SPORT Thursday 14 February 2019 PAGE | 05 PAGE | 06 Guptill hits form Hamilton fires as Black Caps F1 title warning outclass Bangladesh as new Mercedes in first ODI hits track Real edge Ajax as Spurs win 3-0 at home

AGENCIES Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio celebrates after scoring their AMSTERDAM second goal against Ajax Amsterdam during their Champions United charged by UEFA League Round of 16 first leg match played at the Cruijff Arena in REUTERS Marco Asensio came off the Amsterdam, The Netherlands, yesterday. PARIS bench to snatch holders Real Madrid a 2-1 victory over Ajax in UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Champions League last 16 Manchester United after a bottle was thrown at Paris first leg in Amsterdam, yesterday. St Germain winger Angel Di Maria during Tuesday’s Ajax defender Nicolas Champions League last-16 tie at Old Trafford. Tagliafico saw his header become Di Maria was booed from the outset by the United the first goal to be ruled out by supporters before a beer bottle was thrown from the VAR in the Champions League, crowd towards him in the second half, which he before Karim Benzema slotted picked up and pretended to take a swig from. Real in front. The Argentina forward joined United in 2014 for Hakim Ziyech levelled in the a then club record £59.7m ($76.88m) but an under- 75th minute for the hosts, but whelming debut season under then-manager Louis Asensio struck three minutes Van Gaal led to his departure to PSG a year later. from time to boost Real’s hopes United were also charged for the blocking of of a fourth straight European stairways. crown. The case will be heard by UEFA’s control, ethics Elsewhere, Tottenham and disciplinary body on February 28. Hotspur shrugged off the absence of Harry Kane and Dele Alli to secure an impressive 3-0 win over Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund. Son Heung-min struck just second leg of their last-16 tie in after half-time at Wembley three weeks. before late goals from Jan Ver- Winless on their previous tonghen and Fernando Llorente three trips to England, this time put spurs in a commanding PSG outclassed Premier League position ahead of the return clash opposition despite the absences in Germany on March 5. of the world’s most expensive On Tuesday, Second-half player as well as the club’s all- goals from Presnel Kimpembe time top scorer. and the devastating Kylian Appointed with a brief to take Mbappe secured a 2-0 away win PSG further in Europe than they for PSG and in Rome, two goals have been before under their from teenager Nicolo Zaniolo Qatari owners, Tuchel might have earned AS roma a 2-1 win against felt he had been cursed by an Porto. injury jinx with right-back Paris Saint-Germain could Thomas Meunier also sidelined. have feared the worst going into But instead, full of energy on their Champions League trip to the touchline and with some evi- Manchester United without both dently strong words to his players Neymar and Edinson Cavani, but at half-time, he saw his side send coach Thomas Tuchel deserves out a clear message. plaudits for finding the right “We are a team with Neymar formula as they came away with and Cavani, two international a commanding win. class players, but we are a team Tottenham’s Son Heung-min scores their first goal during the Champions League Round of 16 first leg match against Borussia PSG now have a comfortable without them as well,” said Dortmund at London’s Wembley Stadium. advantage heading into the German star Julian Draxler. Roma win shootout to meet Rangers in Al Kass Cup final THE PENINSULA DOHA

Glasgow Rangers and AS Roma will go head-to-head in the final of the Al Kass International Cup tomorrow after knocking out Kashiwa Reysol and Aspire Academy respectively in the semi-finals. Yesterday at the Aspire Academy training ground, Rangers registered a comprehensive 5-1 victory but Roma required pen- alties to end Aspire’s brave bid, the hosts battling back from 2-0 down to force a 2-2 draw. Rangers recorded the biggest Action during the win in Al Kass history when semi-final of the Al destroying Etoile Sportive Du Kass Cup between Sahel 7-0 in the quarter-finals, Aspire and Roma, and they continued their free- played at the scoring form after a tight start. Aspire Academy Kashiwa are a difficult side to training ground in break down and it took Rangers Doha, yesterday. until the 37th minute to open the scoring, and it came courtesy of the most bizarre goal of the tour- goals, with Hidetaka Maie two-goal burst of his own, earning “It was a fantastic game. I nament. Keeper Masato Sasaki grabbing a consolation for and converting a spot-kick after think the performance of my rolled the ball out to Daichi Sug- Kashiwa. 68 minutes and then equalizing players really merits the oppor- aware, but he slipped and Arron The second semi-final also with a spectacular volley three tunity to play in the final. I Lyall nipped in to score. Nathan came to life towards the end of minutes later to set up the tour- think it’ll be a difficult position Top seed Halep storms ahead in Doha Young-Coombes’ low shot on 43 the first half when Roma scored nament’s first penalty decider. for us. We have to play a minutes gave Rangers a 2-0 goal twice in the space of three Roma converted all four of certain way. We need great Romanian top seed Simona Halep in action against Ukraine’s Lesia half-time advantage and the Scots minutes through Nicola Zalwski their kicks while Roma keeper patience and most importantly, Tsurenko during her round of 16 match of the Qatar Total Open continued to impress after the and Mory Bamba. Pietro Boer pulled off two fine great quality,” David McCallum, at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha, break with Kai Kennedy (2) and Man-of-the-match Mekki saves as the Italians went through coach, of Glasgow Rangers yesterday. Halep beat Tsurenko 6-2, 6-3 to advance. Alexander Lowry adding further Tombari then produced a 4-1 on penalties. said. 06 SPORT THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2019 Al Rayyan eye win over Al Arabi as QSL resumes

FAWAD HUSSAIN QATAR STARS LEAGUE FIXTURES “We know that Al Arabi have madee off tthehe ccurrenturrerrentnt league.leaeaguguuee. TheThe resultsresuesulsulultstsa andand THE PENINSULA some changes, but that doesn’t matterr figuresfiggureres dondon’ton’t mamatch.attch.chh. TThe teateamam sufferssus fferffef ers Today’s Fixtures to us. I’ve confidence that my playerss fromomm wrowrongong rresults.esuesulsuls ts.tsss. TherTThere’ree’rere manymmana y Al Rayyan are targeting a strong start 5:50pm: Umm Salal vs Al Gharafa at Al Gharafa will do well. I’m a coach and I work hardd areasareareaas forffor imimprovement.provp ovemeemenemment.. WWe’ree’reree trytryinginging to second half of the season as the QNB Stadium to get into the game with all thee too rectifyrectie fy tthem,”hehem,m ” hee saissaid.saa d.d Stars League (QSL) resumes today after 8:10pm: Al Rayyan vs Al Arabi at Al Sadd Stadium strength we’ve.” “The“Th matchmatchh againstagagainaininnsts AlAl RayyanRaayyayyanyan is a two-month break. Tomorrow “We know how to face Al Arabi andd important.impoportant.. IIt’st’st truer e thatthatthh t we’vewe’ve reinrerrein-- The ‘Red Knights’ will take on Al 4:45pm: Al Kharaitiyat vs Al Ahli we know about the changes that havee forcedforcrcede tthehe sside,idede, butt we’vewewe’e’e’vev a googgoodd grgroupououp Arabi in their Round 16 match at Al at Al Khor Stadium taken place in their ranks. We’ll misss of youngyooungung playerspplalayersye thatthahattw wew shouldshoouldd carecar Sadd Stadium today, hoping to earn 7:10pm: Qatar SC vs Al Shahania at Qatar SC some players, but we know Al Rayyann about,abououut, aandnd wwithithit neweww plaplaypplayerslayerse wee nneedeed maximum points to keep their chances Stadium and his ability to provide strong matches.s. patiencepatienencece anda d time,”titime,”e, saidaidd Hallgrimsson,”HaHalH lgrilg mssossoon,”n, of a top three finish intact. On Saturday We’ve a good group of players and we’lllll thethe cocoachoach added.addded.de Al Rayyan are fourth in the points 4:45pm: Al Duhail vs Al Sailiya at Al Duhail perform well,” said Bulent. Al GGharafaharaafa wwillill hostost UmmUmU SalSalala alli iinn

standings with 27 points, behind Al Stadium Al Arabi are sixth with 21 points,s, today’stodatto y’ss otherotheothermar match,maatchtch,ch,chh, eyeingeyeeiningg victoryvictvic oryry too Sadd (38 points) and Al Duhail (36 7:10pm: Al Sadd vs Al Khor at Al Sadd Stadium with coach Heimir Hallgrimsson hopingg keepkee thetheirir pursuit pursuu uit for for a top fourfoufo rfir finish.finishshsh. points). the hard work during the break willll Al GGharafaharafa areare sseventheventh wwithithit 18 ppoints,ointoinntnts,, The former champions will be “If we want to achieve a result that yield positive results for his side. whereaswherwhhereas Ummm SalaSSalall areareebr brbreathingeatheaathhingi downdowd wn without Rodrigo Tabata, sus- satisfies the fans of Al Rayyan, we must “We worked very hard over thee theirtheir neneckecck withwiththh pended for the match, and injured sustain the momentum,” he said. past period and there’ve been somee oonene poinpopointt striker Sebastian Soria. “We’ve brought in new profes- changes to the team through contractss less.lessl s. Coach Bulent Uygun hoped the sional player (Gelmin Javier) Rivas. He’s and deals, and the preparation wasn’tt team will do well without the key a good player and he’ll be a good just for Al Rayyan, but for the rest off players. addition to the team in the league and the season in general,” saidd Lucca Brito of Al Rayyan “We are ready for the match,” Asian competition that awaits our Hallgrimsson. Uygun said at a press conference yes- team,” said Uygun. The Turkish coach “We want to stabilise until wee terday, urging his ranks to play domi- added he was confident of a good per- achieve the goal we’re working on. I nating football. formance against Al Arabi. studied the team during the last stagee Williams cancels Hamilton fires F1 title warning shakedown to be as new Mercedes hits track

ready for testing AFP A handout picture taken at Silverstone in central England went skiing, I went surfing with LONDON yesterday, and released by Mercedes in London, shows Kelly Slater, which was amazing. Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton in the new Mercedes- “I completely switched off REUTERS programme over the winter,” Lewis Hamilton has delivered an AMG F1 W10 EQ Power+ Formula One car. from racing for a while, trying to LONDON said Williams deputy principal ominous warning to his Formula focus and re-centre myself and Claire Williams yesterday. One rivals by vowing to improve training hard for the new Williams have cancelled plans to “As such, we have taken the on his almost flawless champi- season.” run their new Formula One car decision not to run our car onship-winning campaign in his “I’m really looking forward for the first time on Saturday as during our filming day this Mercedes car. to the next step of our journey they rush to be ready for the start weekend in order to allow the The British driver emerged together with Mercedes and of pre-season testing in Spain next team to maximise the time at the from his winter hibernation at embarking on what’s not been week. factory before we head to Bar- Silverstone yesterday to see the done before,” he added. The former champions, who celona for the first day of the test car he hopes will fire him to a “This is my seventh year with finished last overall in a dire on February 18.” sixth world title. the team and the energy and the 2018 season, are not the only Champions Mercedes have The 34-year-old won 11 of determination within the team team racing against time, with had no such headaches, the the 21 races in 2018 to beat Fer- are really inspiring.” Renault also working flat out to team running their new W10 for rari’s Sebastian Vettel and secure I feel like 2019 can be even filming event at Silverstone Mercedes team principal complete their car. the first time at Silverstone his fifth championship with two better,” he said. “I want to yesterday. Toto Wolff said: “When we met Both teams held livery yesterday. rounds to spare. achieve more, I want to continue The British driver has kept a after the winter break, Lewis launches at their factories in Formula One teams always And as he enters the first to keep pushing. I feel energised relatively low profile over the was refreshed. He’s extremely England this week but the cars operate to tight margins in campaign of the new two-year and I am ready to attack.” off-season, spending time in hungry and wants to start on display were essentially last designing and building cars, Mercedes deal that will earn Hamilton, who will be part- America, while also attending racing again.” year’s models with fresh seeking to maximise devel- him £40m a season, a fully nered at the Super Bowl earlier this Pre-season testing gets paintwork and branding and opment time, and this year has refreshed Hamilton is ready to Mercedes for a third successive month. under way in Barcelona on new front wings. seen significant new aerody- extend his dominance of the season by Valtteri Bottas, was set Hamilton said: “I had a great Monday before Hamilton starts “We have had an extremely namic regulations come into sport. to get his first taste of the new Christmas with my family and his championship defence in aggressive engineering play. “2018 was a great year, but Silver Arrows during a private then I went snowmobiling, I Melbourne on March 17. Woods names Stricker, Couples as Presidents Cup assistants

AFP MELBOURNE

First-time US Presidents Cup captain Tiger Woods on Wednesday named the experi- enced Fred Couples, Steve Stricker and Zach Johnson as three of his assistants for the showdown against the Interna- tional team in Melbourne later this year. The 14-time major champion The golfers, who took part in the National Sport Day event at the Education City Golf Club on Tuesday, tapped former captains Couples pose for a group picture. and Stricker, while injecting new blood to the leadership team in the shape of the former Open US golfer Tiger Woods plays a tee shot during the 42nd Ryder Cup Education City Golf Club Championship and Masters at Le Golf National Course at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, southwest winner Johnson for the December 12-15 event. of Paris in this September 30, 2018 file picture. celebrates National Sport Day “Having competed with Tiger in the Presidents Cup in the The Royal Melbourne Golf players, so I’m excited to return past, I’ve always admired the Club venue is a much-lauded and help this team win.” THE PENINSULA Technology fully integrated into City Golf Club stated, “We have pride he takes in these team classic Sand Belt course that Stricker brings his own ped- DOHA the driving range which helps the only recently opened up the golf events,” said Johnson. demands strategic golf but is igree to the team that will face golfer track their ball distance and course but so far the interest has “I’m thrilled he’s chosen to often considered too short for the Internationals led by South Education City Golf Club, the direction on the range. been outstanding. National Sport trust me with this important role, today’s big hitters, and that could Africa’s Ernie Els, and has a bond newest golf club in Qatar held Throughout National Sport Day was a great success which and I look forward to doing my suit the accurate Johnson who is with Woods having been his multiple activities on National Day, not only was the range saw families and friends soak up part to help the team succeed.” one of the shortest hitters from teammate at four previous Pres- Sport Day for new aspiring eventful, but golf lessons for new the atmosphere and try their Johnson played in four pre- the tee on the US PGA Tour. idents Cups. golfers and experienced golfers aspiring golfers were held on hand at golf. Our continued vious Presidents Cups, Couples welcomed the “Stricks was an incredible alike. hourly intervals with families approach is to expose golf to as including 2015 in South Korea chance to go back to the site of leader in 2017 and I took a lot The new innovative Range and friends visiting the newly many people as possible in order when he delivered a pivotal his 2011 triumph as captain. away from the way he served featuring TrackMan Technology opened golf course to give golf to maintain a balanced and victory over Australian tal- “To return to one of my as captain that I hope to & PowerTee had 11,000 golf balls a go. The ongoing celebrations healthy lifestyle. Golf is a sport isman Jason Day. favourite venues, Royal Mel- emulate in Melbourne,” Woods hit during the day. were supported by JoueClub and for life, that can be played at any He could be a contender for bourne, is going to be a real said. To put that in perspective, the FNAC with activities for children age and it was particularly one of Wood’s four captain’s treat,” said Couples. “We have always shared a total average is 18 balls hit every and families throughout the day. special to see young children player picks if he does not auto- “The fans in Australia really high level of trust and mutual minute! All of the data is verified “Michael Braidwood, with their parents trying golf on matically qualify in the top eight know their golf and create an respect, which will be important through the TrackMan Range General Manager of Education National Sport Day.” determined by FedEx Cup points. unbelievable atmosphere for the in helping us guide this team.” THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2019 SPORT 07

Germany’s Angelique Kerber reacts Halep, Kerber advance to after defeating Estonia’s Anett Qatar Total Open quarters Kontaveit.

RIZWAN REHMAT Svitolina will meet qualifier indoors but it is not easy to have guided Romania to Fed When asked if she was THE PENINSULA Karolina Muchova of Russia in adjust to outdoors,” Halep said Cup semi-finals with win over affected by the weather here, the quarter-finals. Muchova after her match. the Czech Republic. Svitolina said: “It’s, as I said, it’s Former champion Simona yesterday beat Su-Wei Hsieh of “I hit the ball well. It was “It was an incredible feeling tricky, but, you know, it’s tennis. Halep of Romania yesterday Chinese Taipei 6-2, 6-4. tough in the second set. I was to win in the tie against the best It’s two players in the same con- eased past Ukraine’s Lesia Also yesterday, Elise 3-1 down but I take my time. I team in the world,” Halep said. ditions. You have to be ready for Tsurenko to storm into the Mertens of Belgium beat lucky just stay focused. I felt I was “They are champions and this. You have to adjust. Every quarter-finals of the Qatar Total loser Kristyna Pliskova of Czech strong enough to come back,” winning the tie meant a lot. My tournament is very different Open at Khalifa Tennis Republic 6-2, 7-6 in 1 hour and she added. players were pushing each conditions. Some are flying, Complex. 47 minutes. Kristyna replaced When reminded that she other. Our captain was great some are, you know, the ball is Winner in 2014, Halep sister Karolina, the defending will be world number two on too. We want to win the semi- just stopping, so you have to posted a 6-2, 6-3 win in just 1 champion, who pulled out Monday, Halep said: “Well, it finals also so ‘let’s go, girls’,” adjust. And this is a part of hour and 19 minutes after com- because of illness yesterday. doesn’t matter. I just play to win Halep added. tennis.” pletely dominating her 29-year- In a shock result yesterday, every game. When I step on to Svitolina, after her win over Bertens, who stunned 2016 old rival in the first set. The former champion Carla Suarez the court, I just want to see how Ostapenko, yesterday said it champion Navarro, said victory also ensured that Halep, Navarro of Spain was sent happy I can be. If I am second was a tough match. playing in the cold wave 27, will rise to number two packing by Kiki Bertens of the now, I will fight to get to number “I think I was striking the enveloping the Qatari when the new world rankings Netherlands. Bertens won 2-6, one. But now I just want to win ball really good and serving capital for the last few are released on Monday. 6-1, 6-1 in 84 minutes on Court every match.” much better than I did in the days was a challenge. In the quarter-finals, Halep Number 1. Halep said she was previous matches against her,” “Yeah, it’s a little bit cold will meet Germany’s Julia Barbora Strycova of the delighted to Svitolina said. here now at night since we Goerges who yesterday beat Czech Republic beat qualifier “So I think this was the key played late. So yesterday I American Alison Risko 6-1, 6-7, Anna Blinkova of Russia 6-6, today. The tricky conditions, the played in the leggings just to 6-4. 3-6, 6-0 in 1 hour and 54 ball is flying and the wind is keep my body warm, and today Earlier in the day, Elina Svi- minutes. Strycova fired two aces very tricky, so I had to be was just the long sleeves,” tolina of Ukraine beat former in her fighting win. extremely quick with my feet. Bertens said. Ukriane’s French Open winner Jelena In the last match of the day, In the end I was very pleased “I just like to keep myself Elina Ostapenko of Latvia in straight Angelique Kerber of Germany that I could finish in two sets,” warm. Yeah, against Elise Svitolina sets to reach the last sight of the beat Estonia’s Anett Kontaveit. she added. (Mertens), it’s going to be a celebrates tournament. Svitolina, who got Kerber won 6-1, 7-6. Kerber will tough match. We played each after a wild card for meet Strycova in the quarter- other this year already in winning her the six-day finals today. Brisbane, which was a tough round of tournament, Halep, a former French three-setter. And, yeah, we 16 match won 6-4, Open champion, said she was know each other really against 6-4 in 80 thrilled with the win. well. It’s just going to be Latvia’s minutes in the “It was a great recovery in a challenge Jelena day’s first match the second set. It was a good tomorrow,” she Ostapenko. on Center Court. match. I am coming from added.

QATAR TOTAL OPEN RESULTS Second Round Romanian top seed Simona Halep (ROM x1) bt Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) 6-2, 6-3 Simona Halep in action Julia Goerges (GER x9) bt Alison Riske (USA) 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 It was a great recovery in the second set. against Ukraine’s Lesia It was a good match. I am coming from Tsurenko during her Elina Svitolina (UKR x4) bt Jelena Ostapenko (LAT) 6-4, 6-4 indoors but it is not easy to adjust to round of 16 match Karolína Muchova (CZE) bt Hsieh Su-Wei (TPE) 6-2, 6-4 outdoors. I hit the ball well. It was tough in of the Qatar Total Barbora Strycova (CZE) bt Anna Blinkova (RUS) 6-0, 3-6, 6-0 the second set. I was 3-1 down but I take Open at the Khalifa Kiki Bertens (NED x5) bt Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 my time. I just stay focused. I felt I was International Tennis Elise Mertens (BEL) bt Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) strong enough to come back: Halep and Squash Complex Angelique Kerber (GER) bt Anett Kontaveit (EST) 6-1, 7-6 ((7-3) in Doha, yesterday.

Karolina Pliskova in action. PICTURES: VADAKKEMURIYIL RAJAN

Tired and unwell Pliskova pulls out as Barbora Strycova hits a return against Russia’s Anna Blinkova. The busy schedule takes toll Czech won 6-0, 3-6, 6-0.

RIZWAN REHMAT The 26-year old, seeded better that somebody else plays. THE PENINSULA two, was scheduled to “But I was defending champion play Belgium’s Elise here last year, so I decided, like, this Defending champion Karolina Mertens yesterday, but she year I’m going to try again, because Pliskova pulled out of the Qatar I like this tournament. Every time I From the first day, I was Total Open, saying her body was informed the organisers try to come. But it’s a question mark not feeling great and in no condition to play a match. about her illness. for the next years,” she said. not ready. I have never The 26-year old, seeded two, Pliskova said she decided to felt this way actually. was scheduled to play Belgium’s tired. My muscles are just hurting withdraw to protect herself from Elise Mertens yesterday but she from the morning without even her condition getting worse. It’s normal that you are informed the organisers about her doing anything. I’m just not able to “I know there is a lot of viral tired, of course, when illness. Pliskova arrived in Doha compete 100 percent today,” the illness going on, not just here but you are travelling and following her hectic Fed Cup Czech star said while explaining also in the Czech Republic and all playing a lot of matches. matches against Romania. the reasons for her withdrawal of Europe. Maybe there is some- “I just felt somehow exhausting from the premier event. thing going on in my body, so I But I just feel somehow after I played my (Fed Cup) match Pliskova said she gave her best hope I don’t get worse, that’s why my body is not ready: with Simona (Halep), which was to get fit but could not recover. I’ve decided to withdraw,” she Karolina Pliskova super long and tough,” Pliskova said. “I tried till the last moment. added. “From the first day, I was not Even today, I went on court. I just Pliskova said better scheduling feeling great and not ready. I have tried to hit full, at least 10, 15 could help players recover better Cup, Pliskova said: “I know the never felt this way actually. It’s minutes. I just said, this is not pos- at top events. Davis Cup (organisers), they did normal that you are tired, of course, sible to play this level,” she said. “I think it would be better. I it. I know for sure everything is when you are travelling and playing “And my draw was tough, so I would may be appreciate one extra possible, but I don’t know how a lot of matches. But I just feel think if I’m not 100%, I cannot win day for traveling, because it’s super many players are fighting for this somehow my body is not ready,” she any match here. That’s why I hard to always find connections for or not. I think it would help, but added. decided to not play,” she added. the tournaments, especially here, so far what I know the systems Netherlands’ Kiki Bertens in action during her round of “I had a temperature for a few “Also, I’m not the type of player it’s not that close,” she said. should be somehow changing 16 match against Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro. Bertens days. I don’t have any neck pain or who goes on court and retire after When asked if it was a good from next year completely, so let’s beat the former champion 2-6, 6-1, 6-1. something, but I just feel super two games. So I thought maybe it’s idea to change the format of Fed see.” THURSDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2019 SPORT 05 Czech star Karolina From the first day, I was not feeling Pliskova says as she TENNIS great and not ready. I have never withdrew from Qatar Qatar Total Open PSL: Islamabad United vs felt actually this way. Total Open. quarter-finals Lahore Qalandars ACTION TODAY’S Fernando sparkles as Leading foreign stars at Pakistan Super League defy odds against South Africa The Pakistan Super League (PSL), which kicks off today, has been a platform for not only local players, but also for the talent from other parts of the world to showcase their skills. The league in its three edi- AFP tions so far has seen 77 players from various countries perform in T20 DURBAN SCOREBOARD cricket. South Africa, first innings Bowling: Lakmal 14-3-29-1, V. Fernando 17-1-62- The foreign players are an integral part of the HBL PSL and have A. Markram b V. Fernando ...... 11 4, Rajitha 14.4-0-68-3 (2nb), Karunaratne 3-0-9- played a vital role in making it successful across the globe. Foreign Vishwa Fernando took four D. Elgar c Dickwella b V. Fernando ...... 0 0, Embuldeniya 10-1-51-1, O. Fernando 1-0-10-0 as underdogs Sri Lanka H. Amla c Mendis b Lakmal ...... 3 Sri Lanka, first innings players have won all the three player of the final awards – Dwayne heeded new captain Dimuth T. Bavuma run out (V. Fernando) ...... 47 D. Karunaratne ...... 28 Smith (2016), Daren Sammy (2017) and Luke Ronchi (2018). In this F. du Plessis c Dickwella b Rajitha ...... 35 L. Thirimanne c De Kock b Steyn ...... 0 Sri Lanka’s Vishwa Karunaratne’s call to ‘compete Q. de Kock c V. Fernandon b Rajitha ...... 80 O. Fernando not out ...... 17 article, we take a look at some of the overseas players who set the V. Philander c and b Rajitha ...... 4 Extras (b3, lb1) ...... 4 Fernando appeals in every session’ on the first day tournament alight. K. Maharaj c Dickwella b V. Fernando ...... 29 Total (1 wkt, 16 overs) ...... 49 and gets the of the first Test against South K. Rabada c O. Fernando b V. Fernando ...... 3 Fall of wicket: 1-19 (Thirimanne) Luke Ronchi (Islamabad United) Africa at Kingsmead yesterday. D. Steyn b Embuldeniya ...... 15 Bowling: Steyn 5-1-10-1, Philander 4-0-14-0, of South Africa’s The former New Zealand opener had a dull start to his PSL career D. Olivier not out ...... 0 Rabada 2-1-1-0, Olivier 2-0-2-0, Maharaj 2-0-13- in the South Africa, overwhelming Extras (lb6, nb2) ...... 8 0, Elgar 1-0-5-0 in 2018, but once he took off, he became an unstoppable force. Ronchi Total (59.4 overs) ...... 235 To bat: K. Perera, K. Mendis, D. de Silva, N. Dick- second over during favourites against a team seem- Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Elgar), 2-9 (Amla), 3-17 wella, S. Lakmal, V. Fernando, K. Rajitha, L. Em- bagged ducks in two of his first four innings, but in the following seven ingly in disarray, were bowled (Markram), 4-89 (Du Plessis), 5-110 (Bavuma), buldeniya day 1 of their first innings he registered five half-centuries, including a 39-ball 94 not 6-131 (Philander), 7-178 (Maharaj), 8-186 (Raba- Match situation: Sri Lanka trail by 186 runs Test in Durban, out for 235. Sri Lanka were 49 da), 9-219 (Steyn) with nine wickets remaining in the first inning out against Karachi Kings in the Qualifier and 52 off 26 balls against for one at the close. yesterday. Peshawar Zalmi in the final. Ronchi finished the tournament as the Left-arm opening bowler highest run-getter scoring 435 runs at an average of 43.50 and a Fernando dismissed both South strike-rate of 182.00. African opening batsmen Andre Russell (Islamabad United/Multan Sultans) cheaply as the hosts found them- The Jamaican all-rounder Andre Russell moves to Multan Sultans selves floundering at 17 for three for this season after being part of two title-winning Islamabad United after being sent in on a pitch sides. Russell was the leading wicket-taker in the inaugural tournament which offered bounce and which United won in 2016. He took 16 wickets at an average of 17.25, swing on a partially overcast including valuable scalps of Kevin Pietersen and Kumar Sangakkara morning. in the final against the Gladiators in Dubai. Fernando, 27, playing in his Ravi Bopara (Karachi Kings) fourth Test, went on to claim The England star can lay a claim to have produced the greatest career-best figures of four for 62. all-round performance in T20 cricket. Playing for Karachi Kings in the Kasun Rajitha took three for 68. first HBL PSL in 2016, Bopara scored 71 not out off 43 balls against Wicketkeeper Quinton de the Qalandars and took six wickets for just 16 runs, the best figures in Kock, batting at number six the HBL PSL. He was also named player of the tournament in the inau- because South Africa picked five personnel, including the the Sri Lankans were ruled to the momentum in a 72-run part- gural tournament after scoring 329 runs at 54.83 and taking 11 wickets specialist bowlers, gave the dropping of regular captain have taken too long before nership which was ended in the at 13.81. Overall, he has scored 571 runs, taken 15 wickets and 14 South African innings some , and selectors. asking for a review of last over before lunch when Du catches. respectability by hitting 80 off Vishwa Fernando arguably Aleem Dar’s decision. Plessis was caught down the Shane Watson (Islamabad United/Quetta Gladiators) 94 balls before he was last man owed his place in the team to the Replays showed the ball had legside by wicketkeeper The Australian all-rounder is statistically the best overseas batsman out. fact that three of Sri Lanka’s pitched in line and would have Niroshan Dickwella off Rajitha in HBL PSL. With 684 runs at 29.73, he is the highest run-getter and Sri Lanka lost Lahiru Thir- leading fast bowlers were hit the stumps - and that Sri for 35. has also hit the highest number of sixes (43). Watson played the first imanne, caught behind off Dale missing because of injury. But he Lanka’s request for a review had Bavuma looked the most two events for the United and third one for Quetta Gladiators, and Steyn for nought, but Karu- produced a superb opening spell, come three seconds before the assured of the South African also captained the United in a couple of games in 2016 when they naratne batted confidently to be having Dean Elgar caught behind maximum 15 seconds allowed. batsmen but was run out for 47 won the tournament. He was a key and the best batsman for the Glad- 28 not out at the close, while new and bowling Aiden Markram The lapse was inexpensive off 68 balls, with seven fours, iators in the last season, scoring 319 runs at a strike-rate of 135.16, cap Oshada Fernando went on with a ball which swung back as Amla made only three before when a straight drive by De Kock including 90 not out against the Kings in Dubai. Considering his val- the attack when South African into the stumps. being caught low down at second ricocheted off bowler Fernando’s uable contributions at the top-order, the Gladiators have retained him captain turned to Fernando dismissed Elgar slip by off Suranga boot into the stumps at the before the players draft for HBL PSL 2019. spin bowling as the light faded with his fourth before a Lakmal, who had an outstanding bowler’s end. Daren Sammy (Peshawar Zalmi) to finish on 17 not out. run had been scored and should first spell of one for six in seven After numerous replays tel- The two-time ICC World T20 winning captain’s enterprising lead- Sri Lanka came into the have had the wicket of Hashim overs. evision umpire Ian Gould ership has been the driving force behind Peshawar Zalmi’s consistent match having lost six of their Amla two balls later. Temba Bavuma and Du decided Bavuma had narrowly run in the HBL PSL. Sammy, in his maiden gig as captain of the Zalmis, most recent seven Tests and with He appealed passionately for Plessis rode out the early storm failed to get his bat behind the won them the tournament in 2017, which included a player of the several changes in playing a leg before wicket decision and and gradually started to change crease. match performance in the final in Lahore. Sammy’s 11-ball 28-run cameo in a low-scoring final shifted the game’s momentum in favour of Zalmi before they bowled out the Gladiators for 90 to win the match by 58 runs. Last year, he also scored 159 runs at a strike-rate of 182.75, the highest for any batsman in the 2018 edition. The all-rounder from WI aim to become World’s No.1 team: Holder Saint Lucia will lead Zalmi in the 2019 edition as well.

AFP improving in the three facets of totally dominated world cricket A Daren Sammy’s file photo GROS ISLET, SAINT LUCIA the game and be clinical and lot for much of the 1970s and 80s, with the PSL trophy. more consistent,” said Holder, and after years of struggles, sit West Indies captain Jason who missed the game in St eighth in the current ICC Holder said that his side’s main Lucia through suspension for a rankings, ahead of only Bang- goal is to become the world’s slow over-rate. ladesh and Zimbabwe. number one team after their “Our bowlers have done an The Caribbean outfit do not impressive series victory over outstanding job. It is up to our play a Test until after the World England. batsmen to contribute more. Cup, which finishes in July, with England comfortably “We need to continue to a five-match one-day interna- claimed a consolation win in build and not rest on our tional series against England the third Test, but back-to-back laurels. Our number one goal next on the agenda. thumping triumphs in Barbados is to be the number one team Chasing an improbable 485 and Antigua had already in the world so there is a lot to to win on Tuesday, the West West Indies captain Jason Holder secured the hosts an unas- improve on.” Indies were bowled out for 252 celebrates with the Wisden sailable 2-0 series lead. The West Indies have been despite a battling, unbeaten 102 Trophy on Tuesday. “We have got to keep a shadow of the side which from Roston Chase. Guptill hits form as Black Caps outclass Bangladesh

AFP adjusting to New Zealand con- SCOREBOARD Williamson said. Nicholls looked wickets apiece for New Zealand. NAPIER, NEW ZEALAND ditions and still hoped of a Bangladesh din), 2-229 (Mithun), 10-232 (M. Rahman) comfortable in just his third outing The Black Caps struck early breakthrough victory. T. Iqbal c Latham b Boult ...... 5 Bowling: Henry 9-1-48-2, Boult 9.5-0-40-3 (w1, since being promoted up the when departed for Martin Guptill returned to form “We bowled well but we L. Das b Henry ...... 1 nb1), De Grandhomme 5-0-19-0, Ferguson 10-1- order, scoring 53 before a tame five in the second over and Liton with an unbeaten century as New were struggling batting. We just S. Sarkar c and b Henry ...... 30 44-2 (w10), Santner 8-0-45-3 (w1), Neesham dismissal when the ball hit his pad Das soon followed, leaving Bang- Zealand powered to an eight- lost too many wickets early,” he M. Rahim b Boult ...... 5 7-0-26-0 (w4) and rolled onto the stumps. ladesh at 19 for two. wicket win over Bangladesh in said. M. Mithun b Ferguson ...... 62 New Zealand Veteran batsman Ross A rattled c Taylor b Ferguson ...... 13 M. Guptill not out ...... 117 the first one-day international Guptill and Henry Nicholls Taylor also contributed an was struck on the helmet by a S. Rahman st Latham b Santner ...... 13 H. Nicholls b Hasan ...... 53 in Napier yesterday. pressed their case to open the M. Hasan c Neesham b Santner ...... 26 K. Williamson lbw Mahmudullah ...... 11 unbeaten 45. Boult bouncer and was out for Bangladesh set New Zealand batting at the World Cup as New M. Saifuddin c Guptill b Santner ...... 41 R. Taylor not out ...... 45 Mohammad Mithun was the five just a few balls later. a modest run chase of 233 after Zealand made light work of the M. Mortaza not out ...... 9 Extras (lb3, w4) ...... 7 pick of Bangladesh’s hitters, Defiant Soumya Sarkar suffering an early collapse and target. M. Rahman b Boult ...... 0 Total (for 2 wickets, 44.3 overs) ...... 233 grinding out a hard-fought 62 smashed 30 off 22 balls before the Black Caps overhauled it in Guptill, returning from Extras (lb5, w16, nb1, pen 5) ...... 27 Fall of wickets: 1-103 (Nicholls), 2-137 Bowling: after coming to the crease with he was caught and bowled by Matt 44.3 overs, finishing at 233 for injury, put a poor run of scores Total (all out, 48.5 overs) ...... 232 Mortaza 8.3-0-33-0 (w1), Saifuddin 7-0-43-0 Bangladesh reeling at 42 for four Henry. Sabbir Rahman summed two. behind him with a commanding Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Iqbal), 2-19 (Das), 3-42 (w2), M. Rahman 8-0-36-0, Hasan 8-1-42-1, S. after a decision to bat first up Bangladesh’s batting woes It is Bangladesh’s fifth tour 117 not out. (Rahim), 4-42 (Sarkar), 5-71 (Mahmudullah), Rahman 7-0-41-0, Mahmudullah 5-0-27-1, backfired. when he was trying to 6-94 (S. Rahman), 7-131 (Hasan), 8-215 (Saifud- Sarkar 1-0-8-0 (w1) to New Zealand and they are yet He had been averaging less Mohammad Saifuddin pro- sweep Santner to the boundary. to win a match in any format, than 10 since his last interna- vided support with a gritty 41 as Rahman’s foot slipped as he with their next chance coming tional innings of note, a big- the batsman under no pressure “Martin was brilliant, a fan- Bangladesh were bowled out for crouched for the shot and he in the second ODI in hitting 138 against Sri Lanka in and content to pick off loose tastic hundred, and the contri- 232 with seven balls of their tumbled to the ground just Christchurch on Saturday. early January. deliveries. His 15th ODI century butions (from team-mates) allotted 50 overs remaining. outside his crease as wicket- Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Guptill’s effort against Bang- came off 103 balls and included around that were really good as Spinner Mitchell Santner and keeper Tom Latham whipped off Mortaza said his team were ladesh was more controlled, with six fours and three sixes. well,” Black Caps skipper Kane paceman Trent Boult took three the bails.