MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2019 SPORT 07 He wants to be here and do as well as he can, that’s why we don’t want to talk too much CRICKET RALLYING Zinedine Zidane urges about this. He is integrated into England vs New Zealand Baja 1000 critical Real fans to start the group and he wants to play 1st Test - Day 5 at the1,287-kilometer course

backing Bale again. ACTION on Mount Maunganui in Ensenada, Mexico

well, just like everyone else. TODAY’S Al Attiyah headlines Baja 1000 in Mexico

THE PENINSULA a good job, and we have a good ENSENADA, MEXICO strategy.” Al-Attiyah added. “Baja in itself is a challenge, North America’s most famous you have to expect the unex- off-road race began yesterday In appearance, the pected. Anything can happen in just outside of Ensenada, Mexico, this race and you really need to – a day late thanks to torrential trophy truck is a stay calm and let it come to you.” rains that are sure to have 4x4 like our Toyota “This race is unique by the muddied up the course with a Hilux, but the main length and the time – the crew few superstar racers pairing up difference is the huge will have to stay focused on the to tackle the 1,287-kilometer track. Should be less difficult on course through Baja’s rocky travel of the shocks. navigation as we have some roads and sandy washes. Driving will be a little recce possibility... then Nasser An exciting last-minute entry bit different from and I will have to find the fastest from two legendary off-road what we know but and easiest way during the race,” racers coming in from afar: Price said. reigning Dakar Rally champions, for that I trust Nasser Baumel, Al Attiyah and Price Qatari Nasser Al Attiyah and Aus- 100%: Baumel have already agreed on one tralian Toby Price, will also be strategy – Toby will open the hopping in a Trophy Truck course on roads that he already together for the first time. While “I am so excited to do Baja knows, then plans on handing the Baja 1000’s all-day, all-night 1000 – I’ve been dreaming of the truck over to superstar driver style of racing will be a change doing this race for a long time! Nasser with plenty of life left in for the cross-country rally With two Dakar champions, I it for the race to the finish. experts, their driving skills will think it will be really a nice Andy McMillin and Bryce ’s Nasser Al Attiyah (centre), Australian Toby Price (left) and Mathieu Baumel pose for a picture make them a force to be feeling to race together,” Al Menzies, both of USA have during the Baja 1000 in Mexico. reckoned with. Toby will be Attiyah said. always been racing against each joined by co-driver Dustin Hell- “I have never driven a trophy other – but for the 2020 Baja Truck as fast as they can during non-stop, day and night, over doing – and Bryce has proven strom, and Al Attiyah by Mathieu truck, so we need to test the 1000, they’re going to be on the this iconic off-road race – each 1,287 kilometers. himself with three Baja 500 Baumel. The pair are supported truck. It won’t be easy at the same team – piloting the same taking a turn (or two) at the With five Baja 1000 wins to championships, making this duo by Baja racing legend Jesse Jones. beginning, but I think we can do Mason Motorsports Trophy wheel as the truck races his name, Andy knows what he’s very dangerous. Inspired Nadal fires Spain into Davis Cup final against Canada

REUTERS Nadal completed that task point with a big serve and then hours. “I’m living the dream,” he MADRID with a 6-4 6-0 win over Dan Nadal produced miracles to flick said. Evans, which extended his a lob over Murray before putting “It’s a very special moment. Rafael Nadal fired hosts Spain incredible run of Davis Cup away a smash as the Scot replied Rafa hit an unbelievable lob into the Davis Cup final as he singles wins to 28 since 2004, with a lob. when we were down in the break joined Feliciano Lopez to win a and, just like 24 hours earlier, he It felt like Nadal was tackling 6-4. We are really happy and thrilling late-night doubles and bounded back on court around Britain on his own as he saved a have a great opportunity to hold seal a nail-biting 2-1 victory over half an hour later for a doubles fourth set point with a monstrous this trophy tomorrow.” Britain on Saturday. decider. forehand that whistled past Canada reached their first The world number one, In a match of gut-wrenching Murray. Three-time Grand Slam Davis Cup final after Denis playing like a man possessed, tension played in front of a champion Andy Murray, sitting Shapovalov and Vasek Pospisil, sent a capacity crowd in the frenzied soccer-style crowd in at courtside after being left out, who have played every rubber Magic Box wild as he almost the 12,500-seater stadium, could not look. for their side this week, beat single-handedly hauled his Nadal, 33, and Lopez, 38, Spain then had a match point Russian duo Andrey Rublev and country home and set up a final squeezed out the first set on a which Nadal miscued, but when Karen Khachanov as their semi- with Canada in the inaugural tiebreak in which every single Skupski bunted a volley long it final also went to the wire. edition of the revamped point felt like a drama. meant Lopez had a service point Pospisil’s run of three competition. With the clock ticking well to seal it, and he delivered. straight singles wins here came With the semi-final on a past midnight yet again, the “Rafa Rafa” the crowd bel- to an end in the opener against knife edge at 1-1 after the singles inspired British pair kept their lowed as they saluted their hero an inspired Rublev, the Russian were shared, Nadal and veteran noses in front on serve in the and he will need them behind winning 6-4 6-4. Lopez came through an electri- second set and when Lopez him again in the final against Shapovalov levelled the tie fying doubles clash against Jamie made a horrible mess of a smash Canada at the end of an when he beat Khachanov 6-4 Murray and Neal Skupski, on the Nadal serve at 5-6 they exhausting week. 4-6 6-4 before the Canadian duo winning 7-6(3), 7-6(8) to take had a set point. “This competition is dra- edged the doubles 6-3 3-6 7-6(5). five-time winners Spain into Nadal saved that one with a matic and with this new format “I don’t think any of us their first Davis Cup final since nerveless forehand winner down even more,” Nadal said on court. expected that we could get this 2012. Just as on the previous the line but there was more “It was very close. We knew it far,” Shapovalov said. “You have night against Argentina in the trouble for Spain in the was going to be a very tough to have a little bit of luck on your quarter-finals, Nadal first had to tiebreak. battle. But we found a way.” side and just play some ridic- Spain captain Sergi Bruguera celebrates with Rafael Nadal after win his singles to drag his team After an angry Nadal clashed Lopez was close to tears at the ulous tennis and play at a ridic- winning his doubles match with Feliciano Lopez against Britain’s level after Lopez was outplayed with the umpire Britain led 6-4 end and who could blame him ulous level. It’s dream to be in Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski in Madrid on Saturday. 6-3 7-6 by Kyle Edmund. but Lopez saved the first set after the tension of two dramatic the final.”

Second Leg of the Qatar MTB League: Wasiak tops in Open Category NBA Results Cleveland 110, Portland104 Milwaukee 104, Detroit 90 Atlanta 116, Toronto 119 New York 104, San Antonio 111 Philadelphia 113, Miami 86 Utah 128, New Orleans 120 Memphis 108, LA Lakers 109 Charlotte 115, Chicago 116 Indiana 111, Orlando 106 Minnesota 98, Phoenix 100

NHL Results Vancouver 2 Washington 1 Calgary 3 Philadelphia 2 Arizona 3 Los Angeles 2 Boston 5 Minnesota 4 Carolina 4 Florida 2 Toronto 5 Colorado 3 NY Rangers 6 Montreal 5 New Jersey 5 Detroit 1 Tampa Bay 6 Anaheim 2 Winnipeg 4 Columbus 3 Dallas 2 Chicago 1 Nashville 4 St. Louis 2 Edmonton 4 Las Vegas 2 The podium winners at the Second Leg of the Qatar MTB League Season 2019-2020 pose for a picture with Thani Al Zaraa, General Secretary of the Qatar Cycling San Jose 2 NY Islanders 1 Federation in Duhail. The league is organised in collaboration between the United Filipino Mountain Bikers Qatar and the Qatar Cycling Federation. National Team coach Szymon Wasiak and national team rider Marwan Aljalham were placed first and second respectively in the Open Category. 08 SPORT MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2019 India crush Bangladesh to sweep series

AFP played a key part with his 136 in SCOREBOARD KOLKATA India’s 347 for nine declared on Bangladesh 1st innings 106 Saturday as they managed a lead India 1st innings 347-9 dec Paceman Umesh Yadav claimed of 241 runs. Bangladesh 2nd innings five wickets as India thrashed The tourists were in early Shadman Islam lbw b Ishant ...... 0 Bangladesh in just over two days trouble at 13 for four in the final Imrul Kayes c Kohli b Ishant ...... 5 of their first day-night Test to session on day two when Mush- Mominul Haque c Saha b Ishant ...... 0 sweep the series 2-0 yesterday. fiqur resisted India’s persistent Mohammad Mithun c Shami b Yadav ...... 6 Bangladesh were bowled out pace attack. Ishant trapped Mushfiqur Rahim c Jadeja b Yadav ...... 74 Mahmudullah retired hurt ...... 39 for 195 in less than an hour of the Shadman Islam lbw for nought Mehidy Hasan c Kohli b Ishant ...... 15 first session on day three in and then claimed skipper Mominul Ebadat Hossain c Kohli b Yadav ...... 0 Kolkata, as India won by an Haque, who got a pair of ducks. Al-Amin Hossain c Saha b Yadav ...... 21 innings and 46 runs to record The spearhead quickie, who Abu Jayed not out ...... 2 their 12th-straight Test series claimed five wickets in the first Extras (b8, lb9, w5) ...... 22 triumph on home soil. innings, bowled at a lively pace Total (all out, 41.1 overs) ...... 195 It was a memorable pink-ball as one of his rising deliveries hit Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Shadman), 2-2 (Mo- international debut for India, Mohammad Mithun on the minul), 3-9 (Mithun), 4-13 (Imrul), 4-82 (Mah- mudullah, retired not out), 5-133 (Mehidy), who become the only team to helmet. 6-152 (Taijul), 7-152 (Ebadat), 8-184 (Mush- win four consecutive Tests by an Bangladesh were forced to fiqur), 9-195 (Al-Amin) innings margin. take two concussion substitutes Bowling: Ishant 13-2-56-4, Yadav 14.1-1-53-5, Virat Kohli’s side -- which in Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam Shami 8-0-42-0 (w5), Ashwin 5-0-19-0, Jade- has now won seven Tests in a for Liton Das and Nayeem Hasan ja 1-0-8-0 row -- consolidated their top who were hit on the helmet by Toss: Bangladesh position in the world Test cham- Shami on day one. Result: India won by an innings and 46 pionship with three successive Mushfiqur was also at the runs series sweeps. receiving end of a nasty hit from Series: India won the two-match series Mushfiqur Rahim made a Indian cricketers celebrate after winning the second Test, yesterday. Yadav, but went on to play a 2-0 valiant 74 before falling to Yadav, Ishant Sharma led the pace -- whether we play at home or capitalise on opportunities and fighting knock. Kohli completed and the innings soon folded as charge with impressive match we play away,” a victorious Kohli everyone is enjoying playing in his 27th century before falling to what happened. I think the pink Mahmudullah did not return to figures of 9-78 to flatten the said. this team and I think that’s the a stunning catch by Taijul off ball was challenging especially bat after he had retired hurt on Bangladesh batting that fell for “I think it is all about the standout feature about us.” Ebadat Hossain. because it moved a lot with the 39 on day two. India took 8.4 106 in their first innings of the mindset... these guys are very Ishant was named man of the “Definitely, the gap between new ball.” overs to wrap up the game at opening day. hungry, they are at the top of match and the series for his 12 the two teams is concerning,” India won the opening Test Eden Gardens with Yadav taking “With the way these guys are their game. wickets in two Tests. Yadav also Mominul said after the drubbing. also inside three days, as well as all the three wickets to fall yes- bowling now, they can pick up “I feel that we are in the right claimed 12 scalps in the series, “We’ve got to learn from the preceding Twenty20 series terday afternoon. wickets on any surface kind of space right now to while Shami took nine. Kohli these two matches and follow up 2-1. Paine to Kohli: Let’s play at the Gabba next year

AP BRISBANE Indian captain open to His Australians had just extended pink-ball Test in Australia an unbeaten streak at the Gabba that stretches back to 1988, and Tim Paine wanted to bring it to with proper planning the attention of Indian skipper Virat Kohli. REUTERS The Brisbane venue has long KOLKATA been the place where Australia starts its home Test series, but it India are open to playing a day- A good practice was abandoned for the four- night Test in Australia next year game before that match series against India last but there has to be proper and enough time to year. planning, skipper Virat Kohli There was all kinds of con- Australia’s Tim Paine said after his team won their prepare, we’re open jecture about the reasoning, attends a training maiden pink-ball Test against to anything. You can’t including speculation in the local session in Brisbane Bangladesh yesterday. just play it on a short in this November 20, media that India refused to play India declined Australia’s notice: Virat Kohli a Test at the Gabba, where it has 2019 file photo. offer to play a day-night Test lost five and drawn one of its six in Adelaide last year, citing lack Tests going back to 1947. of experience, but took a little and they’d have liked a practice Whatever the case, the over two days to clinch their game before this game. schedule change had a big “Yeah, well, we’ll be certainly “And maybe even get a pink- batted well here for a long time,” first pink-ball Test, thrashing “Just because we know influence on the summer. India trying. We’ll have to run that by ball Test if he’s in a good mood.” Paine said. Bangladesh by an innings and these conditions and our won the first Test of that series Virat,” Paine said. The Australians enjoy the “We’d like to start here 46 runs in Kolkata. bowlers are bowling so well, we - in Adelaide - to claim its first “We’ll get an answer from extra bounce of the Gabba pitch, against anyone. Having said that, With day-night Tests seen don’t really feel the Test win in Australia since 2008. him at some stage I’m sure.” which is fairly unique in the it doesn’t win us games of as a possible solution to Test challenge...” And India went on to win a Test Kohli just happened to be international game. The pace cricket. We win here because we cricket’s dwindling attend- “A good practice game series in Australia for the first playing later yesterday as India bowlers enjoy the extra carry it outplay the opposition. That ances, Australia are hopeful before that and enough time to time. won its first ever day-night Test. gives the ball, and the spinners doesn’t’ change depending on that India will agree to play one prepare, we’re open to any- Australia launched its 2019- He scored 136 in the first innings get higher bounce. Australian the venue. at the Gabba next year.“There thing. You can’t just play it on 2020 Test series with win over of the victory over Bangladesh batsmen are usually better pre- “We enjoy playing here, has to be planning for a pink- a short notice.” Pakistan by an innings and five at Kolkata. So Paine doubled pared for the consistently higher which allows (us) to settle into ball game,” Kohli said, pointing Pink balls are used in all runs at the Gabba yesterday, an down. bounce than touring batsmen, games here a little quicker.” to the struggle of a Bangladesh day-night Tests for visibility emphatic start to the summer. This “is where we like to start particularly those from the First things first. Australia has team whose pink-ball inexpe- reasons, but behave differently Paine was still in his whites when our summer, and it has been for subcontinent. another Test against Pakistan rience was laid bare in their to the red ones, with players he was asked in a news con- a long, long time except for last Australia only lost eight of starting Friday in Adelaide, before comprehensive defeat in having commented that they ference if he’d like next year’s summer,” Paine said. “So as I the 62 Tests here since 1931. a three-test series against New Kolkata. “We played on home swing more and do not spin as series with India to start at the said, we’ll ask Virat. See if we can “We like playing here. Aus- Zealand which includes matches conditions. You ask Bangladesh much. Gabba as well. get his permission to play here. tralian teams have bowled and in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

Jon Rahm of Spain poses with Rahm holds off Fleetwood for double delight the trophy, yesterday. REUTERS DP WORLD TOUR SCORES DUBAI Rahm produced a a spectacular chip on the lead, slipped two behind sublime bunker shot to last moved him when he took two chips 269 - Jon Rahm (ESP) 66-69-66-68 within three feet before alongside Rahm, who to get out of rough on his 270 - Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 67-68- Spain’s Jon Rahm rolling home to secure scripted a remarkable way to bogeying the 70-65 claimed the Race to the Harry Vardon finish of his own to lift third. 271 - Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 63-69- Dubai title yesterday Trophy. The 25-year-old his sixth European Tour The Frenchman 69-70 after he held off fellow Rahm became the title. recovered with two 276 - Rory McIlroy (NIR) 64-74-65-73 contender Tommy second Spaniard after Rahm takes home birdies on the back nine 277 - Danny Willett (ENG) 69-72-67- Fleetwood to secure a the late Seve Ballesteros $3m for his win in Dubai to sign for a 70 and seal one-shot victory at the to win the European as well as a $2m bonus a third-placed finish. 69 season-ending DP Tour’s season-long Race for topping the 2019 Scotland’s Robert 278 - Sergio Garcia (ESP) 71-73-67-67, World Tour to Dubai crown or its money list. MacIntyre won the 2019 Tom Lewis (ENG) 67-70-73-68, Tho- Championship. predecessor, the Order “It was such an up rookie race with a solid mas Pieters (BEL) 70-68-68-72 Rahm opened up a of Merit. and down day,” he round of 69 to finish 279 - Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) 71- six-shot advantage after “Seve was such an added. tied-14th. 71-68-69 seven holes at Jumeirah idol for us,” Rahm said. “I had a six-shot lead World number two 280 - Jason Scrivener (AUS) 71-72-72- Golf Estates before “To put my name and I came down 18 Rory McIlroy finished 65, Andy Sullivan (ENG) 70-74-67-69 Fleetwood made a late there, it’s hard to believe. needing a birdie to win. seven shots off the lead 281 - Shane Lowry (IRL) 73-68-70-70, charge, finishing with a I can’t believe some of “But how many with a sluggish round of Christiaan Bezuidenhout (RSA) 71-67- final round 65 to set the the things I have times do you dream of 73, one clear of last 70-73 clubhouse target at accomplished.” having to birdie the last year’s Dubai winner 282 - Paul Waring (ENG) 71-77-68-66, 18-under. Fleetwood’s putter to win a tournament?” Danny Willett and two Robert MacIntyre (SCO) 71-74-68-69 Needing a birdie at was hot on the back nine Mike Lorenzo-Vera, ahead of Sergio Garcia, 283 - Guido Migliozzi (ITA) 73-70-68-

the final hole to beat as he holed long putts on who started the day with Tom Lewis and Thomas Fleetwood’s mark, the 15th and 17th before a share of the overnight Pieters. 72, Marcus Kinhult (SWE) 68-71-68-73 MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2019 SPORT 09 Australia wrap up comprehensive win

REUTERS SYDNEY Pakistan’s batsman Babar Australia’s fielder Azam celebrates reaching Matthew Wade takes Australia duly wrapped up his century on day four a successful catch to victory over Pakistan by an of the first Test against dismiss Pakistan’s innings and five runs in the first Australia at the Gabba in batsman Imran Khan test in Brisbane yesterday but Brisbane yesterday. yesterday. they were forced to wait until late on day four by a magnificent rearguard action from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. The hosts needed only seven wickets on Sunday to ensure they would take a 1-0 lead to Adelaide Oval for the second and final match of the series but Azam’s second test century and 95 from Rizwan stalled their march to victory. The pair were finally dis- lodged after a 132-run part- nership and the Australian quicks finished the job with the second new ball, dismissing the last four batsmen for 30 runs to maintain Australia’s 31-year unbeaten run at the Gabba. “Really happy, any time you win a Test by over an innings you’ve done a lot right,” said Aus- tralia captain Tim Paine. Test yesterday. Fast bowler Josh decisive role in finishing off the the Match for his knock of 185 on “Really proud of the way we Hazlewood took 4-63 and his tourists. Azam showed the Saturday which, with David started the innings and to fellow quick Mitchell Starc 3-73 quality many believe will one Warner’s 154, helped Australia maintain our record at the Gabba but it was off-spinner Nathan day make him one of the world’s accumulate a first-innings tally is excellent,” he said after the Lyon who played the most best batsmen in a superb 173-ball of 580 in reply to Pakistan’s 240. innings, hitting 13 fours including “We were really pleased for SCOREBOARD the confident drive that brought a team mate like Marnus to Pakistan 1st innings ...... 240 Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Azhar), 2-25 (So- him to cricket’s most significant finally arrive on the big stage,” Australia 1st innings ...... 580 hail), 3-25 (Shafiq), 4-93 (Masood), 5-94 milestone. Paine added of the ebullient Pakistan 2nd innings (overnight 64-3) (Iftikhar), 6-226 (Azam), 7-305 (Rizwan), He was caught behind off 25-year-old, who secured his Shan Masood c Paine b Cummins ...... 42 8-324 (Yasir), 9-331 (Shaheen), 10-335 Lyon for 104 half an hour before maiden test century on his way Azhar Ali lbw Starc ...... 5 (Imran) tea - a slightly quicker ball to the tally. catching the outside edge of his “He looks like he’s getting Haris Sohail c Paine b Starc ...... 8 Bowling: Starc 16.2-1-73-3 (1nb), Cum- bat and flying through to wick- better and better, which is a good Asad Shafiq c Smith b Cummins ...... 0 mins 21-6-69-2 (5w), Hazlewood 21-3- etkeeper Paine. thing for Australian cricket,” the to Azam and Rizwan as well as that, especially against Australia Babar Azam c Paine b Lyon ...... 104 63-4, Lyon 21-3-74-1, Labuschagne 5-0- Rizwan had already secured Australian captain added. 16-year-old debutant pace in Australia.” Iftikhar Ahmed c Paine b Hazlewood .0 38-0 his first Test half-century and was Pakistan’s dream of an bowler Naseem Shah, but rued When asked about young M Rizwan c Lyon b Hazlewood ...... 95 Toss: Pakistan not done yet, batting expansively unlikely maiden Test series the batting collapse on day one pacer Naseem, he said: “Naseem Yasir Shah c Wade b Hazlewood ...... 42 Result: Australia win by an innings and as he moved towards what would triumph in Australia might now of the match. was bowling well. He looked S Afridi c Cummins b Hazlewood ...... 10 five runs have been his maiden century be gone but their fightback yes- “I think on the first day we very fit. We don’t want him to Imran Khan c Wade b Starc ...... 5 Man of the match: Marnus Labuschagne only to misjudge an uppercut on terday should give them renewed won two sessions but we lost one break obviously. He is very Naseem Shah not out ...... 0 Umpires: Richard Illingworth (ENG), Rich- 95 with Lyon taking the catch at hope heading into the second very badly,” he said. young.” He added: “ We want Extras (b9, lb9, nb1, w5) ...... 24 ard Kettleborough (ENG) deep backward point. Test, a day-night affair which “I think if you lose one him to have a long career. We Total (all out; 84.2 overs) ...... 335 TV Umpire: Michael Gough (ENG) Batsman Marnus begins on Friday. session very badly it is always want him badly but we had to Labuschagne was named Man of Captain Azhar Ali paid tribute very hard to come back from manage him accordingly.” Watling’s double ton, Santner’s triple burst have England reeling

AFP wickets and setting your sights MOUNT MAUNGANUI New Zealand’s BJ Watling high.” celebrates his double After more than two days in England were battling for century against England the field, much of it watching survival after Mitchell Santner during the first Test at Bay Watling and then Santner take took three cheap wickets Oval in Mount Maunganui, the game away from them, following a match-turning New Zealand. England had an uncomfortable double century by BJ Watling in two hours batting with openers the first Test against New Dom Sibley (12) and Rory Burns Zealand yesterday. (31) as well as nightwatchman After New Zealand declared Jack Leach (nought) all falling to at 615 for nine on day four in Santner. Sibley’s wicket was the Mount Maunganui, England were first by a New Zealand spinner 55 for three at stumps, needing on home soil since March 2018 a further 207 on the final day if with 101 consecutive Test they are to make the Black Caps wickets in 11 innings in between bat again. having all fallen to seamers. Watling swung the match Watling shared a 116-run firmly New Zealand’s way with partnership with Colin de Grand- his Test best 205 and a record- homme and then put the home breaking partnership with side firmly in charge as he Santner who scored a maiden rewrote the record books with century and then capped his Santner. remarkable day by taking three Watling’s 205 comfortably wickets for six runs. beat his previous Test best of 142 New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner bats during the third day of “It’s not going to be easy to not out against Sri Lanka in 2015, the first Test against England at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. get seven wickets on that while Santner’s 126 overhauled his 73 against Bangladesh in After New Zealand 2017. SCOREBOARD declared at 615 for nine Their partnership of 261 on day four in Mount smashed the previous New England 1st innings ...... 353 Bowling: Broad 33-13-64-0, Archer 42- New Zealand 1st innings (overnight 15-107-1 (2w, 1nb), Curran 35-7-119-3 Maunganui, England Zealand record seventh wicket 394-6) (1w), Leach 47-7-153-2, Stokes 26-5-74-2 were 55 for three at stand of 225 by Chris Cairns and Jacob Oram against South Africa J. Raval c Denly b Leach ...... 19 (4w, 1nb), Root 18-3-67-1 (4w) stumps, needing a at Eden Park in 2004. T. Latham lbw Curran ...... 8 England 2nd innings further 207 on the final When New Zealand declared K. Williamson c Stokes b Curran ...... 51 R. Burns c de Grandhomme b Santner 31 day if they are to make soon after Jofra Archer claimed R. Taylor c Pope b Stokes ...... 25 D. Sibley c Watling b Santner ...... 12 the Black Caps bat again. Watling’s wicket, the 615 was H. Nicholls lbw Root ...... 41 J. Denly not out ...... 7 their highest total against B. Watling c Buttler b Archer ...... 205 J. Leach c Latham b Santner ...... 0 Watling swung the match England, going past their 551-9 C. de Grandhomme c Sibley b Stokes 65 Extras (b4, lb1) ...... 5 firmly New Zealand’s declared at Lord’s in 1973. M. Santner c Pope b Curran ...... 126 Total (for 3 wkts, 27.4 overs) ...... 55 (pitch),” Santner said. “It’s nice marathon effort kept them in the Watling faced 473 deliveries T. Southee c and b Leach ...... 9 Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Sibley), 2-53 way with his Test best to get some footies (footmarks) field for a tiring 201 overs. and hit 24 fours and a six during N. Wagner not out ...... 11 (Burns), 3-55 (Leach) 205 and a record- and the cracks are starting to “That’s a big learning point more than 11 remarkable hours breaking partnership open. It’s nice to see some spin for us. Just when you think you’re of batting which extended his T. Boult not out ...... 1 Bowling: Southee 4-0-18-0, Boult 5-4-2- with Santner who now and hopefully get a roll getting to the place you need to unbroken time in the middle to Extras (b22, lb9, w21, nb2) ...... 54 0, de Grandhomme 4-1-8-0, Santner 8.4- Total (9 wkts dec; 201 overs) ....615 4-6-3, Wagner 6-1-16-0 scored a maiden century tomorrow.” be, and doing the hard work, 16 hours 16 minutes after he Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Latham), 2-72 Toss: England and then capped his England wicketkeeper Jos there’s a lot more hard work to batted for 306 minutes to score Buttler blamed scoreboard come,” he said. an unbeaten 105 in his last Test (Raval), 3-106 (Taylor), 4-127 (William- Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI), Bruce remarkable day by pressure for the tourists’ predic- “New Zealand played a very innings against Sri Lanka three son), 5-197 (Nichols), 6-316 (de Grand- Oxenford (AUS) taking three wickets for ament after they had held the patient game with the bat and months ago. Sam Curran, who homme), 7-577 (Santner), 8-598 (South- TV Umpire: Paul Wilson (AUS) six runs. upper hand when New Zealand showed us how to play that claimed Santner’s wicket, fin- ee), 9-603 (Watling) Match Referee: Javagal Srinath (IND) were 197 for five before Watling’s patient game of batting on flat ished with three for 119 10 SPORT MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2019

Al Kass ready Excitement already in the air, for extensive coverage of says Omani football chief Gulf Cup THE PENINSULA FAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA Al Kass ready for extensive As the Gulf Cup – the region’s coverage Al Kass Sports most anticipated tournament - Channels is ready to give is all set to kick off tomorrow, extensive coverage of the Gulf football fever has gripped in the next two weeks, says with fans from the eight com- Essa bin Abdullah Al Hitmi, peting nations eager to watch General Manager of the tele- their heroes in action. vision network. The electric atmosphere in “Al Kass is all set to give Qatar days ahead of the biennial outstanding coverage of the tournament has impressed the Gulf Cup. We will be showing President of Oman Football different programmes con- Association (OFA), Sheikh Salem ducted by the experts of the Al Wahaibi, who said the Qatari sport during the tournament,” capital is abuzz with excitement. said Al Hitmi. “I can already feel the He said that there will be excitement,” said Al Wahaibi separate shows for the viewers who added coming to Qatar was before and after the matches, like ‘reaching his second home’. which will give full insight to “The atmosphere looks great. the fans. All this hustle with players, There will also be a pro- Officials of Oman Football Association upon arrival in Doha for the Gulf Cup on Saturday. media teams getting ready for gramme recalling Qatar’s title- the show ..... it’s going to be a winning campaigns in the tour- great event. I felt the atmosphere Oman, who defeated the UAE the fans. “The warm reception Qatar and we are very happy to nament, he added. from the moment of our arrival,” in the previous edition’s final, we received was no surprise as play the Gulf Cup here,” said the he said of the November 26 to arrived in Doha on Saturday and Qatar is our second home. We OFA president. Ten-man Lyon December 8 event. was given a warm welcome by always get a lot of support in Oman will face Saudi Arabia, The warm reception Kuwait and Bahrain in Group B we received was no beat Nice 2-1 while hosts Qatar, , UAE and surprise as Qatar is will battle in Group A AFP before the event moves to the our second home. We PARIS last-four stage. always get a lot of “We are very happy that all support in Qatar and Lyon edged past Nice 2-1 at the the countries are participating. Groupama Stadium on Saturday Both the groups are balanced we are very happy despite playing 56 minutes with and we will see some exciting to play the Gulf Cup 10 men to shoot up the table as battle in the first phase,”said Al here: Al Wahaibi coach Rudi Garcia claimed his Wahaibi. third win in four Ligue 1 games. “This is a tournament which good performance. We are The home side, who lost to every team wants to win and playing good football and got Garcia’s former club Marseille give their best,” he added. good results in the qualifying before the international break, “We will see some thrilling matches. Nevertheless, it is a dif- moved up to fifth in the con- matches as all the teams have ficult event and the competition gested table having started the good players and are coming will be very tough right from the day 14th. well prepared after featuring in start.” “Our team is young and the double qualification for FIFA Oman will begin their title need instructions,” said Garcia, World Cup 2022 and 2023 AFC defence with a match against who replaced the sacked Syl- Asian Cup. The level of compe- Bahrain on Wednesday. The ‘Red vinho last month. tition will be high,” said Al Warriors’ will take on ten-time “The players are listening, Wahaibi. champions Kuwait on November they’re progressing. We have Speaking about Oman’s 30 in their second game before lacked the decision making chances of retaining their title, clashing with Saudi Arabia in needed to attack better and I the OFA president said: “Our their last group match on think that this victory can serve The players and officials of Oman team upon arrival in Doha on Saturday. team is confident of giving a December 2. us well for the future.”

Kuwait contigent arrives in Doha for 24th

The players and officials of Kuwait football team pose for a picture upon their arrival at Hamad International Airport in Doha yesterday. Kuwait are in Doha to take part in the Arabian Gulf Cup which begins tomorrow. Kuwait are placed in Group B alongside Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain while hosts Qatar will play against Iraq, UAE and Yemen in Group B. PIC: FACEBOOK/ KUWAIT FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION Real and Barca battle back as Atletico lose ground at the top AFP out a brilliant opener from overshadowed by the whistles can Gareth or anyone. But Gareth through ball in the first half even month that will include trips to MADRID Leganes forward Youssef En- for Bale after his controversial came on and he played very drawing gasps of approval from Inter Milan in the Champions Nesyri. Madrid were behind after celebration following Wales’ win well.” the home support. League and Real Sociedad in La Real Madrid and Barcelona both 110 seconds against high-flying over Hungary last week. Without Bale, Benzema con- Barcelona’s gritty victory will Liga before the season’s first came from behind to seal Real Sociedad but Karim He celebrated with a flag that tinued his excellent form with come as a relief to coach Ernesto Clasico. victories that extended their Benzema scored his sixth goal in read: “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In another goal and an assist for Valverde too ahead of a testing “It was a big win because the advantage over the chasing pack five games, before Fede Valverde that order.” The fans jeered when Modric late on. In between, Val- month for his side. game was very difficult,” Val- at the top of on Saturday and Luka Modric wrapped up a his name was announced before verde gave Madrid the lead with They play Borussia verde said. “The pitch was as Gareth Bale was jeered by his 3-1 win in the second half. kick-off and even louder when a deflected shot from the edge of Dortmund on Wednesday in the dreadful, there was a lot of wind own fans at the Santiago It means Atletico Madrid lost he came on as a substitute in the the area. Madrid’s fans were also Champions League and a and they scored early. Bernabeu. further ground by being held to second half. given the chance to see Martin goalless draw against Slavia “I don’t want it to sound like Barca needed a late winner a 1-1 draw at Granada, with Real “I can’t tell you it’s fair or Odegaard, their 20-year-old Prague earlier this month means an excuse but it made it hard and from Arturo Vidal to beat Sociedad remaining fifth, five unfair,” said Zidane after the Norwegian loanee at Real qualification from Group F is no still we were able to win.” The bottom-club Leganes 2-1 after points off the top. Sevilla, in match. Sociedad, who has been key to longer guaranteed.After home side made the perfect start Luis Suarez headed home a fourth, play at Real Valladolid. “But we need our fans to be their strong start to the season. Dortmund, Barca then play at as En-Nesyri beat Gerard Pique Lionel Messi free-kick to cancel Madrid’s comeback was with us. I can’t control it, neither Odegaard impressed, with one Atletico in La Liga to start a with a wonderful early strike. MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2019 SPORT 11

Almahdi hopes to see Qatar benefit from home conditions, support CHINTHANA WASALA THE PENINSULA

Qatari defender Almahdi Ali Mukhtar is expecting a fierce battle among the eight teams, which will begin their quest for Arabian Gulf Cup glory tomorrow. The 27-year product said that all the competing teams are ready to give their best at the 24th edition of the prestigious regional tournament. Asian champions Qatar will start their campaign against Iraq tomorrow. “The competition will not be easy as all teams have prepared well. All eight teams are currently participating in the joint qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup and the Asian Cup 2023. Two important rounds in the same qualifiers just got over. All teams are in good form and it confirms that the race for the Gulf Cup title will be fierce,” said Almahdi. The Al Sadd defender, however, stressed that his Qatari team-mates will go all out to give their best as they Almahdi Ali Mukhtar (left) and his Qatri team-mates gesture during a training session at Aspire zone in Doha. chase their fourth Arabian Gulf Cup title. Qatar have won the coveted titles in 2002, 2004 and 2014. will kick off at the magnificent Khalifa Yemen at the same venue on Friday,, great to see if Qatar bagsbags ttheirhheeeirr fofourthouourtrthr h “Despite the strong competition, International Stadium at 7:30pm. November 29. GulfGulf Cup tittitle.le. we should note that we are playing on “All our focus is now on the opening Qatar’s third group match will bee “Our loyloyalal fans desedeservervvee tththehhee GGuGulfululfllff familiar conditions, especially as the match of the Gulf Cup against Iraqi team on December 2 against UAE. title.title. We can win ththee cchchampi-haammppii- Qatar’s Almahdi tournament is being held here in Doha in order to get the first three points, Meanwhile, last year’s Asian Foot-- onshiponship thanks to thetheirir ssupport.uuppppppoortrt.rt. Ali Mukhtar in front of our home crowd. I believe which is very important. They have baller of the Year and Almahdi’s All They support us in everyeveryy gameggaammeea andanand we will receive a lot of support from played very well in their recent appear- Sadd team-mate, Abdelkarim Hassann it is good see the prespreseencencce ooff QQatariaattaarri them and I am confident that will make ances and have provided good levels of has expressed his happiness onn fans.fans. the difference,” Almahdi said. football in the joint qualifiers. It is very returning to the ranks of Annabi againn The ppresenceresence of ourouuurr fansffaaannss atat “However, the task will not be important to take a good start to the and took to twitter to thank the Qatarr KhalifaKhalifa InternationalInternational StadiumStaddiuum inin thethhe easy,” Almahdi said. tournament and we will be looking Football Federation President. openingopening ggameame aagainstgainst IraIraqq totomorrowommoorrrroww Qatar will are pitted in Group A forward to a positive result so that we “All thanks to H E Sheikh Hamadd willwill definitely be a grgreatreeaatt mmoraloorarall along with UAE, Yemen and Iraq. would not to find ourselves in front of bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Pres-- boosterbooster whichwhich wiwillll iincreasenccrreeaassee oouoururr The home team, coached by Felix additional pressure,” Almahdi said. ident of the Football Federation,” thee determinationdetermination anaandnd eenthu-enntthhuu- Sanchez, will be looking to fire on all “We believe in ourselves and our 26-year-old left-back posted siasm. ItIt wwillilll aalsollsoo hehelph p cylinders against the strong Iraqi team ability to deliver decent levels of Qatari midfielder Abdullah All us to exexertxeertt alalla oouourur when the two teams meet in the tour- football. That is our goal,” Almahdi Aharq emphasised that the presencee eeffortsfforts too wwininn thethehe nament opener tomorrow. added. of home fans will increase Al Annabi’ss all-importantall-impportantanantfit fifirstirstt The match against Iraq who are After the opening match, Qatar will enthusiasm. meeting,”meetingg,” AlAl AhrAAhAhraqraqq currently placed 74th in FIFA Rankings, have a two-day rest before meeting The midfielder said it would bee said.said.

Al Duhail’s Iraqi player Mohanad Al Duhail’s Mohanad Ali on Ali (front) in action during the QNB Stars League in this file familiar territory at Gulf Cup photo. THE PENINSULA against Al Sailiya at Hamad bin is one of the strongest teams in DOHA Khalifa Stadium few days ago contest at the eight-team Arabian and placed a crucial part in their Gulf Cup which kicks off Al Duhail’s Iraqi striker Mohanad two-all draw. tomorrow. Ali will be looking to make use of Also, Ali was a starter for Iraq The Qatar-Iraq opener will his experience of playing in Qatar in the 2022 World Cup and the kick off at 7:30pm at the Khalifa when he joins his national team Asian Cup 2023 joint qualifiers International Stadium, and the in the opening Group A match of and played against Iran and Lions of Mesopotamia are all out the 24th gulf Cup against the Bahrain before returning to to pose the Asian champions home team tomorrow. Doha. Qatar a huge threat. Yemen and Ali played in Al Duhail’s The Iraqi team, currently UAE are the other two contenders Ooredoo Cup third round match ranked 74th on FIFA points table, in Group A. Flamengo, Al Hilal complete Zidane urges Real fans to FIFA Club World Cup line-up start backing Bale again REUTERS He is integrated into the group and he THE PENINSULA FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP QATAR 2019: TEAMS MADRID wants to play well, just like everyone else,” DOHA ENTERING IN THE SEMI-FINALS Zidane said. Flamengo (Brazil) CONMEBOL Winners of the 2019 Copa Libertadores Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane asked “I hope this doesn’t continue A weekend of crowning continental Liverpool (England) UEFA Winners of the 2018–19 UEFA Champions League supporters to start backing Gareth Bale and throughout the season. We want the fans champions has seen the line-up of ENTERING IN THE SECOND ROUND move on from the club versus country row to be with us from the start of the game to the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) AFC Winners of the 2019 AFC Champions League which led to the Wales forward being the end but we can’t control this. The fans finally completed ahead of its Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia) CAF Winners of the 2018–19 CAF Champions League treated to a cacophony of boos in his side’s have the right to do what they want but I kick-off on December 11. Monterrey (Mexico) CONCACAF Winners of the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday. ask them to support everyone.” Flamengo and Al Hilal are the ENTERING IN THE FIRST ROUND Bale’s commitment to the 13-times Real had fallen behind to a Willian Jose final names to be added to the pres- Hienghène Sport (New Caledonia) OFC Winners of the 2019 OFC Champions League European champions has come under the strike in the second minute but Karim tigious list of seven trophy-winners Al Sadd (Qatar) AFC (Hosts) Winners of the 2018–19 microscope this week after he helpedlped his Benzema and Federico Valverde struck eiteitherhe from across the globe after winning nation qualify for Euro 2020 andd thenthen sideside ofof halftimehalftime to put thethe hostshosts in the CONMEBOL Libertadores yes- joined his team mates dancingcing front, althoughalthough the mood in the terday and AFC Champions League currently available on FIFA.com/ holders the opportunity to offer alongside a banner saying ‘Wales.s. standsstands cchangedhanged wwhenhen Bale respectively yesterday. tickets. tickets for possible resale. Golf. Madrid. In that order’. came off the bench. He pro-pro Flamengo and Al Hilal will join Moreover, local and interna- More information regarding the The 100 million euro ducedduced an admirableadmirable displaydisplay Espérance Sportive de Tunis, tional fans are encouraged to visit FIFA Transfer & Resale Policy and ($110.22m) forward was fiercely inin tthehe conditions,conditions, however,however Monterrey, Hienghène Sport, Liv- FIFA.com/tickets this Thursday, as the FIFA resale platform will be criticised in the Spanish media forr helpinghelping to set up LuLukaka erpool FC and hosts Al Sadd SC in an additional batch of tickets will available on the competition’s tick- the celebration and Real fans alsoso Modric’s goalgoal whichwhich fighting for the right to wear the FIFA be made available. In preparation eting page, where fans can already turned on him when he came off thehe wrappedwrapped up the pointpointss fofor World Champions badge for the next for that, it is important to note that find a comprehensive FAQ document bench in the second half of the Ligaga Zidane’sZidane’s siside,de, whilewhile he year. the Ticketing Portal will be closed in English and . game against Sociedad at the Santiagoago nearlynearly scoredscored in For the thrilled Brazilian and in the morning for a certain period In cases where two matches are Bernabeu. sstoppagetoppage Saudi Arabian fans who want to of time. played on the same day at the same “There is too much noise with Bale,Bale, time.time. witness their teams playing for Also on Thursday, FIFA will stadium (double-headers), each he wants to be here and do as wellll global glory, tickets for their first launch a resale platform on FIFA. ticket will provide access to both as he can, that’s why we don’t Zinedine Zidane matches in the competition are com/tickets, which offers ticket matches. want to talk too much about this. SPORT

PAGE | 08 PAGE | 11 India crush Almahdi hopes Bangladesh to see Qatar to sweep benefit from home Test series conditions, support

Monday 25 November 2019

Gulf Cup: Asian champions Qatar eye second major trophy in 2019

RIZWAN REHMAT THE PNEINSULA

In the next two weeks, Qatar’s football team can end 2019 the way it started - with a title win. In February this year, Felix Sanchez’s young squad stunned football fans in the region with an unbeaten seven-match streak that wrapped up a memorable Asian Cup title triumph, the country’s first in 11 attempts. Not only did Qatar beat teams like Japan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Korea in their spectacular run of form at the Asian Cup, they also scooped the top awards from the 24-team event held in the UAE. Striker smashed seven goals in the event to win the Golden Boot award while was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Ali, who won praise from Qatari player taking part in a training session at Aspire Zone in Doha ahead of the which kicks off tomorrow. popular coach Jose Mourinho for his seven goals and ‘high match awareness’, will be Khalifa International Stadium. Sanchez’s key man at the eight- Coach Sanchez yesterday team Gulf Cup set to be begin announced the squad for the Sanchez announces Qatar squadd in Doha tomorrow. region’s most popular national THE PENINSULA/DOHA Al Sheeb will be just as team event with no surprises QATAR SQUAD important for coach Sanchez in his 23-man squad. Saad Al Sheeb, Pedro Miguel, Boualem as Qatar - the three-time Gulf Ali will be partnered by Qatar coach Felix Sanchez yesterday announced Khouki, , , Cup champions - will look to captain and Al Sadd stalwart the national team squad that will be seen in Salem Al Hajri, Hassan Al Haydos, Akram impress their fans on home Hassan Al Haydos and Akram action for the 24th Gulf Cup which Afif, Bassam Al Rawi, Al Moez Ali, Karim soil against Iraq in the tour- Afif, the young striker who has begins tomorrow. Boudiaf, Ismail Mohamed, Mohamed nament opener at the iconic been shortlisted for the AFC Qatar, the reigning Asian Cup Muntari, Ahmed Fathi, Mohamed Salah El Player of the Year award for this champions, are in Group A with Iraq, Nile, Fahd Shaneen, Musab Khidar, Yousef In February this year. the UAE and Yemen. Abdul Razzaq, Abdul Aziz Hatem, Fahd year, Felix Sanchez’s Last year’s Asian Player of In Group B, Saudi Arabia will be Younis, Almahdi Ali, Abdullah Abdul- the Year award winner joined by Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait. Salam Al Ahraq and Mohammed Al Bakri. young squad Abdelkarim Hassan is also part Qatar play Iraq on the opening day stunned football of the squad following a short of the eight-team tournament. Coach: Felix Sanchez fans in the region rest with the national side. The 2019 Gulf Cup - set to with an unbeaten feature regional giants Saudi favourite having played a stag- international friendly against HOW QATAR FARED THIS YEAR: seven-match streak Arabia, the UAE and defending gering 16 matches this year five-time World Cup winners November 19 that wrapped up a champions Oman - will be first alone. The fixtures this year also Brazil before their Copa America Afghanistan 0 - 1 Qatar FIFA World Cup Qualifying memorable Asian event for Qatar following their includes Copa America clashes campaign in June this year. - AFC historic Asian Cup triumph against South American giants Following the summer, It’s important to November 14 Cup title triumph, the almost 10 months ago. Paraguay (2-2 draw), Colombia Qatar have posted five wins have targets. There Qatar 2 - 0 Singapore International Friendly country’s first in 11 Sanchez’s squad will arrive (1-0 defeat) and Argentina (2-0 with just one draw in their are clear targets for October 15 attempts. to the pitch for the opening defeat). 2022 FIFA World Cup and Qatar 2 - 1 Oman FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC clash as the tournament Qatar also played an 2023 Asian Cup joint quali- this team. The plan October 10 fying matches. for the players is to Bangladesh 0 - 2 Qatar FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC Qatar's Abdelkarim Hassan (left) and Akram Afif in action Qatar, hosts of the 2022 arrive for the 2022 September 10 during a training session. FIFA World Cup, have beaten (FIFA) World Cup in Qatar 0 - 0 India FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC Afghanistan twice and posted September 5 a win each over Oman, Bang- the right shape. This Qatar 6 - 0 Afghanistan FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC ladesh and Singapore (in a is a good target to June 23 friendly). The only draw came have: Sanchez Qatar 0 - 2 Argentina Copa America against India in September. June 20 Sanchez, during a football Colombia 1 - 0 Qatar Copa America June 16 conference at Aspire Academy Academy. So there is a plan. last month, attributed Qatar’s Everyone is aware of the (new) Paraguay 2 - 2 Qatar Copa America June 6 success to astute planning from target. It (FIFA World Cup) is a Brazil 2 - 0 Qatar International Friendly the football loving country. very important competition. February 1 “It’s important to have There is good coordination Japan 1 - 3 Qatar AFC Asian Cup targets. There are clear targets among QFA, the Aspire January 29 for this team. The plan for the Academy and the football Qatar 4 - 0 United Arab Emirates AFC Asian Cup players is to arrive for the 2022 clubs,” Sanchez noted. January 25 (FIFA) World Cup in the right “Currently we have (World South Korea 0 - 1 Qatar AFC Asian Cup shape,” Sanchez said on day Cup and Asian Cup) qualifiers January 22 two of the Aspire Academy to play and then the Copa (next Qatar 1 - 0 Iraq AFC Asian Cup Global Summit last month. year). These are good targets to January 17 “This is a good target to have,” Sanchez said. Saudi Arabia 0 - 2 Qatar AFC Asian Cup have,” the Spaniard added. Going by what Sanchez January 13 “It’s not me alone working says, Qatar will clearly be North Korea 0 - 6 Qatar AFC Asian Cup on this target. The whole looking to nail their fourth Gulf January 9 country is working on a plan. Cup crown when the event Qatar 2 - 0 Lebanon AFC Asian Cup They have built the Aspire kicks -off tomorrow.