Zimbabwe stumble to 110 for 9 in pursuit of 175

Hemant Brar02-Sep-2021Batting might and Mark Adair’s four-wicket haul powered Ireland to a 64-run win over Zimbabwe in the fourth T20I in Bready. With that victory, the hosts also pocketed the series as they now have an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match rubber.After Ireland were put in, Kevin O’Brien (47 off 39) and Paul Stirling
39 off 33) added 89 in 10.1 overs for the first wicket to set the platform. Andy Balbirnie then smashed a 22-ball 36 and at one stage Ireland were eyeing a total in excess of 180. The Zimbabwe bowlers, though, bowled well in the death overs to restrict them to 174 for 4.It was still a formidable total, which appeared even more daunting for Zimbabwe in the absence of allrounder Ryan Burl, who sprained his ankle just before the toss and was ruled out of the match. Adair then compounded their problems as he sent back Tadiwanashe Marumani, Regis Chakabva and Dion Myers inside the first four overs and reduced them to 25 for 3.Two overs later, Craig Young made it 30 for 4 by dismissing Wessley Madhevere. Zimbabwe could never recover from there.Stirling, O’Brien make merry
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine opted to bowl on an overcast afternoon. His decision seemed to be paying dividends when Ireland could manage only 19 from the first three overs.But the fourth over opened the floodgates. O’Brien launched Donald Tiripano’s second ball over long-off for a six before the seamer sent down three wides and a beamer. At the other end, Stirling struck two fours off Richard Ngarava. A returning Blessing Muzarabani wasn’t spared either. O’Brien pulled and cut him for three successive fours as Ireland finished the powerplay on 57.That Ervine used his bowlers in one-over spells for the first half of the innings didn’t help either. The bowlers couldn’t settle into a rhythm and struggled with their lines and lengths. The result was not only the scoring opportunities but also extras down the leg side. O’Brien and Stirling didn’t miss out on those gifts.Masakadza’s double-strike brings little respite
Wellington Masakadza eventually broke the opening stand with O’Brien’s wicket. The batter went inside out, aerially towards long-off, where Milton Shumba took an excellent catch diving forward. Soon after, he had Stirling too, caught at extra cover, when the batter top-edged a heave.Balbirnie, though, didn’t let Zimbabwe breathe easily. After being on a run-a-ball 5, he launched an all-out attack. He swept Madhevere for a four and a six before hitting Tiripano for back-to-back fours, the second of which was a result of a poor fielding – another facet of the game Zimbabwe were found lacking in. The only consolation for Zimbabwe was that they conceded only 40 from the last five overs.Adair rocks Zimbabwe’s chase
Zimbabwe needed a quick start to give themselves any chance of chasing down Ireland’s total. Their openers Marumani and Madhevere took seven off the opening over, bowled by Craig Young. After that everything went downhill for them as Adair struck with the first ball of the second over. Bowling around the wicket to the left-handed Marumani, he pitched it up only for the batter to chip a return catch.In his next over, Adair had Chakabva caught down the leg side, although the batter’s reaction hinted he probably didn’t nick it. Two balls later, he uprooted Myers’ leg stump with an inswinging yorker. He would return in the 18th over to pick up Muzarabani.Ervine tried to anchor the chase but there was no support for him. By the ninth over, half of the Zimbabwe side was back in the pavilion and by the tenth, the asking rate had crossed 12. In those circumstances, Ervine’s 30-ball 28 and an unbroken 24-run stand for the last wicket, between Luke Jongwe and Richard Ngarava, only reduced the margin of the defeat.

Mikel Arteta admitted he will be "really proud" to manage England in the future following Thomas Tuchel's controversial appointment.

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• Arteta open to becoming Three Lions boss
• Insisted that he feels "inspired" by the country
• Will take a "lot of pride" if he manages England

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Football Association’s (FA) decision to hire the German coach as England's next manager has prompted mixed reactions. While many fans and pundits are excited about Tuchel's tactical expertise, others believe the position should have been offered to an English coach with former internationals Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher being particularly vocal with their criticism.

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  Despite the controversy surrounding Tuchel’s appointment, Arteta has taken a different stance. The Arsenal boss has welcomed the decision, arguing that the FA should focus on selecting the best candidate for the job, regardless of nationality and also emphasised that Tuchel’s appointment should not be seen as a reflection of poor coaching standards in England.

• WHAT ARTETA SAID

  Speaking to reporters, Arteta explained: "I understand the opinions and the feelings. That’s the responsibility for the FA to say the first filter is only English managers or the filters are any manager from any country and we select the best for the moment that we’re in right now. I understand that it can feel sad for some people not to have an English manager. History tells you how important this could be as well."

• ARTETA TO BECOME FUTURE ENGLAND MANAGER?

  Arteta’s connection to English football runs deep. As a player, he once considered switching allegiances from Spain to England during Fabio Capello’s tenure as England coach but the move was ultimately blocked by FIFA regulations. However, he remains open to taking a place in the English dugout in the future.

  He told reporters: "I think I would take a lot of pride as well at how many people would do anything to be the England manager. That’s related to how we’re treated in this country as foreigners, the passion, the respect, the history and the way that things are done in this country. I can say personally that when you are not from here. I think there are very few countries that could say that."

  When asked whether he would only stick to managing Spain, he dismissed the notion and further clarified: "No – I’ll tell you right now, the feeling I have being here for 22 years. I have that feeling towards it because I always feel respected, welcomed and inspired by this country and the history of football and how you get treated daily. I think that’s something you should be really proud of."

The England seamer will play no part in the Test series against India, the T20 World Cup or the Ashes

George Dobell05-Aug-2021

Jofra Archer has been ruled out of all cricket for the rest of the year following a recurrence of a stress fracture in his right elbow.Archer, the England fast bowler, was forced home from the tour of India at the start of the year and subsequently forced to pull out of the IPL due to pain in the elbow. He underwent surgery to remove a bone fragment from the elbow in May.After returning to bowling with his county side, Sussex, in recent weeks he felt increasing discomfort and was sent for further scans. These revealed he had suffered a recurrence of the stress fracture that first became apparent in South Africa at the start of 2020. The ECB insists that the operation and stress fracture are not connected.Related

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As a result, the ECB has announced he will play no part in the LV= Insurance Test series against India, the T20 World Cup or the Ashes.Given that he has only played six Tests, three ODIs and 11 T20Is since he was first troubled by the problem, the news is bound to raise question marks about Archer’s future career. While he is, at 26, young enough to come again, it remains to be seen if he will opt to limit himself to a career in white-ball cricket in a bid to alleviate further such issues.The news is a crushing blow to England’s Ashes hopes. They had aimed to utilise an attack including Archer, Mark Wood and Ollie Stone in Australia with hope of exploiting the pace and bounce in the surfaces. Stone, too, is currently recovering from a stress fracture of the lower back.Whatever occurs in Archer’s future, his place in England’s cricketing history is assured. As the man who led their attack throughout the 2019 World Cup – including bowling the Super Over in the final – he played a huge part in their success. He produced several spells in the Ashes series that followed – notably at Lord’s – which were as quick as anything produced by an England bowler in many, many years.At that stage, it seemed Archer and England were at the start of an exciting journey. This news will raise concerns over how much more there is to come from him.

Chelsea are closing in on signing another young prospect for new boss Enzo Maresca ahead of the new Premier League season, it has emerged.

Blues miss out on Olise

For the second summer in a row, it seems as though Chelsea will not be signing Michael Olise. The Blues were keen on the Crystal Palace man last summer, but he penned a new deal at Selhurst Park. 12 months on, they once again attempted to sign the Frenchman, only for Bayern Munich to swoop in for the winger, who scored 10 goals last season in just 19 appearances.

It comes as a blow to the Blues, who are now in the market for another winger before the new season to provide cover to young duo Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudyrk, both of whom have blown hot and (largely) cold during their time at Stamford Bridge.

First though, they seem set on bolstering their no.9 spot with Romelu Lukaku seemingly on the market, and have made a move for another young player.

Chelsea closing in on £5m deal

Now an update has been forthcoming on Chelsea's chase of a new striker, in the shape of a move for Barca starlet Marc Guiu. The striker has seen himself starved of first team opportunities at Barcelona, but has taken them when offered.

Chelsea could axe Badiashile by signing £34m Euro 2024 star

The Blues are reportedly interested in the 2024 European Championship centre-back.

ByDan Emery Jun 24, 2024

In fact, he became the youngest ever player to score on his debut for the Catalan giants when he found a winner against Athletic Bilbao earlier in the season, a strike that came just 23 seconds after he was sent on in search of a goal.

It was the first of seven appearances under Xavi last term, which included two starts and in which he found the back of the net on one further occasion, though his last appearance came in March.

Marc Guiu for Barcelona

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7

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2

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2

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2

And with the midseason arrival of Vitor Roque, it has left Guiu considering his options as he heads into the final year of his roughly £1,000 per week deal in Catalonia. Enter Chelsea.

As per Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are ready to rescue him from Camp Nou and offer him a chance in west London as they search for backup and competition for Nicolas Jackson, who endured a tough campaign last time out despite scoring 14 Premier League goals.

To that end, Romano reports that the Blues are ready to trigger his 6m euro release clause and have already sent their contract proposal to the Spaniard, with an agreement on that getting "closer". After a positive weekend of talks, they have overtaken Bayern Munich for the 18-year-old and an agreement over a "long term deal" is progressing, though Barcelona have also offered him the chance to stay at Camp Nou with a new contract with the club.

Barcelona are reportedly plotting a swoop for Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, who is into the final 12 months of his current contract.

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Salah's future at Liverpool is uncertainStar forward yet to renew contractBarca linked with potential moveFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Salah's future remains the subject of speculation as the Egyptian star heads towards the end of his current deal that expires in the summer of 2025. The 32-year-old is willing to listen to offers and may receive one from Barcelona, according to . The Catalans spoke to Salah in 2021, before he renewed with Liverpool, but could not progress negotiations due to the Reds' high asking price and Salah's wage demands. Yet the situation may be different next summer, particularly as Salah will be available on a free transfer if he does not sign a new contract at Anfield.

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Salah has yet to reveal his plans for the future but offered a cryptic update after scoring against Brighton last time out. The forward wrote on social media that he will never forget what it feels like to score at Anfield "no matter what happens." Salah would surely not lack for offers if he does decide on a new challenge after playing a starring role for Liverpool since joining the club from Roma in 2017. He has also shown few signs of slowing down, despite his advancing years, and has been in fine form once again in the current campaign with nine goals already for the Reds in all competitions.

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Barcelona certainly aren't lacking for goals this season. Hansi Flick's side have scored 40 goals in La Liga in 2024-25, the second-highest scoring record after their first 12 games of the season in their entire history.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR SALAH

Liverpool fans face a nervous wait to see whether Salah opts to continue his career at Anfield past the end of the season. Barcelona may be one of a host of clubs keeping tabs on the Egyptian's situation but are also thought to be willing to reignite their interest in Spain star Nico Williams next summer.

Former Sri Lanka captain and batter Hashan Tillakaratne has been appointed the new head coach of the Sri Lanka women’s team, SLC confirmed on Wednesday.He took up the role officially on June 1 and will be contracted up to December 31, 2021. It is understood that an extension is a mere formality, with SLC set to renew several contracts at the end of the year. Tillakaratne will likely be in the position for a further two to three years.His first job will be in preparing the team for the 2022 ODI World Cup and Commonwealth Games qualifiers scheduled for early next year. SLC also confirmed that it is looking at arranging “one or two” tours in the next few months. The Sri Lanka women’s team hasn’t played any international cricket since the T20 World Cup last March, owing to the pandemic.”It’s an honour and a privilege to work with the girls,” Tillakaratne told ESPNcricinfo. “They’re very talented and skilful. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”Tillakaratne, a World Cup winner who was also in charge of the Sri Lanka Under-19 side from 2018 to 2020, is the most high-profile appointment for the post of women’s head coach. The move, he believes, is a sign that SLC is seriously looking at popularising the women’s game in the country.”What they want is to justify the money being put into women’s cricket by the ICC,” Tillakaratne said. “Everyone knows about Chamari Athapaththu, but there are other talented girls also. They just need to be handled properly.”While Tillakaratne hasn’t had a chance to link up with his players yet, in his capacity as coach in Sri Lanka’s high-performance set-up he had seen several of the national players first-hand. As such, he already has a few plans on where improvements can be made.”We need to analyse and identify what our strengths are. One key aspect I’m looking at is their fitness. Right now, the girls are doing their fitness workouts on their own, and they’re sending us over their video clips. So they’re quite keen and committed, that’s a plus point.”During his playing career, Tillakaratne was renowned for his dogged displays with the bat and his impressive close-in fielding. In 83 Tests, he racked up 4,545 runs at an average of 42.87, while his 200 ODIs brought him 3789 runs at 29.60. Having made his debut in 1986, he retired from international cricket in 2004 and all forms of cricket in 2006, before turning his eye towards coaching.

They have had issues handling high-pressure situations and the improvements they’ve made via the WPL will be put to the test against New Zealand

S Sudarshanan20-Oct-20253:53

‘India’s botched chases feel like déjà vu’

When India fell agonisingly short of a world title twice in three years – the ODI World Cup 2017 and the T20 World Cup in 2020 – the failure to cross the line was attributed to an inability to handle pressure. Specifically, the kind that comes with a trophy on the line.The Women’s Premier League (WPL) came in to help the players do better in that regard. It is three seasons old, and the fourth is just months away, yet India’s old habits of stumbling with victory in sight have continued.Mumbai 2023. Perth 2024. Even Delhi 2025 though they were up against a target of 412. And most gallingly, Indore 2025.This is the list of ODI chases that India, in the Amol Muzumdar-Harmanpreet Kaur regime, were in full control of and then let go. Their latest one, the four-run defeat against England on Sunday, has left them facing a difficult path forward in the Women’s World Cup 2025. There is only one semi-final spot left and four teams are vying for it.Harmanpreet Kaur reacts as things just don’t go to plan•ICC/Getty ImagesIt is no surprise that Australia were India’s opponents in three of these four occasions. Each of them followed a pattern of India losing wickets in a heap and losing from a fairly comfortable position. Take the Perth ODI, for example. India were 184 for 3 after 35 overs in their chase of 299. Smriti Mandhana had just completed her century, Jemimah Rodrigues was off to a fluent start and India needed 115 off 90 balls. Mandhana fell in the next over, a collapse of 7 for 26 ensued, and India were bowled out for 215.Two years ago, at Wankhede Stadium, India squandered an ask of 41 off 38 balls with a target only 259. Once Richa Ghosh was dismissed for 96, India lost 4 for 25 and did not get the final kick, falling short by three runs.In Delhi, India gave an almighty go at a world-record target. Mandhana hit the second-fastest ODI hundred and kept the challenge alive. Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana’s eighth-wicket partnership raised unlikely hopes. Then India lost 3 for 15 to end on 369. No team should be pulled up for being unable to chase 413 but the significance of that chase is that, just like on Sunday, they were without Rodrigues. They were a batter short, having to paper over other concerns.5:13

‘Fans need to temper expectations with India’

In cases like this – when resources have run dry – experience matters more than training. The BCCI Centre of Excellence (COE, earlier the National Cricket Academy) has world-class facilities, which has helped a lot of players work on particular aspects of the game. India’s domestic system is also vast and robust. All of their players have come up through the ranks showing a great deal of ability. But a domestic game – or upskilling sessions – cannot be compared to a stage as big as a World Cup. Here, nerves can get the better of even the most hardened people.Related

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'The emotions took over' – Mandhana takes blame for Sunday heartbreak

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So, clearly there is work to do but some of it is already done. The WPL’s emergence has, to an extent, helped condition players to the spotlight, and increased stakes. It is held at major Indian venues, and matches are often played in front of packed houses and for prime-time television audiences. Crucially, it has even yielded two key players who are part of this World Cup – fast bowler Kranti Gaud and left-arm spinner N Shree Charani.Gaud has been rising steadily over the years in domestic cricket and picked up 4 for 25 in last year’s Senior Women’s T20 Trophy final against Bengal. Charani impressed with her defensive skills during the Senior Women’s T20 Challenger Trophy in 2022. These performances were noticed thanks to the scouts from various WPL teams being present at tournaments that often go largely unnoticed. Both of them got picked for WPL 2025 by UP Warriorz and Delhi Capitals respectively, and now have played all of India’s five World Cup matches. This, from not being in the national radar until six-seven months ago.Kranti Gaud is proof of how the WPL is helping bring more players to the Indian team•ICC via Getty ImagesIn the not-so-distant past, Gaud and Charani might have been toiling away at the lower levels, waiting for their big break like many others. Like Kashvee Gautam, who has been grabbing headlines since 2020 when she picked up all 10 wickets in an innings in an Under-19 one-day game. She finally got to play for India this year after a stint with Gujarat Giants helped boost her profile. Domestic performances have visibility now because of the WPL.Despite all of this, India have been found wanting under pressure, which means other areas need to be explored.Just before the T20 World Cup in the UAE last year, the Indian players had sessions with sports psychologist Mughda Bavare, who had also worked with the team during the 2022 ODI World Cup. At the time Harmanpreet spoke glowingly of the impact these sessions had on her.In an interview with ESPNcricinfo earlier this year, Pratika Rawal, a psychology student, also touched upon the powers of the mind: “Studying psychology helped me understand myself. It taught me why a certain human behaves in a certain way in a certain situation. How you think will show in how you walk. If someone is nervous, other teams can know that and will use it against you. If they can take advantage, why can’t you?”4:09

‘Losses will raise questions about India’s mindset’

Rodrigues also toed a similar line in a chat with : “When you’re playing sport at such a high level, the pressure is immense. Many can’t understand what we go through. And sometimes we ourselves don’t understand why we feel the way we feel. But it’s so nice that we get professional help where we can talk these things out. It’s like you can train your mind also. If you can retrain your mind to think in the right direction, maybe that will change your performance, the way you are, [bring about] the outcomes you desire also.”Skills wise, India have been challenging the likes of Australia and England like no other team ever has. But when it comes to the battle of the mind and the nerves, they still have a bit of work to do. That was the case in Indore on Sunday, when they moved away from a trusted combination of six batters and five bowlers. They could once again tweak personnel in order to rebalance the XI ahead of next high-profile clash against New Zealand.The only positive for them is that they will play all the remaining games at the World Cup, including the knockouts if they qualify, at the DY Patil Stadium, a venue they are very familiar with. If they do that, Navi Mumbai 2025 may not need to be added to the list.

The story of how South Africa won one out of their first five Tests and then remained unbeaten in their next seven

Firdose Moonda07-Jun-20256:55

Philander: ‘SA will put up massive fight against favourites Australia’

1st Test vs India, Centurion: won by an innings and 32 runs

Dean Elgar’s daddy hundred in his penultimate Test set up a massive victory for South Africa, ensured they could not lose the series and that the country remained India’s final frontier. Elgar’s 185 came after South Africa’s decision to go in all-pace paid off as Kagiso Rabada’s 14th five-for left India splintered around KL Rahul’s second hundred at Centurion. Elgar had support from David Bedingham, who scored 56 on debut and Marco Jansen, who scored 84 at No. 7, and South Africa took a 163-run first innings lead.It proved enough as the combination of Rabada, left-arm seamer Nandre Burger (also on debut) and Gerald Coetzee dismissed India for 131, with Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill the only second innings batters to get into double figures. South Africa did lose something: their captain, Temba Bavuma to a hamstring injury.Jasprit Bumrah shared the Player-of-the-Series award with Dean Elgar•Gallo Images/Getty Images

2nd Test vs India, Cape Town: lost by 7 wickets

Things went from the sublime to the ridiculous as Newlands played host to the shortest Test – which lasted just seven overs more than a full ODI – and South Africa were bowled out for their lowest total in a hundred years. Mohammed Siraj took 6 for 15 in the first innings as all but two South African batters – Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne – got past ten.India’s response showed signs the surface was improving and led by Kohli’s 46, they scratched together 153. Against the run of play, Aiden Markram produced his seventh Test hundred but Jasprit Bumrah’s 6 for 61 made a mess of South Africa and left India a target of 79. They reached in 12 overs, after lunch on the second day, to share the series spoils. The pitch later received an unsatisfactory rating from the ICC.Rachin Ravindra smashed his maiden Test double century in just his seventh innings•Getty Images

1st Test vs New Zealand, Mount Maunganui: lost by 281 runs

And then from the ridiculous to the barely believable when South Africa took a squad with seven uncapped players to New Zealand as almost all their frontliners were engaged with their new T20 tournament: the SA20. Six made their debut in this Test and it was evident how deep the gulf was between them and New Zealand.A century from Kane Williamson and a career-best 240 from Rachin Ravindra saw New Zealand pile on 511. They bowled South Africa out for 162 and, as if to make a point, batted again. Williamson scored a second-innings ton too and New Zealand left South Africa a humongous 529 to chase. At 5 for 2, it was clear what the outcome would be. South Africa were bowled out for 247 in what can only be described as an embarrassing state of affairs.Kane Williamson became the quickest (number of innings) to 32 Test centuries•Getty Images

2nd Test vs New Zealand, Hamilton: lost by 7 wickets

A more competitive South African side had moments where they looked as though they would pull off an upset for the ages when they took a 31-run first innings lead over New Zealand and then set them a target of 267. The notable performances came from the more established names – Dane Piedt, on comeback from the United States, who took 5 for 89 in the first innings and eight wickets in the match – and Bedingham, who shunned the SA20 for a chance at an international career and scored his first, and to date only, hundred.But there was no stopping Williamson, whose 133* saw New Zealand home and earned them their first series win over South Africa. South Africa’s coach Shukri Conrad binned the tour as an aberration, which he likened to “when Burnley went to Anfield,” and it has been referred to in those terms ever since.Keshav Maharaj picked eight wickets for the match•AFP/Getty Images

1st Test vs West Indies, Port of Spain: drawn

A stung South African side – some of whom had just lost their first ICC white-ball final – regrouped in the Caribbean with a herculean task on their hands. They had to win seven of their eight remaining Tests to have any chance of qualifying for the WTC final. Bavuma returned and scored 86 in the first innings in Trinidad before Rabada and Keshav Maharaj combined to take seven wickets and leave South Africa in control with a 124-run first innings lead. With rain around and victory on their minds, South Africa declared on 173 for 3 and left West Indies 298 to chase. At 64 for 3, South Africa would have sensed victory but despite Maharaj’s best efforts, time and 92 from Alick Athanaze denied South Africa and left their campaign hanging by a thread.Wiaan Mulder put up an all-round show•AFP/Getty Images

2nd Test vs West Indies, Guyana: won by 40 runs

Being bowled out for 160 in their first innings – thanks largely to Shamar Joseph’s 5 for 33 – could have been enough to make that string snap, but the stirrings of a comeback began when South Africa bowled West Indies out for 144. Markram’s 51 and Verreynne’s 59 held together a second innings effort of 246 and left West Indies 263 to chase. They were 104 for 6 when Gudakesh Motie and Joshua da Silva put 77 for the seventh wicket and things seemed to be getting away from South Africa. But, Maharaj broke the stand and took three of the last four wickets to give South Africa a tense win and put them back on track.Kyle Verreynne is all smiles after getting to his second Test century•AFP/Getty Images

1st Test vs Bangladesh, Mirpur: won by 7 wickets

Bangladesh were stunned by a South African attack with two frontline spinners (Piedt had been retained from the wreckage of New Zealand) who bowled them out for 106 but responded strongly to leave South Africa 99 for 5 in the reply. A lower-order rescue act between Verreynne, who scored his second century, and Wiaan Mulder saw South Africa score 308 and hold the advantage. Rabada left Bangladesh reeling with a second six-innings 6 for 46 but Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s 97 and Jaker Ali’s 58 kept South Africa in the field for a ball short of 90 overs. Bangladesh scored 307 and, in poetic synchrony, set South Africa 106 to win. They got there with a few jitters, and without Bavuma. He had re-injured his elbow, after it was a concern in 2022, and Markram led the side.Tony de Zorzi celebrates his maiden ton•AFP/Getty Images

2nd Test vs Bangladesh, Chattogram: won by an innings and 273 runs

Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs and Mulder all scored their first Test centuries in an innings that marked the rebirth of South Africa’s batting prowess after a dearth of hundreds. They declared on 565 for 6, confident they had more than enough. Rabada took a second successive Test five-for in Bangladesh’s first innings, where they made 159, and followed-on. Maharaj claimed 5 for 59 in the second innings as he and Rabada bookended both South Africa’s bowling experience and their success. The match was over inside three days as South Africa claimed a first series win in the subcontinent in more than a decade, since beating Sri Lanka in 2014. Many members of the squad, including Maharaj, have identified this as the turning point that gave South Africa the belief they could go all the way.Marco Jansen finished with 11 wickets for the match•AFP/Getty Images

1st Test vs Sri Lanka, Durban: won by 233 runs

South Africa’s home summer began with great expectation as Bavuma was back from injury and initially, a sense of dread. He top-scored with 70 in Durban but South Africa were bowled out for 191 against a Sri Lankan side with more pace variety than had toured this country before. Then, as though a spell had been cast on Sri Lanka’s batters, they played a baffling array of poor strokes as Jansen ran through them. He plucked career-best figures of 7 for 13 and Sri Lanka were bowled out for 42 – their lowest Test score. Stubbs scored a second Test hundred and Bavuma a redemptive third as South Africa set Sri Lanka an academic 516 to win the game. They were bowled out for 282 against an attack that lost two members – Gerald Coetzee to a groin strain and Mulder to a broken finger.Dane Paterson picked seven wickets in the Test•AFP/Getty Images

2nd Test vs Sri Lanka, Gqeberha: won by 109 runs

With Mulder out, Ryan Rickelton got an opportunity and made it count with a workmanlike debut century at St George’s Park. Bavuma contributed with 78 and Verreynne thrilled with a 133-ball 105 as South Africa’s first innings reached 358. Sri Lanka replied with guts and temperament, led by Pathum Nissanka’s 89 but they had no other milestones to record as Dane Paterson plugged away. At 35 years old, Paterson had proved the worth of his time in the county circuit and the value of having someone with over 500 first-class wickets in the squad as he gave South Africa a 30-run lead. On a good batting surface, they then scored 317, with Bavuma scoring another half-century. Sri Lanka needed 348 to win and things hung in the balance on 205 for 5 after four days. Maharaj took 5 for 76 to seal the series and South Africa’s fifth successive win.Kagiso Rabada roars in satisfaction after making 31 off 26 to take South Africa home•Associated Press

1st Test vs Pakistan, Centurion: won by 2 wickets

Stop. The. Press.South Africa didn’t need to win this match and at times seemed to be doing their best to lose it as they were faced with chasing 148 in the fourth innings and needed a ninth-wicket partnership of 51 to do it. The precursor to all that is that Paterson took 5 for 61 and Pakistan were bowled out for 211 in the first innings. Then Markram scored 89, Khurram Shehzad and Naseem Shah shared six wickets between them, and debutant Corbin Bosch scored an unbeaten 81 to give South Africa a 90-run lead.Jansen then took 6 for 52 as Pakistan were dismissed for 237. South Africa should have won at a canter but were 27 for 3 overnight on day three and Mohammad Abbas had all three. He added three more then next day at 99 for 8, South Africa were about to head into 2025 needing to win their last Test. Amid the devastating news of the death of batting coach Ashwell Prince’s wife, Melissa, the result barely mattered by lunch on day four until Rabada and Jansen formed the unlikeliest of alliances, nudged, nurdled, edged and smashed their way to the most thrilling of victories. South Africa qualified for the WTC final with a game to spare.South Africa celebrate their 2-0 victory against Pakistan•AFP/Getty Images

2nd Test v Pakistan, Cape Town: won by 10 wickets

The job was done and Newlands was a riot as South Africa saved their batting best for last. Rickelton scored the first double-hundred by a South African opener since Graeme Smith in 2013 and the first double by any South African since Hashim Amla in 2016. Bavuma brought up a fourth century and second in the campaign and Verryenne scored his first hundred at home in a first innings domination. Pakistan were bowled out for 194 and 478, and 19-year-old debutant Kwena Maphaka played his first game, and South Africa needed just 58 to win. They completed a magical summer with a clean sweep.Seven Tests wins is their second-longest streak (after nine in 2002-03) but they won’t be chasing that necessarily. One more has been the mantra through the campaign and the next one is Lord’s.

MatériaMais Notícias

da supremo： Há menos de uma semana para a estreia no Campeonato Paulista, diante da Ferroviária, o técnico Sylvinho vem desenhando a equipe titular para os primeiros duelos do Corinthians. Enquanto alguns setores parecem estar com as peças definidas, o treinador tem um enorme dilema no meio-campo.

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da 888： > GALERIA: Timão ativo no mercado para “se livrar” de atletas fora dos planos

No primeiro jogo-treino da temporada, onde o Timão derrotou a Inter de Limeira, o técnico testou uma formação com Gabriel de primeiro volante, e Giuliano e Paulinho sendo os dois homens mais avançados.

Naquela ocasião, Sylvinho não pode usar Renato Augusto e Willian, quenão iniciaram a pré-temporada junto com o restante do elenco por estarem contaminados com a Covid-19.

> TABELA: Confira e simule os jogos do Timão no Campeonato Paulista 2022

Já no segundo jogo-treino, onde o time do Parque São Jorge superou o Grêmio Osasco Audax, o treinador seguiu com Gabriel na função de primeiro volante, mas Giuliano teve a parceria de Renato Augusto no complemento do meio-campo. Paulinho liderou a equipe reserva ao lado de Cantillo e Du Queiroz.

Com a tendência de que Lucas Piton ganhe mais oportunidades na lateral-esquerda, e Mantuan atue como falso nove até a diretoria contratar o sonhado centroavante, o meio-campo é o setor mais indefinido, e dessa forma mais disputado, para o início de temporada.

Buscando um equilíbrio entre defesa e ataque, é pouco provável que Sylvinho utilize Giuliano, Paulinho e Renato Augusto ao mesmo tempo (apenas em determinados contextos, principalmente se o Corinthians estiver em desvantagem no segundo tempo), já que os três tem características mais ofensivas, e Gabriel parece ser o escolhido para ser o “cão de guarda” da equipe.

Dessa forma, a tendência é que o treinador deixe um desses meias no banco de reservas, e isso será determinado pela competição, adversário e estado físico de cada atleta.

A primeira partida do Corinthians no Paulistão será na terça-feira (25), às 21h, diante da Ferroviária, na Neo Química Arena. O clube já iniciou a venda de ingressos.

da aposte e ganhe： Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Liverpool are closing in on a "historical" piece of transfer business this summer in hijacking a hugely in demand academy talent.

Liverpool transfer news

da winzada777： It is no surprise to see the Reds being linked with new additions on a daily basis, as Arne Slot looks to hit the ground running as manager, bringing in the right players who can suit his system down to the ground.

Versatile Wolves hero Rayan Ait-Nouri appears to be a strong target for Liverpool in the current transfer window, with the Algerian capable of thriving at left-back, on the left wing and even in more of a central midfield role at times. He could link up with Anthony Gordon down the left flank, should the boyhood Reds supporter complete a move from Newcastle United.

Nico Williams is enjoying a standout Euro 2024 tournament with Spain, proving to be a key starter for his country, scoring and assisting en route to them reaching the semi-finals in Germany. He has also been linked with a move to Merseyside, as Slot looks to potentially add more firepower in wide attacking areas.

There are also a number of current squad players who could depart Liverpool before the start of next season, however, and Nat Phillips is one of them. A bid has been rejected for his services from Trabzonspor, though, with Michael Edwards wanting £8m instead of the rumoured £4m that has been tabled.

Liverpool close in on "historical" signing

According to Romano on X, Liverpool are close to signing 15-year-old Chelsea starlet Rio Ngumoha, in what is considered a "historical" piece of business given it will break the Reds £50,000 per year cap on academy wages.

"Liverpool are closing in on deal to sign Rio Ngumoha (2008) as he’s leaving Chelsea Academy. LFC are set to break historical wage structure for Academy to sign Rio, who’s highly rated by the club. Deal set to be completed soon."

While Ngumoha clearly isn't a household name across the country, given his tender years, it is hard to shake the feeling that this could be a huge piece of business by Liverpool, such is his ceiling as a player.

At just 15, the attacking ace has already played for Chelsea's Under-21s, which is remarkable and shows that he has developed at an incredible speed, and the fact that the Blues are reportedly fuming about losing him also speaks volumes.

On X, journalist Maxi Angelo has outlined the significance of the deal and work that Edwards, Alex Inglethorpe and others have done, saying: "Liverpool steals Chelsea’s biggest talent, a 15 y/o who’s already trained with the first team. One of the biggest talents in the UK. Inglethorpe and academy staff’s work the past few years is terrific. Increased quality level, attracted top talent, got more players to first team."

Related "He'd be superb alongside Van Dijk": Heskey wants £65m PL star at Liverpool

Emile Heskey was speaking to Football FanCast about Liverpool’s recruitment for the summer window.

Posts ByMatt Dawson Jul 8, 2024

Acquiring the brightest homegrown talent is something that Liverpool should always be looking to do, as was the case with Harvey Elliott, for example, and the hope is that Ngumoha develops into something very special over time.