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Umesh Yadav, Shahbaz Ahmed, Shivam Dube and others who have impressed despite not being sure starters leading into the season

Shashank Kishore24-Apr-20223:19

Manjrekar: You can see Kuldeep’s angst, wanting to prove himself again

Umesh Yadav
Role: Powerplay specialistUmesh Yadav has been a revelation in the powerplay•BCCIIt wasn’t until the accelerated rounds, right at the end of the mega auction in February, that Umesh Yadav found a team at his base price of INR 2 crore (approx USD 260,000). Kolkata Knight Riders, with whom he won the IPL in 2014 and played until 2017, raised the paddle to boost their bowling stocks. But what were his chances of featuring regularly? At Delhi Capitals, even Avesh Khan, uncapped at the time, had pipped him to be the third seamer behind Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada. Here, Knight Riders had picked Shivam Mavi as their first-choice seamer. But the unavailability of Pat Cummins and Tim Southee meant there was an opening. Enter Umesh, and he has taken the powerplay by storm. Five games in, he surged to being the second-highest wicket-taker in this period with six wickets and an economy of 5.77. Those numbers have somewhat dwindled over the last three games, but that he has gone from being a back-up to being the front and centre of their pace-bowling plans speaks of his improvement.Kuldeep Yadav
Role: Middle-overs stranglerKuldeep Yadav has returned among the wickets for Delhi after being left out by Kolkata•BCCIFrom being wrapped in cotton wool in 2014 to being released by Knight Riders in 2021, Kuldeep Yadav’s career has seen every possible twist and turn. He was no longer the bowler teams yearned for. Injuries didn’t help his case either. The flight went missing. The bite had disappeared. He was pushing them through flatter. Varun Chakravarthy’s emergence pushed him down the pecking order and eventually out of the squad. Delhi Capitals were among two teams to bid for him, and eventually signed him at INR 2 crore (approx USD 260,000). He has featured in every game so far and is third in the race for the purple cap. At Capitals, he feels at home and enjoys the feeling of being a key spinner once again. The revs on the ball are back, he’s not afraid of tossing it up and being hit, and as a result, it’s coming out of his hand beautifully. As it happened, his best performance – 4 for 35 in an exhibition from the Kuldeep of old – came against his former team.Aiden Markram
Role: Dependable No. 4Aiden Markram has seamlessly fitted in the Hyderabad middle order•BCCIDoubts over his place in the Test side had pushed Aiden Markram to the edge. He was given an ultimatum by Dean Elgar, the Test captain. He had become a walking wicket, confidence at its lowest ebb. But the change of format, a bit of freedom and a new environment has led to a transformation. He has emerged as Sunrisers Hyderabad’s dependent No. 4 even when striking at 150.79. His 190 runs so far, including a best of 68*, have helped Sunrisers surge to five straight wins. He is one of the reasons why Sunrisers have the best average (49.85) among all the middle orders (Nos 4-7) this season. In the absence of a designated frontline spinner, now with Washington Sundar also ruled out temporarily because of an injury, Markram has given Kane Williamson an added bowling option too.Shahbaz Ahmed
Role: Batting allrounderShahbaz Ahmed’s stable progress helped Dinesh Karthik tee off against Delhi•BCCIShahbaz Ahmed is a batter who can bowl handy left-arm spin, and not the other way round. Those in the Bengal set-up believe he’s good enough to be a top-six batter in red-ball cricket but hasn’t been able to do so only because of the make-up of the squad. He has only been sparingly used with the ball but has held his end most times. He can give you an over to two in the powerplay. If there’s some bite on offer, he has been summoned in the middle overs, especially to play with the long leg-side boundaries to get batters hitting against the turn. With the bat, he has been an aggressor who has managed to not just bring out the big shots but hold one end up to allow the likes of Dinesh Karthik to tee off, like he did against Capitals. While Karthik made a sensational 34-ball 66 not out, Shahbaz’s contribution was an equally important 21-ball 32 not out in a 97-run stand that turned the game around. He started at Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2020, where opportunities were far and few. Over time, Royal Challengers had seen enough of him to put in a bid. And so far, he has justified his inclusion.Shivam Dube
Role: Six-hitterShivam Dube has brought his six-hitting side to the fore•BCCIThree significant scores as a six-hitter, including an unbeaten 95 against his former franchise. Can it get sweeter? Shivam Dube has brought with him refreshing clarity as a batter that was missing until this season. That he was playing for his third IPL franchise in three seasons tells you a story of unfulfilled potential. At Royal Challengers, he was the designated finisher expected to take the pressure off AB de Villiers. That was enough pressure to contend with even without facing a ball. At Royals, he was given a middle-order role, expected to take the innings deep before teeing off. At Chennai Super Kings, he has been given license to bat freely, and this seems to have helped him with his shot selection. He lines up bowlers, plays to the field and has shown impeccable timing. He has struggled with the ball though, especially in the death. That 25-run 19th over against Lucknow Super Giants with 34 needed is a blot in what has otherwise been a coming-of-age season.

Pete Alonso became the Mets' all-time leader in home runs earlier this week as part of an offensive explosion so big the team ran out of fireworks. When Alonso passed Daryl Strawberry it was a nice moment for a team in the middle of a very rough patch and SNY's play-by-play voice, Gary Cohen, responded with an enthusiastic call to mark the occasion.

One person who didn't appreciate the call was Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, who went on the next morning to rant about the Mets celebrating the accomplishment. Near the end of his rant he also called out Cohen for his nickname-centric call saying, "I love Gary, I hate to do that. ‘Polar Bear on an iceberg?’ I mean, really now? This is not Henry Aaron against Al Downing!”

Unsurprisingly, there was at least one person who then took issue with Russo's rant. That would be ESPN New York's Don La Greca who went on his show later in the day to explain that the call wasn't for Mad Dog.

"Dude, this is a Met moment," said La Greca. "If you're a Yankee fan or Chris Russo, a Giant fan, a Red Sox fan, don't care about baseball. What do you care to have an opinion? It was for the Mets fans. It's a Met broadcast by a Met announcer who grew up a Met fan talking about a Met record. He's playing it to the room."

"You're not involved! You weren't invited," La Greca continued. "I don't understand why you should even care. I don't need to hear a San Francisco Giant fan peeing all over it. It's disrespectful to Gary. It's disrespectful to Met fans. Chris, I love ya. I don't care what you think. I don't! Your opinion doesn't count because you're not part of the club that that call was for. That call was for Mets fans. Watching the game. Living and dying with the team. Not a guy that's a San Francisco Giant fan that doesn't get it. Of course you don't get it because you don't know because you're not a Met fan."

As far as media feuds go, this one features a lot of players. You've got ESPN, ESPN Radio, SiriusXM, SNY, First Take, Peter Schraeger giggling. Pretty much everybody and everything.

“It’s a privilege to have that kind of confidence from the management towards an opener,” the batter says after his maiden ODI hundred

Hemant Brar04-Dec-20254:31

Gaikwad: I decided I’d try to be consistent in any game this year

Ruturaj Gaikwad says he was “pretty much confident” of adapting to the No. 4 position despite having never batted there previously in 50-over cricket. Before the South Africa series, Gaikwad had batted 86 times in List A cricket but never below No. 3.He started the series with 8 off 14 balls in Ranchi before scoring 105 off 83 balls in the second ODI in Raipur, which he said was “definitely” his best innings across formats and levels.”[The team management] told me that I would be batting at No. 4 this series,” Gaikwad said after the match. “I feel it’s a privilege to have that kind of confidence from the management towards an opener. So I took it that way.Related

Markram ton trumps Kohli, Gaikwad centuries for nervy win

Shadowing the king: When Gaikwad matched Kohli shot for shot

When South Africa and India went off the scale

“In the one-day format, even when I was opening the innings, I always tried to make sure that whenever I was set, I was able to bat till the 45th over and capitalise after that. So I knew somewhat how to play between overs 11 to 40, how to rotate strike, what the boundary options were. So I was pretty much confident about how I could go through [the innings].”It was just a matter of how I could play my first 10-15 balls and after that, the process remains the same. I have been working really hard, and obviously been in good touch as well. So I wanted to make sure that whenever I am set, I make it a big one.”Gaikwad was involved in a 195-run stand with Virat Kohli, who scored his second hundred in as many games. When asked about the partnership, Gaikwad said it was something “you dream of”.Virat Kohli gives Ruturaj Gaikwad a pat on the back after the latter tonned up•AFP/Getty Images”I have been able to witness him since last one week now,” he said. “Whatever practice sessions we have had, he is batting unbelievably well… the amount of time he has and how he is able to convert it in the match as well. And even this game, I enjoyed a lot. [But] mostly, I was trying to be in my zone and not really think about how he is batting or how he is able to score runs.”The chat in between was very clear. We had set 5-5-, 10-10-run target and [discussed] how to manoeuvre the gaps or how to hit those boundaries, how we can rotate strike. So the chat was around that. I think we had really good running between the wickets as well. Obviously, you dream of these kinds of moments and to be able to have that kind of partnership, I really enjoyed a lot.”Before this series, Gaikwad last played an ODI for India in 2023. Since then, he has fallen behind the pecking order as opener, with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill being India’s first choice, followed by Yashasvi Jaiswal. He got a chance in this series only because Shreyas Iyer was injured. How does he see this competition?”I think all these things are better if you don’t think too much [about them]. Because [if you do so], you are not in the present, and whatever matches are in front of you, you don’t have that much focus and preparation for them.”In the last Vijay Hazare Trophy, I couldn’t make that many runs [194 in seven innings]. Obviously, some things were going on in my mind. But after that, I thought whichever match it is, whether a club game, red-ball format, or white-ball format, I will make sure I try to stay consistent. I realised that my duty is to score runs as much as possible. And if I get an opportunity, well and good. Even if I don’t, it’s still fine.”

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has been dealt another injury worry ahead of his side’s looming North London derby clash with Arsenal this weekend.

Spurs travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday to face their table-topping rivals in what promises to be a pivotal encounter, but Frank faces a mounting injury crisis that threatens to derail his side’s chances.

While it is still early doors, The Lilywhites appear to be pushing for a top-four place, and are currently sitting fifth with five wins, three draws, and three losses from 11 Premier League matches. Their form has been inconsistent, especially in a creative sense, with two wins, two draws, and two losses in their last six fixtures, with Frank still yet to get the best out of his squad on a consistent enough basis.

The injury situation ahead of the derby is particularly concerning. Frank confirmed that Cristian Romero should be available after being substituted late on against Man United due to fatigue, with the Dane stating he was “just done physically” after recently returning from injury.

Even more positively, Frank expressed real belief that Mohammed Kudus will be available, saying he is “very confident” despite missing recent matches against FC Copenhagen and Man United with a minor knock. Kudus even elected to stay in London and not represent Ghana in friendlies against Japan and South Korea to focus on his recovery.

However, they still face significant absences elsewhere.

James Maddison’s ACL injury may rule him out until summer 2026, while Dejan Kulusevski and Yves Bissouma continue rehabilitation from knee and ankle problems respectively. Radu Dragusin took part in a behind-closed-doors friendly over the international break as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury, so it’s very unlikely he’ll be fit enough to take part, and there are numerous other concerns.

Injury-plagued striker Dominic Solanke is also ‘unlikely’ to feature this weekend, according to reports, as he carries on battling an ankle problem after minor surgery.

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

29/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Mohammed Kudus

Knock

23/11/2025

Randal Kolo Muani

Jaw

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Lucas Bergvall

Concussion

23/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

23/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

23/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

Excluding their Carabao Cup win at the Emirates in 2018, Tottenham have won away to Arsenal just twice since the Premier League’s inception, with their last one in the top flight coming 14 years ago.

Tottenham’s torrid record against Arsenal on enemy turf makes for pretty grim reading as a Spurs supporter, so Frank will be hoping to have as many key players fit for the derby as possible.

Tottenham dealt another injury worry as Pape Sarr picks up 'knock'

On international duty, midfielder Pape Sarr dealt Frank another worry after he was taken off in Senegal’s 2-0 defeat to Brazil at the Emirates.

Initially, Senegal boss Pape Thiaw predicted that it wasn’t a ‘big deal’, but he’s since provided another update.

Thiaw has confirmed that Sarr did not travel with the squad to Turkey for their friendly against Kenya, instead remaining in the English capital. The manager explains that Sarr has in fact picked up a ‘knock’, which prompted them to leave him in London to undergo treatment at N17.

The midfielder’s potential absence this weekend would represent another significant blow for Frank, who already faces being without numerous key players for the derby. Sarr has already played 16 matches for Tottenham this season, bagging two goals and two assists in the top flight whilst establishing himself as a regular in Frank’s setup.

The timing of the injury is far from ideal for Spurs, and it remains unclear whether the 23-year-old will be fit in time for their clash against the Gunners.

Tottenham’s medical team will now assess the extent of the knock, with Frank hoping for positive news as he prepares his depleted squad for one of the season’s most important fixtures.

تعرض النجم المصري محمد صلاح لهزيمة جديدة مع ليفربول أمام آيندهوفن برباعية لهدف، في الجولة الخامسة بمرحلة الدوري لدوري أبطال أوروبا.

شارك محمد صلاح في أولى هجمات ليفربول في الدقيقة 13، قبل أن تخرج الكرة خارج مرمى آيندهوفن.

وفي الدقيقة 18 شارك صلاح في هجمة جديدة ولكن دفاع آيندهوفن نجح في افتكاك الكرة، وفي الدقيقة 20 سدد النجم المصري أول تسديدة بعيدة جداً عن شباك الفريق الهولندي.

وفي الدقيقة 24 وصلت الكرة إلى محمد صلاح ولكن جاءت عرضيته خاطئة، وفي الدقيقة 26 تصدى دفاع آيندهوفن للعبة متبادلة بين المصري ودومينيك سوبوسلاي قبل أن تشكل خطراً على دفاعاته.

وتدخل دفاع آيندهوفن في الدقيقة 27 ليبعد فرصة هدف محقق من أمام محمد صلاح بعد تمريرة رائعة من جاكبو، وكاد ليفربول أن يسجل ثاني أهدافه بأسيست من النجم المصري لكن رأسية فان دايك اصطدمت بالقائم.

اقرأ أيضاً.. ريان أبو الناي يسجل في فوز كاسح لـ باريس سان جيرمان أمام توتنهام في دوري أبطال أوروبا للشباب

وشارك محمد صلاح في هجمة جديدة لصالح ليفربول حيث مرر الكرة للمجري سوبوسلاي ولكن الحكم رفض احتساب خطأ من خارج منطقة الجزاء في الدقيقة 41.

وفي الدقيقة 43 دخل محمد صلاح منطقة جزاء آيندهوفن بعد مشاركته في إحدى الهجمات ولكن الكرة مرت بدون خطورة.وتصدى دفاع الفريق الضيف لتمريرة النجم المصري قبل إطلاق صافرة نهاية الشوط الأول.

وكان صلاح نشيطاً في بداية الشوط الثاني، وحاول صناعة خطورة على مرمى آيندهوفن لكنه لم تهدد أي كرة مرمى الفريق الهولندي في نهاية كل الهجمات.

وفي الدقيقة 63 قام صلاح بلعبة متبادلة مع سوبوسلاي قبل أن يمرر الكرة إلى فان دايك، وفي الدقيقة 70 تدخل دفاع آيندهوفن ليبعد كرة من أمام النجم المصري.

وفي الدقيقة 71 نفذ محمد صلاح ركلة ركنية ولكن رأسية فان دايك خرجت خارج المرمى، وفي الدقيقة 81 مرر النجم المصري لكن بدون خطورة، ومرت الدقائق حتى انتهت المباراة بفوز آيندهوفن برباعية لهدف.

It has been a roller coaster of a season for Chelsea so far this year.

One week, it feels like Enzo Maresca’s side are on the brink of a crisis, and then the next, they look like one of the best sides in the Premier League.

Fortunately, despite some disappointing results, the Blues sit just six points behind Arsenal at the top of the table, although to further close the gap in the coming months, they need to be more clinical in attack.

The club might feel the same way, as recent reports have linked them with one of the best strikers in the world, someone who’d be a significant upgrade on Joao Pedro.

Chelsea's striker options

Despite spending as much as they have over the last few years, Chelsea’s centre-forward options are not ideal.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

With Nicolas Jackson at Bayern Munich, Maresca has to choose from Marc Guiu, who is not yet ready, Liam Delap, who has had a rough start to life in West London, and Pedro, who has underwhelmed in recent weeks.

So with this in mind, it’s not a surprise to see that the club are interested in signing a blockbuster centre-forward as soon as possible.

At least that is according to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, who has revealed that Chelsea are interested in Julian Alvarez.

Baliey has revealed that the player’s representatives have made it “clear that he is considering his options” and that the Blues are one of several sides “keeping close tabs on the situation.”

While it’s unclear just how much the Argentine striker would cost, he’d likely become one of the West Londoners’ most expensive signings as he only joined Atlético Madrid for around £81m last summer.

With that said, Chelsea should still do what they can to sign Alvarez, as he’d supercharge their attack and be a significant upgrade on Pedro.

How Alvarez compares to Pedro

Now, although Pedro can play in attacking midfield and has done so on several occasions this season, he has spent more time this year and throughout his entire career as a striker.

In other words, his primary role is to score or assist goals for his side, but when you then compare his output with Alvarez’s, he comes out miles behind.

For example, in 30 appearances for Brighton & Hove Albion last season, totalling 2136 minutes, he scored ten goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.76 games, or every 125.64 minutes.

In contrast, the Atleti star ended last year with an astounding tally of 29 goals and eight assists in 57 appearances, totalling 3967 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.54 games, or every 107.21 minutes.

Then this season, the Argentine has already amassed a tally of 13 goal involvements in 15 appearances, totalling 1216 minutes, which is an average of one every 1.15 games or every 93.53 minutes.

For his efforts, the Blues’ new man has produced seven goal involvements in 14 appearances, totalling 1124 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every other game, or every 160.57 minutes.

Okay, so the former Manchester City star is clearly the more dangerous attacker, but who comes out on top when you take a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers?

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.68

0.61

Progressive Carries

2.79

2.43

Progressive Passes

4.81

3.20

Shots

2.59

1.84

Shots on Target

1.34

0.97

Passing Accuracy

79.5%

78.5%

Key Passes

2.50

1.36

Passes into the Penalty Area

2.31

0.87

Shot-Creating Actions

4.60

2.42

Goal-Creating Actions

0.38

0.29

Carries

26.3

24.1

Well, it’s even worse for the former Seagulls star, as the Calchín-born star comes out ahead in every relevant metric from non-penalty expected goals plus assists to key passes and shot and goal-creating actions, all per 90.

In other words, the former City star is simply better than the Blues ace in every measurable metric, which helps explain why journalist Roy Nemer once labelled him “the best forward in the world.”

Ultimately, while it would likely cost a king’s ransom, Chelsea should do everything in their power to sign Alvarez, as he would be a massive upgrade on Pedro.

Chelsea's Yamal rival can surpass Palmer & Caicedo to become the world's best

The incredible prospect could be an even bigger superstar than Palmer and Caicedo for Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 11, 2025

There’s a real sense of optimism building at Arsenal Football Club that this year could finally be their year, with Mikel Arteta’s men the current pace setters in the Premier League.

The Gunners sit top of England’s top flight after the first ten outings of 2025/26, only losing once and currently enjoying a nine-game winning run across all competitions.

Saturday’s victory over Burnley was their eighth of the league campaign, keeping their fourth successive league clean sheet – now only conceding three goals in the Premier League.

Their summer dealings have no doubt aided their success in recent weeks, with Arteta now having a squad full of incredible talent, but more importantly, strength in depth.

One of the players already at the Emirates before the summer transfer window has since seen a decline in performance levels despite the added quality around him in North London.

Bukayo Saka’s decline in form at Arsenal in 2025/26

Over the last couple of years, winger Bukayo Saka has firmly been Arsenal’s star man, with the Englishman often tasked with providing the goods within the final third.

Whilst he suffered a serious hamstring injury last campaign, the 24-year-old still managed to achieve a total of 25 combined goals and assists in his 37 appearances across all competitions.

However, this season is yet to ignite for the Hale End academy graduate, with Saka currently unable to reach the high standards that he’s set for himself at the Emirates.

In his first eight league outings in 2025/26, the England international has only registered two goals and has yet been able to register any assists at present.

His recent performance against Burnley saw the forward blank once again, which has seen his goalless run extend to three games in England’s top-flight.

Saka was also able to register just 34 touches of the ball during his 90-minute performance – a tally that was the lowest of any player from either side at Turf Moor.

He also failed to complete a single dribble or create any chances, further highlighting his lack of impact within the final third despite the Gunners securing a 2-0 triumph.

The Arsenal player who’s now becoming Arteta’s best player

There’s no denying Saka will return to his best form in the coming months, but his recent lack of impact has seen numerous other Arsenal players take the headlines.

Declan Rice has been hugely influential from set pieces, often being the man to provide the goods from dead-ball situations – as seen by his tally of three assists so far this campaign.

However, the 26-year-old turned goalscorer against the Clarets on Saturday afternoon, adding to his tally and netting his second Premier League goal this term.

Viktor Gyokeres and David Raya have both had impacts at opposite ends of the pitch, as seen by their respective tallies of four goals and seven clean sheets to date.

Whilst both the aforementioned trio have all made a positive impact of late, none have quite matched the levels produced by centre-back Gabriel, who has been a real dominant force at both ends.

The Brazilian centre-back, who joined from Lille in 2020, would no doubt have been signed to provide defensive quality, but he’s now making a name for himself in the final third.

The 27-year-old has already achieved a staggering total of five combined goals and assists in his first 15 outings in 2025/26, with his latest coming against Burnley this weekend.

He rose highest at the back post from Rice’s corner, before nodding the ball across the face of goal and into the path of Gyokeres, who tapped in from close range.

However, Gabriel, is the main man. He has also dominated at the back – subsequently playing a key role in the club’s tally of seven league clean sheets during the early months of 2025/26.

He made 11 defensive contributions, which included nine clearances and one tackle and an interception made, further highlighting his ability without the ball at his feet.

Gabriel – stats against Burnley

Statistics

Tally

Minutes played

90

Touches

72

Passes completed

93%

Defensive contributions

11

Clearances

9

Tackles made

1

Interceptions made

1

Duels won

100%

Stats via FotMob

The Brazilian also completed 93% of the passes he attempted, whilst also registering a total of 72 touches – numbers which make him the perfect modern-day centre-back.

His ability to be outstanding at the back, coupled with his tremendous goalscoring threat, has made him one of the most well-rounded talents in world football at present.

If the Gunners are to end their two-decade wait for a Premier League title, Gabriel will likely be a key component to any of their success – especially if he can maintain his current form. As Jamie Carragher put it, he’s now the frontrunner to be named PFA Player of the Year & he’s now “the most influential player in the Premier League.”

As for Saka, his lack of form will no doubt be a concern, but if he can return to his own incredible heights, the club’s chance of claiming title glory in May will no doubt increase tenfold.

Related Forget Gabriel: Arsenal "monster" is now the best player in the league

Gabriel put in another titanic performance as Arsenal defeated Burnley 2-0.

Posts 1 ByMatt Dawson Nov 1, 2025

Michael Levitt scored a quickfire 86 off 53, following his 90 against Scotland, but his efforts were in vain in the T20 tri-series fixture on Thursday as Nepal triumphed over Netherlands by six wickets. Levitt’s knock helped Netherlands post 174 for 7, but Nepal chased down the target with two balls to spare, thanks to solid contributions from opener Kushal Bhurtel and Aarif Sheikh.Asked to bat first, Netherlands were in trouble early on, losing four wickets for 45 runs in the powerplay. However, Saqib Zulfiqar and Levitt managed to build a 63-run stand for the fifth wicket to stabilise the innings as Levitt brought up a 20ball half-century. Nepal broke through in the 12th over again when Sandeep Lamichhane had Zulfiqar stumped for 14. Three overs later, Levitt, who had struck six fours and five sixes, was dismissed by fast bowler Karan KC to dent Netherlands further, placing them on 127 for 6.Despite losing a few quick wickets, Netherlands mounted a fightback. Roelof van der Merwe, the experienced allrounder, raised the tempo with a rapid and unbeaten 36 off 21 balls. He shared a crucial 45-run partnership off just 30 balls with Aryan Dutt for the eighth wicket to lift Netherlands to a competitive total.In contrast, Nepal had a solid start to their chase, accumulating 60 runs in the powerplay for the loss of just one wicket. Bhurtel reached his fifty off 38 balls and put on 54 runs for the second wicket with Bhim Sharki, who contributed with a brisk 16-ball 27. Van der Merwe bowled Sharki in the ninth over, and Nepal lost their captain, Rohit Paudel, in the 12th over for just 5. However, Bhurtel continued to strike at a steady pace, and by the time he was dismissed for 65, Nepal only needed 34 runs off 26 balls. Aarif Sheikh took them closer with a quickfire 39 off 23 balls, which included three fours and two sixes, before retiring hurt in the penultimate over, with Nepal just seven away. Lokesh Bam finished things off with two sixes in the last over for Nepal’s second win in a row since their Super Over loss to Netherlands.Nepal have surged to top of the points table with four points. Netherlands, having played four matches, are tied on points but are placed second due to an inferior net run rate. Nepal will now face Scotland, who are on two points after three matches, in the last game of the series on Friday.

Australia captain Pat Cummins says “trend of the game is the runs are coming down” ahead of likely three-day finish

Nagraj Gollapudi12-Jun-20252:43

Can South Africa chase down 200-plus?

South Africa will approach their fourth-innings chase in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s with “belief” and are “very confident” of their ability to reach whatever target Australia set for them, David Bedingham said at the end of the second day.The run-chase already looks like it will be a challenging one – Australia are 218 ahead with two wickets left in their second innings.For the second successive day at Lord’s, 14 wickets fell with fast bowlers again dominating play on a seamer-friendly pitch. Pat Cummins followed Kagiso Rabada in etching his name on the honours board, while also entering the 300-wickets club after his 6 for 28 blew South Africa away.Related

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Bedingham, who was the leading scorer for South Africa with a stoic 45 from 111 deliveries, doffed his hat to Cummins, but said that Temba Bavuma’s men were ready to grab the opportunity they have. “It’s just an amazing chance and we are all very, very excited about the opportunity to win,” Bedingham said. “Could go either way, but us as a team we are very, very excited and there’s a lot of belief in the dressing room.”South Africa’s seamers utilised the overcast conditions mid-afternoon to hurt Australia, who were reeling at 73 for 7 before Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc brought them back into the game. Bedingham said the bowlers’ performance certainly would act as a catalyst in pursuit of the victory. “It’s an amazing day. When they started batting in the third innings, we would’ve definitely taken 220 for 8. So we are very confident, there’s a massive belief in this team.”Cummins said Australia would have been happier with a few more wickets “in the shed”, but he pointed out that batting remained difficult. “The trend of the game is the runs are coming down. It’s still pretty difficult out there, so it’s set up pretty well for a day-three finish, you’d imagine, tomorrow, but we are going to have to bowl well still in the fourth innings.”1:26

Bedingham: ‘Way I picked up the ball came across dodgy’

Several among Australia’s top order are bound to be disappointed for failing for the second time in successive days, though Cummins did not want to focus on that. Instead, he said the Australia had would be difficult to chase down.”When I walked out, anything over 200, so good to get over that,” he said. “But you just want to get as many runs as you can. So, happy we’ve got 200, hopefully we get another 20 or 30 in the morning. That’d be good. That’d give us a few more options to bowl a few more aggressive fields.”The procession of wickets, and collapses across all three innings, might be seen to tarnish a marquee final. Cummins, though, felt the Lord’s pitch had offered a good balance between bat and ball. “I think it’s pretty close to 50-50. It’s a pretty good Test match. That’s the beauty you get [where] all Test matches look a little bit different, but whenever there’s a pretty good balance between bat and ball, it’s always a pretty good match. This game, some guys have got themselves in and looked pretty comfortable out there and obviously a lot of other guys haven’t, so it’s been a pretty good balance.”2:38

Cummins: Reaching 300 wickets a sign of durability and resilience

As to why batting has been difficult, Cummins said it was due to the discipline of both fast-bowling attacks. “It’s a mixture of the wicket still doing a little bit. It feels like just when it’s not doing anything one ball will suddenly seam quite drastically. But both teams bowled really well, really disciplined, haven’t bowled too many half-volleys. Both teams are kind of just hanging in that good length area, pretty tight line.”Bedingham agreed with Cummins but was optimistic about batting getter easier on the third day. “When you have six quality seamers on a tricky pitch it obviously makes batting tough. The way the game’s going, the wicket’s slowed down a bit, so the nicks won’t carry,” he said. “So in the fourth innings they’ll maybe come a bit straighter and that will probably be the danger on that type of wicket, but hopefully we can get those runs.”Knowing the target, Bedingham agreed, would help South Africa to continue batting with intent, something they showed a bit more on the second day compared to the timidity on display late on Wednesday afternoon. “The main thing is just to 100% commit if you are defending or attacking. As soon as you get caught in two minds against these [bowling] attacks, you get found wanting.”June 13 could become a historic day for South African cricket if Bavuma’s team can defeat Australia to win the title and claim a first ICC title since the 1998 Knockout Trophy. In the past, they have succumbed to nerves on the big occasions, the latest instance coming in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.

Ahead of the highly anticipated Clásico Joven, Cruz Azul manager Nicolás Larcamón said the rivalry between La Máquina and América continues to grow in importance – and is now the biggest fixture in Mexican football. Los Azulcremas enter the weekend sitting second in the table with 27 points, while the Celestes are in fourth with 25.

Getty Images SportThe biggest rivalry

As the latest edition of the Clásico Joven approaches, Larcamón made it clear that facing América means more than just history and rivalry – it’s a game that continues to gain weight within Liga MX.

“In recent years, Cruz Azul vs América has undoubtedly become one of the most important games in Mexican football,” Larcamón said. “The northern clubs have set their own standard, and Toluca has also been consistent. But because of its history, this clásico is getting stronger. It might well become the most important rivalry in the league."

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'The motivation isn’t the opponent'

Despite the pressure surrounding such the high-stakes match, Larcamón insisted that his motivation doesn’t come from facing América.

“The motivation isn’t the opponent, it’s the badge and our people,” he said. “We focus on preparation, on arriving fresh and ready to perform at our best. That’s what drives us.”

Cruz Azul enter the match in solid form, showing consistency and balance throughout the tournament. However, Larcamón emphasized that the team’s ambitions go beyond records or statistics.

“Cruz Azul is a massive club, and we have to aim higher than just maintaining a streak,” he said.

The coach referred to La Máquina’s unbeaten run at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, a streak that represents more than just numbers – it’s a reflection of the team’s mentality and commitment.

“We want to extend that record because of what it means to us,” he said. “Of course, it matters in terms of points and format, but it’s more about ambition, about continuing to build and grow.”

AFPAmerica’s dominant record under Jardine

On the other side, André Jardine’s América continues to thrive under the Brazilian’s leadership. Since his arrival, Jardine has delivered impressive results and built a reputation as a coach who knows how to handle the big games. Cruz Azul, in fact, have been Jardine’s most frequent opponent in Liga MX.

Here’s how his record stacks up across the following opponents:

+ Cruz Azul: 6 wins, 5 draws, 4 losses

+ Chivas: 6 wins, 5 draws, 3 losses

+ Querétaro: 6 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss

+ Atlas: 6 wins, 2 draws, 0 losses

When counting only his matches in charge of América, Cruz Azul remains his most defeated rival. A victory this weekend would give Jardine his sixth triumph over the Cementeros since arriving in Coapa.

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Getty Images SportStakes are high for both sides

Cruz Azul looks to confirm its progress under Larcamón and prove they can be true title contenders, while Jardine’s América – dealing with several injury absences – aim to extend their dominance.

Henry Martín appears to be ruled out, although Alejandro Zendejas could make the bench after withdrawing from the United States national team call-up.