Pakistan must build on historic series triumph

KARACHI: Jubilant Pakistan cricketers celebrated their series-winning triumph here at the National Stadium after finishing off the Sri Lankan second innings within a span of just three overs on Monday morning.

They had all the reasons to rejoice as the 263-run victory in the second and final Test was Pakistan’s first Test win on home soil in more than 13 years. Their last victory in red-ball cricket at home came at the same venue against West Indies way back in November 2006.

The series win couldn’t have come at a better time. The Pakistanis, who rose to number one in the world Test rankings in the summer of 2016, are currently languishing at a dismal number eight in the longest format of the game.

Pakistan made a poor start to their ICC World Test Championship when they were massacred by Australia in a two-Test series Down Under earlier this season.

They needed to give themselves a boost by winning the home series against the Sri Lankans in a comprehensive manner. But wet and cold weather in Rawalpindi – venue of the first Test last week – played spoilsport and the hosts had to settle for a draw.

The home team desperately needed a win in Karachi – Pakistan’s Test fortress – to put their World Test Championship campaign on track.

The big win has now propelled them to the third position on the WTC table just behind leaders India and Australia. Having earned 60 points from the Karachi triumph, Pakistan now have 80 points from two series. Sri Lanka, too, have a similar number of points but are place fourth because of an inferior runs-per-wicket ratio.

Pakistan’s margin of victory is a bit misleading considering they allowed Sri Lanka to post an 80-run first innings lead. Having opted to bat first, Pakistan were bowled out for just 191. However, Pakistan’s much-criticised batters bounced back in the second innings with the top four – Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali and Babar Azam – hitting centuries.

Records tumbled as Pakistan accumulated a whopping 555-3 in the second innings and their domination with the bat on the third and fourth days of the series decider was the biggest reason why the visitors crumbled in the second innings despite playing on what had by then become quite a placid track.

While Babar and Abid had been already in good form, centuries from Shan and especially the previously under-fire Azhar comes a big boost for the Pakistanis, who now face the tough challenge of taking on England in their next WTC assignment away from home in the summer of 2020.

Azhar has been going through a horrific run with the bat and some quarters were already calling for his head. But Azhar’s 118 – his first Test ton in more than a year – should ease some pressure off his shoulder.

Misbah-ul-Haq can also breathe easy. Pakistan’s head coach and chief selector had been under intense fire for his team’s poor run of form before Monday’s win in Karachi.

Apart from the batting heroics, Pakistan also have another reason to cheer about – the performance of the young duo of Shaheen Shah Afridi and 16-year-old Naseem Shah. While Shaheen took a five wicket haul in the first innings, Naseem bagged 5-31 in the second innings. Naseem is now the second youngest bowler to take a five-for in Test history. The youngest player to achieve that feat was his compatriot and namesake Nasim-ul-Ghani, who took 5-116 against West Indies in Georgetown in 1958. At 16 years and 303 days, Ghani was just four days younger than Naseem Shah.

There are times when a single win can really make a difference. Pakistan’s victory at the National Stadium was one such result.

It was hardly surprising when Ehsan Mani, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), took part in a media talk soon after the conclusion of the final Test. A confident-looking Mani reiterated Pakistan’s stance of not playing their home games at neutral venues any more.

“All of Pakistan’s matches will be played in Pakistan,” was Mani’s clear message for the rest of the cricket world in general and for Bangladesh in particular. Bangladesh, who are supposed to visit Pakistan for a series next month, have been using dilly-dallying tactics on the scheduled tour. Though the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is yet to take a final decision, it has been reported that they want Pakistan to host the two Tests on neutral soil.

But Mani made it clear that it won’t happen. And rightly so. Mani and the PCB should stick to their guns on this issue. Pakistan have suffered way too long and it is time that international cricket returns to the country on a permanent basis. If teams like Bangladesh disagree then they should do so at their own peril. In this case, they will have to forfeit WTC points if they refuse to play in Pakistan.

Pakistan, meanwhile, can celebrate a well-deserved win. But they should also know that much more difficult challenges than the recently-concluded series await them next year. They need to be consistent and should build on Monday’s series victory.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/37eFymf

Naseem Shah takes five as Pakistan complete ‘special’ victory

KARACHI: Rookie pacer Naseem Shah pulled-off impressive figures of 5-31 in 12.5 overs to enable Pakistan to demolish Sri Lanka by 263 runs in their second Test and seal the two-match historic series 1-0 here at the National Stadium on Monday.

On the final day, it took Pakistan only 16 deliveries to get the remaining three wickets of Sri Lanka and record a Test-series win on home soil after long 13 years. Pakistan had beaten the West Indies in the three-match Test series 2-0 on home soil in 2006-2007.

The 16-year-old Naseem also became the world’s youngest pacer to claim five wickets in an innings at the age of 16 years and 307 days. He broke the record held by Mohammad Amir who had picked 5-79 against Australia in Melbourne in 2009 when he was 17-year and 257-day old.

Lower Dir-born Naseem dislodged Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya and Vishwa Fernando to achieve the milestone.

However, Pakistan’s former spinner Nasim-ul-Ghani still holds the record of being the youngest bowler of the world to have got five wickets in a Test innings when he picked 5-116 against the West Indies in Georgetown in 1958 at the age of 16 years and 303 days.

Chasing 476, Sri Lanka resumed their second innings at 212-7 and were folded at the same score in 62.5 overs.

Naseem, who had taken the wicket of Dilruwan Perera (5) off the first ball of the last over of the day on Sunday, sent Lasith Embuldeniya (0) with a nasty bouncer off the first ball of the day on Monday to create a hat-trick chance for himself. But he was denied hat-trick by Vishwa Fernando.

In the next over, leggie Yasir Shah had the wicket of Oshada Fernando (102), held by Asad Shafiq in the slips. Oshada hammered 13 fours in his 180-ball maiden Test century. Naseem then got rid of Vishwa Fernando (0), trapped leg before wicket to clinch a historic win for the hosts.

The visitors’ last four batsmen fell without adding to the total. Pakistan had scored 191 and 555-3 declared. Sri Lanka had piled-up 271 in their first innings to claim an 80-run lead.

Yasir finished with 2-84 in 20 overs. Pakistan’s compact opener Abid Ali was declared as man-of-the-match and man-of-the-series.

“I am very happy that I have been honoured by God Almighty. I always played with positive mind even in domestic cricket and in international level too I play positively and God has blessed me,” Abid said after the match.

Pakistan’s skipper Azhar Ali said it was a special series win for them.

“It was a special series win for us,” Azhar said.

“After hiccups in batting in the first innings our bowlers did well to prevent the oppositions from taking more lead,” Azhar said.

Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne was not happy with the outcome.

“We lost grip on the game when both openers of Pakistan batted so well,” Dimuth said.

“Our bowlers did not bowl on the right area. In Test cricket you have to bowl tightly and keep pressure to force the batsmen to make mistake. I think it’s not a good sign the way we bowled,” the skipper said.

The win has also enabled Pakistan to climb to the third spot in the World Test Championship rankings with 80 points, following leaders India (360) and Australia (216).

Pakistan won toss

Pakistan 1st Innings 191 all out (Asad Shafiq 63; L Kumara 4-49, L Embuldeniya 4-71)

Sri Lanka 1st Innings 271 all out (D Chandimal 74; Shaheen 5-77, Abbas 4-55)

Pakistan 2nd Innings 555-3 dec (Abid Ali 174, Shan Masood 135; L Kumara 2-139)

Sri Lanka 2nd Innings

*D Karunaratne c Rizwan b Abbas 16

O Fernando c Asad b Yasir 102

K Mendis c Babar b Naseem 0

A Mathews c Rizwan b Shaheen 19

D Chandimal lbw b Naseem 2

D de Silva b Yasir 0

†N Dickwella b Haris 65

D Perera c Rizwan b Naseem 5

L Embuldeniya c Rizwan b Naseem 0

V Fernando lbw b Naseem 0

L Kumara not out 0

Extras (lb 3) 3

Total (all out; 62.5 overs) 212

Fall: 1-39, 2-40, 3-70, 4-96, 5-97, 6-201, 7-212, 8-212, 9-212, 10-212

Bowling: Shaheen 14-3-51-1; Abbas 12-2-33-1; Naseem 12.5-4-31-5; Yasir 20-3-84-2; Haris 4-0-10-1

Result: Pakistan won by 263 runs

Man of the Match: Abid Ali (Pakistan)

Series: Pakistan won 2-match series 1-0

Man of the Series: Abid Ali (Pakistan)

Umpires: Joel Wilson (West Indies) and Bruce Oxenford (Australia). TV umpire: Gregory Brathwaite (West Indies). Match referee: Jeff Crowe (New Zealand)

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2QgGgZ4

Misbah-ul-Haq terms Bangladesh’s stance ‘great injustice’

KARACHI: Pakistan’s head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq on Monday expressed his displeasure with Bangladesh’s reported stance of not touring Pakistan for a Test series, calling it “great injustice”.

Misbah was speaking to reporters after Pakistan’s victory against Sri Lanka in the second Test here at the National Stadium. “It will be a big disappointment for Pakistan if they (Bangladesh) do not come,” Misbah said.

“When international tours are happening, teams [are] coming and playing here, even you are agreeing to play T20 and refusing Test is something beyond my understanding.” “I don’t see any reason. To me it’s just an excuse and nothing else. It will be a great injustice to Pakistan because already [we are] playing less Test cricket.”

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2sVgWQo

We will now play our home series in Pakistan: Ehsan Mani

KARACHI: Encouraged by the peaceful organisation of home series against Sri Lanka, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ehsan Mani on Monday categorically stated that Pakistan will now play their home series in the country, writes Alam Zeb Safi.

“Pakistan will now play their home series in the country,” Mani told a news conference at the end of the historic second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka here at the National Stadium on Monday.

When he was asked that whether Pakistan would go for a neutral venue option in case of its series against India, Mani reiterated: “Pakistan will now play their home series on home soil.” Mani said that the PCB was in negotiation with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) about the latter’s visit for a Test series to Pakistan.

“There should be absolutely no way that Bangladesh does not come to Pakistan. Sri Lanka have shown confidence because they trust us. The security team of Bangladesh had also come and was impressed with the security. I am hopeful Bangladesh will definitely come,” said Mani, also a former International Cricket Council (ICC) chief.

“India has more security issues than Pakistan. Incidents have also happened in New Zealand, Australia and England. I will not take any risk on the security of players but other nations will have to prove now that Pakistan is not safe for international cricket,” Mani said.

He said that 425 foreign players had shown interest to play Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Pakistan the coming season. “And this is the major indication that Pakistan is now safe for any kind of cricket,” Mani pointed out.

“Cricket Australia and English Cricket Board (ECB) security officials have already visited Pakistan. We had also invited players association’s representatives to show them what we are doing,” Mani recalled.

Terming Sri Lanka’s Test team visit to Pakistan as a landmark achievement Mani said the whole world now knows that Pakistan is safe for cricket.

“Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test series on home soil is definitely a real achievement. The whole world now knows that Pakistan is safe for cricket. The Sri Lankans are very happy with our arrangements,” Mani said.

Mani said that the recent Royal visit to Pakistan and the couple’s visit to National Cricket Academy (NCA) at Lahore and playing cricket with children is a big plus. He credited media and public for making revival of international cricket possible.

“Journalists played a key role as they are opinion-makers and the way media projected the matter is highly laudable. The PCB Chief Executive Waseem Khan also worked hard and people believed in him, just like me because I have been around in the ICC. I also appreciate the public who supported us in the cause,” the PCB chairman said.

Responding to a flurry of questions regarding former Pakistan captain and Test wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed, Mani said that the stumper can come back to the team after performing at the domestic level.

“I don’t interfere in selection matters. Chief selector has other selectors who are head coaches of the provincial associations teams besides coordinator Nadeem Khan. All these people are highly credible. Sarfraz is a gutsy cricketer and I hope he will regain his form by performing at the domestic level and will stage a comeback to the national team,” Mani said.

When he was pressed that had he taken a U-turn in Sarfraz issue, Mani said that he had never taken a U-turn but he had said that he would remain captain till the World Cup. Mani said that the Board now has a tough task ahead of making good pitches so that Pakistan could not face problems when they play abroad.

“Wickets are a big issue. Look here at the second Test, contrary to the Karachi’s tradition the wicket of the National Stadium helped bowlers for the first two days and then it turned easier for batting. We have invited the ICC pitch consultant and he will come in January to do audit of all the pitches in Pakistan,” Mani revealed.

He also conceded that the PCB will focus on national team’s performance, adding, more concentration will be given to the physical fitness of the players and their nutrition as it was very important for professionals.

About Cricket Committee, the PCB boss said that the Board aims to expand it by inducting some more members into it from provinces. “I want a strong committee so that it could challenge the coach, team management and even the Board,” Mani said.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2Qjmz2K

Racism mars Chelsea win at Spurs

LONDON: Frank Lampard outwitted Jose Mourinho as Chelsea powered to a 2-0 win at Tottenham on Sunday that featured a double from Willian, a red card for Son Heung-min and allegations of racist abuse.

Billed as a showdown between Mourinho and Lampard, an explosive London derby showed the student is more than a match for the man who served as his mentor during their time together at Chelsea.

Blues boss Lampard pulled a tactical masterstroke as he cleverly changed his team’s formation, leaving Tottenham manager Mourinho unable to respond as Willian opened the scoring with a blistering strike and increased Chelsea’s lead with a penalty before half-time.

Tottenham’s South Korean star Son was sent off for a needless kick at Antonio Rudiger in the second half as Chelsea swept to a sweet victory over their former manager.

With top four rivals Manchester United losing at Watford earlier in the day, it will be a happy festive period for Lampard’s fourth placed side, who sit six points clear of seventh placed Tottenham after ending a run of four defeats from their last five Premier League games.

There was little Christmas cheer for Tottenham, who may have to answer for the behaviour of their fans amid claims Rudiger was racially abused and an object was thrown at Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

A fan was seen directing a ‘monkey gesture’ at Rudiger and three announcements over the tannoy that “racist behaviour from spectators is interfering with the game” painted a bleak picture of the latest racist incident to scar European football this term.

Lampard had already beaten Mourinho last season when his Derby met the Portuguese coach’s Manchester United in the League Cup and once again he proved too smart for his old boss.

After a hug and handshake between Lampard and Mourinho, there was a poignant minute’s applause for Tottenham and England World Cup winner Martin Peters, who died aged 76 on Saturday.

Those shows of respect marked the end of the civilities as Tottenham fans booed Marcos Alonso vociferously and chanted about his involvement in a fatal car crash in Spain several years ago.

Chelsea had the perfect response to the cruel taunts as they completely dominated possession in the early stages and took the lead in the 12th minute.

With Tottenham too slow to mark up, Willian took a short corner to Mateo Kovacic and when the Brazilian received the return pass, he adroitly side-stepped Serge Aurier before curling a superb finish into the far corner of Paulo Gazzaniga’s net.

There was an extra edge about Willian’s celebrations given the abuse of Alonso as he sprinted to pose in front of the Tottenham fans.

Aware of Chelsea’s frailties at the back, Lampard had switched to a five-man defence and dropped Jorginho in a move that allowed N’Golo Kante to return to his preferred deep-lying midfield role.

The tactical tweak worked a treat and Tottenham’s only decent chance of the entire match was wasted by Harry Kane, who fired over from Moussa Sissoko’s cross. With the supply lines to Kane shut down, Lampard’s team deservedly doubled their lead in first half stoppage-time.

To the chagrin of Tottenham’s fans, Alonso was the catalyst as he chased a long ball into the penalty area and was clattered by Gazzaniga’s desperate rush off his line.

After a VAR review, the spot-kick was awarded, with Willian calmly slotting past Gazzaniga for his fifth goal of an exceptional campaign for the winger. That made it an alarming 14 goals conceded in all competitions by Tottenham since Mourinho replaced Mauricio Pochettino.

Any hopes of a Tottenham comeback were quashed in the 62nd minute by Son’s needless clash with Rudiger. Falling to the turf after a collision with the Chelsea defender, Son responded by kicking both feet at Rudiger.

A lengthy VAR review led to Son’s dismissal for violent conduct, sparking an ugly end to the clash as Tottenham fans appeared to tarnish their club with sick racist taunts at Rudiger.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2MosUcm

Ancelotti wants Everton to aim for Europe

LONDON: Carlo Ancelotti has set his sights on taking Everton back into European competition after the Italian was appointed manager of “one of the greatest clubs in England”.

Saturday saw the Merseyside team announce that Ancelotti had become their new permanent manager on a four-and-a-half year contract.

The 60-year-old then watched from the stands at Goodison Park as Everton played out a goalless draw with Arsenal, who have appointed former Toffees favourite Mikel Arteta as their new manager.

“I’m excited to be here at one of the greatest clubs in England,” Ancelotti told the club’s in-house TV channel in his first interview since his appointment.

The draw with Arsenal left Everton 15th in the Premier League and just four points above the relegation zone.

Nevertheless Ancelotti, a three-time Champions League winning coach who was sacked by Napoli this month, said Everton should aim high.

“The ambition is for us to try to win and be competitive,” he added.

“The goal is there to reach the Champions League or Europa League. Winning honours has to be the dream for this club and for the supporters. I am here to try to do this.”

Ancelotti guided Chelsea to a league and FA Cup double in 2010 in his first spell in England.

“Our goal is to be competitive in the Premier League, to be towards the top of the table, to be competitive in Europe,” he said. “It’s not going to happen straight away, but we have to work for this.”

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2EGKh3M

Lasting legacy not trophy-hunting drives Djokovic

ABU DHABI: Novak Djokovic says the main source of his motivation at this stage of his career is securing a lasting legacy rather than simply trying to win tennis matches and trophies.

For nearly two years, from mid-2016 until mid-2018, the 32-year-old Serb had admittedly struggled with motivation after pulling off the historic feat of winning four Grand Slams in a row — a first in men’s tennis since 1969.

Djokovic recaptured his spark and has since added a quartet of majors to his overall tally, which now stands at 16.

While the world number two remains in a tight battle with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the race for most Grand Slam titles won, Djokovic believes what currently drives him in the sport is something deeper than that.

“You need to constantly give yourself fuel from the source, whatever the source is,” Djokovic said at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition event in Abu Dhabi, where he secured third place with victory over Karen Khachanov on Saturday.

“I think it’s always about finding that purpose, and the reason, the meaning of actually playing. For me, especially in the last couple of years, it’s not only about winning a tennis match or a trophy.

“It had to be something greater than my own achievements. Something that would be related to legacy, something that would really be inspiring the lives of others, particularly kids.”

Federer holds the men’s all-time record of most majors won, with 20, and Nadal is breathing down his neck with a total of 19.

Djokovic is younger than both of them though, and has a shot at closing the gap on his two rivals.

“That’s a goal,” said Djokovic, when asked if he is fuelled by breaking records.

“I’m motivated by breaking my own records and moving my own boundaries and that”s something that motivates me to compete.

“I do love to play tennis so I do like to be on the practice court. But competitive tennis is different.”

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2s3dbIL

Charlo stops Harrison to reclaim super welterweight title

LOS ANGELES, California: Jermell Charlo stopped Tony Harrison in the 11th round to reclaim the World Boxing Council super welterweight title on Saturday in a championship rematch in suburban Los Angeles.

Charlo knocked down Harrison in the second round and twice more in the 11th before referee Jack Reiss stopped the bout two minutes and 28 seconds into the 11th of 12 scheduled rounds in Ontario, California.

Charlo improved to 33-1 with his 17th victory inside the distance while Harrison fell to 28-3.

Charlo was leading on the scorecards of two of the three judges in the 11th when he landed a left hook on the champion’s chin, staggering Harrison, who wobbled backwards into the ropes and onto his rear.

Charlo landed five punches in a row, a left hook and solid right, sending down Harrison again. Charlo climbed the far ropes to celebrate but Harrison rose and Reiss let him continue.

Once fighting resumed, Charlo landed another five punches while wobbly Harrison could only cover up, prompting Reiss to end it.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2sXLUqU

Sjostrom pips Dressel for first ISL MVP crown

LAS VEGAS, Nevada: Sarah Sjostrom dominated Cate Campbell in the final round of the freestyle skins race to lock up International Swimming League’s first season Most Valuable Player award as the glitzy new series concluded on Saturday.

The Swedish Olympian’s storming finish helped boost her Energy Standard outfit to the team title in the fast-paced professional league, designed to shake up swimming and expand the profile of a sport whose biggest moments traditionally come at the Olympics and World Championship.

And it saw her scoop the $50,000 season MVP with 243.5 points, just 3.5 points ahead of US star Caeleb Dressel.

“I’m very happy I was able to take this title,” said Sjostrom, who said the star-studded lineup and frantic all-finals format of the series made for a pressure-filled campaign.

“I was racing some of my biggest competitors in almost every race I had,” she said. “I’m not used to that tough racing that often so it was very good experience to race with that much pressure so often.

“I felt like I was swimming the world championships four times this season.”

Dressel, meanwhile, said he had no problem seeing a woman capture the crown.

“I don’t see that as any honor lost,” he said. “Yeah I got beat by a girl today — and I’m all right with that.”

Dressel, whose record eight medals at this year’s world championships included six golds, won the men’s skins race ahead of France’s Florent Manaudou and locked up the meet MVP award, worth $10,000.

Dressel, racing for Cali Condors, also won the 100m free and 50m fly on Saturday as he took his tally of individual wins this weekend to five. That included a 50m free triumph in which he broke Manaudou’s short course world record on Friday.

While Manaudou couldn’t avenge the loss of his world record in the skins race, the French swimmer’s runner-up finish put Energy Standard over the top for the team season prize ahead of the London Roar.

The 14 men and 14 women of Energy Standard, who share a $100,000 team jackpot after their win at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, where they celebrated by plunging together into the event center pool after finishing with 453.5 points to the 444 of London Roar.

Cali Condors were third and LA Current fourth.

Japan’s Daiya Seto, making his series debut this week for Energy Standard, proved a key addition for his new team.

He followed up his world record 400m individual medley win with victories in the 200m IM and the 200m butterfly.

London had surged to the top of the table with six race wins. That included Briton Adam Peaty’s 100m breaststroke victory in a blistering 55.92sec and Aussie Emma McKeon’s 100m free win over Sjostrom.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2ZhoBoi

Irfan wins wheelchair tennis title

KARACHI: M Irfan won wheelchair tennis final at the 60th SSB Development Series Tennis Championship at Union Club here on Sunday, defeating M Ayub 5-3.

It is to be noted that he had won all wheelchair tennis competitions held earlier this year.

Shariq Ramzan beat Salman Lari 6-1, 6-2 in the men’s singles quarter-final.

In under-11 quarter-finals, Samir Zaman thrashed Hassan Farhan 4-0, 4-0 and Ahsan Ahmed smashed Shamyal Asif 4-0, 4-0.

In the round robin of under-17 category, Ghafran Faiz beat Raheel Shabber 6-0, 6-1 and Raheel Shabbir defeated Faraz 6-4, 6-3. Ibrahim overpowered Faraz 6-1, 1-6, 10-8 and Ghufran Fiaz beat Faraz 8-1, while Ashar got walkover against Faraz.

In the first round of under-15 singles, Ibrahim Nouman won against Asher Siddique 6-1, 6-2.

Ibrahim Qureshi beat Basim Ali 4-1, 4-1 in the first round of under-13 singles.

In the round robin of men’s doubles category, the pair of Aqeel Khan and Murad Khan defeated Hashir Sohail and Salman Lari 8-1.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2PNwMWb

Hamza strong contender for BJO under-15 title

KARACHI: Pakistan’s Humza Khan is expected to win the under-15 event at the Dunlop British Junior Open 2020 in Birmingham next month.

A look at the draws published this week reveals that the final in that category will possibly be between Jonah Bryant and Abdallah Eissa.

But they will face a tough fight from India’s Yuvraj Wadhwani and Pakistan’s Humza Khan who could emerge either as winners or the finalists.

It is to be noted that over 800 players from 56 nations will compete across four Birmingham venues from January 2-6 to compete for 10 titles.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2sgaraX

SJAS hosts reception in SL journalists honour

KARACHI: Sports Journalists Association of Sindh (SJAS) on Sunday extended a reception in honour of Sri Lankan journalists during the tea interval on day four of the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka here at the National Stadium.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Director Media Sami-ul-Hasan was the chief guest.Also present were renowned cricket correspondent Qamar Ahmed and former Test stumper Wasim Bari.

The Sri Lankan journalists were presented SJAS shields.Sami thanked the Sri Lankan journalists and the guests reciprocated with warm words.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2sPFjyV

German Olympic swimming champion Matthes dies at 69

PARIS: Germany’s Roland Matthes, a four-time Olympic backstroke champion considered one of the best swimmers of his generation, died Friday at the age of 69, his family announced.

Matthes won gold in the 100m and 200m backstroke while representing East Germany at both the 1968 Olympics in Mexico and the 1972 Games in Munich.

He earned silver twice in the 4x100m medley relay in 1968 and 1972, collecting bronze in the 4x100 freestyle relay in 1972 as well as in the 100m backstroke at Montreal in 1976.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/35SAd3y

Rising star Janewattananond wins Thailand Masters

BANGKOK: Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond dominated the competition on home turf to win the Thailand Masters on Sunday, capping a steller season with his second big victory on the Asian Tour this month.

The 24-year-old rising star stormed ahead to end the final round with a six-under-par 65, finishing the $500,000 tournament with a 23-under total of 261.

Behind him were Thailand’s Suradit Yongcharoenchai and Phachara Khongwatmai, and Belgium’s Thomas Detry — all with an 18-under total of 266.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/36SXpPk

Pacer Naseem strikes as Oshada fights lonely for Sri Lanka: Pakistan in sight of victory after Azhar, Babar tons

KARACHI: Sri Lanka opener Oshada Fernando struck a maiden century to delay Pakistan’s victory quest after the home team’s top four all scored hundreds in the second Test in Karachi on Sunday. Set a daunting 476 runs to win, Sri Lanka were tottering at 97 for five before Oshada and Niroshan Dickwella halted the slide with a resolute 104-run stand for the sixth wicket.

But the last three overs of the day saw Dickwella fall for 65 — bowled while attempting a reverse sweep off spinner Haris Sohail — and Dilruwan Perera caught behind off Naseen Shah for five.

The 16-year-old Naseem had the best figures of 3-31. At the close, Sri Lanka were 212 for seven with Oshada (102 not out) at the crease and with the visitors needing an unlikely 264 runs for victory. Pakistan need just three wickets on Monday to win the series — their first at home since the 2009 attack on the Sri Lanka side resulted in international cricket being suspended in the country.

Pakistan earlier declared their second innings at lunch on 555 for three after Azhar returned to form with 118 and Babar Azam struck 100 not out.

It was a dismal batting show by the Sri Lankans on a National Stadium pitch where the home batsmen flourished. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne went for 16, Kusal Mendis for a duck and Angelo Matthews for 19 before tea. Pace spearhead Mohammad Abbas had Karunaratne caught behind in the tenth over of the innings before Naseem had Mendis snapped up in the slips. It became 70 for three when Mathews, Sri Lanka’s most experienced batsman, edged a short delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.

Pakistan 1st innings: 191

Sri Lanka 1st innings: 271

Pakistan 2nd innings

Shan Masood c Oshada b Kumara 135

Abid Ali lbw b Kumara 174

Azhar st Dickwella b Embuldeniya 118

Babar Azam not out 100

Mohammad Rizwan not out 21

Extras: (lb5, w2) 7

Total: (for 3 wkts declared, 131 overs) 555

Did not bat: Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Fall: 1-278 (Masood), 2-355 (Abid), 3-503 (Azhar)

Bowling: Fernando 24-2-105-0, Kumara 29-5-139-2, Embuldeniya 50-4-193-1 (1w), Perera 21-1-94-0 (1w), De Silva 7-0-19-0

Sri Lanka 2nd innings:

D. Karunaratne c Rizwan b Abbas 16

O. Fernando not out 102

K. Mendis c Azam b Naseem 0

A. Mathews c Rizwan b Shaheen 19

D. Chandimal lbw b Naseem 2

D. de Silva b Yasir 0

N. Dickwella b Sohail 65

D. Perera c Rizwan b Naseem 5

Extras: (lb 3) 3

Total: (for seven wkts; 60.1 overs) 212

To bat: V. Fernando, L. Kumara,

L. Embuldeniya

Fall: 1-39 (Karunaratne), 2-40 (Mendis), 3-70 (Mathews), 4-96 (Chandimal), 5-97 (De Silva), 6-201 (Dickwella), 7-212 (Perera)

Bowling: Shaheen 14-3-51-1, Abbas 12-2-33-1, Naseem 11.1-3-31-3, Yasir 19-2-84-1, Sohail 4-0-10-1.

Toss: Pakistan

Umpires: Bruce Oxenford (AUS) and Joel Wilson (WIS).

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/36SXpyO

Qatar claims success of WC test as fans open their eyes to Doha

DOHA: The man in charge of organising the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has labelled this month’s club equivalent a “great success” as a test event but admitted the Gulf state has plenty still to learn over the next three years leading up to the controversial tournament.

Hassan al Thawadi, secretary general of the supreme committee for the World Cup, also insisted the tiny country will be able to handle an influx of huge numbers of supporters and sought to reassure fans used to western culture that they will be made to feel welcome. “Our plans were previously theoretical and today they are being applied on the ground. Overall I think the Club World Cup has been a great success as a test event,” Al Thawadi told media in Doha ahead of Saturday’s final between Liverpool and Flamengo. “There are three more years to go to learn, so I have no doubt that by 2022 we will be ready.”

Al Thawadi was speaking at Education City, one of eight proposed venues for 2022. The 40,000-seat stadium — which will be partially dismantled after 2022 — was due to be inaugurated during the Club World Cup, but delays postponed its opening. In contrast, the city’s sparkling new metro network has performed well after fully opening earlier this month. Crowds of exuberant fans of Flamengo, Esperance or Liverpool armed with free tickets have rubbed shoulders with Qataris and expat commuters on the plush system. While the metro, and the streets above, have hardly been overcrowded, it may be a different story in the city come the World Cup, with organisers expecting at least 1.2 million supporters in Doha in 2022. “We are building the capacity necessary so that by 2022 we have that in place, we are improving our efficiency in terms of transportation, ensuring there is enough fan engagement events, and so on, spread throughout the country, so there is no congestion in one place,” said Al Thawadi. FIFA president Gianni Infantino — who inherited the decision to hand the tournament to Qatar from predecessor Sepp Blatter — is upbeat about preparations, with Qatar also staging the recent Gulf Cup and hosting next year’s Club World Cup. “These are small events but important events,” he said, adding: “The state of advancement of the work here is unique.” Elsewhere, traffic remains congested on Doha’s roads, and authorities have announced plans to resurrect the Sharq Crossing, a mega-project that will use bridges and tunnels to link the airport, financial district and tourist attractions, bypassing the often gridlocked coast road. Organisers have tested a 5,000-capacity fan zone where supporters have been able to enjoy a drink in a country where alcohol is not readily available.

There has also been concern about how LGBT fans will be welcomed, although Paul Amann, of Liverpool’s LGBT supporters’ club, Kop Outs, told AFP he was “satisfied their approach is to provide an ‘everyone is welcome’ ethos that does include respect, albeit through privacy.” Al Thawadi stuck to that theme as he insisted all fans would be welcome, but admitted: “Public displays of affection, regardless of sexual orientation, are not part of our culture and we ask people to respect that fact.”

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2POV8yS

Army leading in Korean Ambassador National Taekwondo

ISLAMABAD: Army was leading the senior category in the 14th Korean Ambassador National Taekwondo Championship with 15 gold medals following Sunday’s event at the Aamir Khan Gymnasium Islamabad.

Two events were contested in the senior category Sunday with Zoya Sabir winning the -68kg female category gold. Mishbah Maqbool and Rubina Sikandar took silver and bronze respectively. Both are from Wapda.

In the men’s 180kg category Railway’s Mohammad Iqbal took gold with Zeeshan (Wapda) and Rehmatuah (Police) winning silver and bronze respectively.

Army so far have accumulated 539 points winning 16 gold, five silver and two bronze while Wapda with 320 points occupy second spot. Wapda so far have won two gold, ten silvers and nine bronze. Air Force occupied third spot with 206 points.

In the junior category, two events were contested Sunday with Fareed Ahmad (Balochistan) winning gold in -63kg event following by Danial Ahmad (Army) silver and Fahad Sohail (Punjab) bronze.

In girl’s -55kg category, Noor (Wapda) got gold followed by Anosha (Air Force) for silver and Areeba Javed (KP) for bronze.

In female -63kg Alma Shfan (KPK) got gold. Sabika (Sindh) got silver with Sadaf (Air Force) getting bronze. KP is leading the junior event with 56 points.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/34IWCio

Liverpool head home hungry for more after being crowned world champions

DOHA: Liverpool have made winning trophies a habit in 2019 and Jurgen Klopp’s side return to England and to their push for the Premier League title galvanised after being crowned world champions in Qatar on Saturday.

It is an honour the Anfield side had never before claimed but which is now theirs after Roberto Firmino’s extra-time goal secured a 1-0 victory over Flamengo in a hard-fought Club World Cup final in Doha.

The latest piece of silverware is Liverpool’s third in little over six months, after they won the Champions League in June and began this season by winning the UEFA Supercup on penalties against Chelsea.

“The year 2019 for the club has been outstanding,” said defender Virgil van Dijk. “But we shouldn’t be satisfied with it. We should keep going, keep striving for more, and keep wanting more trophies.” Van Dijk returned against Flamengo after illness kept him out of the 2-1 semi-final victory against Monterrey and that determination to be back playing summed up Liverpool’s attitude towards the competition. The Club World Cup is not held in the highest regard in Europe, coming in the middle of a busy club season.

That is in contrast to South America, with Flamengo’s huge support in Doha showing just how much Saturday’s game meant to them.

Liverpool will continue their defence of the Champions League with a last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid in February, and host local rivals Everton in the FA Cup third round on January 5.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2QavHa7

Rising star Jazz wins Thailand Masters

BANGKOK: Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond dominated the competition on home turf to win the Thailand Masters on Sunday, capping a steller season with his second big victory on the Asian Tour this month. The 24-year-old rising star stormed ahead to end the final round with a six-under-par 65, finishing the $500,000 tournament with a 23-under total of 261. Behind him were Thailand’s Suradit Yongcharoenchai and Phachara Khongwatmai, and Belgium’s Thomas Detry — all with an 18-under total of 266. Jazz’s victory came after a solid first two days at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in Pattaya, with rounds of 69 and 67.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2sPFmL7

India down WI to clinch ODI series

CUTTACK: Skipper Virat Kohli smashed 85 to help India pull off a nervous chase of 316 to win the third one-day international by four wickets against West Indies and clinch the series on Sunday.

India relied on a key 58-run sixth-wicket stand between Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, unbeaten on 39 off 31 balls, to achieve their target with eight balls to spare in Cuttack. Paceman Keemo Paul claimed three wickets, including that of Kohli in the 47th over, before Jadeja and Shardul Thakur, 17 not out, took the team home and win the series 2-1.

Rohit Sharma, who made 63, and KL Rahul, on 77, lay the foundation of the team’s chase with their opening partnership of 122 after the West Indies posted 315 for five. West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran put together 135 runs for the fifth wicket to lift their side from 144 for four to a fighting total.

Pollard remained unbeaten on 74 off 51 deliveries after Pooran hit an attacking 89 to pulverise the Indian bowling in the last 10 overs that got West Indies 118 runs. In response Kohli, who made India bowl first after winning the toss, batted with conviction despite wickets falling from the other end to make the second-ranked ODI side finish the year on a high. Jason Holder got Sharma caught behind and Alzarri Joseph sent Rahul trudging back to the pavilion after his second successive score of 50 plus. He made 102 in India’s series-levelling second ODI. But Kohli kept up the attack during his 81-ball knock despite wickets falling at the other end before chopping a wide delivery on the off side onto his stumps.

West Indies

E. Lewis c Saini b Jadeja 21

S. Hope b Shami 42

R. Chase b Saini 38

S. Hetmyer c Yadav b Saini 37

N. Pooran c Jadeja b Thakur 89

K. Pollard not out 74

J. Holder not out 7

Extras: (lb4, w3) 7

Total: (5 wickets, 50 overs) 315

DNB: K. Paul, K. Pierre, A. Joseph, S. Cottrell

Fall: 1-57 (Lewis), 2-70 (Hope), 3-132 (Hetmyer), 4-144 (Chase), 5-279 (Pooran)

Bowling: Thakur 10-0-66-1 (w2), Shami 10-2-66-1, Saini 10-0-58-2 (w1), Yadav 10-0-67-0, Jadeja 10-0-54-1

India (target 316)

R. Sharma c Hope b Holder 63

KL Rahul c Hope b Joseph 77

V. Kohli b Paul 85

S. Iyer c Joseph b Paul 7

R. Pant b Paul 7

K. Jadhav b Cottrell 9

R. Jadeja not out 39

S. Thakur not out 17

Extras: (lb2, w9, nb1) 12

Total: (6 wickets, 48.4 overs) 316

DNB: S. Thakur, K. Yadav, M. Shami, N. Saini

Fall: 1-122 (Sharma), 2-167 (Rahul), 3-188 (Iyer), 4-201 (Pant), 5-228 (Jadhav), 6-286 (Kohli)

Bowling: Cottrell 10-1-74-1 (w7), Holder 10-0-63-1, Paul 9.4-0-59-3 (nb1), Chase 4-0-19-0, Pierre 7-0-46-0, Joseph 8-0-53-1 (w2)

Toss: India

Result: India won by four wickets

Series: India won the three-match series 2-1

Umpires: Shaun George (RSA), Nitin Menon (IND)

TV umpire: Rod Tucker (AUS)

Match referee: David Boon (AUS.

from The News International - Sports https://ift.tt/2PNwLl5