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India chase down the target of 100 with 38 balls to spare to improve their net run rate

S Sudarshanan31-Jul-2022India strengthened their dominance over Pakistan in women’s cricket, inflicting a tenth defeat over their neighbours in twelve T20 internationals with an eight-wicket win during their Commonwealth Games clash at Edgbaston on Sunday.In a game that began 55 minutes late owing to on-and-off drizzle and was reduced to 18 overs per side, Pakistan were bowled out for 99 after they opted to bat. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma then made short work of the chase with a 61-run opening partnership to help India pick up their first win in the competition.The victory with 38 balls to spare helped India improve their net run rate to 1.17 from -0.56 after their loss against Australia, while Pakistan’s slid to -1.77 from -0.75, inching them ever so close to an early exit.The gallop to the victory
Chasing 100, Mandhana and Shafali got going against Anam Amin’s spin. Mandhana slinked down the track to smash Amin over mid-on for a six before hitting a full toss past mid-on for four. Mandhana then followed up with three fours in Diana Baig’s next over.Shafali hit Amin for a four and a six in her next over as India raced to 41 in four overs. When the left-right combo took 16 off the last over of the powerplay, bowled by Fatima Sana, they had galloped to 52 for no loss – their seventh fifty-plus partnership in 31 innings.Tuba Hassan was welcomed with a four each by Mandhana and Shafali before the latter feathered an edge to the wicketkeeper. An over later, Mandhana charged to hit Hassan straight over her head to bring up her 15th T20I half-century.Even though Pakistan dismissed S Meghana, Mandhana took India home in the 12th over. She finished unbeaten on 63, her best score in the format against Pakistan and her third fifty-plus score in T20Is in England.Pakistan’s base goes waste
Pakistan’s start with the bat was shaky. Renuka Singh, fresh from a four-wicket haul in the opening game against Australia, began with a maiden over that had Muneeba Ali in a tangle. At the other end, Meghna Singh managed to catch the outside edge of Iram Javed’s poking blade to jolt Pakistan early.But Bismah Maroof and Muneeba steadied the innings with a fifty-run stand for the second wicket. Muneeba was the aggressor, scoring back-to-back fours off Renuka before hitting Meghna for a four – via a top edge – and a majestic six over deep midwicket. Using singles to keep the scorecard moving, Muneeba and Maroof’s scoring pace increased and their alliance got to fifty in just 40 balls. And then it was stalled.Rana turns it around
Sneh Rana had been rested from India’s tour of Sri Lanka in late June and she used the time to work on her fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. She was not picked for the game against Australia but came back into the XI against Pakistan, replacing Rajeshwari Gayakwad.After a quiet first over in which she had both the left-hand batters in a tangle, Rana first trapped Maroof lbw – the Pakistan captain wasted a review too – and a couple of deliveries later, she deceived a set Muneeba with flight and dip to have her caught and bowled. Pakistan were 51 for 3 after nine overs.Ayesha Naseem came in at No. 5 in the absence of Nida Dar, who missed the match with a concussion, and showed a glimpse of why she is highly rated. Using her quick hands, she pulled a length ball from Radha Yadav through midwicket for four. But her attempt at hitting Renuka over cow corner was caught by Jemimah Rodrigues running in from the deep.Radha and Shafali’s spin then managed to keep the rest of the batting quiet as Pakistan lost their last five wickets for three runs in just eight balls to fold for 99.It was never going to be enough.

Ipswich Town have received four permanent offers to sell a versatile forward in the January transfer window, according to a new report.

Ipswich Town transfer rumours

Kieran McKenna and the Tractor Boys completed their second winter window signing on Wednesday evening, with Jaden Philogene following Ben Godfrey through the Portman Road door.

The winger has signed on a permanent transfer from Premier League rivals Aston Villa and put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year deal.

Talking after completing his move, Philogene said: “I’m excited to be here and I know there are great players in the squad. I just want to play as much as possible. As a player I like to dribble and link up play and provide goals and assists. I’m looking forward to it.”

Ipswich can finally move on from Burns by signing "explosive" £30m star

Ipswich Town have been linked with an interest in the Scotland international this month.

1 ByDan Emery Jan 15, 2025

McKenna has hinted that attention will now turn to outgoings, with a loan exit for full-back Harry Clarke a possibility. “There’s a possibility that Harry Clarke will go out on loan. Me and Harry have had those conversations. He’s an important player for us, a very good player. He played through some injury at the back end of last season and had a big surgery in the summer, so he’s missed a few months of football.

“He’s had some minutes now in the Premier League, some exposure. But of course, for his age, as a young defender, it’s important to be getting minutes regularly for his progression and his role at the club. If everything is in a good place in the squad over the next week or two from an availability point of view, then there’s a chance that Harry will go out on loan to get some regular playing time, to keep pushing with his development.”

Permanent exits for some players who are still on the books at Portman Road may also be a possibility, though. Middlesbrough have had a bid turned down for loanee George Edmundson, with Ipswich open to selling at the right piece with the defender out of contract in the summer.

Ipswich Town receive 4 bids for versatile forward

Now, another Ipswich Town player is wanted in a full-time January transfer window exit after impressing out on loan. According to The 17, four clubs have made permanent bids to sign Ipswich Town attacker Osman Foyo.

The 20-year-old has been catching the eye out on loan with Chelmsford City in the National League South which has alerted League One side Crawley Town and League Two trio AFC Wimbledon, Port Vale and Colchester United.

The report states that all our clubs have made permanent bids for Foyo and he is set to join one of the sides ‘in the next 10 days with offers lodged and talks over personal terms taking place’.

Foyo scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 21 National League South games for Chelmsford City, so it’s easy to see why he has caught the eye of a number of EFL outfits.

A versatile forward who can play on the right-wing, left-wing or as an attacking midfielder, Foyo was previously on the books of rivals Norwich City before moving to Ipswich in 2023, as per Transfermarkt.

Now, it looks as if he will depart Portman Road for good without making a single first-team appearance under McKenna.

GOAL takes a look at which American players are playing the best near the end of the European season and with the Gold Cup coming this summer

The CONCACAF Gold Cup is less than two months away, with two international friendlies in June fast approaching. For U.S. men's national team players hoping to earn a call-up, this stretch is crucial. After a disappointing Nations League campaign in March, the USMNT needs a strong response – and that starts with individual players stepping up.

In England, both Josh Sargent and Haji Wright are in fantastic form in the Championship. Sargent is leading front line and is their second-top scorer with 15 goals, and has been scoring for fun lately in the second division. Wright, meanwhile, looks like a new player under the leadership of Frank Lampard as he spearheads the promotion playoff push.

In the Premier League, Tyler Adams has become a mainstay in Bournemouth's midfield in recent months as Andoni Iraola's men search for European football in 2025-26 as the campaign nears a close.

Christian Pulisic, meanwhile, is doing what he can to lead AC Milan to glory this season – but has been surrounded by inconsistency both on the pitch and on the touchline, and it's hit both him and the hard in recent weeks.

Stateside, defender Tim Ream is flourishing under Dean Smith with Charlotte FC. Playing as a left back or left center back, the 36-year-old does not look like he's anywhere near ready to hang up his boots for club or country.

From established USMNT starters to those pushing for a breakthrough, these are the American stars thriving at the club level. This is not a ranking of the best players, overall, but rather a snapshot of who is showing the best form at the moment. GOAL takes a look in this recurring feature tracking the pulse of U.S. talent worldwide.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images Sport5Christian Pulisic – AC Milan

Pulisic, by all accounts, has been AC Milan's best player in the 2024-25 season – and it's not particularly close, either. However, he hasn't been at his best of late – even if he remains a bright spot in otherwise disappointing season for the storied club.

Since returning from the CONCACAF Nations League, he's recorded two assists across all competitions in five appearances – all of which were starts. He's hit a scoring drought, though. His last goals came ahead of the March tournament when he bagged in back-to-back Serie A matches – and even with the U.S. in March, he went without any goal contribution in the two-match span.

The in general, have been in a slump, too, with just one win across those five matches. Their schedule hasn't been friendly, with the likes of Napoli, Inter, Atalanta, and Fiorentina all on the plate in recent weeks, but the club – and Pulisic – are in a state of stagnation at the moment.

The U.S. will need their talisman to step it up to an even higher level as the campaign comes to a close, as they'll be relying on him immensely this summer at the Gold Cup to help them get their first win since 2021. At the club level, with Serie A and a top-four Champions League spot already out of reach, all the have left to compete for is the Coppa Italia title – and they meet Inter in leg two of the semifinals on Wednesday. Winning that trophy would secure a ticket to the Europa League next season.

Over the past month, he hasn't been at his best, but Pulisic is still performing at an incredibly high level with nine goals and eight assists in Serie A this season. Expectations are, though, that he meets a slightly higher standard than where he sits right now.

AdvertisementGetty4Josh Sargent – Norwich City

Since returning from the Nations League, Sargent has scored three goals in six games. The U.S. striker has shown versatility in front of net all three times, scoring first with his left boot and then two times with his right. He's become an incredible poacher of a striker at the Championship level, though the have struggled overall of late. Winless in their last five matches, they're not bound for promotion – or even a playoff spot – after a tough stretch.

At the March break, they were in pole position to contend for a playoff spot, but recent struggles will have them confirmed to be competing in the Championship next season once again. Manager Johannes Hoff Thorup was sacked on Tuesday, and former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has been promoted to interim manager through the remainder of the campaign as a result.

Sargent, though, has been one of the lone bright spots around the club of late. He's stood out in the final third, and really shown that even though his team might be underperforming, he can still shine.

Although his scoring drought with the USMNT is a drastic one, dating back to 2019, he is the most in-form striker available to the U.S. at the moment. His season total in England is up to 15 goals and five assists in Championship play – and even though Norwich will be in the Championship next season, he may not be. The 24-year-old has been touted for a move to the top flight of England, or even elsewhere in Europe, as he gears up for the next steps of his career.

The lone question around him is if he can replicate it on the international stage, but at the same time, there's no denying he has been clinical in front of goal this season.

Getty3Tyler Adams – Bournemouth

The are flying at the moment, and a big part of that is due to Adams. They sit eighth in the Premier League on 49 points, and are still actively in the hunt for European soccer next season. There are multiple scenarios where an eighth-place finish could see them secure European competition next season, depending on the winners of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference league this season. That hope itself is keeping their incredible season alive.

“We definitely don't want to get too ahead of ourselves. I think it's playing at [RB] Leipzig for four years and understanding what it takes to qualify for the Champions League every year and how enduring that challenge is,” he explained on the podcast this past week.

"I know what it requires to get to that point. You can't look ahead at games because I think when you start chasing results, that's when it becomes a little bit tricky and things slip up," he added. "So, again, we need to focus on good individual performances, collectively achieving the basics in what we've found to be successful. And then I think then you're looking at big-term goals. But if you look too far ahead of it, I think you slip up."

The U.S. captain has logged 1,530 minutes for the club this season, and since the flip of the calendar year, has locked in his midfield role. However, they hit a rough patch of form in February into early March – but have turned it around in recent weeks with a big win over Fulham, and draws against West Ham and Crystal Palace. Adams was crucial in all three games, specifically in their Fulham clash, where he played 90 minutes, locking down the middle of the park in a tight 1-0 win.

With everything on the line for 2025-26, he's stepped up in recent weeks while taking a leadership role on the pitch. If it pays off, it could earn the European football next year.

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Getty Images Sport2Haji Wright – Coventry City

Ahead of a promotion playoff push to the Premier League, Coventry City are benefiting from the resurgence of a red-hot Wright. The 26-year-old winger has scored five times since returning from injury in March, bringing his season total to 11 goals and one assist.

He recorded a hat-trick against Sunderland that month, then followed it up with a powerful finish in a narrow 2-1 loss to league leaders Burnley, who clinched promotion to the Premier League on Monday. Wright has made the most of his late-season opportunities and appears to be thriving under the guidance of Frank Lampard.

"Haji has a laid back way, which is his nature, but he wasn't laid back on the pitch today," Lampard said after his hat-trick in March. "And I have to say the way he moved and the way he won the penalty was high-level stuff from him. As long as he gets his off-the-ball work and transition work right, which he did today, I'm happy. He can play like that, he can run into space, he can hold it up and he can move with it, so yes, I loved his performance.”

Wright made his international debut under Mauricio Pochettino last October, assisting against Panama and coming off the bench in a loss to Mexico. Since then, injuries have kept him out of every senior team camp. But with the U.S. struggling during the March window, he could be a candidate to return this summer, either in the CONCACAF Gold Cup or the two June friendlies.

For the U.S., a striker in form is more than welcome. Wright might just be the answer to some of the problems that emerged last month.

Everton are now eyeing a potential late move for a Premier League striker instead of the heavily linked Hamza Igamane, according to a new report, as they look to furnish David Moyes with additional firepower as he battles relegation.

Moyes makes instant impact

Taking over from Sean Dyche earlier in January, David Moyes has made an instant impact at Everton. Though they were narrowly beaten by Aston Villa in his first Premier League game back in the dugout, back-to-back wins over Tottenham and Brighton have helped move the Toffees well clear of the relegation zone.

As it stands, they sit seven points clear of the drop, and face Leicester City in a relegation six-pointer next as they look to continue to pull away from the sides below them in what remains of the Premier League season.

However, any hopes that a change in manager would see plenty of goals at Goodison Park remain reliant on new signings, with the Toffees still the second-lowest scorers in the division despite putting three past Spurs 10 days ago.

Everton want 2 more signings including "brilliant" 13-goal Rangers attacker

This could be music to David Moyes’ ears.

1 ByHenry Jackson Jan 28, 2025

Speaking after his takeover, Moyes admitted he felt the club needed more in attack, telling the media: “We will definitely need to do something and find ways to try and act in some way if we can.

“But in the same breath, if it is not going to improve it, there is no point wasting your money so we have to get and get that option of someone who is better than what we have got.”

Iliman Ndiaye

5

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

3

Dwight McNeil

3

Michael Keane

2

Ashley Young

2

In a cruel twist of fate, two of the club’s top goalscorers are unavailable to David Moyes after Dominic Calvert-Lewin picked up a hamstring injury, with Dwight McNeil already absent with a knee problem. The Toffees have strongly been linked with a move for Rangers striker Hamza Igamane, and have been tipped to complete the signing before the winter window closes after Calvert-Lewin joined Armando Broja on the sidelines with injury.

However, they are not alone in their admiration, with Tottenham also among those keeping a close eye on the Moroccan, which could make a deal altogether more tricky, while Rangers are unlikely to want to sell midway through the season, which could see Everton priced out of a move.

Now, a fresh report from Italy has revealed another potential transfer target for the Toffees, in the form of a current Premier League striker.

Everton want "outstanding" forward

That is according to Italian outlet TuttoSport, who mention Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi in relation to any potential late move for Beto. Beto has been linked with a return to Serie A for much of the January transfer window, but is currently Everton’s only fit forward and would certainly need at the very least replacing before he is allowed to depart.

As per the report, Awoniyi has found his way onto Everton’s radar in the final days of the transfer window as they look for reinforcement, with the forward having struggled for game time at the City Ground owing largely to the form of Chris Wood.

Hailed as “outstanding” after his arrival in the Midlands, he has managed just 158 minutes across 18 substitute appearances this season and now Everton are considering a move to offer him more regular football leading the line at Goodison Park, while his £50,000 a week wages would be unlikely to be a problem.

It remains to be seen whether Forest would sanction his exit so late in the transfer window, but should Igamane prove too difficult to obtain, the Toffees focus could well switch to the Nigerian forward.

So far, he has won three Test caps and four in ODIs, and would be a like-for-like replacement for Mark Wood

Matt Roller25-Sep-2022Olly Stone looks set to make his T20I debut for England in the fourth game against Pakistan on Sunday night in Karachi. Stone, 28, has won three Test caps and four in ODIs, and is expected complete his set as England look to take a 3-1 lead to Lahore.He would be England’s third T20I debutant on this tour after Luke Wood and Will Jacks. Jordan Cox and Tom Helm are the other uncapped players in the 20-man squad.Related

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Stone has not played professional cricket since July due to a finger injury but has been bowling with good pace in the nets since arriving in Pakistan. He had also impressed in the T20 Blast this summer, taking 13 wickets in ten appearances.The skiddy pitches that England have encountered at Karachi’s National Stadium should suit his bowling, as he is also one of the few bowlers to have dismissed Harry Brook on this tour, knocking back his off stump in one of England’s first net sessions.Stone would be a like-for-like replacement for Mark Wood, who is due to play once in Karachi and twice in Lahore on this tour as England look to manage his return from an elbow injury. Wood admitted to feeling “rank” after taking 3 for 24 in the third T20I on Thursday, his first professional appearance since March.”Having that long lay-off all summer, last night I felt really tired after four overs,” he said. “It’s probably about peaking in Australia [during the T20 World Cup], and not blowing a gasket now and being niggly or not at my best then.”

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery will be kept busy over the next few days, especially as the January transfer window closes on Monday evening.

Will the Spaniard add any more players to his squad? With Jhon Duran’s departure imminent, another attacking option would certainly go down a treat with the supporters.

Donyell Malen has already moved to the Midlands, but Emery doesn’t appear to be content with just one signing, that’s for sure.

A raid on another Premier League club may well be in the works and, if successful, it could turn out to be a smart move indeed…

Aston Villa weighing up move for Premier League star

Duran’s departure to Saudi Arabia will leave a glaring hole in Villa’s attack. With that in mind, The Athletic has reported that Manchester United’s wantaway star, Marcus Rashford, is a potential target, with the club ‘in talks’ regarding a late deal at the request of Emery.

According to the Guardian, however, the Midlands side are also weighing up a move for another Premier League star, in the form of Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman Matheus Cunha.

Nottingham Forest have also shown interest in the Brazilian, while Arsenal have regularly been linked with a move for the Wolves gem. Could Villa beat them both to his signature?

It could take a fee of around £70m for Emery to land the former Atlético Madrid gem, which may prove to be a stumbling block. If he does sign, Cunha could form a wonderful partnership with Ollie Watkins.

Matheus Cunha’s season in numbers

It is no secret that Watkins hasn’t enjoyed the most productive of campaigns, scoring 11 goals across 32 matches, which is a far cry from his form during 2023/24.

Having a player like Cunha operating directly behind him could supercharge the English striker, making him unplayable between now and the end of the season.

Metric

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

Goals

2

12

10

Assists

0

7

4

Big chances created

1

7

11

Successful dribbles per game

1.5

2

1.9

Key passes per game

0.4

0.9

1.7

If it weren’t for Cunha, Wolves would have next to no hope of retaining their Premier League status for next term. In 22 top-flight games, the 25-year-old has scored ten goals while recording four assists. The aforementioned Rashford, for instance, has scored just four league goals in 2024/25, and only 11 league goals in total since the start of last season.

Hailed as a “monster” by his Molineux teammate Joao Gomes, Cunha has also contributed in other ways. Aside from his goal contributions, the Brazilian has also created an impressive 11 big chances and succeeded with 1.9 dribbles while averaging 1.7 key passes per game for the Old Gold in the Premier League.

These qualities have certainly caught the eye and if Wolves do suffer relegation this season, there is no doubt Cunha will remain in the top flight.

When compared to his positional peers in the top flight, the Wolves’ dynamo currently ranks in the top 10% for total shots (3.38) and non-penalty goals (0.5), while also ranking in the top 18% for successful take-ons (2.07) and in the top 14% for passes into the final third (3.43) per 90.

These latter two metrics will be of excellent use to Watkins, who could thrive by racing onto Cunha’s through balls while getting on the end of any crosses he delivers after successfully beating defenders on the wing.

With the last-16 of the Champions League to come, plus FA Cup and Premier League games to focus on, Emery would be enhancing his squad should he fend off competitors to land Cunha’s signature. He may not come cheap, but the Brazilian would be the perfect Rashford alternative.

Aston Villa open late talks to sign "great" UCL winner in Coutinho repeat

He’d certainly steal headlines…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 31, 2025

The six franchises have signed between two and five players already, and can have a maximum of 17 players in their line-up

Firdose Moonda31-Aug-2022CSA’s new franchise-based T20 league has been named “SA20”, Graeme Smith, the tournament commissioner, announced in a press interaction on Wednesday. He also confirmed that the player auction for the inaugural season, to be played in January-February 2023, will be held on September 19.The six teams – all owned by groups that own teams in the IPL – have already signed between two and five players apiece from a pool of marquee players as part of the direct-acquisition process. The franchises have an overall purse of US$2 million and can buy as many more players as they can, or want, with the maximum squad strength set at 17.Related

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The money available to them at the auction will be based on what is left of the purse after acquiring the pre-auction players [the five included a maximum of three overseas players, one a South African international, and one an uncapped South African player]. In total, franchises will be permitted to sign up to seven international players and ten South Africans, with a view to fielding an XI with a maximum of four internationals and seven South Africans, the same format as in the IPL.The tournament’s fixtures will be revealed soon and will comprise 33 matches, with each team playing the others home and away, two knockout matches, and a final. Sub-Saharan African broadcasters , who own a 30% share in the tournament, also have the rights to broadcast it on the African continent but CSA are in the market for international broadcasters. They are also in discussions to ensure South Africans who only have access to free-to-air television will have some way of keeping in touch with the event, with everything from radio coverage to delayed television broadcasts up for discussion.The league is currently working through player registrations and will present the franchises with a shortlist of candidates ahead of the auction.Smith said they had received an “immense amount” of interest from players, both local and overseas, despite the calendar congestion. The SA20 will clash with both the Australian BBL and the UAE’s ILT20 as well as the BPL in Bangladesh. While the ILT20 will rely on a majority of internationals, the BBL has a similar structure to the SA20 [with a maximum of three internationals in each XI]. Player overlaps between tournaments might become inevitable.To deal with clashing contractual obligations, Smith met with organisers of the ILT20, and the two players signed to both the BBL and SA20 – Liam Livingstone and Rashid Khan – have made themselves available for only part of the BBL, because they had signed with CSA first.”The Big Bash has created a different structure where they have allowed players to play for a portion of the Big Bash. The players that have signed for our league will be there [Australia] for the first couple of days of January and then they will come across to South Africa,” Smith said. “They will be here when their team owners require them in South Africa. They will be available fully for the South African league.”

“It’s going to bring financial support that hopefully will benefit all forms of the game in South Africa and keep us relevant in the international game. We don’t see it as an issue for Test cricket. We see it as an issue of growing South African cricket and keeping it strong”Graeme Smith, SA20 commissioner

The headlines have obviously been grabbed by the big international names, but the CSA’s focus is also on developing local players.”We’ve been able to attract some big international names to our league. You can see in the pre-signing with Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone and the like. We’ve got some real quality but the difference for us is that we focus on South African talent as well,” Smith said. “There will be 60 or 70 SA players on a global platform with their storylines. We’ve seen how that’s benefitted Indian cricket in the IPL and it’s gone to benefit their all-format cricket. We are hoping we will be able to create the same in South Africa.”The SA20, however, has been cited as one of the main reasons for CSA downscaling on Tests in the next FTP, in which South Africa play no Test series of three or more matches in the 2023-2025 World Test Championship cycle.With the prime summer period in January-February now occupied by the SA20, and the IPL due to start in mid-March, South Africa’s Test – and by extension their first-class – window will have to be earlier in the season, in September-December. And concerns around the quality of the red-ball game have already been expressed.However, Smith, also South Africa’s most successful Test captain, does not see the league as having a negative effect on the longer format.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”These are things everyone grapples with in the international game – the growth of T20 and trying to understand how all the formats fit in. It’s an interesting debate and discussion going forward,” he said. “Every year, South Africa has played a T20 tournament. Now it’s just got to a level that elevates it to a standard that we see across the world.”It will bring a lot of expertise into our game. It’s going to bring financial support that hopefully will benefit all forms of the game in South Africa and keep us relevant in the international game. We don’t see it as an issue for Test cricket. We see it as an issue of growing South African cricket and keeping it strong.”CSA will try not to have any international matches when the SA20 is on, but in the first year, it will coincide with three ODIs against England. The matches were postponed from late 2020 and form part of the World Cup Super League. South Africa lie outside the automatic qualification zone and will forfeit points to Australia in January 2023 – they are not playing those matches because it would clash with the league. So they cannot afford not to host England.In subsequent years, the FTP sees some fixture clashes with the SA20, such as an England tour in early 2026, but schedules may be tweaked to allow CSA to keep the league window free.CSA also intends to launch a women’s version of the SA20 in the future, but have not been able do it from the outset because of the T20 World Cup, which will be held in South Africa in February 2023. “It’s 100% in our plans,” Smith said. “In year one, with the Women’s World Cup starting directly post the new league, it wasn’t viable. It’s definitely in our plans to begin one as soon as possible.”

Jules Kounde has delivered a hilarious response to a video that emerged on social media of him running in the middle of the road "like a mad man".

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Kounde filmed running in the rainDelivers hilarious responseJokes he was running "like a mad man"Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The clip was posted on X on Friday, showing the Barcelona full-back running in front of a car in the pouring rain. Kounde has reposted the clip, claiming he does not have a clue what he was doing.

AdvertisementWHAT KOUNDE SAID

Kounde said: "Wth [what the hell] is going on right here?! I have so many questions. Why was i running? No idea. Where was i running ? No clue. Why was i running through the rain, with the FCB polo on ,in the middle of the streets like a mad man??? Like i owe somebody money. Please don’t do that. Be responsible."

Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The clip was originally posted in response to a video of Barca boss Hansi Flick highlighting Kounde's form. Flick said: "The problem with Jules Kounde? That when I want to take 30 minutes to give him rest, the next day he goes to Sitges to run. So I prefer you to run them on the field. He's in a fantastic state of form."

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WHAT NEXT FOR KOUNDE?

Kounde is next set to feature in Saturday's La Liga clash at home to Osasuna, with his side sitting four points clear at the top of the table. They will also kick off their Champions League semi-final against Inter later this month.

Queensland’s openers needed 16 runs from three overs when the umpires called of play due to bad light.

AAP21-Oct-2022Umpire Greg Davidson determine the light was not good enough•Getty ImagesIt was so close and yet so far for Queensland in a drama-charged final session when bad light robbed them of Sheffield Shield victory against NSW with three overs remaining.Queensland’s openers needed 26 runs to win from the final five overs at Sydney’s Drummoyne Oval in what seemed like a formality. Joe Burns and Matt Renshaw polished off 10 of them in two overs before the umpires took the players off due to the light reading at 6.34pm AEDT.Bulls captain Usman Khawaja came onto the field to ask the umpires why they could not continue as the Blues players swiftly made their way to their dressing room delighted to have secured a draw.The bails were flicked off the stumps by umpires Greg Davidson and Simon Lightbody minutes later to bring an end to an extraordinary day’s play.Related

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When legspinner Mitchell Swepson removed Nathan Lyon to dismiss the Blues for 256, victory had seemed assured.Queensland allrounder Michael Neser summed up the mood in the camp.”It is not the result we wanted. We fought so hard throughout the game,” he said. “We were so close to that win. If we could have [bowled NSW out] a couple of overs sooner it might have been a different result.”NSW batter Moises Henriques was left stranded on 99 after featuring in two match-saving stands.”We were just doing our best to stay out there for as long as we could,” Henriques said of his resistance.Henriques and Matthew Gilkes (48) batted through most of the first two sessions, which included a break for rain, in a 112-run stand. With Henriques at the crease NSW went to tea on 5 for 211 before the game took a roller coaster turn.Pacemen Neser and Mark Steketee then captured 3 for 2 in the space of 12 deliveries with Joe Burns taking two diving catches at slip and wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson snaring one of his own to remove Sean Abbott, Baxter Holt and Ben Dwarshius.Chris Tremain (5 off 68 balls) combined with Henriques to hold up Queensland for 27 overs in a 39-run ninth-wicket stand that was ultimately decisive.

Transfer deadline day was a quiet time for Manchester United.

Ruben Amoirm’s side did not make any last-minute additions to their squad, although did miss out on signing Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich on loan. He ended up at Tottenham Hotspur, who have a £45m buy option. Rumour has it, that United did not want to spend the £5m loan fee Bayern wanted.

However, they did bring in a couple of defensive additions earlier in the window. One of those signings was Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. The Hale End academy graduate cost an undisclosed compensation fee, with his contract expiring in the summer.

The other defensive signing United made was to bring Patrick Dorgu to the club.

Why Man United signed Dorgu

Whilst, technically, this was a defensive signing, left wing-back Dorgu will add some much-needed attacking impetus at wing-back in Ruben Amorim’s back three system. It is an area they have struggled in this season, hence the £25m addition of the Dane from Serie A side Lecce.

If there is one thing Dorgu will bring to Old Trafford, it is that quality in the final third. His record this season for Lecce proves that, given he has three goals and one assist in 21 Serie A appearances this term.

Impressively, the 20-year-old Denmark international, who is a teammate of United stars Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen, scored on his debut for the national team. His strike, against Switzerland in September, was a well-drilled effort with his right foot to the near post.

The addition of Dorgu, for what is a fair price in the current transfer market, will add a new dynamic and attacking threat to the United side that they simply did not have at left wing-back previously.

However, looking back, there was a former United star who could have perhaps done a brilliant job as a left-wing back and saved them millions on their new January signing.

The star Man United should not have sold

The player in question here is former left-back, Alex Telles. He joined United on deadline day in October 2020, making a £15.4m move from Portuguese side FC Porto with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was United’s manager at the time of the signing, describing him as “a fighter and a winner” upon joining.

In total, Telles notched up 50 appearances in the famous red shirt of United. He managed seven assists in that time, which included four in the Premier League during his second season.

Games

24

26

Minutes

1761

2026

90s

19

22

G/A

3

5

The Brazilian also scored one goal during his time at Old Trafford, coming in the Champions League against Villarreal. It was a strike that perfectly demonstrated his technical quality, volleying a free-kick from Bruno Fernandes back across goal and into the back of the net.

Although he did not stay at United long, Telles put in some solid contributions, and for the money that was spent on the Brazilian, he proved his worth. However, he did not stay at Old Trafford long under Erik ten Hag.

The Brazilian was first loaned out to Sevilla in the 2022/23 campaign, the Dutchman’s first season in charge, before making a permanent move away the following summer. Telles went to Saudi Arabia to join up with former United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.

Just one season later, the Brazilian was on the move again. Now 32 years of age, Telles finds himself playing back in his homeland, for Botafogo. He has made 18 appearances for the club so far and has one goal and one assist.

Looking back on it, perhaps Amorim might have kept Telles at Old Trafford, had he been given the choice. Whilst Ten Hag played with a flat back four, the former United number 27 might have excelled as a wing-back under the Portuguese manager.

He had 57 assists for Porto and could deliver a wicked cross with his left foot. Telles certainly might have had a role to play under the new boss, which might have had a domino effect and saved United some money on Dorgu, at least in the immediate future.

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