All posts by h716a5.icu

Sri Lanka fought desperately despite a spectacular collapse lit up by a Faheem Ashraf hat-trick, and held the ascendancy right until Shadab Khan smashed a six with Pakistan needing eight from three balls

The Report by Danyal Rasool27-Oct-2017AFPThere was a hat-trick from Faheem Ashraf, and a Sri Lankan collapse that saw them lose eight wickets for 14 runs. That might suggest another rout of the hapless visitors, but nothing could be further from reality. In the game of the entire tour, Pakistan edged home with one ball to spare, with only two wickets in hand when the winning runs were struck. They were struck by none other than golden boy Shadab Khan, who smashed a six off the game’s penultimate ball to wrench victory from Sri Lanka’s desperate, clawing hands.This was a complete T20 game, beginning with intelligent batting by Sri Lanka, put in after Pakistan won the toss. That was followed by a remarkable collapse from 106 for 1 to 120 for 9. Pakistan looked like they were cruising early on, before an excellent spell by captain Thisara Perera dragged Sri Lanka back. From there, they held the ascendancy right until the last three balls. Pakistan needed eight off them. Shadab hit a straight six and a couple off the next delivery denied Sri Lanka’s valiant young side victory in an astonishing contest.It was Sri Lanka’s best game of the limited-overs tour. The batsmen early on deprived Pakistan of wickets while keeping the score ticking. A 63-run second-wicket partnership between Gunathilaka and Sadeera Samarawickrama set Thisara’s men up for a score above par, with fast bowlers Hasan Ali and Usman Khan expensive in the early overs.Shadab was the only bowler in the middle overs able to rein in Sri Lanka. At one point, they might have been eyeing 150, but a superb spell from the teenager prevented them from cutting loose. He has added another variation, a quicker one that can reach 120kph, and it removed Sri Lanka’s top scorer Gunathilaka amidst their late collapse. Shadab might not have taken heaps of wickets, but his figures of 4-0-14-1 were to prove crucial.In the madness of Sri Lanka’s final overs, Faheem Ashraf emerged as the hero with a sensational hat-trick, removing Dasun Shanaka, Isuru Udana and Mahela Udawatte off the last three balls of the 19th over. It was Pakistan’s first T20I hat-trick and, in truth, couldn’t have come from an unlikelier source.Poor running and brilliant fielding hurt Sri Lanka’s innings: there were three run outs, The wickets that crumpled in a heap towards the end crushed their hopes of a late charge, and while it was still an improvement on yesterday, they still finished with a below-par 124.Pakistan were tentative in their approach to the chase, almost as if they had forgotten what to do when a match become mildly competitive. Fakhar Zaman was run out after miscommunication with Ahmed Shehzad, before Babar Azam fell victim to an incorrect lbw decision. But skipper Perera rose to the occasion, giving his side a real chance of victory, accounting for both Shehzad and Shoaib Malik in his first two overs.For a while, Mohammad Hafeez and Sarfraz Ahmed looked in control, never letting the asking rate get out of sight. But once Hafeez holed out to long on with Pakistan still requiring 31, panic set in. Perera returned for his final over and got rid of Imad Wasim, and terrific fielding in the deep saw Pakistan’s captain run out three balls later. Twenty-one were still required off 14, and with three wickets remaining, Sri Lanka were firm favourites.Udana conceded only four in a brilliant penultimate over, but the drama all lay in the last over. Faheem was caught at long-on off the first ball of Vikum Sanjaya’s over, and with 11 needed off four, Pakistan were up against it. It looked even graver for them when Hasan sliced one straight to long-off, but was reprieved by a crucial dropped catch, allowing Pakistan to scramble three. That brought on strike Shadab, a young man whose honeymoon with cricket simply refuses to end. Two balls and eight runs later, the contest was suddenly over, and Shadab’s joy, as well as Abu Dhabi’s, was unconfined.

Everton will host Fulham in their Premier League opener at Goodison Park this afternoon and Sean Dyche will be hoping to spark a new era on the blue side of Merseyside after a difficult campaign last season.

The Toffees finished 17th in the top-flight table with just two points to spare on the final day, with Abdoulaye Doucoure's strike against Bournemouth saving them from a spell in the Championship and relegating Leicester City instead.

Now the Everton boss will be hoping that his team can stage a comeback to comfortably compete in the Premier League this season, to avoid a third consecutive relegation scrap at the bottom of the table.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

What's the latest Everton team news?

In terms of injuries, Dele Alli has had a set-back following his hip surgery, club captain Seamus Coleman remains in recovery with a knee injury and Dwight McNeil will be out for weeks with an ankle injury, meaning all three will be unavailable for selection for today's fixture.

Both James Tarkowski and Arnaut Danjuma have been confirmed as available for selection after suffering knocks and fitness issues during pre-season, however, there is uncertainty surrounding Dominic Calvert-Lewin's return to action.

Dyche took to his pre-match press conference to deliver an update on the striker's availability:

"He just needs game time, Dom. Unfortunately the games have just ran out in pre-season, if he had a few more weeks he may have been able to play more. He’s fit and well, just finishing off the games programme at the moment."

"We’ll have to make a call on that [whether Calvert-Lewin can play]. I’ve spoken to him anyway on how he’s feeling, we’ll have to make a call on that."

Will Arnaut Danjuma start vs Fulham?

Whilst Everton are still active in the market this summer with new additions on the agenda, the club have already snapped up the services of three fresh faces who could make their debut in the first few fixtures of the season.

Both Danjuma and former Aston Villa stalwart Ashley Young could make their Goodison Park debut this weekend, whilst ex-Sporting Club de Portugal striker Youssef Chermiti may not feature due to only putting ink on his four-year contract yesterday.

Dyche will be keen to set high standards and expectations in the opening clash, so unleashing Danjuma in the final third this afternoon would be the perfect opportunity to prove Everton's ambition and determination to change the trajectory of their fate.

The Villarreal star has joined the Merseysiders on a season-long loan and was a much-needed addition following the departures of Anthony Gordon and Richarlison, so there will be huge expectations for the Netherlands international to make an instant impact.

The £52.5k-per-week winger – once hailed "exceptional" by former Bournemouth boss Jonathan Woodgate – has scored 75 goals and registered 36 assists over his club career so far with a goal contribution every 128 minutes, a consistency in front of goal that could be highly valuable to Everton if he can continue to score frequently on Merseyside this season.

With that being said, Dyche must unleash Danjuma in Everton's forward line this afternoon against Fulham, as he could be a game-changer in securing all three points at Goodison Park.

David Warner scored the slowest hundred of his career in an uncharacteristic manner and says it gave him the confidence to score more runs in Asia

Brydon Coverdale06-Sep-2017If you were told that one of Australia’s openers had spent six hours at the crease for 123 runs, painstakingly accumulated from 234 balls, with only seven boundaries, you would have complete confidence in declaring that the man in question would be Matt Renshaw. But you would be wrong. This was David Warner posting most un-Warner-like numbers in the first innings in Chittagong, where he put Australia into a strong position with two days to play.This was Warner’s 20th Test century – more than were made by Mark Taylor, or Michael Hussey, or Doug Walters, or Bill Lawry, or Ian Chappell, or Michael Slater, or Adam Gilchrist, all of whom played more Tests than Warner’s current tally of 66. It was also the slowest hundred of his Test career, completed from his 209th delivery, and in extreme heat. And his patience has brought Australia back into the series.”You pretty much felt in from ball one with the fields that they set, they didn’t really have any attacking men around the bat compared to last game,” Warner said after the day’s play. “It allowed me just to rotate the strike and not really have any need to leave your crease all the time.”At the end of the day, they try and shut down the scoreboard. They try and cut your boundaries out and play that way, try and get you caught around the crease and obviously look for that lbw dismissal or bowled through the gate. If you can negate that and you can manipulate the field, you’re going to be facing a lot of balls and you’ve got to be prepared to bat long periods of time.”It was also Warner’s second consecutive century, after his fourth-innings 112 in Mirpur last week, which he described at the time as his best innings. But for sheer single-mindedness and adaptability from his usual verve, this hundred must also be up there. “I think from a patience point of view, definitely,” Warner said. “I always talk about trying to bat long periods for time in these conditions and by far that’s the hottest I’ve ever played in. It was quite challenging to be out there. Coming off yesterday, it was every minute that I was out there.”We were out there for 100 overs the day before. A lot of credit has to go to the two fast bowlers as well. The amount of work that they’ve put in, I think they’ve both bowled 20 overs apiece in this heat. It takes someone with some good fitness to bowl through that, definitely.”Warner’s productive tour has boosted his record in Asia – he arrived for this series with only one century from 26 previous Test innings on the continent. Now, Warner believes that he might finally have found a method that can bring him success in Asia more generally.”It’s a tough environment to come out and try to play your shots and play your natural game,” he said. “You have to find a way and for me it’s taken almost 16, 17 Tests in these conditions to work out what my game plan is and stick to it. As I said before, they play on your ego a little bit, they shut down your runs, they shut down your boundary options, and you’ve got to milk the ones.”You’ve got to be prepared to bat time and you’ve got to have the fitness edge as well to do that. That’s probably the thing that’s going to keep motivating me more now to show to myself that I’ve done that, and now moving forward I can achieve the same success that I’ve had so far over here moving down the line.”Warner’s innings helped Australia gain a 72-run lead by stumps on the third day, though with only one wicket in hand they will aim to bump that advantage up a little further on the fourth morning. There remains plenty of work if Australia are to achieve the victory needed to level the series 1-1, but the batting work led by Warner has at least given them hope.”It’s crucial that we try and put as many runs on the board as possible,” he said. “I wouldn’t say the wicket is deteriorating, there’s a little bit of rough out there created from the bowlers. The middle of the wicket is still nice and true. But as the spinners do, they’ll work out what they need to do and hit those rough areas.”

Al-Hilal are now considering a world record bid for Harry Kane and there is a belief it could tempt Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy into doing a deal.

Is Harry Kane leaving Tottenham?

The 30-year-old has entered his final year as a Spurs player, and with his contract expiring in around 11 months time, these next few weeks could be pivotal.

August, arguably, represents the last chance for Tottenham to acquire a sizeable fee for Kane if the Englishman doesn't wish to pen fresh terms – as interested clubs would have plenty of wiggle room to bid far less in January.

The north Londoners have offered Kane a huge new contract, according to reliable media sources, but those same reports claim the striker has zero intention of signing it this window.

As a result, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich sense an opportunity and appear above all on Kane's heels. The German champions, despite seeing bids rejected, are still attempting to sway Levy into selling before deadline day.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, meanwhile, has admitted that he is far from relaxed about the Kane situation – especially as he prepares for his first full season in charge.

“Fair to say I am not relaxed about it," he said.

“It’s not something you go: ‘Ah, well, you know if it does or doesn’t happen!’ I mean it’s a very important part of this football club, not just the team, but the football club.

“So, you’ve got to deal with it, and I think, for everyone concerned, we don’t want to be doing it for too long. I don’t think that is good for anyone. I don’t think it is good for Harry, I don’t think it is good for the club, because as laser focused as we want to be, you end up sort of repeating yourself along the way."

The saga, according to TEAMtalk, may now have taken another interesting twist as Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal weigh up a huge move.

It is believed they're "considering making a world record bid" for Tottenham's talisman, namely £200 million, which would eclipse the fee PSG paid for Neymar in 2017.

Intermediaries close to Al-Hilal believe this fee would "tempt Levy into a deal", but the problem lies with Kane, as it is suggested that he currently has no desire to make a move to the Middle East.

The Saudi Pro League giants are determined to add a superstar to their ranks, having already seen approaches for both Kylian Mbappe (PSG) and Victor Osimhen (Napoli) rejected.

What's been said about Harry Kane?

Every football fan is all too familiar with the quality of Kane.

The superstar forward shattered record after record during his most recent full campaign, becoming both England and Tottenham's all-time top goalscorer.

Former Spurs boss Antonio Conte called Kane "world class" and "not normal" before the Italian coach and Tottenham mutually parted company.

"We are talking about a world class striker,” he said.

“He deserves the best because he's a great worker, hard worker… this is not normal because usually the players that have talent many times don't like to work hard because they have talent.

“In my career I didn't have great talent [so] for this reason I worked hard. What I liked about him from the first time was his ability. He was a big example for his team-mates."

Losses in the final two ODIs may not keep Sri Lanka from automatically qualifying for World Cup 2019 – a lot depends on West Indies – but it’s a risk they will not want to take

The Preview by Andrew Fidel Fernando30-Aug-2017Big PictureRiot police, bottle-throwing, selector resignations, heated debates over cricket in cabinet meetings, and an ever-growing list of injuries – the past few days in Sri Lankan cricket have been as acrimonious as any in recent memory. Every time the situation seems to have reached rock bottom, new depths, somehow, are plumbed.There remain two ODIs in Colombo, however, and though the series has been decided, Sri Lanka are playing for a little more than pride. They must win the two remaining games to seal automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup. Lose them both, and they will automatically qualify only if West Indies win no more than three of their five ODIs against England next month (and do not lose the one-off game to Ireland). If Sri Lanka win one of the remaining games, then they must hope that West Indies do not win all six of their upcoming matches. But so resurgent have West Indies been this week that this is not a chance Sri Lanka will want to take. Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels have also returned to West Indies’ ODI side for that series, a truce with their board having been reached.Where in the Tests Sri Lanka’s toothless bowling set the tone for each dispiriting performance, the batting has been the greater of Sri Lanka’s failings in the ODIs – the top order having failed to sustain whatever little momentum they could generate, and the middle order repeatedly failing to contend with India’s spinners.India, meanwhile, have almost seemed bored on this tour. Several batsmen have buffed their stats, and in the third match Jasprit Bumrah claimed a maiden ODI five-wicket haul, but at times all they have to do is turn up and watch the opposition sabotage themselves. Chamara Kapugedera’s decision to bat first after winning Sri Lanka’s first toss of the series, for example, was baffling – not least to some of his own team-mates.But with the series secure, this is India’s chance to test the depth in their squad. Kuldeep Yadav, who was so impressive in the West Indies, may finally get a run. Ajinkya Rahane or Manish Pandey will hope to earn a spot in the middle order – KL Rahul and Kedar Jadhav having been unconvincing in their two innings so far in the series. Virat Kohli has repeatedly expressed a preference to play his first-choice XI right through this tour, but India might gain more from these matches by giving their fringe players a run.Form guideSri Lanka LLLLL(completed matches, most recent first)
India WWWWLIn the spotlightFor so long one of the cleverest limited-overs operators, Lasith Malinga has the chance to captain Sri Lanka. There is a good argument that in a parallel universe, where Malinga’s ankle and knee joints were not so problematic, and his attitude did not rub people up the wrong way, he could have been a wonderful long-term captain. Upul Tharanga is set to return in the fifth match, but for one match at least, it may be fascinating to get a glimpse of what kind of ODI leader Malinga might have been.In his first 22 innings in Sri Lanka, Rohit Sharma had averaged 14.25, and hit only one fifty. In the space of two innings now, he has scored 54 and 124 not out. These are not good signs for Sri Lanka, who have been on the receiving end of one of the great limited-overs onslaughts at Rohit’s hands. In the second half of his innings on Sunday, Rohit began to hit effortless boundaries off good deliveries – a sign that he is nearing his best form. With Shikhar Dhawan also in good nick on this tour, restraining India’s openers represents a major challenge for the hosts.NurPhoto/Getty ImagesTeam newsOpening batsman Dilshan Munaweera – uncapped in ODIs – has been called up to the squad to cover for Kapugedera. With Dinesh Chandimal out and Danushka Gunathilaka still doubtful for Thursday’s match due to his shoulder strain, Munaweera could well open the innings alongside Niroshan Dickwella. If Gunathilaka does not recover in time, however, Sri Lanka may find themselves one batsman short, and may have to field Thisara Perera in the lower middle order.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Niroshan Dickwella (wk), 2 Danushka Gunathilaka/Dilshan Munaweera, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Lahiru Thirimanne, 5 Angelo Mathews, 6 Milinda Siriwardana 7 Thisara Perera 8 Akila Dananjaya, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Vishwa Fernando, 11 Lasith Malinga (capt.)Batsman Manish Pandey, left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav and seamer Shardul Thakur may all have an opportunity in this match, with Kedar Jadhav, Yuzvendra Chahal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar the most likely to make way.India (possible): 1 Rohit Sharma, 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Virat Kohli (capt.), 4 KL Rahul, 5 Manish Pandey, 6 MS Dhoni (wk), 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Axar Patel, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Shardul Thakur, 11 Jasprit BumrahPitch and conditionsThere was a little grass on the Khettarama surface on the eve of the match, which suggests there will be a little more pace and carry than is ordinarily seen at this venue. There is a chance afternoon and evening showers will interrupt play.Stats and trivia Lasith Malinga needs one more wicket to reach 300 ODI dismissals. He will be 13th bowler overall, and the fourth Sri Lankan after Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas and Sanath Jayasuriya, to the milestone. This will also be MS Dhoni’s 300th ODI. He will be the 20th cricketer overall, and the sixth India player to the milestone. His ODI match tally also includes three matches for Asia XI in 2007. Dhoni is also on 99 stumpings and needs just one more to become the most prolific ODI stumper, moving clear ahead of Kumar Sangakkara. Under Virat Kohli’s captaincy India have won all eight bilateral ODI matches against Sri Lanka. The only occasions Sri Lanka have beaten a Kohli-led India have come at neutral grounds, at multi-team tournaments: once at the Asia Cup, once in a tri-series in the West Indies, and once at the Champions Trophy.Quotes”I feel captaincy is a good challenge for me. At the moment, we have lost a few matches – yes. I have played for the last fourteen years for the national team, and I still feel we have good young players. A few good experienced players also. This is the time we have to stand up and give confidence to young players – to let them know we are still good enough to play international cricket. People think we are not top of the table, but I feel we can change that.”

The 2023/24 Scottish Premiership season kicks off this weekend as Celtic host Ross County at Parkhead and a number of new faces could be on display to the home crowd.

Who have Celtic signed so far this summer?

Manager Brendan Rodgers has been backed by the board as the club have snapped up five fresh additions to the squad.

Winger Marco Tilio and Norwegian midfielder Odin Thiago Holn were his first two signings of the summer transfer window, after he came in to replace Ange Postecoglou in the dugout.

Since then, South Korean duo Hyeok-kyu Kwon and Hyun-jun Yang have both arrived on permanent deals, whilst the newest member of the team is Polish central defender Maik Nawrocki, who has been brought in from Legia Warsaw.

There could be further signings before the deadline passes, though, and one player who has been linked with a switch to Paradise is Gwangju winger Ji-sung Eom.

How many goals has Ji-sung Eom scored this season?

The 21-year-old ace has produced two goals and two assists in nine K League 1 starts for his club in 2023 and his form over the last 18 months suggests that the potential is there for him to come in as an upgrade on Sead Haksabanovic.

Celtic's Montenegro international struggled to make a significant impact on the pitch during his debut campaign in Scotland after Postecoglou signed him from Rubin Kazan in 2022.

The 24-year-old produced five goals and two assists across 26 Scottish Premiership outings, which is an average of one direct contribution every 3.71 league matches.

The attacker also left a bit to be desired on the physical side of the game as the former West Ham United man lost 60% of his individual duels. Opposition players were able to get the better of him too often and that is a cause for concern moving forward if he is unable to improve on that whilst also rarely contributing at the top end of the pitch.

Eom, on the other hand, enjoyed a fantastic 2022 campaign with Gwangju and his performances suggest that he could offer far more than Haksabanovic for the Hoops.

The South Korea U22 international was rewarded for his form by being named the K League 2 Young Player of the Season, whilst he was also included in the division's Team of the Year.

He chipped in with nine goals – a return only two current Celtic players beat last term – and one assist in 28 league appearances, which is an average of one goal involvement every 2.8 outings.

The 5 foot 7 youngster, who was once described as "underrated" by scout Ali Can Kutlu, also held his own out of possession, in spite of his age, as he won 50% of his battles and came out on top in 5.4 per game, as per Sofascore, compared to Haksabanovic's 1.9.

Therefore, Eom could provide more strength off the ball whilst also being able to produce goal contributions more frequently from a wide position, which is why the Hoops target could be an upgrade on the ex-Hammers prodigy for Rodgers.

Nat Sciver struck her second century of an increasingly formidable World Cup campaign, as England’s women marched into the semi-finals with victory against New Zealand at Derby

The Report by Andrew Miller12-Jul-2017England 284 for 9 (Sciver 129, Beaumont 93, Kerr 4-51) beat New Zealand 209 (Bates 44, Perkins 43*, Hartley 3-43) by 75 runs
ScorecardNat Sciver struck her second century of an increasingly formidable World Cup campaign, as England’s women marched into the semi-finals with a 75-run victory over New Zealand at Derby. With Tammy Beaumont falling short of a century of her own, England’s fourth-wicket pair added 170 in 27 overs to rescue the team from a top-order wobble, before their slow bowlers snuffed out a reply that flickered briefly, Alex Hartley starring with 3 for 43.For Sciver, the 2017 World Cup is turning into a personal coming of age. She brought up her hundred from 92 balls – the same number, in fact, from which she had made 137 against Pakistan at Leicester last week. But if that performance had been an exhibition of raw power, then this was a step-up in class against one of the cannier attacks in the world game.Her staple scoring shot was the panned four through midwicket whenever New Zealand erred in length, but she showcased her deft touch with a pair of inverted-stance ramps over the keeper’s head, as well as a ludicrously skilful flick between her own legs as she closed the face on a Holly Huddleston yorker to steal a brace of runs to fine leg.She had arrived at the crease with her side in a fair amount of bother. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, England shipped three prime wickets in the first 14 overs, as Lauren Winfield, Sarah Taylor and Heather Knight came and went cheaply.Amy Satterthwaite, playing in her 100th ODI, intercepted a fierce cut from Winfield to give Lea Tahuhu the first breakthrough, before Taylor chipped a sharp return catch back to Leigh Kasperek for 8. Heather Knight, the captain, then played round her front pad to give Suzie Bates, her opposite number, a wicket in her second over, and at 52 for 3, there was plenty work to be done.England’s middle order, however, are not easily cowed at present, and Sciver and Beaumont soon set about re-establishing their team’s credentials. Beaumont, who has really hit her stride in the past week of competition, picked up where she had left off with her 148 against South Africa and her vital 49 against Australia.After a cautious start, in which she made just two runs from her first 14 balls, she sprang into action with a volley of boundaries, including three in five balls from Tahuhu, to be promisingly placed on 23 from 27 balls when her match-turning stand with Sciver got underway.By degrees, the pair set about upping the ante, with Sciver providing the aggression in the early stages of their stand before Beaumont picked up the pace as the prospect of her second hundred loomed. She nailed the only six of the innings, a massive wallop through the line and over wide long-on off Tahuhu, but fell for 93 in pursuit of a second, as she got underneath a lofted drive against Amelia Kerr’s legspin and holed out to mid-off.New Zealand’s twin legspinners would prove to be a vital source of control as England’s innings rather dribbled away after Beaumont’s departure, and the final scorecard had an oddly lopsided look to it, with no-one other than the big two making more than 11. Kerr herself claimed 4 for 51, including three in six balls as England’s tail found no means to counter her wiles.England’s total of 284 for 9 was, nevertheless, a hefty one, and New Zealand’s challenge was made all the tougher when Rachel Priest was bowled in the second over for 12, choosing the wrong ball to attack from Anya Shrubsole having already claimed boundaries from three of her previous four deliveries.After that brief flurry, England’s new-ball bowlers turned the screw, with just four scoring shots coming from the next 28 balls of New Zealand’s innings. To their credit, Bates and Satterthwaite made a virtue of their time at the crease, lifting the tempo thereafter with regular boundaries in a second-wicket stand of 75. But, with her fifty in sight, Bates was beaten by Hartley’s left-arm spin and left stranded as Taylor whipped off the bails for 44.It was the second Antipodean captain that Hartley had bagged in as many matches, after her key dismissal of Meg Lanning against Australia, and it was once again the turning point of the chase, especially as Satterthwaite followed three overs later, popping a return catch off the leading edge to Laura Marsh for 35.Sophie Devine, New Zealand’s big hitter in the middle order, was hampered with the bat after damaging her side while fielding, and soon holed out to Shrubsole for 10 to give Hartley her second wicket. Then, when Knight brought herself on to bowl in the 30th over, she struck with her second ball as Katey Martin missed a slog for 21.Erin Bermingham briefly sparkled after surviving a bit of a shocking drop from Katherine Brunt in the covers, but Brunt atoned in the deep three overs later to send her on her way for 19. The remainder of the match was an extended net for both sets of players, not least for Katie Perkins, who struck the ball cleanly to finish on 43 not out.Two wickets fell either side of the final drinks break, as Gunn bowled Kasperek before Kerr was run out without facing a ball, but after Shrubsole had bowled Tahuhu for 11, it was left to Hartley to wrap up the win with 20 balls left unused.Bates later admitted that New Zealand could have tried shuffling their bowling around differently, in a bid to stop Sciver and Beaumont. “I thought they batted outstanding,” she said. “Perhaps a few bowling changes, we could have tried a few different things. We brought the legspinners on, and they have been crucial for us in the tournament, but that didn’t work out and we were chasing the game a little bit. The way we did bring it back near the end, I was pleased to keep them under 290. On a wicket like that you think you can chase it if someone in your top order gets a big score and that wasn’t to be today.”

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to add even more firepower to their side this summer, with Ange Postecoglou having honed in on another creative target.

Who are Tottenham Hotspur signing this summer?

Having already welcomed James Maddison and Manor Solomon into the fold, many might assume that the Lilywhites' front line was sufficiently bolstered with the new season approaching.

However, according to FootballTransfers, they are now in talks with Lyon prodigy Rayan Cherki over a potential switch to the English capital.

Whilst they are set to battle with Chelsea for his signature, the financial troubles surrounding the French club could propose a cut-price fee in order to boost their coffers. As such, the Blues are reportedly preparing a €40m (£35m) offer, with interest in an exit thought to be high.

Representatives of the player have been in London touting his services, as if to emphasise this stance.

Who is Rayan Cherki?

Having been one of France's brightest footballing prospects for many years now, the 19-year-old seems poised for his big move that could take his career to the next level. It would be the natural progression for the teenage sensation who has been consistently thriving in Ligue 1.

Just last season saw the maestro post ten goal contributions in the league, having enjoyed his best goalscoring and creative campaign across his entire short career.

Such an ability to do both with such finesse, plus his youth, two-footedness, ability to dribble and scything passing range, all combine to draw startling comparisons with former Spurs wonderkid Dele Alli.

Although his career has somewhat stagnated of late, with his recent interview with Gary Neville bravely revealing the hardships that explain his troubles, few will forget how the MK Dons graduate burst onto the scene at White Hart Lane.

A return of 18 goals and nine assists in just his second Premier League season saw him take the division by storm, with Mauricio Pochettino even labelling him as the best young player in the world in 2018.

His youth fed into his fearlessness, as he conquered every stage set out for him before recently joining Everton in a bid to recapture that form.

In the meantime, Cherki could provide the reanimated version of the former England international, with all the traits that made Dele so special plus some added trickery that has seen him feature off the flank at times.

Football scout Jacek Kulig outlined such qualities just last month, showcasing his key attributes during one performance before writing:

"The youngest member of this French Dream Team. Magnificent talent."

Eurosport France's Martin Mosnier would supplement a notion, claiming:

"He’s really an attacking midfielder although he can also play as a left winger. Cherki is an exceptional dribbler, one of the first things one notices when watching him is that he appears to be ambipedal, as he can seemingly utilise both feet equally well.

“His strengths are as follows: key passes, dribbling and his ability to create something out of nothing."

The latter of these attributes could perfectly encapsulate the bulk of Dele's career in north London, with his stunning finish against Crystal Palace in 2016 acting as a perfect microcosm for such a talent.

With the ball lofted infield, the 27-year-old took one deft touch, before the second lifted it over the onrushing defender. As he spun and swung his right boot at it, he caught the ball on the volley from just outside the area, watching it laser into the bottom left corner of the net. Selhurst Park has astounded, having witnessed such imperious quality from a player who was just 19 years old.

Many Spurs fans will be willing on their former star to reignite his career at Goodison Park, especially after the tear-jerking interview posted just over a week ago.

However, Cherki would denote a perfect alternative for them to get behind once again, who has all the qualities capable of replicating the feat that made the world stand up and take note of Dele.

Michael Klinger’s masterly unbeaten century was to no avail as Hampshire stole a rain-affected win to leapfrog Gloucestershire in South Group

ECB Reporters Network28-Jul-2017Michael Klinger’s unbeaten hundred was in vain•Getty ImagesMichael Klinger’s seventh T20 century was not enough to save Gloucestershire from a 24-run NatWest Blast defeat by Hampshire under Duckworth-Lewis-Stern at soggy Bristol.The experienced Australian carried his side’s innings of 174 for 5 in a match reduced to 19 overs per side with a masterly demonstration of clean hitting that saw him finish unbeaten on 101.The next highest score for Gloucestershire was Thisara Perera’s 26 not out. Spinners Mason Crane and Liam Dawson fared best of the Hampshire attack.In reply, the visitors raced to 121 for 3 off 11.4 overs, with openers James Vince (42) and Rilee Rossouw (46 not out) putting together a stand of 85 in eight overs, having needed to be on 97 under DLS when heavy rain put an end to proceedings.The result saw Hampshire leapfrog their opponents in the tightly congested South Group.Klinger needed one moment of good fortune after losing the toss. Having made only a single, he skied a miscued shot to deep cover where the ball fell inches short of the onrushing Michael Carberry.Hampshire’s bowlers did well in the six-over Powerplay, which ended with the hosts 38 for 1. Phil Mustard fell to Reece Topley for three, while Dawson had the distinction of bowling a maiden to Klinger.When Ian Cockbain and Kieran Noema-Barnett departed cheaply in quick succession, the visitors looked to be taking control. But Benny Howell helped Klinger add 54 for the fourth wicket before Crane removed him and Jack Taylor in the 15th over.Klinger, who had gone to his half-century off 37 balls, was by then in full flow. The 18th over, bowled by Chris Wood, saw him clear the ropes twice, including a massive six over midwicket off a no-ball full-toss. Perera added another maximum and the over ended up costing 31.When Klinger reached his ton in the final over with another superb six over extra cover off Gareth Berg, his second fifty had occupied just 21 deliveries. Gloucestershire scored 53 off the last three overs and the complexion of the match changed.Hampshire’s reply looked to have stuttered when Vince was caught by Jack Taylor at deep-square off a short Matt Taylor delivery in the third over. But umpire Billy Taylor was signalling a no-ball for height.That was all the encouragement Vince and Rilee Rossouw needed to get ahead of the required rate on Duckworth-Lewis, with more rain threatening. By the end of the Powerplay the total read 59 without loss, Vince leading the way on 39.Rossouw hit successive sixes over mid-wicket off the usually economical Benny Howell and by the time Vince got an inside edge off Perera to be caught behind, having faced 30 balls, the rain was getting heavy.Carberry, batting with a runner and a pronounced limp, lofted Noema-Barnett over long-on for another maximum and repeated the dose off Tom Smith as Hampshire stayed comfortably ahead of the required rate.Matt Taylor gave Gloucestershire hope by pinning Carberry lbw for 20 and then having George Bailey caught behind down the legs-side in the 11th overBut by the next over the driving rain finally sent the players from the field. Hampshire were well in control, Rossouw, having faced 27 balls and hit 4 fours and 2 sixes.With the public address system playing Cliff Richard’s Summer Holiday, drenched spectators headed for the exits.

Sunderland striker sees a potential move to Southampton as a 'very exciting proposition' according to journalist Dean Jones .

New boss Russell Martin sees the Scottish forward as the ideal man to lead the Saint's frontline as they look to return to the Premier League at the first attempt following their relegation last season

Is Ross Stewart leaving Sunderland this summer?

The Sunderland forward, who was hailed as "incredible", could well be calling time on his career in the North East this summer.

Following his move from the Scottish Premiership in the January of 2021, the forward has made 81 appearances for the North East club, scoring 40 goals and averaging almost a goal every other game, which is a fine record for a forward, with his 21/22 League One campaign being the best of his career, with the Scottish striker recording 29 goal contributions in 49 games as the club won promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.

The 2022/23 season was a strange one for the forward however, with the 16-year-old struggling with recurring injury problems that limited him to just 15 appearances across all competitions last season. Despite the limited number of games the forward shone, recording 14 goal contributions in those 15 games and showcasing that should he be able to get over his thigh problems and his Achilles Tendon injury, he could be one of the division's most dangerous hitmen.

According to reports, the South Coast side maintains an interest in the forward in the case that one of their current forwards departs the club this summer, with current player Che Adams reportedly attracting the interest of Premier League side Fulham. The report also states that the Black Cats could cash in on the former Ross County player with the player having entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Stadium of Light. The striker is also the subject of a lot of interest from Championship clubs, with Middlesbrough and Stoke City exploring the possibilities of a deal this window, however, the club's £10m price tag may force a number of suitors to pull out of the race due to financial constraints.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones revealed that the Saints don't plan on remaining in the Championship for long, and that ambition could be a driving factor in convincing the Scotland striker to choose St Mary's this summer: "Southampton aren't going to be in the Championship for very long. The model they've built over the years is too good to drop away.

I really don't believe that this is a club that's going to allow themselves to stay in the Championship for more than a year. That is a very exciting proposition for a player like Stewart, who is on the rise and looking for a step-up not just in terms of playing quality, but his profile and a way of getting into the Premier League."

Who will Ross Stewart play with at Southampton?

A number of the squad's key players from last season's Premier League campaign may depart before Stewart can play a game with them.

According to a report on GIVEMESPORT, a number of senior players are expected to depart this summer, with the like of James Ward-Prowse, Romeo Lavia and Kyle Walker-Peters mentioned as possible departures.

The young Belgian is attracting the biggest interest this window, with Premier League giants Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea all interested in securing the former Manchester City youth player's signature this summer. The midfielder received high praise last season for his performances, with Manchester United legend Paul Scholes saying: "I was surprised when City let him go I think he is good enough potentially, he is only 18 years old maybe hold him back a bit. He has chosen to move on, and I think he is a player with so much potential, and he could potentially go back, but he has settled in so well."

Club captain Ward-Prowse also looks set to end his tenure at St Mary's this summer, with reports stating that West Ham United have earmarked the midfielder as a potential Declan Rice replacement following move to Arsenal. The 28-year-old has made over 400 appearances for the South Coast side and will depart as a club legend. The same report also states that right-back Tino Livramento is closing in on a move to Newcastle United this summer for a fee in the region of £30m.