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Following the exit of Harry Kane, Tottenham Hotspur have been left without a natural goal scorer and are running out of time to find a replacement, with the summer transfer window coming to an end in just over a week.

The Lilywhites have, however, received a boost in their pursuit of KAA Gent forward Gift Orban, according to reports.

What's the latest on Gift Orban to Tottenham Hotspur?

It was previously reported that Spurs scouts were left blown away by Orban, and believe that the forward is the key man to replace Kane this summer. Now, the North London club have received another positive boost in the saga.

According to Het Nieuwsblad, via Sport Witness, Gent actually now want to sell their forward to Spurs this summer, and would even prefer to see Orban depart over his teammate Hugo Cuypers.

Given Gent's reported valuation of just €30m (£33m), too, it's a deal that Spurs should be able to fund following the sale of Kane to Bayern Munich for a reported £86m this summer.

As things stand, with the end of the transfer window edging closer and closer, Ange Postecoglou remains without a clinical goalscorer, but Orban is certainly one to keep an eye on.

Should Tottenham Hotspur sign Gift Orban?

To say that replacing club-record goalscorer Kane is no easy task would be an incredible understatement. That said, welcoming 21-year-old Orban would go a long way in filling the gaping hole left behind by Spurs' star man.

Orban is a player that should only get better, given his age, and the potential that he has so far shown in his relatively young career. Last season, the Gent forward scored 20 goals in 22 games in all competitions to make his mark in Belgium. And if people think that was just a fluke, so far this season, he has found the back of the net a total of six times in six games.

No matter which way you look at it, Orban knows where the back of the net is.

It is his form over the last year that has resulted in several pieces of praise, including from journalist Lolade Adewuyi, who said: "Arrived in Ghent to watch two of the most exciting young Nigerian talents play tonight – Gift Orban for KAA Gent and Victor Boniface of Royale Union Saint Gilloise. The Belgian league is a breeding ground for Nigerian players and these boys are hugely popular here."

So far, Postecoglou's Spurs side feel like a fitting next destination for a promising young striker, too, especially with the way they took the game to Erik ten Hag's Manchester United side, defeating the Red Devils 2-0 in comfortable fashion.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Add a player like Orban to the side that brushed United aside, and all of a sudden, Spurs could be in with a shout to qualify for the Champions League once more.

Of course, it's a long season ahead, but replacing Kane could be imperative to how the Lilywhites' season goes. As the window comes to a close, Spurs could be one of the most interesting sides to watch.

Sophie Devine’s second ODI hundred, 103 off 119 balls, set New Zealand’s defense up by carrying them to 240 before Pakistan’s lower-order collapse

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Oct-2017
Full scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsGetty ImagesWith 24 runs to win off 28 balls, Pakistan suffered a dramatic lower-order collapse, losing their last five wickets for just 15 runs to fold for 232, falling short of New Zealand’s total of 240 by eight runs in a thrilling opening ODI in Sharjah. Spinners Leigh Kasperek and Amelia Kerr took three of those five wickets, and New Zealand were aided by two run-outs.Opening only for the second time in ODIs, Sophie Devine had set New Zealand up with her second hundred in the format, 103 off 119 balls, that featured 10 fours. She added a 65-run opening stand with captain Suzie Bates (36 off 39 balls), and 56 with No. 3 Amy Satterthwaite (20 off 34 balls). Pakistan’s spinners, led by Sana Mir, kept chipping away through the middle overs, though, and reduced New Zealand to 181 for 5 in the 38th over.”That’s (opening the batting) something we discussed prior to coming over here in Sharjah,” Devine said after the match. “It’s not too much technically different, it’s more the mindset shift for me and the biggest thing is probably batting with Suzie Bates. We had a laugh about it the other day that we’ve played together for 10 years but probably haven’t batted more than 10 times together.”No. 5 Maddy Green (22) and No. 7 Amelia Kerr (30) struck cameos to lift New Zealand to 240 after Devine was dismissed in the 45th over. Offspinners Mir and Javeria Khan combined for five wickets, while left-arm spinner Sadia Yousuf finished with 2 for 40.In reply, Pakistan lost Ayesha Zafar for a 12-ball duck, but Nahida Khan (51) and Javeria (55) struck steady fifties to put Pakistan on course. After both batsmen fell by the 28th over, Bismah Maroof (41) and Sidra Ameen (33) put together a 46-run partnership to take Pakistan within 66 runs of the target with more than 13 overs remaining. Pace bowler Holly Huddleston, legspinner Kerr and offspinner Kasperek all chipped in with two wickets to combine with the fielding efforts to script a comeback win.”We know Amelia is a pretty cool customer,” Devine said. “She wanted the ball and that’s what you want in those situations – players stepping up in pressure situations and Lea and Amelia took the ball and took charge.”We put huge amounts of pressure and to hold our nerves, the bowlers did a great job in those last 10 overs and the fielders backed it up to create a few chances with the run-outs.”

The India opener was hopeful playing in the Tamil Nadu Premier League T20s could get him in the right frame of mind after a five-month layoff from international cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Aug-2017

India opener M Vijay was looking forward to ending a five-month period without any top-level cricket and though his first match back – in the Tamil Nadu Premier League – ended up a washout, he said the T20 tournament was an ideal way to regain match-fitness.”This is an excellent opportunity to start my second innings,” Vijay told reporters on Thursday after Lyca Kovai Kings and Madurai Super Giant had to share points. “It is an absolute pleasure to be back here. I’ve been waiting for this, and hopefully I can start it from here and build it there on.”I don’t feel a 100 percent, to be honest. But mentally, yes, I’m up there. And, format doesn’t matter to me. It’s just been injuries, which are not under my control. I just want to get myself fit and play cricket.”A wrist injury in March, during the Border-Gavaskar series, had forced Vijay out of the IPL. He underwent surgery in the UK and was expected to return to international cricket during the Tests against Sri Lanka, but recurrence of pain in his wrist forced him out of the squad again.Vijay also experienced problems with his left shoulder during the final Test against England in December. After five months out of international cricket, he was conscious of the need to manage himself better, especially because he intends to be more than a Test specialist. “As you’ve seen, my career has become one-dimensional at the moment. So, I obviously want to enhance it. Batting is never a problem for me. It’s just about mindset and injuries, which I want to manage properly now on. Any cricket is fantastic for me, because I enjoy playing.”

Liverpool have an advantage in their pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone due to the fact their sporting director Jorg Scmadtke's son Nils is the Bundesliga side's Head of First Team Football, according to BILD journalist Christian Falk.

Will Liverpool go back in for Manu Kone?

Earlier this year, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano writing for The Guardian, reported that Liverpool were considering making a move for Kone this summer to bolster their midfield.

Sky Sports claimed last month that the club had monitored Kone as they weighed up cheaper alternatives to the likes of failed target Jude Bellingham, now of Real Madrid, alongside now teammate Aurelian Tchouameni and Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella.

Liverpool sporting director Scmadtke knows the £31k-a-week ace well from his time at Borussia Monchengladbach amid speculation that Manchester United were also keen on Kone in the off-season.

Last term, Kone, who has been hailed as a "one-man army", made 31 appearances in all competitions for Borussia Monchengladbach, notching one goal and a solitary assist, as per Transfermarkt.

Snapping into challenges, the 22-year-old managed to win around 2.5 tackles and 1.1 interceptions in the Bundesliga per match over the course of the campaign, according to WhoScored.

Of course, Liverpool have already moved to strengthen their midfield by bringing in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai from Brighton & Hove Albion and RB Leipzig, respectively.

Nevertheless, BILD journalist Falk hasn't counted out the prospect of Liverpool reviving their interest in Kone and thinks that Scmadtke's son Nils may hold the key to directing the France Under-21 to Anfield, in light of his role in the Borussia Monchengladbach set-up.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Falk stated: “He’s also on the list of Liverpool. You know, Schmadtke has an eye on him for six months. Funny thing is that his son is working at Gladbach as a manager, so you see, the direction is very short.”

Who else could join Liverpool's midfield before the season commences?

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been on a mission to streamline his squad this window and several more signings could be likely at Anfield between now and the close of play in the market.

According to Football Insider, the Reds are confident that Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia would be more reeled in by the possibility of moving to Liverpool than any other interested party.

Despite this, Klopp and company face competition from Chelsea and Arsenal for his signature, with the latter being prepared to push them all the way to land the Belgium international.

Experienced duo Fabinho and Jordan Henderson look like they could be on their way out of Liverpool amid attraction towards their services from Saudi Pro League outfits Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq, which could pave the way for Klopp to strengthen his engine room further.

Taking to Twitter, Liverpool correspondent for The Athletic, James Pearce, dropped an update namechecking several midfielders that Liverpool could target, stating: "In terms of replacing Fabinho, Moises Caicedo is not viewed as a serious option with the Brighton midfielder expected to join Chelsea. Romeo Lavia, Sofyan Amrabat, Ryan Gravenberch and Kalvin Phillips are among those under consideration."

Movement will be expected in the coming days that may shape the trajectory of the Reds' focus during their remaining time in the transfer window before the door eventually slams shut on business.

اتخذ رئيس نادي مازيمبي، مويس كاتومبي، قرارًا مفاجئًا قبل أيام قليلة من مباراة الأهلي في نصف نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا 2023/2024.

ونجح مازيمبي في الوصول إلى مرحلة نصف النهائي من البطولة بعد سنوات من الغياب بعد الفوز على بترو أتلتيكو بنتيجة 2-1 بمجموع مباراتي الذهاب والإياب في دور الثمانية.

ويستضيف الفريق الكونغولي على ملعبه ووسط جماهيره الأهلي يوم السبت 20 أبريل في تمام الساعة الثالثة عصرًا على ملعبه في مدينة “لوبومباشي”، كما صرح مازيمبي لـ “btolat.com”.

اقرأ ايضًا.. خاص | أول تعليق من مازيمبي على مواجهة الأهلي في نصف نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا

وكشف كاتومبي عن قراره في تصريحات بعد مباراة بترو أتلتيكو لشبكة “بي بي سي إفريقيا”، وقال: “لا يزال لدي خبرة، لقد شاركت في كرة القدم لمدة 40 عامًا تقريبًا، بما في ذلك 27 عامًا كرئيس لنادي مازيمبي”.

وتابع: “قريبًا سأعتزل كرة القدم، اعتقد أنني أكبر رئيس نادٍ في القارة، لقد حان الوقت لإفساح المجال للشباب”.

واستمر رئيس مازيمبي: “لقد نجحت في إعادة الفريق إلى سابق عهده، عندما كنت في المنفى (بسبب التزوير) ولمدة 4 سنوات كنت أفكر في كيفية عودة المدرب، لامين نداي، لقد قادنا إلى نهائي كأس العالم للأندية في عام 2010”.

وأتم: “الجميع هنا في مازيمبي يثقون فيه وفي قدراته، اعتقد أننا قادرين على تحقيق الكثير معه في المستقبل”.

Leeds United have placed Scott Parker under serious consideration to be their new long-term manager, according to reports.

Where is Scott Parker now?

Parker is a former professional turned coach who has gradually built up experience over the years, having started out in charge of Tottenham Hotspur’s U18s before going on to take the helm himself at Fulham, Bournemouth and most recently Club Brugge, who he departed in March, as per Transfermarkt.

Following the 42-year-old’s exit from the Belgian Pro League, he is now a free agent on the market and waiting to embark on his next adventure, and it sounds like he’s got admirers within the hierarchy at Elland Road.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay reported that the Whites were set to interview Parker last week alongside Daniel Farke and Patrick Vieira, and the 49ers must have liked what they saw from him as he is firmly being thought about to return to the Championship.

Are Leeds appointing Parker?

According to Football Insider, Parker is “in the frame” at Leeds to be appointed as their new boss ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Yorkshire outfit are “keen” to recruit someone who is currently out of work and that has experience in the top-flight, a criteria which all of the above mentioned trio meet, therefore making them the “leading candidates” for the job.

The report adds that the board are hoping to bring in their news boss over the course of the next week in time for the beginning of pre-season.

Leeds supporters will recognise that Parker is a younger candidate to be targeting compared to the likes of Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce, but Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola lauded him as an “innovative” coach for his new ideas, so he could be an ideal fit for a team in need of a new dawn.

In the Championship, the Lambeth-born coach, whose preferred formation is an attack-minded 4-3-3, has won 48, drawn 25 and lost just 19 games from 92, taking 169 points from a possible 276, via Transfermarkt, which is an impressive track record.

During his time at Fulham and Bournemouth respectively, this consistent form saw him guide both clubs to promotion from the second-tier, so he will already know what it takes to compete and be successful at the necessary level, and when you consider that no compensation would need to be paid to acquire his services, this is a swoop worth taking a chance on.

Last year, Hamilton produced a dry, turning pitch which New Zealand exploited brilliantly. More of the same can be expected for this year’s Chappel-Hadlee Trophy decider

The Preview by Brydon Coverdale04-Feb-2017

Match factsSunday, February 5, 2017
Start time 1100 local (2200 GMT)Big PictureThe washout fiasco in Napier means that the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy comes down to this final match in Hamilton. If Australia win and force a 1-1 series result, then as the holders of the trophy they will retain it. If New Zealand win, they take possession of the trophy with a 2-0 series outcome. In fact, more than that is potentially on the line for Australia: if South Africa defeat Sri Lanka in Johannesburg on Saturday, then a loss to New Zealand would not only mean Australia giving up the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy, but also the No.1 ODI ranking. In that case, South Africa would be the new No.1, Australia would slip to No. 2, and New Zealand would move up to No. 3.Australia enter this match with a fourth-choice captain – Aaron Finch was given the job because Steven Smith is injured, vice-captain David Warner is resting, and stand-in Matthew Wade hurt his back on the eve of the series – and a batting line-up that requires significant improvement after game one. Focusing on the remarkable unbeaten 146 from Marcus Stoinis at No. 7 obscures the fact that none of the top six batsmen passed 20. And five members of the team – Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell and Shaun Marsh – could be forgiven for having a lot on their minds, for straight after this game they will fly to Dubai to join the Test squad in a training camp ahead of their tour of India.New Zealand, likewise, have injury concerns, with Martin Guptill ruled out due to a hamstring issue. But they had a wider group of batting contributors in the first match than Australia, with fifties from both Guptill and Neil Broom, and 48 from James Neesham. They will push for a series win in front of a capacity crowd at Hamilton’s Seddon Park: it was announced on the eve of the match that tickets had sold out.Form guide(last five completed matches, most recent first)

New Zealand: WWWWL
Australia: LWWWL
Sam Heazlett made a century and two fifties in five matches against South Africa A and India A last winter•Getty Images

In the spotlightIn a horses-for-courses approach, New Zealand have brought legspinner Ish Sodhi into the squad for the last match of the series. The selectors recalled the way Sodhi troubled the Australians in the corresponding ODI at the same venue last summer, when he picked up 2 for 31 and claimed the key wickets of Smith and Maxwell. Sodhi is also coming off some impressive form against Australians in another competition: in his final BBL match for the Adelaide Strikers, he took 6 for 11.Through no fault of his own, Sam Heazlett has found himself at the centre of a debate about selection principles in the past week, given he has made his ODI debut without having played a one-day game for Queensland. But there is no question that Heazlett is a talented young batsman: he scored a century and two fifties in five one-day games for the National Performance Squad against South Africa A and India A last winter, and averaged 40 in his maiden Sheffield Shield season in 2015-16. The best thing Heazlett can do in Hamilton is clear his mind of all other matters and prove his worth with a focused batting display.Team newsGuptill’s injury means Dean Brownlie will play his first match for New Zealand since late 2014, and will open the batting. Sodhi has joined the group for this match and would likely be included in the XI. Wicketkeeper Tom Blundell has been released from the squad, and Tom Latham will again take the gloves.New Zealand (possible) 1 Dean Brownlie, 2 Tom Latham (wk), 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Neil Broom, 6 Colin Munro, 7 James Neesham, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Ish Sodhi, 11 Trent Boult.Wade has departed the squad due to his back injury, so Finch will again captain and Handscomb will keep wicket. That should mean another opportunity for the young batsman Heazlett. Adam Zampa will be considered, especially given New Zealand’s mulling over their own legspinner.Australia (possible) 1 Aaron Finch (capt), 2 Travis Head, 3 Shaun Marsh, 4 Peter Handscomb (wk), 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Sam Heazlett, 7 Marcus Stoinis, 8 James Faulkner, 9 Pat Cummins/Adam Zampa, 10 Mitchell Starc, 11 Josh Hazlewood.Pitch and conditionsWhen the teams played at Seddon Park at the same time of year last summer, New Zealand’s first-innings 246 was more than adequate for victory on a dry, slowing pitch. The forecast for Sunday in Hamilton is for a fine day and a top temperate of 27C.Stats and trivia These teams have met in four ODIs in Hamilton – New Zealand have won three and Australia one Australia boast four batsmen in the top 20 of the ICC’s ODI rankings but only one of them – Glenn Maxwell – will play in this game. Smith is injured, Warner resting, and George Bailey dropped

Though he has been in good form, and seems set to be part of the South African Test side for a sustained period of time, Kyle Abbott feels he can’t relax just yet

Firdose Moonda in Port Elizabeth23-Dec-20161:51

‘Attacking the stumps will be key’ – Abbott

Boxing Day could bring Kyle Abbott a belated Christmas present. It’s one he has tried not to think too much about. It’s the gift of security.If Abbott is in the XI to take on Sri Lanka – and all indications, from his own form, to coach Russell Domingo’s hope that players use this series to cement spots, suggested as much – it would be his fourth Test in 2016, the most in a calendar year for him. It would also be Abbott’s third consecutive Test for South Africa and his tenth overall. These are hardly milestones, but considering he has taken 46 months to rack up these numbers, they are important.In another country, perhaps, Abbott might have established himself in far less time. But in South Africa, where Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel have been mainstays for a decade, where Vernon Philander recorded the best start a seamer has made in more than a hundred years, and where Kagiso Rabada’s prodigious talent fast-forwarded his progression, Abbot has had to fight. And wait. And hope.After a productive tour of Australia – 13 wickets at 14.84 – he seems to have finally earned a sustained run in the Test side. His Christmas present is almost at hand, but he is not quite sure about tearing the wrapping off just yet.”I don’t think anything is secure at this level unfortunately, or cricket in general,” Abbott said. “At the end of the day, we’ve still got to put in performances. As long as the team is winning, those selections become easier. It’s a case of putting in the performances and winning games. I will go about like I do every game – probably still having to prove myself – but I will cross that bridge when I get there.”Abbott’s hesitation may stem from the fact that there is still some competition. Wayne Parnell is the reserve quick, offering a left-arm option and hometown flavour, though he was with the Cobras in Cape Town last season. More importantly, he hasn’t played any long-form cricket this summer after picking up a rib injury in October, and last played a Test almost three years ago.As a result, It is unlikely that South Africa would tinker with the attack that won them the series in Australia. It looks a strong one too. Abbott, who has recently moved to the Port Elizabeth based Warriors franchise, offers swing and bounce. Philander moves the ball off the seam. Rabada is fast and fiery. And Keshav Maharaj chips in with left-arm spin. While they may not have played together often, they have learnt to adjust to each other’s styles quickly and were flexible when it came to their roles.”We complement each other so well, which is key,” Abbott said. “Although fairly similar, I think there is quite a bit of variation amongst us. We work well together.”We look at what the other guy is doing from the other end. It’s not like one of us has to do something and stick to it. It changes through the Test match and through the series.”All of them have to be highly disciplined at St George’s Park. The pitch has a thick covering of grass, but is expected to flatten out with Saturday’s westerly wind. For Abbott, who has built his career on consistency, it presents exactly the kind of challenge he enjoys.”We always feel we are in the game here as fast bowlers because we get to bowl wicket to wicket,” he said. “We are attacking the stumps, attacking the pads quite a bit and it brings in quite a few different dismissals. Sometimes on bouncy tracks you get caught out a bit in the channel and are only really looking for the nick off but on a wicket like this we are bringing in lbws, bowled, caught midwicket, some scrappy dismissals. It’s also quite a nice ground to build pressure as bowlers because it’s not a very fast-scoring ground.”It could also be the place Abbott enjoys his best Christmas; the one where he becomes a regular.

Liverpool are gathering information regarding what it would take to bring Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat to the Premier League, according to reports.

Who is Sofyan Amrabat?

Amrabat is a defensive midfielder who currently plays his football at the Artemio Franchi Stadium having joined back in 2020 from Hellas Verona. With his contract set to expire at the end of next season, Vincenzo Italiano is now facing his final opportunity to cash in should he not want to lose his prized asset for free in 12 months.

The Morocco international was his nation’s most regular outfield player at the 2022 World Cup having played 660 minutes of football, and excelled to the point where they made it all the way to the semi-finals, and these displays for his country grabbed the attention of Jurgen Klopp back in January.

The Athletic’s James Pearce reported that the Reds were considering a swoop for the 26-year-old as an outside alternative compared to some of their more high-profile targets at the time, Jude Bellingham being an example, and despite them eventually deciding against a move, it sounds like they might have since had a change of heart.

Are Liverpool signing Amrabat?

According to Spanish outlet Sport (via Sport Witness), Liverpool are "attentive" to Amrabat's situation and have "sounded out" the midfielder about a potential summer switch to Anfield.

Fiorentina are believed to have set a price tag of €30m (£25m) plus objectives for the player, who wants to leave and start afresh elsewhere "as soon as possible", but it's not specified whether the fee is one that the board would be happy to pay.

Could Amrabat be a good addition for Klopp?

Liverpool will know that Amrabat is stronger in the natural defensive aspect of his game having only recorded one assist across all competitions last season, but with the protection that he could give to the backline, he would be a great acquisition for FSG.

The Huizen native ranked in the 95th percentile for pass completion so is calm and composed in possession, and loves to get stuck in after averaging 1.3 tackles per league game during the previous campaign, preventing the danger before it was too late.

Fiorentina’s “monster”, as dubbed by reporter Carlo Garganese, would also add wonderful versatility to Klopp’s squad with his ability to operate in eight various positions across the pitch, including everywhere in the centre and even in defence, making him a useful option to have available.

Finally, Amrabat shares the same agent, CAA Stellar, as Ibrahima Konate, Caoimhin Kelleher and Rhys Williams, so this existing connection that their representative has to the club could hand them a small advantage should they try and get a deal over the line this summer.

Cameron White’s 130-ball 145 helped Victoria amass 343 and thump South Australia by 135 runs in their Matador Cup match in Perth

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Oct-2016
ScorecardCameron White’s 10th List A century helped Victoria amass 343•Getty Images

Cameron White’s 130-ball 145 helped Victoria amass 343 and thump South Australia by 135 runs in their Matador Cup match in Perth.South Australia’s chase crumbled to 208, propped up only by a maiden List A century by Cameron Valente and a fifty from Tom Cooper. The rest of the line-up could muster only 44 runs between them.White and Marcus Harris gave Victoria a promising start, adding 70 in a little over 13 overs. White then forged two stands of exactly 100 – with Victoria captain Peter Handscomb for the third wicket, and with Marcus Stoinis for the fifth.White’s knock included 12 fours and four sixes and his partnership with Stoinis helped Victoria plunder 109 runs from the last 10 overs. Stoinis finished unbeaten on 59 off 45 balls with four sixes and two fours.South Australia’s chase had fallen apart by the eighth over as strikes from left-arm spinner Michael Beer and fast bowler Jackson Coleman left them at 5 for 35. Beer took a hat-trick spread across two overs in this period, dismissing Jake Weatherald, Jake Lehmann and Sam Raphael. Valente, who had made his List A debut in the tied match against Western Australia last week, and Cooper averted the possibility of the side being bowled out for less than 100, adding 101 for the sixth wicket, but once Cooper fell, South Australia crumbled again. No. 10 Nick Benton struck 21, and helped Valente push the score past 200 before Victoria wrapped up the match in the 43rd over.