Virat Kohli calls on India to show character in final Test against South Africa

India captain Virat Kohli wants to see his side pull out all the stops to get that elusive win.
Updated 23 January 2018
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Virat Kohli calls on India to show character in final Test against South Africa

JOHANNESBURG: The last two Tests South Africa played at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, against England and Sri Lanka, lasted less than three days, with the pace bowlers dominant. If the green-tinged surface on view the day before the game is any indication, batsmen on both sides face another arduous examination in the final game of a series that South Africa have already wrapped up.
India, who will retain their No. 1 ranking if they avoid a third defeat, were sifting through the positives on match eve.
“Not many times in overseas Tests have we picked up 40 wickets in two games,” the team captain Virat Kohli said.
“I said before the series that whichever team bats better would win. That has been the case.
“But it’s never a bad time to start anything. The batsmen are looking forward to rectifying the mistakes made in the first two Tests. In times that have not gone our way, if we can change things around, that will build characters and individuals. That can be a milestone for a lot of guys going forward, if they can step up in this game and be the difference.”
India will ponder the idea of playing with an all-pace attack, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar coming in for Ravi Ashwin. There could also be acknowledgment that the emphasis on “current form” has not really worked, as Rohit Sharma — whose struggles outside India show no sign of ending — makes way for Ajinkya Rahane, the vice-captain.
Kohli scored 119 and 96 at this ground in 2013, in a match that India bossed for four days before AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis nearly pulled off the improbable pursuit of 458.
“We would focus on the things that worked for us last time,” Kohli said.
“Although there’s more grass, the pace and bounce would probably be similar. We would love to have another situation where we can capitalize and bring the Test match toward us rather than let it slip away.”
For Du Plessis, whose team have never swept India in a Test series before, the stress was on more of the same, especially the stranglehold the Proteas’ bowlers have had on India’s top order.
“The last Test we played here was fantastic,” he said, after expressing amazement at India not having lost a game here in four attempts.
“Their bowling is good, a very good seam attack. If you have that, you can compete. We just have to make sure we keep their batsmen quiet.”
If the grass takes Keshav Maharaj, the spinner, out of the equation, South Africa will add either the all-round skills of Andile Phehlukwayo or play Theunis de Bruyn to bolster the batting. Either way, there will be no letting up, not with a series against Australia looming.
“Once again, India will come back with a point to prove,” said Du Plessis.
“They’re a proud team, and we’re expecting a good challenge. We have to keep doing the things we’ve been doing well. Batting in partnerships, that’s a key factor in conditions like this. If you do get in, string together a partnership.”
South Africa have, and they have the series spoils to show for it.

INDIAN SUMMER? 
India may only be playing for pride but ARAB NEWS picks the three things Kohli and Co. need to do to get that elusive win in South Africa.
SORT OUT THE FALSE STARTS 
In four innings so far, India’s opening combination has seen off 28, 47, 57 and 47 balls. But in conditions where defying the new ball is one of the primary criteria for victory, the highest partnership has been 30. Shikhar Dhawan was dropped after Cape Town, while Murali Vijay and KL Rahul have yet to replicate their run-scoring feats of the past 12 months. If they get a start, Virat Kohli and Co. could cash in. If Kohli comes in at 30 for two, South Africa will once again have the door on its hinges, ready to be barged down.
DO NOT WASTE THE NEW BALL
At Newlands, India had South Africa 12 for three, before losing both control and discipline with the ball. At Centurion, on a flatter pitch, they were tidy without looking especially threatening. They need more wickets upfront to put South Africa under serious pressure. In 2006, when India won here, it was S Sreesanth’s superb swing bowling that set up the victory. Bringing back the accurate Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the best exponent of swing in the current side, would be a start.
CATCHES WIN MATCHES
Ravi Ashwin bowled beautifully to take five wickets at Centurion. But he also had four catches dropped off his bowling. Parthiv Patel, deputising for the injured Wriddhiman Saha, did not even go for a couple of chances that went between him and first slip. Opportunities have also been dropped in the slip cordon, whose personnel keeps changing with players entering and exiting the XI. Without grabbing their chances, India will struggle to take anything from the series.


Hattan Alsaif returns for 2025 PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh

Updated 11 June 2025
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Hattan Alsaif returns for 2025 PFL MENA 2 in Riyadh

  • Saudi amateur will face three-time Lebanese MMA champion Nour Al-Fliti
  • Welterweight champion Omar El-Dafrawy to face Daniele Miceli in main event

RIYADH: The Professional Fighters League on Wednesday announced the full card for PFL MENA 2, to be held at Riyadh’s Green Halls arena on Friday, July 4.

In the main event, 2024 PFL MENA welterweight champion Omar “God First” El-Dafrawy (13-5-0) returns to the city of his title win to face 2024 PFL Europe welterweight finalist Daniele “The Cyborg” Miceli (13-6-0) in the SmartCage.

The co-main event features a welterweight clash between Kuwaiti Mohammad Alaqraa (7-1-0) and Palestinian Omar “187” Hussein (11-6-0). Alaqraa, a 2024 PFL MENA finalist and current division leader, is seeking redemption after suffering the first loss of his professional career in last year’s finals. Hussein, a former PFL Europe standout, is aiming to hand Alaqraa a second defeat and make a strong statement on the Middle Eastern MMA scene.

In a highly anticipated bantamweight quarterfinal bout, Algeria’s Mokthar “Le Kabyle” Benkaci (24-9-0) will face Lebanon’s Marcel Adur (19-7-0). Both fighters are known for their explosive striking and finishing power, making this a strong contender for the most thrilling bout of the night.

Local favorite Hattan Alsaif (AM 3-0-0) returns to the SmartCage for what is likely to be another exciting amateur showcase. The rising Saudi talent faces her toughest opponent yet in Nour Al-Fliti (AM 1-1-0), a three-time Lebanese MMA champion and IMMAF Asian Championship silver medalist.

Rounding out the card, Abdulaziz Bin Moammar (AM 1-0-0) will represent the Kingdom in a catchweight 160 pound showcase amateur bout against Egypt’s Hassan Ahmed (AM 3-1-0).


Saudi national team arrives in Los Angeles ahead of CONCACAF Gold Cup debut

Updated 11 June 2025
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Saudi national team arrives in Los Angeles ahead of CONCACAF Gold Cup debut

  • Their opening group stage match is set for Sunday against Haiti at Snapdragon Stadium

LOS ANGELES: The Saudi national football team touched down in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning ahead of their participation in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, which kicks off on June 14 across the US.

The Green Falcons arrived at LAX International Airport from Jeddah and will hold their pre-tournament training camp in San Diego.

Their opening group stage match is set for Sunday against Haiti at Snapdragon Stadium.

The team was received at LAX by the Kingdom’s Consul General in Los Angeles, Bandar Al-Zaid.

Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al-Misehal expressed appreciation to the consulate for its warm welcome and logistical support.

The squad will begin their preparations with a closed training session on Wednesday evening at the San Diego Performance Center.


Koeman keeps Depay hungry for goals after equalling Van Persie’s record

Updated 11 June 2025
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Koeman keeps Depay hungry for goals after equalling Van Persie’s record

  • Depay scored twice inside the opening 16 minutes of the Netherlands’ 8-0 win over Malta in a World Cup qualifier to equal Robin van Persie’s record of 50

GRONINGEN: Memphis Depay was denied the chance to complete a hat-trick on Tuesday, and take sole possession of the Dutch national team’s all-time scoring record in the process, as coach Ronald Koeman said he wanted to keep him hungry for goals.
Depay scored twice inside the opening 16 minutes of the Netherlands’ 8-0 win over Malta in a World Cup qualifier to equal Robin van Persie’s record of 50.
Both players have 50 goals in 102 international appearances.
“I equalled Van Persie, I am happy with that,” said Depay, who was taken off in the 72nd minute with the Dutch 4-0 up.
“But this is just an interim total. Of course I am also going for 51, 52 and also 53. If I had played longer, I might have scored one more tonight,” he told reporters.
“I didn’t say anything about the fact that the coach took me off early. I was already happy that I could do what I’ve been doing for years ... scoring.”
Depay scored his first international goal against Australia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil but it has not always been smooth sailing over the years with the national team.
“We have had some turbulence over the years,” he said.
“There have been many coaches and many players have come and gone. The times have shaped me and made me realize what I want.
“Ultimately, it’s important that we’re at the World Cup and that we go far.”
Koeman has consistently backed Depay over his two spells in charge of the Dutch, even when he struggled with his club form.
“I’ve always thought Memphis is a great player. I think he deserves a great compliment. He’s had a year full of injuries, but he’s fit and hungry now,” said Koeman.
“It’s great that he didn’t score the third, because then he stays hungry,” he quipped on Dutch television.


Saudi Arabia’s 2026 world motorsport championship dates announced

Updated 11 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s 2026 world motorsport championship dates announced

  • FIA president highlights technological milestones, new talent emerging on global stage

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia will again host several major world motorsport championships it has been confirmed, with 2026 dates announced by international governing body, the FIA.

The Formula 1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend will take place on Jeddah’s street circuit from April 17-19, with the 24 cars running on 100 percent sustainable fuel.

The news was confirmed at the FIA World Motor Sport Council meeting in Macau yesterday, chaired by the president of the FIA, Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Three other F1 world championship rounds will also be held in the Middle East — in Bahrain from April 10-12, Qatar from Nov. 27-29, and the season finale in Abu Dhabi from Dec. 4-6.

The Kingdom will also once more stage back-to-back races in Jeddah as part of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship calendar, from Feb. 13-14, while four rounds of the 2026 F2 Championship will be held in the Middle East to coincide with the F1 races on 13-14 February, while four rounds of the 2026 F2 Championship will form part of the F1 weekends in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

The Dakar Rally again kicks off the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, from Jan. 3-17, while the Rally du Maroc takes place from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3 and the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge from Nov. 22-27. Bahrain will represent the Middle East as part of the 10-round F3 calendar.

Ben Sulayem told World Motor Sport Council members: “2025 is proving to be an exciting year across all our championships with technological milestones being reached, new talent emerging and battles being fought on the track and across stages each week.

“This year is a powerful opportunity for us to innovate and grow. New agreements across our championships are unlocking fresh potential, we are enhancing the level of competition and expanding our global reach. Each race shows the passion and dedication of our community.”

The World Council also approved one of the final pieces of a compelling puzzle that will mark the start of a new era for the FIA World Rally Championship from 2027.

The rules have been undergoing final refinements and updates over the past six months, and confirmation in Macau of the reference volumes for bodywork cements the commitment set out by the FIA to put flexibility at the core of the regulations.

To this end, the rules define a zone in which all of the bodywork panels must be located, but manufacturers and constructors have freedom within it to scale and integrate wide-ranging designs. 

This means cars ranging from saloons to hatchbacks, crossovers and completely bespoke designs could be entered over the 10-year regulation cycle through to 2037.


Manchester City sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders

Updated 11 June 2025
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Manchester City sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders

  • Dutch midfielder, City’s fourth signing of the week, ‘ecstatic’ to be signing for Pep Guardiola’s side
  • He will bolster Guardiola’s midfield options following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne

LONDON: Manchester City on Wednesday announced the signing of Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan on a five-year deal for a reported fee of £46.3 million ($62.4 million).

The Dutch midfielder, City’s fourth signing of the week, said he was “ecstatic” to be signing for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The club announced deals for midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon and Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on Tuesday while left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri joined from Wolves on Monday.

Reijnders, 26, joined AC Milan from AZ Alkmaar in 2023 and scored 15 goals for the Italian club in 2024/25.

He will bolster Guardiola’s midfield options following the departure of Kevin De Bruyne.

“I am ecstatic to be signing for Manchester City,” said Reijnders. “City are one of the biggest teams in the world, with the best coach, world-class players and outstanding facilities.”

Director of football Hugo Viana said: “He arrives here with extensive top-level experience in Europe, both at club level as well as on the international stage with the Netherlands.

“Tijjani adds extra energy, composure and creativity to our midfield and working with Pep and our coaches will only see him go from strength to strength.”