Afghanistan were 95 for 2 at stumps, staring at a mammoth 491-run deficit

Sreshth Shah27-Dec-2024

Bulawayo was buzzing on the second day of the Boxing Day Test as the home fans celebrated one landmark after another, with Zimbabwe creating history against Afghanistan by getting to their highest Test score of all time. Overnight centurion Sean Williams posted his personal best in Tests, the captain Craig Ervine scored his fourth Test ton in a 13-year career, and Brian Bennett struck a dramatic maiden hundred, taking Zimbabwe to 586.Williams set the tone early with a cut through point to pass 150. He looked to be aggressive to the leg side but mistimed a pull off Naveen Zadran to deep midwicket, adding only nine to his overnight score before departing for 154 in the day’s sixth over.The No. 7 Bennett, playing only his second Test, then looked busy upon arrival. His early strokes allowed Ervine, starting overnight on 56, to get his eyes in, and together they put on 82 in only 20.2 overs for the sixth wicket. Ervine showed off his ease against spin to dominate square of the wicket. He reached triple figures with a flick towards backward square leg in the 109th over, took off his helmet, and revealed a smile that bore a feeling of satisfaction.Left-arm spinner Zia-Ur-Rehman had Ervine nicking to the keeper for 104 two overs later, followed by Brandon Mavuta’s dismissal for 0 in the same over, those two wickets did not bring any respite for the inexperienced Afghanistan bowling unit. The turn was predictable, the pacers were ineffective, allowing Bennett and the lower-order to score freely.Bennett, a few streaky boundaries aside, peppered boundaries through the covers, and after lunch the message was clear that the remaining batters would also play positively. Teen debutant Newman Nyamhuri, known for his left-arm seam bowling in the domestic circuit, showed he can also contribute with the bat. He was out on 26 to Zahir Khan, but not before bringing up Zimbabwe’s 500 with a big six down the ground. It ended a 21-year wait for Zimbabwe to breach that mark in Tests.Naveed Zadran celebrates the wicket of Sean Williams•Zimbabwe Cricket

The mystery spin of AM Ghazanfar didn’t have much impact either, with Bennett and Blessing Muzarabani (19) crunching sixes off his overpitched deliveries. As Zimbabwe pushed towards their previous highest score of 563 for 9, achieved against West Indies in 2001, errors crept into the Afghan fielding effort too. Fumbles and misfields allowed singles to become doubles, and Muzarabani survived a dropped chance at deep midwicket too.However Muzarabani fell with Zimbabwe at 550 for 9, earning Azmatullah Omarzai a maiden Test wicket, and with only the No. 11 remaining, Bennett, on 82, moved to fifth gear. A six off Zia-ur-Rehman through midwicket took him to 89, and back-to-back twos in Trevor Gwandu’s company got him closer to triple digits. His 96th run also took Zimbabwe to 564, a new high in their 32-year history in the format.But that was not enough for the crowd. Only a Bennett century would make the innings perfect, and it arrived in cinematic fashion in the 135th over. Zadran had set up a short-ball ploy with two sweeper fielders in the deep on the leg side, but Bennett went for the pull anyway. The fielder in the deep took the catch, only to see that he had stepped into the boundary line, and Bennett roared “come on” in the direction of his family on the grass banks, which included his father and twin brother. He would pin another six next ball over the same region before Ghazanfar picked up his third wicket by removing Gwandu, leaving Bennett unbeaten on 110.”[It is] not just my first Test century but my first century for Zimbabwe, so it’s a great feeling,” Bennett said after the day’s play. “To get a Test match hundred at Queen’s [Sports Club] with my family watching, with Sean Williams and Craig Ervine also getting hundreds and putting on a record score for Zimbabwe in Test matches. I don’t think there’s any better feeling to that. So, yeah, I’m just very proud.”At first, when I saw it going, I thought it was six, but when I saw it coming down, I was like, oh shucks, I’m in trouble here,” he recalled the drama. “But you know what? You create your own luck in cricket. And when it stepped over the boundary there, I was lost for words, actually.”It wasn’t too much about me getting to my hundred. It was more about us getting a big score and getting the Afghan guys out on the field for as long as possible. So credit to the tail-enders as well. They did a good effort for me to get my hundred but also, I think we were six down, and with our tail, we added 120 [121] runs.”Afghanistan’s reply to 587 began in overcast conditions after tea, and Sediqullah Atal lost the battle of the debutants to Gwandu trying to flick across the line in the second over. Gwandu got a ball to swing in and shape away late to gain his maiden Test scalp. The seamer would bowl four overs before an injury while fielding ended his day early.Muzarabani was metronic from the other end, bowling in the channel around off stump, and challenged Abdul Malik’s bat on occasion. It needed someone of Rahmat Shah’s experience at No. 3 to get the runs flowing. His strong off-side play earned him four fours in the space of as many overs bowled by Gwandu and Nyamhuri. Malik, instead, offered soft hands when possible, with his only boundary a gentle glance towards fine leg.With the pitch still good for batting and the effects of the new ball wearing off, both batters milked the Zimbabwe bowling, but looking to make something happen Ervine brought Muzarabani back and the idea worked. Malik, who had mostly offered defensive shots, was proffered a short ball by Muzarabani and the rising delivery forced the error, straight to Ben Curran at fine leg.Hashmatullah Shahidi, at No. 4, battled against the fading light to face some tricky overs of spin from Williams and part-timers Mavuta and Bennett. He struck three boundaries in 24 balls, while Rahmat moved to 49 after surviving one catching chance at slip. Bad light stopped play three overs before close, with Afghanistan on 95 for 2, staring at a mammoth 491-run deficit.

Glenn Maxwell produced an extraordinary innings, farming the strike and smashing ten sixes in a brilliant 90 off 52 balls, to keep Stars’ BBL season alive after they defeated Renegades in the Melbourne derby.Stars’ finals hopes appeared over at 75 for 7 after they were sent in to bat at a closed-roofed Marvel Stadium due to stormy weather in Melbourne. Maxwell’s thunderous batting flipped the match on its head to lift Stars to 165 and a stunned Renegades fell well short in the chase.After losing their first five matches, Stars have won four in a row to remain a chance of reaching the finals while it was a costly defeat for Renegades (placed at the bottom with a 3-5 win-loss record) in a disappointment for much of the 38,000 crowd.Maxwell puts the cape onStars’ season appeared to be petering out as their powerful top-order fell apart. Opener Ben Duckett had been boom or bust this season, but played himself in as he eyed a significant contribution in his last BBL match before departing for the ILT20.Duckett made 21 off 14 balls before miscuing a slower ball to long-on, while skipper Marcus Stoinis tried to counterattack. He blasted quick Tom Rogers in a mighty blow that almost hit the roof but was caught at long-on. It was a dismissal that even left tennis superstar Novak Djokovic gobsmacked as he watched on in the terraces as Stars slumped further.Glenn Maxwell hit ten sixes in his 52-ball 90•Getty Images

Their hopes rested on Maxwell, who has a knack of producing miracles, and he delivered yet again. There were echoes of his famous World Cup double-century against Afghanistan in Mumbai as he hogged the strike and backed himself to smash sixes.He cracked a personal T20 record of 10 sixes, including a 122-metre strike off quick Kane Richardson over deep midwicket, while he laced Will Sutherland for three consecutive blows into the crowd.Maxwell effectively targeted legspinner Adam Zampa down the ground and also unfurled trademark switch-hits in one of his best T20 innings.In scenes more reminiscent of Test cricket, Maxwell refused singles in a strategy that paid off spectacularly. He added a BBL record eighth-wicket partnership of 81 with Usama Mir, who played something of the Pat Cummins role from Mumbai. Mir was scoreless and faced only five of the 46 balls in the partnership, but held up his end.Maxwell deserved a century, but chopped on to Richardson at the start of the final over to end one of the most surreal innings played in BBL history.Renegades’ attack starts hot before succumbing to MaxwellRogers has painful memories of the last Melbourne derby, played just eight days ago. He was thrashed at the death by Maxwell and Hilton Cartwright as Renegades let a match slip at the MCG.But he got a big boost after being the hero with bat and ball in Renegades’ comeback victory over Perth Scorchers in Perth. His confidence spilled over when he dismissed Sam Harper plumb lbw on the match’s first delivery.Recalled-quick Fergus O’Neill justified his selection with the pivotal wicket of Duckett then nicked off Thomas Rogers for a golden duck. He almost claimed a hat-trick when Stoinis hit just short of a diving Richardson at mid-off.O’Neill cleverly bowled subtle variations to finish with 2-16 from 4 overs and finished his spell before Maxwell’s carnage started. Renegades’ attack were then helpless and rattled by his tactic of declining singles.Sutherland, a youthful captain, has been a revelation in his first season as skipper but a few times did appear asleep at the wheel as Maxwell found singles with ease at the end of overs.In a worry for Renegades, Richardson appeared to injure his hamstring and was unable to complete the final over of the innings.Steketee steps up after wayward startVeteran quick Mark Steketee has taken 11 wickets in four matches since being selected in Stars’ line-up. But he could not find his radar initially with wayward new-ball bowling that threatened to undo Stars’ momentum.Steketee turned it around later in the second over after finally finding a straighter line that led to the dismissals of openers Marcus Harris and Josh Brown. He returned in the eighth over to pick up Jake Fraser-McGurk, who briefly threatened, before left-arm quick Joel Paris tore through Renegades’ middle-over. Steketee added two more wickets at the backend to finish with 5 for 17.Fraser-McGurk misses opportunity, debutant Dixon shows glimpsesIf Renegades don’t make finals, they will rue an inconsistent batting effort. Fraser-McGurk has particularly struggled with his highest score this season being just 26.He looked less manic at the crease on this occasion as he eyed ending his slump. He finally made his move when he blasted allrounder Beau Webster for a six over wide long-on, but it proved a tease as he holed out to end his 17-ball 19.Renegades were in massive trouble at 44 for 4, but they still believed after the Sutherland-led chase against Scorchers. They took the Power Surge, however, Sutherland was bowled by evergreen quick Peter Siddle in the 13th over to effectively end the ‘Gades hopes.Debutant Harry Dixon, an under-19 World Cup winner for Australia, had an impossible task but did underline why he’s highly-touted with several flowing stokes.But the left-handed Dixon, whose elegant style at the crease has shades of Shaun Marsh, holed out on 13 where Maxwell, fittingly, claimed the catch to cap his special night.

Fulham have now opened talks over a deal to sign an “outstanding” Premier League forward, who looks poised to leave his club this summer, according to a report.

Cottagers vying to sign new attackers

Rodrigo Muniz’s future at Craven Cottage has been cast into doubt, with Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur being named as potential suitors, which means Marco Silva may be tasked with bringing in a new striker before the transfer window ends.

Genk centre-forward Tolu Arokodare was named as a potential target earlier in the window, while midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was also on the shortlist. However, it now appears as though the Englishman is poised to join Everton instead.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte is the only addition Silva has made to his squad up to this point, in what has been a frustrating window so far, but a promising new report suggests the Cottagers are now stepping up their pursuit of an experienced Premier League forward.

Indeed, according to FourFourTwo, Fulham have now opened talks over a deal for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, who looks set to leave the Blues this summer, given that the Blues have already removed his biography from their club website.

Chelsea are hoping to receive £20m for Sterling, who still has two years remaining on his contract, meaning a deal for the winger would not break the bank, although it would be a risk to bring him in, given that the former Arsenal loanee flattered to deceive last season.

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1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025 "Outstanding" Sterling could reignite career at Fulham

The 82-time England international did not make the desired impact on loan at the Emirates Stadium last season, failing to find the back of the net in 17 Premier League outings, while also being unable to solidify his place as a regular starter, despite Mikel Arteta’s backing.

That said, the former Manchester City man is clearly a hugely talented player, having scored 123 goals in the Premier League, and Paul Merson even praised the forward for a performance during his time with Chelsea, describing him as “absolutely outstanding”.

Having spent the last three seasons in London, across spells with Chelsea and Arsenal, a move to Craven Cottage could appeal to Sterling this summer, and playing for a club where he would be more likely to receive consistent game time could suit him down to the ground.

That said, it would be a risk for Fulham to pursue a deal, given that the 30-year-old clearly isn’t the player he once was.

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Eberechi Eze this summer will be remembered for a long time, with the Lilywhites unable to complete a deal for his signature.

After missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White, in what was another infamous saga, the hierarchy turned their attention to the 27-year-old in an attempt to fill the void in the attacking midfield department.

Talks were said to be at an advanced stage for the England international, but a turn of events saw Thomas Frank’s side miss out – in explicable fashion too.

The player instead agreed a deal to join North London rivals Arsenal, leading to discontent shown by the Spurs faithful towards owner Daniel Levy over the last couple of weeks.

However, the owner has the chance to rectify such mistakes before the September 1st deadline, with other alternatives constantly being pursued in recent days.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for an Eze alternative

In an attempt to soften the blow, Spurs have moved on to Eze’s compatriot Morgan Rogers, with Frank said to be a huge admirer of the Aston Villa star.

It’s been reported that the Lilywhites have been in negotiations with Unai Emery’s outfit over a deal for the 23-year-old talent, who could cost as much as £80m before Monday’s transfer deadline.

However, he’s not the only player currently in their sights, with RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons another attacking midfielder they’re currently considering, according to CaughtOffside.

Their report claims that Spurs have made an enquiry to land the Dutch international, despite Chelsea currently leading the race after agreeing personal terms with the player.

It also states the Lilywhites could pounce on the recent delay, making their own £60m hijack this summer, potentially swooping in after their recent contact with the Bundesliga outfit.

Why Spurs’ latest target is a bigger talent than Eze

There’s no denying that Eze would’ve been an excellent addition to the current Spurs side, with disappointment undoubtedly being felt amongst the fanbase as a result of his move to Arsenal.

Failing to complete a deal for the player is bad enough, but losing out to your main rivals would undoubtedly compound the misery currently being felt by the supporters.

However, if the side are to reach the next level under Frank, the hierarchy simply can’t rest on their laurels, needing to pursue other targets to help improve the squad.

Given the injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, the need for a new option in such a department has become even more apparent – but they’re desperately running out of time for a deal.

A hijack of a move for Simons could be the perfect signing to help get the fanbase back on side, whilst also handing Frank the tools he needs to build on his 100% start in the Premier League.

When comparing his stats to those of Eze from the 2024/25 campaign, the former PSG star managed to massively outperform him in numerous key areas – which makes missing out on the Englishman a blessing in disguise.

Simons, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by Rafael Van der Vaart, posted a better goal and assist rate per 90 – whilst also achieving a better shot on target accuracy rate, with such a figure handing the club more of a clinical option in attacking areas.

Games played

25

34

Goals & assists

16

16

Shot on target accuracy

46%

27%

Pass accuracy

79%

74%

Progressive passes

5.9

3.3

Passes into the final third

3.3

1.7

Key passes made

2.2

2.1

Progressive carries

3.6

2.4

Carries into the final third

3.1

1.6

Fouls won

2.3

1.7

Whilst such a component of his game isn’t vital, it’s certainly a bonus that could see the Lilywhites gain yet another goalscoring option to help the side in their quest for Premier League success.

However, creativity is massively needed in the number ten role, something which Simons would provide, given his tally of 2.2 key passes per 90 and 3.3 passes into the final third per 90 – with both tallies higher than those produced by Eze.

The Dutchman’s dominance is further demonstrated in his ability to procure more carries into the final third per 90, able to progress the play before putting the final touches on any attack – as seen by his aforementioned figures.

£60m would be another hefty figure forked out by the board, but it would be one that could be a bargain if he continues on his current trajectory and reaches his full potential.

It would also be a better signing than Eze, potentially allowing Frank’s side to get one over a rival and complete their own hijack after their previous defeat in the market.

Kudus will love him: £22m star is gearing up to accept Spurs' offer to join

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making a move for another attacking midfielder this summer.

4 ByEthan Lamb Aug 26, 2025

Will Nottingham Forest continue to be busy in the transfer market, ahead of their Premier League opener against Brentford on Sunday?

So far, the Garibaldi Reds have signed goalkeeper Angus Gunn, Brazilian duo Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha, both from Botafogo, and, most recently and most excitingly, winger Dan Ndoye from Bologna, costing a reported fee of £34m.

Having finished seventh last season, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side are preparing for a European campaign, the first time Forest have competed on the continent in 30 years, meaning squad depth will be key, so are they set to bolster their midfield options further?

Nottingham Forest targeting midfield reinforcements

Despite making four new additions, the best piece of business Nottingham Forest have done this summer, without question, is keeping hold of Morgan Gibbs-White.

The 25 year old appeared destined to depart when Tottenham triggered his £60m release clause, but Spurs were ultimately left ‘stunned’ when the midfielder signed a new three-year contract instead, news that came completely out of the blue.

This is a serious statement of intent from Forest, able to keep hold of their best player, so will they now bolster their midfield options to help get the best out of Gibbs-White?

Well, amid talk that they are on the verge of signing James McAtee from Manchester City, another top midfielder could be on their way to Nottingham.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest are ‘plotting’ a move to sign Yunus Musah from AC Milan, adding that they’re ‘considering making a bid’ for the United States international, valued at around £22m.

The Rossoneri have reappointed Massimiliano Allegri as head coach this summer, following a catastrophic campaign that saw them finish eighth in Serie A, failing to qualify for any European competition.

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During Il Diavolo’s pre-season tour of Asia last month, newly-hired sporting director Igli Tare stated that “I consider Musah an excellent player, but we are looking for profiles with characteristics that fit the [Allegri] project”, which very much sounds like they’re open to a sale.

So, could the 22-year-old soon swap San Siro for the City Ground?

What Nottingham Forest fans should expect from Yunus Musah

Born in New York City, Musah’s family moved to London when he was just nine years old, subsequently spending seven years in Arsenal’s Hale End academy, before moving to Valencia at the age of 16.

After starting out in los Murciélagos’ B team, he made his senior debut a year after arriving, accumulating 108 appearances for los Che.

His performances caught AC Milan’s attention, joining the Italian giants for a reported fee of £17m two summers ago, featuring 80 times across two seasons for the Rossoneri, albeit he only started 19 Serie A matches last time round.

Musah has also won 47 caps for the United States, although his importance has diminished since the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino last year, with Taylor Rockwell of Total Soccer Show noting that he needs to be starting games regularly at club level as a central midfielder if he harbours realistic hopes of being an important figure at the World Cup.

Well, still only 22 years old, Musah certainly could do so at a high level, with Greg O’Keeffe of the Athletic labelling him an “exciting midfield talent”.

Robbie Dunne of Opta’s the Analyst agrees, asserting that he is ‘immensely talented’ and capable of carrying out any instructions, given that he is able to ‘cover lots of ground quickly’, hence why coaches often shunt him out-wide, even though he is best utilised centrally, with ball-carrying his ‘greatest strength’.

Meantime, Mario Husillos Jr. of Total Football Analysis notes that his ‘influence can be seen all across the pitch when deployed in a central role, thereby given license to ‘get close to the defenders to help in the buildup’.

This certainly sounds as though Musah would be the hard-working, hard-running type of defensive midfielder who would be able to get the best out of Gibbs-White, so let’s compare their respective statistics last season.

The table first and foremost emphasises Musah’s lack of importance at AC Milan, given that he actually made two more appearances than Gibbs-White across all competitions last season, but accumulated almost 1000 fewer minutes.

On top of this, the table outlines why the duo could form an excellent partnership in midfield.

The England international is the creator in chief, hence why his numbers when it comes to goals, assists, shots and chances created are all exponentially higher.

The American, on the other hand, is more secure in possession, completing a higher percentage of his passes, while posting better defensive numbers, most notably in terms of tackles.

At the base of Nottingham Forest’s midfield, there is a spot up for grabs alongside Elliot Anderson, so Musah could be the man for that position, allowing Gibbs-White, deployed as a number ten, to flourish for Nuno’s team.

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Aug 9, 2025

Manchester franchise hoping to challenge United and City as IPL investors arrive in “UK’s number one sporting city”

Matt Roller14-Feb-2025

Lancashire officials have played down the idea that Manchester Originals could be seen as a consolation prize by the RPSG Group, who are finalising a deal for 70% stake in the franchise after missing out on a minority share in London Spirit.Lancashire shortlisted four bidders with links to IPL franchises, though Reliance, the owners of Mumbai Indians, were removed when they won the auction for a stake in Oval Invincibles. The RPSG Group – who run Lucknow Super Giants – eventually saw off competition from Kolkata Knight Riders and Amit Jain, whose bid involved a cricketing partnership with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.The auction for Originals took place three days after the RPSG Group had missed out on London Spirit, the Lord’s-based franchise, in a three-hour bidding war with a Silicon Valley tech consortium. They were the final bidders remaining as Spirit’s valuation reached an eye-watering £295 million, and instead secured Originals at a valuation of £116m.Related

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Lancashire have stressed that the RPSG Group had been their preferred partner for a significant period of time, and RPSG Group chairman Sanjiv Goenka has insisted his commitment to “developing a deep bond” with the club, saying he sees “huge potential” in the partnership.”Lord’s is Lord’s, but Manchester is Manchester,” Shashwat Goenka, Sanjiv’s son and the group’s vice-chairman, said at a launch event at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday. “While we did bid aggressively for Lord’s, we stopped at a point and I’m extremely happy with Manchester. We’ve been delighted with our interactions with Lancashire and I’m very excited with this partnership.”James Sheridan, Originals’ chair, played down the significance of the failed bids in London. “It doesn’t concern us,” he said. “We’ve had some amazing conversations… I was actually on the phone to one of Shashwat’s colleagues the minute after the auction finished in London. We’re not concerned. We’ve got 100 percent, total confidence that RPSG is in the right place.”ESPNcricinfo revealed last year that officials from the RPSG Group had visited Manchester during the Hundred, while Lancashire also sent a delegation to Kolkata – where RPSG is based – last year. “The team from Lucknow have just been exemplary from a partnership approach, right from day one,” Sheridan said. “We have got a fantastic partner that we can build something very special with.”Lancashire opted to sell part of their stake in Originals but will retain 30% and plan to include a reserved matters provision – effectively a set of veto rights – while drawing up contracts over the next six weeks. They will use their windfall of more than £30 million to pay down their debt and invest in infrastructure projects, including the development of a second home venue in Farington, near Preston.Daniel Gidney, Lancashire’s chief executive, believes that new investment will eventually help Originals compete with Manchester’s two Premier League football clubs. “We’ve talked about Manchester being probably the UK’s number one sporting city… We want the Manchester franchise in the Hundred to become the third-biggest sports team in Manchester and challenge those two [United and City].Sheridan and Gidney speak to the press•Lancashire CCC

“That is the scale and level of the ambition of both of us as partners… This is something that is incredibly exciting for us and that is why we wanted to partner with an IPL team and we always have done. You’ve got a 1.4 billion population of people who adore cricket: why wouldn’t we want to inject a bit of that energy and passion into Manchester and Lancashire?”The two parties did not confirm as much but it is widely expected that the franchise will be renamed Manchester Super Giants from 2026, following the lead of the Lucknow and Durban teams in the IPL and SA20 respectively. The RPSG Group also own Mohun Bagan, the Kolkata-based football club who play in the Indian Super League.LSG reached the play-offs in their first two IPL seasons before missing out on net run-rate last year, and spent a record INR 27 crore (£2.54m approx.) on Rishabh Pant at November’s auction. The arrival of four IPL owners in the Hundred has led to speculation that Indian men’s players could feature in future, but that appears unlikely in the short term.”If you could get Rishabh Pant playing in the Hundred, you’d have a lot more eyeballs on what’s going on,” Sheridan said. “But we all know that the BCCI doesn’t allow that to happen at the moment… I don’t think that is likely to change anytime soon.” Goenka added: “Where Indian players play and don’t play is the prerogative of the BCCI.”Phil Salt and Beth Mooney, who have both been retained for 2025, said that the partnership will benefit Originals. “There’s definitely a new level for this tournament to find,” Salt said. “At the inception of the IPL, their ambition was to bring the world’s best tournament that we’ve ever seen… We sit here today knowing full well that our ambition is to bring the world’s best cricket to Manchester.”Mooney, speaking from Vadodara shortly before playing for Gujarat Giants, added: “The IPL changed the landscape of men’s cricket, and we’re seeing that starting to happen with the WPL heading into its third season… The exciting part of the Hundred is that it’s only going to get bigger and better.”

Wrexham icon Steven Fletcher has announced his retirement from professional football after being released by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned side at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. The 38-year-old, who has played for several clubs across England, Scotland and France in his two-decade-long career, finally decided to bring the curtain down on his illustrious journey.

Wrexham released Fletcher after securing Championship promotion

Fletcher was among several stars who exited Wrexham at the end of the 2024-25 campaign as the club planned to rebuild their squad in the summer transfer window before competing in the Championship. In his two seasons at the SToK Cae Ras, Fletcher scored 16 goals in 73 league games as the Red Dragos secured successive promotions from League Two in 2023-24 and then League One in 2024-25.

AdvertisementGettyWas linked with a move back to Hibernian

After leaving the Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney-owned club in the summer, the veteran forward was linked with a move back to Scotland to join Hibernian, a club he started his professional career at, however, at 38, Fletcher did not want to extend his journey and finally decided to announce his retirement. 

Fletcher announces retirement

On Monday, Fletcher shared a heartfelt post on Instagram to announce his retirement, where he wrote: "After a lot of thought, I feel the time is right to retire from football. It’s not an easy decision because this game has been my life since I was a boy, but I know in my heart it’s the right moment to close this chapter. When I look back, I feel nothing but pride and gratitude. From starting out at Hibs to the journeys with Burnley, Wolves, Sunderland, Marseille, Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke, Dundee United and finishing at Wrexham every club has shaped me and given me memories I’ll never forget. I want to thank all the fans who supported me along the way your passion and backing meant the world. Pulling on the Scotland shirt was also one of the greatest honours of my career. To represent my country and share the pitch with so many talented lads is something I’ll always treasure. Those moments stay with you forever. I owe so much to all my managers and coaches, who taught me lessons not just about football but about life, and to every team-mate I’ve shared a dressing room with I’ve been lucky to call so many of you friends. But above all, I want to thank my family. My wife and kids have been my biggest strength through all the highs and the tough times too the moves, the injuries, the sacrifices. I also want to give special thanks to my mum and my sister, who have been there for me every step of the way, and to my agent Scott Fisher, who has guided and supported me throughout my career. None of this would have been possible without their love, loyalty and encouragement, and I’ll always be grateful. Football has given me more than I ever dreamed of, and I step away with a full heart, proud of what I’ve achieved, and excited for whatever comes next. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who has been part of my journey. Fletch!"

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Getty Images SportWrexham aim to extend unbeaten run against Leicester

After a tough start to their journey in the Championship, Wrexham have finally found their form as they are now unbeaten in their last three matches across all competitions. Phil Parkinson's side will hope to extend that streak when they face Leicester City on Tuesday.

MatériaMais Notícias

Desde a fatídica final da Copa Sul-Americana em 2012, quando o Tigre não quis jogar o segundo tempo após uma confusão entre os jogadores e o São Paulo foi declarado campeão, as equipes não se encontravam no estádio do Morumbi. Mas nesta terça-feira (27), na vitória por 2 a 0, a situação foi diferente.

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As provocações existiram, é fato, e o Tigre terminou a partida. Mas estas provocações foram bem mais amenas. Se na Argentina, os torcedores do Tigre receberam as delegações com pedras (que acertaram o ônibus da equipe argentina por engano), na casa tricolor foi mais pacífico. Além das típicas vaias nas chegadas dos ônibus dos rivais, existiram faixas na frente do estádio também. Nelas, a frase: ‘Pelo fim da maldição. Joguem o segundo tempo. Em 12/12/2012, você correu’.

E chegamos ao fatídico intervalo. A 'maldição' se quebrará daqui a 15 minutos? Vamos ver. #lanceMORUMBI pic.twitter.com/PRAt7zUprr

— Gabriel Santos (@ga_obiel) June 28, 2023

Dentro de campo, as vaias permaneceram. A delegação do Tigre chegou bem cedo no estádio, por volta das 19h30 (de Brasília). Primeiro, uma equipe realizou o reconhecimento do gramado. O Morumbi ainda estava vazio, então sem reações. Mas na hora do aquecimento, cerca de uma hora antes da partida, os goleiros do time argentino foram recebidos por fortes vaias e xingamentos também.

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Veja tabela da Copa Sul-Americana

Mas o clima se intensificou quando Leizza foi expulso. Logo na dura entrada em um dos xodós da torcida, Pablo Maia, o estádio explodiu. Muitos gritos e vaias. Quando a expulsão aconteceu, de fato, a reação foi mais forte. Muitas reclamações, e a torcida chegou até a cantar mais alto para apoiar o jovem volante. Mas não teve jeito, Pablo Maia deixou o gramado de maca.

A torcida do Tigre ocupou uma pequena parte do setor destinado aos visitantes, e mesmo com várias faixas, mal fizeram barulho. De acordo com relatos ouvidos no estádio, houve até mesmo uma caravana para chegar ao Morumbi, com crianças presentes.

Torcida do Tigre por aqui também! #lanceMORUMBI pic.twitter.com/FiufmtpsPu

— Izabella Giannola (@bellaxgiannola) June 27, 2023

Na volta do segundo tempo, a provocação são-paulina seguia no mesmo tom pacífico. Algumas vaias quando os jogadores adversários realizavam alguma ação na partida, e logo após os dois gols que garantiram a vitória do Tricolor, até gritos de ‘olé’ nos minutos finais.

Mas como esperado, o jogo seguiu sem grandes problemas. Como o Lance! apurou nesta segunda-feira (26), o próprio São Paulo já esperava que fosse um clima mais tranquilo. Mesmo com os ataques com pedras na Argentina, a delegação tricolor foi bem recebida pelo Tigre – e o mesmo aconteceu no Morumbi. No final da partida, os jogadores se cumprimentaram como de costume e foram embora.

Who’s playing

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs UP Warriorz (UPW)
Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow, 7.30pm IST

What to expect: RCB hope to stay alive

The spotlight is on RCB. Placed fourth, the defending champions will have to win both their remaining games, starting with this contest against bottom-placed UP Warriorz, and then wait for other results to go their way to qualify for the playoffs. Losing even one out of the next two games will put them out of contention. Warriorz, meanwhile, were knocked out by Gujarat Giants on Friday and will look to finish the season on a high.Four straight defeats after two successive wins have left RCB with more questions than answers. The batting has looked overly dependent on Ellyse Perry, with Smriti Mandhana in the middle of a lean patch. The rest of the line-up has been inconsistent. While Renuka Singh, Kim Garth and Georgia Wareham have taken the bulk of responsibility with the ball and have 25 wickets combined, RCB have been found wanting with their fourth and fifth bowling options. Will a six-day break help them bounce back?Warriorz have struggled in all departments, and the constant shuffling of their batting order hasn’t helped. Chinelle Henry, despite being explosive at the death, has not gotten a promotion to address the middle-order woes. Deepti Sharma has also had an underwhelming outing as captain and bowler, picking up five wickets in seven games at an economy rate of 8.11. Sophie Ecclestone has been the only bowler who has looked threatening.The last time these two sides met, the match witnessed a drama-filled Super Over finish with Warriorz coming on top.Smriti Mandhana has been a disappointment this season•BCCI

Form guide

Royal Challengers Bengaluru LLL
UP Warriorz LLL

Team news

RCB are likely to go with the experience of Sneh Rana and Ekta Bisht in the spin department.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable): 1 Smriti Mandhana (capt), 2 Danni Wyatt-Hodge, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Raghvi Bisht, 5 Richa Ghosh (wk), 6 Kanika Ahuja, 7 Georgia Wareham, 8 Sneh Rana, 9 Kim Garth, 10 Ekta Bisht, 11 Renuka SinghGouher Sultana played two matches in Lucknow but bowled only one over and went for 16 runs. It remains to be seen whether Warriorz bring back Rajeshwari Gayakwad, who has played only one match so far in this edition.UP Warriorz (probable): 1 Grace Harris, 2 Georgia Voll, 3 Kiran Navgire, 4 Vrinda Dinesh, 5 Deepti Sharma (capt), 6 Shweta Sehrawat, 7 Uma Chetry (wk), 8 Chinelle Henry, 9 Sophie Ecclestone, 10 Gouher Sultana/Rajeshwari Gayakwad, 11 Kranti GoudSophie Ecclestone has been the key player for UP Warriorz•BCCI

In the spotlight: Ellyse Perry and Sophie Ecclestone

Ellyse Perry has been the in-form batter for RCB this season. She has four-half centuries, the most by a player in this WPL, and has accumulated 295 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 149.74. With Mandhana and Danni Wyatt-Hodge struggling for form at the top, the focus will be on Perry. Lucknow has already witnessed three half-centuries in the first two matches, all coming from top-order batters. Perry has to do it again, with RCB’s season on the line.Sophie Ecclestone stunned the Chinnaswamy Stadium with her all-round heroics when RCB hosted Warriorz two weeks ago. She is the only bowler at Warriorz to have bowled her full quota of four overs in all seven matches. That has fetched her six wickets at an economy rate of 6.96.

Key stats

• Warriorz have lost 33 wickets in the middle overs (from 7 to 16), the most by a team in WPL 2025.
• Perry has struck at 143.42 against Warriorz, her highest strike rate against a team in the WPL.
• Henry has the highest strike rate in this WPL – at 211.76.

Manchester City are now in talks to hijack Chelsea’s move for a “spectacular” midfielder, who the west Londoners were hoping to sign very soon.

Man City rivalling Chelsea for new midfielders

Despite Pep Guardiola repeatedly making it clear he wants to work with a smaller squad this season, Man City remain interested in bringing in at least one new midfielder before the deadline, and they have been credited with an interest in signing RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.

However, Simons is seemingly set on joining Chelsea, despite having to wait a long time for the west Londoners to get a deal over the line, which means City have now been forced to more on to alternative targets.

With a deal for the RB Leipzig attacking midfielder looking unlikely, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has now revealed that Guardiola’s side could hijack a move for a different Chelsea target, namely Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez.

Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey said: “Chelsea were made aware of Lopez possibly being available, and he is a player they love, indeed, most clubs in Europe love him as a talent.

“Lopez has not been agitating to this point, but the camp has been talking to other clubs, and that includes City and Spurs. Nothing advanced at this point, but merely exploring possible options.”

Man City could bid for £276k-p/w star who called the Etihad "incredible"

The Blues are lining up a shock move for a player Pep Guardiola has praised in the past…

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It was recently revealed that Enzo Maresca’s side are hoping to sign Lopez very soon, having already submitted a £50m bid for the Barca maestro’s services, but there could now be a twist in the tale, with Man City in talks with his agents.

"Spectacular" Lopez could be exciting Simons alternative

City seemingly stand little chance of winning the race for Simons, but the Barca midfielder could be a fantastic alternative, given that he also flourishes in an attacking midfield role, regularly providing goals and assists since making a breakthrough in the 2023-24 campaign.

Season

Appearances

G/A (all comps)

2023-24

42

12

2024-25

46

18

Former Barca boss Xavi has previously praised the Spaniard’s shooting ability too, claiming he has a “terrific shot from distance”, while also adding: “Fermin has a spectacular mentality. He’s always listening, always thinking and I really like his mentality – when you tell him things, they go in and he applies them.”

Lopez clearly has all the tools required to be a success at the Etihad Stadium, and given that he is just 22-years-old, the Barca star could be a key player for City for years to come, so it is exciting news that talks have now been opened over a deal.