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Thomas Muller says he now considers Lionel Messi the best player of all time, having previously hailed Cristiano Ronaldo in higher regard.

Muller has declared Lionel Messi the GOATChange of heart stems from 'more romantic' view of the gameSays previous stance was based on statsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

In an interview with MLS, Muller, the latest high-profile signing for the Vancouver Whitecaps, took a definitive stand in the long-standing "GOAT" debate. While he had previously favoured Real Madrid and Manchester United legend Ronaldo, the ex-Bayern Munich player has now officially declared Messi as the greatest the game has ever seen. This surprising shift in his opinion comes after years of fierce competition against both players on the biggest stages.

AdvertisementWHAT MULLER SAID

When asked in the interview to speak on the GOAT debate, Muller explained: "Lionel Messi is the GOAT. In my first 10 years as a professional player, I would have chosen Cristiano Ronaldo, but since the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, it's been Messi for me. Now, as I get older and more romantic myself, playing style and aesthetics are more important to me than individual performance, work ethic, and so on."

He further added: "Both are absolutely crazy. I don't know why it worked so often against him [Messi]."

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Muller's change of mind is particularly noteworthy given his storied history against both superstars. With Bayern, he inflicted a number of memorable defeats on Messi's Barcelona, including the historic 8-2 thrashing in the 2020 Champions League. With the German national team, he was part of the squad that defeated Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final. In a previous interview, Muller had openly admitted that he chose Ronaldo because he "had good stats against Messi, but not against Ronaldo." However, with age, his criteria for greatness have shifted from a purely statistical, data-driven perspective to a more philosophical one.

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Getty Images SportWHAT'S NEXT FOR MULLER?

Muller has recently settled into his new life in Canada after an emotional departure from Munich. After having a goal disallowed in his debut against Houston Dynamo, he went on to score a last-minute penalty to secure a 3-2 victory for the Whitecaps against St Louis City, captaining the team in his first start. The Vancouver club are currently third in their MLS conference and face Philadelphia Union on September 14.

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O São Paulo anunciou, nesta quarta-feira, a contratação do atacante Marcos Paulo para a próxima temporada. Aos 21 anos, o jogador chega por empréstimo do Atlético de Madrid, da Espanha, até 31 de dezembro de 2023, com condições de compra pré-estipuladas.

Natural de Niterói, no Rio de Janeiro, o atacante começou a carreira nas categorias de base do Fluminense e despontou como uma das revelações do clube carioca. Além disso, acumulou convocações para a Seleção Brasileira de base, naturalizou-se e também defendeu equipes de base em Portugal.

RelacionadasSão PauloVÍDEO: Em evento, Raí comenta futuro da Seleção, analisa momento do São Paulo e comenta ‘resgate da idolatria’São Paulo21/12/2022São PauloVÍDEO: Zetti comenta sobre pressão em cima de goleiros do São Paulo e projeta jovem da base na CopinhaSão Paulo21/12/2022São PauloCom presença de ídolos, São Paulo lança no Morumbi livro que celebra 30 anos de 1992São Paulo21/12/2022

Na temporada de 2019, disputou o Torneio de Toulon, na França, e deixou a sua marca na vitória sobre a Inglaterra por 3 a 2 e foi campeão do Torneio Internacional do Porto Sub-18, sendo decisivo com gols.

Com a camisa do Fluminense, balançou as redes seis vezes e deu cinco assistências em 35 jogos. No ano seguinte, foram oito gols e seis assistências em 42 partidas. Em 2021, despediu-se da equipe carioca e foi contratado pelo Atlético de Madrid, da Espanha. Em sua chegada, foi indicado ao prêmio Golden Boy, organizado pelo jornal Tuttosport, da Itália, e integrou a lista com os 100 melhores jovens jogadores sub-21 que atuam na Europa.

+ Acompanhe a movimentação dos jogadores entres os clubes nacionais e internacionais, janela de transferências e todas as informações dos jogadores.

Ao longo da experiência no Velho Continente, foi emprestado ao Famalicão, de Portugal, e depois seguiu para o Mirandés, da Espanha, onde anotou quatro gols e deu quatro assistências em 2022 antes de chegar ao Tricolor.

– O trabalho segue para a montagem do elenco de 2023. Estamos confiantes na capacidade do Marcos Paulo, jogador promissor e que já estava nos nossos planos – afirmou o Presidente Julio Casares.

– O Marcos Paulo é um atleta jovem que reúne características importantes para fortalecer nosso elenco e tem diversas convocações para seleções de base, tanto do Brasil quanto de Portugal. Chega demonstrando o desejo de escrever uma história bonita conosco e será muito bem recebido – acrescentou o diretor de futebol Carlos Belmonte.

– Estou muito feliz de estar aqui. A torcida pode esperar muita dedicação, porque darei a vida pelo time. Não vejo a hora de jogar com o Morumbi lotado – disse Marcos Paulo.

Ficha Técnica do reforço

MARCOS PAULO

Nome completo: Marcos Paulo Costa do Nascimento
Data de nascimento: 01/02/2001 (21 anos)
Local de nascimento: Niterói (RJ)
Altura: 1m86
Peso: 80kg

Clubes: Fluminense (2011-2021), Atlético de Madrid (2021), Famalicão (2021-2022), Mirandes (2022) e São Paulo (desde 2023)

Títulos: Campeonato Carioca Sub-17 (2018), Torneio Internacional do Porto Sub-18 (2019) e Taça Rio (2020)

Seleção: Seleção Brasileira Sub-15, Sub-16, Sub-17, Sub-18, Seleção Portuguesa Sub-18, Sub-19 e Sub-23

Former captain Dasun Shanaka has been left out of Sri Lanka’s 16-member ODI squad to face Afghanistan. Shanaka’s is one of three omissions from the squad that was named for the series against Zimbabwe last month.Attacking middle-order batter Nuwanidu Fernando and legpsinner Jeffrey Vandersay are the other two to miss out, with allrounder Chamika Karunaratne and opening batter Shevon Daniel coming in.Shanaka’s removal from the one-day side does not come as a surprise, given his poor form in the format – his last 21 innings, stretching back to January 2023, have brought him just one half-century and an average of 12.25.He had been removed as white-ball captain ahead of the Zimbabwe series but had retained a place in the playing XI – he was dropped for the third ODI following scores of 8 and 7 in the first two games.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Karunaratne, who will likely be his direct replacement, last played for Sri Lanka at the World Cup in October-November. While he doesn’t possess Shanaka’s ceiling as a power-hitter – attested to by strike rates of 78.43 and 106.20 in ODIs and T20Is respectively – his bowling has proved effective in both white-ball formats.Both Fernando and Vandersay, however, might have legitimate grievances after being left out. Fernando did not play a single game against Zimbabwe, while Vandersay picked up respectable figures of 2 for 47 in the only game he got to bowl in during that series.The rest of the squad fills out as expected. Kusal Mendis heads a strong batting unit that includes Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage – Player of the Series against Zimbabwe – opener Daniel and allrounder Sahan Arachchige.On the bowling front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana head a spin department that also includes Akila Dananjaya and allrounders Dunith Wellalage and Arachchige. Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan and Karunaratne round out the seam-bowling unit.

Sri Lanka squad for ODI series against Afghanistan

Kusal Mendis (capt), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Shevon Daniel, Janith Liyanage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Akila Dananjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga

Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of Cameroonian forward Christian Kofane after his impressive spell with Albacete in Spain's second division.

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Christian Kofane joins Bundesliga side on a four-year deal18-year-old labelled a "powerful and fast" strikerOne of the most exciting prospects in La Liga 2Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Bayer announced the arrival of Kofane on their official website, luring the player under the nose of many interested clubs. It has been less than a year since the forward joined Albacete, and he was starting for the Spanish side's first-team in a matter of mere months. The Bundesliga side are excited about their new signing and cannot wait for him to develop under the management of Erik ten Hag.

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Kofane arrived in Albacete from Nylon and joined their youth side, Albacete Balompie. After netting six goals in six games, the forward was quickly called up to join the first team where he scored another eight and provided one assist in 20 games for the club. Looking at his exceptional rise, the 2023-24 Bundesliga champions clinched the chance to sign the forward, reportedly paying Albacete more than his €5m release clause.

WHAT THE CLUB SAID

Speaking to the club's official media, Bayer sporting director Simon Rolfes said: "Christian Kofane is an extremely powerful and fast striker, technically gifted, and very assertive. He will add even more variety to our game with his strengths and has the potential to become an important part of our team in the coming years."

Kofane, who is still experiencing jet lag after his quick progression from Nylon to landing at BayArena, said: "It's incredible for me that after such a short time in Europe, I'm now playing for a Champions League club. I will give everything I can to take advantage of this opportunity in the Bundesliga. Bayer 04's history is rife with examples of young players who have achieved great things here."

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ImagoWHAT NEXT FOR LEVERKUSEN?

It's been a very busy summer transfer window for Leverkusen, who are still revamping their squad. Reportedly, the club are still pursuing more signings, with Malik Tillman and Johan Bakayoko of PSV still on the club's list of targets. The former is about to go through medical checks in the coming days.

Rangers can sign a star player for just over £5m in the coming months, and prospective new owners the 49ers are aware of a deal.

49ers plans for Rangers after agreeing a deal in principle

It promises to be a busy few months both on and off the pitch at Ibrox, with interim manager Barry Ferguson looking to take Rangers to the Europa League final in Bilbao.

Ferguson, who has already got the better of Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, will soon turn his attention to a quarter-final with Athletic Club.

The Scot appears to be impressing in caretaker charge and also guided Rangers to a 3-2 win at Celtic prior to the international break. Ferguson is keen on taking the Rangers job on a permanent basis, according to his older brother Derek, whereas Lee McCulloch has also backed the ex-midfielder to get the role on a permanent basis.

Meanwhile, the 49ers Enterprises have agreed a deal in principle to take over in Glasgow and are hopeful all the relative paperwork will be completed ahead of the 2025/26 season.

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Reports have suggested that the 49ers may back with a £20-25million budget this summer, once a takeover is completed.

One of their first player moves could be to make Vaclav Cerny’s loan into a permanent transfer. Recent reports claimed that a full-time deal could cost around £8m, however, a new update from reliable journalist Keith Jackson has stated it could be less than that.

Rangers can sign Cerny for half price £5.5m with deadline set

As per a story for The Daily Record, Jackson revealed that Rangers have the chance to sign Cerny for just £5.5m from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg. The option was included in the loan deal that brought Cerny to Ibrox, and Rangers have a deadline until before the end of May.

The 49ers are aware of the urgency around Cerny’s contractual situation, with the winger attracting interest around Europe as a result of his impressive performances in Scotland.

Should Rangers not sign the 27-year-old for £5.5m, it is expected that Cerny’s ‘price tag could more than double’ to £11m+. It looks as if a £5.5m deal is a no-brainer for everyone involved at Ibrox, and it appears as if Cerny himself is also keen on a transfer.

Asked if he wants to stay in Scotland with Rangers, Cerny said: “I definitely do. But there are so many aspects that I can’t control. All I can do is be the best I can and keep up my form and numbers.”

كشفت وسائل إعلامية إنجليزية أن نادي آرسنال يسعى إلى التعاقد مع أحد نجوم الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز وذلك خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الحالية.

ويسعى مدرب آرسنال ميكيل أرتيتا، إلى إجراء تعزيزات في صفوف فريقه استعدادًا للموسم المقبل، من أجل المنافسة على لقبي دوري أبطال أوروبا والدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

اقرأ ايضاً.. لاعب ليفربول السابق عن كوناتي: إذا لم يلتزم فليرحل.. إنه ليس محمد صلاح

وأشارت صحيفة ميرور الإنجليزية إلى أن نادي آرسنال قد أجرى محادثات بشأن التعاقد مع لاعب منتخب إنجلترا وكريستال بالاس، إيبيريشي إيزي، هذا الصيف.

وأضافت الصحيفة أن آرسنال سيواجه منافسة شرسة للتعاقد مع اللاعب الإنجليزي، وذلك في ظل اهتمام جاره اللندني توتنهام هوتسبير بالتعاقد معه.

ويمتلك إيزي شرطاً جزائياً في عقده مع كريستال بالاس بقيمة 68 مليون جنية إسترليني، حيث سينتهي عقده في صيف 2027.

وشارك إيزي في 43 مباراة بجميع المسابقات مع كريستال بالاس في الموسم الماضي، وأحرز 15 هدفاً وقام بصناعة 11 هدفاً.

وتمكن اللاعب أيضاً من قيادة فريقه للفوز بمنافسات كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي للمرة الأولى في تاريخ كريستال بالاس بـ العام الماضي على حساب مانشستر سيتي.

“Make the payments bit more even across Test cricket to attract players from different countries”

PTI19-May-2023

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting feels the International Cricket Council (ICC) has a role to play in ensuring that players from smaller Test-playing nations are paid well in Test cricket.Ponting cited the example of West Indies players who tend to choose franchise cricket over international duty for financial reasons.In an event organised by the ICC ahead of the World Test Championship final between India and Australia at the Oval from June 7, Ponting was asked about youngsters wanting to play the five-day game in an era of T20 leagues. “That question has a different answer in different countries,” Ponting said. “It has becoming increasingly difficult to groom the youngsters in the Caribbean for instance who want to chase the dream of playing Test cricket.”Their payment system in the Caribbean compared to some of the franchise leagues, it doesn’t match up and Sri Lanka will be the same and Bangladesh will be the same.”Ponting said talks are on within the ICC to address the issue. “It is not the case in India, England and Australia. You are paid well to play Test cricket for your country and most aspire to play the Test match game. There is a role to play for the ICC here.”…make the payments bit more even across international Test cricket to attract players from these different countries who want to play for their country.””It is something that has been spoken about at a very high level at the ICC to help that but in India the feeling I get is that most of these youngsters aspire to wear the baggy blue cap and the same in in Australia.”

A week’s holiday in Dubai gives batter chance to clear his mind after Test series in NZ

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Mar-2023Ben Duckett says that he is committed to taking every available opportunity to represent England across all three formats, after crediting the laissez-faire attitude of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes in the Test team for his successful return to international cricket this winter.By his own admission, Duckett, now 28, “probably wasn’t ready for international cricket” back in 2016-17, when he made his Test and ODI debuts on England’s tours of Bangladesh and India. Seven years later, however, he’s so relaxed about the experience, he was even able to prepare for last week’s return to the white-ball set-up by spending a couple of days “on a sun lounger” in Dubai.That brief stint of R&R came as the Test squad disbanded after their thrilling one-run loss to New Zealand in Wellington, which was also Duckett’s first defeat in five appearances since his recall for the Pakistan tour in December. In that time he has averaged an impressive 56.44 at the top of the order, and was enthusiastic about carrying that same mindset into this week’s first T20I against Bangladesh in Chattogram.”It’s ridiculously different,” Duckett said of his experience in the Test set-up. “The way that they make everyone feel is something that I never thought would be the case in Test cricket. It’s almost like you’re playing a friendly, you’re actually going out and playing a Test match and it’s that relaxed, and that’s how you’re going to get players to perform at their best.”The first thing Baz said to me in Pakistan was: ‘Just enjoy it, you’re going to get a good run’. To hear that as an opening batsman before your first Test back makes you not nervous and you can go out there and play your way rather than looking for a score.”And I think the big thing in that dressing-room is – whatever the noise is outside that dressing room, no one cares. It’s everything in that dressing room and almost you’ve got that backing, it feels like there’s a squad of players now that seems like they’re going to keep for a little while, especially while things are going well. Previously, you’re fearing for every single game, if you get no runs, you might get dropped the next game.”Duckett took a similarly phlegmatic attitude to his innings of 20 from 13 balls in England’s six-wicket loss in the first T20I. “I tried to stick to my strengths. It went all right and then I missed one,” he said.”The one thing I’ve been lucky with is, because of how I play, it doesn’t really change throughout the formats. You see these guys who are whacking the ball out of the ground and then they’ve got to go and play Test cricket and it’s a massive difference, where my mentality in all three formats is to see ball, hit ball. And now against spin, sweeping it both ways in all formats – and I’ve got the full backing from all of the squads.”I’ve matured as a cricketer,” he added. “It’s realising what works for me, understanding what my strengths are. Seven years ago I might have tried to hit Shakib [Al Hasan] for six over long-on, now I know all I have to do is hit the ball in front of square leg and it’s four runs. The small taste I had back then, I was very young and probably wasn’t ready. I think that comes with age and most batters are at their best when they get to the age of 28, 29.”Related

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Duckett is one of only four England players to have featured in all three formats this winter, and it’s been quite the round-the-world trip – encompassing campaigns in Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand and now Bangladesh – which is all the more reason why he had no qualms about dropping everything for a week and lying low with his girlfriend in the UAE between red- and white-ball campaigns, rather than fretting about the challenge of switching formats.His long wait for a second chance with England was also a key factor in his decision to opt out of the big-money opportunities on the franchise circuit this winter – including the on-going Pakistan Super League, which caused a number of England’s players, including Alex Hales, to withdraw their availability for the Bangladesh series.”I spoke to someone a month ago about people resting and pulling out of stuff,” he said. “For me, the focus is on the chance to play all three formats for England. And that’s going to be my focus for as long as I’m in the squad.”Don’t get me wrong, if I’ve got a month next winter and I get offered a lot of money, I’m probably going to go and play in it, as most of us would. But you can play all these leagues around the world in a few years’ time, right now I’m solely focused on playing as much for England as I can. That break I had was potentially a good thing for me, and it’s made me so hungry now to take every single chance I get.”

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is now “working” on a deal to sign an “unbelievable” player permanently, as he is a perfect fit for the club, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Villa making plans for the summer

Villa were active in the January transfer window, bringing in the likes of Marcus Rashford, Donyell Malen and Marco Asensio to strengthen in attacking areas, amid the departure of Jhon Duran, who joined Al-Nassr for £65m.

However, Emery remains keen on bringing in a new forward in the summer, with widespread reports suggesting Rashford could still be eyeing a move to Barcelona at the end of the season.

Samuel Chukwueze is of interest to the Villans, and there are suggestions the AC Milan winger could be keen on a reunion with Emery, given that he has previously described his former manager as “amazing”.

Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha is also on the shortlist, with reliable reporter Ben Jacobs revealing a deal is “there to be had” in the summer, regardless of whether the Old Gold retain their Premier League status.

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While Rashford’s future remains up in the air, there are now suggestions Villa could already be trying to secure the signing of Asensio on a permanent basis, with Brown telling Football Insider: “On the evidence of what I’ve seen in his couple of appearances, he looks perfect for Villa.

“I think Emery and his staff will have been impressed as well, and they’ll already have started working behind the scenes to see if they can make the move permanent.

“A lot will depend on the role he plays while on loan, but at the moment I’d say that’s where they’re leaning.

“PSG want to move him on, he’s keen to leave, and Villa will be better off if they can keep him beyond the end of the season and will be working to make that happen.”

Asensio still yet to prove himself

The Spaniard arrived at Villa Park with a good pedigree, having played for European giants Real Madrid and PSG, however it is too early to say whether he should be signed on a permanent basis.

The former Real Madrid man was lauded as “unbelievable” during his time in La Liga, but he has made just two cameo appearances since arriving at Villa on loan, coming on as a second-half substitute against Tottenham Hotspur and Ipswich Town.

Having amassed 61 goals and 32 assists in 286 games for Madrid, there are clear signs the 29-year-old could go on to be an important player for Villa as we enter the business end of the season.

However, the jury is still out at the moment, and the £116k-per-week attacking midfielder will be hoping he is given the opportunity to prove himself with a start against Liverpool in the Premier League this evening.

Laura Harris celebrated her 100th WBBL appearance with an unforgettable maiden half-century to hoist the Brisbane Heat to a four-wicket win over the Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena. Chasing 165, Brisbane were struggling at 4-65 in the 12th over, but Harris blasted nine fours and three sixes in a spectacular unbeaten 68 off 29 balls.Harris, who had scored just 42 from her seven previous innings this season, and New Zealand international allrounder Amelia Kerr, pounded 87 in six-and-a-half overs of mayhem. Kerr was dismissed with 13 runs needed off as many balls and though Brisbane lost a wicket with the scores level, Harris swept the winning boundary with two balls to spare.Harris reached her 50 off just 18 balls, the second quickest half-century in WBBL history. Heat went almost nine overs without a boundary before Harris smashed 14 off the last three balls of the 12th over to break the shackles. Nicola Carey spilled a tough chance at deep midwicket when Harris was on 16 and the powerful batter made Hurricanes pay.It was a devastating loss for fifth-placed Hurricanes, who remained three points off fourth spot, though they have played less games than the teams above them.The two innings followed a similar pattern with both struggling in the first half and cutting loose in the second. Hurricanes took 13 off the first over, but lost three wickets in as many overs to crash to 3-20 in the fourth. They hit just two fours and a six in the first 14 overs, but blasted 79 runs off the last six. South African batter Mignon du Preez paced the recovery perfectly, running hard early in her innings and clouting several boundaries in the closing overs. She added 61 off seven overs with Nicola Carey.Sophie Molineux was in the runs•Getty Images

Melbourne Renegades captain Sophie Molineux produced her best innings of the WBBL season to guide her side to a five-wicket win over fellow stragglers Sydney Thunder in Hobart.Chasing 122 at Blundstone Arena, Renegades were struggling at 3 for 30 in the fifth over. A third-wicket partnership of 52 between Molineux and Courtney Webb (29 off 27) got them back on track. Molineux, who had scored just 60 runs from her seven previous innings, with a high of 32, notched an unbeaten 55 off 45 balls. Molineux’s first two scoring strokes were cover-driven boundaries and with victory in sight in the 18th over, she struck three successive fours off Belinda Vakawera, who had conceded just six runs off her first 19 balls. The win broke a six-match losing streak and lifted Renegades off the bottom of the table and relegated the Thunder to last, having played two more games.Both batting lineups struggled for fluency, with the Thunder lacking urgency throughout their innings. England’s Amy Jones also scored a season-best 53 off 48 balls but she lacked support, scoring five of the Thunder’s nine boundaries. A second-wicket stand of 58 between Jones and Sammy-Jo Johnson (19 off 24) set up a decent platform for the Thunder, but they couldn’t push on and finished at 6-121. South African quick Shabnim Ismail (2-26) and spinners Ella Hayward, Molineux and Hayley Matthews kept a tight grip on the Thunder batters.Thunder’s hopes of defending their modest total rose when Renegades imports Chamari Athapaththu and Matthews fell in the first four overs. When Josie Dooley.was adjudged lbw to a ball that replays showed bounced over the top of the stumps without being reviewed, Melbourne were 3-30 but Molineux then took over.Deandra Dottin found her touch at the top of the order•Getty Images

Megan Schutt, who was standing in as captain for injured allrounder Tahlia McGrath, reached the 100-wicket mark In the WBBL and had a catch dropped, as Adelaide Strikers secured a comfortable win over the defending champions.West Indian Deandra Dottin scored her WBBL high of 68 off 51 balls to set up a seven-wicket win with four overs to spare to lift Strikers to 12 points, second behind the Sixers on net run rate. Noted power hitter Dottin scored just 21 off her first 26 balls but cut loose with three fours off spinner Lilly Mills just before the mid-innings break and then smashed 18 in the first of the power surge overs, as Strikers reached their target with four overs to spare.Scorchers lost two quick wickets on three occasions with Beth Mooney following her 99 not out in Saturday’s win over the Sixers with a golden duck. Jemma Barsby struck twice in the first over and Scorchers managed just a modest total despite 37 and 36 respectively from New Zealanders Sophie Devine and Maddy Green.