at the close

At the close of the Cold War in 1991, Washington became the planet’s sole superpower, using its hegemony to forcefully promote a wide-open global economy — forming the World Trade Organization in 1995, pressing open-market "reforms" on developing economies and knocking down tariff barriers worldwide.

At the close of last season, many fans wanted to know if these two would ever hook up.

Pakistan stumbled to 73-3 at the close, leaving the visitors favourites to win the series.

And although Pakistan were reduced to 19-2 inside the first 10 overs, a century from debutant Kamran Ghulam led the hosts to 259-5 at the close of day one.

Separately, DirecTV agreed to assume $9.9 billion of Dish’s debt at the close of the EchoStar transaction.