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An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s reported transfer interest in Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko.

What’s the talk?

According to The Northern Echo, the Magpies could make an ‘ambitious’ swoop for the Ukraine international in the January transfer window.

The report claims that the Toon Army could move for Zinchenko if he continues to play a supporting role at the Etihad Stadium in the coming weeks.

Time to axe Ritchie

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe must secure a deal to sign the left-back as it could allow him to axe Matt Ritchie from the starting XI.

The Scottish full-back has been in dire form since the start of last season, and the prospective signing of Zinchenko could leave him on the bench or playing further up the field. He has averaged a poor WhoScored rating of 6.60 in the Premier League this season, slightly down from the 6.64 he managed in the 2020/21 campaign, showing that he has been unable to consistently turn in impressive performances in the top flight.

Meanwhile, Zinchenko averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.84 in 20 Premier League appearances for Man City last season, with his score weighed down slightly by five of those games coming as a substitute. At the European Championship in the summer, he averaged a superb score of 6.98 in five matches as he made four tackles and interceptions per game in helping Ukraine to the quarter-finals.

City boss Pep Guardiola previously hailed the 24-year-old’s ‘exceptional’ quality and pointed out the standard of player he is able to handle as a defender.

The Spaniard said: “He is always focused, always concentrated. As a left-back he fights against [Mohamed] Salah, [Marcus] Rashford, [Angel] Di Maria – the toughest opponents and he doesn’t make mistakes. His quality with the ball is exceptional, we know it…”

This shows that the £25.2m-rated beast has the ability to perform consistently at the top level to a good standard, in comparison to Ritchie’s sub-par displays for the Magpies over the last 18 months. Therefore, signing Zinchenko could allow Howe to axe the Scot from the starting XI and potentially leave him on the bench in a reserve role, with the Ukrainian hopefully becoming a regular in the team.

It is now down to PIF and Howe to make sure that they can convince him to make the switch to Tyneside. He has not started a single league match for City this season and the prospect of playing week in, week out could potentially be tempting for the 24-year-old.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Wilson: Newcastle can seal dream deal in “unbelievably important” 38-goal gem…

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has a gigantic task on his hands to pull the club out of the relegation zone in the Premier League this season.

The Magpies are rock bottom of the table and are yet to win a match in the top-flight, with the transfer window still a month away from opening.

With a number of games to be played before Howe can make any signings, he could look to change things up by offering a chance to some of the talented young players in the academy set-up.

Nolan 2.0

One player who could have the quality to come through and make an impact at senior level is attacking midfielder Elliot Anderson, who could be Kevin Nolan 2.0. He has already caught the eye of the new coaching set-up. Howe’s assistant Jason Tindall has pointed to his potential, saying:

“He’s certainly a bright talent from what we’ve seen on the training ground. He’s got very good potential.”

The 19-year-old has shown promise in the youth set-up on Tyneside for a number of years. He scored seven and assisted five in 22 under-18 games before moving onto the U23 side and finding his best goalscoring form with 16 strikes and three assists in 31 matches. This includes an impressive five goals in six league outings this term.

He has already played twice for the first team, having been handed his debut by Steve Bruce. The Ex-Magpies boss previously claimed that the midfielder has a big future, whilst gushing with praise of his talents. He said:

“A big positive. I thought the kid was very, very good. He’s been with us and knocking on the door for a while now so it was good to see the young lad making his way. He’s got a big future ahead of him hopefully.

“As soon as he comes onto the pitch, he accepts the ball, receives the ball. He’s got that lovely way of never looking like he’s rushed. It’s effortless to him and easy.

“So we hope he’s got a big future. He’ll remember his debut today, he could have scored in the last minute, couldn’t he. What a wonderful debut that would have been but I’m very pleased with his progress and he’s one that we hope can do us a good turn over the season.”

Anderson could be likened to ex-Newcastle midfielder Nolan, who was known for scoring from the middle of the park. The former West Ham man found the back of the net 30 times in 91 matches for the club and the fresh Magpies academy product could be the next goalscoring sensation from midfield if Howe offers him a chance in the first-team this season.

The 19-year-old wizard’s statistics for the club’s youth teams suggest that he has the potential to step up and be a goalscorer at senior level, but it is down to him to live up to his own hype and perform consistently. If he can do that then he could be Nolan 2.0.

AND in other news, Fewer touches than Dubravka: NUFC flop who lost 62.5% duels let Howe down badly…

Former England captain Tony Greig believes ball-tampering has been prevalent over the years

Cricinfo staff09-Feb-2010Shahid Afridi’s ‘biting the ball’ incident during the fifth ODI between Australia and Pakistan in Perth may have raised a furore and led to a two-match ban but former England captain Tony Greig believes ball-tampering has been prevalent over the years.”Some may choose to deny it but most bowlers have technically indulged in ball-tampering,” Greig told Cricinfo’s show. “Ball-tampering is one of cricket’s most open secrets and it has been for at least 50 years.”In the most recent incident, Afridi was caught by TV cameras apparently biting the ball on a couple of occasions during the last ODI against Australia. This was reported by the TV umpire to the on-field umpires who, after a chat with Afridi, changed the ball. At a hearing with the match referee Ranjan Madugalle immediately after the game, Afridi pleaded guilty to the charge, apologised and regretted his action but was banned for two Twenty20 internationals.Afridi later said the practice was common in cricket, a sentiment echoed by Greig. “It is common knowledge that bottle tops and sand paper in particular have been used in the past to change the surface of the ball in an effort to create reverse swing,” Greig said. “New Zealand’s Adam Parore openly admits that New Zealand, in retribution for what they thought Pakistan had been doing, went to work on the ball with a bottle top in a Test in 1990 in Faisalabad. Parore said Chris Pringle was the major beneficiary in so much as he took 11 wickets in the match.”Saliva and sweat are permitted as shining agents but what about the mints and gum those alter the make up of saliva? What about sunscreens and lip balm which mixes with sweat and so it goes on.”

You’ve got to keep swing bowling in the game. Because swing bowling and leg spin bowling are the two aspects of the game that you must do everything to encourage, they are both attacking forms of bowlingIan Chappell

Greig also sought a rewrite of the current laws regarding ball-tampering as they threw little light. “Most of the better cricket administrators have been former players and they know that its been happening,” said Greig. “But their attitude has been to write the laws as strictly as possible knowing full well that short of submitting all balls for forensics testing there is little chance of doing anything other than what is being done at the moment.”Ian Chappell, the former Australia captain, said everything possible should be done to encourage swing. “Rub the laws and start again,” Chappell said. “If bowlers feel that the contest is even then I don’t think you will get so much of the illegal actions and the ball tampering. They should sit down with all the captains, and say – write down the list of all the things that make ball swing.”We will then go through the list and then pick out – 6, 7, 8 …pick a number. Then we present the list to all the captains, and we ask them to pick one out of that lot, and make it legal and the rest is illegal. And if you are caught doing any of those – big trouble, you will be handed a suspension.”You’ve got to keep swing bowling in the game. Because swing bowling and leg spin bowling are the two aspects of the game that you must do everything to encourage, they are both attacking forms of bowling.”

An update has emerged on Newcastle United target Ousmane Dembele regarding interest from elsewhere in the Premier League…

What’s the talk?

According to Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United and Tottenham have both joined the Magpies in the race to land the French international.

The report claims that Barcelona want to keep hold of the 24-year-old and will offer him a contract extension to avoid losing him for nothing.

ASM 2.0

Eddie Howe could find Newcastle’s new Allan Saint-Maximin by sealing a deal for Dembele either in January or at the end of the season. He is out of contract in 2022 and the Magpies could land him on a pre-contract in the winter window to sign him on a free next summer or they could look to strike a cut-price deal to have him for the second-half of the campaign.

Like Saint-Maximin, Dembele is a tricky winger who can use both feet and likes to dribble with the ball to create openings for himself and his teammates. He has a career average of 2.5 dribbles completed per game, whilst the Magpies forward has a career average of 3.6 per game.

The Frenchman has also shown that he has the quality to provide end product at the top level, with 51 goals and assists in 121 games for the Spanish giants.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta claimed last year that the forward is a better player than PSG’s Kylian Mbappe, saying: “I like Ousmane Dembélé, for me it’s clear: he’s better than Kylian Mbappé. He wants to stay and we want him to stay here”

This is high praise from Laporta and highlights the natural talent of the £45m-rated beast. Mbappe has 141 goals and 74 assists in 192 games for PSG, showing his immense quality in the final third, with more than a goal contribution per match.

If the Barcelona president feels that Dembele has the ability to be better than the 22-year-old, then Newcastle could be landing a sensational player. However, at his current level he could still be a fantastic addition and excite supporters with his dribbling skills.

He has shown that he can pop up with goals and assists for Barcelona whilst regularly taking players on with the ball at his feet, much like Saint-Maximin does for Newcastle, and Dembele could get fans off their seats by committing defenders and opening up space to drive forward at the top end of the pitch. It is now over to Howe to ensure that he can get a deal over the line…

AND in other news, “Among leading NUFC targets”: David Ornstein drops transfer update which will excite fans…

A stunning one-handed catch from the wicketkeeper Rachel Priest delivered New Zealand’s first win of the tour in a tense finish to the first Twenty20

Cricinfo staff21-Feb-2010
ScorecardRachel Priest takes the matchwinning catch•Getty ImagesA stunning one-handed catch from the wicketkeeper Rachel Priest delivered New Zealand’s first win of the tour in a tense finish to the first Twenty20. Australia needed three for victory and Alyssa Healy’s thick edge off Nicola Browne could easily have run away for four but was snapped up by the diving Priest to confirm the two-run win.The Australians made hard work of their chase of 118 and Shelley Nitschke was the key, anchoring the innings with 46 from 47 balls. However, when she skied a catch to mid-on off Aimee Watkins with 29 still required, the match turned in New Zealand’s favour.Sophie Devine added to Australia’s troubles when she had Lisa Sthalekar caught at deep midwicket and it was one of two breakthroughs for Devine, who also effected a sharp run-out from backward point to remove Lauren Ebsary. In the end Australia required 11 from Browne’s final over but it was just out of reach.The last ball continued a frustrating debut for Healy, who dropped the New Zealand captain Watkins from the first ball of the game. It allowed Watkins to guide the visitors with a 39-ball 44 and only a brilliant piece of fielding removed her, when Ellyse Perry ran backwards towards the boundary and snared a catch while avoiding giving away six when her ponytail nearly touched the rope.After Watkins departed, Devine took charge and struck three fours and a six in her 35 from 34 deliveries. It was a valuable innings that helped New Zealand get to 7 for 117, a total that looked like being a little short but proved enough thanks to tight bowling and committed fielding from New Zealand.

Speaking to talkSPORT, as transcribed by Goodison News, commentator Sam Matterface has made an interesting claim involving assistant Everton boss Duncan Ferguson.

The Lowdown: Benitez under fire…

Toffees boss Rafael Benitez was appointed to replace ex-manager Carlo Ancelotti who suddenly and unceremoniously left to take up the Real Madrid role.

The Spaniard’s appointment was a controversial one bringing divided opinions given his ties to bitter Merseyside rivals Liverpool and their league form hasn’t exactly been sparkling since his arrival.

Currently lying 14th and eight points off the drop zone, speculation has arisen over whether Everton could opt to replace him already.

An unlikely 1-1 draw away to European champions Chelsea on Thursday evening would have eased the pressure somewhat but many supporters will be wondering who could replace Benitez if the club opted to part company.

The Latest: Matterface makes Ferguson claim…

Speaking to talkSPORT (via GN), their commentator Matterface has now made a claim involving assistant boss Ferguson.

He says that the 49-year-old is ‘in the thoughts of the ownership’ with some Everton chiefs, including chairman Bill Kenwright, eyeing him for a possible first time managerial role.

“Duncan Ferguson is in the thoughts of the ownership if there is a change of manager,” Matterface explained.

“Certainly there is a split on the board and some of those, including Bill Kenwright, would like to see Duncan get the job eventually.

“He’s going to make the step up, I’m sure it’s going to be the next time.”

The Verdict: Best candidate?

Ferguson attracted huge praise for his brief stint as caretaker boss before Ancelotti arrived at the Toffees helm, with pundit Kevin Phillips explaining how he was ‘pivotal’ to their revival at the time whilst doing an ‘unbelievable’ job (Football Insider).

The ex-Toffees player has since returned to his assistant role and continues to draw acclaim as former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan recently called him ‘huge’.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin also recently spoke of his admiration for Ferguson, with it being clear he has respect inside and outside the club whilst knowing Everton like the back of his hand.

Following his years of brilliant service, we believe he certainly shouldn’t be ruled out as a candidate should Benitez leave.

In other news: ‘Liquidate’, ‘Depressing’…Everton fans rage over ‘appalling’ exit development, find out more here.

Cricinfo’s preview of the second Test between New Zealand and Australia in Hamilton

Brydon Coverdale in Hamilton25-Mar-2010Match FactsBrent Arnel was the only local bowler to take more than one wicket in Wellington•Getty ImagesMarch 27-31, Seddon Park, Hamilton
Start time 11am (2200 GMT)The Big PictureBy winning the first match Australia have done enough to retain the Trans-Tasman Trophy, which they held coming in to the series, but they are keen to end their Test summer with seven wins instead of six. Their chances of taking the series 2-0 will be boosted by the inclusion of Shane Watson, who has declared himself fit after missing the first Test with a hip injury that he picked up during the one-day series. Watson batted for nearly an hour in the nets at Seddon Park on Friday and will take back his spot from Phillip Hughes on Saturday morning. “In the last four or five days it has come together really well,” Watson said. “I’ll be right to go at full speed.”The visitors will need another big effort from the attack after the fast men toiled over four consecutive days in Wellington. Watson was confident that he could bolster the bowling group despite his lay-off. “I’ve had a fairly big workload in the last six months with my bowling so a week off, not bowling, won’t make much difference to my workload,” he said. “I’ll be able to bowl the overs that Ricky wants me to bowl.”For New Zealand, there’s not much to lose at 1-0 down in a two-Test series. However, questions have been raised over whether they have the belief that they can beat Australia in the five-day format, a theory that the captain Daniel Vettori didn’t entirely dismiss on the eve of the match. “Maybe in the Test match form of the game that’s fair,” Vettori told Radio Sport. ” I think we’ve proved ourselves in the other forms of the game but Test matches has been the part of the game that we’ve struggled in. And coming up against one of the best teams in the world is a real test of that ability. Our ability to hang in there longer and persevere longer as we did on that fourth day [in Wellington] is the only way we’re going to compete against Australia.”The match is also Vettori’s 100th Test and at his home ground he will be desperate for a strong individual performance. New Zealand might need some Vettori brilliance to end their 17-year Test drought against Australia.Form guideAustralia WWWWW
New Zealand LWDLW
Watch out for…Most of the attention will surround Vettori but there is another Hamilton lad who could prove important for New Zealand. Brent Arnel bowled well on his Test debut with accuracy and subtle movement. Match figures of 2 for 120 don’t look impressive but bear in mind no other New Zealand bowler took more than one wicket for the game. Arnel was chosen based on his first-class success and much of his cricket over the past few years has been played at his home ground of Seddon Park, so New Zealand will look to him for valuable contributions.

Doug Bollinger struggled in the one-dayers but turned his form around dramatically in the first Test, grabbing 5 for 28 in the first innings and seven wickets for the match. He extracted more bounce from the Wellington pitch than any other bowler and his ability to swing and seam the ball will make him a handful if Hamilton produces a surface with a touch of grass. New Zealand need a stronger first-innings effort to really challenge Australia and Bollinger is the key to ensuring that doesn’t happen.Team newsThe Watson-Hughes swap is the only likely change for Australia. Marcus North eased doubts over his place with a century in the first Test and Ryan Harris’ six wickets on debut means he will stay ahead of Clint McKay in the pace pecking order.Australia (probable) 1 Shane Watson, 2 Simon Katich, 3 Ricky Ponting (capt), 4 Michael Hussey, 5 Michael Clarke, 6 Marcus North, 7 Brad Haddin (wk), 8 Mitchell Johnson, 9 Nathan Hauritz, 10 Ryan Harris, 11 Doug Bollinger.New Zealand’s line-up is not quite so settled. Vettori said Jeetan Patel would play, while the teenager Kane Williamson was unlikely to make his debut. That would mean only one question remaining – Mathew Sinclair or Peter Ingram at No. 3? Ingram’s lack of success during the series so far could mean a recall for Sinclair, who has the support of the batting coach Martin Crowe.New Zealand (possible) 1 Tim McIntosh, 2 BJ Watling, 3 Mathew Sinclair, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Martin Guptill, 6 Daniel Vettori (capt), 7 Brendon McCullum (wk), 8 Jeetan Patel, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Brent Arnel, 11 Chris Martin.Pitch and conditionsTwo days out from the Test there was a lot of grass on the pitch and the outfield was moist but Vettori expected good playing conditions. “It’s still quite dry,” he said. “The greenness is probably misrepresenting the wicket. We’ve played here enough times to know that it will probably have a little bit in it early on, but it’s not going to be anything too terrible. It may be a tough first session but I think it will get lower and slower as the game goes on.” The forecast for the first day is fine and 24C.Stats and trivia Australia and New Zealand have met only once in a Test match at Hamilton, back in 1999-2000 when Australia won by six wickets. The only man from either squad who took part in that match was Mathew Sinclair This match will be Daniel Vettori’s 100th Test, while Simon Katich and Michael Hussey are each playing their 50th Two of Vettori’s five Test centuries have been scored at Seddon Park, where his Test batting average is 43.25Quotes”We can’t afford to be on the back foot at any stage against Australia in Hamilton.”
Daniel Vettori

“There’s no doubt our bowlers put their top order under a lot of pressure. Our opening bowlers will pose the same questions this week of those guys.”Simon Katich

Despite currently sitting in eighth position in the Premier League table, Wolves have only managed to score 13 goals in 18 games, leaving Norwich City as the only club to have found the back of the net on fewer occasions this season.

With the January transfer window around the corner, one deal that the Midlands club could look to do that wouldn’t cost them a penny and could spark their push to end the season in a European place would be to recall midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White from his current loan deal with Championship side Sheffield United.

After making two very short cameo appearances in Wolves opening three league games of the season against Leicester City and Manchester United, Gibbs-White joined the Blades to get some regular game time in the Championship.

Since joining the Yorkshire club, the 21-year-old, who is currently valued at £8.1m according to Transfermarkt, has made 15 appearances in the Championship in which he has managed to score five goals and provide four assists in the process, showing how capable he is in front of goal.

Taking into account his young age as well as his decent goals and assists record with the Blades, it’s easy to see why David McGoldrick has lavished praise on the midfield dynamo and said that Gibbs-White has “got the world at his feet.”

In addition to this, it’s no surprise that Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has aired his concerns about the prospect of Wolves recalling Gibbs-White in January before expressing his happiness with the player and his wishes to see the Wolves man see out the rest of his loan deal and stay at Bramall Lane until the end of the season.

Moving forward, unless Wolves can start scoring goals regularly, they should definitely consider recalling Gibbs-White in January to see if he can replicate the same sort of goalscoring form he’s shown at Sheffield United back in the Premier League if Lage will give him regular playing time.

If this were to happen, Gibbs-White definitely has what it takes to push Wolves into Europe by the end of the season and prove to Lage that he’s ready to be a regular figure in his squad rather than going out on loan again.

In other news: Lage heading for Wolves disaster over £33k-p/w gem dubbed “phenomenal” by Tim Spiers – opinion

A huge Newcastle United transfer claim has emerged, regarding Burnley duo James Tarkowski and Ben Mee…

What’s the talk?

Magpies insider Liam Kennedy has confirmed that PIF are keen on signing both of the defenders in the January transfer window.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I know for a fact that they’re really interested in James Tarkowski and I know for a fact they’re really interested in Ben Mee.

“But the last thing in the world that these football clubs like Burnley are going to do is sell to Newcastle United.”

Delight

Newcastle fans will surely be delighted with this update as it suggests that the club are actively looking to sign experienced players to bolster the defence in January. The Magpies have struggled badly this season and are in dire need of reinforcements to give them a fighting chance of avoiding relegation down to the Championship.

Eddie Howe’s team have conceded the most goals in the division, with 41 against, and have let in five more than any other team in the league. Leeds (36) and Norwich (34) have the 19th and 18th-worst defences in the Premier League, showing just how poor the Toon Army have been at the back.

Burnley, meanwhile, have only let 21 goals in against them. That is fewer than 12 other teams in the league, which suggests that defending is not the reason they are currently in the bottom three. Tarkowski and Mee are both averaging SofaScore ratings of 7.02 or higher and have been consistent performers at the back despite the team’s struggles in terms of results.

The pair have made a combined 380 appearances in the top-flight throughout their careers, showing that they are experienced Premier League operators. Burnley’s defensive record, conceding 20 fewer than Newcastle, also suggests that they could come in and improve Howe’s backline and give them a fighting chance in the second half of the campaign, which is why fans will be buzzing by this update.

Along with strengthening their own side, Newcastle would also be weakening one of their rivals. Burnley are above them by one point as it stands and the loss of Mee and Tarkowski could cause them to struggle defensively, given their record with them in the side, and that could give Howe’s team an added edge in the battle against the drop.

AND in other news, PIF eyeing NUFC deal for “extraordinary” 363-goal gem, he’d be “world-class” for Howe…

Saurabh Tiwary hit an enterprising fifty and Kieron Pollard played a delightful cameo to charge Mumbai to a strong 184 for 5 which proved beyond Bangalore’s reach

The Bulletin by Sriram Veera21-Apr-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were outSaurabh Tiwary and Ambati Rayudu revived Mumbai with a 67-run stand•Indian Premier LeagueEverything changed in the last five overs of the Mumbai Indians’ innings. The game was in a deadlock at the end of 15 overs with Mumbai on 107 for 4 – some might have even felt that Royal Challengers Bangalore held the edge – but things took a dramatic turn from there on. Saurabh Tiwary hit an enterprising half-century and Kieron Pollard played a delightful cameo to charge Mumbai to 184 for 5 at the DY Patil Stadium. It was a bridge too far even for the batting-heavy Bangalore and they never really threatened to get anywhere close to the target. The 35-run win took Mumbai to the final, and sealed their qualification for the Champions League Twenty20 to be held in September.It was always going to be a difficult chase and things got really tough for Bangalore in the tenth over with the fall of Robin Uthappa and Rahul Dravid off successive deliveries. Bangalore had reached 80 for 2 from nine overs and had already lost Kevin Pietersen to a smart leg-side stumping by Ambati Rayudu off Harbhajan Singh; they then suffered the twin blows that effectively killed the contest. Uthappa was in hot form, collecting 18 runs from Harbhajan’s over with the help of two thumping sixes, but he dragged a slower one from Pollard straight to deep midwicket.Before Bangalore could recover from that asphyxiating blow, they lost Dravid, who had played a fluent knock, to a run-out resulting from a misunderstanding with Ross Taylor. Pollard removed both Virat Kohli and Manish Pandey and though Taylor hung around for a while, he couldn’t produce any miracle tonight. Bangalore were left to rue their ordinary effort in the field in the last five overs where they lost the game.The game actually changed in character twice during Mumbai’s innings: first after the first time-out was taken at the end of seven overs, and second from the 15th over onwards. Mumbai had recovered after the early fall of Sachin Tendulkar, courtesy an impish knock from Rayudu who counter-attacked initially before settling down, to reach 62 for 2 in seven overs, but were gradually choked by the slower bowlers. In the next six overs, before the second time-out was taken, only 31 runs came with the addition of two wickets.Things looked desperate for Mumbai but Tiwary looted 17 runs from the 16th over bowled by Jacques Kallis to turn things around. The first delivery, a slower one, was swung over the midwicket boundary; the fourth was bludgeoned to midwicket for a four; and the fifth ran away to fine-leg boundary via an inside-edge. Mumbai had broken free and continued to indulge themselves in the end overs.Anil Kumble, who, before then, had combined well with Pietersen, handed back the initiative as he conceded 17 runs in the 17th over. It was Tiwary, again, who did the damage. He made use of a freehit to collect a boundary to backward square-leg before flat-batting a six to the straight boundary, as Kumble’s visage grew angrier. It was the image of the night.Pollard joined in the fun right in the end, with his big lofted drives, to further boost Mumbai. Pollard pinged the long-off boundary with two sixes against Vinay Kumar and slugged Dale Steyn over long-on for another six as Mumbai finished off in style. And so, after 41 days of non-stop action, Mumbai entered their first final in the three years of IPL.