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Capitals plundered 53 runs off their last two overs, but Titans nearly pulled off a miracle of their own thanks to Rashid Khan

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Apr-20242:17

Aaron: Pant’s World Cup spot is pretty sealed now

Sai Kishore into the attack to bowl the 19th. A right-hander’s presence helps Gill introduce Sai. From around to Stubbs.18.1Sai Kishore to Stubbs, 1 runFull and wide of off, and he leans into pushing this to deep pointStays around to Pant18.2Sai Kishore to Pant, 1 runPant falls over, but manages to swipe this low full toss on middle and leg to fine leg18.3Sai Kishore to Stubbs, FOUR runsDrilled between long-off and deep point! Seemed like Sai went for a variation, and bowled full and wide of off. Neither fielder moved, as Stubbs thrashed that back18.4Sai Kishore to Stubbs, SIX runsJust clears deep square leg! Sai angled this in, and bowled another full toss. This one dipped on middle, but Stubbs had his front leg out of the way in swiping at that18.5Sai Kishore to Stubbs, FOUR runsFinds the gap again between long-off and deep point! He swats at this short-of-a-length ball around sixth stump, and rams that wide of long-off18.6Sai Kishore to Stubbs, SIX runsSmashed over long-on! GT were hiding Sai all this while, waiting for a right-hander to arrive, but Stubbs shows what he can do to spin. Again clears his front leg, and clubs this length ball angling into the stumps for a huge hit.Related

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19.1Mohit to Pant, 2 runsWell fielded by Sai, who moves and dives to his left from deep point! He keeps it to two, as Pant looked to loft this slower ball, which was on a full length, and wide-ish of off. No pace to work with for Pant, though19.21wMohit to Pant, 1 wideBowls full, and really wide of off. Pant looked to get across pretty late, and it is called wide19.2Mohit to Pant, SIX runsGoes through Shahrukh’s hands! Some luck for Pant and DC. Shahrukh had his hands above his head and jumped a little at long-on, but the ball still breached them. Pant got another low full toss on the stumps, and he swung liberally for another six, even as it came off the lower half of the bat19.3Mohit to Pant, FOUR runsHe loses his balance, but it is four! He is Pant, after all. Reaches out for this yorker-length ball which is angling across to finish wide of off. He opens the face of the bat, though, and manages to crash it to deep backward point even as he falls on his knee19.4Mohit to Pant, SIX runsAlmost a no-look six! He swivels to pull, and the ball is over fine leg even before he has swivelled entirely. Mohit followed a yorker with a bouncer arriving on middle, and Pant hooked powerfully19.5Mohit to Pant, SIX runsAnother full toss… and another huge six! This goes a long way up into the sky before landing beyond the long-on boundary. Mohit went back to going for the yorker, but Pant is standing outside of his crease. Pant swings incredibly well for another six19.6Mohit to Pant, SIX runsFinishes off in style! Creamed over deep square leg! The last over gives DC 31 runs. Mohit went on the shorter side of a length around off, and Pant swivelled again to slam that just past the boundaryRishabh Pant hammered four sixes in the last over•AFP/Getty Images18.1Rasikh Salam to Rashid Khan, 1 wideFullish length, and pretty wide of off. Left alone, and wide called18.1Rasikh Salam to Rashid Khan, FOUR runsSwung away between the keeper and short fine! It was a low, dipping full toss which finished on his pads, and Rashid almost took his eyes off in swinging at that18.2Rasikh Salam to Rashid Khan, 1 runWow, what a save by Stubbs! He has saved five crucial runs at an important stage. At long-off, he leaped across to his right, and caught the ball. While realising that he was falling back, he threw the ball back. The third umpire checks replays, and sees that his right leg is well clear of the rope. Salam had bowled from back of the hand, and on a length outside off, as Rashid lofted down the groundFrom around to Sai18.3Rasikh Salam to Sai Kishore, no runFullish ball angled in outside off, and a slower ball. Sai went swinging, but missed18.4Rasikh Salam to Sai Kishore, SIX runsBashed over deep midwicket! Sai got a back-of-the-hand slower ball on a length just outside off, and Sai saw it early to swipe across the line. The ball went soaring, and landed beyond the boundary18.5Rasikh Salam to Sai Kishore, SIX runsSix again, superb! This is clubbed hard and flat, and down the ground. Sai spots another slower ball arriving from the back of the hand. The length is fuller, but the line outside off again, as Sai pumps it back for six more18.6Rasikh Salam to Sai Kishore, OUTBowled him! Salam hits back with an inswinging yorker, which Sai isn’t able to keep out. But Sai has done a terrific job, and invariably ensured that Rashid has the strike for GT in the final over. The length of the ball was too full for Sai to try and clip across the line, and he missed. Salam is thrilledTristan Stubbs saved a six with an incredible effort•BCCIGT need 19, and it is down to Rashid19.1Mukesh Kumar to Rashid Khan, FOUR runsHelicoptered wide of long-on! He is deep in the crease, and whips it in Dhoni style, with the ball being in the slot on middle and off. Clearing his front leg helped too19.2Mukesh Kumar to Rashid Khan, FOUR runsSlashed to deep point! A one-bounce four this time, as Mukesh goes on a length, and wide of off. Rashid waits for it, and rams the slower ball away from his body in the gap11 off 419.3Mukesh Kumar to Rashid Khan, no runOhh, he has missed out on a full toss! And amid some mockery, it is a dot ball, and GT don’t lose a wicket! The ball is a slightly high-ish full toss outside off, and Rashid reviews with some hope. But it is not an above-waist full toss, as he swings and is beaten. There is a mix-up for a run or two after Pant misses too, but in the end, Rashid retains strike after sending Mohit back19.4Mukesh Kumar to Rashid Khan, no runAnother dot ball! Now Rashid will feel the pressure. It is a low, dipping full toss just outside off. He swipes across the line, but on the bounce to deep midwicket. They don’t run19.5Mukesh Kumar to Rashid Khan, SIX runsClobbered over long-off! Rashid takes it to the last ball of the match. Another full toss from Mukesh, and this is dipping on a fourth-stump line. Rashid squats, and sends it flying over the ropes5 off 1…19.6Mukesh Kumar to Rashid Khan, no runAnd GT don’t even run the single! Rashid swiped this on the bounce to long-on, where Stubbs jumped and got hold of the ball. It was yet another full toss from Mukesh, but the fact that it was quite low somehow worked in DC’s favour

On international debut at Commonwealth Games, Barbados draw on West Indies experience to beat Pakistan

Paul Muchmore29-Jul-2022Barbados may have been making their debut on the international stage tonight at the Commonwealth Games, but throughout their encounter with Pakistan, they showed they aren’t just in Birmingham to make up the numbers.With seven players capped previously by West Indies, six of them part of the squad that lifted the T20 World Cup trophy in 2016, perhaps it should be no surprise that they’ve beaten a full-member nation at their first attempt.The island nation leant heavily on that experience – all five players who batted have represented West Indies, and five of the six bowlers used were already international players. The other, Shanika Bruce, who bowled a solitary over, was the leading wicket-taker in the latest season of the T20 Blaze.Leading from the front in all departments was captain Hayley Matthews, the 24-year-old allrounder who anchored the Barbados innings with a 50-ball 51, bowled four tight overs, claiming 1 for 13, and effected two run-outs as Pakistan’s top order stumbled, with only Nida Dar threatening to take Pakistan close to Barbados’ total of 144 for 4.Related

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Matthews will take over the West Indies captaincy from Stafanie Taylor in their next series later this year, but the Commonwealth Games has given her an opportunity to make her international debut as skipper with a group of players she has led at domestic level since 2019. While she admitted there were nerves, she was delighted to put them behind her and get a first win under her belt.”It was electric, man,” she said, “I’m always really well supported by the Barbados team. We have a special bond within the group but I really can’t say much more, it was special, that’s for sure.”You could forgive Matthews for feeling the pressure a bit more when Deandra Dottin fell to Diana Baig on the fifth ball of the match, caught trying to clear the infield after flying out of the blocks in true Dottin style.While Matthews’ half-century – her first in T20 internationals since May 2019 – may have been the slowest of her career, she explained it was a conscious decision to try and bat deep with Kycia Knight, with whom she built a 107-run partnership off 98 balls. The pair drew on their time at the crease together in the West Indies domestic season in June, where they were the top two run-scorers in the Super50 Cup.”I think when we were out playing our domestic season, what we tried to focus on really hard as the top four core batting group was batting really deep in the innings and that showed today,” Matthews said.”Obviously, we wouldn’t necessarily have as much depth as we usually would and experience as we usually would within a West Indies team. So backing all the other players 100%, we know that our top four or five batters are our main ones that are looking to score most of the runs, and it was really good that we were able to spend some time at the crease and bat really deep today.”Hayley Matthews en route to fifty•Getty ImagesWhile Barbados’ less-experienced players may not have made their marks on the scorecard on this occasion, they displayed an energy in the field that made it hard for Pakistan to push for twos, building pressure leading to mistakes. Matthews was keen to big up their impact and importance to the team.”I think what’s really good as well is our young players, they really take in as much information as they can, try to learn as much as possible and that’s exactly what you want in a group,” she said. “I keep saying we have a really tight group with a lot of experience and a lot of a youth mix.”A key theme that has emerged throughout the lead-up to the Games has been the pride players are taking in being part of a wider multi-sport team and Matthews echoed that sentiment: “It’s really good to know that we’re represent something so much bigger now”.Barbados only have 65 athletes across all disciplines at Birmingham 2022, so the cricket team represents a large share of the nation’s interest in the event. They were cheered on at Edgbaston by the netball team and “so many people” from the Barbados Olympic Association. And Matthews is well aware that the support for her team will extend far beyond the borders of her own island.”It definitely is really special going out there representing Barbados with that badge on our shirt. But at the same time, we know the entire Caribbean is supporting us 100% and we’re playing for everyone out there.”One big backer for Matthews as she embarks on her journey as an international captain is Taylor.”She messaged me this morning actually to tell me, ‘all the best, take it stride by stride’, and she has been a fantastic captain for me and the West Indies team for the last couple of years and I know she’s always supporting me 100 percent,” Matthews said.Next up for Barbados is a much tougher proposition – T20 world champions Australia. Matthews was realistic about their chances – the only time in 13 attempts West Indies have beaten them was in the 2016 World Cup final – but she encouraged her side to go out there and play their natural game and give everything they’ve got.”Looking at Australia, we know the kind of class players and athletes that they have in their team,” she said. “But at the same time, I think it’s really good that we can go there with no pressure on us. No one’s looking for us to win the match and I think it’s going to give us a really good opportunity to be able to head out there and free up and play some natural cricket.”We have some very special players within our team mixed with some youth players that are really full of heart and full of pride and ready to just give everything so I think that combination could hopefully help us to pull off something special against Australia as well.”With one win already on the board, one surprise victory against Australia or India could take them into the semi-finals, giving them a shot at a spot on the medal podium. If their blend of experience and underdog spirit can carry them onwards, Barbados could become one of the feelgood stories of the Games.

Kuldeep and Prasidh set up the victory by sharing eight wickets between them

Sidharth Monga06-Dec-2025 • Updated on 08-Dec-2025KL Rahul resorted to spinning the coin with his left hand and finally won India a toss for the first time in their last 21 ODIs. They followed it up with a nine-wicket win to show what a challenge it had been for them to stay competitive and force a decider against South Africa, despite losing both the earlier tosses in this series.The beleaguered Prasidh Krishna began India’s turnaround, bowling Quinton de Kock after a sensational century. Kuldeep Yadav – playing with the dry ball for the first time in the series – then ran through the lower middle order to restrict South Africa to 270, after they would have entertained thoughts of 350 at various points in the innings.India penalised for slow over-rate

India’s players have been fined 10% of their match fees for their slow over-rate against South Africa in the second ODI in Raipur on December 3.

KL Rahul’s team was ruled to be two overs behind the target in match referee Richie Richardson’s estimation, and the team was penalised in accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC’s code of conduct for players.

The charge against India was levelled by on-field umpires Rod Tucker and Rohan Pandit, third umpire Sam Nogajski, and fourth umpire Jayaraman Madanagopal.

The low target allowed Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal to be measured in the initial overs, as the ball moved for longer and the dew appeared later than in the first two matches. Rohit shepherded Jaiswal in the early parts of his innings as the youngster found his tempo in a new format. However, Rohit didn’t stay long enough to watch him cruise to a maiden ODI hundred.In the end, the match wasn’t as simplistic as “win the toss, win the match” – it ebbed and flowed with a variety of conditions presenting themselves.Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana used the early moisture – perhaps a touch extra, to stop the pitch from drying out in the first innings – beautifully to tie South Africa down. Ryan Rickleton was opening, with Aiden Markram pushed down the order – to No. 5 – in Tony de Zorzi’s absence. Arshdeep took Rickleton’s edge in the first over. Rana followed it up with a maiden. India bowled three maidens in the first eight overs and only two edged boundaries from de Kock’s bat took South Africa to 25 for 1.Quinton de Kock brought up his seventh ODI ton against India•BCCIThe introduction of Prasidh, already under fire in this series, brought South Africa an opportunity to break free. De Kock took a special liking to him, pulling him for two sixes in his first two overs and playing the two shots of the day: an aerial extra-cover drive on the up for a six and one along the ground for four. Prasidh went for 27 in his first two, and runs started to flow in a 113-run stand between de Kock and Bavuma. The latter scored only 48 of those in 67 balls, which was more indicative of the conditions and the quality of bowling. De Kock, on the other hand, was already 63 off 55 at this point.The pitch had settled by now, and Matthew Breetzke took down the part-time spin of Tilak Varma, playing in place of Washington Sundar. By the end of the 26th over, the fifth-bowler combination of Prasidh and Tilak had leaked 56 runs from their five overs. De Kock was well on his way to a seventh century against India in just 23 innings. No one has scored more against India. Nor has any visiting batter scored more than his seven centuries in India.Related

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This is when, at 158 for 2, Prasidh started his second spell. His first over went for just two. Rana came on at the other end, with India desperate for a wicket. De Kock hit a four to take South Africa past a run a ball for the first time. In Prasidh’s next, Breetzke tried to get back to dominating him and made an error in judging length. He was out plumb lbw playing back and across the line to a ball hitting top of off. In the same over, Markram ended up chipping one to Virat Kohli, fielding close at short cover.Given the depth in their batting and the need to capitalise on the overs before the extra fielder went out for the last 10 overs, South Africa kept going. The run rate stayed up, but de Kock ended up playing all around a long half-volley from Prasidh, dismissed for 106 off 89 out of a score of 199 for 5 in 32.5 overs.Dewald Brevis and Marco Jansen kept attacking, but the return of Kuldeep brought new challenges. India needed to bowl five overs of spin in the last 14, which could have been tricky. However, Kuldeep was cherishing the dry ball for the first time this series as well as the older ball for the first time in his career, since the bowling side is now allowed to bowl with only one of the two balls after the 34th over.Brevis and Jansen were bullish in their response. They were not willing to play out Kuldeep, the leading wicket-taker in the series despite a predominantly wet ball in hand. When Kuldeep started the second over of this new spell, there had been 19 balls without a boundary. The extra fielder would go out in two overs as well. Aware of a big shot around the corner, Kuldeep kept tossing the ball wide and taking it away. Both of the batters holed out in the same over.Rohit Sharma celebrates with Kuldeep Yadav, who took four wickets•Associated PressKuldeep’s wizardry picked up two more wickets – only Adam Zampa has taken more hauls of four or more since Kuldeep’s debut – and Prasidh wiped off the last man.If South Africa had to compete in this defence, they needed early wickets. The ball moved around for Jansen and Lungi Ngidi, but seven wides in the first two overs and the occasional calculated strike from Rohit kept India in touch with the asking rate.Even as Jaiswal struggled, Rohit took the game on, charging and pulling Ngidi for a six and chipping Keshav Maharaj for a four against the turn. His trademark imperious pull made an appearance soon enough. While Jaiswal’s strike rate hovered around 50, Rohit got to his 94th score of 50 or more at a run a ball, buying Jaiswal time.It hasn’t been an ideal scenario for Jaiswal, filling in for the injured captain Shubman Gill. He was obligated to hit out in the first two ODIs as India strived for above-par scored to counter the toss disadvantage, but here, he could use the extra time and post a big score before Gill takes over again.The innings flowed smoothly after he reached 50 off 75 balls. He reached his hundred in just 36 more balls, becoming the sixth batter to be a centurion for India in all three formats. He batted with the two others in this chase. After Rohit fell 25 short of what would have been a 34th ODI hundred, Kohli displayed yet another upgrade to his game: he took his sixes tally to 12 – more than he has ever hit in a series before. He finished unbeaten on 65 off 45, as India won with more than 10 overs to spare.

Sunderland returned to Premier League action after the international break with a whimper, instead of a bang.

Indeed, Regis Le Bris’ men lost 1-0 away at Fulham, which doesn’t seem like the demoralising result on first glance. But, on another day, Marco Silva’s hosts could have run away with the clash as resounding winners, having notched up a colossal 23 shots, to the Black Cats’ meagre five.

Le Bris will hope his side can return to winning ways in the top-flight when AFC Bournemouth come to Wearside next, before December kicks into gear, which sees huge contests such as the Tyne-Wear Derby arrive on the jam-packed calendar.

Before you know it, the January transfer window will also reopen to give Sunderland an apt opportunity to improve their ranks, ahead of a tough second part of the season, with some high-profile names already being linked to the Stadium of Light.

Transfer latest at Sunderland

Sunderland were very busy in the summer before jumping up to the big time in the Premier League, with a whopping £162m forked out on the likes of Granit Xhaka and Robin Roefs.

Therefore, it isn’t the wildest shout to suggest they could break the bank again if a tempting move comes their way in January, with recent reports from Spain suggesting that the Black Cats could boost their forward line with the acquisition of Real Madrid hotshot Gonzalo Garcia.

The biggest rumour of them all comes in the form of Matteo Guendouzi, the former Arsenal midfielder who worked under Le Bris at Lorient.

Keith Downie reported last week that the Mackems boss has not ruled out a move for the Frenchman as they potentially go about bringing another former ex-Gunner to the Stadium of Light.

He isn’t the only Lazio midfielder catching the eye, with concrete rumours emerging involving the Premier League newcomers being in the hunt for Lazio outcast Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

As per reports from Italy, Sunderland are named as one suitor taking a look at the ex-Sheffield Wednesday midfielder this January, with the centre of the park a clear priority position to improve.

Sunderland will hope, even if a move for Guendouzi isn’t forthcoming, that they can still clinch a deal for Dele-Bashiru to leave Serie A behind, as Le Bris potentially works his magic on another diamond in the rough, much like he did with Wilson Isidor.

How Dele-Bashiru can be Le Bris' next Isidor

Isidor hasn’t had the smoothest career up to this point, even if he is now four Premier League goals down in Sunderland red and white.

Unfortunately, the 25-year-old attacker has had to bounce back from a lot of adversity already, so early into his playing days, with the Rennes-born striker never going on to score a senior goal for AS Monaco, before many loan moves to the likes of Lokomotiv Moscow came to fruition.

Thankfully, the nomadic marksman has now found a home that suits him in Wearside, after such a well-travelled career, with Dele-Bashiru’s career path looking very similar.

Like Isidor, the “special” midfielder as he’s been labelled in Nigeria, is well-travelled, having already played in countries such as Turkey and Italy, after failing to make the grade at Manchester City at youth level.

Much like Isidor, though, he has shone in the EFL previously – which is where the 6-foot-1 striker bagged 13 goals to seal Sunderland’s promotion out of the Championship – with seven goal contributions coming his way on the books of the Owls in League One, as a rising youngster in South Yorkshire.

The nine-time Nigeria international has also shone in spurts for Lazio, even if only four appearances have come his way this season, with five goals and three assists from 33 appearances perhaps standing him in good stead to acclimatise to the Premier League effortlessly, as Isidor has managed.

Away from possessing a similar eye for a goal and assist like his Rennes-born counterpart, Dele-Bashiru would also be a useful buy when you consider his versatility across his up-and-down career to date, with his Lazio teammate in Boulaye Dia even hailing him as a talent who “can do everything”, whether that be from a central role, down the flanks, or even as an unorthodox defender.

Dele-Bashiru’s career by position

Position

Games

Goals + Assists

CM

99

14 + 9

AM

41

7 + 6

RW

7

1 + 0

LW

7

2 + 1

RM

2

0

DM

2

0

RB

2

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Valued at around the £4.7m mark, which is the amount he officially joined Lazio for, this is a deal that would be really worth exploring, with Dele-Bashiru lining up across seven different positions during his bumpy career to date.

Isidor only cost around the £5m price range, as well, and in January, another Isidor-style deal could soon be wrapped up.

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The Black Cats could land another transfer coup in 2026.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Nov 21, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O Fluminense informou nesta terça-feira (23) que os atletas John Kennedy, Kauã Elias, Arthur e Aleksander foram afastados em razão de atos de indisciplina cometidos durante a concentração para o duelo diante do Vasco.

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➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Fluminense

Formados nas categorias de base do clube, os quatros jogadores não viajarão com o restante do elenco para o Paraguai, onde a equipe comandada pro Fernando Diniz encara o Cerro Portenõ, pela terceira rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Libertadores. Além disso, eles também estão fora do jogo contra o Corinthians, em São Paulo, pela quarta rodada do Brasileirão.

O quarteto convidou mulheres e organizou uma festa dentro da concentração. A movimentação incomodou algumas lideranças do elenco, que solicitaram a concentração justamente para evitar problemas extracampo. A informação foi inicialmente divulgada pelo Ge e confirmanda pelo Lance!.

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Com quatro pontos em duas partidas disputadas, o Fluminense lidera o grupo A da Libertadores. Na próxima quinta-feira (25), o Tricolor encara o Cerro Porteño às 19h (de Brasília), no Estádio La Nueva Olla, pela terceira rodada da fase de grupos da competição continental.

CONFIRA A NOTA DO FLUMINENSE

Os atletas John Kennedy, Kauã Elias, Arthur e Alexsander foram afastados em razão de atos de indisciplina cometidos na concentração do jogo contra o Vasco, e não viajarão hoje para a disputa da partida contra o Cerro Porteño, no Paraguai, e contra o Corinthians, em São Paulo.

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FluminenseFutebol NacionalJohn Kennedy

Everton have found goals hard to come by from their strikers under David Moyes this season, and they could now be set to target a clinical forward in January.

After a run of frustrating results, the Toffees knew that their clash against Fulham came with added pressure to claim three points in front of an expectant home crowd at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Cottagers had their fair share of chances, though Everton prevailed comfortably against Marco Silva’s men courtesy of goals from Idrissa Gana Gueye and Michael Keane.

Speaking post-match, Moyes made it clear that his side are keen to become more clinical to improve their Premier League position as they seek to add high-calibre stars similar to Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall as part of their long-term strategy.

“We don’t want to lose what we’ve had – desire, heart, commitment – but I think we had to try to find a way of getting a little bit better at certain things, and I think we have to build. Look, I trust the owners will help us in all the windows as we go forward and we’ll try to make things better as we go along.

“We need to get people believing in Everton like we do, like the supporters here do, and what we want us to be in the future. To do that we need to keep picking up the wins and attracting top players like Kiernan and Jack Grealish and players of that ilk. We need to keep attracting that level of players to come to the club.”

Still, their profligacy in the final third is a concern. Beto has netted just twice this campaign, while £27 million summer signing Thierno Barry has yet to score since arriving on Merseyside.

There is a feeling that Everton could be further up the table than their current mid-table predicament with a little more luck in front of goal, and they may now have identified a potent answer to their scoring problem.

Everton eyeing move for FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju

According to Football Insider, Everton are keen on FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju after his haul of 18 goals this term for the impressive Danish outfit.

Adding further context, Toffees officials were present to watch the Guinea-Bissau international against Celtic last week, where he expertly beat Kasper Schmeichel with a curled strike to seal a 3-1 victory for the hosts in the Europa League league phase, where they sit at the summit.

Clearly, there is a vast difference between Franculino and both of Everton’s current forwards when it comes to the sole measure of goals. Iliman Ndiaye leads the way for the Toffees with four strikes this season, though the fact that Michael Keane is their joint-second top scorer tells a story in itself.

Intriguingly, Moyes is reportedly keen to offload Beto in January and Barry may not be far behind him if his poor form continues, creating room for new reinforcements in mid-season.

Everton have also entered the race for a renowned European forward

Undoubtedly, the Toffees’ boss has made comments on Everton’s ambition at a telling time, and Franculino could well be an excellent solution amid his return of 51 goals in 98 appearances for his current employers.

Phoenix crawl to 122 as Rockets cruise home with 22 balls to spare

ECB Media08-Aug-2025

Trent Rockets kicked off their campaign in the Hundred men’s competition with an effortless victory over Birmingham Phoenix at Edgbaston.122 for 6 from the Phoenix never looked enough, and David Willey’s new-look Rockets side were led to a comfortable six-wicket victory by a strong bowling effort spearheaded by Lockie Ferguson (3 for 20) and a chase fronted by Tom Banton (42 from 29).Asked to bowl first, the Rockets attack made early inroads, removing Phoenix’s top three of Ben Duckett, Will Smeed and Aneurin Donald to leave the home side 24 for 3 after the 25-ball Powerplay.Rehan Ahmed swivels on the pull•Matt Lewis/ECB via Getty Images

Sam Cook’s brilliant work off his own bowling to run out Jacob Bethell left Phoenix reeling, but a defiant Liam Livingstone (39) and Joe Clarke (29) partnership led a rebuild. Livingstone played a captain’s knock, hitting three sixes in his 30-ball stay, while Clarke struggled for fluency; a brilliant set from Ferguson removed them both.Despite some tight Rockets death bowling, a couple of late blows from Dan Mousley and Benny Howell brought Phoenix closer to a respectable total.In reply, although Tim Southee (2 for 36) bowled Joe Root early on, the Rockets began aggressively against the trio of Kiwi quicks. Banton and Rehan Ahmed (25 from 16) struck some lusty blows to quickly bring the runs required to below a run-a-ball.Although Ahmed and Banton were both removed by Benny Howell (2 for 25), who was the pick of the Phoenix bowlers, Max Holden (22 from 13) led the Rockets comfortably home with 22 balls to spare.

Weather could have a say in what has shaped up as a blockbuster finish to the Headingley Test between England and India. The early-morning forecast for Leeds is of showers in the lead up to 11am local time (3.30pm IST) start and intermittent showers through the day thereafter, which, if it does come true, could mean a stop-start flow to the day.The game is tantalisingly poised after the two teams finished on an even keel after the first-innings exchanges, India first scoring 471 and England replying with 465, just six runs between them. India have since scored 364 in their second innings, leaving England a target of 371, of which they have shaved off 21 with a day to go. And 350 runs don’t seem too many in 90 overs for a team known to score quickly, come rain or shine.”[We will] just go for the win. That’s the clear message in the changing room,” Josh Tongue, who cleaned up India’s tail in the second innings for figures of 3 for 72, said after the fourth day. “It’s just [about] being as positive as we can. They’re going to bowl well at times tomorrow. It’s just crucial we soak up that bit of pressure and reapply it. I don’t see why we can’t chase that down.”All of which, in what promises to be overcast conditions at Headingley, will likely bring Jasprit Bumrah & Co into play in a big way.”There’s definitely going to be a result,” KL Rahul, century-maker in India’s second innings, said. “That’s what England have said very openly, and their style of cricket suggests that as well. It gives us a good opportunity to pick up ten wickets. We know how they’re going to come out and bat on day five.”The wicket today was a very tricky wicket: I spent a lot of time batting there and I didn’t feel set at all at any given stage. The wicket’s taken a beating, and tomorrow might break even more… We know their style of cricket, so [we’ll] try to keep that in the back of our heads and try to see what lines and lengths we can bowl and how we can get them out.”

Lamine Yamal has risked the wrath of Real Madrid supporters once again after the Barcelona forward sent out a defiant message ahead of the first Clasico of the season. Having already received scorn from the Blaugrana’s bitter rivals, the 18-year-old decided to prod them for a second time before Sunday’s mouth-watering fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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  In-form Barcelona and Real lead the way at the top of La Liga

  All eyes will be on Madrid this weekend when Barcelona and Real renew hostilities in La Liga. The Spanish giants have set the pace in 2025-26, occupying the top two spots in the table. Xabi Alonso’s Real sit at the summit after winning eight and losing one of their nine league games this term, while Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are second and just two points behind, having won seven from the same number of fixtures. The Catalan side drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano on 31 August, before losing 4-1 to Sevilla earlier this month.

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• Yamal stokes fire with tongue-in-cheek remark about Real

  While the fixture does not need any extra hype, extra spice has been added following pre-match comments from Yamal. Igniting controversy before a ball has been kicked, the wonderkid – speaking during a broadcast on Kings League – made tongue-in-cheek remarks about Real, which have not gone down well at the Bernabeu.

  In comments which went viral on social media, when asked by Ibai Llanos – owner of Kings League side Porcinos FC – whether his team reminded him of Real, Yamal said: “Yes, of course, they steal, they complain…”

  Prompting laughter from those on the stream, Llanos, a well-known Real supporter, immediately pushed back by asking: “Real Madrid steals?”

  Laughing nervously, Yamal then said: “Well, let’s see, let’s see.”

• AFP
  

  Spain star goes one step further with new social media post

  Not content with his cheeky remarks, Yamal has lit the touch paper once again by taking to social media to send a bold message before El Clasico. In a post on his Instagram stories, the Spain international uploaded a picture which sees him blurred out and a sea of angry Real supporters brought into focus. Yamal was victorious in all four Clasico fixtures last season as Barcelona defeated Real twice in La Liga, while they also got the better of their old foes in the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

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• Wonderkid on song as Barcelona downed Olympiacos in midweek

  Yamal and Barcelona head into Sunday’s Clasico in great spirits following their comprehensive 6-1 win over Greek side Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday. The winger recorded one goal and one assist as Flick’s side got back on track in Europe’s elite club competition, having suffered a late 2-1 defeat against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in their second fixture. Barcelona opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle on 18 September, with in-form forward Marcus Rashford scoring twice.

Manchester United fell to yet another defeat, losing 3-1 away to Premier League strugglers Brentford. The Red Devils were losing 2-1 at the break, and conceded their third late in the second half, 15 minutes or so after Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty to draw things level.

It was the perfect start for the Bees, with Igor Thiago continuing his fantastic start to the season. Eight minutes into the game, the Brentford number nine managed to get in behind United’s defence, on the end of a long ball from former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, before rifling a shot into the roof of the net via the post.

The 24-year-old found the back of the net once again 12 minutes later. This was much more of a poacher’s effort, with the striker getting on the end of Altay Bayindir’s save, before tapping home from the edge of the six-yard box.

Benjamin Sesko did pull a goal back for United to score his first as a Red Devils player. Their new number 30 showed great resilience in the penalty area to fight for a loose ball, which he ended up firing home.

After Fernandes missed from the spot with 15 minutes left of normal time, another excellent strike from midfielder Mathias Jensen secured the win. He finished off a counterattack from range to seal another forgettable day for United. Their captain, Fernandes, certainly struggled.

Fernandes’ performance vs. Brentford

It was certainly not a day when Fernandes covered himself in glory. The Red Devils skipper, who once again operated as one of the deepest midfielders, struggled to impact the game in the final third.

Of course, he also missed a golden chance from the spot to equalise. It was not the best penalty by someone so often very reliable from 12 yards, with Brentford goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher diving low to his left and pushing the ball away.

As for Fernandes’ numbers from the game, the experienced Portuguese midfielder only created one chance, which is certainly not like him. He lost possession of the ball 18 times and only won 50% of his duels.

Goal journalist Richard Martin was critical of the United captain after his efforts in West London. He gave the Red Devils number eight a 4/10 rating, who did not have any positives to give after Fernandes’ efforts at the Gtech Community Stadium.

As bad as Fernandes was against the Bees, one man arguably put in an even worse performance.

The United player worse than Fernandes

It was another hugely disappointing result for Ruben Amorim, who will surely come under pressure, given he has yet to win back-to-back games in the Premier League. However, all the blame cannot go to him. Fernandes was unlucky to miss the penalty, but one man was at fault for Brentford’s opener.

That man was one of United’s most experienced players, Harry Maguire. The England international kept his place in the side after last weekend’s win at Old Trafford, but was a large reason why Thiago scored the opener in the way he did, and should never start again in the league under Amorim.

The Brazilian was able to get in behind United’s defence, but it was their number five, Maguire, who didn’t step up with the other two centre-backs. That kept the striker onside, and from there, he was always going to struggle to catch up with him bearing down on goal, which is a theme for him as the last man in the backline.

Football content creator Terry Flewers said the defender was “shocking” for the second goal, too. That could be said about his overall performance, as the stats suggest. Maguire lost his only ground duel and gave possession away seven times, as well as the blunder for Brentford’s opener.

Touches

39

Pass accuracy

81%

Passes completed

25/31

Number of times ball lost

7

Long balls completed

1/5

Ground duels won

0/1

Martin also gave the former Red Devils captain a 4/10 for his performance against the Bees. The Goal journalist said he “did everything wrong” for the home side’s opening goal, before noting he was substituted in the 66th minute.

With Leny Yoro, who replaced Maguire, knocking on the door to start, it is hard to see how he can keep his place in the lineup for United’s next game at home to Sunderland. He certainly did not leave a good impression today, with a huge blunder that allowed the Bees to score.

Amorim might well decide to drop Maguire from the starting lineup next Saturday. Fernandes’ miss from the penalty spot was unlucky, but Maguire’s two errors were certainly worse and meant United had an uphill battle, being 2-0 down at one point.

Ahead of Mainoo: Man Utd ace was heir to #18 shirt, then he left for £857k

Man Utd may wish they’d kept hold of this midfield star.

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 26, 2025

That is why the £80m signing from Leicester City should never start again under Amorim in the Premier League, because his lack of mobility at the back makes him too easy to get chances against for opposition players.