Zimbabwe may feel some progress has been made if they don’t walk away empty handed

Danyal Rasool02-Nov-2020Big pictureThe second ODI was more representative of the respective qualities of the two sides, with Pakistan stamping their authority after a shaky performance in the first game where they struggled to move out of third gear. Zimbabwe, for their part, will be disappointed at missing out on a chance to pile on the runs after establishing a solid platform with arguably their two best batsmen, Brendan Taylor and Sean Williams, at the crease. They lost wickets to soft dismissals, demonstrating the lack of consistency that has plagued Zimbabwe for so long.For Pakistan, anything less than a clean sweep will be looked upon as something of a failure, but they must also be seen to be giving exposure to young players in the side as calls for a generational transation in Pakistan cricket grow louder. It has, to their credit, been a series of out-with-the-old, with Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez omitted, while Haider Ali and Haris Rauf made their debuts, with Khushdil Shah set to follow on Tuesday. The jury may still be out on whether an opening pair that leaves out Fakhar Zaman is best suited to the positive cricket they need to play, and indeed if a lower middle order of Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim and Ahmed is a shade too brittle, but each has made contributions this series, and shown themselves to be fit for purpose.Zimbabwe have more serious questions to ponder. Their best middle order is the same as their best middle order a decade ago, and while that speaks very highly of Taylor, Williams and Craig Ervine, it is worrying that no one has seriously managed to make a push for their places. Wesley Madhevere is an enormously exciting player, but with these three all in their mid-30s, Zimbabwe will hope to have replacements ready when the trio eventually do walk away.The other serious challenge hampering Zimbabwe is a lack of genuinely probing pace and swing bowlers. Blessing Muzarabani is probably the likeliest to have a long career, but Carl Mumba and Richard Ngarava never quite mustered the threat you might expect with the new ball, and nor, over his career, has Donald Tiripano. Finding and developing quality pace is perhaps the hardest skill of all, both from a scouting and coaching perspective, but for this series, Zimbabwe lack it, and may continue to pay the price.Zimbabwe may feel some progress has been made if they don’t walk away empty handed, while Misbah-ul-Haq’s Pakistan can breathe a sigh of relief if they get the whitewash, safe in the knowledge that the first series post transition appears to have gone according to plan.Form guidePakistan WWWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)Zimbabwe LLLLLIn the spotlightJust because Haider Ali was dismissed by what can only be described as a freakishly weird lbw decision, it shouldn’t detract from the majesty of the innings he was playing. Just as the 20-year old did on T20I debut against England, he displayed his full range of attacking weapons during his brief stay at the crease. He was especially destructive when hitting through the air, and undeterred by a slightly tetchy start where he had a catch put down by Taylor. The way he batted didn’t deserve to have the spotlight robbed from him just because of the manner of the dismissal, and if he’s in the same sort of touch in the third game, chances are it is his talent that we’ll be talking about.Zimbabwe have a problem at the top, and while it’s not quite clear how to resolve it, the existence of the problem is not in dispute. Brian Chari and Chamu Chibhabha have struggled to cope against the fearsome pace of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, and both games have seen Zimbabwe’s middle order left to pick up the pieces. It isn’t even just a problem this series; the last time Zimbabwe had a fifty opening stand was in July 2018, also against Pakistan. Whether Tinashe Kamunhukamwe’s inclusion resolves that problem is unclear, but until Zimbabwe can find a way to start well, the middle order will always have just a bit too much catching up to do.Team newsWith the series won, Pakistan could ring the changes. Shah may finally get a look-in, while Usman Qadir will hope to make his debut, too.Pakistan (possible): 1 Fakhar Zaman/Abid Ali, 2 Imam-ul-Haq, 3 Babar Azam (capt), 4 Haider Ali, 5 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 6 Iftikhar Ahmed, 7 Khushdil Shah, 8 Imad Wasim/Faheem Ashraf, 9 Haris Rauf, 10 Mohammad Musa, 11 Shaheen Afridi/Wahab RiazZimbabwe were unchanged for the second game, but it continues to appear as if they’re a batsman light. Ryan Burl could be brought in to shore things up, while Kamunhukamwe must surely be running Chari close.Zimbabwe (possible): 1 Brian Chari/Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, 2 Chamu Chibhabha, 3 Craig Ervine, 4 Brendan Taylor (wk), 5 Sean Williams, 6 Wesley Madhevere, 7 Sikandar Raza, 8 Elton Chigumbura/Ryan Burl, 9 Carl Mumba, 10 Richard Ngarava, 11 Blessing MuzarabaniPitch and conditionsIt’ll be a different surface once more, and one that should favour the batsmen. The weather continues to remain clear.Stats and trivia Victory in the third game would extend Pakistan’s winning streak to nine, their third best. Their best winning streak, and joint-second best in ODI history, was a 12-match run in 2007-08, though that included 11 wins against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. Brendan Taylor is 98 runs away from overtaking Grant Flower as the second-highest Zimbabwe ODI run-scorer. He is currently 312 runs behind the leader, Andy Flower.

Chelsea are willing to make a near-£50 million bid for one player who Joe Cole said made history, as Enzo Maresca's side scour the market for squad upgrades ahead of the Italian's debut campaign.

Chelsea undergoing busy summer transfer window

Having already sealed the signings of Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham and Omari Kelleyman in a £19 million move from Aston Villa, alongside Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian, it has already been a quick start to this summer window for Chelsea.

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Todd Boehly is expected to make multiple attacking signings on top of this, with Chelsea in advanced talks over a deal for Barcelona forward Marc Guiu.

They've missed out on a move for Michael Olise, who has chosen to join Bayern Munich instead, but the Blues have wasted no time in identifying alternatives to the 22-year-old.

Cole Palmer

25

Nicolas Jackson

17

Raheem Sterling

10

Noni Madueke

8

Conor Gallagher

7

One of them is Atalanta star Ademola Lookman, coming after an excellent campaign under Gian Piero Gasperini. There have been reports that Chelsea are prepared to bid for Lookman, and now another report explains how much they could offer for the Nigerian.

Chelsea prepared to bid nearly £50 million for Lookman

Calciomercato explains that Chelsea are willing to offer nearly £50 million to sign Lookman, but are not alone, with Liverpool and Man United also in the chase.

The 26-year-old, who can operate as a second striker, racked up 17 goals and 10 assists across 45 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A side last season.

Lookman also ended Bayer Leverkusen's incredible unbeaten run last season in dramatic style, bagging a hat-trick against Xabi Alonso's side as Atalanta beat Leverkusen 3-0 in the Europa League final.

“Honestly, this is why you play football,” said former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch on TNT Sports.

“Somebody like Lookman, who’s been around, a footballing nomad at times, somebody who’s been Sunday League, to Charlton, to Fulham on loan, Leicester, Leipzig, he’s gone around the houses to get to the moment where he’s found a home today and scored a hat-trick in a European final. It’s an amazing story. Those fans will never forget the name of Ademola Lookman. It’s absolutely sensational.

"It’s really emotional for him. Obviously his family, I’m sure. It was a footballing masterclass from Gasperini. They were brilliant as a team, but I’m so pleased for Lookman.”

Meanwhile, fellow TNT pundit Joe Cole claimed he made history with his Europa League final heroics.

“For Lookman, a kid from Wandsworth, who played in the cages, playing street football, going around the houses, not finding a place where he’s at home, he’s found a home here,” Cole said.

“They will love him forever. His name will be etched into the club’s history. This is what the moments are all about. A kid, who couldn’t find a club, couldn’t find a home, super talented, he’s gone and done it. Fair play to him and his family. Enjoy the moment.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Chay é do Botafogo em definitivo. O meio-campista assinou um novo contrato com o clube, válido até dezembro de 2024, nesta terça-feira, no Estádio Nilton Santos. O Alvinegro chegou a um acordo para adquirir o jogador junto à Portuguesa-RJ.

+ Com Luiz Henrique e Carlinhos, Enderson aposta em rostos conhecidos para reforçar o Botafogo

O meio-campista não escondeu a felicidade e comemorou a renovação com o Glorioso. Vale lembrar que ele é o artilheiro do Botafogo na temporada 2021, com oito gols marcados.

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– Oportunidade incrível estar aqui por definitivo. Muito feliz, agradecer cada torcedor que acreditou no processo e agora fez o coro para a gente estar assinando esse contrato. Estou muito feliz… Deus sabe a minha alegria de estar vestindo essa camisa. Não vai faltar dedicação, a luta vai continuar, estou aqui para ajudar. Espero continuar acesso e conquistar títulos durante esses três anos – afirmou Chay.

– Hoje é um momento muito importante. Essa assinatura de contrato com o Chay por três anos me deixa muito feliz. Quero agradecer à torcida e principalmente ao sócio-torcedor. Particularmente, agradecer ao Chay pela pessoa maravilhosa que ele é, grande atleta e que vai nos ajudar para voltar à Série A – afirmou Durcesio Mello, presidente do clube, à “BotafogoTV”.

Agora, o Botafogo para regularizar o novo contrato de Chay nos registros da CBF. Como se trata de uma compra definitiva, a rescisão do antigo vínculo com a Portuguesa-RJ e o registro do novo contrato com o Alvinegro precisam aparecer no BID da CBF.

Suryakumar Yadav’s blistering 79 and Bumrah’s four-for pushed Mumbai to top of the table

Deivarayan Muthu06-Oct-20202:19

Should Bumrah start to take the new ball again?

An inventive 79 not out off 47 balls from Suryakumar Yadav – his highest score in the IPL – carried the Mumbai Indians to 193 for 4, setting up their fourth victory in six matches this IPL. In pursuit of a tall target, the Rajasthan Royals lost three wickets in the powerplay, including that of their captain Steven Smith and Sanju Samson. Jos Buttler then slugged a 44-ball 70, threatening a comeback, but the Royals were ultimately dismissed for 136 in 18.1 overs.The 57-run victory – which also featured a fearsome Jasprit Bumrah spell (4-20) – meant Mumbai climbed to the top of the points table followed by the Delhi Capitals, who have played one match fewer, at No.2.After Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma sped away to 49-run opening stand, Yadav, in contrast, got off to a slow start – he was on 12 off 11 balls at one point. He watched Sharma and Ishan Kishan hole out off successive balls. He then watched Krunal Pandya, who was promoted to No.5 ahead of his younger brother Hardik and Kieron Pollard, struggle to 12 off 17 balls. However, Yadav’s wide range of strokes ensured Mumbai still took 68 from their last five overs and finished very strongly.Sharma, de Kock quick off the blocks
De Kock, who regained form with 67 against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Sharjah, set the tone in Abu Dhabi, too, with a crisp four off the first delivery from Ankit Rajpoot, who was picked ahead of left-arm seamer Jaydev Unadkat. The ball slid onto the bat in the early exchanges, with Sharma also using the extra pace of Rajpoot to his advantage. After launching him into the Royals dug out over the long-off fence, he sat back, waiting for the short ball and cracked it away to the left of sweeper cover.Smith used as many as five bowlers in the powerplay, but it was 19-year old debutant Kartik Tyagi who produced the breakthrough when he bounced out de Kock for 23. Sharma progressed to 35 before legspinner Shreyas Gopal had him caught at long-on with a wrong’un. His first delivery to Kishan, too was a wrong’un, which he spliced to extra-cover. Mumbai were 88 for 3 in the 10th over. A scoopful of Surya
After using his long reach to get to a pitch of a Gopal legbreak and pump it over extra-cover, Yadav hung back and placed Tyagi either side of third man for fours. Another great piece of placement – late-cut between the keeper and short third man for four brought him a fifty off 33 balls.The Royals had reserved two overs of Jorfra Archer for Pollard and Hardik at the death, but in the end Pollard wasn’t needed at all. While Hardik forced Archer down the ground for four, Yadav unfurled his ramps and scoops to pepper the ‘V’ behind the wicket. Thirty seven of his 79 runs came in that region. It was quite fitting that he helped finish the innings with a ramped four. Hardik did his bit in the unbroken 76-run stand with Yadav off six overs, contributing 30 off 19 balls.Buttler or nothing for Royals
Trent Boult found swing with the new ball once again, removing Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck in the first over of the chase. Then, in the next over as Bumrah opened the bowling for the first time this season, Smith fell swiping wildly for the third time in three matches. When Boult drew a top-edged pull from Samson to mid-on, the Royals were 12 for 3 in the third over.Buttler played himself in, getting to a run-a-ball 24 before exploding against the slower bowlers. He claimed 49 off 24 balls from Krunal, Rahul Chahar and Pollard.It needed a spectacular catch at the long-on boundary from Pollard – another special from the specialist T20 outfielder that will likely break YouTube – to get rid of Buttler in the 14th over. Royals lost their last five wickets for 38 runs and their third game in a row. The punches weren’t done yet. Long after the game was done, the IPL fined Smith INR 12 lakh for slow over-rate.

Everton pulled off an almost impossible task in securing their Premier League status after an awful year off-the-field which saw the club docked a total of eight points for breaching PSR rules.

However, despite the excellent achievement by Sean Dyche’s side, the club are way behind where fans would’ve expected them to be following the heavy investment from the current ownership.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the club were frequently in contention for a Europa League spot, but over the last couple of years, the club have been in terrible financial trouble, and have had to reduce their spending as a result.

As a result, the Toffees under the current guidance of Dyche are having to prioritise targeting either loan, free or low fee transfers to avoid a repeat of the punishments they received this season.

James Tarkowski is arguably the club’s best example of their limited business in recent times, featuring in all 38 games in 2023/24, playing a vital role in the survival season.

The club will undoubtedly try to replicate such deals this transfer window, with the Toffees already linked with one player who could transform their fortunes at Goodison Park.

Everton interested in signing international star this summer

According to Football Insider, Everton are one of three Premier League sides interested in signing Bosnian midfielder Armin Gigovic this summer.

The 22-year-old, who plied his trade for FC Midtjylland in Denmark during 2023/24, looks set for another move this window, having been contracted to FK Rostov but unable to feature due to the Russia and Ukraine war.

He featured 35 times for his loan club, scoring just once, but catching the eye with his versatility and impressive performances despite his tender age.

Gigovic, who’s valued at £12.7m, is also subject to interest from West Ham United and Crystal Palace, with Dyche’s side needing to push hard if they are to win the race for his signature.

Given the club’s current financial situation, they may need to sell players to balance the books, with Amadou Onana one of the likely candidates to depart Merseyside during the off-season.

However, supporters shouldn’t worry, with Gigovic having the ability to be the perfect replacement for the Belgian despite his lack of experience featuring in Europe’s top five leagues.

Why Gigovic could be the perfect Onana successor for Everton

When comparing the pair’s stats from 2023/24 on FotMob, the duo rank very similarly, but Gigovic has demonstrated qualities at both ends that suggest he could be able to transform the way Dyche’s midfield operates.

Although the Bosnian has played five more games during the season just gone, he’s gone on to have a solid campaign, having ten more shots than the current Everton man – demonstrating his attacking qualities.

Gigovic has also excelled when dribbling with the ball at his feet, completing five more dribbles over the course of the season, averaging a 5% greater success rate than Onana.

The Belgian has been seen as more of a ball-winning midfielder during his time at Goodison Park, but despite his quality, which has seen him win 54% of his tackles, it’s not enough to triumph over the FC Midtjylland loanee, who’s won 61% of his attempts.

How Gigovic & Onana compare in 2023/24
Statistics	Gigovic	Onana
Games	35	30
Shots	29	19
Dribbles completed	17	12
Dribble success rate	65%	60%
Tackles won	61%	54%
Interceptions	21	21
Dribbled past	13	21
Stats via FotMob

Gigovic, who’s previously been dubbed as a “high-level” talent by Bosnian scout BIHFooty, has also excelled with his interceptions – matching the tally produced by Onana during 2023/24.

All things considered, the 22-year-old would be an excellent addition to Dyche’s side and one that would massively boost the club’s financial situation with Everton able to offload Onana and sign a player with just as much potential and quality as his replacement.

Everton place bid for "superb" £26m Onana replacement as negotiations begin

The Toffees are wasting no time…

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Tom Cunningham

Jun 1, 2024

حقق الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد فوزًا مهمًا على حساب ضيفه إشبيلية بنتيجة 4-2 في الجولة الثامنة عشر من الدوري الإسباني.

والتقى ريال مدريد وإشبيلية على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” في ختام مباريات الفريقين عام 2024 قبل التوقف والعودة بمواجهات كأس ملك إسبانيا.

وسيطر ريال مدريد على المباراة بأكملها تحت قيادة المدرب، كارلو أنشيلوتي، وبتألق اللاعبين مثل كيليان مبابي، فيدي فالفيردي، رودريجو وإبراهيم دياز.

اقرأ أيضًا.. محامي مبابي يهاجم باريس سان جيرمان: لا يحترمون القوانين ويهدمون النظام

وأعلنت رابطة الدوري الإسباني عن فوز مهاجم ريال مدريد، كيليان مبابي، بجائزة رجل المباراة بعد تسجيله هدفًا وصناعة هدف آخر.

ووصل الفرنسي الدولي إلى الهدف رقم 10 له في الدوري الإسباني مع صناعة هدفين آخرين خلال مشاركته بالبطولة على مدار 16 مباراة.

وكان مبابي قد انتقل إلى ريال مدريد في الميركاتو الصيفي الماضي بالمجان قادمًا من باريس سان جيرمان بعد نهاية عقده في يونيو.

Ipswich Town will surely already be aware that it will take a mammoth effort from all involved at Portman Road to stay put in the Premier League after a dramatic promotion last season.

Nobody expected the Tractor Boys to be competing with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City when a ball was kicked to start the 2024/25 campaign, however, pulling off the unbelievable feat of back-to-back promotions to earn their right to dine at the elite table having being marooned at League One level for some time.

Now, Kieran McKenna and Co are tasked with adding in new recruits to give Ipswich a fighting chance at survival, which could see this imposing Championship centre-back enter through the door very soon.

Ipswich wanting to sign free agent star

According to a report in the Express and Star, West Brom are 'resigned' now to the fact star centre-back Cedric Kipre will be exiting the Hawthorns this summer, leaving for a new suitor as a free agent, after failing to agree a new Baggies contract.

This will be gutting news for those with connections to Carlos Corberan's men, but music to the ears of the likes of Ipswich, who are an interested party now for the former Wigan Athletic man's services, bolstering their defence in the process to try and be more solid in the Premier League.

57 goals being leaked last season in the Championship by the Tractor Boys is a worrying number, although their gung-ho nature in the division often meant teams were still bamboozled by Ipswich's plethora of high-octane forward players regardless. However, they'll know shoring up the back four is a priority for the top English division.

Interested previously in Joe Rodon and Cameron Carter-Vickers in Kipre's centre-back spot also, it's clear to see what the priority is for bodies into the building in Suffolk this off-season.

What Kipre could offer Ipswich

Poaching another of West Brom's top talents could see Ipswich pull off another masterstroke of a deal reminiscent of their loan move for Jeremy Sarmiento, who would win promotion with the Tractor Boys after walking away from West Brom following a mixed stint.

The stunning goal from the Ecuadorian attacker against Southampton below, more than justifies the decision last season from McKenna and Co to swoop for the former Baggies man, fresh off his West Brom spell, as Sarmiento played his part in yet another dramatic league win being tallied up for Ipswich.

Kipre will hope he can also be as key if relocating down to Suffolk, but in helping his new employers pull off another unthinkable feat in staying put in the Premier League, which will be a tall order to achieve.

Games played

44

39

41

Goals

2

2

1

Assists

1

1

1

Touches*

67.1

75.9

69.1

Accurate passes*

48.9 (87%)

53.6 (82%)

52.7 (88%)

Interceptions*

1.5

1.3

1.1

Tackles*

1.2

0.6

0.9

Ball recoveries*

4.3

4.5

5.0

Clearances*

3.7

4.5

3.7

Clean sheets

14

12

14

Comparing Kipre's numbers from the regular Championship season next to Ipswich stalwarts at the back in Cameron Burgess and Luke Woolfenden, the 6 foot 4 defender would provide some excellent competition if signed in defence, as the underdogs look to be more defensively sound for the step-up in quality.

Described as being a "fantastic" defender for the second tier by football journalist Josh Bunting previously, Kipre will feel – after shining bright with West Brom last campaign – that he warrants a crack at testing himself in the division above with McKenna's men too.

If Ipswich did manage to stay up against all the odds, the signing of Kipre would be looked at as a shrewd bit of business that definitely paid off, with the 27-year-old joining on a free transfer and becoming an instant hero.

Ipswich could sign "wonderful" Tuanzebe rival for £0

Ipswich Town will continue to prioritise strengthening their defence with this new purchase.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 23, 2024