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NSW are firmly in the box seat to claim their first Shield victory in Perth since late 2018

Tristan Lavalette05-Feb-2024Stumps Offspinner Chris Green starred on the pace-friendly WACA ground with a six-wicket haul on day three as New South Wales closed in on a pivotal Sheffield Shield victory over defending champions Western Australia.Chasing 182, after bowling out WA for 176, NSW were 77 for 1 at stumps and needing a further 105 runs. Blake Nikitaras and Daniel Hughes thwarted WA with an unbroken 59-run partnership.After Green’s heroics, and having claimed four wickets in NSW’s first innings, offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli came into the attack in just the fifth over and found bounce to trouble left-handers Nikitaras and Ryan Hackney.Hackney was all at sea and tried to break the shackles, but miss-hit a short Rocchiccioli delivery to point. Nikitaras countered by playing Rocchiccioli aggressively and slogged a couple of sixes over long-on to dent WA’s bid for more inroads.Left-arm quick Joel Paris, who bowled superbly in NSW’s first innings, tried his best to conjure a late wicket but was left frustrated after several appeals were turned down.WA’s hopes of defending the low total have been made harder without quick Matt Kelly, who on day two suffered a pectoral muscle injury. Kelly only got through seven overs having made his domestic season debut after being sidelined with a calf injury.NSW are on the cusp of a season sweep over WA, who sat fractionally behind Tasmania on the table before this round with the Blues not far behind in fourth place amid a congested table.After wearing down a shorthanded WA attack on day two, NSW resumed their first innings at 244 for 7 and trailing by just 12 runs. But their hopes of a handy lead evaporated as they lost 3 for 7 with quick Charlie Stobo enjoying the satisfaction of dismissing Green after they were at the centre of WA’s contentious appeal for obstructing the field late on day two.NSW’s bid to restrict WA’s lead seemingly rested on quick Jackson Bird, who claimed three wickets on day one as he relentlessly targeted the divots on the grassy surface.But openers Sam Whiteman, in a confident mood after hitting a brilliant century in WA’s first innings, and Cameron Bancroft thwarted the new ball as they rattled off a half-century opening partnership.But Whiteman on 27 was clean bowled by quick Chris Tremain before Green started his starring performance with the wicket of Jayden Goodwin just before lunch.Bancroft and Hilton Cartwright were shackled by Bird and allrounder Jack Edwards in a slow passage after the break. Things livened up when the sprinklers went off on the ground causing a brief delay even though the pitch did not get wet.It seemed to spark the match into action as WA lost 4 for 20 with Green taking three of the wickets. But it was Tremain who claimed the pivotal wicket of Bancroft, who had a rare lapse in concentration and top-edged a pull shot to fine-leg.It was a disappointment for Bancroft, who had recently been overlooked to replace David Warner in Australia’s Test team. He scored 36 off 108 balls having made 42 in the first innings.Stobo decided to counterattack and smashed Green for six over mid-on that caused another delay with the ball thundering into the rubble amid the ground’s long-awaited redevelopment.WA were in danger of being bowled out for around 150, but were given a lift from Rocchiccioli who whacked 28 off 11 balls before falling to Green, who picked up his sixth wicket.It’s left NSW firmly in the box seat to claim their first Shield victory in Perth since late 2018.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a conquista do bicampeonato do Paulistão no último domingo (09), diante do Água Santa, o Palmeiras se prepara para o seu próximo desafio: a estreia na Copa do Brasil. O Verdão encara o Tombense nesta quarta-feira (12) pela terceira fase da competição e terá que lidar com uma lista pesada de desfalques.

> ANÁLISE: Palmeiras é o time da virada, do amor e do ‘vício’ por competir

Antes da decisão do estadual, quatro jogadores já não estavam disponíveis para o técnico Abel Ferreira: o meia Atuesta, que sofreu uma ruptura total no ligamento cruzado anterior do joelho direito e se recupera de cirurgia, o meia Tabata, com uma lesão muscular na coxa esquerda, o lateral-esquerdo Piquerez, com um entorse no joelho direito, e o lateral-direito Mayke, com um entorse no tornozelo direito. Oclube não divulga os prazos para recuperação dos atletas.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasVÍDEO: Rony passa por cirurgia e manda recado para a torcida do PalmeirasPalmeiras10/04/2023Fora de CampoPalmeiras campeão: Weverton participa do ‘Mais Você’ e revela aposta com Endrick no PaulistãoFora de Campo10/04/2023Núm3ros da bol4Abel Ferreira se torna o segundo treinador com mais títulos na história do PalmeirasNúm3ros da bol410/04/2023

Além disso, depois da final do Paulistão, Abel revelou que Rony e Raphael Veiga também serão desfalques do Palmeiras nos próximos jogos. O clube divulgou a situação do atacante, confirmandouma fratura no antebraço direito durante a preparação para as finais do Campeonato Paulista. O camisa 10 passou por cirurgia na manhã desta segunda-feira (10) e deve ficar fora por, pelo menos, um mês e meio.

Já Veiga ainda passará por exames, mas sentiu lesão na coxa durante o duelo no Allianz Parque. O meia resistiu e ficou em campo até a metade do segundo tempo, mas deve se tornar mais um desfalque do Verdão.

Para aumentar a lista de ‘problemas’ para o treinador português, o reforço Artur já jogou a Copa do Brasil pelo Bragantino e, como determina a regra, não pode atuar pelo Palmeiras na competição. Logo, o Alviverde tem sete desfalques para a partida desta quarta (12), às 20h, em casa, contra o Tombense.

> Guia Palmeiras: veja análise dos adversários, onde assistir e tudo sobre o Verdão na Libertadores

Logo, apesar dos recém-contratados Richard Ríos e Artur serem novas opções no plantel palmeirense, Abel Ferreira terá que lidar com uma lista pesada de desfalques, que conta com três titulares absolutos (Piquerez, Rony e Veiga). Isso pode se tornar uma grande dor de cabeça para a sequência da temporada, visto que os próximos meses serão decisivos, principalmente nas competições de mata-mata.

The 24-year-old reflects on a year in the States, why she played just seven days after the Euros final and how success has changed her outlook

For most England fans, Euro 2025 was a stressful watch. The Lionesses stared elimination in the face at various points in Switzerland, navigating three lots of extra time and two penalty shootouts before eventually defending their European title. Esme Morgan, though, was always calm. That’s because she had a feeling it was going to be England’s year – a feeling that has yet to let her down.

“Sometimes I get these gut feelings,” Morgan explains, speaking to GOAL while the triumph is still less than three weeks' old. “Whenever I feel that we're going to win, it's never before been wrong.” It came to her before the quarter-final victory over Sweden, in which Morgan was a vital sub as England turned around a 2-0 deficit, and again prior to the semi-final meeting with Italy, where she played a key role as a starter. Then, after learning that it would be Spain in the final, it returned. "I woke up that next morning and I just knew we were going to win," she recalls. "So for the next three days, I was just telling all the girls, 'We're going to do it. I can feel it'. It's not something you can really explain. It's not something tangible; it's just a sense. So I never really reached the point of panic in any of those games. I just maintained the belief and stayed calm all through it.”

Whether due to Morgan’s prophetic predictions – which star winger Lauren Hemp became particularly “dependent” on – or not, the entire England team was clearly possessed by the same tranquillity, something which undoubtedly played a big role in the remarkable escapology Sarina Wiegman’s side were able to perform on their way to a second successive continental crown.

For most individuals in the Lionesses’ squad, it was a perfect way for their 2024-25 season to end. For the likes of Hannah Hampton and Lucy Bronze, it came after a treble-winning campaign with Chelsea, while it was a second European title of the summer for Arsenal stars such as Alessia Russo and Leah Williamson, who helped the Gunners beat Barcelona in the Champions League final just two months prior.

Morgan, though, plies her trade in the United States, where her season with the Washington Spirit began in March and will end in November – and, as her return to action at club level just seven days after the European Championship final shows, success with England has only made the 24-year-old more determined to end the year on a high, by winning the NWSL Championship.

Getty ImagesWarm welcome in Washington

It's impossible not to sense that hunger and motivation in Morgan as she speaks about her return to Washington. When chatting with the Spirit’s performance staff during the Euros about her physical status and when she would like to return to club action after the tournament, she only had one thing on her mind – and it wasn’t a holiday.

“I said I wanted to come back as soon as possible and be back with the team, get straight into the league games, because we've got a Championship to win,” she says bullishly. “I want to be able to help with that as much as possible.”

How well Morgan has settled into her new home is a huge factor in that attitude. Nothing demonstrates the bond between her and her team-mates better than the welcome she received after becoming a European champion, which started with a surprise pick-up at the airport from team-mate Sandy MacIver.

Upon arriving at training the next day, the familiar sound of ‘Three Lions’ – the song from which England’s ‘it’s coming home’ chant derives – was blaring out of the changing room, where the whole squad was waiting to greet Morgan. They'd already decorated her locker with balloons and prepared a hamper as a celebratory gift.

“I love my Spirit girls so much. I feel like I've got 30 sisters,” Morgan says. “I would have felt like I was letting them down a little bit if I didn't come straight back and get back involved with the team.”

AdvertisementNew environment

It’s a year since Morgan swapped England for the U.S, having turned out for childhood club Manchester City for the entirety of her senior career to that point, and that rapport she has with her Spirit team-mates is great evidence of how well it is all going. Someone who describes herself as quite independent and adventurous by nature, perhaps it is no surprise that she didn’t quiz any fellow pros on their experiences across the pond before signing a deal with the Spirit, nor a shock that she is relishing life off the pitch.

“There are so many monuments in the city and obviously iconic spots like the Capitol, the White House and the National Monument. I love getting a little Lime scooter and going around there,” she says. “There are so many museums as well and they're so interesting. I'm a little bit of a geek, really, so I like learning about stuff. I've really enjoyed going to all of them and learning about American history, history of the Native Americans, it's just fascinating. There's a lot of that and then there's some really lovely nature spots as well. I went hiking in the off-season in Shenandoah, which is the National Park they talk about in the song, 'Take Me Home, Country Roads', so that was cool going there. It was just really beautiful. It's got a bit of everything and it's been a lot of fun to explore. It really feels like home.”

Getty ImagesNew challenges

All of the boxes are being ticked on the pitch, too. “I've got exactly what I wanted from coming here in terms of being challenged against different types of forward, playing consistently, being able to review the challenges that I've faced in games and then look back on it, figure out what I need to do differently, and put that into training in a really focused manner the following week,” Morgan explains.

“I love playing for the Spirit. I love the style that we try to play: super aggressive out of possession and trying to build-up and play attractive football in possession. It's a lot of fun. I love playing at Audi Field. We have, I'm going to say, the best atmosphere in the league. Our fans are just incredible and they really drive us and it's such a thrill to play there. From a football perspective, I really couldn't have asked for anything more from this.”

By presenting her with different challenges to what the Women’s Super League in England could, it is a switch that is helping to round out Morgan’s game, too, with it perhaps no surprise that her standing with England has improved to a notable extent since she joined the Spirit last summer.

“In the WSL, I think I'm quite a pacey player so I could kind of get away with things,” the 24-year-old says. “Whereas when you're playing against the likes of [Barbra] Banda and [Temwa] Chawinga, you have to be so positionally aware and really anticipate where the passes are coming from. If someone's not got pressure on the ball, then you've got to be ready to drop to defend the long ball, whereas I think in the WSL, you can get away with that a little more because across the board, the forwards aren't as quick.

“And just in terms of knowing how to be physical and use my body well, because I'm not as strong as those players, I've had to learn how to use my body to the best of my ability to still be able to compete physically in those duels. I've learned a lot in terms of the technique of defending, the timing, anticipation – and those were parts of my game that I knew I needed to improve coming here.”

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Getty ImagesAdapting and adjusting

There have, of course, been a few things for Morgan to adapt to. Flying across the country to games is new to her, having come from a nation much smaller in size, as is the need to make the long trip back across the pond for international duty. Fortunately, she’s discovered her recovery strategy when it comes to adjusting after changing timezones. “I found that going for a little swim after I land just has me feeling like a new woman the next day,” she says.

Then there is the fact that the NWSL Championship – decided by the post-season play-offs – is the bigger prize in the U.S, as opposed to the NWSL Shield, which is awarded to the team that finishes at the top of the table in the regular season. “It's funny because you win the Shield, you compete for 26 games, top the league, and then a week later, once the play-offs start, no one cares anymore. It's like, what was all that for?” she laughs, reciting a jokey thought she has shared with England team-mate Anna Moorhouse, who won the Shield and, later, the Championship with the Orlando Pride last year. “I've got used to it now,” she adds. “Last year, we finished second in the Shield so then you kind of feel like you get a second bite of the cherry.”

More new experiences are on the horizon, too, with Morgan taking them all in her stride at this point. Later this month, the Spirit will fly to El Salvador to take on Alianza in their first group stage game of this year’s CONCACAF W Champions Cup. “I’m going to get it scratched off my map!” she enthuses, with her intrigue around the competition particularly high after a conversation with England team-mate Jess Carter, who played in it this past year with Gotham. “She really enjoyed it, getting to travel to new places, see different footballing cultures, different styles,” Morgan adds. “She said it was really fun and exciting so, especially having spoken to her, I'm looking forward to it.”

لم تدم العلاقة الجيدة طويلًا بين حارس مرمى برشلونة، مارك أندريه تير شتيجن، ومسؤولي النادي، حيث توترت الأجواء بينهما من جديد، حسبما ذكرت تقارير صحفية إسبانية.

كان تير شتيجن قد تسبب في أزمة، قبل أسابيع قليلة، بعدما أعلن عن أنه سيخضع لعملية جراحية في الظهر، وكشف عن مدة غيابه التي قدرها بثلاثة أشهر.

وأثار الحارس الألماني بذلك غضب برشلونة، كونه أعلن مدة غيابه من نفسه، دون الرجوع إلى النادي الذي يعتبر الجهة الوحيدة المنوط بها إعلان مدة غياب لاعبيه.

يأتي هذا خاصة وأن برشلونة كان يأمل غياب تير شتيجن لمدة 4 أشهر من أجل استغلال ذلك لتسجيل زميله الجديد خوان جارسيا.

وبعد ذلك، رفض تير شتيجن التوقيع على التقرير اللازم الذي يتعين على برشلونة إرساله إلى رابطة الدوري الإسباني، لتقدير مدة غيابه من قِبل لجنة مستقلة.

ونتيجة لهذا، قرر برشلونة تجريد تير شتيجن من شارة القيادة، قبل أن يتراجع اللاعب عن موقفه ويوقع على الورق اللازم، ويستعيد شارته فيما بعد.

ولكن فترة السلام بين الطرفين لم تدم طويلًا، حيث ذكرت شبكة “RAC1” الإسبانية أن برشلونة مستاء من تصرف جديد من جانب تير شتيجن.

اقرأ أيضًا.. برشلونة يواجه أزمة معقدة قبل نهاية موسم الانتقالات الصيفي

وذكرت تقارير صحفية، أمس، أن تير شتيجن وقع على بيان رابطة اللاعبين المحترفين، مع باقي قادة الفرق في الدوري الإسباني الدرجة الأولى، المعارض لفكرة إقامة مباراة برشلونة وفياريال في ميامي.

وكان الاتحاد الإسباني لكرة القدم قد أعلن، قبل عدة أيام، موافقته على إقامة مباراة برشلونة وفياريال في مدينة ميامي الأمريكية، بعدما طلب الناديان ذلك، حيث سيتعين الآن انتظار موافقة “يويفا وفيفا”.

ولكن قادة فرق الدوري أبدوا رفضهم على ذلك، ومن بينهم تير شتيجن، وهو ما تسبب في إثارة سخط برشلونة.

وأوضحت “RAC1” أن برشلونة أعرب عن استيائه من توقيع تير شتيجن على البيان المذكور، حيث يرون أنه ما كان ينبغي على لاعبهم فعل ذلك لأنه يتعارض مع مصالح النادي.

ومن المؤكد أن برشلونة سيجني ثمار إقامة مباراته في أمريكا، من الناحية المالية، وهو ما سيمثل دفعة معنوية للإدارة في ظل الأزمة الاقتصادية التي يعاني منها منذ سنوات وحتى الآن.

Big picture: India eye early series wrap

Given the puzzling scheduling of this series, against an opponent with a core of exhausted players, who were part of an ODI World Cup-winning squad, it’s probably not surprising that India are on the brink of already wrapping up the series.With an overhaul of their World Cup team, India are fresher and have enjoyed playing under the aggressive leadership of Suryakumar Yadav. But the opening two games were mostly competitive testament to Australia’s depth and a fiercely contested rivalry that almost always delivers.Having shown signs of sluggishness in a 44-run defeat in the second T20I, it remains to be seen whether Australia can rally and keep the series alive as the teams get ready to fly from the south-west corner of the country to Guwahati in the east with a turnaround time of under 48 hours.Related

• Tilak wants to finish games for India without 'any pressure or expectations'

• Jaiswal, Kishan, Rinku, Bishnoi dominate Australia for 2-0 lead

• Rinku follows Dhoni's template to make case for full-time position

• Borovec backs Australia's approach despite second T20I defeat

Australia will value tinkering with their line-ups and strategies ahead of the T20 World Cup, which is just over six months away. Of note, legspinner Tanveer Sangha, 22, has shown courage in the tough surroundings while big-hitting Tim David unleashed a whirlwind in Thiruvananthapuram in a welcome sign for a team looking for a finisher.As the World Cup fades away, with the IPL 2024 trade action starting to take hold, India are enjoying a tonic with a new-look team that impressively built on a tense series-opening win. Their batting has been exciting with each of the top four batters having made half-centuries so far in the series before Rinku Singh has taken over in the latter overs. It’s been a tougher ask for their bowlers, but India have shown urgency in the field under the energetic Suryakumar.They will hope to continue a strong start to their T20 World Cup preparations.

Form guide

Australia LLWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
India WWWWWRinku Singh’s death-overs strike rate makes for a barely believable reading•Associated Press

In the spotlight: Rinku Singh and Steven Smith

Such has been his impact at the death, where he is striking at 230 without being dismissed in the series, Rinku Singh has inevitably evoked legendary MS Dhoni. Of course, the comparison feels like Rinku is on a hiding to nothing but he’s been unflustered in two different situations. In game one, he made a calm 22 off 14 balls to steer his team over the line before bludgeoning 31 off nine balls in the next game when India were teeing off after batting first. It will be interesting to see how he copes with the growing expectations.While many of his World Cup-winning team-mates have returned home for a breather, Steven Smith has been back to work and determined to prove his worth as an opener. Ever since he cracked a couple of brutal tons in last season’s BBL at the top for Sydney Sixers, Smith has eyed the opener’s role for the T20 World Cup. He started well in Visakhapatnam with three boundaries in his first eight deliveries before being completely overshadowed by centurion Josh Inglis. Smith did finish with 52 off 41 balls, but his stay was brief in the second game. There is speculation that Smith might return home after game three, so if that’s the case then he’ll want to make his final innings of the series count.

Team news: Australia ponder recalling Behrendorff

With the chance to claim the series, India are likely to not make any changes. Ishan Kishan, who was initially a surprising choice at No. 3 instead of opening, has excelled with consecutive half-centuries. If there is swing around then Shivam Dube could be an option although spinners Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi were excellent in the second T20I. Left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh, who has taken just 1 for 87 from eight overs, could be squeezed out.India (probable): 1 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Ruturaj Gaikwad, 3 Ishan Kishan (wk), 4 Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 5 Tilak Varma, 6 Rinku Singh, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Ravi Bishnoi, 9 Arshdeep Singh, 10 Prasidh Krishna, 11 Mukesh KumarJason Behrendorff has a good T20I record against India in Guwahati•AFP/Getty Images

Australia left out left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff, who was their best bowler in Visakhapatnam with 1 for 25 amid an onslaught. They played legspinners Adam Zampa and Sangha in tandem with an eye towards next year’s T20 World Cup, which will be played on expected slower surfaces in West Indies and the USA. If Australia opt to play the spin duo then Behrendorff may come in for seamer Sean Abbott, who was smashed for 56 off three overs in Thiruvananthapuram. He returned 1 for 43 off 3.5 overs in the first game and was hit by Rinku for a last-ball six in what turned out to be a no-ball.Australia (probable): 1 Steven Smith, 2 Matthew Short, 3 Josh Inglis, 4 Glenn Maxwell, 5 Marcus Stoinis, 6 Tim David, 7 Matthew Wade (capt, wk), 8 Adam Zampa, 9 Nathan Ellis, 10 Jason Behrendorff/Sean Abbott, 11 Tanveer Sangha

Pitch and conditions

There have only been three previous T20Is at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium with one of those being an abandoned match between India and Sri Lanka in January 2020 due to rain. The two completed matches were polar opposites. Australia won by eight wickets in 2017 after Behrendorff ripped through India’s top-order with swing bowling on a tacky pitch. Five years later, India pipped South Africa by 16 runs in a match with a combined 458 runs.There is no forecast of rain, but humid conditions are expected on Tuesday with dew likely to play a factor during the match.

Stats and trivia

• The last time Australia lost three straight T20Is was in July-August of 2021 when they had a four-match losing streak against West Indies and Bangladesh.
• Rinku’s strike rate of 344 in the second T20I was the highest by a batter in matches between India and Australia. The previous landmark was 288.88 when Shikhar Dhawan smashed 26 from nine balls at the SCG in 2016.
• Suryakumar Yadav is 60 runs away from becoming the fourth Indian to reach 2000 T20I runs.
  

  Quotes

  “One of the things we had in our planning coming into this series was to have a look at Steve [Smith] up the top. And we’ve had a chance to do that now and again. We’ve been extremely happy with that intent that he’s shown with the bat.”
  Australia stand-in coach Andre Borovec is happy with Smith the opener

Bangladesh have to put their off-field issues behind whereas Afghanistan would want to shed their tag of big tournament underperformers

Mohammad Isam06-Oct-20231:42

Shahidi: ‘Want to make this a historic tournament for our people’

Big picture: Bangladesh, Afghanistan look to move on from pitfalls, dramaAfghanistan have been hot on Bangladesh’s heels for the better part of the last decade. This year alone, they are locked at 2-2 after Afghanistan won the bilateral ODI series in Chattogram 2-1, but later Bangladesh beat them by a handsome margin in the Asia Cup. The two sets of players respect each other. There’s bonhomie. But the gloves will be off in the World Cup opener for the two sides in Dharamsala on Saturday.Bangladesh are coming off a 2-0 series defeat against New Zealand at home, having also won just two games in the Asia Cup, where they couldn’t make the final. Off the field, there has been high drama after Shakib Al Hasan blasted Tamim Iqbal on the day Bangladesh left for India for the World Cup.But there is hope. They have a group of youngsters who have an Under-19 World Cup title from three years ago. Towhid Hridoy, Shoriful Islam, Tanzid Hasan and Tanzim Hasan are looking primed for their first senior 50-over World Cup. Hridoy has been the standout performer this year while Shoriful has snuck past Mustafizur Rahman in the left-arm quicks pecking order in the team.There is much running on Tanzid, the left-hand opener, because Bangladesh have opted for just two regular openers in him and Litton Das. Although Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh’s all-weather batter this year, could open against Afghanistan, like he did briefly in the Asia Cup. Mehidy has shown great form with both bat and ball this year, and so has the pace attack, led by Taskin Ahmed. They have shown that Bangladesh no longer need to rely on their spinners in the subcontinent no matter what format.Bangladesh would also want to stop relying too heavily on the likes of Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim, who are playing their fifth World Cup, and Mahmudullah, who is playing his fourth tournament. Their future depends on it.Afghanistan, meanwhile, have their own demons to deal with. Their biggest worry could be the lack of ODIs over the last four years. They are way below the average among the nations participating in the World Cup. As they often do in big tournaments, Afghanistan have brought back experienced players among their squad and traveling reserves.A lot will depend on how their spin trio Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman performs. Their batting also needs to step up in the big tournament. The fact that Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have been in good form this year and Rahmat Shah, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and Nabi have also shown decent touch bodes well for them.Afghanistan, however, have to shed their tag of big tournament underperformers. They didn’t win any games in the 2019 World Cup, while in the recent Asia Cup, they choked against Sri Lanka in the most miserable way. They would want to avoid these pitfalls on the biggest stage.Form guideAfghanistan LLLLL (last five ODIs, most recent first)
Bangladesh LLWLLIn the spotlight: Afghan openers and floater MehidyEverybody talks about Afghanistan’s spinners, but they want you to know that their opening batters are impressive, too. Zadran and Gurbaz are their top two run-scorers this year, and they are the most likely pair to add a fifty or a hundred partnership in a line-up where batting has not always given them the best numbers. Like fire and ice: Gurbaz provides the big hits and Zadran keeps the innings moving with regular strike rotation. Zadran too is capable of big hits, having emerged as one of their brightest stars since the 2019 World Cup.Afghanistan often depend on their top order for quick runs•AFP via Getty Images

Mehidy Hasan Miraz has batted at four different spots this year. In the two warm-ups, he scored confident fifties against Sri Lanka and England at Nos. 3 and 4, respectively. He struck an unbeaten 112 against Afghanistan as an opener in the Asia Cup so he could be opening again on Saturday. The team management believes he is especially good at nullifying mystery spinners like Mujeeb.Team news: Naveen and Omarzai expected to come inAfghanistan last played the Asia Cup and they have left out Gulbadin Naib and Karim Janat since then, who should be replaced by Azmatullah Omarzai and Naveen-ul-Haq.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 5 Mohammad Nabi, 6 Najibullah Zadran, 7 Azmatullah Omarzai, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Naveen-ul-Haq, 10 Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 11 Fazalhaq FarooqiTen Bangladesh players pick themselves but they have to make a call between left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed and offspinner Mahedi Hasan for the No. 8 spot.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Litton Das, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 5 Towhid Hridoy, 6 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 7 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8 Nasum Ahmed/Mahedi Hasan, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Shoriful Islam, 11 Hasan MahmudPitch and conditionsIndia collapsed to 29 for 7 in the last ODI held at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Ground six years ago. It suggests swing and seam movement for an early start. There have, however, been big scores in the two IPL matches held here this year. The hilly town is expected to have crisp weather.Stats and trivia: Bangladesh on the cusp of a three-peat Bangladesh have a chance to win their third successive opening match of a World Cup campaign after beating Afghanistan (2015) and South Africa (2019). Afghanistan have lost both first matches in their previous World Cup appearances. Shakib Al Hasan needs 41 more runs to top the list of allrounders with 1000 runs and 10 wickets in World Cups. He has 34 wickets already, free and clear of the next best on that same list. Afghanistan’s 29 ODIs in the last four years are the least among all participating teams in this year’s World Cup.Quotes”I think four or five players from that [Under-19] World Cup winning side in 2020. They will bring so much positivity to the group. They have done it in the past. They have a lot of energy. I am excited about the whole team, including my staff. We have high hopes and want to enjoy.”
about the first-timers playing the senior World Cup

قد تشهد بداية انطلاق منافسات موسم 2026-2027 مفاجأة سارة لجماهير برشلونة في إعادة افتتاح ملعب الكامب نو.

ووفقاً لصحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسبانية فإن نادي برشلونة يأمل أن يستغل إعادة افتتاح ملعب الكامب نو بتوجيه الدعوة إلى ليونيل ميسي لحضور هذا الحدث الرئيسي.

أقرأ أيضاً.. برشلونة يتجه إلى قارة إفريقيا لحل أزمته المالية

ويرغب برشلونة في تكريم أعظم لاعب كرة قدم في تاريخه خلال افتتاح الملعب الجديد ويعد ذلك التزام من مجلس إدارة البلوجرانا الذي يأمل في الحصول على رد فعل إيجابي من اللاعب نفسه.

ويخطط برشلونة لتنظيم هذا الحدث عند الانتهاء من أعمال الملعب وتركيب السقف.

ووفقاً للجدول الزمني المخطط له من جانب نادي برشلونة فإنه إذا سارت الأمور كما هو مخطط لها وتم تركيب السقف خلال صيف 2026، سيقام حفل التدشين وسيتم تكريم ميسي في بداية موسم 2026-2027.

بينما في حالة تعذر إكمال تركيب السقف الصيف المقبل فإن برشلونة سيتجه لتأجيل الحفل حتى اكتمال بناء الملعب، حيث يرغب النادي في إقامة حفل تكريم يليق بإرث ميسي في برشلونة.

وكان ميسي قد بدأ مسيرته الاحترافية مع نادي برشلونة منذ 2003 وحتى عام 2021 قبل أن يرتدي قميص باريس سان جيرمان لمدة عامين ثم إنتر ميامي الأمريكي منذ 2023.

وحقق ليونيل ميسي العديد من الألقاب مع برشلونة 35 لقب ومنهم دوري أبطال أوروبا 4 مرات والدوري الإسباني 10 مرات وكأس العالم للأندية 3 مرات.

Looking to replace Ederson, Manchester City have now reportedly turned their attention towards Serie A and signing a goalkeeper who has kept over double the amount of clean sheets as the Brazilian this season.

Man City eyeing Ederson upgrade

Everything that could have gone wrong has gone wrong for Manchester City this season. The Cityzens are in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time under Pep Guardiola, who has been forced to manage an ageing squad hit with an almighty injury crisis.

After such a frustrating campaign, however, the rest of the Premier League will be well aware of just how powerful the Blues could be in the summer transfer window as they look to overhaul what has been a historic squad.

KDB repeat: Man City want to sign "underrated" ace who struggled at Chelsea

He’s been one of the best in his position this season…

ByTom Cunningham Mar 14, 2025

Those at the Etihad are likely to act ruthlessly this summer as they aim to reclaim their English throne at the first time of asking. Already, it looks as though Kevin de Bruyne is heading for the exit door as a free agent and the likes of Ederson could yet join him.

The Brazilian shot-stopper is almost into the final year of his current contract and could yet be among those shown the door as City attempt to cash in before finding an instant upgrade.

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are now targeting a move to sign Michele Di Gregorio from Juventus this summer following the 27-year-old’s impressive campaign in Serie A. Given that he already turned Liverpool down last summer, however, the Manchester club could face an uphill battle.

Voted the league’s best goalkeeper whilst at Monza last season, Di Gregorio has only kicked on even further since joining Juventus – taking hold of his opportunity. Now, however, he could be on the move again if Manchester City come calling.

The Italian is seemingly one to watch this summer, especially if Ederson concludes what has been an incredible career at the Etihad.

"Reliable" Di Gregorio is at his peak

Following an excellent campaign at Monza, Di Gregorio has picked up where he left off at Juventus to keep 15 clean sheets in all competitions – over double the amount that Ederson has managed at Manchester City.

It’s the type of consistency that has resulted in impressive praise from the likes of former Juventus goalkeeper Michelangelo Rampulla, who told reporters earlier this season: “He showed his true value at Monza. The Juventus shirt is certainly heavier but he is doing his job very well.

“His best quality, as I like to underline, is his presence inside the penalty area, he is the master of his area. He has a certain authority and then there is no question about his value. He plays well with his feet and gives security. He is a reliable goalkeeper.”

Clean Sheets

11

5

Save Percentage

75.4%

69.6%

Pass Accuracy

77.3%

87%

Whilst there may be some concerns over Di Gregorio’s ability to match Ederson with the ball at his feet, his save percentage would certainly offer Manchester City an upgrade on the shot-stopping front this summer.

If the City goalkeeper does depart, then the Italian should be among the leading candidates to arrive at the Etihad when the transfer window swings open.

MatériaMais Notícias

O elenco do Vasco se reapresentou nesta segunda-feira e contou com uma novidade para a sequência da temporada. Trata-se do lateral-esquerdo Julião, que se destacou no time sub-20 e passará a ter oportunidades no time de cima.

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Com poucas opções no lado esquerdo, o Departamento de Futebol cruz-maltino optou por iniciar o processo de transição do jovem. Para a lateral, apenas Edimar aparece como opção, já que Riquelme, de 19 anos, sofreu uma lesão no ligamento do joelho esquerdo e passará por uma intervenção cirúrgica.

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O Gigante da Colina renovou o contrato de Julião até fevereiro de 2025. Da geração 2003, o lateral é um dos grandes nomes da equipe sub-20 ao lado do zagueiro Pimentel, dos goleiros Cadu e Pablo e dos meias Marlon Santos e Marlon Gomes. Ambos são comandados pelo treinador Igor Guerra.

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Quando ainda tinha 12 anos, o atleta chegou ao Cruz-Maltino e tem sido muito utilizado na temporada, inclusive na Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior. Em determinados momentos, o jogador chegou a ser utilizado na zaga.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Atletico Madrid have already reportedly reached a verbal agreement with a Manchester United star who could now leave in a deal worth £42m.

Man Utd transfer news

In what has been a trend spanning over 10 years, Manchester United are once again in need of a major overhaul under a new manager.

This time, it’s Ruben Amorim who needs to welcome several fresh faces if he is to stamp his mark on the struggling side that Erik ten Hag left behind. However, unlike in previous tenures, the Red Devils are not in a position to splash the cash so easily.

As INEOS continue their cost-cutting measures, which have not come without controversy, the first thing they must do when the summer arrives is sell any players Amorim does not deem fit to feature in his strongest side – and that could see one star man depart.

According to reports in Spain, Atletico Madrid have now reached a verbal agreement with Alejandro Garnacho and could complete a summer deal worth €50m (£42m).

Man Utd open talks to sign £40m star outscoring Zirkzee & Hojlund combined

He’d be an instant upgrade…

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The Argentinian winger looked destined to follow in Marcus Rashford’s footsteps by departing in the January transfer window amid links to the likes of Chelsea, but eventually stayed put and has since crept back into Amorim’s side.

Nonetheless, he could still decide to leave a sinking ship and a manager whose system simply does not accommodate wingers when the summer arrives. United, meanwhile, could commence a summer of sales by showing Garnacho the door.

"Brave" Garnacho needs Man Utd exit

There was once a time when leaving Old Trafford seemed an absurd idea, but those days are long gone. Recent history instead tells a damning story of how players can benefit from leaving Manchester United – whether it’s been Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku or more recently, Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Now, Garnacho can become the latest to steal the headlines away from a club drowning in failure.

Under Ten Hag, the young winger looked destined to become the star of the team, having earned regular praise from the Dutchman, who told reporters: “I love to work with Garnacho.

“He’s a player who needs a challenge, he likes a challenge, he is very brave, he’s very confident, our job is to push him to high levels. He has high potential and now we have to get the potential out, therefore you have to work day by day.”

Now, under Amorim, he has been surplus to requirements at times, in what has been the harshest reality check possible for a player who has strayed from a path towards Old Trafford greatness.

Like others in the past, Garnacho should take hold of an opportunity to leave Manchester United behind this summer.