SPORT07MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2019

He wants to be here and do as well as he can, that’s why we

don’t want to talk too much about this. He is integrated into the group and he wants to play

well, just like everyone else.

Zinedine Zidane urges critical Real fans to start backing Bale again.

In appearance, the trophy truck is a 4x4 like our Toyota Hilux, but the main difference is the huge travel of the shocks. Driving will be a little bit different from what we know but for that I trust Nasser 100%: Baumel

England vs New Zealand

1st Test - Day 5

on Mount Maunganui

Baja 1000

at the1,287-kilometer course

in Ensenada, Mexico

CRICKET RALLYING

TO

DA

Y’S

AC

TIO

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The podium winners at the Second Leg of the Qatar MTB League Season 2019-2020 pose for a picture with Thani Al Zaraa, General Secretary of the Qatar Cycling Federation in Duhail. The league is organised in collaboration between the United Filipino Mountain Bikers Qatar and the Qatar Cycling Federation. National Team coach Szymon Wasiak and national team rider Marwan Aljalham were placed first and second respectively in the Open Category.

Al Attiyah headlines Baja 1000 in Mexico THE PENINSULA ENSENADA, MEXICO

North America’s most famous off-road race began yesterday just outside of Ensenada, Mexico, – a day late thanks to torrential rains that are sure to have muddied up the course with a few superstar racers pairing up to tackle the 1,287-kilometer course through Baja’s rocky roads and sandy washes.

An exciting last-minute entry from two legendary off-road racers coming in from afar: reigning Dakar Rally champions, Qatari Nasser Al Attiyah and Aus-tralian Toby Price, will also be hopping in a Trophy Truck together for the first time. While the Baja 1000’s all-day, all-night style of racing will be a change for the cross-country rally experts, their driving skills will make them a force to be reckoned with. Toby will be joined by co-driver Dustin Hell-strom, and Al Attiyah by Mathieu Baumel. The pair are supported by Baja racing legend Jesse Jones.

“I am so excited to do Baja 1000 – I’ve been dreaming of doing this race for a long time! With two Dakar champions, I think it will be really a nice feeling to race together,” Al Attiyah said.

“I have never driven a trophy truck, so we need to test the truck. It won’t be easy at the beginning, but I think we can do

a good job, and we have a good strategy.” Al-Attiyah added.

“Baja in itself is a challenge, you have to expect the unex-pected. Anything can happen in this race and you really need to stay calm and let it come to you.”

“This race is unique by the length and the time – the crew will have to stay focused on the track. Should be less difficult on navigation as we have some recce possibility... then Nasser and I will have to find the fastest and easiest way during the race,” Price said.

Baumel, Al Attiyah and Price have already agreed on one strategy – Toby will open the course on roads that he already knows, then plans on handing the truck over to superstar driver Nasser with plenty of life left in it for the race to the finish.

Andy McMillin and Bryce Menzies, both of USA have always been racing against each other – but for the 2020 Baja 1000, they’re going to be on the same team – piloting the same Mason Motorsports Trophy

Truck as fast as they can during this iconic off-road race – each taking a turn (or two) at the wheel as the truck races

non-stop, day and night, over 1,287 kilometers.

With five Baja 1000 wins to his name, Andy knows what he’s

doing – and Bryce has proven himself with three Baja 500 championships, making this duo very dangerous.

Qatar’s Nasser Al Attiyah (centre), Australian Toby Price (left) and Mathieu Baumel pose for a picture during the Baja 1000 in Mexico.

Inspired Nadal fires Spain into Davis Cup final against CanadaREUTERS MADRID

Rafael Nadal fired hosts Spain into the Davis Cup final as he joined Feliciano Lopez to win a thrilling late-night doubles and seal a nail-biting 2-1 victory over Britain on Saturday.

The world number one, playing like a man possessed, sent a capacity crowd in the Magic Box wild as he almost single-handedly hauled his country home and set up a final with Canada in the inaugural edition of the revamped competition.

With the semi-final on a knife edge at 1-1 after the singles were shared, Nadal and veteran Lopez came through an electri-fying doubles clash against Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski, winning 7-6(3), 7-6(8) to take five-time winners Spain into their first Davis Cup final since 2012. Just as on the previous night against Argentina in the quarter-finals, Nadal first had to win his singles to drag his team level after Lopez was outplayed 6-3 7-6 by Kyle Edmund.

Nadal completed that task with a 6-4 6-0 win over Dan Evans, which extended his incredible run of Davis Cup singles wins to 28 since 2004, and, just like 24 hours earlier, he bounded back on court around half an hour later for a doubles decider.

In a match of gut-wrenching tension played in front of a frenzied soccer-style crowd in the 12,500-seater stadium, Nadal, 33, and Lopez, 38, squeezed out the first set on a tiebreak in which every single point felt like a drama.

With the clock ticking well past midnight yet again, the inspired British pair kept their noses in front on serve in the second set and when Lopez made a horrible mess of a smash on the Nadal serve at 5-6 they had a set point.

Nadal saved that one with a nerveless forehand winner down the line but there was more trouble for Spain in the tiebreak.

After an angry Nadal clashed with the umpire Britain led 6-4 but Lopez saved the first set

point with a big serve and then Nadal produced miracles to flick a lob over Murray before putting away a smash as the Scot replied with a lob.

It felt like Nadal was tackling Britain on his own as he saved a fourth set point with a monstrous forehand that whistled past Murray. Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray, sitting at courtside after being left out, could not look.

Spain then had a match point which Nadal miscued, but when Skupski bunted a volley long it meant Lopez had a service point to seal it, and he delivered.

“Rafa Rafa” the crowd bel-lowed as they saluted their hero and he will need them behind him again in the final against Canada at the end of an exhausting week.

“This competition is dra-matic and with this new format even more,” Nadal said on court. “It was very close. We knew it was going to be a very tough battle. But we found a way.” Lopez was close to tears at the end and who could blame him after the tension of two dramatic

hours. “I’m living the dream,” he said.

“It’s a very special moment. Rafa hit an unbelievable lob when we were down in the break 6-4. We are really happy and have a great opportunity to hold this trophy tomorrow.”

Canada reached their first Davis Cup final after Denis Shapovalov and Vasek Pospisil, who have played every rubber for their side this week, beat Russian duo Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov as their semi-final also went to the wire.

Pospisil’s run of three straight singles wins here came to an end in the opener against an inspired Rublev, the Russian winning 6-4 6-4.

Shapovalov levelled the tie when he beat Khachanov 6-4 4-6 6-4 before the Canadian duo edged the doubles 6-3 3-6 7-6(5).

“I don’t think any of us expected that we could get this far,” Shapovalov said. “You have to have a little bit of luck on your side and just play some ridic-ulous tennis and play at a ridic-ulous level. It’s dream to be in the final.”

Second Leg of the Qatar MTB League: Wasiak tops in Open Category

Spain captain Sergi Bruguera celebrates with Rafael Nadal after winning his doubles match with Feliciano Lopez against Britain’s Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski in Madrid on Saturday.

NBA Results Cleveland 110, Portland104Milwaukee 104, Detroit 90

Atlanta 116, Toronto 119New York 104, San Antonio 111

Philadelphia 113, Miami 86Utah 128, New Orleans 120

Memphis 108, LA Lakers 109Charlotte 115, Chicago 116Indiana 111, Orlando 106

Minnesota 98, Phoenix 100

NHL ResultsVancouver 2 Washington 1

Calgary 3 Philadelphia 2 Arizona 3 Los Angeles 2 Boston 5 Minnesota 4

Carolina 4 Florida 2 Toronto 5 Colorado 3

NY Rangers 6 Montreal 5 New Jersey 5 Detroit 1

Tampa Bay 6 Anaheim 2 Winnipeg 4 Columbus 3

Dallas 2 Chicago 1 Nashville 4 St. Louis 2

Edmonton 4 Las Vegas 2 San Jose 2 NY Islanders 1

08 MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2019SPORT

India crush Bangladesh to sweep seriesAFP KOLKATA

Paceman Umesh Yadav claimed five wickets as India thrashed Bangladesh in just over two days of their first day-night Test to sweep the series 2-0 yesterday.

Bangladesh were bowled out for 195 in less than an hour of the first session on day three in Kolkata, as India won by an innings and 46 runs to record their 12th-straight Test series triumph on home soil.

It was a memorable pink-ball international debut for India, who become the only team to win four consecutive Tests by an innings margin.

Virat Kohli’s side -- which has now won seven Tests in a row -- consolidated their top position in the world Test cham-pionship with three successive series sweeps.

Mushfiqur Rahim made a valiant 74 before falling to Yadav, and the innings soon folded as Mahmudullah did not return to bat after he had retired hurt on 39 on day two. India took 8.4 overs to wrap up the game at Eden Gardens with Yadav taking all the three wickets to fall yes-terday afternoon.

Ishant Sharma led the pace charge with impressive match figures of 9-78 to flatten the Bangladesh batting that fell for 106 in their first innings of the opening day.

“With the way these guys are bowling now, they can pick up wickets on any surface

-- whether we play at home or we play away,” a victorious Kohli said.

“I think it is all about the mindset... these guys are very hungry, they are at the top of their game.

“I feel that we are in the right kind of space right now to

capitalise on opportunities and everyone is enjoying playing in this team and I think that’s the standout feature about us.”

Ishant was named man of the match and the series for his 12 wickets in two Tests. Yadav also claimed 12 scalps in the series, while Shami took nine. Kohli

played a key part with his 136 in India’s 347 for nine declared on Saturday as they managed a lead of 241 runs.

The tourists were in early trouble at 13 for four in the final session on day two when Mush-fiqur resisted India’s persistent pace attack. Ishant trapped Shadman Islam lbw for nought and then claimed skipper Mominul Haque, who got a pair of ducks.

The spearhead quickie, who claimed five wickets in the first innings, bowled at a lively pace as one of his rising deliveries hit Mohammad Mithun on the helmet.

Bangladesh were forced to take two concussion substitutes in Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam for Liton Das and Nayeem Hasan who were hit on the helmet by Shami on day one.

Mushfiqur was also at the receiving end of a nasty hit from Yadav, but went on to play a fighting knock. Kohli completed his 27th century before falling to a stunning catch by Taijul off Ebadat Hossain.

“Definitely, the gap between the two teams is concerning,” Mominul said after the drubbing.

“We’ve got to learn from these two matches and follow up

what happened. I think the pink ball was challenging especially because it moved a lot with the new ball.”

India won the opening Test also inside three days, as well as the preceding Twenty20 series 2-1.

Indian cricketers celebrate after winning the second Test, yesterday.

Bangladesh 1st innings 106 India 1st innings 347-9 decBangladesh 2nd innings Shadman Islam lbw b Ishant ......................... 0

Imrul Kayes c Kohli b Ishant ............................5

Mominul Haque c Saha b Ishant .................... 0

Mohammad Mithun c Shami b Yadav ........... 6

Mushfiqur Rahim c Jadeja b Yadav ............. 74

Mahmudullah retired hurt ............................39

Mehidy Hasan c Kohli b Ishant ......................15

Ebadat Hossain c Kohli b Yadav .................... 0

Al-Amin Hossain c Saha b Yadav ................. 21

Abu Jayed not out ........................................... 2

Extras (b8, lb9, w5) .....................................22

Total (all out, 41.1 overs) ....................... 195Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Shadman), 2-2 (Mo-

minul), 3-9 (Mithun), 4-13 (Imrul), 4-82 (Mah-

mudullah, retired not out), 5-133 (Mehidy),

6-152 (Taijul), 7-152 (Ebadat), 8-184 (Mush-

fiqur), 9-195 (Al-Amin)

Bowling: Ishant 13-2-56-4, Yadav 14.1-1-53-5,

Shami 8-0-42-0 (w5), Ashwin 5-0-19-0, Jade-

ja 1-0-8-0

Toss: BangladeshResult: India won by an innings and 46 runsSeries: India won the two-match series 2-0

SCOREBOARD

Paine to Kohli: Let’s play at the Gabba next yearAP BRISBANE

His Australians had just extended an unbeaten streak at the Gabba that stretches back to 1988, and Tim Paine wanted to bring it to the attention of Indian skipper Virat Kohli.

The Brisbane venue has long been the place where Australia starts its home Test series, but it was abandoned for the four-match series against India last year.

There was all kinds of con-jecture about the reasoning, including speculation in the local media that India refused to play a Test at the Gabba, where it has lost five and drawn one of its six Tests going back to 1947.

Whatever the case, the schedule change had a big influence on the summer. India won the first Test of that series - in Adelaide - to claim its first Test win in Australia since 2008. And India went on to win a Test series in Australia for the first time.

Australia launched its 2019-2020 Test series with win over Pakistan by an innings and five runs at the Gabba yesterday, an emphatic start to the summer. Paine was still in his whites when he was asked in a news con-ference if he’d like next year’s series with India to start at the Gabba as well.

“Yeah, well, we’ll be certainly trying. We’ll have to run that by Virat,” Paine said.

“We’ll get an answer from him at some stage I’m sure.”

Kohli just happened to be playing later yesterday as India won its first ever day-night Test. He scored 136 in the first innings of the victory over Bangladesh at Kolkata. So Paine doubled down.

This “is where we like to start our summer, and it has been for a long, long time except for last summer,” Paine said. “So as I said, we’ll ask Virat. See if we can get his permission to play here.

“And maybe even get a pink-ball Test if he’s in a good mood.”

The Australians enjoy the extra bounce of the Gabba pitch, which is fairly unique in the international game. The pace bowlers enjoy the extra carry it gives the ball, and the spinners get higher bounce. Australian batsmen are usually better pre-pared for the consistently higher bounce than touring batsmen, particularly those from the subcontinent.

Australia only lost eight of the 62 Tests here since 1931.

“We like playing here. Aus-tralian teams have bowled and

batted well here for a long time,” Paine said.

“We’d like to start here against anyone. Having said that, it doesn’t win us games of cricket. We win here because we outplay the opposition. That doesn’t’ change depending on the venue.

“We enjoy playing here, which allows (us) to settle into games here a little quicker.”

First things first. Australia has another Test against Pakistan starting Friday in Adelaide, before a three-test series against New Zealand which includes matches in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.

Australia’s Tim Paine attends a training

session in Brisbane in this November 20,

2019 file photo.

Indian captain open to pink-ball Test in Australia with proper planningREUTERS KOLKATA

India are open to playing a day-night Test in Australia next year but there has to be proper planning, skipper Virat Kohli said after his team won their maiden pink-ball Test against Bangladesh yesterday.

India declined Australia’s offer to play a day-night Test in Adelaide last year, citing lack of experience, but took a little over two days to clinch their first pink-ball Test, thrashing Bangladesh by an innings and 46 runs in Kolkata.

With day-night Tests seen as a possible solution to Test cricket’s dwindling attend-ances, Australia are hopeful that India will agree to play one at the Gabba next year.“There has to be planning for a pink-ball game,” Kohli said, pointing to the struggle of a Bangladesh team whose pink-ball inexpe-rience was laid bare in their comprehensive defeat in Kolkata. “We played on home conditions. You ask Bangladesh

and they’d have liked a practice game before this game.

“Just because we know these conditions and our bowlers are bowling so well, we don’t really feel the challenge...”

“A good practice game before that and enough time to prepare, we’re open to any-thing. You can’t just play it on a short notice.”

Pink balls are used in all day-night Tests for visibility reasons, but behave differently to the red ones, with players having commented that they swing more and do not spin as much.

A good practice game before that and enough time to prepare, we’re open to anything. You can’t just play it on a short notice: Virat Kohli

Jon Rahm of Spain poses with the trophy, yesterday.

Rahm holds off Fleetwood for double delightREUTERS DUBAI

Spain’s Jon Rahm claimed the Race to Dubai title yesterday after he held off fellow contender Tommy Fleetwood to secure a one-shot victory at the season-ending DP W o r l d T o u r Championship.

Rahm opened up a six-shot advantage after seven holes at Jumeirah Golf Estates before Fleetwood made a late charge, finishing with a final round 65 to set the clubhouse target at 18-under.

Needing a birdie at the final hole to beat Fleetwood’s mark,

Rahm produced a sublime bunker shot to within three feet before rolling home to secure the Harry Vardon Trophy. The 25-year-old Rahm became the second Spaniard after the late Seve Ballesteros to win the European Tour’s season-long Race to Dubai crown or its predecessor, the Order of Merit.

“Seve was such an idol for us,” Rahm said.

“To put my name there, it’s hard to believe. I can’t believe some of the things I have accomplished.”

Fleetwood’s putter was hot on the back nine as he holed long putts on the 15th and 17th before

a spectacular chip on the last moved him alongside Rahm, who scripted a remarkable finish of his own to lift his sixth European Tour title.

Rahm takes home $3m for his win in Dubai as well as a $2m bonus for topping the 2019 money list.

“It was such an up and down day,” he added.

“I had a six-shot lead and I came down 18 needing a birdie to win.

“But how many times do you dream of having to birdie the last to win a tournament?”

Mike Lorenzo-Vera, who started the day with a share of the overnight

lead, slipped two behind when he took two chips to get out of rough on his way to bogeying the third.

The Frenchman recovered with two birdies on the back nine to sign for a 70 and seal a third-placed finish.

Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre won the 2019 rookie race with a solid round of 69 to finish tied-14th.

World number two Rory McIlroy finished seven shots off the lead with a sluggish round of 73, one clear of last year’s Dubai winner Danny Willett and two ahead of Sergio Garcia, Tom Lewis and Thomas Pieters.

269 - Jon Rahm (ESP) 66-69-66-68

270 - Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 67-68-

70-65

271 - Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 63-69-

69-70

276 - Rory McIlroy (NIR) 64-74-65-73

277 - Danny Willett (ENG) 69-72-67-

69

278 - Sergio Garcia (ESP) 71-73-67-67,

Tom Lewis (ENG) 67-70-73-68, Tho-

mas Pieters (BEL) 70-68-68-72

279 - Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) 71-

71-68-69

280 - Jason Scrivener (AUS) 71-72-72-

65, Andy Sullivan (ENG) 70-74-67-69

281 - Shane Lowry (IRL) 73-68-70-70,

Christiaan Bezuidenhout (RSA) 71-67-

70-73

282 - Paul Waring (ENG) 71-77-68-66,

Robert MacIntyre (SCO) 71-74-68-69

283 - Guido Migliozzi (ITA) 73-70-68-

72, Marcus Kinhult (SWE) 68-71-68-73

DP WORLD TOUR SCORES

09MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2019 SPORT

England 1st innings ...................... 353 New Zealand 1st innings (overnight 394-6)J. Raval c Denly b Leach ....................... 19

T. Latham lbw Curran .............................8

K. Williamson c Stokes b Curran .........51

R. Taylor c Pope b Stokes ....................25

H. Nicholls lbw Root ............................ 41

B. Watling c Buttler b Archer .......... 205

C. de Grandhomme c Sibley b Stokes 65

M. Santner c Pope b Curran ..............126

T. Southee c and b Leach .......................9

N. Wagner not out ................................ 11

T. Boult not out ........................................1

Extras (b22, lb9, w21, nb2) ........ 54Total (9 wkts dec; 201 overs) ....615Fall of wickets: 1-18 (Latham), 2-72

(Raval), 3-106 (Taylor), 4-127 (William-

son), 5-197 (Nichols), 6-316 (de Grand-

homme), 7-577 (Santner), 8-598 (South-

ee), 9-603 (Watling)

Bowling: Broad 33-13-64-0, Archer 42-

15-107-1 (2w, 1nb), Curran 35-7-119-3

(1w), Leach 47-7-153-2, Stokes 26-5-74-2

(4w, 1nb), Root 18-3-67-1 (4w)

England 2nd inningsR. Burns c de Grandhomme b Santner 31

D. Sibley c Watling b Santner ............. 12

J. Denly not out ...................................... 7

J. Leach c Latham b Santner .................0

Extras (b4, lb1) ................................. 5Total (for 3 wkts, 27.4 overs) ......... 55 Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Sibley), 2-53

(Burns), 3-55 (Leach)

Bowling: Southee 4-0-18-0, Boult 5-4-2-

0, de Grandhomme 4-1-8-0, Santner 8.4-

4-6-3, Wagner 6-1-16-0

Toss: England

Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI), Bruce

Oxenford (AUS)

TV Umpire: Paul Wilson (AUS)

Match Referee: Javagal Srinath (IND)

SCOREBOARD

Australia wrap up comprehensive winREUTERS SYDNEY

Australia duly wrapped up victory over Pakistan by an innings and five runs in the first test in Brisbane yesterday but they were forced to wait until late on day four by a magnificent rearguard action from Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.

The hosts needed only seven wickets on Sunday to ensure they would take a 1-0 lead to Adelaide Oval for the second and final match of the series but Azam’s second test century and 95 from Rizwan stalled their march to victory.

The pair were finally dis-lodged after a 132-run part-nership and the Australian quicks finished the job with the second new ball, dismissing the last four batsmen for 30 runs to maintain Australia’s 31-year unbeaten run at the Gabba.

“Really happy, any time you win a Test by over an innings you’ve done a lot right,” said Aus-tralia captain Tim Paine.

“Really proud of the way we started the innings and to maintain our record at the Gabba is excellent,” he said after the

Test yesterday. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood took 4-63 and his fellow quick Mitchell Starc 3-73 but it was off-spinner Nathan Lyon who played the most

decisive role in finishing off the tourists. Azam showed the quality many believe will one day make him one of the world’s best batsmen in a superb 173-ball innings, hitting 13 fours including the confident drive that brought him to cricket’s most significant milestone.

He was caught behind off Lyon for 104 half an hour before tea - a slightly quicker ball catching the outside edge of his bat and flying through to wick-etkeeper Paine.

Rizwan had already secured his first Test half-century and was not done yet, batting expansively as he moved towards what would have been his maiden century only to misjudge an uppercut on 95 with Lyon taking the catch at deep backward point.

B a t s m a n M a r n u s Labuschagne was named Man of

the Match for his knock of 185 on Saturday which, with David Warner’s 154, helped Australia accumulate a first-innings tally of 580 in reply to Pakistan’s 240.

“We were really pleased for a team mate like Marnus to finally arrive on the big stage,” Paine added of the ebullient 25-year-old, who secured his maiden test century on his way to the tally.

“He looks like he’s getting better and better, which is a good thing for Australian cricket,” the Australian captain added.

Pakistan’s dream of an unlikely maiden Test series triumph in Australia might now be gone but their fightback yes-terday should give them renewed hope heading into the second Test, a day-night affair which begins on Friday.

Captain Azhar Ali paid tribute

to Azam and Rizwan as well as 16-year-old debutant pace bowler Naseem Shah, but rued the batting collapse on day one of the match.

“I think on the first day we won two sessions but we lost one very badly,” he said.

“I think if you lose one session very badly it is always very hard to come back from

that, especially against Australia in Australia.”

When asked about young pacer Naseem, he said: “Naseem was bowling well. He looked very fit. We don’t want him to break obviously. He is very young.” He added: “ We want him to have a long career. We want him badly but we had to manage him accordingly.”

Pakistan’s batsman Babar Azam celebrates reaching

his century on day four of the first Test against

Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane yesterday.

Australia’s fielder Matthew Wade takes a successful catch to dismiss Pakistan’s batsman Imran Khan yesterday.

Pakistan 1st innings .................... 240Australia 1st innings ................... 580Pakistan 2nd innings (overnight 64-3)Shan Masood c Paine b Cummins ......42

Azhar Ali lbw Starc ................................. 5

Haris Sohail c Paine b Starc .................. 8

Asad Shafiq c Smith b Cummins ..........0

Babar Azam c Paine b Lyon ..............104

Iftikhar Ahmed c Paine b Hazlewood .0

M Rizwan c Lyon b Hazlewood ..........95

Yasir Shah c Wade b Hazlewood .......42

S Afridi c Cummins b Hazlewood ....... 10

Imran Khan c Wade b Starc .................. 5

Naseem Shah not out ............................0

Extras (b9, lb9, nb1, w5) ...............24Total (all out; 84.2 overs) ............335

Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Azhar), 2-25 (So-

hail), 3-25 (Shafiq), 4-93 (Masood), 5-94

(Iftikhar), 6-226 (Azam), 7-305 (Rizwan),

8-324 (Yasir), 9-331 (Shaheen), 10-335

(Imran)

Bowling: Starc 16.2-1-73-3 (1nb), Cum-

mins 21-6-69-2 (5w), Hazlewood 21-3-

63-4, Lyon 21-3-74-1, Labuschagne 5-0-

38-0

Toss: Pakistan

Result: Australia win by an innings and

five runs

Man of the match: Marnus Labuschagne

Umpires: Richard Illingworth (ENG), Rich-

ard Kettleborough (ENG)

TV Umpire: Michael Gough (ENG)

SCOREBOARD

Watling’s double ton, Santner’s triple burst have England reelingAFP MOUNT MAUNGANUI England were battling for survival after Mitchell Santner took three cheap wickets following a match-turning double century by BJ Watling in the first Test against New Zealand yesterday.

After New Zealand declared at 615 for nine on day four in Mount Maunganui, England were 55 for three at stumps, needing a further 207 on the final day if they are to make the Black Caps bat again.

Watling swung the match firmly New Zealand’s way with his Test best 205 and a record-breaking partnership with Santner who scored a maiden century and then capped his remarkable day by taking three wickets for six runs.

“It’s not going to be easy to get seven wickets on that

(pitch),” Santner said. “It’s nice to get some footies (footmarks) and the cracks are starting to open. It’s nice to see some spin now and hopefully get a roll tomorrow.”

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler blamed scoreboard pressure for the tourists’ predic-ament after they had held the upper hand when New Zealand were 197 for five before Watling’s

marathon effort kept them in the field for a tiring 201 overs.

“That’s a big learning point for us. Just when you think you’re getting to the place you need to be, and doing the hard work, there’s a lot more hard work to come,” he said.

“New Zealand played a very patient game with the bat and showed us how to play that patient game of batting on flat

wickets and setting your sights high.”

After more than two days in the field, much of it watching Watling and then Santner take the game away from them, England had an uncomfortable two hours batting with openers Dom Sibley (12) and Rory Burns (31) as well as nightwatchman Jack Leach (nought) all falling to Santner. Sibley’s wicket was the first by a New Zealand spinner on home soil since March 2018 with 101 consecutive Test wickets in 11 innings in between having all fallen to seamers.

Watling shared a 116-run partnership with Colin de Grand-homme and then put the home side firmly in charge as he rewrote the record books with Santner.

Watling’s 205 comfortably beat his previous Test best of 142 not out against Sri Lanka in 2015, while Santner’s 126 overhauled his 73 against Bangladesh in 2017.

Their partnership of 261 smashed the previous New Zealand record seventh wicket stand of 225 by Chris Cairns and Jacob Oram against South Africa at Eden Park in 2004.

When New Zealand declared soon after Jofra Archer claimed Watling’s wicket, the 615 was their highest total against England, going past their 551-9 declared at Lord’s in 1973.

Watling faced 473 deliveries and hit 24 fours and a six during more than 11 remarkable hours of batting which extended his unbroken time in the middle to 16 hours 16 minutes after he batted for 306 minutes to score an unbeaten 105 in his last Test innings against Sri Lanka three months ago. Sam Curran, who claimed Santner’s wicket, fin-ished with three for 119

New Zealand’s BJ Watling celebrates his double century against England during the first Test at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.

New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner bats during the third day of the first Test against England at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

After New Zealand

declared at 615 for nine

on day four in Mount

Maunganui, England

were 55 for three at

stumps, needing a

further 207 on the final

day if they are to make

the Black Caps bat again.

Watling swung the match

firmly New Zealand’s

way with his Test best

205 and a record-

breaking partnership

with Santner who

scored a maiden century

and then capped his

remarkable day by

taking three wickets for

six runs.

10 MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2019SPORT

The warm reception we received was no surprise as Qatar is our second home. We always get a lot of support in Qatar and we are very happy to play the Gulf Cup here: Al Wahaibi

Excitement already in the air, says Omani football chiefFAWAD HUSSAIN THE PENINSULA

As the Gulf Cup – the region’s most anticipated tournament - is all set to kick off tomorrow, football fever has gripped Qatar with fans from the eight com-peting nations eager to watch their heroes in action.

The electric atmosphere in Qatar days ahead of the biennial tournament has impressed the President of Oman Football Association (OFA), Sheikh Salem Al Wahaibi, who said the Qatari capital is abuzz with excitement.

“I can already feel the excitement,” said Al Wahaibi who added coming to Qatar was like ‘reaching his second home’.

“The atmosphere looks great. All this hustle with players, media teams getting ready for the show ..... it’s going to be a great event. I felt the atmosphere from the moment of our arrival,” he said of the November 26 to December 8 event.

Oman, who defeated the UAE in the previous edition’s final, arrived in Doha on Saturday and was given a warm welcome by

the fans. “The warm reception we received was no surprise as Qatar is our second home. We always get a lot of support in

Qatar and we are very happy to play the Gulf Cup here,” said the OFA president.

Oman will face Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain in Group B while hosts Qatar, Iraq, UAE and Yemen will battle in Group A before the event moves to the last-four stage.

“We are very happy that all the countries are participating. Both the groups are balanced and we will see some exciting battle in the first phase,”said Al Wahaibi.

“This is a tournament which every team wants to win and give their best,” he added.

“We will see some thrilling matches as all the teams have good players and are coming well prepared after featuring in the double qualification for FIFA World Cup 2022 and 2023 AFC Asian Cup. The level of compe-tition will be high,” said Al Wahaibi.

Speaking about Oman’s chances of retaining their title, the OFA president said: “Our team is confident of giving a

good performance. We are playing good football and got good results in the qualifying matches. Nevertheless, it is a dif-ficult event and the competition will be very tough right from the start.”

Oman will begin their title defence with a match against Bahrain on Wednesday. The ‘Red Warriors’ will take on ten-time champions Kuwait on November 30 in their second game before clashing with Saudi Arabia in their last group match on December 2.The players and officials of Oman team upon arrival in Doha on Saturday.

Officials of Oman Football Association upon arrival in Doha for the Gulf Cup on Saturday.

Real and Barca battle back as Atletico lose ground at the topAFP MADRID

Real Madrid and Barcelona both came from behind to seal victories that extended their advantage over the chasing pack at the top of La Liga on Saturday as Gareth Bale was jeered by his own fans at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barca needed a late winner from Arturo Vidal to beat bottom-club Leganes 2-1 after Luis Suarez headed home a Lionel Messi free-kick to cancel

out a brilliant opener from Leganes forward Youssef En-Nesyri. Madrid were behind after 110 seconds against high-flying Real Sociedad but Karim Benzema scored his sixth goal in five games, before Fede Valverde and Luka Modric wrapped up a 3-1 win in the second half.

It means Atletico Madrid lost further ground by being held to a 1-1 draw at Granada, with Real Sociedad remaining fifth, five points off the top. Sevilla, in fourth, play at Real Valladolid. Madrid’s comeback was

overshadowed by the whistles for Bale after his controversial celebration following Wales’ win over Hungary last week.

He celebrated with a flag that read: “Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order.” The fans jeered when his name was announced before kick-off and even louder when he came on as a substitute in the second half.

“I can’t tell you it’s fair or unfair,” said Zidane after the match.

“But we need our fans to be with us. I can’t control it, neither

can Gareth or anyone. But Gareth came on and he played very well.”

Without Bale, Benzema con-tinued his excellent form with another goal and an assist for Modric late on. In between, Val-verde gave Madrid the lead with a deflected shot from the edge of the area. Madrid’s fans were also given the chance to see Martin Odegaard, their 20-year-old Norwegian loanee at Real Sociedad, who has been key to their strong start to the season. Odegaard impressed, with one

through ball in the first half even drawing gasps of approval from the home support.

Barcelona’s gritty victory will come as a relief to coach Ernesto Valverde too ahead of a testing month for his side.

They play Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday in the Champions League and a goalless draw against Slavia Prague earlier this month means qualification from Group F is no longer guaranteed.After Dortmund, Barca then play at Atletico in La Liga to start a

month that will include trips to Inter Milan in the Champions League and Real Sociedad in La Liga before the season’s first Clasico.

“It was a big win because the game was very difficult,” Val-verde said. “The pitch was dreadful, there was a lot of wind and they scored early.

“I don’t want it to sound like an excuse but it made it hard and still we were able to win.” The home side made the perfect start as En-Nesyri beat Gerard Pique with a wonderful early strike.

Ten-man Lyon beat Nice 2-1AFP PARIS

Lyon edged past Nice 2-1 at the Groupama Stadium on Saturday despite playing 56 minutes with 10 men to shoot up the table as coach Rudi Garcia claimed his third win in four Ligue 1 games.

The home side, who lost to Garcia’s former club Marseille before the international break, moved up to fifth in the con-gested table having started the day 14th.

“Our team is young and need instructions,” said Garcia, who replaced the sacked Syl-vinho last month.

“The players are listening, they’re progressing. We have lacked the decision making needed to attack better and I think that this victory can serve us well for the future.”

The players and officials of Kuwait football team pose for a picture upon their arrival at Hamad International Airport in Doha yesterday. Kuwait are in Doha to take part in the Arabian Gulf Cup which begins tomorrow. Kuwait are placed in Group B alongside Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain while hosts Qatar will play against Iraq, UAE and Yemen in Group B. PIC: FACEBOOK/KUWAIT FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

Kuwait contigent arrives in Doha for 24th Arabian Gulf Cup

Al Kass ready for extensive coverage of Gulf CupTHE PENINSULA DOHA

Al Kass ready for extensive coverage Al Kass Sports Channels is ready to give extensive coverage of the Gulf Cup in the next two weeks, says Essa bin Abdullah Al Hitmi, General Manager of the tele-vision network.

“Al Kass is all set to give outstanding coverage of the Gulf Cup. We will be showing different programmes con-ducted by the experts of the sport during the tournament,” said Al Hitmi.

He said that there will be separate shows for the viewers before and after the matches, which will give full insight to the fans.

There will also be a pro-gramme recalling Qatar’s title-winning campaigns in the tour-nament, he added.

THE PENINSULA DOHA

A weekend of crowning continental champions has seen the line-up of the FIFA Club World Cup Qatar 2019 finally completed ahead of its kick-off on December 11.

Flamengo and Al Hilal are the final names to be added to the pres-tigious list of seven trophy-winners from across the globe after winning the CONMEBOL Libertadores yes-terday and AFC Champions League respectively yesterday.

Flamengo and Al Hilal will join Espérance Sportive de Tunis, Monterrey, Hienghène Sport, Liv-erpool FC and hosts Al Sadd SC in fighting for the right to wear the FIFA World Champions badge for the next year.

For the thrilled Brazilian and Saudi Arabian fans who want to witness their teams playing for global glory, tickets for their first matches in the competition are

currently available on FIFA.com/tickets.

Moreover, local and interna-tional fans are encouraged to visit FIFA.com/tickets this Thursday, as an additional batch of tickets will be made available. In preparation for that, it is important to note that the Ticketing Portal will be closed in the morning for a certain period of time.

Also on Thursday, FIFA will launch a resale platform on FIFA.com/tickets, which offers ticket

holders the opportunity to offer tickets for possible resale.

More information regarding the FIFA Transfer & Resale Policy and the FIFA resale platform will be available on the competition’s tick-eting page, where fans can already find a comprehensive FAQ document in English and Arabic.

In cases where two matches are played on the same day at the same stadium (double-headers), each ticket will provide access to both matches.

CHINTHANA WASALA THE PENINSULA

Qatari defender Almahdi Ali Mukhtar is expecting a fierce battle among the eight teams, which will begin their quest for Arabian Gulf Cup glory tomorrow.

The 27-year Aspire Academy product said that all the competing teams are ready to give their best at the 24th edition of the prestigious regional tournament.

Asian champions Qatar will start their campaign against Iraq tomorrow.

“The competition will not be easy as all teams have prepared well. All eight teams are currently participating in the joint qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup and the Asian Cup 2023. Two important rounds in the same qualifiers just got over. All teams are in good form and it confirms that the race for the Gulf Cup title will be fierce,” said Almahdi.

The Al Sadd defender, however, stressed that his Qatari team-mates will go all out to give their best as they chase their fourth Arabian Gulf Cup title. Qatar have won the coveted titles in 2002, 2004 and 2014.

“Despite the strong competition, we should note that we are playing on familiar conditions, especially as the tournament is being held here in Doha in front of our home crowd. I believe we will receive a lot of support from them and I am confident that will make the difference,” Almahdi said.

“However, the task will not be easy,” Almahdi said.

Qatar will are pitted in Group A along with UAE, Yemen and Iraq.

The home team, coached by Felix Sanchez, will be looking to fire on all cylinders against the strong Iraqi team when the two teams meet in the tour-nament opener tomorrow.

The match against Iraq who are currently placed 74th in FIFA Rankings,

will kick off at the magnificent Khalifa International Stadium at 7:30pm.

“All our focus is now on the opening match of the Gulf Cup against Iraqi team in order to get the first three points, which is very important. They have played very well in their recent appear-ances and have provided good levels of football in the joint qualifiers. It is very important to take a good start to the tournament and we will be looking forward to a positive result so that we would not to find ourselves in front of additional pressure,” Almahdi said.

“We believe in ourselves and our ability to deliver decent levels of football. That is our goal,” Almahdi added.

After the opening match, Qatar will have a two-day rest before meeting

Yemen at the same venue on Friday, November 29.

Qatar’s third group match will be on December 2 against UAE.

Meanwhile, last year’s Asian Foot-baller of the Year and Almahdi’s Al Sadd team-mate, Abdelkarim Hassan has expressed his happiness on returning to the ranks of Annabi again and took to twitter to thank the Qatar Football Federation President.

“All thanks to H E Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Pres-ident of the Football Federation,” the 26-year-old left-back posted

Qatari midfielder Abdullah Al Aharq emphasised that the presence of home fans will increase Al Annabi’s enthusiasm.

The midfielder said it would be

great to see if Qatar bags their fourth Gulf Cup title.

“Our loyal fans deserve the Gulf title. We can win the champi-onship thanks to their support. They support us in every game and it is good see the presence of Qatari fans.

The presence of our fans at Khalifa International Stadium in the opening game against Iraq tomorrow will definitely be a great moral booster which will increase our

determination and enthu-siasm. It will also help

us to exert all our efforts to win the all-important first meeting,” Al Ahraq said.

11MONDAY 25 NOVEMBER 2019 SPORT

Flamengo, Al Hilal complete FIFA Club World Cup line-up

Almahdi hopes to see Qatar benefit from home conditions, support

Al Duhail’s Mohanad Ali on familiar territory at Gulf CupTHE PENINSULA DOHA

Al Duhail’s Iraqi striker Mohanad Ali will be looking to make use of his experience of playing in Qatar when he joins his national team in the opening Group A match of the 24th gulf Cup against the home team tomorrow.

Ali played in Al Duhail’s Ooredoo Cup third round match

against Al Sailiya at Hamad bin Khalifa Stadium few days ago and placed a crucial part in their two-all draw.

Also, Ali was a starter for Iraq in the 2022 World Cup and the Asian Cup 2023 joint qualifiers and played against Iran and Bahrain before returning to Doha.

The Iraqi team, currently ranked 74th on FIFA points table,

is one of the strongest teams in contest at the eight-team Arabian Gulf Cup which kicks off tomorrow.

The Qatar-Iraq opener will kick off at 7:30pm at the Khalifa International Stadium, and the Lions of Mesopotamia are all out to pose the Asian champions Qatar a huge threat. Yemen and UAE are the other two contenders in Group A.

Al Duhail’s Iraqi player Mohanad

Ali (front) in action during the QNB Stars

League in this file photo.

FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP QATAR 2019: TEAMSENTERING IN THE SEMI-FINALS

Flamengo (Brazil) CONMEBOL Winners of the 2019 Copa Libertadores

Liverpool (England) UEFA Winners of the 2018–19 UEFA Champions League

ENTERING IN THE SECOND ROUND Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) AFC Winners of the 2019 AFC Champions League

Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia) CAF Winners of the 2018–19 CAF Champions League

Monterrey (Mexico) CONCACAF Winners of the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League

ENTERING IN THE FIRST ROUND Hienghène Sport (New Caledonia) OFC Winners of the 2019 OFC Champions League

Al Sadd (Qatar) AFC (Hosts) Winners of the 2018–19 Qatar Stars League

Zidane urges Real fans tostart backing Bale againREUTERS MADRID

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane asked supporters to start backing Gareth Bale and move on from the club versus country row which led to the Wales forward being treated to a cacophony of boos in his side’s 3-1 win over Real Sociedad on Saturday.

Bale’s commitment to the 13-times European champions has come under the microscope this week after he helped his nation qualify for Euro 2020 and then joined his team mates dancing alongside a banner saying ‘Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order’.

The 100 million euro ($110.22m) forward was fiercely criticised in the Spanish media for the celebration and Real fans also turned on him when he came off the bench in the second half of the Liga game against Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“There is too much noise with Bale, he wants to be here and do as well as he can, that’s why we don’t want to talk too much about this.

He is integrated into the group and he wants to play well, just like everyone else,” Zidane said.

“I hope this doesn’t continue throughout the season. We want the fans to be with us from the start of the game to the end but we can’t control this. The fans have the right to do what they want but I ask them to support everyone.”

Real had fallen behind to a Willian Jose strike in the second minute but Karim Benzema and Federico Valverde struck either

side of halftime to put the hosts in front, although the mood in the

stands changed when Bale came off the bench. He pro-duced an admirable display in the conditions, however, helping to set up Luka Modric’s goal which wrapped up the points for

Zidane’s side, while he nearly scored in

s t o p p a g e time.

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Bale, ll

Benzema and Federico Valverde struck eitheside of halftime to put the hosts in

front, although the mood in thestands changed when Balecame off the bench. He produced an admirable displayin the conditions, howeverhelping to set up LukaModric’s goal whichwrapped up the points fo

Zidane’s side, while henearly scored in

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great to see if Qatar bags tthheeeirrrr foouuuuourtrthhhh rGulf Cup title.

“Our loyal fans deservvee tthhhhee he e GGGGuululfllfflfG title. We can win the cchhhaaaamammpmppipiiam --onship thanks to their ssuuuppppppooortrt. tr . They support us in everyy ggggaammmmee ae aanane ne naa dddd dit is good see the presenccee oofff QQaaattaaarrrarri i fans.

The presence of ouuurr ffaaannsss aat t tKhalifa International Staddiuuuumm iinnnm thththeeh opening game against Iraqq tooommmoorrrrowoww wwwill definitely be a grreeaatt t mmmmooraralllbooster which will inccrreeaaassee oouur rr

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Qatar’s Almahdi Ali Mukhtar

Almahdi Ali Mukhtar (left) and his Qatri team-mates gesture during a training session at Aspire zone in Doha.

RIZWAN REHMAT THE PNEINSULA

In the next two weeks, Qatar’s football team can end 2019 the way it started - with a title win.

In February this year, Felix Sanchez’s young squad stunned football fans in the region with an unbeaten seven-match streak that wrapped up a memorable Asian Cup title triumph, the country’s first in 11 attempts.

Not only did Qatar beat teams like Japan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Korea in their spectacular run of form at the Asian Cup, they also scooped the top awards from the 24-team event held in the UAE.

Striker Almoez Ali smashed seven goals in the event to win the Golden Boot award while Saad Al Sheeb was named G o a l k e e p e r o f t h e Tournament.

Ali, who won praise from popular coach Jose Mourinho for his seven goals and ‘high match awareness’, will be Sanchez’s key man at the eight-team Gulf Cup set to be begin in Doha tomorrow.

Al Sheeb will be just as important for coach Sanchez as Qatar - the three-time Gulf Cup champions - will look to impress their fans on home soil against Iraq in the tour-nament opener at the iconic

Khalifa International Stadium. Coach Sanchez yesterday

announced the squad for the region’s most popular national team event with no surprises in his 23-man squad.

Ali will be partnered by captain and Al Sadd stalwart Hassan Al Haydos and Akram Afif, the young striker who has been shortlisted for the AFC Player of the Year award for this year.

Last year’s Asian Player of the Year award winner Abdelkarim Hassan is also part of the squad following a short rest with the national side.

The 2019 Gulf Cup - set to feature regional giants Saudi Arabia, the UAE and defending champions Oman - will be first event for Qatar following their historic Asian Cup triumph almost 10 months ago.

Sanchez’s squad will arrive to the pitch for the opening clash as the tournament

favourite having played a stag-gering 16 matches this year alone. The fixtures this year also includes Copa America clashes against South American giants Paraguay (2-2 draw), Colombia (1-0 defeat) and Argentina (2-0 defeat).

Qatar also played an

international friendly against five-time World Cup winners Brazil before their Copa America campaign in June this year.

Following the summer, Qatar have posted five wins with just one draw in their 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup joint quali-fying matches.

Qatar, hosts of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, have beaten Afghanistan twice and posted a win each over Oman, Bang-ladesh and Singapore (in a friendly). The only draw came against India in September.

Sanchez, during a football conference at Aspire Academy last month, attributed Qatar’s success to astute planning from the football loving country.

“It’s important to have targets. There are clear targets for this team. The plan for the players is to arrive for the 2022 (FIFA) World Cup in the right shape,” Sanchez said on day two of the Aspire Academy Global Summit last month.

“This is a good target to have,” the Spaniard added.

“It’s not me alone working on this target. The whole country is working on a plan. They have built the Aspire

Academy. So there is a plan. Everyone is aware of the (new) target. It (FIFA World Cup) is a very important competition. There is good coordination among QFA, the Aspire Academy and the football clubs,” Sanchez noted.

“Currently we have (World Cup and Asian Cup) qualifiers to play and then the Copa (next year). These are good targets to have,” Sanchez said.

Going by what Sanchez says, Qatar will clearly be looking to nail their fourth Gulf Cup crown when the event kicks -off tomorrow.

It’s important to

have targets. There

are clear targets for

this team. The plan

for the players is to

arrive for the 2022

(FIFA) World Cup in

the right shape. This

is a good target to

have: Sanchez

SPORTPAGE | 08 PAGE | 11India crush Bangladesh

to sweep Test series

Almahdi hopes to see Qatar benefit from home conditions, support

Monday 25 November 2019

HOW QATAR FARED THIS YEAR:November 19

Afghanistan 0 - 1 Qatar FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC

November 14 Qatar 2 - 0 Singapore International Friendly

October 15 Qatar 2 - 1 Oman FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC

October 10 Bangladesh 0 - 2 Qatar FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC

September 10 Qatar 0 - 0 India FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC

September 5 Qatar 6 - 0 Afghanistan FIFA World Cup Qualifying - AFC

June 23 Qatar 0 - 2 Argentina Copa America

June 20 Colombia 1 - 0 Qatar Copa America

June 16 Paraguay 2 - 2 Qatar Copa America

June 6 Brazil 2 - 0 Qatar International Friendly

February 1 Japan 1 - 3 Qatar AFC Asian Cup

January 29 Qatar 4 - 0 United Arab Emirates AFC Asian Cup

January 25 South Korea 0 - 1 Qatar AFC Asian Cup

January 22 Qatar 1 - 0 Iraq AFC Asian Cup

January 17 Saudi Arabia 0 - 2 Qatar AFC Asian Cup

January 13 North Korea 0 - 6 Qatar AFC Asian Cup

January 9 Qatar 2 - 0 Lebanon AFC Asian Cup

Sanchez announces Qatar squadTHE PENINSULA/DOHA

Qatar coach Felix Sanchez yesterday announced the national team squad that will be seen in

action for the 24th Gulf Cup which begins tomorrow.

Qatar, the reigning Asian Cup champions, are in Group A with Iraq,

the UAE and Yemen. In Group B, Saudi Arabia will be

joined by Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait.Qatar play Iraq on the opening day

of the eight-team tournament.

dQATAR SQUAD

Saad Al Sheeb, Pedro Miguel, Boualem Khouki, Tarek Salman, Abdelkarim Hassan, Salem Al Hajri, Hassan Al Haydos, Akram Afif, Bassam Al Rawi, Al Moez Ali, Karim Boudiaf, Ismail Mohamed, Mohamed

Muntari, Ahmed Fathi, Mohamed Salah El Nile, Fahd Shaneen, Musab Khidar, Yousef

Abdul Razzaq, Abdul Aziz Hatem, Fahd Younis, Almahdi Ali, Abdullah Abdul-

Salam Al Ahraq and Mohammed Al Bakri. Coach: Felix Sanchez

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

In February this

year, Felix Sanchez’s

young squad

stunned football

fans in the region

with an unbeaten

seven-match streak

that wrapped up a

memorable Asian

Cup title triumph, the

country’s first in 11

attempts.

Qatari player taking part in a training session at Aspire Zone in Doha ahead of the 24th Arabian Gulf Cup which kicks off tomorrow.

Qatar's Abdelkarim Hassan (left) and Akram Afif in action during a training session.