ScorecardFile photo – Deandra Dottin played a substantial role in West Indies’ win with a rapid 35 and three wickets•WICB Media/Athelstan Bellamy
West Indies Women took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series after India Women collapsed for 106 in their case of 138 in the second match in Mulapadu.The hosts, having limited West Indies to 137, did not recover from an early batting slump and their innings folded with the loss of six wickets for 33 runs. Only three India batsmen scored more than 15, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s 43 the top score. For West Indies, Anisa Mohammed and Deandra Dottin took three wickets each, mopping up the middle and lower order after Shakera Selman and Hayley Matthews had accounted for the openers and No. 4 Veda Krishnamurthy.Earlier Stafanie Taylor’s 47 anchored West Indies after they were put in to bat. Taylor was part of two 48-run partnerships for the third and fourth wickets – with Dottin and Merissa Aguilleira respectively. The Taylor-Dottin stand looked set to lift West Indies to a total higher than their eventual 137, before Taylor and Aguilleira collected 48 runs off the last six overs.
Liverpool's appointment of Jorg Schmadtke as their new sporting director is now thought to be "imminent", according to a fresh update.
What's the sporting director situation at Liverpool?
It has been a tough season for the Reds, with Premier League title aspirations existing back in August, but a fifth-place finish eventually coming their way after a string of poor results. It is a campaign that has seen a number of players struggle, including the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, but there have also been issues off the field.
The influential Michael Edwards left his role as sporting director last year, having been the mastermind behind the signings of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, among many others, and he was replaced in the role by Julian Ward. It was then announced late last year that he would step down at the end of this season, potentially suggesting that all is not running as smoothly as it once did at Anfield.
The search has been on to find Ward's successor and Schmadtke has emerged as a front-runner in recent weeks, having most recently been sporting director at Wolfsburg. Now, a significant update has emerged – one that suggests his appointment is now a matter if when, rather than if.
Is Schmadtke set to become Reds' sporting director?
According to Sky Sports Germany [via Sport Witness], "nothing can go wrong" with regards to Schmadtke heading to Liverpool, with an announcement now believed to be "imminent". The Reds want him in charge as soon as possible, in order to bring stability to the club before the summer transfer window opens.
It is stated that he will work closely with Klopp on potential signings, with his main area of focus being the Bundesliga, given his experience in that league.
Nailing the right replacement for Ward is absolutely essential for Liverpool this summer, with the role of sporting director such an important one in football these days, not least their eye for new signings and the relationship they have with the manager.
While Schmadtke is reportedly a controversial character at times, with a penchant for falling out with people, Klopp has picked him out for a reason and he is to be trusted with such decisions, as something of a new era begins at Anfield, following the departure of the likes of Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the end of the season.
Meg Lanning (capt), Alex Blackwell (vice-capt), Kristen Beams, Nicole Bolton, Rene Farrell, Holly Ferling, Grace Harris, Alyssa Healy, Jess Jonassen, Beth Mooney, Erin Osborne, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Elyse Villani Schedule: 1st ODI, September 18, Dambulla 2nd ODI, September 20, Dambulla 3rd ODI, September 23, Colombo 4th ODI, September 25, Colombo Only T20I, September 27, Colombo
Allrounder Grace Harris has returned to the Australia Women’s squad, for the limited-overs series in Sri Lanka, after recovering from deep vein thrombosis. Harris last played competitive cricket in early March this year, not making it to the Women’s World T20 in India in March-April.Opening batsman Nicole Bolton, who was also not part of the World T20 but was a part of Australia’s previous ODI series, against New Zealand in February, also makes it to the squad. Apart from Bolton and Harris, all the 12 other members of the squad for Sri Lanka featured in the World T20, which was Australia’s last international assignment.”We believe this group contains a good mix of youth and experience that will give us the best chance of succeeding in Sri Lanka,” national selector Shawn Fleger said. “We’ve got a number of options covered with our bowling attack as well as several batters who can produce the attacking game-style we want to play.”The players have had a solid preseason with a number of camps held at the Bupa National Cricket Centre in Brisbane. Grace Harris, Beth Mooney and Holly Ferling all have recent experience in Sri Lankan conditions, having toured the country with the Commonwealth Bank Shooting Stars squad last year.”Lauren Cheatle, who made her international debut at the age of just 17 in January this year, will miss out as she aims to complete her final year of high school. Also not part of the squad is Sarah Coyte, who has opted not to take up her contract for the 2016-17 season.This will be Australia’s first bilateral tour of Sri Lanka. The team will fly out on September 12 and warm up with a practice match in Colombo on September 15. They will then play four ODIs, followed by a one-off T20I. The first three ODIs will also have Women’s Championship points up for grabs. Australia currently sit on top of that table, and the top four teams at the end of the year will gain automatic entry into the Women’s World Cup in England next year.
Manchester City will offer influential midfielder Ilkay Gundogan a contract extension, according to a major update from renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Is Gundogan having a good season?
The German is in the midst of an imperious run of form this season, playing a massive role in Pep Guardiola's side pushing for a legendary treble. The £140,000-a-week star has scored eight goals and registered four assists in the Premier League in 2022/23 to date, including two brilliant strikes in last weekend's 3-0 win away to Everton.
Gundogan's future has been a key talking point, however, with his current contract expiring at the end of the current campaign, and Barcelona showing an interest in snapping him up on a free transfer. He is yet to agree an extension at the Etihad, as he weighs up his options.
Will Gundogan sign new Man City deal?
Writing on Twitter on Saturday, Romano said that a new deal will be offered to Gundogan, with the potential for it to last until 2025:
"Understand Manchester City will offer Ilkay Gundogan a new deal valid until June 2024 with an option for further season, potentially June 2025.
"Talks will continue in the next days — Barça proposal remains valid on the table. NO decision made by Gundogan yet."
This is simply a no-brainer for City, with Gundogan such a superb footballer, combining tactical intelligence with end product in the final third. Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane has described him as "outstanding" which is high praise from someone who isn't easy to please, and he has been one of his side's best players in what could be a legendary season.
At 32, there is an argument to say that his brilliance could begin to dwindle, and that allowing his contract to run down is the right decision, but he still has so much to offer and giving him a one or two-year extension makes complete sense. The potential issue could be if Guardiola is unable to guarantee him regular starts moving forward – something Barca may be able to do – but if he is still happy at the Etihad, extending his stay would be brilliant news.
For years, Gundogan has arguably felt underrated, but he is now receiving the credit he has always deserved, and he could even be a City legend at this point, especially if this current team goes on to complete the treble with wins against Inter Milan and United.
Newcastle United are considering a summer transfer bid for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who would likely garner a mouth-watering fee.
What's the latest on Dusan Vlahovic to Newcastle?
Switching Florence for Turin in January 2022, Vlahovic completed his £66.6m move to the Old Lady with a weight of expectation and has been of interest to some of Europe's most prominent outfits after an emphatic start to life in the Serie A.
Eddie Howe's Magpies are 'mulling' over a swoop, and according to 90min, might look to take advantage of the player's desire to move to the Premier League.
Previous reports have touted the Serbian sharpshooter as high as £96m, which could well deter all but the select few of football's most opulent sides from making a move.
Should Newcastle sign Dusan Vlahovic?
When Vlahovic signed for Juventus, he was one of the most touted and prolific young strikers in European football, but he has not quite reached the desired heights thus far in Turin.
And while the 23-year-old is still a top talent, given the exorbitant fees that have been thrown around and the striker's indifferent form in front of goal over the past few seasons, parting with a fee nearing £100m would be simply ludicrous for Howe and co, despite PIF's limitless wealth.
After scoring 29 goals and supplying six assists last year, having joined Juventus from Fiorentina at the midpoint, the ace boasts only 13 strikes and four assists from 38 matches this term, though he has started just 31 times.
As per FBref, Vlahovic ranks only among the top 42% of strikers across Europe's big five leagues for rate of non-penalty goals per 90, with his expected goals (xG) metric also illustrating his profligacy in front of goal, ranking among the top 30% of positional peers for non-penalty xG per 90.
Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic celebrating a goal.
A further stumbling block lies in the ace's wages, with Vlahovic reportedly taking home £220k-per-week. For reference, the Toon's £63m club-record signing Alexander Isak, who has scored ten goals and served two assists from just 14 matches and ranks among the top 8% of positional peers for rate of non-penalty goals, boasts only £120k-per-week.
Hailed as a "monster" by journalist Carlo Garganese, Vlahovic boasts a skill set worthy of leading the line for many outfits chasing silver-laden success, but with the Magpies on the rise and requiring a meticulous approach on the transfer front to cement their newfound stature at the forefront of English football, signing the Old Lady frontman for such a high fee would not be an auspicious move.
كشف أحمد قندوسي لاعب فريق سيراميكا كليوباترا عن تفاصيل انتقاله إلى النادي الأهلي خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية من عام 2023، موضحًا حقيقة وجود عرض وقتها من الزمالك.
وانضم قندوسي لصفوف الأهلي في يناير 2023 واستمر حتى نهاية الموسم الماضي، قبل أن تتم اعارته خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الأخيرة إلى سيراميكا كليوباترا.
وقال قندوسي في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة أون تايم سبورتس: “أي لاعب يتمنى أن يلعب في الأهلي، نادي كبير، لم أكن أتابع الدوري المصري، ولكن كنت أتابع الأهلي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا ووجدته ناديًا كبيرًا”.
وأكمل: “لم يكن في ذهني غير وفاق سطيف، حتى شاهدت النادي الأهلي الذي يتوج بدوري أبطال إفريقيا ويلعب في كأس العالم للأندية، هناك لاعبين كثيرين طوال مسيرتهم لم يحصدوا دوري الأبطال، أنا لعبت مع المارد الأحمر وحصلت على دوري الأبطال”.
وتابع: “إدارة وفاق سطيف لم تقل لي إن الزمالك يتفاوض من أجل ضمي، في هذا الوقت كنت مع منتخب المحليين، بعد ذلك اتصل بي رئيس النادي وقال لي في الأهلي والزمالك، وفي هذا التوقيت النادي كان يحتاج أموالًا”.
طالع أيضاً.. مروان عطية: رفضت بيراميدز والزمالك من أجل الأهلي.. وهذا أفضل قرار أخذته في حياتي
وأوضح: “قلت له لابد أن أسأل، وسألت إخوتي، وكان عندي عروضًا من أوروبا من إسبانيا وتركيا وبلجيكا ولكن المقابل المادي كان لا يتعدى الـ 500 ألف دولار، وهذا رقم قليل”.
وأضاف: “قلت لرئيس النادي سأترك لك الخيار، ولكن إذا سألتني عن رغبتي فهي الأهلي، وبعد ذلك تواصل معهم وعاد لي في الليل وقال لي أنهيت الاتفاق مع الأهلي”.
واستطرد لاعب سيراميكا كليوباترا: “رئيس النادي قال لي إن الزمالك سيدفع أموالًا أكثر، وأنا كنت أريد الذهاب إلى الأهلي، ورئيس النادي كان في موقف صعب لأنه يريد الأموال، وقلت له حتى لو الأهلي أعطاك أموالًا أقل وافق”.
واختتم: “أمير توفيق جاء إلى الجزائر ووقعت على عقد الانضمام للأهلي، ثم عدت للمنتخب، وزملائي هنأوني وأشادوا بتلك الخطوة، وأول من استقبلني في الأهلي كهربا، وجلست في غرفة واحدة مع الشناوي، وبعد ذلك دخلت وسط اللاعبين سريعًا”.
Arsenal's academy is one of the most revered across England, with some truly impeccable talent having gone on to achieve great things following their graduation.
What makes this impressive youth production even more special is the frequency with which they seem to produce and promote these gems, paving a fine pathway for these future stars to tread.
It hands them belief that there is a clear way into senior football should they reach the levels required, which in turn likely spurs on even more fine performances for the youth teams.
When a side is thriving it often makes it easier to disseminate these players into the first team, however, given their current title charge, there is arguably no greater high-pressure environment.
It forges an unenviable position, but one which should a youngster thrive, they instantly prove themselves to be a cut above the rest.
Given that Reuell Walters seems to be slowly earning this integration, given his presence on the bench in their last three consecutive Premier League games, clearly Mikel Arteta sees this promise in the teenage defender earning all the plaudits.
Who is Reuell Walters?
Having joined the club in 2020 after leaving Tottenham Hotspur, the 18-year-old quickly established himself as a mainstay in the U21 side despite his youth. This led to an impressive 36 games already for Mehmet Ali's outfit, which is a fine number for any academy player.
A solid defender with the athleticism to make an impact at both ends of the pitch, it is this consistency that has likely led to his increased involvement among the first team.
However, that consistency has often grown into a more expansive role that has been more than deserving of the praise given.
Journalist Layth Yousif had branded him an "outstanding prospect" just last month, however, it was his comment in November that outlines him as someone who could truly challenge Ben White for that right-back spot.
The writer would claim on Twitter that he was: "Very calm & assured with pace to burn."
Whilst the former Brighton and Hove Albion defender has enjoyed a near-faultless campaign in his makeshift role, despite preferring central defence, there is nothing wrong with some friendly competition to maintain those high levels.
His average Sofascore rating of 6.97 almost underplays just how integral the 25-year-old has been, with Arteta even infamously claiming: "I love the boy".
With Walters' chances of completely displacing the defensive hero unlikely, his similar skillset makes him the perfect foil for such a consistent star. In fact, both have form of featuring at centre back or right back and maintain a ball-playing philosophy no matter the consequences.
It seems that Hale End has done it once again with the production of yet another top talent, readymade to reach the top and save the club millions.
Manchester United head into tonight's Europa League last-16 clash away to Real Betis having all but secured their place in the last eight, with the Red Devils holding a commanding, 4-1 aggregate lead following the first-leg meeting at Old Trafford.
Last week's encounter saw Erik ten Hag's men produce a stunning second-half display to take full control of the tie, shaking off early nerves following the previous defeat to Liverpool to ruthlessly power their way to victory.
That handsome, three-goal advantage should allow the chance for the Ajax boss to somewhat shuffle his pack this evening, despite the fact that the Dutchman has typically avoided the temptation to rotate throughout his United tenure thus far.
The 53-year-old will be forced into at least one alteration from the weekend draw with Southampton, however, following the news that summer signing Antony will not make the trip to Seville due to illness.
With fellow winger Alejandro Garnacho also facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury against the Saints – and with Anthony Martial still not ready to make his return to action – it could be an ideal opportunity for Ten Hag to hand what would be a first start for the club to promising youngster, Facundo Pellistri.
Will Pellistri play against Betis?
The 21-year-old is still waiting for his first inclusion in a starting lineup for the Red Devils, having been limited to just six first-team appearances since making his move from Penarol on a £9m deal back in 2020.
It was, in fact, only earlier this year that the Uruguayan international was handed his debut at the club by Ten Hag, with the young speedster bizarrely featuring for his country at a World Cup before being handed a senior bow at the Theatre of Dreams.
There are likely those scratching their heads as to why the 5 foot 9 menace has not yet been unleashed from the start, having seemingly made a telling impact whenever he has come off the bench in recent months.
The lively gem notably contributed an assist on debut in the Carabao Cup victory over Charlton Athletic, while it was also his driving run through the middle that ultimately lead to Bruno Fernandes' late strike in the semi-final, first-leg win over Nottingham Forest.
Pellistri-Man-United-debut-Ten-Hag
The Montevideo native then played his part in sparking his side's comeback against Leeds United last month, doing 'brilliantly to retain the ball' on the flanks in the build-up to Marcus Rashford's bullet header, as per Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst.
Against Betis last week, Pellistri then took just a matter of seconds after entering the fray as a substitute to again prove crucial in Wout Weghorst's late clincher, producing a "scintillating", driving run inside the area – as per Express journalist Alex Turk – before expertly picking out the advancing Scott McTominay, who's rebounded effort eventually fell the way of Weghorst.
While such moments of magic have been rather fleeting, the ten-cap ace has proven he can cause havoc in the final third, with the time having now come for the exciting talent to be handed a chance from the start – even if his future is set to lie elsewhere next season amid talk of a temporary exit.
With Pellistri likely to feel comfortable performing against Manuel Pellegrini's men this evening – having previously spent 18 months on loan in Spain with Alaves – he could well be something of a secret weapon for Ten Hag tonight.
Sky Sports have shared a Tottenham Hotspur managerial update with the club also ‘looking’ at Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.
The Lowdown: Spurs manager race beginning?
The race to succeed current boss Antonio Conte may already be underway, despite the fact he is currently still at the helm and set to take charge against Nottingham Forest tomorrow.
Spurs’ boss has just a few months remaining on his current deal and their mid-week Champions League defeat to AC Milan has seriously put Conte’s future into question.
It is widely believed that the Italian won’t stay beyond this campaign and could perhaps leave sooner, with the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Luis Enrique linked.
The Latest: Spurs ‘looking’ at De Zerbi..
As per Sky, backing other reports, Brighton manager De Zerbi is also a contender to take over from Conte.
While the ex-Serie A coach has claimed he is happy in his current role, as we’ve seen with Brighton’s ex-manager Graham Potter, that can change quickly with the right offer.
The former Sassuolo head coach is enjoying a fine season on the south coast, catching the attention of Spurs and two other top clubs, who are all allegedly ‘looking’ at him according to the broadcaster.
There are many reasons to consider De Zerbi for the role, with one of them being his price.
It has been reported by reliable sources in Italy that the 43-year-old’s contract at Brighton contains an £11.5 million release clause – allowing Spurs to bypass Brighton demands and negotiate directly with De Zerbi.
Called a ‘special’ manager by members of the press and ‘incredible’ by Pep Guardiola, De Zerbi’s Brighton are challenging for Europe and have carried on their trend of overachieving with a small squad.
A promoter of attacking football also, De Zerbi certainly stands out as one of the better Spurs candidates.
West Ham United right-back Vladimir Coufal could miss the FA Cup clash away at Manchester United on Wednesday evening due to a heel injury, according to club insiders Claret & Hugh.
The Lowdown: Coufal injured
As quoted by Football London, David Moyes recently confirmed that Coufal has picked up ‘a bit of a heel injury’, which forced him to come off at half-time in his side’s 4-0 victory against Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
The Czech Republic international has reemerged as an important player for West Ham in recent weeks, starting the club’s last nine games in the Premier League after a spell out of the team, so there is understandable concern about the severity of the injury.
The Latest: Doubt for Wednesday
According to Claret & Hugh, the right-back has been playing with the heel issue for the past few weeks, before finally being forced to address the issue at the weekend.
The source also added: “We need him now we are playing midweek matches every week but he could miss Wednesday, although he is the type of character who will always push himself to be involved.”
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The Verdict: Blow for Moyes
It will be a very tricky test for the Hammers on Wednesday night, especially considering the form Erik ten Hag’s side are in, undefeated in their last ten matches in all competitions, most recently winning the Carabao Cup final.
As such, Moyes will no doubt want to have his best players available, and Coufal has definitely been in that category in recent weeks, impressing considerably in the 1-1 draw at Newcastle United earlier this month, creating one big chance and making five tackles.
Aaron Cresswell replaced the 30-year-old at half-time on Saturday, with Ben Johnson switching to the right, and the Hammers looked a much-improved side in the second half, scoring four goals to pick up a vital three points.
Clearly, Moyes has decent enough back-up options for the right-back, but he will still be disappointed if the ‘outstanding’ ace is not available on Wednesday night.