SPORT Thursday 30 May 2019 PAGEP | 25 PAGE | 27 England Federer and Nadalal launchlau World power into third CupCup bidb against round at French SoSouth Africa Open Qatar ready for uphill task against USA

THE PENINSULA FIFA U-20 World Cup team to ensure their passage to Qatar displayed a gallant TYCHY, POLAND the knockout stage from Group performance against Ukraine D, for the fourth time in their in their second group match Qatar, after losing their first two games, must beat USA Qatar players are ready for an history, by defeating Qatar 1-0 in on Monday. uphill task when they face the by a good margin to keep hopes alive for last 16 stage. Tychy. United States in their final match They can now approach their of the preliminary stage at FIFA The tournament’s 24-team format allows the four best third and final Group D game U-20 World Cup today. third-placed countries from the groups to also progress. against Nigeria – who lost to a Qatar, coached by Bruno USA side that played some Miguel, have lost matches against attractive football. Nigeria and Ukraine at the In an even contest against Ukraine, Qatar displayed Ukraine have now advanced 24-team tournament. better cohesion before conceding a second-half goal. to the Round of 16 in all four of However, the tournament’s their appearances in competition 24-team format allows the four history (2001, 2005, 2015 and best third-placed countries from Maksym Chekh. He will miss tournament with six points from 2019). However, they have yet to the groups to also progress. today’s match. two matches. reach the quarter-finals. In an even contest against Qatar’s young squad has Along with Ukraine, other Nigeria and the US each have Ukraine, Qatar displayed better shown flashes of brilliance in teams to qualify for the next stage three points from two matches cohesion before conceding a their two matches. include Uruguay and New in Group D. second-half goal on Monday. However, a stern test awaits Zealand joining already-qualified Also on Tuesday, Argentina Qatar also received a blow as the Al Annabi squad. Italy and Senegal in the last 16 of beat Portugal 2-0 at the Bielsko- Nasir Peer was shown a Ukraine have qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Biala Stadium to book La Albice- red card for a late tackle on the next round of the The Ukrainians were the first leste’s spot in the last 16. QAED, new academic Copa America stint will reap programme for all athletes launched long-term rewards, says Afif

THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA DOHA RIO DE JANEIRO

The Supreme Committee for & Legacy’s Josoor Institute, National team striker Ali Afif It is a very important Qatar Football Association (QFA), Qatar Stars League (QSL) and yesterday said Qatar featuring at Qatar Players’ Association jointly launched an initiative named Copa America will help the young event for all the QAED leadership programme. squad get long-term benefits. players, especially The programme aims to enable current and former ath- Asian champions Qatar are for the younger ones. letes with the desire to pursue further education to broaden set to feature at next month’s their intellectual and educational horizon, and to significantly Copa America. It will be Qatar’s This will give us a very increase post sports-career security in the job market while maiden appearance at the good experience as we following their professional Sports career. 12-team tournament that has prepare for the 2022 QSL CEO Hani Taleb Ballan said the QSL, in co-ordination huge following across the football FIFA World Cup: Ali Afif with its partners and stakeholders, was keen to provide world. assistance to athletes and thus launched this initiative called Coached by Felix Sanchez, Qatari players during a QAED, one of the best educational programmes for athletes. Qatar arrived in Brazil on training session in Rio De gain more experience at the same “We’re proud to have partnered the Qatar Football Family Monday following a short stay in Janeiro on Tuesday. time,” he added. in launching this initiative, and I wish success to all our ath- Texas, United States. Qatar have camped at Porto letes who long to join this programme in order to achieve their Qatar are set to play matches Belo, a coastal town just not too goals and ambitions,” said Ballan. against Argentina, Columbia and South American football giants. “I will do everything in my far away from Rio de Janeiro. QFA General Secretary Mansoor Al Ansari praised the Paraguay. It is a different school of football power to get the opportunity to Coach Sanchez is currently programme. “It is a very important event and we have never played against play well,” Qatar striker Al Ansari helping the squad prepare for an “The interest in the development of former and current for all the players, especially for them before,” Afif added. said. international friendly against professional athletes, especially in education and management, the younger ones. This will give us “We will certainly strive to “This is one of the toughest hosts and five-time World Cup comes within the framework of QFA’s Vision 2021 and it aligns a very good experience as we give honourable performance. tournaments anywhere in the winners Brazil at the famous with the Qatar National Vision 2030. It also reflects QFA’s prepare for the 2022 FIFA World We will go for the best results and world. All the Latin American Maracana Stadium. keenness to stay updated when it comes to leadership and Cup,” Afif, who plays for Al Duhail, confirm our status as Asian teams will be there. I think our According to team officials, progress,” said Al Ansari. said in an interview during team champions. We have not come group - that has Argentina, players are adjusting quickly to “We’re proud of this programme, which supports the devel- training session yesterday. here just to play. We want to win Columbia and Paraguay - doesn’t the six-hour time different opment of young people as well as athletes, and comes in the “We are competing against and succeed in the matches we need any deep evaluation. It is a between Qatar and Brazil. interest of sports in general. It gives everyone the opportunity play,” he added. tough group with quality sides,” After the Brazil clash, Qatar to develop further,” said Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Executive QATAR FIXTURES “I know that every player he added. are scheduled to play a friendly Director of Competitions and Football Development (Acting) wishes to do well for Qatar in this “Despite the difficulty of this against a local club on June 9 at QSL. June 5: Brazil vs Qatar tournament. This will be our first group, we have a lot of optimism before the coach trims the squad For her part, Josoor Institute, Executive Director Afraa Al (international friendly) appearance in Copa America to achieve positive results, to of 28 players to 23 for Copa Noaimi said: “QAED the academic programme, we’ve launched June 9: Qatar vs club (friendly) tournament and we want to do make strong performances. We America set to be held between in co-operation with our partners in Qatar, is one of the most really well,” he said. have confidence in our capabil- June 15 to July 9. important and effective initiatives to support the country’s sports June 16: Qatar vs Paraguay Afif’s team-mate Abdulaziz ities and potential to do well. Our The entire squad has had a

capabilities. We’re always keen to support education of profes- June 20: Qatar vs Colombia Al Ansari said he was looking presence in a strong group is in few training sessions that has sional athletes and help them obtain certificates in studies.” June 23: Qatar vs Argentina forward to making the playing our favour because it will bring centred around physical drills on XI. us the best out of us and we will the pitch. Al Attiyah consolidates lead at Kazakhstan Rally

THE PENINSULA crews went out into a picturesque rocky today in order to increase the gap between off-road vehicle, Bernhard continues to of his car. But we had a tire puncture, we KENDERLI valley, where a high-speed section was other race drivers. It was not so simple, but demonstrate an impressive desire for changed the wheel. After that, we safely waiting for them along the Ustyurt plateau. I am happy. I didn’t drive too much, because leadership in the Rally Kazakhstan 2019. drove the rest of the special stage and fin- Qatar’s Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah yesterday The best time was shown by the pilot this stage is more technical and demanded The race driver, taking into account yes- ished. I am pleased with the , but set the fastest time at Rally Kazakhstan from Al Attiyah, breaking the track in 3 a lot of navigation,” Al Attiyah said terday’s result, rose from fourth to second there are still three days of races ahead, 2019 - the third round of the FIA World hours 9 minutes and 11 seconds. This victory yesterday. place in the overall standings. ”said Ten Brinke after the finish. Cup for Cross Country Rallies - strength- allowed the duet of Al Attiyah and Mathieu The first ever Dutchman to win a Dakar “Today I started the second race, after The current champion of the World Cup ening his lead in the overall standings. Baumel to strengthen the leadership in the special stage behind the wheel of an Nasser, I saw dust from under the wheels for Cross Country Rallies Jakub Przygonski Dutchman Bernhard Ten Brinke overall standings of pilots and break away passed the third special stage quickly and climbed to second spot while Polish pilot from the close competitors of Bernhard efficiently. Jakub Przygonski holds third overall. The Ten Brinke and Jakub Przygonski for 12 length of the third section Rally Kazakhstan minutes. 2019 was 327 kilometers. A key factor in the Qatari victory, Yesterday, the rally-raid participants according to experts, is his prudent driving passed the ring road to the east of Kenderli. style and close-knit teamwork. Through the dunes and rocky roads, the “It was very important for us to win Qatar’sQQatar’s NasserN Saleh Al Attiyah in action with co-driver Mathieu Baumel during yesterday’s round. THURSDAY 30 MAY 2019 SPORT 25 England launch World Cup Batsmen to watch AFP LONDON

Cricketers and pundits have predicted that the World bid against Cup in England and Wales will be a high-scoring affair. Here is a look at five batsmen who could wreak AFP havoc. LONDON DEVASTATING GAYLE England will put four years Self-proclaimed “Universe Boss” of planning to the test when reminded bowlers they have every reason to fear him, they face South Africa in the smashing 424 runs for the West Indies in the recent opening match of the 2019 one-day series against England that ended 2-2. The World Cup at the Oval today. 39-year-old announced his intention to retire from So embarrassing was one-day internationals after the World Cup but he has England’s first-round exit at since prevaricated. Gayle is not a top fielder although the 2015 edition in Australia he more than makes up for it with his freewheeling and New Zealand it prompted and often devastating . a major rethink of their attitude to the white-ball KING KOHLI game. Indisputably the best batsman in the world, Virat The transformation has Kohli has a strong case to be regarded as the finest been remarkable, with Eoin of all-time in ODIs. His statistics alone are staggering: Morgan’s men climbing to the 10,843 runs in 227 matches at an average of almost top of the one-day interna- 60, a strike-rate in excess of 90 and 41 hundreds. A tional rankings and twice youngster when India prevailed on home soil eight setting a new record for the years ago, Kohli was firmly in the shadow of Sachin highest one-day international Tendulkar. Now the 30-year-old is shouldering the total, which now stands at expectation of more than a billion Indian fans but, with 481 for six. 14 centuries in his last 39 ODIs, is certain to be rel- Batting has been the basis ishing the challenge. of England’s ODI rejuve- nation, with Jason Roy, Jonny FEISTY WARNER Bairstow, Joe Root, Morgan Controversial opener David Warner, 32, is back and the dynamic Jos Buttler on the international scene, alongside , after among a top seven who can a year-long suspension for his role in a ball-tampering all change the course of an saga that blighted Australian cricket. English crowds Queen Elizabeth II poses for a photograph with the captains of the teams competing at the 2019 ICC World Cup in London, in the blink of an eye. will be quick to remind the belligerent left-hander of England, yesterday. @CRICKETWORLDCUP/TWITTER “It’s an exciting feeling his fall from grace but that could spur him on to greater being in this team as you heights. Warner proved the attributes that made him have world-class players all dressing room we can fidence we can do it,” added play the hosts, the number such a devastating presence at the crease have not around you and the oppo- chase it down,” Rashid, whose ability to take one team, is the best way to dimmed as he topped the batting charts in the Indian sition might get 370, but said England leg- at key stages has also start, because it gives us a Premier League, where he formed an unlikely alliance there’s a belief spinner Adil been an important part of It’s an exciting feeling real sense of where we are with England’s Jonny Bairstow. in the Rashid. England’s white-ball revival. being in this team as and what we need to do going “There is no “We will hopefully stick to forward. HEROIC ZAMAN hesitation or what we’ve been doing the you have world-class “But you don’t have to be Fakhar Zaman, 29, was a key player in Pakistan’s someone going past four years and hope- players all around you number one to win the tour- rise from no-hopers to shock victors in the Champions ‘I don’t know fully the World Cup will and the opposition nament and sometimes you Trophy in England two years ago, when the left-hander about this’. work out well for us.” might get 370, but can win the tournament and was man of the match in the final after a We all have South Africa have suf- there’s a belief in the you don’t even go to number against India. Zaman became only the sixth batsman to record an ODI double century when he smashed that belief fered plenty of World Cup dressing room we one.” and con- heartache but having been South Africa, captained 210 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo last year losing semi-finalists can chase it down: by , are without and averages more than 50. He again showed what four years there is a England leg-spinner retired star batsman AB de he is capable of during the recent ODI series against sense the Proteas are Adil Rashid Villiers but their top order England and, alongside Babar Azam, will be counted going under the radar includes the talented Quinton on to deliver. this time around. de Kock. South Africa coach my two very good friends They will be without Dale FREAK BUTTLER is convinced the Broad and Anderson have Steyn today as the out- In a star-studded batting line-up that will strike pressure is all on the tour- said that England will have standing fast bowler nurses fear into many line-ups, England’s Jos Buttler nament hosts and cited to do something really bad a shoulder injury but South could be their most valuable commodity. An average comments by not to win this World Cup,” Africa have become used to of more than 40 with a strike-rate approaching 120 England quicks recalled Gibson, who knows his absence in recent times. paints its own picture. Buttler, 28, can destroy attacks the pair well from his time as Of arguably greater and change the course of matches in the blink of an and James England bowling coach. importance for today’s match eye and is particularly devastating towards the end of an innings. England’s Jofra Archer found himself up England’s captain Eoin Morgan talks with team-mate Jofra Anderson -- “As far as they are con- is that , against some of the world’s best batsmen during the Archer during a practice session ahead of their opening both of whom no cerned England have won it arguably the leading recent but he still reckoned his match of the ICC Cricket World Cup at the Kia Oval in London, longer play ODI already.” paceman in world cricket most difficult challenge was bowling to Rajasthan Britain, yesterday. cricket -- as an example. Former West Indies fast today, has been passed fit fol- “I heard somewhere that bowler Gibson added: “To lowing a back injury. Royals team-mate Buttler in training.

8 vpxr‡ X‚ yq 8ˆƒ ! (   No need for ‘Superman’: Du Plessis   €h‡pu †purqˆyr   AFP park and play cricket and out with a shoulder injury sus- @tyhq Qhxv†‡h LONDON perform to win a World Cup,” tained playing in the Indian '(( )* + )* Du Plessis told reporters at the Premier League. Dqvh 7htyhqr†u South Africa captain Faf du Oval on Wednesday. Whether we come “It’s a big loss to our + )* + )* Plessis tried to ease the “Learning from myself into this tournament team,” said Du Plessis. “We Ir arhyhq T v Ghxh pressure on his team on the that I can speak of in the past, did expect it when we picked + )* + )* eve of the World Cup by you perhaps feel like you have as favourites or as the squad, Dale was about 60 insisting they did not have to to do more. You know, you underdogs, you still percent when the squad was T‚ˆ‡u 6s vph Xr†‡ Dqvr† play like “Superman” to enjoy have to be a Superman on the have to go out on the picked so it was anticipated. + )* + )* success at the tournament. day. You’re trying to win a park and play cricket A fit Dale Steyn makes our 6ˆ†‡ hyvh 6stuhv†‡h The Proteas will launch World Cup. For me, that’s not and perform to win a bowling attack a very strong + )* + )* the World Cup against hosts what we need to do. World Cup: Du Plessis one. '(!(&! and favourites England at the “We are a good cricket “Steyn, (Kagiso) Rabada  BSPVQ TU6B@ Oval today as they begin their team. Our results has proven and (Lungi) Ngidi are a real   & "!   latest bid to put decades of that. We need to stay present a very important aspect of all threat in English conditions,    & $   & !" disappointmentdisappointment at thethe event in tthehe ffactact that whatwhat we havehave of our llives,ives, bbutut it’s not everyevery-- that’sthat’s planplan A in thethe WorldWorld Cup.     & %$     & "! behindbehind them.them. got on our team is ggoodood thingthing -- there’s a lot more So now it’s just a  !" &    & #" SouthSouth AfricaAfrica havehave won enoughenough to beatbeat any team on bibiggergger thinthingsgs than winninwinningg reshuffle,r eshuffle,  "! & #"   & %$ onlyonly one of seven World Cup thethe dayday and trust that, not gogo and losinlosingg ggamesames of criccricket.ket.ket lookinglooking knockoutknockout matcmatches,hes, against Sri away thinkingthinking ‘today‘today I needneed “And“And tthat,h a t, to planplan  & $   & !" LankaLanka in tthehe quaquarter-finalsrter-finals in to be the manman that scoresscores 180180 perhaps,perhaps, has B andand  !" & %$    &    2015, since makinmakingg their tourtour-- offoff 60 balls’balls’ because thatthat changedchanged for C.”C  "! &   $ & "! namentnament debutdebut in 1992.1992. doesn’tdoesn’t give us results.results. me. The fact  #" &     #" & !" ThatThat includes an aagonisinggonising “If“If we can be jjustust nice and that I’m nono   &     &  semi-finalsemi-final llossoss to New calmcalm andand positive -- andand even longerlonger desperate.desperate. I  $ & %$     & $ ZZealandealand four yearsyears agoago -- ifif we mamakeke mistamistakes,kes, to mamakeke wantwant to win   & #"    &  wwhenhen -bornJohannesburg-born sure that we completelycompletely forgetforget cricketcricket ggamesames bubutt  !" &     %$ & "! Grant ElliottElliott hhitit a winning six aboutabout thatthat mistakemistake andand come I don’tdon’t neeneedd to win   &   $ & !" forfor the Black Caps off fast back into the present and tthem.”hem.”  "! &       &  bowlerbowler DaDalele Steyn.Steyn. focusfocus on what’swhat’s ahead.”ahead.” SouthSouth AfricaAfrica willwill be  #" & %$   &  ButBut ththisis timetime a South Du Plessis,Plessis, wwhoho hhasas withoutwithout Steyn fforor TThurs-hurs-   & $  %$ &   AfricaAfrica sideside wiwithoutthout retiredretired becomebecome a ffatherather ssinceince tthehe llastast day’sday’s match after thethe   &     #" &  stars ,Kallis, AB dede Vil-Vil- WorldWorld Cup, aadded:dded: “Cric“Cricketket is veteranveteran quicquickk was ruruledled   &    &    liersliers anandd  %$ &   !" &   GGraemeraeme  "! & !"  $ & #" SSmith,mith,   & $  %$ &  have gonegone    & #"   & "! underunder ththee raradar.dar. Tr€vsvhyFIP8FPVU TU6B@T Tr€vsvhy “Whether“Whether   ! "#$! we come iintonto '$) X‚ yq 8ˆƒ Avhy '$+ this toutournamentrnament as ! '$*" %!£ '$, favourites or as underdogs,underdogs, you stilstilll hahaveve to go out oonn the South Africa’s Faf du Plessis    '   26 SPORT THURSDAY 30 MAY 2019

Surprise addition Blundell Pakistan’s Hasan does on brink of ODI debut REUTERS any domestic one-day cricket in LONDON New Zealand before his surprise selection and his potential first not fear flat pitches Tom Blundell was plucked from ODI appearance could mirror obscurity to be the surprise pick how he made his test debut in New Zealand’s squad for the against West Indies in late 2017. AFP But he managed just three wickets in four matches against Cricket World Cup but the wick- The Wellingtonian was NOTTINGHAM England in a 4-0 loss earlier in May. etkeeper could be in line for his brought into the side for the “I know that I have not taken many wickets since the South one-day international debut injured BJ Watling and proceeded Pakistan seamer says he is not worried about the prospect Africa tour, but I am doing the hard work with bowling coach when they face Sri Lanka in to score an unbeaten century on of flat pitches that are likely to favour batsmen during the World (Azhar Mahmood) and once I get my rhythm I am sure wickets Cardiff on Saturday. debut on his home ground at the Cup in England and Wales. will come my way,” said Hasan. The 28-year-old did his . The 2424-year-old4y yeare old waswa PakiPaPakistan’sstanan s sstartar perfperformerormeer in the ChaCham-m “WeWe knowknnnoww tthathatat ouourr bobbowling,wwlwling, wwhichhich has beebeenn ouoourr ststrength,reenngthh, is chances no harm with 106 Blundell famously walked pionsppions TrTrophyrophyophyy winw ini EngEnglEnglandgllanand twowoo notnoott ddoindoingg wewellll bbutut wwithith thehee retureturnrrn ooff ttwtwoo against West Indies in their final home from the ground still yearsyearars ago,aggo,o t takingaking 13 wicketswickkets to experiencedexexpxperienced bowlbowlersers inn WWahabahababb RiaRRiaziaaz anandnd warmup game in Bristol and wearing his whites and carrying finishffinish aass plplayerayer ooff tthehe MohammadMoMohaM hammadma AmiAmirr ouourur bbobowlingowlwliling isi nownooww aatt follows on from 77 against Aus- his cricket bag after the innings tournament.tournameent. full strstrength,”trengenngth,” hee added.addddedd. tralia earlier this month in and 67 -victory. AmirAmmmir mismissedissseded thethhhe llaststt ffofoufourouo r Brisbane. He played the second test in matcmatchesat hhes in tthehe EEnglandngnglanglagland ODIODDII Blundell, however, would Hamilton and then appeared in But hihis recerecentecennt seriesseririess ddueue toto chchickenickkeen poxpopox bebeforefoforree only make the starting side if two internationals in form hass beenbeen a worrywwoorrry forfoor he wwasass iincludednncludeded in thethee WorldWorld CupCCuuupp regular wicketkeeper Tom early 2018 but had not been Pakistan,n, coincidingcoinciiddinngg wwitwithh 10 squad.squasqsququuadd. Latham does not recover from a required by the national side straight ODI losseslolosossesess leadingleleadeeaaddiingin intoinnto RiazRiaaza wwasasas alsoalalsl o leftleft ooutuutt ooff broken finger. again until his recall. their openingeninnggWo WoWWorldorldd CCuCupupp mmatcmatchch againstaga aaiainst thethe WWolWoldlldd Cupupp preppreliminarylimmiinnaaaryry “I’m happy where my game New Zealand captain Kane the Westt IndiesIndI ieses in NottinghamNotottitiinghangngh m tomorrow.tommorrow. squadssquaquaqquuau d bbubutt wwawasasins inincludedncclluuuddedd is at currently, both keeping and Williamson, however, said his Hasanan saidssaid heheekn knknowsowws howoww too bowlbowl on flatflalat pitches.pitcpit hes. afteraftefteerrp popooroor fformorormo m bbyy batting-wise,” Blundell told performances had proved that “Thee waywwa modernmmomododernern cricketcriccketktk is going,going, everyeverery bowlerbowler needsneedseds pacemanpaceaceemmamanan JJuJunJunaidununnaaidid reporters New Zealand’s 91-run he could easily slot into Latham’s to know thatthat takingttaakingi wwiwickwicketsets is thetheek key,”key,”” HasanHasan said.said.id. “You“Yo“Y u taketakek Khan.KhanKKhaKhan. loss to a rampaging West Indies position in the middle order. wickets anda d youu winw matches.”mamatches.s.” team who smashed 18 sixes in “He has spent some time in Toutedteed forfoor ttakingaakinak g wicketswiw ckckekkekets in thehee middlemmidmiddle oversovers of one-dayone-day their 421 runs at Bristol. the middle and it was a brilliant matches,s, HasanHHaHassaann rroseoseo to thethhe toptop ofof thethhebe bowler’sbowler’s chartscharts in 2017,2017, “Tommy (Latham) is coming knock,” Williamson said. “A real taking 455 wicketswwicketets -- the mostmost in thehe calendarcalendadar year.year. along pretty nicely, he’s keeping positive for him, he was picked and batting so if I don’t get a as the backup keeper but it is just chance, so be it. how well Tom (Latham) recovers. “It’s a World Cup, so it’ll be a It’s a day by day thing. Pakistani fast bowler Hasan Ali pretty happy day if I do get a “Tom (Blundell) has kept very chance to debut.” nicely, so good problems (to Blundell had barely played have).”

India great Gavaskar tips D88 8 vpxr‡ X‚ yq 8ˆƒ ‡rh€ rp‚ q† Av‰r‡v€r ‚ yq puh€ƒv‚† 6ˆ†‡ hyvh uh‰r ‡ur ir†‡ ‚‰r hyy rp‚ q Bowlers to watch hq uh‰r †p‚ rq €‚†‡ ˆ† †vpr ‡ur sv †‡ ‡‚ˆ h€r‡ v (&$ C‚†‡ England for Cup glory h‡v‚ @tyhq uh‰r ‚ $ ‚s ! X‚ yq 8ˆƒ €h‡pur† ‚ u‚€r †‚vy AFP LONDON  ! ,- . /0 - 0"  % AFP LONDON  ! %!  ! The Cricket World Cup gets under way at the Oval    ! #' " today, with 10 teams slugging it out for the title. Here is a look at five bowlers to watch. Batting great Sunil Gavaskar says  ! #%  !& Eoin Morgan’s England will be the team to beat at the World Cup, with  ! #  !( (AFGHANISTAN) home advantage giving them a vital   ! # !( Rashid Khan’s rise has been spectacular. The wily leg-spinner made his international debut at the tender edge over his native India. $ ! # !( Top-ranked England recently age of 17, shortly after his team’s first appearance in outplayed Pakistan 4-0 in a "! ' "$ ' the 50-over World Cup in 2015. Four years on, he is one-day series to underline their %$ ! "$ "$ a globetrotting white-ball superstar who is highly supremacy in the 50-over format. sought after in franchise competitions. Khan, who #" % ! +- ! ! tops the world Twenty20 bowling rankings and lies The home side, who have never 1!( Sunil Gavaskar !" !  $ third in the 50-over standings, is Afghanistan’s go-to won one-day cricket’s biggest prize -,!  despite making three finals, in 1979, bowler with 125 wickets in 59 ODI matches. 1987 and 1992, open their cam- certainly can be as successful (in HPTU SVIT T8PS@9 paign against South Africa on England) as he was last year for '  £ . #20 ! (INDIA) Thursday at the Oval in London. sure,” said Gavaskar, who scored $,  1!( 2 !3 2  Currently top of the ICC ODI rankings, Jasprit “England, not India, are the more than 10,000 Test runs. Bumrah arrives in England with the wind in his sails. favourites for this World Cup,” “But a captain is only as good He has just enjoyed another productive Indian Premier Gavaskar said. “They have been as his team and Dhoni’s presence League campaign, playing a key part in Mumbai playing outstanding cricket over takes a big load off Kohli, especially Indians’ fourth record title in the T20 tournament. the last few years and in familiar after the first power play,” said Genuinely sharp but with a neat line in slower balls home conditions will be hard to Gavaskar, who was part of India’s 6ˆ†‡ hyvh Dqvh Ir arhyhq T v Ghxh and an unorthodox sling-arm action, he is at his best beat,” said the former India captain. World Cup-winning team in 1983       in the death overs. Bumrah, 25, averages an Home advantage has been a big under .   -. /  '   impressive 22.15 at an economy rate of 4.51 in 49 factor in recent editions of the Gavaskar, 69, also weighed in ODIs. showpiece event, with hosts India on the Indian team’s much-debated winning the 2011 trophy and Aus- number four slot, saying Lokesh (AUSTRALIA) tralia emerging victorious in Mel- Rahul should fill the position. Hope backs Windies Australia’s one-day side has been struggling for bourne in 2015. He was unwilling to be drawn much of the past two years but is coming good at Since the start of 2018 England, into the debate of whether India the perfect time. In Pat Cummins they boast a new who switched to a more aggressive should boycott their round-robin ball bowler capable of extracting life from flat pitches brand of cricket after their humil- match against Pakistan amid to go past 500 in ODIs and taking clusters of wickets. His history of injury iating first-round exit four years political tensions between the two suggests he may need to be managed carefully but ago, have come out on top in ODI hostile nations. Doubts were cast REUTERS and I am sure we have the batting fire- if that part is handled with care the job of ruffling series against Australia, New over the much-anticipated match LONDON power to do it.” feathers in big games can safely be left to the Zealand, Sri Lanka and India. in Manchester on June 16 after calls Besides all-rounder Russell, West 26-year-old. Second-ranked India’s chances from many former India players West Indies have the firepower to post Indies also have formidable power- depend to a large extent on captain and officials to forfeit their match the first 500 total in one-day interna- hitters in Chris Gayle, (SOUTH AFRICA) . to their arch-rivals. tionals, top order batsman Shai Hope has and all-rounders and At 40 years of age and with retirement beck- Kohli, the number one batsman Relations between the two said ahead of the Cricket World Cup. . oning, Imran Tahir might seem a less likely hope for in Test and ODIs, last year defied nuclear-armed South Asian coun- England boast the top ODI score of “If you are asking me if we are South Africa than charismatic paceman Kagiso critics who questioned his poor tries nose-dived after a suicide 481-6 that they posted against Australia capable of it, definitely we are,” Rabada. But Rabada’s back problems leave a question performance on the 2014 tour of bombing in Indian-administered last year in Nottingham, while Aus- Brathwaite said. mark against him on the eve of the tournament, while England by hitting 593 runs in the Kashmir in February killed 40 tralia’s 417-6 against Afghanistan in Russell, 31, was at his destructive best Tahir has worked himself into a nice groove at the 2018 Test series even though India Indian security personnel and was 2015 is the highest total in the history with the bat in the last edition of the IPL. The veteran wrist-spinner comes into the big lost 4-1. later claimed by the Pakistan- of World Cup. Indian Premier League Twenty20 tour- event on the back of 26 wickets -- one better than But he has often received crit- based Jaish-e-Mohammad. Wicketkeeper-batsman Hope nament, smashing 52 sixes and scoring Rabada and top of the bowlers chart -- for runners- icism over his captaincy, with India has long accused smashed 101 off 86 balls and Andre at a of more than 200 for the up Super Kings in the glitzy T20 league. pundits saying the 30-year-old Islamabad of harbouring militants Russell lived up to his big-hitting repu- Kolkata franchise, both best in the league. leader often needs the experience who launch attacks on its soil but tation with a breezy 25-ball 54 as the “He is just incredible - a freak of JOFRA ARCHER (ENGLAND) of Mahendra Singh Dhoni behind Pakistan has denied any role in the Caribbean side amassed 421 in Tuesday’s nature really,” Hope said. “I don’t really Jofra Archer has been the focal point of much of the stumps. Pulwama attack, and Prime Min- warm-up match against New Zealand know what to say about Russ, he just hits the talk around World Cup favourites England. Adil Kohli recently scored 464 runs ister offered cooper- before being all out in the final over. it and once he hits it, it goes for six. Rashid’s leg-spin could be crucial but the Barbados- in the Indian Premier League ation in investigations if credible “It is definitely a goal we can try to “He is a pleasure to be on the same born Archer looks like playing a role at the key Twenty20 tournament but his side evidence were provided by India. achieve at some point,” Hope said after team as him, I can tell you that. If you moments -- whether it be it with new ball in hand at Royal Challengers Bangalore ended “In a World Cup there is no West Indies won the match by 91 runs. are on the field you are not sure what the start of the innings or hurling down the old one bottom of the eight-team table. option but to play all teams,” said “Definitely, it would be great to be you are going to bowl at him. It is just in the final overs. India skipper Virat Kohi called him “On an individual level he a guarded Gavaskar. the first team to cross that 500 mark, nice to enjoy from the inside.” the “X-factor” for England.

A general view of The Oval in London during the 2019 Cricket World Cup warm-up match between India and New Zealand on May 25. THURSDAY 30 MAY 2019 SPORT 27 Federer, Nadal power into third round

AFP unforced errors. Dutch women’s PARIS fourth seed Kiki Bertens retired from her match with Viktoria Roger Federer breezed into the Kuzmova with illness while The Grand Slams third round of the French Open trailing 3-1, 40-15. for the 15th time yesterday by The 27-year-old, one of the are incredible. You seeing off German lucky loser favourites for the tournament, can meet a player Oscar Otte, while 11-time complained of shaking and a lack who qualified who champion Rafael Nadal and of energy before calling it quits, (you) have not heard Stefanos Tsitsipas also leaving Kuzmova with a third- progressed, but women’s round clash against either Brit- of before. It was contender Kiki Bertens retired ain’s Johanna Konta or American difficult, he really with illness. Lauren Davis. played a great match: The 37-year-old Federer Greek star Tsitsipas did not Federer held off a persistent world have things all his own way number 144 Otte, saving all four against Bolivia’s Hugo Dellien on break points he faced in a 6-4, Court Simonne Mathieu, but Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov or 6-3, 6-4 win on Court Philippe managed to grind out a 4-6, 6-0, former US Open winner Marin Chatrier. 6-3, 7-5 victory on his fourth Cilic next. Next up for the 20-time match point. Ukrainian Elina Svitolina will Grand Slam title winner is a clash Switzerland’s Roger Federer in action at The sixth seed, who beat face 2016 champion Garbine with Norway’s Casper Ruud who the French Open during his second round Federer en route to the Aus- Muguruza in the third round after put out Italian 29th seed Matteo match against Germany’s Oscar Otte at the tralian Open semi-finals earlier the ninth seed’s compatriot Kat- Berrettini 6-4, 7-5, 6-3. Roland Garros in Paris, France, yesterday. this year, will take on Serbia’s eryna Kozlova pulled out of the “The Grand Slams are Filip Krajinovic in his maiden tournament before their match incredible. You can meet a player appearance in the third round. with a viral infection. who qualified who (you) have not He was on his game against will play Belgian 27th seed David allowed himself to dream of an “Once I got myself into the Spain’s Muguruza, seeded heard of before,” said Federer, Otte, though, breaking once in Goffin in the last 32. outrageous upset when he twice right mindset, things seemed to 19th this year, eased to a 6-4, 6-1 who last played at Roland Garros each set and serving strongly. “He (Maden) is a good player. broke to level at 3-3 and then 4-4 flow my way,” said 20-year-old victory over Swede Johanna in 2015. Nadal continued the strong He had already won four in the third set, but Nadal put him Tsitsipas. Larsson to advance. Second seed “It was difficult, he really start to his bid for a record- matches so was full of confi- back in his place with two quick “And from there, winning the Karolina Pliskova also clinched played a great match.” extending 12th title with a com- dence,” said Nadal, whose games to seal victory. set 6-0 was good confidence a straight-sets win in round two, Federer’s only French Open fortable victory over German Roland Garros win-loss record Nadal appears to be hitting boost for me.” beating Slovakia’s Kristina trophy came in 2009, and 10 qualifier Yannick Maden. now reads an incredible 88-2. form at just the right time, after Elsewhere, 2015 champion Kucova 6-2, 6-2 to set up a tie years on he faces a daunting task The 32-year-old Nadal was “For me it was an important following three consecutive Stan Wawrinka showed that he with Croatian 31st seed Petra to grab a second, potentially in near total control against victory.” semi-final defeats on clay with can not be ruled out of con- Martic. Last year’s runner-up needing to beat Tsitsipas, Nadal world number 114 Maden bar The Spaniard wasted little the Italian Open title before tention with an impressive 6-1, Sloane Stephens cruised through and world number one Novak some nervy moments in the third time in wrapping up the first two arriving in Paris. 6-4, 6-0 success against in-form with a 6-1, 7-6 (7/3) win over Djokovic in order to come out on set, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. sets on Court Suzanne Lenglen. He finished the match with Chilean Cristian Garin. Sara Sorribes Tormo on Court top. The 17-time major champion Maden may have briefly 43 winners against just 23 The Swiss will play either Philippe Chatrier. Austria says farewell Qatar to host Rise2Tokyo to F1 icon Lauda World Olympic qualifiers AFP as French former F1 driver Alain VIENNA Prost, Austrian former F1 driver QNA Gerhard Berger, and former LAUSANNE Thousands of mourners, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who including motor racing world was removed from office by a The International Table Tennis champion Lewis Hamilton, bid no-confidence vote this week. Federation (ITTF) officially farewell to Formula One legend Songs that were reportedly announced yesterday that the and Austrian national hero Niki Lauda’s favourites -- such as organisation of the table tennis Lauda at a ceremony in Vienna’s “Amazing Grace”, “Fast Car” by qualifiers for Tokyo Olympics historic cathedral yesterday. Tracy Chapman and John Len- 2020 will be held in Qatar and “We all loved and admired non’s “Imagine” -- were played. Portugal next year. Niki. We admired his courage, Many in the crowds both The World Team Qualifi- his will, his strength, his love,” inside and outside the cathedral cation Event will be held in said Austrian-born actor and wore red caps similar to the ones Gondomar, Portugal between former California governor, that became Lauda’s trademark, Minjee Lee of Australia hits her tee shot 22 - 26 January 2020. The Arnold Schwarzenegger, during which he used to cover the scars on the sixth hole during the second round World Singles Qualification the packed funeral mass at St. from his accident. of the Pure Silk Championship presented Event will take place in Doha, Stephen’s Cathedral. A Ferrari flag could also be by Visit Williamsburg on the River Course Qatar between 26 - 29 May Lauda, who died on May 20 seen. Lauda won the drivers’ at Kingsmill Resort on Friday. 2020. at the age of 70, was three-times world championship in 1975 and The two countries’ suc- world champion whose track 1977 with Ferrari and in 1984 cessful bids are set to bring tens victories and comeback from a with McLaren. of thousands of fans through horrific crash enthralled race Even after his retirement, Lee eyes top spot, end to Aussie the gates to watch the world’s fans worldwide. Lauda remained a firm fixture top athletes battle it out to He suffered horrific injuries on the racing circuit, most qualify for Tokyo 2020, with on August 1, 1976 when, having recently becoming non-exec- drought at US Women’s Open many more benefits for the host already won five races that utive chairman at Mercedes F1 cities. season, his vehicle burst into in 2012. He was also instru- The International Table flames on the Nuerburgring in mental in bringing in AFP number one Ko winning more Tennis Federation (ITTF) said Germany. Hamilton. MIAMI than title in 2019. The last eight in a statement: “Qatar is one of He had severe burns to his After the mass, pallbearers women’s majors meanwhile the most established host coun- face and hands, and inhaled carried the coffin outside, as Minjee Lee will bid to end I haven’t been really have had eight different winners, tries of major international toxic fumes which damaged his bells rang out and thousands Australia’s 13-year wait for a while the US Women’s Open has table tennis events, with the lungs. looked on.The procession was major at the US Women’s Open putting well this not had a back-to-back ITTF World Tour Platinum, “Goodbye, world champion! accompanied by Lauda’s family, today as she targets a maiden year at all. I have champion since Australia’s Qatar Open consistently on the Thank you for everything,” Aus- Hamilton, and former drivers victory that could vault her to the been striking the ball Karrie Webb won in 2000 and ITTF World Tour map. We are trian President Alexander Van such as Prost and German-born top of the world rankings. really, really good 2001. therefore highly confident that der Bellen told the mourners, Nico Rosberg. The 23-year-old from Perth That fact would suggest the the World Singles Qualification who in addition to Lauda’s Earlier, the casket had heads into this week’s second this year, probably odds are stacked against Thai- Event in Doha will be another family and hundreds of VIP arrived with a police motorcade. major of 2019 fresh from her better than any other land’s defending champion Ariya resounding success.” guests, also included onlookers And Lauda’s widow Birgit fifth LPGA Tour victory, a daz- years on Tour: Park Jutanugarn. ITTF added in the from all over Austria and further along with two of his sons placed zling four-shot win at the Los The 23-year-old from statement: “Portugal’s standing afield. his helmet on top of the coffin, Angeles Open last month. Bangkok won her second career in international table tennis has The guests included other which stood surrounded by That triumph saw Lee move Korea’s seven-time major major at the US Women’s Open grown significantly with the Formula One heavyweights, flower wreaths and a portrait of up to second in the world winner Park In-bee. 12 months ago, and is likely to development of several eye- such as Mercedes chief Toto Lauda sporting his famous red rankings, and within striking dis- Park, a two-time winner of be at home in temperatures this catching talents in recent years Wolff and Valtteri Bottas, as well cap. tance of South Korea’s world the US Women’s Open who is week which are expected to and the Portuguese Table number one Ko Jin-young. chasing a first major since 2015, hover above 90 degrees Fahr- Tennis Association put forward A victory at the Country Club has spent this year attempting enheit (32 degrees Celsius) for a highly competitive bid to of Charleston in South Carolina to iron out problems with her most of the tournament. stage the 2022 World Table this week would see Lee sup- putting game. “I’m Thai, so it doesn’t Tennis Championships, with plant Ko at the top of the “I haven’t been really putting really affect me,” Ariya replied Chengdu, China ultimately rankings. well this year at all,” she said. “I on Tuesday when asked about winning out as host city for that It would also earn Lee the have been striking the ball really, how she would cope with the event. largest winner’s cheque in the really good this year, probably heat. “However, hosting the Rise- history of women’s golf after the better than any other years on If the course dries out, it may 2Tokyo World Team Qualifi- United States Golf Association Tour. also work to Ariya’s advantage cation Event represents an confirmed this week that the “Just the putter wasn’t really given her status as one of the opportunity for the country to champion will pocket a prize of there. That’s really been the dis- longest hitters in the women’s place itself higher on the inter- $1m. appointing part of my game this game. national events map and could Lee heads into the tour- year. Other than that, it has been The Thai star meanwhile provide them with the expe- nament after a remarkably con- really, really good.” said she had learned from the rience to ensure they stage sistent start to the season which The strength of the mistakes which almost tor- more table tennis events of has yielded five top 10 finishes women’s game is reflected in pedoed her hopes last year, even greater stature in the including her win in Los Angeles the fact that no single player when she frittered away a future.” in April. has been able to establish dom- seven-shot lead with just nine The World Team qualifi- Mathias Lauda reacts next to Former Formula One drivers Alain She will tee off today in inance this year. holes remaining to end up in a cation event will see nine Prost, Helmut Marko and Nico Rosberg as Austrian motor racing arguably the star group of the The first 12 tournaments of playoff against South Korea’s national teams qualify directly great Niki Lauda’s coffin is carried out of St Stephen’s cathedral opening rounds, alongside world the year have produced 11 dif- Kim Hyo-joo, which she even- for the Tokyo 2020 Teams in Vienna, Austria, yesterday. number one Ko and South ferent winners, with only world tually won on the fourth hole. competition. 28 HOME THURSDAY 30 MAY 2019