatar Hassan Najm, and the traditional format of twelve tions witnessed an increase in broadcaster. when Madrid face PSG in the last TITLE DECIDED 16 of the Champions League. The day before Santa Claus However, Real don’t just comes to Spain, Barca already need a refreshment up front to Pochettino hails ‘fantastic’ Kane and Alli have what they most wanted for offer back up to the ageing duo Christmas. of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Not only did they leave Benzema, now both in their Madrid trailing, but defeats for ninth season in Madrid. after emphatic victory against Burnley Atletico Madrid and Valencia The hosts faded physically this weekend mean they now in the second half as the toil of lead La Liga by nine points. playing in six competitions this Burnley, United Kingdom He won a disputed pen- three-and-a-half years I Ernesto Valverde’s men are season has become increasingly AFP alty early in the game, have been here,” Pochettino unbeaten in 25 games, stretch- apparent in recent months. shortly after receiving a yel- said. ing back to their previous visit auricio Pochettino low card for a dangerous “He makes a contribu- to the Santiago Bernabeu when BARCA DEFENCE FOR REAL saluted “fantastic” challenge on Burnley tion not only with goals but they were outclassed as Real The key to Valverde’s reju- Mduo Harry Kane and defender Charlie Taylor, with his attitude and his pro- wrapped up a 5-1 aggregate win venation of Barca has been an Dele Alli after Tottenham with many home fans believ- fessionalism. How he works in the Spanish Super Cup. unusual one for the Catalans. revived their challenge for ing it should have been a on the pitch is fantastic. He’s Back then, Real seemed all- Unlike the sparkling football Champions League qualifi- sending off. a massive example for conquering after a first La Liga shown by Pep Guardiola or Luis cation with a 3-0 win at However, he did produce everyone. and Champions League double Enrique’s treble winning sides Burnley. a sublime pass for Kane to Alli has had a relatively for 59 years, whilst Barca were in the past decade, Barca have Kane scored a hat-trick complete his hat-trick with disappointing personal sea- reeeling from the loss of Ney- built from the back. to take his total of Premier 12 minutes to go. son to date, with only three mar to Paris Saint-Germain. Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter League goals in the calendar Pochettino said that both league goals to his name. However, thanks to Val- Stegen has been in outstanding year to 36, equalling the men played a significant role The midfielder was crit- verde’s shrewd management, form, but Neymar’s departure competition record set by in Tottenham’s first away icised heavily a week ago for the Catalans have bounced back has also allowed Valverde to Alan Shearer with Blackburn league win since September a bad challenge on Manches- in incredible style, dropping only play an extra midfielder to offer in 1995. 30, and is hopeful that they ter City’s Kevin de Bruyne, six points in their opening 17 more protection to the back Alli played a rather more can continue to lift a side for which he received a yel- league games while their rivals four. controversial role in pro- who had slipped to seventh low card, while his early have floundered. Barca have conceded just ceedings, although he did place before the weekend. tackle on Taylor was another Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane eight goals in their 25-game end the match with two “Harry is so important. I example of his temperamen- (left) and team-mate Dele Alli MADRID NEED FRESH LEGS unbeaten run, registering 18 assists. have praised him over the tal side. Real have paid a heavy price clean sheets.