After winning the first of five T20Is against India on Thursday, Rovman Powell said that West Indies’ batting against India’s spinners in the middle overs will hold the key to the outcome of the series.”It was difficult,” Powell said of West Indies’ slowdown in the middle overs – they went from 54 for 2 after six overs to 96 for 3 after 14 – in the first T20I. “We always knew that the new ball was going to give us runs. It was always going to be a good powerplay and then it [was going to] slow down in the middle, because they have a lot of very good spinners.”This series will be decided on how West Indian batters bat spin in those middle overs. If we bat spin good during the middle overs, then we have lot of batters at the back end and we have a lot of power in the back end. That makes left-handers – [Shimron] Hetmyer, [Nicholas] Pooran and Kyle Mayers – very, very important for those middle overs.Related

• There's rain around as West Indies and India take their scrap to big-scoring Lauderhill

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“It was going to be difficult to start, it’s always difficult to start in the Caribbean. But once you get a start, runs is there.”After losing the ODI series 2-1, West Indies fought hard to clinch the first T20I in Tarouba narrowly by four runs after putting up 149 for 6.On a slow and tricky pitch, India’s spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Axar Patel bowled a combined nine overs, accounting for three of the six West Indies wickets to fall. When Pooran left West Indies at 96 for 4 in the 15th over after a 34-ball 41, it was Powell’s 48 off 32 balls that lifted the team to what seemed like a below-par total at the halfway point.While India played with three spinners, West Indies opted for just one specialist spinner in Akeal Hosein. The left-arm spinner gave away just 17 runs in four overs, bowling 14 dots and also removing Shubman Gill in the third over of the chase. Though Jason Holder’s 2 for 19 – including a double-wicket maiden – took West Indies home in the end, did West Indies miss an extra spinner?1:26

How did West Indies outbowl India?

“Yeah, after watching what the Indians bowled, I was thinking if we were a spinner short, to be honest,” he said. “But we’ve got to utilise what we have, and back our skills. We know what our fast bowlers bowl, with many change-ups, it will be difficult for the Indians.”The game was still evenly poised when India needed ten off the last over with three wickets in hand. However, Romario Shepherd bowled an excellent final over where he conceded just four runs and knocked off Kuldeep and effected a run out to dismiss Arshdeep Singh, stopping India at 145.”I think it was a game [for West Indies] to lose, to be honest,” Powell said of the last over. “Because they didn’t have a set batter, one of their top six batters wasn’t there. So I was confident going into the last over.”Not just the 18th over, he [Holder] summed up the conditions very well. At the interval, he tells us in the dressing room that ‘pace off – force the Indians to hit the ball, not use the pace’. And I think today Jase was fantastic.”

Numerous Leeds United players have made themselves known in their hunt for Championship promotion, playing a starring role under boss Daniel Farke.

Attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson returned to Yorkshire ahead of this season, after spending the previous campaign on loan at German side Union Berlin following relegation.

The 24-year-old endured a sensational start to the season, but his progression has halted as of late, registering eight goals and two assists – with only one of those contributions coming this calendar year.

His latest showing against QPR highlights how dismal he’s been in recent weeks, gifting the ball to the opposition with Koki Saito firing the hosts ahead – ultimately costing the Whites two points.

The American has been unable to fill the void left by one player in the summer, leaving in a big-money transfer after the club failed to secure promotion last season.

Georginio Rutter’s stats for Leeds United

French forward Georginio Rutter moved to Leeds back in January 2022, looking to help the side avoid relegation after his £35m transfer from German side Hoffenheim.

However, he struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, featuring 11 times, failing to score a single goal but did manage to register just a single assist.

The 22-year-old would remain at Elland Road despite dropping into the second tier, a decision that would massively enhance his career and take his game to the next level as a result.

Rutter registered eight goals and 16 assists across all competitions, featuring in the number ten role, but after a failure to secure promotion, he would move to Brighton in a £40m deal last summer.

He was a key part of Farke’s success last season, with Aaronson simply unable to match his levels, but one player has managed to replicate his form in the first team throughout the ongoing campaign.

The player who has become Leeds’ new Rutter

Over the last couple of months, Leeds have endured a superb run of form in the Championship, losing just once since the start of November, with their only defeat coming against Portsmouth a few weeks ago.

The likes of Ao Tanaka, Pascal Struijk and Joe Rothwell have all played vital parts in various outings, resulting in the trio nailing down first-team places under Farke.

However, forward Joel Piroe has also managed to be a key figure in recent times, cementing his place in recent weeks as the club’s number-one talisman.

The Dutchman, who’s previously been labelled “sensational” by journalist Beren Cross, joined the Whites for a fee in the region of £10m back in the summer of 2023, looking to provide the firepower needed for an immediate top-flight return.

However, during the early months of his spell in Yorkshire, the fanbase were divided whether he was better suited to the number ten role or as a centre forward – suffering the same fate as Rutter when he moved to the club.

The 25-year-old has since settled into his role, netting 15 times in 2024/25, currently sitting as the second top goalscorer in the entire division, with only Norwich City’s Borja Sainz scoring more.

Piroe has stepped up to the plate this campaign after Rutter’s departure, with many of his figures from this season similar to those of the Frenchman during his final year at Elland Road.

He’s already registered more goals than the former Whites star with eight games to go, highlighting the impact he’s had for the Whites in forward areas over the last few months.

Games played

38

48

Goals scored

15

7

Shots taken

3.1

2.9

Pass accuracy

78%

69%

Shots on target

1.3

0.9

Possession won in final third

0.9

0.7

Times dispossessed

0.9

2.6

The departure of Rutter last summer was a huge blow for the club, especially considering his form in 2023/24, leaving huge question marks over their chances of promotion this time around.

However, Piroe has taken that responsibility at times this year, helping fire the club to the top of the table with just eight games to go, putting them in touching distance of a return to the top flight.

Their best signing since Raphinha: £45m star wants Leeds move this summer

Leeds United could pick up their best buy since Raphinha with this statement summer purchase.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 18, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

A Associação Nacional de Árbitros de Futebol (Anaf), entidade que representa os integrantes do quadro de árbitros da CBF desde 1997 — data de sua fundação— relata que os juízes estão sofrendo ameaças da Confederação Brasileira de Futebol caso permaneçam filiados à agremiação.

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GALERIA
> CBF estuda perda de pontos por racismo: relembre casos no futebol brasileiro

De acordo com a Anaf,a CBF, por meio de Alício Pena Júnior—ex-presidente interino da comissão de arbitragem —, aliciou os árbitros com ameaças fortes, como por exemplo a de “acabar com as carreiras” dos associados.

– A CBF, através do Alício Pena Júnior, estava ligando para os árbitros questionando se eram associados da Anaf ou não. Quando respondiam que sim, eram intimidados a deixar de contribuir com a associação sob pena de serem excluídos do quadro da CBF e não serem mais escalados nos torneios por ela realizados – disse o presidente da Anaf,Salmo Valentim, à reportagem.

Segundo o mandatário, o departamento jurídico da Associação de Árbitros ingressou com ações tanto no Superior Tribunal de Justiça Desportiva (STJD), como no Ministério Público do Trabalho, para apurar as denúncias. Ele também explica que os juízes de futebol estão com medo da situação.

– A categoria segue acuada, com medo. Perdeu sua vontade de atuar e tudo isso é reflexo do que ocorre fora de campo. Nós não só temos legitimidade, como iremos à justiça sempre que ações lamentáveis como essa busquem macular a arbitragem brasileira, que infelizmente chegou ao pior momento de sua história – afirmou.

CBF NEGA ACUSAÇÕES

A reportagem entrou em contato com a CBF e foi negado que haja qualquer tipo de ameaça aos árbitros e provas das supostas intimidações. A confederação, em nota oficial (confira na íntegra no fim do texto), questiona a relevância e representatividade da Associação. Nos bastidores, fontes ligadas à entidade alegam que praticamente não há apitadores do quadro filiados à Anaf.

Por outro lado,Salmo Valentim enfatiza que possui as provas e informa que dos 312associados, a maioria está na Série A —atualmente são 642 árbitros e assistentes no quadro da CBF. Ele citou o nome de dois árbitros com prestígio no meio como exemplo, os quais serão mantidos em sigilo pela reportagem.

+Presidente da Associação Nacional dos Árbitros pede a saída de Seneme: ‘Arbitragem está acuada’

As duas instituições estão em ‘clima de guerra’ há meses, desde quando Ednaldo Rodrigues assumiu a presidência da CBF e Wilson Seneme a comissão de arbitragem. A Anaf já tentou organizar greve de árbitros para paralisar o futebol brasileiro, reclama da interrupção de repasses financeiros, que pararam de acontecer em março de 2022, e promete uma briga jurídica.

No entanto, a CBF busca manter distância da associação e desconsidera as críticas. Em relação aos pagamentos interrompidos, a confederação julgou desnecessário manter os repasses.

Confira, na íntegra, o comunicado enviado pelo presidente da Anaf:

Recebemos a denúncia de que a CBF, através de Alício Pena Júnior, estaria contatando os árbitros, propondo a categoria boicote a sua entidade de classe, os ameaçando de “acabar com suas carreiras” caso permaneçam em nosso quadro colaborativo, sendo assim impedidos de exercer sua profissão: árbitro de futebol.

Salmo Valentim
Presidente da ANAF

Veja abaixo a nota, na íntegra, da CBF

A Comissão de Arbitragem da CBF nega as acusações feitas pela Anaf. A entidade, por meio do presidente Wilson Seneme, garante que não há nenhuma interferência política na escalação dos profissionais e que todos os processos são tratados apenas e exclusivamente por quesitos técnicos.

O pagamento foi interrompido pela atual administração da CBF por não existir nenhum contrato que justificasse o pagamento.

Dream debut cameo with bat and ball for 17-year-old Jaydn Denly, nephew of Joe

ECB Reporters Network11-Aug-2023Jack Leaning led from the front as Kent Spitfires beat Surrey by 87 runs in a Metro Bank One-Day Cup contest at the Kia Oval that also featured a dream debut cameo, with both bat and ball, from 17-year-old Jaydn Denly.Skipper Leaning top-scored with 87 from 94 balls in Kent’s 50-over total of 330 for 6 and then bowled ten overs from the Pavilion End for just 37 runs with his off-spin to set the tone for a Surrey struggle to 243 all out in reply, with leg spinner Matt Parkinson also impressing as he took 4 for 43.Alex Blake, hitting 62 from only 50 balls, and Daniel Bell-Drummond, who scored 65, were other Spitfires’ batting stars in what was their third-highest List A total against Surrey.Only Ryan Patel, with 68, and Jordan Clark – seventh out for 55 off 48 balls – threatened to break Kent’s hold on the game as they worked their way through the Surrey batting line-up.Denly – the nephew of Joe Denly, who missed this game through injury – marked his debut by taking a wicket with his third ball. Brought on to bowl his left-arm spin when Surrey were 176 for 4 after 35 overs, he bowled Cameron Steel for 25 through an attempted paddle-sweep and then almost bowled Ben Geddes with a superb delivery as he went on to record a wicket maiden.Geddes did swing him for six before being bowled by Parkinson for 17 and Clark hit Australian fast bowler James Bazley for two big sixes and departed disgruntled after mis-hitting a waist-high full toss from Hamidullah Qadri to long on.Blake later took a brilliant diving catch on the long off boundary to dismiss Conor McKerr off Parkinson, who then hastened Surrey’s demise by bowling Dan Moriarty, and the match ended when Yousef Majid was bowled by Qadri, who finished with 3 for 50.Surrey’s chase began badly, with Dom Sibley edging a Grant Stewart outswinger behind to go for 5 and although Patel and Rory Burns added 98 for the second wicket – with Patel twice muscling Qadri’s off spin for legside sixes – the pair never really got on top of Kent’s bowling, with Qadri finally bowling Burns for 43 as the left-hander tried to cut a ball that was too full for the shot.Ben Foakes made only 7 before falling to Parkinson, leg-before sweeping, and Patel then fell in Nathan Gilchrist’s first over, skying to point after facing 67 balls.Kent’s excellent total was built around stands of 113 and 88 for the second and third wickets, off 19 and 13 overs respectively, and following a solid opening partnership of 48 between Bell-Drummond and Ben Compton, who made 27 before clipping Moriarty’s left-arm spin to wide mid on.Bell-Drummond’s fluent 78-ball effort included six fours and it was something of a surprise when he went back to Steel’s leg spin and was bowled by a ball that turned appreciably to hit the top of off stump.Leaning had by then driven Steel high over extra cover for six but it was the arrival of Blake at No. 4 which brought Kent’s real acceleration towards 300 and beyond.Blake warmed up by smearing and pulling successive Steel deliveries for four and when Dunn replaced him the powerful left-hander crunched the seamer brutally back over his head for a huge straight six.Two balls later Blake launched Dunn for another six over long on and then cut the last ball of the over for four to race to 44 and Kent’s total to 229 for 2 with ten overs remaining.Young slow left armer Majid’s reintroduction to the attack was greeted by a Blake reverse hit for four and a more orthodox lofted drive over extra cover to complete a 37-ball fifty. There was one more outrageous reverse scoop for four off Clark before Blake’s fine innings was ended by a clever boundary-edge catch by Patel, who threw the ball up as he stepped over the rope and completed the catch after he had jumped back on to the field of play.By then Leaning had also gone, skying an attempted pull at Clark to keeper Foakes, but a late flurry was provided by Stewart, with a clubbed straight six off Clark in a 13-ball 26, and by Harry Finch’s inventive 34 off 17 balls.A dramatic final over brought 20 runs as Finch ramped paceman McKerr for four, slashed him over point for six, drove him to extra cover for another four, and was leg-before to the penultimate ball trying to reverse-paddle. That meant one ball for Denly to face on his senior Kent debut and the teenager, a left-hander, cut away for four a low full toss with a real flourish.

Xabi Alonso's side overcame an early red card to dispatch the Liga MX side, and all-but seal a spot in the Club World Cup round of 16

Real Madrid rebounded from their slow start to the Club World Cup, brushing aside Liga MX side Pachuca, 3-1. Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Arda Guler bagged the goals in a fine showing for Madrid's midfield, and the La Liga giants overcame an early red card to win comfortably.

Madrid were slow to start. Raul Asencio put them in a deep hole early when he dragged down Salomon Rondon as the Venezuelan went through on goal – rightfully earning himself a sending off in the process. They might have conceded soon after, too, when Kenedy squirmed down the left but found only side netting with his shot.

Los Blancos' quality shone through, though, and they scored a wonderfully crafted opener. Gonzalo Garcia flicked onto Fran Garcia, who fed Bellingham centrally for a devastating left-footed finish. They added a second soon after, Arda Guler slotting into the bottom corner after a well-crafted move that saw Trent Alexander-Arnold show his class down the right.

The second half saw a significant drop in intensity for both sides. Xabi Alonso rotated heavily, and it was a substitute who set up the third that killed off the game. Brahim Diaz floated a ball over the defence, which was met by an extended Federico Valverde leg. Pachuca, to their credit, never stopped trying to play, and bagged a deserved consolation after 80 minutes – but seldom looked like offering anything beyond that.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Bank of America Stadium…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

Made nine saves, and kept Madrid's lead alive at times. Could do nothing about the Pachuca goal.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10):

Much better. Didn't have loads to do defensively, and was crucial in the second goal.

Raul Asencio (3/10):

Got sent off inside 15 minutes for some silly defending.

Dean Huijsen (7/10):

Held it down at the back after his partner was sent off. Played a lovely pass in the build-up to the third goal.

Fran Garcia (7/10):

Assisted Bellingham's opener, buzzed up and down the left. Making a compelling case to start.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

Dropped into a centre-back role within 10 minutes after Asencio got sent off. Got away with one when the referee's whistle saved him from a silly giveaway.

Jude Bellingham (7/10):

Took his goal wonderfully, and created two chances. But held onto the ball a bit too long at times.

Arda Guler (8/10):

Deployed in a deeper role with one eye to controlling the game more. Grabbed a goal and knocked it around well. Could be crucial this year.

Federico Valverde (8/10):

A bundle of energy throughout. Covered loads of ground, linked play, and scored a lovely goal.

Watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZNStream nowAFPAttack

Gonzalo Garcia (7/10):

Assisted the second goal. Making a compelling choice to be a solid backup to Kylian Mbappe.

Vinicius Jr (7/10):

Made a few defenders look silly, completed the most dribbles in the match, but lacked final product.

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Brahim Diaz (7/10):

Twisted and turned his way through the defence. Provided a lovely assist.

Dani Ceballos (6/10):

Floated about and completed all but two of his passes.

Luka Modric (6/10):

Did some lovely things on the ball in an impressive 30 minutes.

Antonio Rudiger (N/A):

A solid showing on his return from a knee operation.

Victor Munoz (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Xabi Alonso (7/10):

Miles better than the performance just a few days ago. Madrid were devastating going forward at times, and although defensive concerns remain, they were good value for the win.

أعلن أسامة نبيه، المدير الفني لمنتخب مصر للشباب تحت 20 عامًا، عن اختيار 39 لاعبًا لقائمة الفراعنة أمام الكويت الأولمبي، استعدادًا للمشاركة في كأس العالم.

ويُقام معسكر منتخب الشباب في مشروع الهدف بمدينة 6 أكتوبر خلال الفترة من 3 إلى 31 يوليو، ويخوض خلاله “شباب الفراعنة” مباراتين وديتين أمام المنتخب الأولمبي الكويتي يومي 17 و20 يوليو.

ويستعد منتخب الشباب لخوض نهائيات كأس العالم في تشيلي، في الفترة من 27 سبتمبر إلى 19 أكتوبر القادمين.

ويلعب منتخب مصر تحت 20 سنة في المونديال، ضمن المجموعة الأولى التي تضم تشيلي “المستضيف”، نيوزيلندا واليابان. قائمة منتخب مصر للشباب أمام الكويت

عبد المنعم تامر – أحمد وهب – أحمد منشاوي – محمد ريشة – إبراهيم عادل – محمد إبراهيم – محمد عوض – أحمد عابدين – عبد الله بوستنجي – معتز محمد – معاذ عطية – أحمد زيزو – عبد الحميد أحمد – محمود لبيب – مؤمن شريف – مهاب سامي – أحمد كاباكا – محمد السيد – سيف سفاجا – أحمد وحيد – مروان محمود – ياسين حافظ – محمد عبد الله – حامد عبد الله – أحمد أبو الفتح – يوسف شلبي – محمود صلاح – ياسين عاطف – علي إيهاب – أحمد ناجي – محمد الدسوقي – يوسف صابر – أدهم كريم – محمد هيثم – حسن صابر – أيمن أمير – يوسف شعبان.

Paris Saint-Germain are edging closer to signing Illia Zabarnyi in a €60m transfer from Bournemouth, who recently sold Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Zabarnyi close to PSG move
• Bournemouth already sold Huijsen
• €60m transfer nearing completion

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  PSG had attempted to complete a move for Zabarnyi during the first summer transfer window so he could play in the Club World Cup, but they failed to get the deal done in time. However, report negotiations have resumed and look to be heading towards a positive conclusion for the Champions League winners.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Zabarnyi is said to have been lined up a potential successor to PSG stalwart Marquinhos. The club captain is still only 31 years of age and has enjoyed arguably the finest season of his career to date in 2024-25, leading the French giants to a continental treble, but plans to replace in him in the future are already being drawn up.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  It's turning into a brutal transfer window for Bournemouth, with three of their first-choice defenders now either having departed or set to leave in the near future. Dean Huijsen has already made his debut for Real Madrid after completing a move to Spain earlier in the summer, while left-back Milos Kerkez is closing in on a transfer to Liverpool.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PSG?

  Zabarnyi won't feature at the Club World Cup for PSG, who suffered a shock defeat to Botafogo in their most recent outing. They're next in action on Monday night when they take on Seattle Sounders.

Big picture – SL, Bangladesh grapple with player absences

Okay, cards on the table, Sri Lanka aren’t in good shape.Sure, they haven’t been consistently great in quite some time, but these are the defending Asia Cup champions at the end of the day, not to forget that they clean-swept the World Cup Qualifier a few months ago. Technically, this is still that team. Technically.But injuries have decimated Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. The list of those unavailable currently reads Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka and Wanindu Hasaranga. For context, that’s the three first-choice seamers – all capable of speeds in the 145kph region – and their star legspinner, who just completed as dominant an all-round franchise display as you’re likely to see, in the Lanka Premier League.Related

• Shanaka stresses on 'good brotherhood' between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh

• Sri Lanka bring in Binura Fernando, Pramod Madushan, Dushan Hemantha for Asia Cup

• Stump Mic – Are there any favourites in the 2023 Asia Cup?

• Litton Das ruled out of Asia Cup, replaced by Anamul Haque

Sri Lanka still have the excellent Maheesh Theekshana to call on, though, while their back-up seamers, while not as express as the aforementioned walking wounded, can be relied upon to do a job. The issue, however, is that they now have to rely primarily on their batters to win matches, which they have lately struggled with even at the best of times (read World Cup Qualifier).As for Bangladesh, Litton Das has been ruled out on the eve of the tournament, while they have had their fair share of off-field drama with the will-he-won’t-he captaincy saga involving Tamim Iqbal. They are coming into this game on the back of a hard-fought home-series defeat to Afghanistan, but they’ve otherwise been a hugely impressive ODI force of late.Their unit as a whole has achieved a pleasing blend of youth and experience in recent times. The conditions in Pallekele are also likely to suit their spinners. In that sense, even though Sri Lanka might have the home advantage, the latest edition of the Derby (look it up, if you must) might just see Bangladesh coming in as marginal favourites.

Form guide

Sri Lanka WWWWW
Bangladesh WLLWW

In the spotlight

Mehidy Hasan Miraz is still just 25, but it definitely feels like he’s been around for ages, and in a sense he has, having made his debut in 2016. While it was his simple yet effective offspin that first caught the attention, it’s his more recent exploits with the bat that have earned him a permanent spot. Now a bonafide all-round option coming in lower down the order, Mehidy offers his side a great deal of balance, and his match-winning century against India in December showed his ability to be a genuine gamechanger.Kusal Mendis didn’t have a great LPL, while his performances in the World Cup Qualifier didn’t necessarily set the world alight. The past year or two, on the whole, has been a fruitful period for the now 28-year-old, though, especially in T20Is where he has showcased a bolder approach at the top of the order. In ODIs, he has tended to anchor the innings early on before looking to cut loose. As such nearly every formidable Sri Lanka ODI batting performance in recent times has coincided with an in-form Mendis. With a second-string bowling unit to play with, Mendis will be key to any Sri Lankan success.4:03

Maharoof, Kumble, Uthappa, Urooj and Jaffer with their Asia Cup predictions

Team news

Kusal Perera is in contention for a place in the starting XI, having recovered from a case of Covid-19. However, he last played an ODI over two years ago. With Hasaranga not available, Dushan Hemantha is the sole legspin option, but Dunith Wellalage’s batting could see him get the nod instead.Sri Lanka XI (probable): 1 Dimuth Karunaratne, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 5 Charith Asalanka 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 8 Dushan Hemantha/Dunith Wellalage, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Binura Fernando, 11 Kasun RajithaAnamul Haque has replaced Litton. But there is an outside chance that Tanzid Hasan replaces Litton in the XI and makes his ODI debut. A knee niggle could keep Mustafizur Rahman out.Bangladesh XI (probable): 1 Mohammad Naim, 2 Tanzid Hasan/Anamul Haque, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 5 Towhid Hridoy, 6 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 7 Afif Hossain, 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 9 Taskin Ahmed, 10 Hasan Mahmud, 11 Shoriful Islam

Pitch and conditions

During the LPL, most pitches proved to be quite two-paced, and Pallekele was no different, with bowlers rewarded for varying their pace. On occasion, however, batting did get easier, and better, under lights. In terms of the weather, it’s largely expected to be hot and humid and there is a chance of rain.

Stats and trivia

• Bangladesh have played just one ODI in Pallekele, against Sri Lanka in 2013, which they won
• Sri Lanka have the second-highest win percentage against Bangladesh – 81.63% – in ODI cricket. Only Pakistan have a higher percentage (86.48). However, Sri Lanka have lost four of their last ten games against Bangladesh

He shares 193 stand with Rapids skipper Jake Libby as Jack Taylor’s ton goes in vain

ECB Reporters Network10-Aug-2023

Worcestershire Rapids keeper-batter Gareth Roderick marked his return from illness with a superb century against his former club to help secure an 85-run success in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at New Road.Roderick had missed the opening three games in the tournament but continued the excellent form he has been demonstrating in the LV=Insurance County Championship with his List A best score of 137.He showed his battling qualities in fighting through a testing time with the new ball in seaming conditions after the Rapids had been put in to bat.But Roderick, who spent eight seasons with Gloucestershire, then accelerated to such an extent that he faced only 114 balls and hit four sixes and 12 fours.Rapids captain Jake Libby, also enjoying a prolific season, gave him excellent support during a partnership of 193 in 23.2 overs, a Worcestershire record for the third wicket against their local rivals.With Kashif Ali and new signing Logan van Beek providing late impetus, Worcestershire’s total of 375 for 7 was their second-highest in 50-over cricket.Gloucestershire then lost wickets at regular intervals against the seamers including four for van Beek.Jack Taylor, who has scored four Championship hundreds against Worcestershire, provided some late entertainment for the Gloucestershire supporters in the 4,000-plus crowd with a 94-ball century.But it only served to bring some respectability to the outcome as Worcestershire sealed a third win in four matches.Worcestershire made five changes from the side beaten by Somerset at Taunton on Sunday with Brett D’Oliveira, Azhar Ali and Cameron Jones injured and Joe Leach and Dillon Pennington rested.Netherlands international van Beek was handed his debut and there were recalls for Matthew Waite and Ed Pollock, Roderick and Brown.Pollock and Roderick were given an examination by Zaman Akhter and Tom Price, who had taken a hat-trick and scored a century on the same day in the corresponding LV=Insurance County Championship match between the sides.Tom Price made the first breakthrough when Pollock edged to first slip and the powerplay only yielded 24 runs.Roderick and new batter Rob Jones fought through this challenging period and gradually upped the tempo.Jones, initially on loan from Lancashire before starting a three-year contract next summer, gloved Anwar Ali through to keeper James Bracey.But from this juncture bat dominated ball for the remainder of the innings with Roderick in prime form and given superb support by Libby in surpassing the 159 by Tom Fell and Alexei Kervezee at New Road nine years ago.A single off Paul van Meekeren enabled Roderick to move to three figures and was the cue for a standing ovation.A straight six by Roderick of Anwar Ali established the third-wicket partnership record against the visitors and it came out of the blue when Libby (86) was pouched low down at gulley off Zaman Akhtar.Roderick produced the shot of the innings with a reverse scoop for six off Tom Smith but in the same over he sliced the spinner into the hands of short third.Smith also held onto a return catch from Ben Cox but the innings momentum was sustained by Kashif Ali and new signing van Beek.Kashif Ali raced to 39 from 22 balls before he pulled Graeme van Buuren to backward square leg but van Beek struck Tom Price for two sixes over long off in making an unbeaten 41 from 19 balls.When Gloucestershire batted, Matthew Waite bowled an excellent opening spell, beating the bat on several occasions and deserving better figures than 6-1-12-0.It was van Beek who made the first breakthrough when Bracey holed out to Kashif Ali at wide mid on.Ollie Price, a century-maker in the recent Championship match at Cheltenham, fell to Ben Gibbon via a sharp catch by Rob Jones at backward point.Pat Brown came into the attack and three wickets went down inside his first three overs as Gloucestershire subsided to 80 for 5.Harry Tector was run out after being sent back when he turned Brown to cover and failed to beat Kashif Ali’s throw to Ben Cox.Van Buuren went lbw and Chris Dent offered a simple caught-and-bowled.Sub fielder Rehaan Edavalath got into the thick of the action with an excellent diving catch at midwicket to dismiss Tom Price off van Beek.Libby brought himself into the attack and had Anwar Ali taken at deep cover before Tom Smith was neatly caught down the leg side off Baker.But Taylor illuminated the dying embers of the game with some big hitting and his century included five sixes and five fours before he and van Meereken were dismissed in successive balls from van Beek.

Chelsea’s next game in the Premier League sees them host London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. This has, historically, been a favourable fixture for the West Londoners; at least, that has been the case in the Premier League.

The Blues’ record at Stamford Bridge against Spurs since the 1992/92 season is exceptional. In 32 top flight games, they have won 20, drawn 11 and lost just one. In that time, they have scored 61 goals to the Lilywhites’ 23.

Last season, this fixture ended 2-0 to Chelsea, thanks to goals from defender Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson. Surprisingly, it was a rare game in which Cole Palmer failed to register a goal involvement.

However, he will have a chance to do so on Thursday night, with Enzo Maresca bearing good news about his return from injury.

Chelsea team news vs. Spurs

Well, Chelsea fans can breathe a sigh of relief because Palmer will return to action against Spurs. After missing England duty and the last Premier League game against Arsenal, Maresca explained, “Cole is back, he is ok. He is better”, in his pre-match press conference.

The Wythenshawe-born sensation has actually been on a bit of a goal drought in recent weeks but still has 14 goals and seven assists in 28 Premier League games this term.

He scored twice away from home against the Lilywhites in a 4-3 earlier in the season, including a clever panenka, and will surely be hoping to repeat the feat this week at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer is not the only England international returning to the Blues’ first team this week. Noni Madueke is also returning to the first-team fold after missing the last four Premier League games with a hamstring injury.

Maresca confirmed the former PSV Eindhoven star is “better” and seemingly will be available for selection against the Lilywhites, where he played academy football. Madueke will be looking to add to his eight goals and four assists this term.

Having Palmer and Madueke back is a huge boost for Maresca, but they are not the only attacking stars returning to action for Chelsea. The Blues boss also has a deadly forward available who could do Spurs some damage.

The returning Chelsea star who can unlock Palmer

Not only are the two England internationals back in action this week for the Blues, but so is Jackson, one of the goal-scorers from last season against the North Londoners.

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He has missed the last five league games with a hamstring issue, but Maresca also said he is “better”, describing the returning trio as “all good”.

It has been an impressive season for Jackson on the whole. He has featured 23 times in the Premier League, scoring nine times and grabbing five assists.

His all-round centre-forward play seems to have improved this term, given he has already matched his assist tally from 2023/24. Jamie Carragher described the 23-year-old as a “handful” at the start of February.

Indeed, the stats on FBref certainly back up how much trouble he can cause opposition defences. For example, in the Premier League this season, he averages 0.52 goal-creating actions, ranking him in the top 12% of strikers in the English top flight.

Football scout Antonio Mango said Jackson’s “movement is key to unlocking Cole Palmer”, with the movement he makes creating space for the England international to exploit. This seems like something the Blues would appreciate, given Palmer’s goal drought over the last few weeks.

Indeed, his elite movement off the ball was evident at the start of his Chelsea career. In September 2023, analyst Nick Wright wrote a piece for Sky Sports, which noted that ‘Jackson has made more off-the-ball runs than any other Premier League player this season’. Already, you can see how good Jackson is at moving off the ball to facilitate his teammates.

If given the chance, Jackson definitely has the potential to hurt Spurs this evening. The fact that he can facilitate Palmer so well with his elite movement, plus his ability in front of goal, makes him a great weapon in Chelsea’s arsenal ahead of this crunch clash on Thursday night.

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