Al Sadd Edge Al Arabi to Clinch Amir Cup Title at Brand New Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium

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SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 I'm enjoyinge role in Qatar’s exciting journey ItIt wwasas a great opportunity for me to continue playing football whilewhile also playing a role in a bigger, national project – with thethe aim of achieving great things off the pitch through the programmesp put in place to deliver positive social change beyond 2022. Xavi Hernandez Sport | 18

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H H the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and FIFA President Gianni Infantino with the Amir Cup champions Al Sadd team members at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium following the Amir Cup ﬁnal yesterday. Al Sadd edge Al Arabi to clinch Amir Cup title at brand new Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium

FAWAD HUSSAIN A general aerial view of the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, the new FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue, following the Amir Cup ﬁnal yesterday. moments of brilliance, Al Sadd THE PENINSULA were clearly ahead half-way, enjoying 68 percent of ball pos- Doha football giants Al Sadd session and taking 5 shots on yesterday won the Amir Cup target. after edging Al Arabi 2-1 in a They resumed the game in pulsating final at the brand new a similar fashion, attacking Al Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Al Arabi from all sides to double Rayyan. their lead. Most importantly, H H the Amir Sheikh Tamim they were keeping most of the bin Hamad Al Thani handed the ball possession confining Al new glistening Amir Cup trophy Arabi to their fences. to Hassan Al Haydos, the Al Korean substitute Nam Sadd skipper, after his team’s Tae-hee could have scored Al record-extending 17th triumph Sadd’s third goal but his fiery in the country’s most popular hit was well saved by goal- tournament. keeper Ibrahim used his fist to Fireworks replete with kill the move. popular song and dances As tampers flared, Al Arabi sequences added to the coach Hallgrimsson was handed occasion as the fourth FIFA a yellow card by the referee for World Cup Qatar 2022 venue – constantly remonstrating on the previously known as Al Rayyan touchline while Ayoub Azi was Stadium – was inaugurated by also cautioned for a rough the Amir in the presence of tackle against Bounedjah as Al 20,000 fans at the 40,000-seat Arabi strove to make a venue. comeback in the final with 20 H H Sheikh Jassim bin minutes left. Hamad Al Thani, the Personal However, Xavi wanted more Representative of H H the Amir, goals and he sent fresh legs in was also present. Also, among Barcelona legend Xavi Hern- Yesterday, Xavi adopted a Al Sadd's title wins to score and his strike took a Musab Kader and veteran the attendances in the final andez his first Amir Cup title as 4-2-3-1 formation to start the defender’s deflection, giving an Rodrigo Tabata to replace Al were FIFA President Gianni a coach after he mentored the all-important game and he 1974–75: Al Sadd 4–3 Al Ahli unmarked Gunnarsson a chance Haydous and defender Infantino, UEFA President Ale- side to Sheikh Jassim Cup, Qatar didn’t have to wait much to see 1976–77: Al Sadd 1–0 Al Rayyan to score from close range and Abdelkarim Hassan, with Hall- ksander Ceferin, AFC President Cup and the Ooredoo Cup tri- his side scoring the first goal 1981–82: Al Sadd 2–1 Al Rayyan level the score. To remove grimsson also making a few Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, umphs last year. that came from Bounedjah in 1984–85: Al Sadd 2–1 Al Ahli doubt of a potential off side call, substitutions. chief of the Olympic Council of “Mission is complete, yes. the 3rd minute. Spaniard San- 1985–86: Al Sadd 2–0 Al Arabi referee Saud Al Athba consulted In a rare attack, Al Arabi’s Asia (OCA) Sheikh Ahmad Al We are very happy to win the tiago Cazorla’s pass after a ball 1987–88: Al Sadd 4–3 Al Wakrah VAR but quickly gave decision Sotia took a shot on target but Fahad Al Sabah and QFA Pres- Amir Cup. The atmosphere here from Asian Player of the Year 1990–91: Al Sadd 1–0 Al Rayyan in Al Arabi’s favour, making it Meshaal Barsham, who was ident Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa is amazing and I want to thank Akram Afif found Bounedjah, 1993–94: Al Sadd 3–2 Al Arabi 1-1. guarding the Al Sadd goal in Bin Ahmed Al Thani. Qatar for this great show,” a who only needed a touch to put 1999–2000: Al Sadd 2–0 Al Rayyan Al Sadd, however, were still place of top choice Sadd Al Feared striker Baghdad beaming Xavi said after his the ball past Al Arabi goalkeeper 2000–01: Al Sadd 3–2 Qatar SC dominating the match and were Sheeb, comfortably blocked the Bounedjah was the hero for Al team’s win yesterday. Mahmoud Ibrahim for the 2002–03: Al Sadd 2–1 Al Ahli close to regaining lead from attempt. Bounedjah was close Sadd with his first half brace “It was a difficult match. I opener. 2004–05: Al Sadd 0–0 Al Wakrah (5–4) Bounedjah’s header but Ibrahim to completing his hat-trick after while Al Arabi’s goal came from also want to congratulate Al Al Sadd played with their 2006–07: Al Sadd 0–0 Al Khor (5–4 pen) made a diving save to keep he deceived his marker to their Icelandic star Aron Gun- Arabi for their strong per- traditional aggressive style, 2014: Al Sadd SC 3–0 Al Sailiya score-line intact. connect a flying cross from narsson - also in the first formance. We are very happy showing no signs of nerves of a 2015: Al Sadd SC 2–1 El Jaish After Al Arabi’s Soria was Santos but the ball was a bit too session. and we want to win more tro- big match and keeping Al Arabi 2017: Al Sadd SC 2–1 Al Rayyan stretchered off for a short fast. Al Sadd were hot favourites phies and the Amir Cups. We under constant pressure. 2020: Al Sadd SC 2-1 Al Arabi treatment, Bounedjah scored There were a few goal to win the trophy due to their want to compete in every big By the time the clock his second goal in the 44th with threats from Al Arabi late in the phenomenal run of form in the competition like the AFC Cham- reached the quarter-hour mark, a slight touch from Guilherme match but those were not ongoing season and they lived pions League. I think we are the Al Sadd had already made stunned Al Sadd with an Dos Santos strike from outside enough to push the title clash up to expectations with another biggest club (in Qatar) and let’s several more attacks, forcing equaliser through Gunnarsson the circle. Captain Al Haydos to a tie-breaker. outstanding show. Eight-time see what happens in AFC Cham- the Heimir Hallgrimsson- in 23rd minute. cleverly let the ball go of an Afif Soon afterwards Al Sadd champions Al Arabi - playing pions League (next year). We coached Al Arabi to go defensive They won a corner on a pass that paved the way for celebrated their Amir Cup title their first Amir Cup final in 26 must try to do better than the instead of relying on counter counter attack and after veteran Santos’ attempt, eventually after three years and lay hands years – also put up a gallant last time. We have a big squad attacks. Sebastian Soria’s sliding header giving lead back to Al Sadd on the new trophy - the sixth fight against a top side. and I am happy to be part of this Despite being on the off Mahdi Mazaher’s kick hit the before the half-time. in the history of the Al Sadd’s win last night gave successful side,” he said. receiving end, the Dream Team goalpost. Ayoub Azi attempted Although, Al Arabi had few tournament. SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 SPORT 19

A general aerial view of the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium and the fan zone before the kick off for the Amir Cup ﬁnal yesterday.

The Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and FIFA President Gianni Infantino at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium following the Amir Cup ﬁnal yesterday. Latest Qatar 2022 stadium presented to the world in spectacular launch

New Amir Cup trophy unveiled

Amir Cup champions Al Sadd players and officials celebrate after winning the ﬁnal at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium yesterday. Doha football giants Al Sadd yesterday edged out Al Arabi 2-1 in a pulsating ﬁnal at the brand new FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue in Al Rayyan. H H the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani handed the new glistening Amir Cup trophy to Hassan Al Haydos, the Al Sadd skipper, after his team’s record-extending 17th triumph in the country’s most popular tournament.

Fireworks inside the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium before yesterday's Amir Cup ﬁnal.

A general view of the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium before the kick off of the Amir Cup ﬁnal Artists performing at the fan yesterday. Zone before the kick off. 18 SPORT SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 QFA launches 2027 AFC Asian Cup Bid emblem THE PENINSULA – DOHA bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al AFC ASIAN CUP Thani, President of Qatar We are looking forward HOSTS In conjunction with the coun- Football Association, said: “We try’s National Day celebrations, are proud to launch the to achieving our dream the Qatar Football Association emblem of the AFC Asian Cup of hosting the AFC YEAR HOSTS (QFA) on Friday launched the 2027 bid file. We are also Asian Cup for the third 1 1956 Hong Kong emblem of the Asian Cup 2027 thrilled to begin the promo- 2 1960 South Korea bid at the newly built Al Rayyan tional campaign for the bid, time, having hosted it 3 1964 Israel Stadium, venue of the 2020 according to a timetable we in 1988 and 2011. 4 1968 Iran Amir Cup final, and one of the have been preparing for a The Qatar Football 5 1972 Thailand stadiums to be used for the while. We assure every football Association is one of 6 1976 Iran FIFA World Cup 2022 which fan that we are ready to host 7 1980 Kuwait will be held in Qatar. the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and the main supporters of 8 1984 Singapore The QFA also unveiled we are confident Qatar’s bid the AFC and its football 9 1988 Qatar information on support of its file will impress the football 10 1992 Japan bid on social media platforms federations in the Asian con- family at large: Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin 11 1996 UAEww and launched the official bid tinent. Asia is familiar with 12 2000 Lebanon website. It marked the start of Qatar’s history of hosting top Ahmed Al Thani, 13 2004 China the promotional campaign for international football events 14 2007 Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar’s Asian Cup 2027 bid. and matches across more than President of Qatar The last step is a confir- four decades.” Thailand,Vietnam Football Association 15 2011 Qatar mation from the QFA of its The President of QFA football family at large.” weaves in Qatar’s ancient tra- commitment to fulfilling all added: “We are looking Qatar’s Bidding Nation dition, Al Sadu, a handicraft 16 2015 Australia hosting requirements, as per forward to achieving our Logo brings together Al Adaam, treasured by local families and 17 2019 UAE the schedule approved by the dream of hosting the AFC Asian the name, and colour of Qatar’s often used to decorate soft fur- 18 2023 China Asian Football Con- Cup for the third time, having flag and the number 27, repre- nishings and elements found 19 2027 ? federation (AFC). hosted it in 1988 and 2011. The senting AFC Asian Cup 2027. in the home. These motifs rep- Sheikh Hamad Qatar Football This striking identity also resent the generosity of Qatari Association is hospitality, which ensures that handed over the first part of the one of the every guest will always feel bid file on 26 August, under- main sup- at home. At the heart of lining its desire to host Asia’s porters of the design is the football most prominent national team the AFC pitch – the stage for event, followed by the second and its football dreams to part covering legal require- come true. The ments on 29 October, emblem’s colours and the third part represent Qatar’s showcasing distinct maroon creating a sense of the rich fan the gov- ernment which blends experiences. guarantee seamlessly It is worth noting that the requirements with gold, Qatar Football on 26 Association November.

Qatar players celebrate with QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani after winning the AFC Asian Cup ﬁnal against Japan in Abu Dhabi in this February 1, 2019 ﬁle photo.

Barca legend discusses life in Qatar, coaching philosophy and 2022 World Cup I'm enjoying my role in Qatar’s exciting journey

XAVI HERNANDEZ play against Al Arabi in the Amir Cup final. It is the most pres- With less than two years until tigious competition in Qatar and the World Cup is hosted in the a tournament that every player Middle East and Arab world for here wants to win. It will be the the first time, excitement is really first game to be played at Al starting to build here in Qatar. Rayyan Venue – one of eight sta- The country has promised to put diums that will host World Cup on a spectacular show for matches in 2022. The game is on football fans and having seen the 18 December, Qatar’s National pace of development since I Day, and will mark the two-year moved here in 2015 – on every- countdown until the FIFA World thing from stadiums and accom- Cup final. modation, to road and rail infra- From my time here, it is structure – I’ve every confidence clear that football is developing that it will be an incredible tour- very well in Qatar. The World nament for both players and Cup project meant that they had fans. to really focus on developing I moved to Qatar to join Al Since moving to Qatar, I not only top-class facilities and Sadd and prolong my playing stadiums to host the tour- have also had the career. It was a huge decision for nament, but a national team me and my family to move from opportunity to work on capable of competing on the Barcelona, my home city, and a some incredible charitable biggest stage with the world’s club I love so much, to start again initiatives. One of the best teams. in a whole new part of the world. projects – Generation Aspire Academy, which At the time, my passion for Amazing – has become very launched back in 2004 to help playing the game was as strong close to my heart. It uses the develop footballers and other as ever, but deep down, I knew culture and traditions. But I must flow I haven’t had as much time finish my playing career, when athletes in the country, has been I would no longer be able to con- admit that I like practically eve- to enjoy this aspect of life in I was presented with the oppor- power of football to a huge success. tribute as much as I would have rything about living in Qatar. The Qatar! tunity to take over as the empower and educate The new generation of liked on the pitch at a club like weather is amazing, with sun- Since moving to Qatar, I manager of Al Sadd I was young people and teach players coming through in Qatar Barca, where every game is a shine almost every day, and it is have also had the opportunity delighted. My family and I had important life skills. The are improving a lot. I can see this must win. When I learned about a very relaxing place to work as to work on some incredible really grown to love Qatar and programme recently improvement with my own the World Cup project in Qatar the people are really respectful charitable initiatives. One of the the way of life over here, so it celebrated its tenth players at Al Sadd and it is a priv- by speaking to friends such as and friendly. It’s also a very safe projects – Generation Amazing was a brilliant chance for me ilege to work with them every anniversary and it has been Raúl, who had already played country with very little crime, so – has become very close to my to take the first step in my day and help them grow in here, I was truly impressed by is a great place to raise a young heart. It uses the power of managerial career and oversee a pleasure to watch it grow confidence. what the country wanted to family. football to empower and educate a squad with a number of to the point where it has With the current rate of achieve both on and off the pitch Since moving here, I have young people and teach promising players likely to now positively impacted development and having by hosting the tournament. got to spend lots of quality time important life skills. The pro- feature for the Qatar national more than 500,000 people recently won the AFC Asian Cup, It was a great opportunity for with my wife and two young gramme recently celebrated its team in 2022. Having played for across 10 countries: Xavi I think Qatar can compete very me to continue playing football children. As training takes place tenth anniversary and it has Al Sadd, I knew it would be a well at their first World Cup in while also playing a role in a in the evening most days, I have been a pleasure to watch it grow fantastic place for me to tran- 2022. Football culture is growing bigger, national project – with time to take my daughter to to the point where it has now sition to life on the touchline and at a tremendous speed here and the aim of achieving great things pre-school every day and then positively impacted more than help develop some of these my players to understand the I think the World Cup will help off the pitch through the pro- spend the rest of the morning 500,000 people across 10 coun- players. importance of playing as a team. take the game to the next level grammes put in place to deliver playing with my son. At the tries. Some of the projects have It took some time to adapt to Everyone has to defend together – not only in Qatar but in the positive social change beyond weekend, there are lots of nice included building football my new life as coach but I’m and attack together. Above all, whole Arab region. 2022. things to do. I often go out to eat pitches in refugee camps and enjoying it very much. My phi- players must enjoy playing While eventually the time When you walk around at one of Doha’s many nice res- implementing sustainable pro- losophy is the same as when I football and the best way to will come for me to take the next Doha and meet the locals, their taurants, such as Lo Spaghetto, grammes which ensure the facil- was a player. I like football to be enjoy football is to have the ball, step in my managerial career, passion for football is clear. I which is great for Italian food, ities are used effectively. I have played in a positive way. As a create lots of chances and score for now, I’m focused on enjoying didn’t really know what to or to Bibo, a Spanish restaurant, attended pitch launch cere- player I liked having the ball, lots of goals. This is how I lived my time here and making the expect when I first moved here for a taste of home. The beach monies in Jordan and India – keeping possession, going on the it as a player, and it is how I most of the opportunity to play as it was a completely new expe- hotels here are amazing and a and the impact they have on attack and creating as many want my players to experience a small role in Qatar’s exciting rience for me, leaving Barca great place to relax at the communities is huge. chances as possible. I believe in the game under my journey to 2022. after 25 years, to go to a new part weekends, although recently While I had initially only a possession-based game, management. Xavi Hernandez is a SC Global of the world with a different with the football season in full planned on staying in Qatar to played at a high tempo, and I like Today (yesterday) we will Ambassador Sport SATURDAY 19 DECEMBER 2020 17

India’s Ravichandran Ashwin (second right) appeals for an ULSAN vs PERSEPOLIS LBW decision against Australia’s Nathan Lyon (left) during the second day of the ﬁrst Test Asian top match in Adelaide, yesterday. guns ready to fire in Doha ACL finale AP - DOHA

The longest Asian Champions League tournament in history ends today - more than 11 months after the first ball was kicked - when Ulsan Horang-i of South Korea meets Iran’s Persepolis in Doha, Qatar in the final. The outbreak of coronavirus caused the tournament to be suspended from March to Sep- tember. Qatar, host of the 2022 World Cup, stepped in to stage all the remaining Ashwin takes four as India games in a biosecure setting. Ulsan has been in Doha since November, playing eight games in 23 days, including last Sunday’s 2-1 semi-final win over Vissel Kobe gain vital first innings lead of Japan, and winning all eight to set a tournament record. After missing out on the K-League title on AFP – ADELAIDE Australia in turn SCOREBOARD wickets of Nathan Lyon and the final day of the last two seasons, Ulsan is struggled to make headway INDIA, first innings (overnight 233-6) C. Green c Kohli b Ashwi ...... 11 Josh Hazlewood. looking to end 2020 on a high and add to its Ravi Ashwin bagged four as Bumrah, Ashwin and P. Shaw b Starc ...... 0 T. Paine not out ...... 73 Labuschagne survived 2012 Asian title. wickets as a dominant India Yadav worked their way M. Agarwal b Cummins ...... 17 P. Cummins c Rahane b Yadav ...... 0 long enough in the middle “Before we came here, morale was low in held a 62-run lead at stumps through the batting order. C. Pujara c Labuschagne b Lyon ...... 43 M. Starc run out Shaw/Saha ...... 15 to be Australia’s second- our squad because we had lost two domestic on day two of the Adelaide “It certainly wasn’t our V. Kohli run out ...... 74 N. Lyon c Kholi b Ashwin ...... 10 highest scorer with 47, but titles,” Ulsan coach Kim Do-hoon said. ”But after A. Rahane lbw Starc ...... 42 J. Hazlewood c Pujara b Yadav ...... 8 day-night Test after best performance, but give H. Vihari lbw Hazlewood ...... 16 Extras (lb3) ...... 3 his wicket was always under we arrived the players tried to enjoy the moment Australian captain Tim Paine India credit they bowled W. Saha c Paine b Starc ...... 9 Total (all out; 72.1 overs) ...... 191 threat. and we tried to make our own atmosphere as a ran out of batting partners. really well,” said Paine. R. Ashwin c Paine b Cummins ...... 15 Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-29, 3-45, 4-65 He was dropped three team. I really appreciate everyone’s effort.” Paine was left stranded Even with India spilling U. Yadav c Wade b Starc ...... 6 (Head), 5-79, 6-111, 7-111, 8-139, 9-167, 10- times before his luck ran out Junior Negrao, the top scorer in the 2020 on 73 not out when the Aus- five chances, they never J. Bumrah not out ...... 4 191 after tea when he was K-League season, has scored five times in the tralian innings ended at 191 allowed Australia to settle M. Shami c Head b Cummings ...... 0 Bowling: Yadav 16.1-5-40-3, Bumrah 21-7- trapped in front by Yadav. It continental tournament and scored both goals to trail India’s 244 by 53 apart from a determined Extras (b2, lb8, nb7, w1) ...... 18 52-2, Shami 17-4-41-0, Ashwin 18-3-55-4 was a fruitful over for Yadav, in the come-from-behind win over the big- runs. Paine who plugged on to his Total (10 wickets, 93.1 overs) ...244 who removed Cummins spending Kobe. Fall of wickets: 1-0, 2-32, 3-100, 4-188, INDIA, 2nd innings Ashwin had figures of eighth half century, aided in 5-196, 6-206, 7-233, 8-235, 9-240, 10-244 P. Shaw b Cummins ...... 4 before he could score. “We have the opportunity to make history 4-55 while Umesh Yadav part by being dropped by Bowling: Starc 21-5-53-4, Hazlewood 20- M. Agarwal not out ...... 5 India’s first innings for the club in Asia,” the Brazilian told the took 3-40. Agarwal on 26. 6-47-1, Cummins 21.1-7-48-3, Lyon 21-2-68- J. Bumrah not out ...... 0 wrapped up quickly on the K-League’s official home page. “We just have At stumps, India in their It was Paine’s only 1, Green 9-2-15-0, Labuschagne 1-0-3-0 Extras ...... 0 second morning with the last to enjoy it, we don’t have to put pressure on second innings were one misstep and he brought up Total (one wicket, six overs) ...... 9 four wickets adding just 11 ourselves.” down for nine with Mayank his 50 off 68 deliveries with AUSTRALIA, first innings To bat: Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, runs in 25 balls. But the If Ulsan takes the title it will be South Agarwal on five and night- an assured cut to the M. Wade lbw Bumrah ...... 8 Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhi- tourists’ problems started in Korea’s 12th continental crown, a record in watchman Jasprit Bumrah boundary. J. Burns lbw Bumrah ...... 8 man Saha, Ravi Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Mo- the final session the previous the Champions League and its Asian Club M. Labuschange lbw Yadav ...... 47 hammed Shami yet to score. The under- As his confidence grew S. Smith c Rahane b Ashwin ...... 1 Fall of wickets: 1-7 day at 188 for three, when Championship predecessor. Iran, in contrast, pressure Prithvi Shaw, who he produced a reverse T. Head c & b Ashwin ...... 7 Bowling: Starc 3-1-3-0, Cummins 3-2-6-1 Virat Kohli was run out to has not produced a champion since 1993. was out for a duck in the first sweep to move into the 60s spark a spectacular collapse Unlike its busy opposition, Persepolis has innings, was bowled by Pat with a four off Ashwin. which saw their last seven not played in December, arriving in Doha a Cummins for four. After Australia took 28 Ashwin’s spin captured 29 deliveries for his sole wickets fall for 56 runs. week early in order to prepare though the 2018 Fifteen wickets fell on balls to get their first runs on the wickets of Steve run. Starc and Cummins, who beaten finalist is missing a number of key the day which started when the board, Bumrah stepped Smith, Travis Head and In the final session shared the final four dis- players. Cummins and Mitchell Starc up to remove makeshift debutant Cameron Green Yadav snared Marnus missals, were the pick of the Striker Issa Alekasir, who has four goals took just 25 deliveries to opener Matthew Wade and between dinner and tea Labuschagne and Cummins Australian bowlers, Starc in the tournament, was suspended by the Asian knock off the final four India the out-of-form Joe Burns with Smith, the world’s to expose the tail and joined finishing with 4-53 and Football Confederation for six months in batsmen. for eight each before dinner. premier batsman, facing Ashwin to take the final two Cummins 3-48. October. Midfielders Ehsan Pahlavan and Vahid Amiri are also out. “Ulsan are a strong team and deserved to be in the final match. They are a disciplined Duffy, Seifert set up New Zealand win in first Pakistan T20 team and play attacking football,” coach Yahya Golmohammadi said. “We will be without AFP – AUCKLAND New Zealand’s SCOREBOARD three key players in this match but we want Jacob Duffy to lift the trophy, that’s why we are here.” PAKISTAN New Zealand cruised to a five-wicket win over Pakistan in celebrates after M. Rizwan c Phjilips b Duffy ...... 17 taking the wicket the first Twenty20 international at Auckland’s Eden Park A. Shafique c Chapman b Duffy ...... 0 of Pakistan’s yesterday. H. Ali c & b Kuggeleijn ...... 3 The Black Caps ended on 156 for five with seven balls to Shadab Khan M. Hafeez c Chapman b Duffy ...... 0 Fans to return spare after losing the toss and being set a target of 154. yesterday. S. Khan c Sodhi b Duffy ...... 42 Tim Seifert top-scored for the hosts with 57, while deb- K. Shah c Guptill b Sodhi ...... 16 utant paceman Jacob Duffy took four for 33. I. Wasim c Tickner b Kuggeleijn ...... 19 for ACL for first Pakistan never recovered from a slow start, despite a F. Ashraf c Guptill b Tickner ...... 31 fighting 42 from stand-in captain Shadab Khan. Haris Rauf W. Riaz c Santner b Kuggeleijn ...... 9 time since March was the tourists’ best bowler, taking three for 29. Pakistan S. Afridi not out ...... 10 had a rocky preparation for the match when 10 of their touring H. Rauf not out ...... 0 party tested positive for Covid-19 during quarantine after Extras (b2, lb1, w3) ...... 6 REUTERS – HONG KONG arriving in New Zealand. Total (9 wkts, 20 overs) ...... 153 Players also received a rebuke from local health author- Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-20, 3-20, 4-20, Spectators will be permitted to attend today’s ities for flouting social distancing rules, and were unable 5-39, 6-79, 7-114, 8-136, 9-149 final of the Asian Champions League between Bowling: Santner 4-0-18-0, Duffy 4-0- to train until they were allowed out of their hotel on Persepolis and Ulsan Hyundai in Doha, the 33-4 (1w), Kuggeleijn 4-0-27-3, Sodhi December 8. 4-0-37-1, Tickner 4-0-35-1 (2w) first time fans will be allowed to watch the In contrast, New Zealand were coming off a 2-0 series NEW ZEALAND competition in person since play was win over the West Indies and playing in home conditions. M. Guptill c Khan b Afridi ...... 6 suspended in March due to the COVID-19 Man of the match Duffy made a sensational start, dis- T. Siefert c Ashraf b Afridi ...... 57 pandemic. missing opener Abdullah Shafique for a duck in his first over. D. Conway c & b Rauf ...... 5 The Asian Football Confederation He then claimed the scalps of Mohammad Rizwan and G. Phillips c Shah b Rauf ...... 23 announced on the eve of the decider between Mohammad Hafeez in his second as Pakistan lost three M. Chapman lbw Rauf ...... 34 the clubs from Iran and South Korea that spec- wickets in three balls to slump to 20 for four. J. Neesham not out ...... 15 tators totalling “up to 30 percent of the stadium Khushdil Shah was out for 16 when he mistimed a ball M. Santner not out ...... 12 capacity” would be allowed into the 40,000- from Ish Sodhi straight to Martin Guptill in the field. Extras (lb1, w3) ...... 4 seater Al Janoub Stadium. Khan tried to rescue his side’s innings, smashing 42 from Total (5 wkts, 18.5 overs) ...... 156 All spectators will be required to supply a 32 balls before Duffy coaxed a top edge to Sodhi. Did not bat: I. Sodhi, S. Kuggeleijn, J. negative result for a COVID-19 antigen test, Pakistan’s attack made early inroads as two quick wickets Duffy, B. Tickner. with tickets available thereafter on a first- from Rauf restricted New Zealand to 72 for three at the Fall of wickets: 1-8, 2-21, 3-65, 4-110, come first-served basis. 5-129 10-over mark. Seifert brought up his half century off 35 balls Authorities in Qatar have previously Bowling: Afridi 4-0-27-2 (2w), Wasim but was out on 57 after a sharp catch from Ashraf, who then 2-0-14-0, Rauf 4-0-29-3(1w), Ashraf allowed fans to attend matches in Doha, with dropped an easy chance sitter to give Mark Chapman a life. 3-0-18-0, Riaz 3.5-0-45-0, Khan 2-0- a crowd of 1,044 admitted to the national Mitchell Santner steered his team to victory with a six to 22-0 team’s 2022 World Cup qualifier with Bang- seal the win. ladesh earlier this month. Games in the Asian Champions League were suspended earlier this year as a result of SOUTH AFRICA SQUAD: the COVID-19 pandemic, with the event Quinton de Kock (capt), Three added to Proteas squad ahead of SL Tests resuming in September when Qatar hosted Temba Bavuma, Faf du teams from the west of Asia in a centralised Plessis, Dean Elgar, Sarel AFP – JOHANNESBURG bowler Lutho Sipamla and all-rounder Sunday. Ten of the original squad played bio-secure bubble. Erwee, Beuran Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius are the extra players. in the two affected matches, as did Van Persepolis qualified for the final from that Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Three players have been added to South They will be part of what is now a Tonder, 22, who is the leading run- mini-tournament before Ulsan progressed Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Africa’s squad for the first Test against 19-man squad, which is due to assemble scorer in South African first-class through a similar event, also held in Doha from Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Sri Lanka, which starts in Centurion on in Pretoria today. cricket this season, and Sipamla. mid-November, for teams from the east of the Keegan Petersen, Dwaine December 26. The statement did not mention It was announced on Thursday that continent. Pretorius, Migael Pretorius, According to a statement from whether any of the squad may have the next round of three matches, due to Ulsan are aiming to win the Asian Cham- Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Cricket South Africa yesterday, the addi- been affected by playing in two matches start tomorrow, had been postponed in pions League for the second time in the club’s Stuurman, Rassie van der tions are part of a plan “to integrate earlier in the week during which several order to mitigate the impact of the Covid history after claiming the title in 2012 while Dussen, Raynard van more players” following the latest round individuals were reportedly tested pos- pandemic. Persepolis are seeking to secure their maiden Tonder, Kyle Verreynne. of four-day domestic matches. itive for Covid-19. One of the matches Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada remains victory in the continent’s premier club Batsman Raynard van Tonder, fast was abandoned after one day on unavailable because of injury. competition.