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Ireland lost their last two wickets quickly on the fourth day to set Bangladesh only 138

Mohammad Isam07-Apr-2023Riding on Mushfiqur Rahim’s 26th half-century and his 62-run third-wicket partnership with Tamim Iqbal, Bangladesh completed a seven-wicket win over Ireland on the fourth afternoon of the Dhaka Test. Mushfiqur, whose 126 in the first innings set the home side up to 369, fast-tracked the 138-run chase in the fourth innings an unbeaten 51 off 48 balls. He had Mominul Haque for company in the end, as Bangladesh chased it down in 27.1 overs.It was their first Test win since they defeated New Zealand in Mount Maunganui in early 2022, breaking a nine-match winless streak in Tests. It was also Bangladesh’s second successful fourth-innings chase at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.Apart from Mushfiqur’s runs, Bangladesh had Taijul Islam’s 9-148 match figures to thank for. The Dhaka Test would also be remembered for Lorcan Tucker’s 108 that led Ireland’s fightback from 13 for 4 to make 292 in their second innings. That meant the Test entered a fourth day as Ireland batted out day three and lost only four wickets.It was their comeback in Test cricket after nearly four years, which made the performance all the more significant. Tucker became the second Irishman to score a Test hundred on debut, and the sixth wicketkeeper overall to do so. Andy McBrine too had a very good game, getting a six-wicket haul in the first innings followed by 72. He is the second overseas cricketer to do this double in Bangladesh, the first being Rashid Khan.Related

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On day four, Bangladesh’s bowlers only allowed six runs in the nine overs and bowled Ireland out for 292 within 36 minutes. Ebadot Hossain picked up the remaining two wickets to take his tally to three in the innings. Taijul took four wickets, while Shakib Al Hasan picked up two. Though, his lack of bowling in the second innings piqued interest.In their chase, Bangladesh sent out Litton Das to open the innings after almost four years. He struck three fours quickly before Mark Adair bowled him with a short ball that ricocheted off his helmet and the back of his bat, before trickling on to the stumps. Litton, who struck a sublime straight loft earlier in the over, got a send-off from Adair who seemed to ask him where his sunglasses were. Litton had worn sunglasses while batting in the first innings.Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine impressed with the bat in the second dig for Ireland•BCBNajmul Hossain Shanto, who was out for a first-ball duck in the first innings, made four runs before Andrew Balbirnie, the Ireland captain, took a good low catch at slip off McBrine. Mushfiqur, fresh from his tenth hundred in the first innings, cracked seven fours as he finished unbeaten. Tamim made 31 before holing out off Ben White, but Mominul’s unbeaten 20 got them home.Ireland’s recovery in their second innings came through a string of partnerships. Harry Tector and Peter Moor steered them towards safety by batting out 25 overs on the second evening and third morning. Tector and Tucker then added 72 runs for the sixth wicket with a bit more urgency, before Tucker and McBrine put on 111 runs for the seventh wicket to pose questions of Bangladesh.Tucker reached his maiden century with an expansive cover drive, having struck most of his boundaries on the on side. He was particularly harsh on the fast bowlers, batting at 100% strike-rate against Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot and Shoriful Islam. He was watchful against the spinners, which helped Ireland in blunting the attack for long.But Bangladesh were always well ahead of the visitors, having taken a 155-run lead and then having them 13 for 4 on the second evening. Ireland’s fightback was noteworthy, a factor that will come in handy for them in the two Tests against Sri Lanka later this month.

Liverpool are believed to be weighing up the idea of selling a “world-class” player at the end of this season alongside Luis Diaz, according to a big new claim.

Diaz linked with Liverpool exit

Arne Slot is blessed with a plethora of elite attacking options in his squad, not least Mohamed Salah, who is arguably the best footballer in the world on current form, looking like becoming the first-ever player to win the PFA Player of the Year award on three occasions.

The Dutchman also has Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa to call upon, however, allowing Liverpool so much firepower and playing a big role in them topping the Premier League and winning the 36-team Champions League group.

That said, a fresh report has said that the Reds could decide to move Diaz on once the current season reaches its conclusion, having started to frustrate Slot.

The Colombian has enjoyed a good season overall, scoring a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen and adjusting well to a new central role, but it could be that Liverpool’s head coach doesn’t see him as the solution in that position, wanting to bring in an out-and-out centre forward this summer instead.

Liverpool could sell "world-class" player

According to that same update from Anfield Watch, Liverpool could also look to sell Jota in the summer, with potential huge changes to the attack being made.

The report says that there is “doubt” over the Portuguese’s future at Anfield, with injuries continuing to keep him out of the side too often. He is “another” who is thought to be “frustrating” Slot. It’s worth noting that Nunez could also be moved on, ahead of potential major attacking surgery.

If Jota was available every week, the situation would likely be very different, considering the match-winning quality he possesses, with Jurgen Klopp once saying of him:

“We were completely convinced when he arrived at the club he would help us massively. Since he is here he has made another step, he has turned into a really world-class striker. Mentality mixed with quality is the reason we signed him. Of course he scored two goals, he is incredibly important to us, so it is that mix of his skills that is really exciting. He is in good shape as well and long may it continue.”

Jota’s inability to stay fit for large periods is now a big issue, however, and at 28 years of age, it is hard to see his injury-prone nature changing now, especially considering how much he puts his body on the line during games, showing great bravery.

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The Portugal international’s contract expires in 2027, too, so this summer may act as one of the last chances for Liverpool to earn excellent money for him, so there could be a sense in moving him on. Selling him, Diaz and Nunez all at once would be a bold approach, though.

The inaugural edition of the tournament is expected to take place in March this year

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jan-2023The BCCI has invited applications for “the right to own and operate” teams at the inaugural women’s IPL, which is expected to run from March 3-26.A press statement from the BCCI on Tuesday asked for “reputed entities” to make a non-refundable payment of INR 5 lakh (USD 6000 approx.) by January 21 to procure the “invitation to tender”, which details the eligibility criteria for potential buyers. The final discretion on who gets to bid lies with the BCCI, however, following a technical evaluation process.In February last year, then BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had said that the women’s IPL would get off the ground in 2023. In August, the BCCI zeroed in on a window for March. Subsequently, the BCCI advanced the women’s domestic calendar, which generally runs from November to April, to accommodate the Women’s IPL.Related

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Calls for the Women’s IPL to kick off have been gaining steam since India’s runners-up finish at the 50-over World Cup in 2017. When they reached the finals of the T20 World Cup in Australia in 2020, it gained further momentum before Covid-19 stalled women’s cricket, and the sport in general.Since 2018, the BCCI had been conducting the Women’s T20 Challenge to run alongside the IPL in a bid to test the waters before expanding. A number of times, the previous administration headed by Ganguly had cited a lack of depth in players as an obstacle in conducting a full-fledged tournament.Ever since the formal announcement was made about starting the WIPL, a number of existing IPL teams have been sending out talent scouts to identify players they can potentially sign for the women’s tournament should they be awarded the rights to own a franchise. Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Punjab Kings are all believed to be interested in owning a WIPL team.Last month, the BCCI had invited bids for media rights from 2023-27 for the proposed five-team tournament. As per media reports, as many as 10 entities picked up the media rights tender documents. All the entities who clear BCCI’s screening process will be allowed to place their closed bids on January 12.

حُسمت هوية طرفي مباراة كأس السوبر الأوروبي نسخة 2025 بعد إقامة لقاء نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا لهذا الموسم، مساء يوم السبت.

واستضاف ملعب “أليانز آرينا” مباراة نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا بين باريس سان جيرمان وإنتر ميلان.

وانتهت تلك المباراة بفوز كبير لصالح باريس سان جيرمان بخمسة أهداف دون رد، في لقاء من طرف واحد (لمطالعة التفاصيل كاملة من هنا).

ومن ثم، توج باريس سان جيرمان بلقب دوري أبطال أوروبا للمرة الأولى في تاريخه.

وسيواجه بذلك خصمه توتنهام في مباراة كأس السوبر الأوروبي، بعدما فاز الفريق الإنجليزي ببطولة الدوري الأوروبي على حساب مانشستر يونايتد بهدف دون رد. موعد مباراة السوبر الأوروبي بين باريس سان جيرمان وتوتنهام

تنطلق مباراة السوبر الأوروبي يوم الأربعاء 13 أغسطس المقبل على ملعب “فريولي” في إيطاليا.

Tough on Ricardo Vasconcelos and Emilio Gay who make hundreds in opening stand of 198

ECB Reporters Network19-Aug-2022

Lancashire’s batsmen mounted the highest successful run-chase in their county’s illustrious List A history to defeat Northamptonshire Steelbacks on a sun-soaked, run-stuffed day at Blackpool.Replying to their opponents 370 for four, Northamptonshire’s second-highest List A total, Lancashire got home with 10 balls to spare, thanks to a century from their skipper, Keaton Jennings, and a nerveless 61 not out off 34 balls by George Lavelle.However, defeat was hard on the Northamptonshire openers, Ricardo Vasconcelos and Emilio Gay, both of whom made centuries in what was a magnificent game of List A cricket.Unsurprisingly the Steelbacks’ innings was dominated by Vasconcelos and Gay, whose 198-run stand set a first-wicket record for Northamptonshire against Lancashire in List A cricket.Related

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Vasconcelos was quick to punish anything short of a length and reached three figures off 89 balls with nine fours and three sixes. By contrast, Gay’s driving was a particular delight and he got to his maiden List A century off 94 balls.Despite their best efforts, Lancashire’s bowlers were unthreatening and it was fitting that the first wicket was a run out when Gay sent Vasconcelos back and the South African opener was beaten by Steven Croft’s throw from square leg.Will Young and Saif Zaib made useful twenties before both batsmen were caught at deep square leg by Rob Jones, George Balderson and Danny Lamb being the successful bowlers. Four balls after Zaib’s departure, Gay was run out for 131 by Luke Wells’s direct hit from cover, leaving the Steelbacks on 304 for four after 41.3 overs.Those wickets deprived the Steelbacks innings of a little of its impetus but Lewis McManus hit four sixes in his 44 not out to ensure that Northamptonshire reached their highest List A total against Lancashire, who conceded their third-highest total in this format. Lamb, who took one for 64 from his ten overs was the pick of the home attack. most members of which were roughly treated on a superb batting pitch.But Northamptonshire’s bowlers found things no easier against the in-form openers, Keaton Jennings and Luke Wells, who put on 130 in 16 overs before Wells was caught at long off for 84 by the substitute fielder Harry Gouldstone off Saif Zaib.Wells had been particularly severe on Freddie Heldreich, hitting the left-arm wrist spinner for three sixes in one over, but Zaib maintained a degree of control and took the second wicket when he caught and bowled Josh Bohannon for 26, thus ending the Boltonian’s 72-run second-wicket stand with Jennings.Lancashire’s efforts to accelerate were further hampered by the loss of Steven Croft, caught and bowled by Alex Russell for 13, and Rob Jones, caught behind by McManus off Sales for eight, but the crucial blow seemed to have been struck when Jennings, having reached an 86-ball hundred was briliantly caught on the deep midwicket boundary by Gay off Sales for 125.But Lavelle was joined by George Balderson and the pair’s 82-run stand for the sixth wicket was vital in securing one of Lancashire’s most memorable victories. The win also confirms the home side’s place in the knockout stages of the Royal London Cup.

Rangers have now made contact with a 28-year-old international defender over a possible return to Ibrox this month, according to a reporter.

Rangers transfer news

This January transfer window could be a busy period for the Scottish side, as Philippe Clement will be desperate to add to his side as they look to close the gap to rivals Celtic in the league and qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League.

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Already there are plenty of rumours making the rounds, as the Gers are being linked with a move for striker Iqraam Rayners. The 29-year-old is being eyed by the Scottish side as he is seen as someone who can provide strong competition for Hamza Igamane. Rangers are also being linked with a move for Daruis Olaru, a midfielder who would add more goals and creativity to Clement’s side.

However, it is in defence that Rangers are struggling, as they are now in the midst of an injury crisis, as Leon Balogun, John Souttar, Neraysho Kasanwirjo and James Tavernier have all been injured, and this has resulted in right-back Dujon Sterling filling in at centre-back in recent games. It has been reported that Rangers hold an interest in Manchester United defender Jonny Evans and Norwich City centre-back Grant Hanley.

Rangers make contact with 28 y/o over possible Ibrox return

Evans and Hanley are not the only centre-backs on the Gers’ radar, as Nikola Katic is also of interest, and according to Keith Jackson, relayed by Ibrox News, Rangers have made contact with Katic over a possible return to the club this month.

Katic currently plays for the Swiss side FC Zurich, and he has done so since leaving Rangers in August 2022. The 28-year-old has rediscovered his best form and has become a key player for Zurich, as he’s become a regular starter and even been among the goals. The 6-cap Bosnia international is under contract at the Swiss side until the summer of 2026, but he could be set to quit the side this month.

Katic has been linked with a move to Rangers already, and now according to Jackson, Rangers have made contact with the defender behind the scenes, coming after his agent suggested a move back to Glasgow would be his preference, despite interest from England.

Katic joined Rangers back in 2018 under former manager Steven Gerrard and became a hero after scoring in an Old Firm derby, but his Rangers career came to a halt after he suffered an ACL injury.

Jackson said on The Daily Record’s Hotline Live: “I believe there has been contact made; there have been some sort of discussions had behind the scenes.

“Rangers have been made aware that this deal is there to be done. I think it very much looks like Nikola Katic will be on the move, whether that be to Ibrox or to England or something over the course of the next few weeks”.

Looking to welcome an instant boost in pursuit of Premier League survival, Leicester City are now reportedly racing to sign a defender worth as much as £16.5m ahead of Tottenham Hotspur this month.

Leicester transfer news

It’s no real surprise that the Foxes are seemingly on the hunt for defensive reinforcements. After all, they’ve conceded the most goals in the Premier League so far this season, shipping as many as 42 in just 19 games. Just two points adrift of safety nonetheless, the fight is still on for a Leicester side who did Ruud van Nistelrooy proud despite eventual defeat against out-of-form champions Manchester City last time out.

Now that the January transfer window now underway, the Foxes have already been linked to potential solutions for their leaky defence with the likes of Chancel Mbemba among the names mentioned.

The Porto defender could yet be offered a route back into the Premier League for the first time since his Newcastle United days and could also be joined by another defensive addition at The King Power Stadium.

According to Football Insider, Leicester are now racing to sign Thomas Kristensen ahead of Tottenham Hotspur and Bayer Leverkusen in a deal that could cost a hefty £16.5m this month. Despite driving a hard bargain, Udinese could be tempted into bidding farewell to their 6ft 5 centre-back if any interested party meet their current valuation.

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At just 22 years old, that £16m+ fee could quickly turn into a bargain deal if Kristensen played his part in Leicester’s survival but it remains to be seen whether they’ll be financially capable of reaching that price tag in the January transfer window. Amid competition from both Spurs and Leverkusen too, they’ll have to put together quite the sales pitch.

"Interesting" Kristensen is one to watch

At 6ft 5 and just 22 years old, Kristensen is certainly the type of player that Leicester should be targeting to solve their defensive issues. The major obstacle likely remains just how much they’ll have to spend to secure his signature, but £16m+ may well be the price of their Premier League place which should hand them an easy decision to make this month.

Kristensen’s rise is one that Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig saw coming even before his Udinese days, describing the defender as “interesting youngster” during his Aarhus GF days in Denmark.

Now playing an important part at Udinese, starting four Serie A games in a row before illness interrupted what has been a season full of frustrating absences, Kristensen could yet make the biggest move of his career to date at the halfway mark of the current campaign.

Six-wicket victory ends Northern Diamonds’ campaign, despite Sciver, Armitage efforts

ECB Reporters Network04-Jun-2022Sweet hitting from Danni Wyatt and Georgia Adams made sure Southern Vipers completed the Charlotte Edwards Cup group stage with a 100 percent record, ending Northern Diamonds’ campaign in the process.England opener Wyatt thrashed an exhilarating 35 off 16 balls before Adams all but finished off the job with 47 – with Vipers already qualified for next Saturday’s final at Wantage Road in Northampton.Nat Sciver scored a classy fifty in her first match since her marriage to England and Diamonds team-mate Katherine Brunt as Diamonds set a target of 142 in a game they needed to win to hold any hope of progressing.But Wyatt and Adams knocked off the runs with 10 balls to spare to celebrate a six-wicket victory and gain atonement for losing out to the Diamonds in last year’s Eliminator.Wyatt was ostentatious. First ball: cut forcefully. Second ball: driven square with power. Fourth ball: advance and splice over point. Sixth ball: smashed over cover. Seventh ball: guided down to the third ropes. All five balls went to the boundary as the experienced batter rushed to 21 in seven balls.She used Sciver’s pace to find fours on either side of the wicket, but her fun ended in the fourth over when she anticlimactically cut Katie Levick to point. But the damage had been done.Adams was given two lives – a steepling chance dropped and then a missed stumping – during a scratchy start to her innings, while Ella McCaughan was also twice put down.Adams struck herself into form with a straight six shadowed by three languid swings to the boundary in the following five balls. She was dropped again but made sure Vipers’ chase was in complete control.Her luck ran out when she was caught at square leg before Charlie Dean was caught and bowled two balls later. But McCaughan and Freya Kemp knocked off the final 16 runs in front of 2,400 spectators at the Ageas Bowl.Earlier, having been asked to bowl, Vipers’ Dean took her competition tally to 10 as she pinched the early wickets of Bess Heath and Stere Kalis. The off-spinner returned figures of 2 for 24.Sciver largely went under the radar as she nudged her score upwards. Her first three boundaries were all helped around the corner, before finally showing her more usual bombast by powering through midwicket.She unleashed back-to-back fours off England hopeful Lauren Bell – firstly straight and then freeing her arms through point. A superb scoop took her boundary count to seven as she reached a half-century in 37 balls before she was run out by Maia Bouchier’s direct hit.Hollie Armitage was also circumspect, punishing width and shortness with disdain during her 69-run stand with Sciver. She ended up unbeaten on 48 as Diamonds finished up on 141 for 4 – with 15 coming off the 20th over.

As Leeds United look to return to winning ways against Oxford United, they could be forced to do so without one of Daniel Farke’s key men in another blow for those at Elland Road.

Leeds injury news

Already without Ilia Gruev and Junior Firpo ahead of Oxford this weekend, injury setbacks are threatening to control the narrative of Leeds’ season once again following blows to the likes of Ethan Ampadu earlier in the campaign. Given that Farke’s side were left to mount a late Championship comeback against Preston North End to rescue a 1-1 draw last time out too, the last thing that they need is more bad news on the injury front.

With the chance to flip the narrative from a disappointing point into four games without defeat this weekend up against an Oxford side who have just shown manager Des Buckingham the door, a fresh injury blow is exactly what Leeds may have been dealt.

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As confirmed by Farke and relayed by Adam Pope, Leeds could now be without Pascal Struijk against Oxford in a fresh injury blow, whilst it also remains to be seen whether Max Wober will make the game.

Among those in the leadership group, Struijk remains a key figure within Farke’s squad and particularly his backline as Leeds look to avoid yet more promotion heartbreak following last season’s Wembley failure. In pursuit of a return to the top flight, keeping players of Struijk’s calibre fit will play a large part.

"Crucial" Struijk is key for Leeds

Starting in all 21 Championship games for Leeds so far this season, it cannot be overstated enough just how important Struijk has become at Elland Road. If the Yorkshire club are to earn promotion in the current campaign, then there’s no doubt that he will be at the centre of it. And Farke is well aware of his quality too, taking time to praise his defender at the end of October.

Farke told reporters via The Leeds Press: “He adapted well to my demands and he’s played a crucial part. We don’t have to talk about his skills with the ball. I’m very pleased with his development.”

If the 25-year-old does miss this weekend’s meeting with Oxford, then the return of Wober would certainly be a welcomed one. The defender can play as both a centre-back and as a left-back, perhaps handing the Whites an instant solution.

That said, up against a struggling side, Leeds should have no excuses. These are the types of games that they should arguably be easing past if they want to secure an automatic promotion spot and avoid the playoffs altogether come the end of the current campaign.

Leeds United return from the international break as they prepare to travel to Wales to take on Swansea City in the Championship this afternoon.

The Whites have had to wait until the majority of the other teams in the league played on Friday and Saturday, and now know that they can move into the automatic promotion places with a win over the Swans.

Daniel Farke’s side secured a 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers at Elland Road in their last match before the break, and will be looking to build on that with another three points.

However, there were still some underwhelming performances from Leeds players in that victory over Marti Cifuentes’ team, with Manor Solomon potentially in danger of losing his place in the XI.

Manor Solomon's performance against QPR

The Tottenham Hotspur loanee was selected to start on the left flank against QPR and failed to make the most of his opportunity to impress.

In his 72 minutes on the pitch for Leeds, the Israel international missed a ‘big chance’ and failed to create any chances for his teammates, with that miss coming in the second half after his shot from close range was smothered by Paul Nardi.

Solomon failed with both of his attempted dribbles and lost five of his eight duels throughout the game, which shows that QPR’s players found it far too easy to get the better of him.

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Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The 25-year-old flop has now gone seven Championship games without a goal or an assist, since recording an assist against Hull on his debut, and Farke must ruthlessly drop him to the bench after another match without an attacking contribution.

The player who should replace Manor Solomon for Leeds

Dan James was on the bench against QPR and bringing him back in from the start would allow the German head coach to drop Solomon out of the starting line-up.

The Wales international had started the three league games prior to the last match and should be brought straight back into the XI for this afternoon’s clash with Swansea.

James, who was once hailed as “different class” by Ally McCoist, has begun this season with a return of two goals and three ‘big chances’ created in six Championship starts, which shows that he has been far more involved at the top end of the pitch than Solomon has been.

As you can see in the table above, the Welsh speedster also proved his worth in the second tier during the 2023/24 campaign, with regular quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

The former Manchester United winger has the ability to provide a regular threat as a scorer and can break down opposition defences to create chances for his teammates on a regular basis, which is why he is such a key player for the Whites.

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1

By
Dan Emery

Nov 20, 2024

With this in mind, Solomon must be ruthlessly dropped to the bench after his poor showing last time out in order for James to be unleashed from the start, with Wilfried Gnonto moving over to the left wing with the Welshman on the right.