With the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> set to commence from September 19 in the UAE, franchises will be staying inside bio-secure bubble in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. While the bubbles can become frustrating when staying indoors for a long time, like in IPL 2020 for around two months, the head of BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit has said it will at least make life difficult for illegal gambling rights to approach players.&nbsp;

Players’ movements will be restricted and heavily monitored as part of strict COVID-19 protocols by the BCCI as they gear up to stay inside bio-secure bubble for the course of the tournament.

“The IPL being held in a bio-secure bubble is going to make a difference because no interaction is allowed with the outsiders,” Ajit Singh, head of the Indian cricket board’s (BCCI) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) told Reuters.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mumbai-indians-lasith-malinga-set-to-miss-first-phase-of-ipl-2020-in-uae-322201" hreflang="en">Mumbai Indians' Lasith Malinga set to miss first phase of IPL 2020 in UAE</a>

“So that part will be slightly easily managed.

“The other part is social media etc. through which people try to make contact and communicate, that we’ll have to take care of.”

With no fans allowed inside the stadiums, interaction sessions are likely to be over social media but Singh said the ACU would be keeping an eye on those activities.&nbsp;

“People do try to make innocent contacts also. But under the garb of friendship or as a fan, there could be an odd chap trying to explore things.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-announces-dream11-as-title-sponsor-for-ipl-2020-321705" hreflang="en">BCCI announces Dream11 as title sponsor for IPL 2020</a>

“Monitoring social media does not require much manpower. We’ll be taking help of professionals also.”

The IPL was hit by an illegal betting scandal in the year 2013, which led to two-year suspensions for Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Two security liason officers have been allotted to each team the 53-day tournament.

The ACU is also looking for help from the anti-corruption unit of the governing International Cricket Council (ICC), headquartered in Dubai.&nbsp;

“ICC won’t have anything to do directly, but we do exchange information with them during normal course. So if needed, we’ll do that again,” Singh said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 set to commence from September 19 in the UAE, franchises will be staying inside bio-secure bubble in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19.

With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 set to commence from September 19 in the UAE, franchises will be staying inside bio-secure bubble in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. While the bubbles can become frustrating when staying indoors for a long time, like in IPL 2020 for around two months, the head of BCCI’s Anti-Corruption Unit has said it will at least make life difficult for illegal gambling rights to approach players. Players’ movements will be restricted and heavily monitored as part of strict COVID-19 protocols by the BCCI as they gear up to stay inside bio-secure bubble for the course of the tournament. “The IPL being held in a bio-secure bubble is going to make a difference because no interaction is allowed with the outsiders,” Ajit Singh, head of the Indian cricket board’s (BCCI) Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) told Reuters. ALSO READ: Mumbai Indians' Lasith Malinga set to miss first phase of IPL 2020 in UAE “So that part will be slightly easily managed. “The other part is social media etc. through which people try to make contact and communicate, that we’ll have to take care of.” With no fans allowed inside the stadiums, interaction sessions are likely to be over social media but Singh said the ACU would be keeping an eye on those activities. “People do try to make innocent contacts also. But under the garb of friendship or as a fan, there could be an odd chap trying to explore things. ALSO READ: BCCI announces Dream11 as title sponsor for IPL 2020 “Monitoring social media does not require much manpower. We’ll be taking help of professionals also.” The IPL was hit by an illegal betting scandal in the year 2013, which led to two-year suspensions for Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Two security liason officers have been allotted to each team the 53-day tournament. The ACU is also looking for help from the anti-corruption unit of the governing International Cricket Council (ICC), headquartered in Dubai. “ICC won’t have anything to do directly, but we do exchange information with them during normal course. So if needed, we’ll do that again,” Singh said. (With inputs from Reuters)

IPL bio-bubble to keep corrupt bookies in check: BCCI ACU chief

Iconic Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga is set to miss the initial phase of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl?page=1">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> due to personal reasons and will not be travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the cash-rich tournament will be played from September 19 to November 10.&nbsp;

As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, Malinga’s father has been ill and may require a surgery in the coming weeks. The legendary Sri Lankan pacer wants to stay with his father and will be training in Colombo to be ready for IPL in the latter phase of the tournament. Malinga is likely to join the Mumbai Indians camp during the final stages of the tournament.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-ponting-warns-ashwin-he-wont-have-mankading-in-delhi-capitals-321872" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Ponting warns Ashwin he won't have 'Mankading' in Delhi Capitals</a>

One of the deadliest bowlers in the game and famous for his yorkers, Malinga famously defended eight runs in the final over of IPL 2020 against Chennai Super Kings as he helped the Mumbai outfit lift a record fourth title. When CSK needed two runs to win on the final delivery, Malinga nailed a yorker to dismiss Shardul Thakur to seal a memorable win.

As per the report, Sri Lanka’s strict quarantine protocol forced him to stay in Sri Lanka as he would have to spend 14 days in quarantine if he flew to the UAE and then came back to see his father any point. Malinga is second highest wicket-taker in T20s behind Dwayne Bravo and sits atop the list in IPL with 170 wickets after joining Mumbai Indians in 2009.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-delhi-capitals-sign-anrich-nortje-as-chris-woakes-replacement-321427" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals sign Anrich Nortje as Chris Woakes replacement</a>

However, Mumbai have the likes of Trent Boult, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell McClenaghan to fill the gap left by Malinga’s absence. 
&nbsp;

Iconic Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga is set to miss the initial phase of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to personal reasons and will not be travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the cash-rich tournament will be played from September 19 to November 10.

Iconic Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga is set to miss the initial phase of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 due to personal reasons and will not be travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the cash-rich tournament will be played from September 19 to November 10. As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, Malinga’s father has been ill and may require a surgery in the coming weeks. The legendary Sri Lankan pacer wants to stay with his father and will be training in Colombo to be ready for IPL in the latter phase of the tournament. Malinga is likely to join the Mumbai Indians camp during the final stages of the tournament. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Ponting warns Ashwin he won't have 'Mankading' in Delhi Capitals One of the deadliest bowlers in the game and famous for his yorkers, Malinga famously defended eight runs in the final over of IPL 2020 against Chennai Super Kings as he helped the Mumbai outfit lift a record fourth title. When CSK needed two runs to win on the final delivery, Malinga nailed a yorker to dismiss Shardul Thakur to seal a memorable win. As per the report, Sri Lanka’s strict quarantine protocol forced him to stay in Sri Lanka as he would have to spend 14 days in quarantine if he flew to the UAE and then came back to see his father any point. Malinga is second highest wicket-taker in T20s behind Dwayne Bravo and sits atop the list in IPL with 170 wickets after joining Mumbai Indians in 2009. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals sign Anrich Nortje as Chris Woakes replacement However, Mumbai have the likes of Trent Boult, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitchell McClenaghan to fill the gap left by Malinga’s absence.

Mumbai Indians' Lasith Malinga set to miss first phase of IPL 2020 in UAE

The Indian Sports Ministry on Friday announced the list of athletes who will be conferred with the National Sports Awards as they decided against bestowing the Arjuna award on former Khel Ratna winners Sakshi Malik and Mirabai Chanu, cutting the list to 27 but agreed to as many as five names for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award – country’s highest sporting honour.

The Indian Sports Ministry on Friday announced the list of athletes who will be conferred with the National Sports Awards as they decided against bestowing the Arjuna award on former Khel Ratna winners Sakshi Malik and Mirabai Chanu, cutting the list to 27 but agreed to as many as five names for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award – country’s highest sporting honour. The decision to include the names of Mirabai and Sakshi raised a few eyebrows as they had already won the Khel Ratna previously. Last week, the Justice (retd) Mukundakam Sharma-led selection panel had recommended 29 names for the Arjuna Award to the Sports Ministry. ALSO READ: 'You are way too young and energetic to retire': PM Modi sends letter of appreciation to Suresh Raina The five Khel Ratna winners for the year 2020 would be star cricketer Rohit Sharma, wrestler Vinesh Phogat, Paralympic gold-winner Mariyappan Thangavelu, TT player Manika Batra, and women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal, the ministry confirmed in a formal press release. In a first, the awards will be held virtually on August 29, the National Sports Day, instead of the Rashtrapati Bhavan this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni shares heartfelt letter penned by PM Narendra Modi after retirement call RAJIV GANDHI KHEL RATNA AWARD S. No. Name of the Sportsperson Discipline Shri Rohit Sharma Cricket Shri Mariyappan T. Para Athletics Ms. Manika Batra Table Tennis Ms. Vinesh Wrestling Ms. Rani Hockey DRONACHARYA AWARD Life- Time Category S. No. Name of the Coach Discipline Shri Dharmendra Tiwary Archery Shri Purushotham Rai Athletics Shri Shiv Singh Boxing Shri Romesh Pathania Hockey Shri Krishan Kumar Hooda Kabaddi Shri Vijay Bhalchandra Munishwar Para Powerlifting Shri Naresh Kumar Tennis Shri Om Parkash Dahiya Wrestling B. Regular Category S. No. Name of the Coach Discipline Shri Jude Felix Sebastian Hockey Shri Yogesh Malviya Mallakhamb Shri Jaspal Rana Shooting Shri Kuldeep Kumar Handoo Wushu Shri Gaurav Khanna Para Badminton ARJUNA AWARD S. No. Name of the Sportsperson (Shri) Discipline Shri Atanu Das Archery Ms. Dutee Chand Athletics Shri Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy Badminton Shri Chirag Chandrasekhar Shetty Badminton Shri Vishesh Bhriguvanshi Basketball Subedar Manish Kaushik Boxing Ms. Lovlina Borgohain Boxing Shri Ishant Sharma Cricket Ms. Deepti Sharma Cricket Shri Sawant Ajay Anant Equestrian Shri Sandesh Jhingan Football Ms. Aditi Ashok Golf Shri Akashdeep Singh Hockey Ms. Deepika Hockey Shri Deepak Kabaddi Shri Kale Sarika Sudhakar Kho Kho Shri Dattu Baban Bhokanal Rowing Ms. Manu Bhaker Shooting Shri Saurabh Chaudhary Shooting Ms. Madhurika Suhas Patkar Table Tennis Shri Divij Sharan Tennis Shri Shiva Keshavan Winter Sports Ms. Divya Kakran Wrestling Shri Rahul Aware Wrestling Shri Suyash Narayan Jadhav Para Swimming Shri Sandeep Para Athletics Shri Manish Narwal Para Shooting 4. DHYAN CHAND AWARD S. No. Name of the Sportsperson Discipline Shri Kuldip Singh Bhullar Athletics Ms. Jincy Philips Athletics Shri Pradeep Shrikrishna Gandhe Badminton Ms. Trupti Murgunde Badminton Ms. N. Usha Boxing Shri Lakha Singh Boxing Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sandhu Football Shri Ajit Singh Hockey Shri Manpreet Singh Kabaddi Shri J. Ranjith Kumar Para Athletics Shri Satyaprakash Tiwari Para Badminton Shri Manjeet Singh Rowing Late Shri Sachin Nag Swimming Shri Nandan P Bal Tennis Shri Netarpal Hooda Wrestling 5. TENZING NORGAY NATIONAL ADVENTURE AWARDS 2019 S. No. Name of the Sportsperson Category Ms. Anita Devi Land Adventure Col. Sarfraz Singh Land Adventure Shri Taka Tamut Land Adventure Shri Narender Singh Land Adventure Shri Keval Hiren Kakka Land Adventure Shri Satendra Singh Water Adventure Shri Gajanand Yadava Air Adventure Late Shri Magan Bissa Life Time Achievement 6. MAULANA ABUL KALAM AZAD (MAKA) TROPHY 1. Panjab University, Chandigarh 7. RASHTRIYA KHEL PROTSAHAN PURUSKAR S. No. Category Entity recommended for Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar, 2020 1. Identification and Nurturing of Budding and Young Talent Lakshya Institute Army Sports Institute 2. Encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Ltd. 3. Employment of sportspersons and sports welfare measures Air Force Sports Control Board 4. Sports for Development International Institute of Sports Management (IISM)

National Sports Awards 2020 announced: Here's full list of awardees

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, who is also the costliest defender on the basis of transfer fees paid (£85million), has been arrested at the Green island of Mykonos for having a row with other tourists&nbsp;outside a bar.

The Man United defender was allegedly spotted by the police when he was having an altercation with other British tourist on Thursday night, as per reports in the local media. When the police officers came in between, three Englishmen allegedly fought back verbally and physically and as a result, they were detained in the early hours of Friday and among them was Maguire.&nbsp;

Reportedly, Maguire was taken away by the police handcuffed.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-ethics-committee-drops-infantino-case-321990" hreflang="en">FIFA ethics committee drops Infantino case</a>

As per a video on a Greek website, Maguire was earlier spotted chatting with a few fans in Matogiannia area of Mykonos town. But with the Manchester United captain being detained, the news won’t be welcomed by the Red Devils fanbase as the former Leicester City defender has been central to criticism following some shoddy defending since restart. The massive transfer price tag doesn’t help his case either.

Manchester United, in a statement, said that they have made contact with Maguire and the club captain is fully co-operating with the Greek authorities.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-true-final-of-champions-awaits-in-lisbon-321975" hreflang="en">A true final of champions awaits in Lisbon</a>

Manchester United said in a statement: 'The club is aware of an alleged incident involving Harry Maguire in Mykonos last night.

'Contact has been made with Harry, and he is fully co-operating with the Greek authorities.

'At this time we will be making no further comment.' 
&nbsp;

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, who is also the costliest defender on the basis of transfer fees paid (£85million), has been arrested at the Green island of Mykonos for having a row with other tourists outside a bar.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, who is also the costliest defender on the basis of transfer fees paid (£85million), has been arrested at the Green island of Mykonos for having a row with other tourists outside a bar. The Man United defender was allegedly spotted by the police when he was having an altercation with other British tourist on Thursday night, as per reports in the local media. When the police officers came in between, three Englishmen allegedly fought back verbally and physically and as a result, they were detained in the early hours of Friday and among them was Maguire. Reportedly, Maguire was taken away by the police handcuffed. ALSO READ: FIFA ethics committee drops Infantino case As per a video on a Greek website, Maguire was earlier spotted chatting with a few fans in Matogiannia area of Mykonos town. But with the Manchester United captain being detained, the news won’t be welcomed by the Red Devils fanbase as the former Leicester City defender has been central to criticism following some shoddy defending since restart. The massive transfer price tag doesn’t help his case either. Manchester United, in a statement, said that they have made contact with Maguire and the club captain is fully co-operating with the Greek authorities. ALSO READ: A true final of champions awaits in Lisbon Manchester United said in a statement: 'The club is aware of an alleged incident involving Harry Maguire in Mykonos last night. 'Contact has been made with Harry, and he is fully co-operating with the Greek authorities. 'At this time we will be making no further comment.'

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire arrested after altercation at Mykonos bar

Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi has made it clear to new manager Ronald Koeman that he is considering his future at Nou Camp having lost faith in the club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Messi has been on vacation since Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final but held talks with Koeman in relation to club’s future and his position within the team.

As per a report in RAC1, Messi returned to Barcelona to have a word with Koeman, who is keen for him to stay and fulfil his contract which runs till 2021 season. However, Messi told Koeman that he was ‘more out than in’ after Barcelona’s first trophyless season in 12 years.

Notably, Messi has a whopping £630million (€700m) release clause at Barcelona and still has one year to go in his contract. And it will be near to impossible for any club to pay that sort of amount amid COVID-19 pandemic.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/show-commitment-or-leave-ronald-koeman-promises-to-revive-barcelona-321970" hreflang="en">Show commitment or leave: Ronald Koeman promises to revive Barcelona</a>

While Koeman, during his presentation as new Barca manager, admitted that he wants ‘the best player in the world’ Messi to stay at the club, the Dutchman added that he wants players who are fully determined and committed. Even Bartomeu has said that Messi wants to retire at the club, contrary to reports floating in media.

“He is a Barcelona player. He has another year. I don’t know if I have to convince him to stay,” Koeman had said on Wednesday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-true-final-of-champions-awaits-in-lisbon-321975" hreflang="en">A true final of champions awaits in Lisbon</a>

"He has a contract until 2021. I talk to him regularly and he knows there's a project with a new coach here. We're all disappointed at the moment, but we're motivated by the new project."His father told me that there was a strong disappointment. This is correct, but since Sunday we have to think about the future. It's about changing the mentality," Bartomeu said.

However, if Messi decides to leave Barcelona then it will arguably the biggest transfer news of all-time. 
&nbsp;

Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi has made it clear to new manager Ronald Koeman that he is considering his future at Nou Camp having lost faith in the club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Barcelona megastar Lionel Messi has made it clear to new manager Ronald Koeman that he is considering his future at Nou Camp having lost faith in the club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. Messi has been on vacation since Barcelona’s humiliating 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final but held talks with Koeman in relation to club’s future and his position within the team. As per a report in RAC1, Messi returned to Barcelona to have a word with Koeman, who is keen for him to stay and fulfil his contract which runs till 2021 season. However, Messi told Koeman that he was ‘more out than in’ after Barcelona’s first trophyless season in 12 years. Notably, Messi has a whopping £630million (€700m) release clause at Barcelona and still has one year to go in his contract. And it will be near to impossible for any club to pay that sort of amount amid COVID-19 pandemic. ALSO READ: Show commitment or leave: Ronald Koeman promises to revive Barcelona While Koeman, during his presentation as new Barca manager, admitted that he wants ‘the best player in the world’ Messi to stay at the club, the Dutchman added that he wants players who are fully determined and committed. Even Bartomeu has said that Messi wants to retire at the club, contrary to reports floating in media. “He is a Barcelona player. He has another year. I don’t know if I have to convince him to stay,” Koeman had said on Wednesday. ALSO READ: A true final of champions awaits in Lisbon "He has a contract until 2021. I talk to him regularly and he knows there's a project with a new coach here. We're all disappointed at the moment, but we're motivated by the new project."His father told me that there was a strong disappointment. This is correct, but since Sunday we have to think about the future. It's about changing the mentality," Bartomeu said. However, if Messi decides to leave Barcelona then it will arguably the biggest transfer news of all-time.

Lionel Messi considering future at Barcelona, tells Ronald Koeman he's 'more out than in'

England and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the third and final Test of the series at the Rose Bowl in Southampton in what promises to be a cracking contest. England lead the series 1-0 and would be looking to win the series to put an end to Pakistan’s 10-year streak in England.&nbsp;

Pakistan are yet to lose a Test series in England but this time, they find themselves in deep trouble after throwing away the series opener after finding themselves in a comfortable position after first innings. The second Test resulted in a draw after rain hampered majority of the proceedings.

The third Test brings a lot of promise as Pakistan would be looking to go for a win and avoid a series defeat but advantage is with England as a draw would be enough to get them the trophy.&nbsp;

Both England and Pakistan have agreed to revised time if rain or bad light hampers the match.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-shares-heartfelt-letter-penned-by-pm-narendra-modi-after-retirement-call-321898" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni shares heartfelt letter penned by PM Narendra Modi after retirement call</a>

<h2>When will the England vs Pakistan 3rd Test begin?</h2>

The England vs Pakistan 3rd Test will begin at 3:30 PM IST on August 21. The toss will take place at 3:00 PM IST.

<h2>Where will the England vs Pakistan 3rd Test be played?</h2>

The England vs Pakistan 3rd Test match will be held at Rose Bowl, Southampton.

<h2>Which channel will telecast the England vs Pakistan 3rd Test?</h2>

The England vs Pakistan 3rd Test will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India

<h2>How to watch the live streaming of England vs Pakistan 3rd Test?</h2>

The live streaming of England vs Pakistan 3rd Test will be available on Sony’s streaming platform. &nbsp; &nbsp;

England and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the third and final Test of the series at the Rose Bowl in Southampton in what promises to be a cracking contest. England lead the series 1-0 and would be looking to win the series to put an end to Pakistan’s 10-year streak in England.

England and Pakistan are set to lock horns in the third and final Test of the series at the Rose Bowl in Southampton in what promises to be a cracking contest. England lead the series 1-0 and would be looking to win the series to put an end to Pakistan’s 10-year streak in England. Pakistan are yet to lose a Test series in England but this time, they find themselves in deep trouble after throwing away the series opener after finding themselves in a comfortable position after first innings. The second Test resulted in a draw after rain hampered majority of the proceedings. The third Test brings a lot of promise as Pakistan would be looking to go for a win and avoid a series defeat but advantage is with England as a draw would be enough to get them the trophy. Both England and Pakistan have agreed to revised time if rain or bad light hampers the match. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni shares heartfelt letter penned by PM Narendra Modi after retirement call When will the England vs Pakistan 3rd Test begin? The England vs Pakistan 3rd Test will begin at 3:30 PM IST on August 21. The toss will take place at 3:00 PM IST. Where will the England vs Pakistan 3rd Test be played? The England vs Pakistan 3rd Test match will be held at Rose Bowl, Southampton. Which channel will telecast the England vs Pakistan 3rd Test? The England vs Pakistan 3rd Test will have a live telecast on Sony SIX and Sony Six HD in India How to watch the live streaming of England vs Pakistan 3rd Test? The live streaming of England vs Pakistan 3rd Test will be available on Sony’s streaming platform.

England vs Pakistan, 3rd Test Live Streaming: When and where to watch ENG vs PAK match?

Keemo Paul and the spinners handsomely repaid Guyana Amazon Warriors’ decision to go with an unchanged XI from their opening day loss, and Shimron Hetmyer’s brilliance meant even a misfiring batting line-up won with time to spare, consigning the St Kitts &amp; Nevis Patriots to the bottom of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) table.

The Patriots started shakily, with Evin Lewis dropped off captain Chris Green by the usually safe Ross Taylor at slip and Chris Lynn dragging a Naveen-ul-Haq slower ball just past his stumps. Imran Tahir’s early introduction paid off first ball, the skipper holding a skier to dismiss Lynn. Tahir again acknowledged Black Lives Matter, dropping the knee and raising the fist. 
 
Lewis started to find his range, sending Tahir over the cover boundary, and taking Naveen’s second over for 18. But smart bowling from Green and even better keeping from Nicholas Pooran saw Lewis stumped for 30 as his back foot lifted for just a moment. The Patriots ended the powerplay at 54/2.

Joshua Da Silva’s exclusion was an eye-opener pre-game, and his replacement Nick Kelly fell early, carving Keemo Paul to point where Shimron Hetmyer held a sharp chance. Paul’s celebration was neatly topical, involving a face mask and strictly enforced social distancing. 
 
Ben Dunk picked up Shepherd over midwicket to break an 18-ball spell without a boundary, but Green put the squeeze right back on. The pressure told, as first Ramdin was strangled down the leg-side off Paul and then Jahmar Hamilton fell to the googly as he did yesterday, Tahir his tormentor tonight. 
 
With his team stuttering at 83/5, Patriots captain Rayad Emrit broke another lengthy boundary-less period, 26 balls this time. But Green finished his spell well, Naveen was equally accurate, and Tahir was unlucky not to finish with Emrit’s wicket. Emrit broke a third long boundary drought, of 22 balls, off Paul, but the latter had his revenge immediately as a hurried pull looped to Taylor at mid-on.&nbsp;

The Amazon Warriors kept Dunk quiet, and when he tried to run a desperate two, Paul and Pooran combined to run him out by a yard. Paul picked up another in the last over with Dominic Drakes, in for the injured Sohail Tanvir, holing out to square leg. Only four boundaries after the Powerplay told the story of the Patriots’ innings.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-ponting-warns-ashwin-he-wont-have-mankading-in-delhi-capitals-321872" hreflang="en">IPL 2020: Ponting warns Ashwin he won't have 'Mankading' in Delhi Capitals</a> 
 
Early in the chase, Brandon King broke his CPL 2020 duck with a crisp straight drive and rasping square cut. Jon-Russ Jaggesar, in for Alzarri Joseph, asked questions with his left-arm spin but it was Sheldon Cottrell who made the breakthrough - King drilled a cut to cover, and out came the familiar salute. A wicket-maiden was a consolation birthday present for the former JDF man. 
 
Hetmyer showed his class with a flurry of early boundaries, including a Hero Maximum that nearly took out the scoreboard. Chandrapaul Hemraj hit one of his own off Jaggesar, his first boundary of the tournament, and the Amazon Warriors cruised to 54/1 at the end of the Powerplay. 
 
Hemraj failed to realise the danger of a powerful throw from Drakes and was sloppily run out, but by now the chase was well under control. An opportunity to dismiss Hetmyer went begging when sub fielder Kieran Powell failed to hold a powerful drive at cover, and the straight hit for four next ball rubbed salt into the wound.

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-sheldon-cottrell-on-ipl-2020-kings-xi-punjab-and-more-319732" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive: Sheldon Cottrell on IPL 2020, Kings XI Punjab and more</a> 
 
A Hero Maximum walloped over Ish Sodhi’s head brought up Hetmyer’s second fifty in two games, this one off just 31 balls. A mix-up saw Taylor run out by most of the 22 yards, and Pooran fell to Emrit first ball, but by then the required run rate was well under five an over. 
 
Emrit caused some late nerves with two wickets in two balls, including Pooran for a golden duck, and when Dunk held on inches off the rope to end Hetmyer’s charge, the Patriots entertained thoughts of a burglary. But the Amazon Warriors eventually stumbled over the line, and three overs left told the story far more than three wickets.

Keemo Paul and the spinners handsomely repaid Guyana Amazon Warriors’ decision to go with an unchanged XI from their opening day loss, and Shimron Hetmyer’s brilliance meant even a misfiring batting line-up won with time to spare, consigning the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to the bottom of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) table.

Keemo Paul and the spinners handsomely repaid Guyana Amazon Warriors’ decision to go with an unchanged XI from their opening day loss, and Shimron Hetmyer’s brilliance meant even a misfiring batting line-up won with time to spare, consigning the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots to the bottom of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) table. The Patriots started shakily, with Evin Lewis dropped off captain Chris Green by the usually safe Ross Taylor at slip and Chris Lynn dragging a Naveen-ul-Haq slower ball just past his stumps. Imran Tahir’s early introduction paid off first ball, the skipper holding a skier to dismiss Lynn. Tahir again acknowledged Black Lives Matter, dropping the knee and raising the fist. Lewis started to find his range, sending Tahir over the cover boundary, and taking Naveen’s second over for 18. But smart bowling from Green and even better keeping from Nicholas Pooran saw Lewis stumped for 30 as his back foot lifted for just a moment. The Patriots ended the powerplay at 54/2. Joshua Da Silva’s exclusion was an eye-opener pre-game, and his replacement Nick Kelly fell early, carving Keemo Paul to point where Shimron Hetmyer held a sharp chance. Paul’s celebration was neatly topical, involving a face mask and strictly enforced social distancing. Ben Dunk picked up Shepherd over midwicket to break an 18-ball spell without a boundary, but Green put the squeeze right back on. The pressure told, as first Ramdin was strangled down the leg-side off Paul and then Jahmar Hamilton fell to the googly as he did yesterday, Tahir his tormentor tonight. With his team stuttering at 83/5, Patriots captain Rayad Emrit broke another lengthy boundary-less period, 26 balls this time. But Green finished his spell well, Naveen was equally accurate, and Tahir was unlucky not to finish with Emrit’s wicket. Emrit broke a third long boundary drought, of 22 balls, off Paul, but the latter had his revenge immediately as a hurried pull looped to Taylor at mid-on. The Amazon Warriors kept Dunk quiet, and when he tried to run a desperate two, Paul and Pooran combined to run him out by a yard. Paul picked up another in the last over with Dominic Drakes, in for the injured Sohail Tanvir, holing out to square leg. Only four boundaries after the Powerplay told the story of the Patriots’ innings. ALSO READ: IPL 2020: Ponting warns Ashwin he won't have 'Mankading' in Delhi Capitals Early in the chase, Brandon King broke his CPL 2020 duck with a crisp straight drive and rasping square cut. Jon-Russ Jaggesar, in for Alzarri Joseph, asked questions with his left-arm spin but it was Sheldon Cottrell who made the breakthrough - King drilled a cut to cover, and out came the familiar salute. A wicket-maiden was a consolation birthday present for the former JDF man. Hetmyer showed his class with a flurry of early boundaries, including a Hero Maximum that nearly took out the scoreboard. Chandrapaul Hemraj hit one of his own off Jaggesar, his first boundary of the tournament, and the Amazon Warriors cruised to 54/1 at the end of the Powerplay. Hemraj failed to realise the danger of a powerful throw from Drakes and was sloppily run out, but by now the chase was well under control. An opportunity to dismiss Hetmyer went begging when sub fielder Kieran Powell failed to hold a powerful drive at cover, and the straight hit for four next ball rubbed salt into the wound. ALSO WATCH: WION Exclusive: Sheldon Cottrell on IPL 2020, Kings XI Punjab and more A Hero Maximum walloped over Ish Sodhi’s head brought up Hetmyer’s second fifty in two games, this one off just 31 balls. A mix-up saw Taylor run out by most of the 22 yards, and Pooran fell to Emrit first ball, but by then the required run rate was well under five an over. Emrit caused some late nerves with two wickets in two balls, including Pooran for a golden duck, and when Dunk held on inches off the rope to end Hetmyer’s charge, the Patriots entertained thoughts of a burglary. But the Amazon Warriors eventually stumbled over the line, and three overs left told the story far more than three wickets.

CPL 2020: Brilliant bowlers and red-hot Hetmyer get the job done for Guyana Amazon Warriors

Ricky Ponting has warned Ravichandran Ashwin and the rest of his Delhi Capitals squad he won't tolerate any "Mankad" run-outs during the Indian Premier League.

The Australian great, who will again coach the team in next month's star-studded tournament, said the controversial tactic might be legal, but it was against the spirit of the game.

All-rounder Ashwin sparked controversy and a worldwide debate last year with his "Mankading" of England batsman Jos Buttler when the spinner was captain of Kings XI Punjab.

He has been hired by Delhi Capitals for next month's IPL in the United Arab Emirates, and Ponting said he will be talking to Ashwin as a priority.

"I'll be having a chat to him about that, that'll be the first thing I do," he told the Grade Cricketer podcast on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"It is going to be a hard conversation I'll have to have with him, but I'm pretty sure he'll take it on the chin.

"He will say that it was within the rules and he had his rights to do it, but it's not within the spirit of the game or certainly the way I want the Delhi Capitals to play."

The dismissal was named after India's Vinoo Mankad, who ran out Australia's Bill Brown by removing the bails at the bowler's end during the 1947 Sydney Test.

The mode of dismissal, while legitimate, has been widely considered unsporting.&nbsp;

But opposition to it has been softening recently, particularly in limited-overs cricket, when non-strikers can gain an unfair advantage by leaving the crease early.

Ashwin employed the tactic last year, stopping in his delivery stride to whip off the bails while Rajasthan Royals' Buttler was backing up out of his ground.&nbsp;

"If a bowler was to stop and the batsman was a foot out of his crease for instance, just penalise them some runs or something," Ponting said in suggesting an alternative.

"If the umpires make a stance and do something to actually warn the batsman that they might be cheating, then I think that's better than having an ugly incident like a Mankad."

Ricky Ponting has warned Ravichandran Ashwin and the rest of his Delhi Capitals squad he won't tolerate any "Mankad" run-outs during the Indian Premier League. The Australian great, who will again coach the team in next month's star-studded tournament, said the controversial tactic might be legal, but it was against the spirit of the game.

Ricky Ponting has warned Ravichandran Ashwin and the rest of his Delhi Capitals squad he won't tolerate any "Mankad" run-outs during the Indian Premier League. The Australian great, who will again coach the team in next month's star-studded tournament, said the controversial tactic might be legal, but it was against the spirit of the game. All-rounder Ashwin sparked controversy and a worldwide debate last year with his "Mankading" of England batsman Jos Buttler when the spinner was captain of Kings XI Punjab. He has been hired by Delhi Capitals for next month's IPL in the United Arab Emirates, and Ponting said he will be talking to Ashwin as a priority. "I'll be having a chat to him about that, that'll be the first thing I do," he told the Grade Cricketer podcast on Wednesday. "It is going to be a hard conversation I'll have to have with him, but I'm pretty sure he'll take it on the chin. "He will say that it was within the rules and he had his rights to do it, but it's not within the spirit of the game or certainly the way I want the Delhi Capitals to play." The dismissal was named after India's Vinoo Mankad, who ran out Australia's Bill Brown by removing the bails at the bowler's end during the 1947 Sydney Test. The mode of dismissal, while legitimate, has been widely considered unsporting. But opposition to it has been softening recently, particularly in limited-overs cricket, when non-strikers can gain an unfair advantage by leaving the crease early. Ashwin employed the tactic last year, stopping in his delivery stride to whip off the bails while Rajasthan Royals' Buttler was backing up out of his ground. "If a bowler was to stop and the batsman was a foot out of his crease for instance, just penalise them some runs or something," Ponting said in suggesting an alternative. "If the umpires make a stance and do something to actually warn the batsman that they might be cheating, then I think that's better than having an ugly incident like a Mankad."

IPL 2020: Ponting warns Ashwin he won't have 'Mankading' in Delhi Capitals

Former Premier League striker Demba Ba has called on football to condemn China's alleged persecution of its mainly Muslim Uighur minority, and accused the sport of putting money before morals.

The Senegalese international, a Muslim who played more than 50 times for China's Shanghai Shenhua, told the BBC he was prepared to spearhead a movement to "stand up".

China's ruling Communist Party is under growing international pressure over the fate of minorities in its northwestern region of Xinjiang.

More than one million ethnic Uighurs and other minorities, mostly Muslim Turkic peoples, have been herded into internment camps to undergo political indoctrination, according to rights groups and experts.

China says the camps are "vocational education centres" necessary to counter religious extremism and boost employment.

Ba, who played for Chelsea, Newcastle United and West Ham United, said: "I have to try and organise something so football players can get together and, in the meantime, talk about this matter because not a lot of people want to.

"I know there are footballers who want to fight for justice, whether Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, any belief," added Ba, 35, who now plays for Basaksehir in Turkey.

"As sports people, we have a power we don't even know. If we get together and talk, things change. If we stand up, people stand up with us."

Ba joins Arsenal's Mesut Ozil in breaking ranks over China's treatment of its Uighurs.

The German midfielder spoke out last year, prompting China's state TV to cut its broadcast of an Arsenal game. Ozil last week hit out at what he said was Arsenal's failure to back him.

<h2>- 'People close their eyes' -</h2>

Arsenal did not criticise Ozil for making the comments, but posted on China's Twitter-like Weibo that the club "always adheres to the principles" of not getting involved in politics.

In China, the world's second-biggest economy and a major market for the Premier League and other international sports, Ozil was lambasted as "a clown" by state media.

Since that incident English football clubs, including Arsenal, have supported the Black Lives Matter movement after George Floyd was killed in the United States.

Ba drew parallels between football's anti-racism message -- with players "taking a knee" before Premier League games -- with what he said was silence over Xinjiang.

"The Black Lives Matter movement is stronger when non-black people step up for it," Ba said.

"When are we going to see the rest of the world stand up for Muslims?" he asked, accusing clubs of putting "pressure on players not to get involved" in the Uighur question.

"If there was a financial risk to Black Lives Matter, it would not have happened," said Ba, who says he had no problems practising his religion after arriving in China in 2015.

"Arsenal talked about Black Lives Matter but when it was about Uighur lives Arsenal didn't want to talk about it because of the pressure and economic impact.

"When there are financial benefits, some people close their eyes.

"Money has more value than real values."

Former Premier League striker Demba Ba has called on football to condemn China's alleged persecution of its mainly Muslim Uighur minority, and accused the sport of putting money before morals.

Former Premier League striker Demba Ba has called on football to condemn China's alleged persecution of its mainly Muslim Uighur minority, and accused the sport of putting money before morals. The Senegalese international, a Muslim who played more than 50 times for China's Shanghai Shenhua, told the BBC he was prepared to spearhead a movement to "stand up". China's ruling Communist Party is under growing international pressure over the fate of minorities in its northwestern region of Xinjiang. More than one million ethnic Uighurs and other minorities, mostly Muslim Turkic peoples, have been herded into internment camps to undergo political indoctrination, according to rights groups and experts. China says the camps are "vocational education centres" necessary to counter religious extremism and boost employment. Ba, who played for Chelsea, Newcastle United and West Ham United, said: "I have to try and organise something so football players can get together and, in the meantime, talk about this matter because not a lot of people want to. "I know there are footballers who want to fight for justice, whether Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, any belief," added Ba, 35, who now plays for Basaksehir in Turkey. "As sports people, we have a power we don't even know. If we get together and talk, things change. If we stand up, people stand up with us." Ba joins Arsenal's Mesut Ozil in breaking ranks over China's treatment of its Uighurs. The German midfielder spoke out last year, prompting China's state TV to cut its broadcast of an Arsenal game. Ozil last week hit out at what he said was Arsenal's failure to back him. - 'People close their eyes' - Arsenal did not criticise Ozil for making the comments, but posted on China's Twitter-like Weibo that the club "always adheres to the principles" of not getting involved in politics. In China, the world's second-biggest economy and a major market for the Premier League and other international sports, Ozil was lambasted as "a clown" by state media. Since that incident English football clubs, including Arsenal, have supported the Black Lives Matter movement after George Floyd was killed in the United States. Ba drew parallels between football's anti-racism message -- with players "taking a knee" before Premier League games -- with what he said was silence over Xinjiang. "The Black Lives Matter movement is stronger when non-black people step up for it," Ba said. "When are we going to see the rest of the world stand up for Muslims?" he asked, accusing clubs of putting "pressure on players not to get involved" in the Uighur question. "If there was a financial risk to Black Lives Matter, it would not have happened," said Ba, who says he had no problems practising his religion after arriving in China in 2015. "Arsenal talked about Black Lives Matter but when it was about Uighur lives Arsenal didn't want to talk about it because of the pressure and economic impact. "When there are financial benefits, some people close their eyes. "Money has more value than real values."

Demba Ba urges football to 'stand up' over China's Uighurs

Two years on from the embarrassment of being sacked as coach of his country on the eve of a World Cup, Julen Lopetegui has rebuilt his reputation to take Sevilla back to a sixth Europa League final in 14 years.

The Spaniards' success in Europe's second-tier competition is no longer a surprise despite the continued churn of players and coaches without the wealth of the continent's superclubs.

However, a return to the Europa League final for the first time since 2016 on top of a first top-four finish in La Liga for three seasons, is sweet vindication for Lopetegui after a nightmare few months in 2018 threatened to derail his coaching career.

Hopes were high that the former Real Madrid and Barcelona goalkeeper could produce one last hurrah from Spain's golden generation that had won three major tournaments from 2008 to 2012 ahead of the World Cup in Russia.

Spain were unbeaten in Lopetegui's 20 games in charge of the national team, including impressive wins over Argentina, Italy, Belgium and eventual world champions France.

But he paid a heavy price for his own misjudgement and the politics of Spanish football as he accepted the role as Zinedine Zidane's successor at Real Madrid days before the tournament got underway.

Furious Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales fired him two days before Spain's opening match against Portugal in a move that did neither side much good.

Lopetegui returned home a haunted figure as he was presented at the Santiago Bernabeu just a day later and Spain limped out on penalties to Russia in the last 16 after winning just one match in four.

The decision to take the Madrid job was even more misguided as Lopetegui lasted just 14 games and was sacked again by late October.

Sevilla offered a shot at redemption, but also came with a risk. Monchi's return as sporting director kicked off a huge turnover of the playing staff as 17 new players arrived and 28 departed over the course of the season.

Among those to leave were top scorers Wissam Ben Yedder and Pablo Sarabia and replacing them has proved problematic with Lucas Ocampos and Munir El Haddadi the only players to reach double figures for goals this season.

But Lopetegui has constructed a hard team to beat as is evidenced by a club record run of 20 games without defeat either side of a three-month shutdown due to coronavirus.

Only Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid had a better defensive record in La Liga this season and Bruno Fernandes's penalty in the semi-final is the only goal Sevilla they have conceded in three knockout games since arriving in Germany against Roma, Wolves and Manchester United.

"There are always doubts until you really know the coach," Monchi told Marca.&nbsp;

"Julen has pleasantly surprised me. Everyone told me that he was very professional and he's won me over. When I see someone like him I fall in love, so I'm very happy to work with him."

The team-spirit Lopetegui has fostered was clearly on show during the semi-final as Sevilla rode their luck, but showed no little heart to beat United 2-1 with a fraction of the budget of the English giants.

Despite the empty stands in Cologne, Sevilla were roared on by an enthusiastic crowd of substitutes, team directors and staff compared to the largely silent and bemused United contingent.

"We know we have created our own strong and loud support," said Lopetegui of the encouragement from the sidelines.

"It was been a difficult but also a beautiful year," he added on a first season in Seville that is now into its 13th month.

"The team has had the possibility to grow, overcoming obstacles, because of their hard work, solidarity and team spirit."

Sevilla will need to be the better unit again in Friday's final against another European giant with better individuals in Inter Milan.

But after five wins in five previous finals, Sevilla can never be underestimated in the Europa League.

Two years on from the embarrassment of being sacked as coach of his country on the eve of a World Cup, Julen Lopetegui has rebuilt his reputation to take Sevilla back to a sixth Europa League final in 14 years.

Two years on from the embarrassment of being sacked as coach of his country on the eve of a World Cup, Julen Lopetegui has rebuilt his reputation to take Sevilla back to a sixth Europa League final in 14 years. The Spaniards' success in Europe's second-tier competition is no longer a surprise despite the continued churn of players and coaches without the wealth of the continent's superclubs. However, a return to the Europa League final for the first time since 2016 on top of a first top-four finish in La Liga for three seasons, is sweet vindication for Lopetegui after a nightmare few months in 2018 threatened to derail his coaching career. Hopes were high that the former Real Madrid and Barcelona goalkeeper could produce one last hurrah from Spain's golden generation that had won three major tournaments from 2008 to 2012 ahead of the World Cup in Russia. Spain were unbeaten in Lopetegui's 20 games in charge of the national team, including impressive wins over Argentina, Italy, Belgium and eventual world champions France. But he paid a heavy price for his own misjudgement and the politics of Spanish football as he accepted the role as Zinedine Zidane's successor at Real Madrid days before the tournament got underway. Furious Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales fired him two days before Spain's opening match against Portugal in a move that did neither side much good. Lopetegui returned home a haunted figure as he was presented at the Santiago Bernabeu just a day later and Spain limped out on penalties to Russia in the last 16 after winning just one match in four. The decision to take the Madrid job was even more misguided as Lopetegui lasted just 14 games and was sacked again by late October. Sevilla offered a shot at redemption, but also came with a risk. Monchi's return as sporting director kicked off a huge turnover of the playing staff as 17 new players arrived and 28 departed over the course of the season. Among those to leave were top scorers Wissam Ben Yedder and Pablo Sarabia and replacing them has proved problematic with Lucas Ocampos and Munir El Haddadi the only players to reach double figures for goals this season. But Lopetegui has constructed a hard team to beat as is evidenced by a club record run of 20 games without defeat either side of a three-month shutdown due to coronavirus. Only Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid had a better defensive record in La Liga this season and Bruno Fernandes's penalty in the semi-final is the only goal Sevilla they have conceded in three knockout games since arriving in Germany against Roma, Wolves and Manchester United. "There are always doubts until you really know the coach," Monchi told Marca. "Julen has pleasantly surprised me. Everyone told me that he was very professional and he's won me over. When I see someone like him I fall in love, so I'm very happy to work with him." The team-spirit Lopetegui has fostered was clearly on show during the semi-final as Sevilla rode their luck, but showed no little heart to beat United 2-1 with a fraction of the budget of the English giants. Despite the empty stands in Cologne, Sevilla were roared on by an enthusiastic crowd of substitutes, team directors and staff compared to the largely silent and bemused United contingent. "We know we have created our own strong and loud support," said Lopetegui of the encouragement from the sidelines. "It was been a difficult but also a beautiful year," he added on a first season in Seville that is now into its 13th month. "The team has had the possibility to grow, overcoming obstacles, because of their hard work, solidarity and team spirit." Sevilla will need to be the better unit again in Friday's final against another European giant with better individuals in Inter Milan. But after five wins in five previous finals, Sevilla can never be underestimated in the Europa League.

Discarded by Spain and Real Madrid, Lopetegui finds salvation at Sevilla

Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick says the treble-chasing Germans need to tighten their defence against Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's Champions League final after some nervous early moments in their 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon.

Flick's side made a shaky start on Wednesday in Lisbon as Lyon captain Memphis Depay fired wide, then Karl Ekambi hit the post before man-of-the-match Serge Gnabry settled Bayern's nerves with two first-half goals.

Robert Lewandowski headed home his 15th Champions League goal of the season two minutes from the final whistle as Bayern claimed a record-equalling 10th straight win in Europe.

"Lyon fought hard and made things hard for us, we know PSG have quick players and we will have to organise our defence differently," said Flick, whose side scored 42 goals in 10 Champions League games to reach the final.

"Paris are a great team, they fought their way into the semi-final and then reached the final.

"We know they have quick players, but we know our biggest strength is putting our opponents under pressure."

Having already lifted the Bundesliga shield and German Cup this season, Bayern captain Manuel Neuer is relishing the chance of also lifting the Champions League trophy.

Victory over PSG would seal only the second treble in Bayern's history after their 2013 triple success.

Neuer expects a busy night against a star-studded PSG attack boasting Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel di Maria.

"Paris has an attack with big names. There are always a lot of goals with Bayern and PSG," said Germany goalkeeper Neuer.

"Two great teams in this final, it will be a good game for the fans to watch.

"We are very happy to be in the final.

He added: "The difference compared to 2013 team is that the squad is larger.

"We won in 2013 with fewer players, now we have a fantastic group with a good atmosphere in the squad. There are also no killjoys."

For Canadian teenager Alphonso Davies, reaching the Champions League final at the age of 19 is a "dream come true."

Having already helped inflict misery on his hero Lionel Messi in the 8-2 quarter-final drubbing of Barcelona, Davies is delighted to now face Neymar and PSG.

"It's everything you can ask for," said Davies.

"It feels good, everyone's happy and playing well."

Davies says his Bayern team-mates "have basically won everything, but they're still excited. They're still hungry to win this one."

The teenager expects the goals to fly come Sunday.

"Paris are a good team and it's going to be a good game, there's going to be goals in it," he said.

"This is what you dream of as a footballer – playing against the best in Europe. I'm excited."

Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick says the treble-chasing Germans need to tighten their defence against Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's Champions League final after some nervous early moments in their 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon.

Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick says the treble-chasing Germans need to tighten their defence against Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's Champions League final after some nervous early moments in their 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon. Flick's side made a shaky start on Wednesday in Lisbon as Lyon captain Memphis Depay fired wide, then Karl Ekambi hit the post before man-of-the-match Serge Gnabry settled Bayern's nerves with two first-half goals. Robert Lewandowski headed home his 15th Champions League goal of the season two minutes from the final whistle as Bayern claimed a record-equalling 10th straight win in Europe. "Lyon fought hard and made things hard for us, we know PSG have quick players and we will have to organise our defence differently," said Flick, whose side scored 42 goals in 10 Champions League games to reach the final. "Paris are a great team, they fought their way into the semi-final and then reached the final. "We know they have quick players, but we know our biggest strength is putting our opponents under pressure." Having already lifted the Bundesliga shield and German Cup this season, Bayern captain Manuel Neuer is relishing the chance of also lifting the Champions League trophy. Victory over PSG would seal only the second treble in Bayern's history after their 2013 triple success. Neuer expects a busy night against a star-studded PSG attack boasting Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel di Maria. "Paris has an attack with big names. There are always a lot of goals with Bayern and PSG," said Germany goalkeeper Neuer. "Two great teams in this final, it will be a good game for the fans to watch. "We are very happy to be in the final. He added: "The difference compared to 2013 team is that the squad is larger. "We won in 2013 with fewer players, now we have a fantastic group with a good atmosphere in the squad. There are also no killjoys." For Canadian teenager Alphonso Davies, reaching the Champions League final at the age of 19 is a "dream come true." Having already helped inflict misery on his hero Lionel Messi in the 8-2 quarter-final drubbing of Barcelona, Davies is delighted to now face Neymar and PSG. "It's everything you can ask for," said Davies. "It feels good, everyone's happy and playing well." Davies says his Bayern team-mates "have basically won everything, but they're still excited. They're still hungry to win this one." The teenager expects the goals to fly come Sunday. "Paris are a good team and it's going to be a good game, there's going to be goals in it," he said. "This is what you dream of as a footballer – playing against the best in Europe. I'm excited."

Bayern must tighten defence against PSG in Champions League final, warns Flick

Serge Gnabry struck a first-half brace and Robert Lewandowski also scored as a ruthless Bayern Munich taught Lyon a harsh lesson in their Champions League semi-final in Lisbon on Wednesday, winning 3-0 to set up a tantalising final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Lyon squandered two golden opportunities to go ahead early on at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, through Memphis Depay and Karl Toko-Ekambi.

Within seconds of the latter miss, Gnabry had blasted Bayern into an 18th-minute lead in stunning style, and the Germany winger scored again just after the half-hour mark.

Gnabry, who scored four times in Bayern's 7-2 annihilation of Tottenham Hotspur in the group stage, has now scored nine in nine appearances in this season's competition.

Lewandowski's inevitable goal, his 55th of the season, came two minutes from time.

Bayern as a team have 42 goals in 10 Champions League outings, with this more modest victory following their 8-2 trouncing of Barcelona in the quarter-finals.

"We knew this would be a hard game," insisted coach Hansi Flick. "We needed a bit of luck to get through the opening stages before Serge made the difference."

They have won all their European matches this season but the biggest test awaits, against a PSG side who will be a step up from what they faced here.

Lyon came seventh in the last French season, which was shortened because of the coronavirus pandemic. PSG won Ligue 1 and crushed RB Leipzig 3-0 in their semi-final.

It promises to be an enthralling final, even in the bizarre atmosphere behind closed doors in Portugal's capital.

"For me, it's a dream come true. Playing in the UEFA Champions League and making it to the final. It's everything you can ask for," Bayern's Alphonso Davies told BT Sport.&nbsp;

The German champions will be looking to win their sixth European Cup, seven years on from their last Champions League triumph. It will be their 11th final altogether, against a club appearing in their first ever final.

For Lyon there will be disappointment as their second semi-final appearance ends the same way as their first, a defeat by Bayern in 2010.

<h2>- Step too far -</h2>

This was a step too far for Rudi Garcia's side following their shock successes against Juventus and Manchester City.

Now they must rouse themselves for a new Ligue 1 season which is just about to start, but there will be no European football at all for Lyon in 2020/21, for the first time in 24 years.

They would have had to win this Champions League just to qualify again, and to be fair they will wonder what might have been in this semi-final had they taken at least one of those early chances.

"Congratulations to Bayern. I don't think they were unbeatable," said Toko-Ekambi. "We had chances to score and we played well."

Bayern certainly take risks with their incredibly high line, inviting opponents to try to get in behind them.

Lyon's chance arrived inside the fourth minute. Maxence Caqueret intercepted a Thiago Alcantara pass, looked up and released Depay. The Dutchman went round Manuel Neuer but, with the angle tightening, he could only find the side-netting with his shot.

<h2>- Astonishing transformation -</h2>

The next big let-off for the Bavarians came when Leo Dubois sent a pass in behind for Toko-Ekambi. He got his shot away at the second attempt but hit the upright.

Just 49 seconds after that, Lyon were behind.

Gnabry cut in from the right into the middle before letting fly from just inside the box. His thumping left-foot strike gave Anthony Lopes no chance.

It was a different game after that and Gnabry made it 2-0 in the 33rd minute.

He stole possession in the Lyon half and laid the ball out to Ivan Perisic. The Croatian's low cross should have been converted by Lewandowski. Lopes saved from him but Gnabry converted the follow-up.

Substitute Philippe Coutinho had a late effort disallowed for offside, before Lewandowski made it 3-0 as he headed home Joshua Kimmich's free-kick.

Bayern now have 20 consecutive victories and are unbeaten in 29 matches, a run that began last December. Just a few weeks before that Bayern were in a mess, having sacked coach Niko Kovac.

The transformation under Flick has been astonishing and they are now 90 minutes away from ending this longest of seasons with a treble.

Serge Gnabry struck a first-half brace and Robert Lewandowski also scored as a ruthless Bayern Munich taught Lyon a harsh lesson in their Champions League semi-final in Lisbon on Wednesday, winning 3-0 to set up a tantalising final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Serge Gnabry struck a first-half brace and Robert Lewandowski also scored as a ruthless Bayern Munich taught Lyon a harsh lesson in their Champions League semi-final in Lisbon on Wednesday, winning 3-0 to set up a tantalising final against Paris Saint-Germain. Lyon squandered two golden opportunities to go ahead early on at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, through Memphis Depay and Karl Toko-Ekambi. Within seconds of the latter miss, Gnabry had blasted Bayern into an 18th-minute lead in stunning style, and the Germany winger scored again just after the half-hour mark. Gnabry, who scored four times in Bayern's 7-2 annihilation of Tottenham Hotspur in the group stage, has now scored nine in nine appearances in this season's competition. Lewandowski's inevitable goal, his 55th of the season, came two minutes from time. Bayern as a team have 42 goals in 10 Champions League outings, with this more modest victory following their 8-2 trouncing of Barcelona in the quarter-finals. "We knew this would be a hard game," insisted coach Hansi Flick. "We needed a bit of luck to get through the opening stages before Serge made the difference." They have won all their European matches this season but the biggest test awaits, against a PSG side who will be a step up from what they faced here. Lyon came seventh in the last French season, which was shortened because of the coronavirus pandemic. PSG won Ligue 1 and crushed RB Leipzig 3-0 in their semi-final. It promises to be an enthralling final, even in the bizarre atmosphere behind closed doors in Portugal's capital. "For me, it's a dream come true. Playing in the UEFA Champions League and making it to the final. It's everything you can ask for," Bayern's Alphonso Davies told BT Sport. The German champions will be looking to win their sixth European Cup, seven years on from their last Champions League triumph. It will be their 11th final altogether, against a club appearing in their first ever final. For Lyon there will be disappointment as their second semi-final appearance ends the same way as their first, a defeat by Bayern in 2010. - Step too far - This was a step too far for Rudi Garcia's side following their shock successes against Juventus and Manchester City. Now they must rouse themselves for a new Ligue 1 season which is just about to start, but there will be no European football at all for Lyon in 2020/21, for the first time in 24 years. They would have had to win this Champions League just to qualify again, and to be fair they will wonder what might have been in this semi-final had they taken at least one of those early chances. "Congratulations to Bayern. I don't think they were unbeatable," said Toko-Ekambi. "We had chances to score and we played well." Bayern certainly take risks with their incredibly high line, inviting opponents to try to get in behind them. Lyon's chance arrived inside the fourth minute. Maxence Caqueret intercepted a Thiago Alcantara pass, looked up and released Depay. The Dutchman went round Manuel Neuer but, with the angle tightening, he could only find the side-netting with his shot. - Astonishing transformation - The next big let-off for the Bavarians came when Leo Dubois sent a pass in behind for Toko-Ekambi. He got his shot away at the second attempt but hit the upright. Just 49 seconds after that, Lyon were behind. Gnabry cut in from the right into the middle before letting fly from just inside the box. His thumping left-foot strike gave Anthony Lopes no chance. It was a different game after that and Gnabry made it 2-0 in the 33rd minute. He stole possession in the Lyon half and laid the ball out to Ivan Perisic. The Croatian's low cross should have been converted by Lewandowski. Lopes saved from him but Gnabry converted the follow-up. Substitute Philippe Coutinho had a late effort disallowed for offside, before Lewandowski made it 3-0 as he headed home Joshua Kimmich's free-kick. Bayern now have 20 consecutive victories and are unbeaten in 29 matches, a run that began last December. Just a few weeks before that Bayern were in a mess, having sacked coach Niko Kovac. The transformation under Flick has been astonishing and they are now 90 minutes away from ending this longest of seasons with a treble.

Gnabry and Lewandowski fire ruthless Bayern into Champions League final

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Subhayan Chakraborty

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.