ARNOS VALE, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan hailed the inspiration of cricket legend Brian Lara for helping them secure a place in the T20 World Cup semis for the first time.
Afghanistan reached the last four for the first time courtesy of a knife-edge, eight-run victory over Bangladesh on Monday, a win that also saw mighty Australia eliminated.
“I think we have proved one person right was Brian Lara, the only person who mentioned Afghanistan will be in the semis,” said Rashid.
“I think we told him that when we met him in the welcome party. When you get that kind of great, great statement from a legend, as a team, I think it gives you lots of energy.”
Afghanistan will face undefeated South Africa in the first semifinal in Trinidad on Wednesday.
India will tackle defending champions England in the second semifinal in Guyana on Thursday.
Defending a modest total of 115-5 against Bangladesh in their final second round Super Eights match on a bowler-friendly surface, Rashid finished with figures of 4-23.
Naveen-ul-Haq took 4-26 as Bangladesh were dismissed for just 105, chasing a revised target of 114 off 19 overs.
On a night of fluctuating emotions there were also three rain delays which saw various mathematical equations come into play.
Had Bangladesh scored their runs in 12.1 overs, they would have won the match and claimed the remaining semifinal spot.
There was tension after Bangladesh fell behind the asking rate at the end of the 11th over when Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib went down with cramps just as the threat of more rain appeared.
Rashid insisted the incident was not a device to keep his side ahead of the run rate should the match be halted permanently.
“He had some cramp, I don’t know what happened to him and I don’t know what’s going on in social media but that doesn’t matter,” said the captain.
“It’s just a field injury which comes and then we haven’t lost any overs, the rain came and we just went off, it’s not something like brought a massive difference in the game.
“We came back on field after five minutes and there was no massive difference. For me, it’s just like a small injury, you have to take some time.”
South Africa made the semifinals with seven wins in seven matches but they have been pushed to the limit.
Against Nepal in the opening round, they won by just one run.
However, South Africa have defeated Afghanistan in their only two other T20 meetings — by 59 runs at Barbados in the 2010 World Cup and 37 runs in Mumbai six years later.
“It’s a big achievement for us as a team and a nation being in the semifinals and with the cricket we have played in the whole tournament I think we deserve it,” added Rashid who played in that 2016 defeat, where he went wicketless for 51 runs.
Afghanistan hail Lara inspiration in T20 World Cup heroics
https://arab.news/j6h3t
Afghanistan hail Lara inspiration in T20 World Cup heroics
- Afghanistan reached the last four for the first time courtesy of a knife-edge, eight-run victory over Bangladesh
- Rashid Khan: ‘I think we have proved one person right was Brian Lara, the only person who mentioned Afghanistan will be in the semis’
Max on Austrian sprint pole as Verstappen senior blasts ‘childish’ Horner
“It’s good to be first here in front of all my home fans and in our home Grand Prix,” said Verstappen
SPIELBERG BEI KNITTELFELD, Austria: Max Verstappen took pole position for Saturday’s sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix on Friday after another public spat between his father and “childish” Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.
The 26-year-old Dutchman outpaced nearest rival Lando Norris of McLaren in the final seconds of a frantic session to take the prime starting place and delight hordes of his ‘orange army’ of fans at the Red Bull Ring.
His best lap in one minute and 4.686 seconds lifted him 0.093 seconds clear of Norris in hot conditions in the Styrian Alps.
“It’s good to be first here in front of all my home fans and in our home Grand Prix,” said Verstappen, who leads Norris by 69 points as he targets a fourth straight world title.
“It’s been a good day so far and it’s nice to drive the car. It feels well-balanced and we only needed a few adjustments so all is going well.
“I’m not concerned about things and feel relaxed. Let’s see what happens tomorrow.”
He added: “It’s a positive day and the car is strong and all is going well so it’s been a good start to the weekend. Hopefully I can keep it going tomorrow.”
Earlier Horner had brushed off comments by Verstappen’s father Jos.
Verstappen senior was back in the paddock for the first time since Bahrain, where he said the team was in danger of being “torn apart” if Horner kept his job following allegations of controlling behavior by a female member of staff.
Horner had earlier irked Verstappen senior who claimed he had been prevented from taking part in a Red Bull Legends Parade at the Red Bull ring circuit, driving the team’s 2012 car in which Sebastian Vettel won his third consecutive title.
He said Horner had barred any filming, a decision that caused him to withdraw.
“How childish can you be,” he told Formule1.nl.
“There was going to be filming, for example, also with a drone, but Horner didn’t want me to be filmed.
“I’m completely finished with Horner. It’s like a kindergarten here. I would have been allowed to ride in the end, but I backed out. I find this so childish of Horner, but I think it says something about him.”
Horner retorted, saying: “Look, I’ve been made aware. The legends parade is something that is organized by the circuit and there was no veto from my side or anything like that.
“I’m sure the legends will be in action later.”
He added: “The relationship with Max has always been very good, very strong. He’s a key part of our team and he’s our driver — he’s the one that it’s important to have a strong relationship with.
“I’ve never had an issue with any of our drivers’ fathers in the past and whatever Jos’s issues are, I’ve really got nothing to comment on.”
Earlier the Red Bull team principal had poked fun at rival team chief Toto Wolff of Mercedes following Verstappen’s confirmation on Thursday that he will remain at Red Bull next year.
Asked why Wolff remained linked to the champion, Horner said: “That’s a question you would have to ask Toto. Max was pretty resolute in what he said and he’s been absolutely consistent with that in the team. I think it’s purely a tactic of distraction.
“If he does want a Verstappen for next year then, I guess, Jos is potentially available.”
Wolff had said Verstappen was his target to replace the Ferrari-bound Hamilton next year.
Horner said: “Max is an important part of our team. He’s had all of his victories and podiums in Red Bull cars and three world championships so far. He’s a crucial member of the team.
“Obviously a lot of noise has been made about him going elsewhere and sometimes one just thinks that’s a distraction tactic that’s thrown in — because you have to question what are the motives behind that?
“The driver that has created all the movement in the market (Hamilton) had all the information about the engines and 2026 regulations and so on and he chose to leave and left a vacancy at Mercedes.”
Madrid sell Joselu to Qatari team after activating buy option
- “Real Madrid, after activating their option to sign Joselu from Espanyol, reached a deal with Al-Gharafa,” said Los Blancos
- Joselu’s loan clause was estimated at $1.6 million
MADRID: Real Madrid confirmed the sale of Spain striker Joselu to Qatari side Al-Gharafa on Friday after buying him from Espanyol by activating a clause in his loan deal.
Joselu, who sensationally struck twice late on against Bayern Munich to fire Madrid into the Champions League final, which they won for a record 15th time, was on a temporary deal this season at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“Real Madrid, after activating their option to sign Joselu from Espanyol, reached a deal with Al-Gharafa for the transfer of our player,” said Los Blancos in a statement.
Joselu’s loan clause was estimated at 1.5 million euros ($1.6 million) and Spanish reports say Madrid sold him for the same amount, with Espanyol not willing to allow him to move to the Qatari league at that price.
The 34-year-old target man netted 18 times in 49 appearances for Real Madrid despite often being used as a substitute.
Joselu is part of Spain’s Euro 2024 squad along with defender Nacho Fernandez, who on Thursday sealed a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah at the end of his Real Madrid deal.
Rudiger back, Eriksen absent before Germany-Denmark Euro clash
- Denmark however will be forced to sweat on the fitness of midfielder Christian Eriksen
- Rudiger’s potential absence was a threat for Germany
HERZOGENAURACH, Germany: Germany defender Antonio Rudiger on Friday returned to training ahead of Saturday’s Euro 2024 last 16 clash with Denmark, having missed earlier sessions with a hamstring strain.
Denmark however will be forced to sweat on the fitness of midfielder Christian Eriksen, who did not take the pitch in the Danes’ pre-match training session.
A spokesperson from the Danish FA (DBU) said Eriksen had taken part in a gym workout instead.
Rudiger’s potential absence was a threat for Germany, who are already set to do without fellow center-back Jonathan Tah, who misses the game with a yellow card suspension.
The Real Madrid defender was in high spirits at Friday’s session, joking with Jamal Musiala while doing laps of the pitch at the German training base in Herzogenaurach.
Rudiger injured his hamstring toward the end of Germany’s 1-1 draw with Switzerland in the final group game but played on and completed the match.
Nico Schlotterbeck, who faced off against Rudiger in the Champions League final with club side Borussia Dortmund in June, will take Tah’s place in central defense.
Coach Steve Kerr excited for US basketball clash with Serbia in Abu Dhabi ahead of 2024 Olympics
- US will face Australia and Serbia on July 15 and July 17, respectively, at Etihad Arena
- 2023 FIBA World Cup finalists Serbia will take on Olympic medalists Australia on July 16
ABU DHABI: Ahead of the US basketball men’s national team facing Australia and Serbia on July 15 and July 17, respectively, in Abu Dhabi, head coach Steve Kerr heaped praise on Serbia, calling them “one of the best teams in the world.”
For the second straight summer, the USA Basketball Showcase will take place in the UAE capital’s Etihad Arena.
Abu Dhabi will mark the first international stop of the six-game event, which will be held in the run-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics. Team USA is scheduled to face Nikola Jokic and Serbia in the Olympic tournament group stage.
“One of the best teams in the world, and to play them right away is really exciting,” said Kerr, noting the importance of these preparatory games.
“We know how good they are, and we are familiar with their players. The biggest thing is us; I’m not worried about playing all our cards right away. Our focus is to use these games to get better and to worry about ourselves, not just our opponents.”
Kerr praised the Serbian team, saying: “We saw them last year; coach Pesic did an amazing job. They reached the final without Nikola Jokic, and they’ll be even better with Jokic, who is spectacular. We are aware that they will be a huge challenge. They have a lot of continuity, with many players playing together over the years.”
The US team features 12 athletes with extensive experience, including three-time Olympic champion Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns) and the NBA’s all-time scoring leader LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), winner of two Olympic gold medals. In addition to Durant and James, Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) will be on the roster.
James and Curry are “excited” as the US chases a fifth straight gold at next month’s Olympics, Kerr said.
The 2024 US men’s team also features Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics), Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers), and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics).
In addition to the US team matches in Abu Dhabi, Serbia, ranked No. 4 in the world, will face the Australian Boomers, ranked No. 5, who are the 2022 FIBA Asia champions and Tokyo 2020 bronze medalists, also at the Etihad Arena.
All three games in Abu Dhabi are set for 8 p.m. UAE time. Tickets now available via ticketmaster.ae.
Pakistan’s first Olympic markswoman, Kishmala Talat, guns for historic medal
- The 21-year-old Talat, who comes from a military family, is the first Pakistani woman to qualify for Olympic shooting
- Talat has won dozens of medals at national level and four internationally, including Pakistan’s first shooting medal ever, a bronze, at the Asian Games last year
JHELUM, Pakistan: Slowing her breath and focusing on a bullseye in her pistol’s sights, Kishmala Talat is aiming to become the first woman from Pakistan to win an Olympic medal.
At the Paris Games starting on July 26, Talat will compete in the 10m air pistol and 25m pistol events, going for glory abroad and defying stereotypes back home.
Pakistan’s medal prospects are undercut by modesty codes which dissuade women from participating in sport.
The 21-year-old Talat, who comes from a military family, is the first Pakistani woman to qualify for Olympic shooting.
“In Pakistan there’s a prevalent taboo that dictates girls should stay at home, do girly things, and play with dolls, while boys are to play with guns,” she said.
“I see no one as competition. I compete with myself,” she told AFP at a target range in the eastern city of Jhelum.
Talat has won dozens of medals at national level and four internationally, including Pakistan’s first shooting medal ever, a bronze, at the Asian Games last year.
Pakistan have only ever won 10 Olympic medals — all by men — and none since the 1992 Games.
Talat, who has just completed her university degree in communications, realistically faces an uphill task to get on the podium in Paris.
She has a global ranking of 37th in the 10m event and is 41st in the 25m, according to the International Shooting Sport Federation.
“I longed for recognition. I wanted to do more,” she said.
“I wanted that whenever shooting is discussed, or ‘Kishmala’ is mentioned, it would be associated with someone who did something great for Pakistan.”
Hoping to defy the odds, she spends 10 hours a day training — one hour of physical exercise and then four hours each on the 10m and 25m ranges.
The last hour in the evening is spent meditating, concentrating on the flickering flame of a candle in an attempt to hone the zen needed to find her target.
“I am dedicated to giving my best performance to let Pakistan’s name shine,” said Talat.
She takes her shots with her spare hand stuffed in her pocket and one eye covered by custom-fit glasses, her face frozen in expressionless concentration.
The sport of target shooting is not a common pursuit in Pakistan.
Cricket is by far the most popular pastime, but all sports suffer from chronic underfunding.
However, guns are omnipresent in Pakistan.
Swiss weapons research group the Small Arms Survey estimated in 2017 that there were nearly 44 million legal or illicit guns held by civilians in Pakistan.
The figure is the fourth highest globally and means there are 22 weapons per every hundred citizens in the nation of more than 240 million.
Talat’s talent has been nurtured by Pakistan’s military, the sixth-largest in the world with a vast budget allowing it to operate ski resorts, polo grounds and mountaineering academies.
Talat is trained by officers and a foreign coach at a military facility in Jhelum, known as “City of Martyrs” for its strong ties to the armed forces.
She hails from the garrison city of Rawalpindi, where the armed forces are headquartered.
Her 53-year-old mother, Samina Yaqoob, serves as a major in the military’s nursing service and proudly displays her daughter’s many medals in the family living room.
Yaqoob once dreamed of competing herself.
“I got married and got busy with that life, but it makes me happy when I see my daughter move forward with my dream,” she said.
“Girls should step forward, observe, work diligently and their parents should support them,” the mother said.
“She believes she can do anything. That’s just who she is.”
