Faf du Plessis slams 199 as South Africa push Sri Lanka towards defeat TUESday, DECEMBER 29, 2020 page 14 Federer to miss Australian Open for the first time in 22 years AFP in July, but in June he had an- Federer will now concen- at 39, is also on the entry list All players must undergo a Melbourne other operation that ruled him trate on getting himself ready as she again attempts to equal mandatory 14-day quarantine out for the rest of 2020. for the rest of the 2021 sea- Margaret Court’s record of 24- on arrival, during which they Twenty-time Grand Slam A huge favourite with the son, which includes the Tokyo time Grand Slam singles titles. will constantly be tested for champion Roger Federer will Melbourne crowds, Federer , Olympics and the chance of Federer’s withdrawal COVID-19 but allowed to train miss the Australian Open for hasn’t missed the Australian his first singles gold medal. comes as former world number for five hours a day in a bio-se- the first time in his career as Open since his debut in 2000, “He has made strong pro- one Andy Murray, a five-time cure bubble. he continues his recovery from winning the trophy six times. gress in the last couple of Australian Open finalist, was The men’s and women’s two rounds of knee surgery, “In the end Roger ran out months with his knee and his given a wildcard entry. qualifierswill be held in organisers said on Monday. of time to get himself ready for fitness,” his agent Tony God- Tiley welcomed the and Dubai respectively from The 39-year-old Swiss has the rigours of a Grand Slam sick said in a statement. 33-year-old back to the tourna- January 10-13, with players ar- been out of action since Feb- and he’s very disappointed he “I will start discussions ment, two years after his first- riving in Melbourne from Janu- ruary but recently resumed won’t be coming to Melbourne this coming week for tourna- round exit prompted fears his ary 15 on special charter flights. training and was on the entry in 2021,” said tournament ments that begin in late Feb- career was at an end. Melbourne only emerged list for year’s opening Grand chief Craig Tiley. ruary and then start to build “Seeing him come back, from a months-long lockdown Slam, which will make a de- “We wish him all the best a schedule for the rest of the having undergone major sur- in October following a second layed start on February 8. as he prepares for his come- year,” Godsick added. gery and built himself back up wave of COVID-19, compli- Federer has played in back later in the year and look Swiss ace Roger Federer has played in the Australian Open 21 years to get onto the tour again, will cating planning for the Grand the Australian Open 21 years forward to seeing him in Mel- in a row, but his agent said missing the tournament was “the best Murray wildcard be a highlight,” Tiley said. Slam and how to allow so many in a row, but his agent said bourne in 2022.” decision for him in the long run”. Federer’s absence will be The opening Slam of the players and support staff to en- missing the tournament was Federer sat out most of felt at the Australian Open, de- year, which will be played in ter the country safely. “the best decision for him in the Covid-disrupted 2020 He underwent keyhole The Swiss could only watch spite a top-quality field led by front of at least 50 percent Australia has largely con- the long run”. season after losing to Novak surgery on his right knee in as Rafael Nadal matched his all- world number ones Djokovic of normal crowds, has been tained the coronavirus, although In February, Federer had Djokovic in the Melbourne February, before needing a time men’s record of 20 Grand and Ashleigh Barty. pushed back three weeks to a new outbreak in Sydney has arthroscopic surgery on his semis in January, his last follow-up operation and call- Slam singles titles with a 13th US superstar Serena Wil- February 8 over difficulties sparked fresh restrictions and right knee. He hoped to return competitive match. ing off his season to recover. victory at the French Open. liams, Federer’s contemporary caused by the coronavirus. even state border closures. Qatar SC hold Al Sadd 1-1 to snap Wolves’ winning streak Al Gharafa held by Umm Salal 1-1; Wakrah edge Kharaitiyat 2-1 Tribune News Network Doha

Coach Hernandez’s warning to his team Al Sadd ahead of the QNB Stars League clash against Qatar Sports Club wasn’t out of place. “We are facing a team who appear at their best level in the league so far,” Xavi had said. And much to his fears, Qatar SC came up with an in- spired show in their Week 11 match to play out a pulsating 1-1 draw at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday. While Al Sadd extended Nam Tae-hee of Al Sadd runs in to battle for the ball with Qatar SC’s during their QNB Stars Qatar Sports Club fans during the Qatar SC-Al Sadd Week 11 clash of the QNB Stars League at the Qatar their unbeaten streak, the League match at the Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday. Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium on Monday. only team to do so, as the 12- club tournament reached pre- cisely the halfway stage, they, QNB Stars League Standings however were denied a tenth Club MP W l D GF GA GD Pts successive win. 1 Al Sadd 11 9 0 2 37 9 28 29 Consistent scorer Anthony 2 Al Gharafa 11 7 3 1 25 16 9 22 Okpotu put Qatar SC ahead in 3 Al Duhail 11 7 4 0 26 16 10 21 the 31st minute and Santo Ca- 4 Qatar SC 11 6 4 1 18 10 8 19 zorla drew parity for Al Sadd 5 Al Ahli 11 6 4 1 17 22 -5 19 in the 42nd minute with a pen- alty goal. 6 Al Rayyan 11 4 3 4 12 9 3 16 Al Sadd raised their points 7 Al Wakrah 11 4 6 1 12 14 -2 13 tally to 29 and Qatar SC to 19 8 Al Sailiya 11 3 5 3 13 19 -6 12 points. 9 Al Arabi 11 3 5 3 13 20 -7 12 Both teams went into the 10 Umm Salal 11 2 5 4 7 15 -8 10 match in great form, having 11 Al Khor 11 1 6 4 8 21 -13 7 won their last few matches in 12 Al Kharaitiyat 11 2 9 0 8 25 -17 6 succession. Qatar SC had com- pleted their fifth consecutive parried away by diving keeper hamed Benyettou, in the 28th victory, whereas Al Sadd were Shehab Ellethy. minute, swivelled on his feet fresh from their Qatar Clasico In the seventh minute, Ce- and attempted a right-footed victory over Al Rayyan. Action from the Al Wakrah-Al Khairaitiyat match. Al Gharafa’s (2nd right) during the match against ballos charged ahead on the shot into the Al Kharaitiyat Al Sadd attacked from Umm Salal at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Monday. right flank, but slipped in a cross goal, but he went wayward the beginning, with the likes Ahmed had a chance to give Al Gharafa showed intent for Omar Ali stationed inside the with his direction as the ball of , Nam his side the lead a second time, early on attacking Umm Salal a sliding tackle that brought was blocked by keeper Malick. box. Despite having time and sailed away above the cross- Tae-Hee and Abdelkarim Has- but his shot was blocked by the from the first minute. The for- down Ahmed Alaaeldin. space, Omar fired wayward with bar. Two minutes later, Omar san raiding the rival citadel goalkeeper in the 80th minute. mer champions even won a cor- The referee pointed to the Al Wakrah beat Kharaitiyat his right-footed drive. jumped high on a long cross time and again, giving Qatar Soon, Bounedjah shot wide ner kick in the first 40 seconds. spot and Hanni converted the In what was their fourth Six minutes later, Ceballos, but his snap-header from close SC goalkeeper Jassim Al Hail of the target and Cazorla too Al Gharafa continued with penalty. win in the league, Al Wakrah this time on the right flank of range also went wayward. a harrowing time. hit wide, in the 90th minute, an attacking game and Jona- Pat came Umm Salal’s re- beat Al Kharaitiyat 2-1 at the Al Kharaitiyat goal, slipped in In the 33rd minute, Ev- However, it was Qatar as the deadlock continued. than Kodjia broke into the ply. Adel Alawi clipped in a Al Duhail Stadium thanks to a a cross for , who ans Mensah – running down SC who took the lead against Umm Salal box in the sixth neat cross for Rodrigues who 90th minute strike from Jas- drilled a left-footed shot that the flank – clipped in a cross the run of play when Okpotu Al Gharafa held by minute. Kodjia, who dominat- arrived with perfect timing to sim Ali Al Hashimi. was pouched by Ellethy. which was expertly deflected took advantage of a defensive Umm Salal ed throughout the match, fired deflect the ball on the volley Ousmane Coulibaly earlier A few minutes later, Al by Mohammed Osman. The mistake committed by Tareq Al Gharafa drew their first a bullet from close range, but from close range as Umm Salal struck in the 43rd minute for Kharaitiyat opened the scor- fast-paced deflection was in- Salman. match of the league being held his shot was blocked by keeper fans celebrated the equaliser. The Blue Wave, who now have ing. Abdelhalim curled in a stinctively blocked by Al Wak- Okpotu tested goalkeeper 1-1 by Umm Salal at the Al Du- Baba Malick. Kodjia managed a Al Gharaafa’s Homam El- 13 points. long-range free-kick in the rah keeper’s foot. Meshaal Barsham again in the hail Stadium. repeat attack in the ninth min- amin, after sneaking into the Al Kharaitiyat’s only goal 22nd minute. The ball sailed Results 37th minute. SofianeH anni opened the ute and this time his shot went Umm Salal box from the far was scored by Mahmoud Saad above two players who wanted Qatar SC 1 (Anthony Pkpotu Al Sadd equalised when scoring for Al Gharafa by con- to the left of keeper Malick. right, unleashed a shot that in the 21st minute. The Thun- to head the ball into the net. 31’) vs Al Sadd 1 (Santi Cazorla Cazorla converted a penalty verting a penalty in the 12th Al Gharafa opened the scor- was saved by keeper Malick in ders stood on six points. None of the attempts were 42’ (P)) awarded after Qatar SC’s Ali Ka- minute, while Kayke Rodri- ing off a penalty. Ahmed Alaael- the 22nd minute. In the third minute, Al successful as the ball swung Al Wakrah 2 (Ousmane Couliba- rimi brought down Bounedjah. gues equalised for Umm Salal din charged towards the Umm In the 28th minute, on a Wakrah’s Cristian Ceballos and dipped late with Al Wak- ly 44’, Jassem Al Hashemi 90’) Al Sadd had much more in the next minute of the hard- Salal box despite being under long cross from Yousef Muf- curled in a long-range free- rah keeper Mohamed Ibrahim bt Al Kharaitiyat 1 (Mahmoud of the ball, but the teams took fought match. pressure from Aymen Abden- tah, Kodjia volleyed towards kick. Lucas Mendes jumped in no position to stop the ball Abdelhami Saad 21’) the half-time break with a 1-1 Al Gharafa now have 22 nour. Just as he entered the the Umm Salal net in spectacu- high to head the ball from that zipped past his right and Al Gharafa 1 (SofianeH anni scoreline. points and Umm Salal 10 box, Umm Salal keeper Mal- lar fashion, jumping high and close range, but missed the into the net. 12’ (P)) vs Umm Salal 1 (Kayke Qatar SC’s substitute Eisa points. ick stepped out and produced then firing a powerful shot that flight of the ball which was Al Wakrah skipper Mo- Rodrigues 13’). Sports Tuesday, December 29, 2020 13 Messi says he wants to play in the United States Madrid and Barcelona media reflect on Argentinian’s prime-time TV interview DPA lined with: “I would send that ing to do yet,” Messi said told Since joining at the age did rule out joining Real Ma- Barcelona Burofax again”. La Sexta. of 13, Messi has become the drid and admitted he was hap- It was a reference to the “I’m going to wait until club’s record goalscorer, won pier than he was last summer There was a mixed response Argentine’s dramatic demand the season ends. I would like 10 La Liga tiles, the Cham- he did not rule out leaving at to Lionel Messi’s hour-long for a transfer last summer to play in the United States pions League four times and the end of the season. interview aired on Spanish tel- that led to a two-week stand- and experience life and the the Ballon d’Or – awarded to During the interview Mes- evision on Sunday evening. off between Barcelona and league there, but ultimately the world’s best player - six si came across honest and at Media reaction on Monday their captain who has been at come back to Barcelona in times. times vulnerable. morning mainly depended on the club as a boy and played some capacity. In Barcelona, the interview He admitted his wife had allegiances. in the first team since 2004, “Right now the most im- was not surprisingly received advised him to seek coun- Madrid-based Marca winning every title possible portant thing is to focus on with more positivity and seling and that while agreeing headlined with: “The club is with them. the team and finishthe season optimism. it would be a good thing he in a very bad way” on its front The Argentina forward, 33, well, to focus on trying to win “Now I’m happier here,” had not taken the step. page. Messi had told interview can begin negotiations with trophies and not get distracted Diario Sport’s front page said. “This affirmation made by Jordi Evole on Spain’s La overseas clubs in January. by other things.” Barcelona’s other big someone like Leo Messi seems Sexta: “It will be difficult Speculation over his fu- Barcelona, who did not win sports daily, El Mundo De- very brave to me. And it shows for the club to get back to ture has been intense since he a trophy last season, are fifth portivo, was slightly less up- someone who is extremely where it was.” handed in a transfer request in La Liga after their worst beat, saying “Messi leaves the normal,” Interviewer Evole Another Madrid based in August. start to a league campaign in door open”. tweeted after the interview. sports daily, Diario AS, head- “I don’t know what I’m go- 33 years. It was true that while he (Inputs other agencies)

Real Madrid resume PREMIER LEAGUE Atletico chase as Messi Chelsea fail to lift the absent for Barcelona AFP time to time it’s inevitable.” cited” to play under Koeman. pressure on Lampard, Madrid Atletico have respond- “Barca is my life, I’m in ed well to the 2-0 defeat by love with the club. And the Real Madrid will attempt to Real earlier this month that city, my children were born sign off the year with a sixth snapped their 26-match un- here,” Messi said in an in- held by Aston Villa win on the bounce as Zinedine beaten league run. terview with Spanish TV Zidane’s in-form side continue However, the loss of Ki- channel La Sexta broadcast AFP their pursuit of La Liga leaders eran Trippier is a substantial on Sunday. London and city rivals Atletico Madrid blow to a defence that has “I feel good right now, on Wednesday. conceded just five goals in 13 ready to fight for everything.” Chelsea failed to ease the Defending champions Real matches, easily the fewest in Player to watch: Iago As- mounting pressure on man- are level on 32 points with the division. pas The Celta Vigo forward, ager Frank Lampard as Aston Atletico but have played two The England defender, an the leading Spanish scorer in Villa came from behind to earn games more than Diego Sime- ever-present for Atletico in La Liga three of the past four a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge one’s men ahead of their trip La Liga and Europe this term, years, has inspired a turna- on Monday, as a coronavirus to Elche. was recently hit with a 10-week round at Balaidos after the outbreak at Manchester City Karim Benzema has been ban for breaching betting rules team won just one of their first caused their clash at Everton the driving force behind Re- and will be unavailable until 10 matches. to be postponed. al’s excellent December run, March. The club is said to be The 33-year-old Aspas, Lampard’s men have now claiming key goals in wins considering an appeal. who in November became the won just one of their last five over , Eibar and Diego Costa has reportedly club’s all-time leading scorer league games to fall six points Granada after securing the asked to terminate his con- in the top flight, has netted behind leaders Liverpool in club a spot in the Champions tract for family reasons, hav- eight times in 15 appearances sixth and having played a League knockout phase. ing just returned from a blood this term and led Celta back game more than the champi- Eden Hazard is also in clot that sidelined the Brazil- into the top half following ons. line to feature after recovering born Spain international for a four wins in five games before Chelsea also trail Villa on from his latest injury setback. month. Christmas. goal difference, despite Dean The Belgian was an unused Joao Felix is expected to Much like with Real and Smith’s men having two games substitute in last week’s vic- return after missing the 2-0 Benzema, who is level at the in hand, and the visitors were tory over Granada and has win at Real Sociedad, although top of the scoring charts with well worthy of a point. made just three league starts the Portuguese star hasn’t Aspas, Celta’s success in 2021 “Now it’s a tough moment this campaign. scored in the league since No- could heavily rely on the for- and you have to fight through Real coach Zinedine Zidane vember 7. mer Liverpool attacker. it,” said Lampard. “Nobody hopes the short festive break Barcelona will bid to end Fixtures (all times GMT) Tues- let me down tonight, everyone afforded to his players over a turbulent 2020 on a win- day: Sevilla v Villarreal (1600), worked, we just didn’t quite Christmas will not interrupt the ning note at home to Eibar, Barcelona v Eibar (1815), Cadiz get the rub of the green.” momentum built over a domes- but Ronald Koeman’s side will v Real Valladolid, Levante v Real Lampard was able to make tic five-game winning streak. be without Lionel Messi after Betis (2030) six changes from the side beat- “We’re going to keep work- the Argentine was granted an Wednesday: Granada v Valen- en at Arsenal 48 hours ago. ing hard. We have an awful extended break as he recovers cia (1600), Atletico Madrid v Olivier Giroud was one lot of games, we should be from an ankle knock. Getafe, Celta Vigo v Huesca of those drafted into the side pleased with what we’re do- The six-time Ballon d’Or (1815), Elche v Real Madrid and the French international ing,” said Zidane. winner admitted his aborted (2030) proved his worth with a pre- Chelsea’s French striker Olivier Gir- “We’re going to lose games departure in the summer had Thursday : Athletic Bilbao v Real cise near post header from oud (right) vies for the ball against again, but we’re going to try to affected him at the start of the Sociedad (1300), Osasuna v Ben Chilwell’s cross to open Aston Villa’s Brazilian midfielder win as many as possible. From season, but stressed he felt “ex- Alaves (1515). the scoring with his ninth of Douglas Luiz during their English the season. Premier League match at Stamford By contrast, Smith made Bridge in London on Monday. (AFP) just one enforced change from Defending champions Real the team that played for 45 are level on 32 points with minutes with 10 men in Sat- urday’s 3-0 win over Crystal play every game and if they are urday and the trip to Selhurst run of play. Atletico but have played two Palace. doing well keep playing them.” Park, Leicester boss Brendan Vardy was summoned games more than Diego But Villa showed no signs Rodgers made seven changes from the bench to find a route Simeone’s men ahead of of fatigue in the second-half Leicester pay penalty with Jamie Vardy, James Mad- back into the game, but instead and levelled when Anwar El without Vardy dison and it was the in-form Barnes who their trip to Elche. Ghazi turned home his fifth Earlier, a much-changed among those left on the bench. scored an excellent equaliser goal in as many games from Leicester moved up to second Vardy in particular was as he wriggled clear of a num- Matty Cash’s cross five min- thanks to Harvey Barnes’ late missed as Kelechi Iheanacho ber of Palace challenges before utes into the second-half. equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Crys- had a first-half penalty saved firing into the bottom corner. “I’m still yet to see a player tal Palace. by Vicente Guaita. Results: Crystal Palace 1 (Zaha carried off the pitch with ex- With little over 48 hours rest Wilfried Zaha’s stunning 58) Leicester 1 (Barnes 83) haustion,” said Smith. “I’m between the Foxes’ 2-2 draw near post volley then put Chelsea 1 (Giroud 34) Aston Real Madrid’s French coach Zinedine Zidane. (AFP) a big believer in you want to with Manchester United on Sat- the Eagles in front against the Villa 1 (El Ghazi 50).

Man City’s clash at Everton postponed due to positive cases

AFP already reported on Christmas after reaching last season’s “Manchester City lodged tinues to have full confidence London Day,” City’s statement added. Champions League quarter- a request with the Premier in its protocols and rules, and “With the security of the finals. League today to rearrange the the way in which all clubs are Manchester City’s Premier bubble compromised, there It is just the second time match following an increase implementing them.” League visit to Everton on posed a risk that the virus that a Premier League match in positive COVID-19 test re- Guardiola’s mother died Monday was postponed after could spread further amongst has been postponed due to sults received by the club this of coronavirus earlier this year multiple new positive tests for the squad, the staff and poten- Covid-19 since the 2019/20 morning, on top of the cases and speaking after Saturday’s coronavirus were detected at tially beyond.” season resumed in June. reported on Christmas Day,” 2-0 win over Newcastle, the City, the club confirmed. The club’s training ground Aston Villa’s clash with the Premier League said in a City manager said the health of “Based on strong medical will now close for an “indeter- Newcastle earlier this month statement. his players must take priority. advice the Premier League, in minate period” with further was called off due to an out- “This rise has created un- “What we want is that Ga- consultation with both clubs, testing on players and staff to break at Newcastle’s training certainty and the Premier briel and Kyle don’t get worse have decided to postpone the take place before it can reopen. ground. League Board received medi- and can be asymptomatic fixture,” City said in a statement. City are due to face Chelsea cal advice that the match and pass this 8-10 days with- City announced on Christ- away in the Premier League on Postponement a ‘precaution’ should be postponed. out tough symptoms,” said mas Day there had been four Sunday and Manchester Unit- The Premier League said “The Board agreed to rear- Guardiola. positive tests at the club for ed in the League Cup semi- the decision was taken as range the game as a precau- “Covid is here. It is not players Kyle Walker and Gabri- finals on January 6. a “precaution” and remain tion, and further testing will just here in Man City, it is all el Jesus and two staff members. Pep Guardiola’s men al- confidentthe protocols put now take place tomorrow. The around the world attacking “After the latest round of ready face a congested sched- in place to stop the spread of decision has been taken with hard so that’s why we have to Covid-19 testing, the club re- ule as they are still involved in the virus were still working the health of players and staff be careful and what we want is turned a number of positive four competitions and started despite the rise in infections the priority. the next days is for them not to cases, in addition to the four their league season a week late across England. “The Premier League con- have symptoms and recover.” 14 Tuesday, December 29, 2020 Sports Kohli, Perry named cricketers of the decade

AFP Dubai India’s all-formats captain Virat Kohli was India captain Virat Kohli was the decade’s highest named the ICC’s male crick- eter of the decade on Monday run-scorer with 20,396, as Australia all-rounder Ellyse hitting the most fifties Perry swept the top women’s (66) and having the awards. Kohli and Perry were the highest average (56.97) big winners in the Internation- of players with more al Council’s Awards of than 70 innings. He was the Decade, while Austral- ian batsman was also the only player with crowned the best Test player. more than 10,000 One- Kohli, who was also named day international runs, ODI player of the decade, lift- ed the 2011 World Cup and the including 39 centuries 2013 Champions Trophy with and 48 fifties at an India, before inspiring their average of 61.83. first Test series victory on Aus- tralian soil two years ago. “It’s just been an honour India captain Virat Kohli celebrates after winning the fifth me,” he said. Former In- for me to be able to go out there Ellyse Perry of Australia celebrates a dismissal during the ICC Women’s World T20 final.(AFP) match against New Zealand at the in Mount Maunganui. (AFP) dia captain Mahendra Singh and perform for my team, and Dhoni won the decade’s Spirit it’s a great honour for me to Australia all-round Ellyse Perry, who also played football for Australia at the the decade. tampering scandal at the 2018 of Cricket award for sporting- win this award,” Kohli said in “It has been tremendous Cape Town Test which saw ly calling back England bats- a video message. 2011 World Cup, won four T20 world titles and the 2013 one-day World Cup, to develop the women’s T20 him banned for a year. man Ian Bell after a bizarre “My only intention was to scoring 4,349 runs and taking 213 in the decade. game and take it forward,” Meanwhile, Afghanistan run-out in the 2011 Notting- make winning contributions for Perry said. “Amazing to see spinner Rashid Khan said he ham Test. the team and I just strive to do highest average (56.97) of play- at an average of 61.83. Perry, who also played where it’s come from when I was “speechless” after being And Scotland’s Kyle that in every game,” he added. ers with more than 70 innings. Perry was named female football for Australia at the was introduced to it.” picked as the men’s T20 player Coetzer and Kathryn Bryce India’s all-formats captain He was also the only player cricketer of the decade as well 2011 World Cup, won four T20 Smith, who averaged of the decade. were named the decade’s best was the decade’s highest run- with more than 10,000 One- as the top ODI and T20 player world titles and the 2013 one- 65.79 with 26 centuries and “For someone from Af- male and female cricketers scorer with 20,396, hitting the day international runs, includ- as she cleaned up in the wom- day World Cup, scoring 4,349 28 fifties, won the Test award ghanistan to get this award, from associate, or non-Test most fifties (66) and having the ing 39 centuries and 48 fifties en’s awards. runs and taking 213 wickets in despite his role in the ball- it’s a special moment for playing, countries. Battle of broken toe: NZ dominate Pakistan despite Wagner injury

AFP things and run and it’s not go- out of the way from a ball wide Mount Maunganui (NZ) ing to stop me. It’s sore and it’s of off stump, only to see it jag bloody uncomfortable but its back and he was bowled for 25. Not even a broken toe could just one of those things you’ve In the following over Trent stop New Zealand’s pace at- got to deal with and I still felt Boult, who had troubled Ab- tack dominating day three that I didn’t want to let my bas with a succession of short of the firstTest against Pa- teammates down.” balls, found an edge with a full kistan, but their efforts to delivery and Ross Taylor held quickly wrap up the innings the catch at first slip. were slowed by Mohammad Kiwi paceman Neil Wagner Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf’s ignored the pain from a stayed together for 50 deliver- late century stand on Monday. broken toe to charge in ies but contributed only nine As intermittent showers for 21 overs to take two runs before both went in one and an unseasonal hail storm for 50. He hobbled off at over. disrupted proceedings at Wagner tested his foot Mount Maunganui, the Black stumps describing it as with three overs before lunch Caps’ pace foursome took five one of the toughest days and continued with a seven- for 50 in the first two sessions of his career and revealed over spell after the break, before Pakistan rallied to be all he needed pain killers to during which he took the only out for 239 at stumps, still 192 keep going. to fall in the middle ses- in arrears. sion with a trademark bouncer India’s Ravindra Jadeja (left) and Ajinkya Rahane (centre) celebrate dismissing Australia’s Matthew Wade on the third day of their second Rizwan and Ashraf provid- that Fawad Alam edged to cricket Test at the MCG in Melbourne on Monday. (AFP) ed a face-saving partnership Early declaration wicketkeeper BJ Watling. for Pakistan with 107 for the New Zealand need to win The nine-run knock con- seventh wicket before Rizwan both Tests against Pakistan to tinued a run of low scores was run out for 71 by Mitch- be in with a chance to make for Alam who has adopted ell Santner’s smart underarm the World Test Championship an unusual side-on stance India rip through Aussie batting throw from square leg. final in June, and Pakistan that suggests he is expecting Ashraf soldiered on to a batting coach Younis Khan the ball to come from square career-best 91 before he was said that would put added leg – even more exaggerated the last wicket to fall. pressure on the Black Caps go- than that of West Indies great to eye series-levelling win Kyle Jamieson returned ing into their second innings Shivnarine Chanderpaul. the best figures for New Zea- on Tuesday. AFP ell Starc and Nathan Lyon took done over this Test match.” M. Agarwal lbw Starc ...... 0 land with three for 35, while “If New Zealand want Scoreboard Melbourne three wickets each. He added that setting India S. Gill c Paine b Cummins ...... 45 Neil Wagner ignored the pain to win this Test match they New Zealand (1st innings): 431 Australia needed some of a target of “anything over a 100 C. Pujara c Paine c Cummins.. 17 from a broken toe to charge in should do some brave deci- Pakistan (1st innings: Overnight A depleted Indian attack ripped their big names to stand tall in will be good”. A. Rahane run out ...... 112 for 21 overs to take two for 50. sions so we are expecting 30-1) through Australia’s top order the run chase. Opener Matthew H. Vihari c Smith b Lyon ...... 21 He hobbled off at stumps there will be an early declara- S. Masood c Watling b Jamieson ...... 10 to leave the world’s number Wade did well with a fighting Rahane run-out R. Pant c Paine b Starc ...... 29 Abid Ali b Jamieson ...... 25 describing it as one of the tion and we are ready for that,” M. Abbas c Taylor b Boult ...... 5 one team with a slender two- 40 off 137 balls before being India started the day at R. Jadeja c Cummins b Starc.. 57 toughest days of his career and Khan said. Azhar Ali c Watling b Southee ...... 5 run lead and in deep trouble trapped lbw by the spin of Jade- a chilly Melbourne Cricket R. Ashwin c Lyon b Hazlewood ..14 revealed he needed pain kill- When Pakistan resumed H. Sohail c Nicholls b Southee ...... 3 Monday after day three of the ja. But Steve Smith, Marnus Ground in front of 24,995 so- U. Yadav c Smith b Lyon ...... 9 ers to keep going. the day at 30 for one, Abid Ali F. Alam c Watling b Wagner ...... 9 second Test. At stumps in Mel- Labuschagne and Joe Burns all cially-distanced fans with an J. Bumrah c Head b Lyon ...... 0 M. Rizwan run out (Santner) ...... 71 “After the first rain break and nightwatchman Moham- F. Ashraf c Watling b Jamieson ...... 91 bourne, Australia were 133 for failed. Burns lasted just 10 balls, 82-run advantage after taking M. Siraj ...... 0 I just went ‘dammit I can’t mad Abbas put on just nine Yasir Shah b Boult ...... 4 six with Cameron Green on 17 caught by Rishabh Pant off Ya- charge Sunday with a gutsy re- Extras: (b12, lb6, w2, nb2) .... 22 bear the pain’ and I got a jab runs in 74 balls while Wagner S. Afridi c Latham b Wagner ...... 6 and Pat Cummins on 15 in their dav for four to follow his first- sponse to their embarrassing 36 Total: (All Out, 115.1 overs) .326 and that took the pain away was kept out of the early attack. Naseem Shah not out ...... 0 second innings as the visitors innings duck. all out in Adelaide. Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Agarwal), Extras: (b3, lb4, w2, nb1) ...... 10 a little bit... but it started The partnership was bro- Total: (All Out: 102.2 overs) ...... 239 zeroed in on levelling the se- Even if David Warner fails But Australia quickly made 2-61 (Gill), 3-64 (Pujara), 4-116 wearing off pretty quickly,” ken by Jamieson who hurt Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Masood), 2-39 (Abid ries after losing the first Test by to recover from a groin strain for inroads. Rahane, captain in (Vihari), 5-173 (Pant), 6-294 said Wagner, who broke a Abid Ali with the last ball of his Ali), 3-43 (Abbas), 4-51 (Azhar Ali), 5-52 eight wickets. the next Test in Sydney, it will place of Virat Kohli who has (Rahane), 7-306 (Jadeja), 8-325 (Sohail), 6-80 (Alam), 7-187 (Rizwan), 8-196 (Yadav), 9-325 (Aswin), 10-326 toe on his right foot when first over which smacked into (Yasir Shah), 9-235 (Afridi), 10-239 (Ashraf). India are doing so with a be hard for selectors to again returned home for the birth of batting on day two. the batsman’s fingers. Bowling: Southee 26-7-69-2, Boult 26-4- weakened attack after Umesh justify picking Burns, with Mar- his first child, rode his luck on (Bumrah). “Injuries happen and Two balls into Jamieson’s 71-2 (1w), Jamieson 23.2-13-35-3, Wagner Yadav pulled up in his fourth cus Harris among those waiting day two, when he was dropped Bowling: Starc 26-5-78-3, Cum- it’s unlucky but I can still do next over Abid kept his hands 21-5-50-2 (1w, 1nb), Santner 6-2-7-0. over with a calf problem, limp- in the wings. Labuschagne fell on 73 and 104. But after add- mins 27-9-80-2, Hazlewood 23- ing off the field. for 28, caught by Rahane off a ing eight to his overnight 104, 6-47-1, Lyon 27.1-4-72-3, Green It was a setback for India, thick edge from Ravi Ashwin. brilliant awareness from La- 12-1-31-0. who were already missing in- At the other end, the usu- buschagne saw him run out. jured regulars Mohammed ally flamboyant Wade dug in Jadeja, back in the team Australia (2nd innings) Shami and Ishant Sharma. But but Smith again went cheaply, after missing the first Test in- J. Burns c Pant b Yadav ...... 4 the remaining bowlers, led by bowled by Bumrah for eight. jured, dabbed Nathan Lyon to M. Wade b Jadeja ...... 40 Ravindra Jadeja (2-25) and Jas- After Wade departed, Travis point and set off for a single as M. Labuschagne c Rahane b prit Bumrah (1-34), admirably Head was the last recognised he looked to bring up his 50. Ashwin ...... 28 picked up the slack. batsman but he became a vic- Rahane responded but wasn’t S. Smith b Bumrah ...... 8 “I think we played really tim of paceman Mohammed quick enough with Paine whip- T. Head c Agarwal b Siraj ...... 17 well. I thought the bowlers Siraj on debut, slashing a ball to ping off the bails after La- C. Green not out ...... 17 came out really strong and Mayank Agarwal. buschagne’s throw. T. Paine c Pant b Jadeja ...... 1 bowled in all the right areas. Captain Tim Paine fell to It ended a 121-run partner- P. Cummins not out ...... 15 It was good to see,” said India Jadeja for one, leaving Green ship and one of the 32-year- Extras: (nb3) ...... 3 captain Ajinkya Rahane. and Cummins to knuckle down old’s most important innings, Total: (For 6 wickets, 66 overs) “But this game is not over in a 34-run partnership and having come to the crease 133 yet, we still have to get four take the Test into a fourth day. with India in trouble at 64 for To bat: Mitchell Starc, Nathan New Zealand paceman more wickets.” “Cummo is not an estab- three. Jadeja brought up his Lyon, Josh Hazlewood. Neil Wagner celebrates India were all out for 326 in lished batsmen, but he has done 15th Test half-century before Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Burns), 2-42 the wicket of Pakistan’s their first innings on the stroke well for us at this ground in misjudging a Starc bouncer, (Labuschagne), 3-71 (Smith), Fawad Alam on the third of lunch, adding just 49 to their the past and we all know what then Lyon and Josh Hazle- 4-98 (Wade), 5-98 (Head), 6-99 day of their first Test at overnight 277 for five in reply to Greenie is capable of if he can wood mopped up the tail. (Paine). the Bay Oval in Mount Australia’s 195. get in,” said Wade. Scoreboard Bowling: Bumrah 17-4-34-1, Maunganui on Monday. It gave them a 131-run lead, “So it’d be really good for Australia (1st innings): 195 Yadav 3.3-0-5-1, Siraj 12.3-1- (AFP) courtesy of Rahane’s magnifi- these two to get a nice partner- India (1st innings; Overnight 23-1, Ashwin 23-4-46-1, Jadeja cent 112 and Jadeja’s 57. Mitch- ship together, which we haven’t 277 for one) 10-3-25-2. Sports Tuesday, December 29, 2020 15

QBF Ladies Championship ends with a thrilling finish, Space Jam champs

Players and team officials of Space Jam and Pro Sports are seen with event organisers Qatar Basketball Federation (QBF) at the end of the QBF Ladies Championship final at Al Gharafa Sports Hall on Monday. Space Jam beat Pro Sports 42-41. Eight teams featured in the Nov 11-Dec 28 event. The Qatar Women’s National Team finished third.( TNN) Du Plessis, South Africa NBA Mavericks thrash Clippers, Hornets punish injury-hit Lanka hand Nets first loss of season AFP AFP at mid-on. Los Angeles Centurion Du Plessis shared part- nerships of 179 for the fifth The Dallas Mavericks powered Sri Lanka lost two early wicket with Temba Bavuma to an NBA-record 50-point second innings wickets af- (71) and 133 for the seventh halftime lead on the way to a ter taking a pounding from wicket with Keshav Maharaj, 124-73 demolition of the short- South Africa’s batsmen on who made a Test-best 73. handed Los Angeles Clippers the third day of the first Test The former captain ad- on Sunday. at SuperSport Park in Cen- mitted he had a point to The Mavs, taking full ad- turion on Monday - but bat- prove after being criticised vantage of the absence of in- ting coach Grant Flower said after South Africa lost a series jured Clippers star Kawhi they were effectively five or against England last season. Leonard, set the tone early. six wickets down. “The highest tree some- Point guard Luka Doncic Former captain Faf du times gets the most wind,” he scored 18 of his 24 points in the Plessis led the batting as- said. “(In) the series against first half and the halftime score sault, hitting 199 as South Af- England we didn’t play our of 77-27 gave Dallas the larg- rica took a commanding 225- best cricket and there was a est margin at the break ever in Serge Ibaka #9 of the Los Angeles Clippers shoots over Maxi Kleber run first innings lead. lot of pressure on me as cap- the NBA, according to the Elias #42 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at Staples Center in Then fast bowler Lungi tain.” Sports Bureau. Los Angeles, California, on Sunday. (Getty Images/AFP) Ngidi struck twice at the start Du Plessis said he had Josh Richardson added 21 of Sri Lanka’s second innings used the long Covid-induced points and Tim Hardaway Jr. Hayward scored 28 points as with 29 points and Kyrie Irving to leave the tourists on 65 for break to prepare himself chipped in 18 for the Mavs, the Hornets cooled off red-hot had 25 for Brooklyn, which had two, still 160 runs behind, on to be the best cricketer he who had opened the season Brooklyn, handing the Nets become the first club since the a pitch of increasingly unpre- could be. “It was a statement with two defeats. their first defeat of the season 2008-09 Lakers to win their dictable bounce. to people who might have “Everything was clicking on 106-104. first two games by 20 or more Flower said batsman South Africa’s Faf du Plessis plays a shot that lead to his dismissal at doubted my ability to say all cylinders,” Hardaway said, Terry Rozier -- Hayward’s points. Dhananjaya de Silva was out 199 runs on the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Super- that I can still improve.” adding that the Mavericks did former teammate in Boston -- It looked like the Nets of the series after suffering Sport Park in Centurion on Monday. (AFP) not realize how big their half- added 19 points and P.J. Wash- might pull out a close one when a torn thigh muscle on the Scoreboard time lead was until they were in ington chipped in 14 points and they erased a 16-point fourth- first day, while fast bowlers one of their quicks today and mid-January but that Angelo the locker room. 12 rebounds for the Hornets, quarter deficit, twice trimming Sri Lanka (1st innings): 396 Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru I suspect all teams will lose Mathews, who missed the South Africa (1st innings; Overnight Coach Rick Carlisle said who held the Nets to 42.7 per- the gap to two points with less Kumara were unlikely to bat quicks as it goes on because South African tour because 317-4) the key for the Mavericks going cent shooting. than three minutes to play. after suffering groin injuries the rigours of the workloads of injury, could be fit to face D. Elgar c and b Shanaka ...... 95 forward would be to maintain “Unbelievable win for us,” Durant missed a fadea- while bowling. are going to be too much with England. A. Markram c Shanaka b Fernando ...... 68 the intensity they showed in said Hayward, who joined the way jumper with 7.4 seconds H. van der Dussen c Dickwella b Kumara ...... 15 First innings top scorer Covid around and the quar- Debutant leg-spinner F. du Plessis c Karunaratne b Hasaranga ...... 199 the first half. Hornets from the Celtics in left and Rozier made two free Dinesh Chandimal saw out antine process.” Wanindu Hasaranga was off Q. de Kock c sub (Thirimanne) b Hasaranga ...... 18 “Our guys established a November. “Just proud of our throws that sealed the win. the day in partnership with He blamed the spate of the field for part of the af- T. Bavuma c Dickwella b Shanaka ...... 71 standard for collective tough- effort, man, proud of our de- The Hornets were playing Kusal Perera but lay down injuries on conditioning, ternoon after falling on the W. Mulder c Dickwella b Hasaranga ...... 36 ness and will that we need fense. We finally got it together without center Cody Zeller, K. Maharaj c b Fernando ...... 73 near the boundary as he left with players having had to ball trying to make a diving A. Nortje c Dickwella b Fernando ...... 0 to find a way to maintain,” it seemed like on that end.” who broke his left hand in their the field and had to be driven train in their homes during save on the boundary. But he L. Sipamla lbw b Hasaranga ...... 0 he said. In Charlotte, Gordon Kevin Durant led the Nets season opener. to the dressing room on a mo- lockdown in Colombo, then returned to finish with four L. Ngidi not out ...... 2 Extras (b9, lb18, nb7, w10) ...... 44 torised stretcher rather than playing in the Lanka Premier wickets, albeit at the high cost Total (142.1 overs) 621 climb the steep steps to the League for a month until of 171 runs. Fall of wickets: 1-141 (Markram), 2-200 (Van der dressing room. shortly before departure for At one stage, Sri Lanka Dussen), 3-200 (Elgar), 4-220 (De Kock), 5-399 World Cup skiing cancelled as wind blows barriers away “We’re maybe six down South Africa. had four substitutes on the (Bavuma), 6-476 (Mulder), 7-609 (Du Plessis), 8-610 (Nortje), 9-611 (Sipamla). with a groin injury to Chan- “In terms of loads, con- field, while captain Dimuth Bowling: Fernando 31.1-2-129-3 (3w), Rajitha 2.1- Semmering (Austria): Powerful in freezing but already blustery of her father in February. The di,” said Flower. ditioning and quarantining, Karunaratne and Kusal Men- 0-16-0 (1nb), Shanaka 28.5-2-98-2 (3nb), gusts of wind at the Austrian ski conditions as the American star men’s World Cup super-G race at Head coach Mickey Ar- I think you can throw all of dis were called into action as Hasaranga 45-5-171-4 (1nb), Kumara 21.1-0-103- resort of Semmering blew away Mikaela Shiffrin came in fourth. Bormio on Monday was resched- thur said he would use his them into a melting pot and emergency bowlers. 1 (2w), Karunaratne 6.5-0-36-0, Mendis 7-0-41-0 the safety barriers at the finish Vlhova took 1min 02.15sec uled for Tuesday after heavy snow position on the Internation- every one of them probably Du Plessis and the other (2nb). line of the World Cup giant slalom to negotiate the 43 turns on hard- made the fearsome Stelvio piste al Cricket Council’s cricket plays a role.” South African batsmen took Sri Lanka (2nd innings) event on Monday causing the packed snow with Italy’s Marta unmanageable. committee to discuss the pos- He said he hoped leading advantage with a free-scoring D. Karunaratne b Ngidi ...... 6 second leg to be abandoned. Bassino 0.22sec off the pace The much-awaited men’s sibility of injury substitutes, fast bowler Suranga Lakmal display. Du Plessis made his K. Perera not out ...... 33 Race organisers said they and Swiss Michelle Gisin in third downhill race scheduled for Tues- K. Mendis c Van der Dussen b Ngidi ...... 0 with injuries being more would be fit for the second highest Test and first-class D. Chandimal not out ...... 21 would decide at a later time at 0.35sec. Shiffrin was 0.59 off day has also been pushed back likely because of the Covid-19 Test starting in Johannes- score and appeared to be Extras (b4, nb1) ...... 5 whether or not the race could be Vlhova’s pace. Earlier this month by 24 hours to Wednesday. pandemic. burg on January 3. Look- cruising to a double century Total (2 wkts, 12 overs) ...... 65 completed after the first run had Shiffrin, a three-time overall World The relentless heavy snow “I will be having a chat at ing further ahead he said before he tried to loft Hasa- Fall of wickets: 1-10 (Karunaratne), 2-22 (Mendis). been successfully staged in the Cup champion, won her first falling in the Italian Alps Monday Bowling: Ngidi 6-0-28-2, Nortje 3-0-23-0, Mulder the end of this Test match,” De Silva could miss a series ranga over his head and hit a 3-0-10-0 (1nb). morning. World Cup leader Petra race since January after a year is expected to give way Tuesday said Arthur. “I saw India lost against England starting in simple catch to Karunaratne Toss: Sri Lanka. Vlhova produced a slick first run marked by the sudden death to light snowfall. (AFP)