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.


Saudi Arabia hosts Italy’s football giants for Italian Super Cup

Updated 01 January 2025
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Saudi Arabia hosts Italy’s football giants for Italian Super Cup

  • Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus and Atalanta prepare to battle it out in Riyadh

RIYADH: The Italian Super Cup hosted by Saudi Arabia gets underway on Thursday with giants Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus and Atalanta preparing to battle it out for the silverware.

The four-team knock-out tournament will take place at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh.

Serie A champions Inter Milan will play the first semifinal against the Italian Cup runners-up Atalanta on Thursday. 

AC Milan, who finished second in Serie A last season, on Friday will play the second semifinal against Juventus, the Italian Cup winners.

The final will take place on Sunday, Jan. 6.

It will be the fifth time that Saudi Arabia has hosted the Italian Super Cup.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Sports and is expected to attract local and international attention from fans and media alike.

It is the latest major global sporting event to be hosted by the Kingdom as part of the Ministry of Sports’ commitment to the Saudi Vision 2030 reform program.

 


Second Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship set for Abu Dhabi this month

Updated 01 January 2025
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Second Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship set for Abu Dhabi this month

  • First edition in 2024 attracted 10,000 participants across 5 rounds

ABU DHABI: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation will hold the second edition of its successful Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship from Jan. 17 to 19 at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Registration is now open for the UAEJJF-sanctioned event, which features competitions across various categories including children, youth, adults and masters.

The first edition of the championship spanned five rounds — two for the no-Gi category and three for the Gi category. It was held in various emirates and attracted over 10,000 male and female participants from leading clubs and academies nationwide.

“We are proud of the success of the first edition of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which carries a name dear to us all,” said Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAEJJF.

“This achievement was made possible by the limitless support of our wise leadership for sports and athletes, especially jiu-jitsu.”

Al-Dhaheri said the championship reflects the federation’s strategy to strengthen jiu-jitsu’s presence locally and internationally while continuing to nurture and develop national talent.

He added: “The male and female athletes demonstrated incredible skill and competitive spirit throughout the five rounds, showcasing their dedication to improvement and success.

“The championship has succeeded in providing a platform to identify and develop talent while promoting jiu-jitsu as a sport that instils discipline, patience, resilience, courage, and teamwork.”

He said the event played a “central role in encouraging community participation in sports, helping to build a generation that is physically and mentally strong.

“The large turnout of families supporting their children highlights the championship’s significance. It has evolved into a comprehensive event, combining a professional sports environment with cultural activities, sports exhibitions, and entertainment for all.”


‘Riyadh feels like home for Inter’, says Henrikh Mkhitaryan before Italian Super Cup start

Updated 01 January 2025
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‘Riyadh feels like home for Inter’, says Henrikh Mkhitaryan before Italian Super Cup start

  • The Milan club face Atalanta in the first semi-final on Thursday at Al-Awwal Park
  • Marten de Roon of Atalanta says ‘we are spreading the name of Atalanta and will try to do it also here in Saudi’

RIYADH: Henrikh Mkhitaryan said “Riyadh feels like home” for Inter Milan, as the club targets an EA Sports FC Italian Super Cup treble in the Saudi Arabian capital.

Having beaten city rivals AC Milan 3-0 in 2022 and Napoli 1-0 last year in the Italian Super Cup final in Riyadh, Inter face Atalanta at Al Awwal Park on Thursday night in the 2024 semi-final. In the final on Monday the winners will play either Juventus or AC Milan, who play the following night at the same venue.

Another Italian Super Cup triumph would equal a record four in succession for Inter — having beaten Juventus in Italy in 2021 — and midfielder Mkhitaryan said the fans in Riyadh can play a big part in achieving history.

“Riyadh feels like home,” Mkhitaryan said. “This is the third time we are going to play the Super Cup in Riyadh. We won the past two times and hope to succeed this time as well, but first of all we have to think about tomorrow’s game, which will be very hard to play. We know the strength of the Atalanta team. We hope the fans and the surroundings will help us to feel at home and win tomorrow’s game.

“We need to play our game to win the game. It’s very important for us to continue (our success) and win the Super Cup. It’s an important trophy. We hope to do our best. We are fully focused on this game.”

Simone Inzaghi, the Inter manager, said: “It’s clear that the targets of 2025 are the same as when I came three and half years ago. We represent Inter, an important club and we need to always target high. The target in this moment is to win games as much as possible, to win trophies as much as possible. The nearest target is to win the Super Cup because it means a lot for us. This year it’s harder to win because there are two games within a few days, but we’ll try to give our best already from tomorrow evening.”

Inter are the current Liga Serie A champions but are up against this season’s table toppers in Atalanta. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side — who won the UEFA Europa League last season — have a better goal difference than second-placed Napoli and are point ahead of Inter in third.

“Being in those competitions is very important, and playing finals is even more important as it gives prestige to the club and value to the players,” Gasperini said. “It makes us proud. It’s a great result being in the final phase of the Super Cup, but our target is to win the competition.

“I’d like to thank the people in Saudi Arabia for the way you have hosted us. We arrived yesterday evening and we didn’t see many things, but we are very impressed by the modernity and beauty of Riyadh. Congratulations again!”

Marten de Roon, Atalanta’s Dutch midfielder, said: “I agree with the coach. We are playing many finals in Europe and now also in Saudi Arabia. I don’t know how many supporters will follow us, but we are spreading the name of Atalanta and will try to do it also here in Saudi.”


Djokovic and Kyrgios lose in doubles to top-seeded team at the Brisbane International

Updated 01 January 2025
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Djokovic and Kyrgios lose in doubles to top-seeded team at the Brisbane International

  • DJokovic and Kyrgios won their opening doubles match, a crowd-pleasing, fist-pumping affair by both players at Pat Rafter Arena
  • Djokovic won his first singles match and will next play Gael Monfils, who he has a 19-0 record against

BRISBANE: The new doubles team of Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios are out of the Brisbane International in the second round.
The pair, granted a wild-card entry by tournament organizers, lost 6-2, 3-6, 10-8 Wednesday to the top-seeded team of Nikola Mektic of Croatia and New Zealander Michael Venus.
DJokovic and Kyrgios won their opening doubles match, a crowd-pleasing, fist-pumping affair by both players at Pat Rafter Arena.
Kyrgios lost his opening singles match on Tuesday after an 18-month absence from the tour due to injuries. Djokovic won his first singles match on the same day and will next play Gael Monfils, who he has a 19-0 record against.


Cavaliers top Lakers in LeBron’s first game at 40, Celtics crush Raptors

Updated 01 January 2025
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Cavaliers top Lakers in LeBron’s first game at 40, Celtics crush Raptors

  • Milwaukee Bucks erased a 19-point deficit on the way to a 120-112 victory over the Indiana Pacers
  • Another big night from Victor Wembanyama saw the San Antonio Spurs finish the year with a lopsided 122-86 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers

LOS ANGELES: The league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers spoiled LeBron James’s first game as a 40-year-old, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 122-110 on Tuesday, as the NBA champion Boston Celtics closed out 2024 with a 125-71 demolition of the Toronto Raptors.

Jarrett Allen scored 27 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, Donovan Mitchell added 26 points and Evan Mobley chipped in 20 for the Cavaliers, who notched their eighth straight win to push their league-best record to 29-4.

James, whose four NBA titles include a 2016 championship with his hometown team Cleveland, scored 23 points with four rebounds, seven assists and a blocked shot.

It was his first game since his 40th birthday on Monday, and made James the first player in league history to play a game in his teens and in his 40s.

Austin Reaves led the Lakers with an impressive near-triple-double of 35 points, nine rebounds and 10 assists.

Anthony Davis scored 28 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, but after twice edging ahead in the second quarter the Lakers trailed by five at halftime and never led in the second half.

There was less drama in Boston, where the Celtics won by the second-largest margin of victory in franchise history — trailing only their 56-point triumph at Chicago in December 2018.

Jayson Tatum scored 18 of his 23 points in the third quarter, when the Celtics out-scored the Raptors 45-18 to effectively put the game out of reach.

Payton Pritchard scored 19 points off the bench as seven Celtics players scored in double figures.

The Celtics connected on 22 of their 43 three-point attempts as they handed the Raptors an 11th straight defeat.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said the big win — after the Celtics dropped four of their last six games — was just part of the process as the Celtics try to repeat as champions.

“There’s still stuff that we’ve got to work on... we’ve just got to continue to be better,” Mazzulla said.

The Milwaukee Bucks erased a 19-point deficit on the way to a 120-112 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, back after missing three games because of illness, found his rhythm after scoring just four points in the first half, finishing with 30 points and 12 rebounds.

Brook Lopez added 16 points and reserves Bobby Portis Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. scored 14 points each for Milwaukee, who trailed 83-64 midway through the third quarter.

“These are the type of games you need throughout a season to keep you going,” Portis said. “It was a great game for us, especially going forward, that we can look back on like: OK, cool, we do it one time we can do it again and just keep building, keep building.”

Another big night from Victor Wembanyama saw the San Antonio Spurs finish the year with a lopsided 122-86 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Wembanyama closed out a December to remember with 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists, one steal and three blocked shots in less than 26 minutes on the court.

His 17 points in the first quarter matched the Clippers’ total in the period.

In Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points and the Thunder notched their 12th straight regular-season victory, 113-105 over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Thunder trailed by as many as 12 in the second quarter and were down 52-46 at half time.

But they outscored the Timberwolves 43-23 in the third quarter and never trailed in the fourth on the way to a seventh consecutive win since they fell to Milwaukee in the NBA Cup final, which doesn’t count as part of the regular season.