The CPL could be the reason behind Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje, David Miller and Tabraiz Shamsi’s exclusion

Firdose Moonda14-Aug-2024

Fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, who was the Player of the Tournament at this year’s Under-19 World Cup, is in line for a senior international debut after being included in South Africa’s squad to play West Indies in three T20Is later this month.The call-up tops a stellar year for Maphaka, who helped South Africa U-19 to the semi-final of the World Cup, where he took 21 wickets at an average of 9.71. He also made his provincial debut for Lions just before that, and was picked by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024, all in the space of three months.”Kwena has been identified as a player with significant potential, and this tour presents a great opportunity to include him in the Proteas environment, and gain valuable international experience,” South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter said.Related

Build-up to 2026 begins for West Indies, South Africa – with some ghosts of 2024 still to bury

Bavuma: 'My focus is on Tests, and I'm going to play the best I can in that format'

Maphaka is making things happen, and things are happening for him

CPL 2024: Nortje, Shamsi to replace Thushara, Hasaranga at Patriots

In his short career so far, Maphaka has shown a remarkable level of maturity in balancing pace and control against some of the best young batters in the game. He is completing his final year at school, with matriculation examinations imminent, but will take some time away from the books to possibly make his international cricket bow.Jason Smith, a middle-order batter who was Dolphins’ top-scorer in the CSA T20 challenge in 2023-24, is the other new name in South Africa’s playing group.With T20I cricket taking a backseat after the recent World Cup, and with the next one two years away, South Africa’s squad contains a mix of old and new names, and is without several regulars. Quinton de Kock is perhaps the most notable absentee from the T20 World Cup squad – he has not confirmed his international retirement, although it has been widely speculated.De Kock had stepped away from Tests in 2021, from ODIs in 2023, and had indicated that the T20 World Cup in June this year would be his last international assignment. However, he has not made a definite announcement yet, and will be playing for Barbados Royals in the CPL, which starts on August 30, three days after the third and final T20I against West Indies.The CPL could also be the reason behind the exclusion of Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje, David Miller and Tabraiz Shamsi, although Tristan Stubbs, who has been signed by St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, has been included in the squad. Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen are being rested, while Nqaba Peter, the legspinner who made his T20I debut against West Indies in May, could not be considered as he continues rehabilitation after a shoulder injury.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

That will leave the main spin-bowling duties to Bjorn Fortuin, who was a reserve player at the T20 World Cup.Lungi Ngidi will lead the pace pack, with Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams alongside, while Wiaan Mulder and Patrick Kruger will provide seam-bowling allrounder options. Rassie van der Dussen has been recalled after missing out on the T20 World Cup, but there is no room for Matthew Breetzke. Aiden Markram, meanwhile, will continue to captain the side.”This tour allows us to continue developing our player pool whilst maintaining the core of experienced players,” Walter said. “It will also expose our emerging talent to quality international opposition, similar to the last time we played against West Indies in May.”The three matches will all be played at the Brian Lara Stadium from August 23-27. South Africa had also toured the West Indies for three T20Is in May, just before the T20 World Cup, but lost that series 0-3.South Africa squad for T20I series in the West IndiesAiden Markram (capt), Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, Kwena Maphaka, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Lizaad Williams

How are Newcastle United going to fare next season? Around the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign, the skyrocketing ascent under Eddie Howe’s wing had been stunted by a disappointing transfer window, following failure to qualify for European football.

But United marched back into the Champions League despite the setbacks, finishing fifth in the Premier League. Moreover, Howe led his team to glory, to the Carabao Cup.

Now, the focus is on building, particularly towards a move for Anthony Elanga.

Newcastle in talks for new forward

Elanga has been the subject of a rejected £45m offer, Newcastle’s second in as many summers, and while Nottingham Forest don’t want to play ball, redoubled efforts might just seal the Sweden star’s signature.

Such a player is duly needed. Miguel Almiron’s winter flight over the pond has left Jacob Murphy somewhat isolated on the right. Elanga will add athletic quality and widen the dimensions of Howe’s frontline. So could Joao Pedro.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Indeed, as per GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle remain intent on signing Brighton & Hove Albion star Pedro, who is anticipated to leave the AMEX this summer.

Saying that, Tony Bloom isn’t likely to budge on his £60m valuation, the 23-year-old being one of the most talented rising stars in the Premier League, and eyed by Chelsea besides.

However, Newcastle have been engaged in productive talks with the south coasters and could move to the advanced stages soon. Previously, the Toon have been regarded as favourites for Pedro.

What Joao Pedro would bring to Newcastle

Newcastle plan to open contract talks with Alexander Isak as interest mounts in the world-class striker’s services. United’s £200m price tag, frustratingly, hasn’t dissuaded Liverpool and the like from keeping on Isak’s trail.

But the nine is not expected to be going anywhere this year, and Pedro would arrive offering competition and the prospect of a new attacking combination from his shadow or out on the left.

The Brazilian forward, who joined Brighton from Watford for around £30m two years ago, has symmetrically posted 30 goals and ten assists across 70 matches.

Principally a central player, Pedro is swift and purposeful on the ball, endowed with some of that Seleção style too, hailed by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard for his “magical” ability on the ball.

Elanga, too, is good on the ball, but he’s also absolutely rapid – the third fastest player in the league as it happens – and he could use his pace to latch onto the technical range that Pedro expands his team’s capacity with.

As per FBref, the Seagulls star ranks among the top 1% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 17% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90.

He also created 11 big chances in the Premier League last year, as per Sofascore, and averaged 1.1 dribbles and just shy of five duels per game.

Over at the City Ground, Elanga has coined himself “one of the fastest players in the Premier League”, and no doubt would marry such rapidity with an increased potency in Howe’s system, having impressed with six goals and 11 assists for Forest last year.

If Newcastle can strengthen their ranks with both of these Prem-proven stars, there’s no question that Howe will have the tools to fashion even greater success next year and beyond.

Dream Pedro alternative: Newcastle advancing move for £40m "goal machine"

Newcastle plan to make a series of attacking signings this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 25, 2025

They might not have the trophies to show for it at the moment, but this Arsenal team are stacked with sensational players.

One of the most impressive is undoubtedly Bukayo Saka, who has taken on the role of club talisman and has become an output machine in recent seasons.

Likewise, Gabriel Magalhaes has developed from a player often labelled as error-prone to one of the most reliable in the squad and someone who knows exactly how to throw his weight around.

So, fans should be delighted that Arsenal are close to signing a player who embodies some of the best qualities of both.

Arsenal close in on game-changing signing

It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to say that, in terms of signings, this has been one of the most exciting summers Arsenal fans have had for quite some time.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

For example, the highly-sought-after Martin Zubimendi has finally been announced, alongside the squad-bolstering acquisitions of Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Additionally, the promising Cristhian Mosquera and potentially great Noni Madueke have already undergone their medicals, and the links to Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze persist.

However, there is still one more player, perhaps the most important of them all, yet to be officially secured, although that might be about to change.

At least that’s according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has confirmed that Arsenal are nearing the final stages of their negotiations to sign Viktor Gyokeres.

The Italian journalist stated the following: “The conversation is still ongoing in London. The agents of the player are still in London to try resolve the agreement between all parties involved.

“Gyokeres is fighting to go to Arsenal. But obviously it’s really important to agree on the add-ons. They are really on it on every single hour, every single minute – Arsenal and Sporting are working on this deal.”

While we will have to wait and see what the overall package comes to, reports elsewhere have made it clear that the base fee will be around £55m, which seems like a fair price for a player of his calibre, especially as he could be described as a hybrid of Saka and Gabriel.

Why Gyokeres is a Saka & Gabriel Hybrid

Okay, we know this might sound a little out there to start with, but hear us out, as even though Gyokeres plays in a different position to both players and has some key differences, he also shares some unmistakable similarities.

Starting with Gabriel, for example, the former Coventry City star is a behemoth of a player, and while he might not have the heading ability of the Brazilian, he can certainly use his physique as a size advantage in the same way.

Don’t just take our word for it though, as The Athletic’s Thom Harris referred to the Swedish international as ‘a battering ram of a striker’ earlier this month, and you only need to look at the way he holds off defenders or simply barges past them in any of his numerous goal compilations.

In fact, while he couldn’t finish at the end, the 27-year-old demonstrated his brute strength against the Gunners in the Champions League last season, when he rode the challenges of both Gabriel and William Saliba to get into the penalty area.

Finally, he also has the mentality to match, with reports earlier in the window claiming that he was willing to give up millions to force this move and get the chance to win things at Arsenal.

This is also arguably something he shares with Saka, but the most significant aspect of his game that makes him similar to the Englishman is his output and willingness to put a team on his back.

For example, in 52 appearances last season, totalling 4248 minutes, the free-scoring “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, put the ball in the back of the net 54 times and provided 13 assists.

In other words, the Stockholm-born machine averaged 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes and was unsurprisingly his team’s most productive player.

While the Hale Ender wasn’t quite as prolific, he was still unreal in the games he played last season, racking up 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2619 minutes.

Appearances

37

52

Minutes

2619′

4248′

Goals

12

54

Assists

14

13

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73′

63.40′

That means the mercurial number seven averaged a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 100.73 minutes, and was the club’s most productive player, despite missing over three months of the campaign.

Just imagine how dangerous the Gunners could be next season with the two game-changers playing alongside one another.

Ultimately, it won’t be cheap, but Arsenal appear to be onto a winner with Gyokeres, and the fact that he embodies the best aspects of Saka and Gabriel is proof of that.

Arteta's new Xhaka: Arsenal hold talks to sign "monster" £30m CM

The impressive midfielder could add some extra bit to Arsenal this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 17, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur salvaged their 2024/25 campaign when a goal from Brennan Johnson was enough to secure the Europa League against Manchester United.

Ange Postecoglou ended the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy by winning that game, securing Champions League football in the process, and was subsequently relieved of his duties.

Daniel Levy has, since, replaced the Australian head coach with former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, who will now be looking to kick the team on to win even more silverware in the years to come.

The Danish manager could look to the transfer market to bolster his squad, although deals for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso have already been agreed and will be made official at the start of July.

Spurs bringing in new recruits to improve the team could help them to kick on in the Premier League, after finishing closer to relegation than the top four, but it could also mean that some members of the current squad could have to make way.

One player whose future remains up in the air is Dejan Kulusevski, who is a reported target for Italian giants AC Milan and Napoli in the summer transfer window.

Why Spurs should cash in on Dejan Kulusevski

The 25-year-old star joined the club on loan from Juventus at the start of 2022 before eventually signing on a permanent deal, and has been a solid performer over the years for Spurs.

To date, Kulusevski has racked up 25 goals and 30 assists in 146 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham, which is a very respectable return and shows that he can provide quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

However, the Sweden international is one of the top earners in the squad and has not delivered enough consistent quality in the final third to justify that.

As you can see in the table above, Kulusevski is one of only four players in the squad who earn more than £90k-per-week, on a weekly wage of £110k, which suggests that he should someone the team can rely on week-in-week-out.

The left-footed forward, though, has never produced more than eight goals or eight assists in a single Premier League season for Tottenham, failing to hit double digits in either type of goal contribution.

Therefore, Spurs should look to cash in on this reported interest from Napoli and Milan in order to make room for a new attacker to come in this summer, with a view to them delivering more quality, through goals and assists, in the Premier League next season.

In fact, Tottenham are already reportedly eyeing up a Bundesliga star who could come through the door as an upgrade on Kulusevski in the coming months.

Spurs eyeing deal for Bundesliga star

According to GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham Hotspur have identified RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons as one of a number of targets in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Netherlands international, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, is on the club’s radar as they consider their options in the number ten role.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It adds that Tottenham are also among a number of teams keeping tabs on Harvey Elliott’s situation at Liverpool, and are interested in Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze.

Simons represents a slightly more left-field option, as he is unproven in the Premier League, and the Dutch playmaker is said to be open to a move to the English top-flight this summer.

Leipzig failed to qualify for any European competition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign and are reportedly looking for a fee in the region of £60m to part ways with the 22-year-old talent.

Why Spurs should sign Xavi Simons

Described by one data analyst as “one of the best 10s in the world”, the Lilywhites should press ahead with a deal to sign the young attacking midfielder because he is a player who has the potential to deliver goals and assists more frequently than Kulusevski has for Spurs to date.

Simons could come in as a big upgrade on the Swedish forward in the attacking midfield and wide areas, if he can translate his form for Leipzig in the Bundesliga over to the Premier League in North London.

The Dutch starlet, who was once described as a “pocket rocket” by analyst Raj Chohan, has hit double figures for goals in each of the last three seasons for Leipzig and PSV combined, and racked up double figures for assists in two of the last three seasons.

Simons produced ten goals and 13 assists in all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign, creating 14 ‘big chances’ and averaging 2.5 key passes per game in the Bundesliga, which speaks to the kind of quality he can provide in front of goal on a regular basis.

As you can see in the table above, the Dutchman’s form in the 2024/25 Bundesliga season also suggests that he has more to offer to Tottenham than Kulusevski moving forward, with more xA, more assists, more ‘big chances’ created, and more goals, despite playing seven fewer matches.

The Leipzig star is also on a reported wage of roughly £98k-per-week, per Capology, which suggests that he could arrive on similar wages to the Sweden international, unless he demands a significant pay hike to make the move.

If Spurs can bring Simons to the club on a similar wage to Kulusevski, the Dutch star’s performances for Leipzig in recent seasons suggest that he would arrive as a big upgrade on what Frank currently has to work with.

The 22-year-old maestro has the potential to provide more goals and more assists as an attacking midfielder, as a player who can finish his chances with more efficiency, whilst also creating more high-quality opportunities for his teammates.

Frank's next Mbeumo: Spurs discussing move to sign "world-class" £70m star

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move for a star who could star under Thomas Frank.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 29, 2025

Therefore, Spurs should sign the £60m-rated star to bolster Frank’s squad before the summer transfer window slams shut, to improve their options at the top end of the pitch.

Aston Villa are now planning to submit a €50m (£43m) offer for an “incredible” Barcelona player, with Unai Emery desperate to secure his signature, according to a report.

Villa set sights on new forward despite PSR concerns

Villa’s PSR issues are well-documented, having recently been one of the clubs fined by UEFA for breaking financial rules, while also being forced to sell their women’s team to their parent company to avoid having to make a big sale this summer.

That is according to football finance expert Stefan Borson, who revealed the Villans are lucky the Premier League are yet to close the loophole: “Had they blocked women’s team sales, then they would have been looking to sell a player for a substantial amount of money in the 30 June window, so they’ll be pleased that they didn’t have to do that.”

Consequently, Emery may have a little more room to manoeuvre in the transfer window, and the manager may be particularly keen to bring in a new forward, having lost Jhon Duran in January, while loanee Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United.

Aston Villa now set to advance for "top class" £138k-p/w ace loved by Monchi

The Villans could bring a proven Premier League operator to Villa Park.

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 8, 2025

According to a report from Spain, Aston Villa are now planning to submit a €50m (£43m) offer for Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, who has been desperately requested by Emery for quite some time.

The manager is convinced that Torres would be a solid addition to his squad, given the forward’s versatility, having showcased his ability to play on both wings and at centre-forward throughout his career so far.

The Villans’ interest comes off the back of a fantastic season for the Spaniard at Barcelona, playing a major role in his side securing the La Liga title, but Barca’s interest in signing the likes of Luis Diaz and Rashford could cause the forward to consider his options.

Torres could be "incredible" signing for Villa

The 25-year-old enjoyed a fantastic 2024-25 campaign, regularly contributing with goals and assists to help Barcelona win La Liga and the Copa del Rey, so it is little wonder that Villa are willing to spend big to get a deal over the line.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

La Liga

27

10

6

Copa del Rey

5

6

0

Champions League

11

3

1

Not only that, but the former Manchester City man has proven himself in the Premier League in the past, with Pep Guardiola saying: “He was fantastic all season and an incredible signing for us,”

“He can make incredible runs in behind but maybe we have to start to think about if he can play as a striker because every time he plays in that position he has a sense for goal, a real sense for goal.”

Having lost Rashford, Torres could be an ideal signing for Aston Villa this summer, with the forward’s performances last season proving he could play a major role in helping Emery’s side finally win a major trophy.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo feels as though it has been going on for months now, with no deal yet agreed for the Brentford star this summer.

The Cameroonian has been a key target for many months now, unsurprisingly so given his record of 20 Premier League goals for the Bees throughout 2024/25.

The Red Devils have so far had two separate offers rejected for the 25-year-old, with Ruben Amorim yet to get his hands on the player who could transform the club’s fortunes in attacking areas.

Keith Andrews’ side are said to be holding out for £65m to part ways with their star man during the current window, but the sides are yet to agree to such a figure, with United’s latest offer totalling £62.5m including add-ons.

It would be a huge disappointment to miss out on the forward, given the huge attempts made for his signature, but other targets have been drawn up over the last couple of weeks as a result of the delay.

The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this summer

Southampton forward Tyler Dibling was a name that was thrown into the mix last week over a potential move to join United, with his current employers demanding a fee in the region of £55m.

Other attackers such as Christopher Nkunku, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Benjamin Sesko have all been touted with moves to join the Red Devils this summer.

However, other areas of the pitch have also been subject to interest, with the hierarchy currently exploring a deal to sign Brighton star Pervis Estupiñán, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

He claims that the club have already held talks with the player and his representatives over a move to Old Trafford, after he made 30 league appearances last campaign.

Jacobs also states that the Seagulls will be open to allowing the 27-year-old to depart this summer, after securing the signing of Maxim De Cuyper, but doesn’t state the fee any deal would cost Amorim’s side.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect for Mbeumo

Despite the delay around a deal for Mbeumo in recent weeks, there’s still a strong feeling that the club will complete a deal for his services at some stage this window.

It would be such a shame to miss out on the forward, especially considering the tiny difference of just £2.5m in valuation between the Red Devils and the Bees.

The player himself has previously expressed his desire to move to Old Trafford, which should only bolster their chances of landing the Cameroonian international in the coming weeks.

However, he will need to be aided in his attempt for success should he move to the club, with Mbeumo unable to transform the Red Devils’ fortunes all by himself.

The addition of fellow attacker Matheus Cunha will certainly help him in the final third, but Estupinan could also play a vital role in the Bees star’s hunt to be a success in the North West.

Despite being a full-back, the Ecuadorian international has showcased his talents higher up the pitch, potentially playing perfectly into the hands of Mbeumo as a result.

Estupinan, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by journalist Ryan Adsett, registered 4.9 progressive passes per 90 along with 3.9 passes into the final third – having the tools to provide Mbeumo with opportunities in attacking areas.

Pervis Estupinan’s stats for Brighton in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

30

Goals & assists

2

Progressive passes

4.9

Passes into final third

3.9

Take-ons attempted

56%

Carries into final third

2.3

Tackles won

1.6

Interceptions made

1.4

Stats via FBref

He also completed 56% of the take-ons he attempted, whilst making 2.3 carries into the final third, able to overlap the forwards and add a new dimension to Amorim’s attack.

However, despite his attacking capabilities, he’s also been just as impressive without the ball, making 1.6 tackles per 90 and 1.4 interceptions per 90, arguably being the perfect wing-back in United’s 3-4-2-1 system.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the full-back would cost this summer, it’s evident that he has all the tools needed to thrive on the left side of United’s system.

If he can form a partnership with Mbeumo at Old Trafford, it would further add to the quality of any addition, helping the side massively in their quest for success in the near future.

Related Amorim's own Pogba: Man Utd leading race to sign "sensational" £42m star

Manchester United could be about to make a move to land a key target in their plans for the 2025/26 campaign.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Jul 16, 2025

Two years after announcing her retirement, Dottin is back in the West Indies fold

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Aug-20241:54

Dottin: Young, determined WI players are improving through WCPL

Two years after unexpectedly announcing her retirement, Deandra Dottin is back in West Indies’ squad for the upcoming women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. Dottin, the scorer of the fastest century in women’s T20Is, made a sudden decision to quit in 2022, citing a “non-conducive” environment within the West Indies set-up. She reversed that decision last month, with one eye on the upcoming World Cup.She was named in the 15-member squad announced by Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Thursday, which also features an uncapped player in Nerissa Crafton.”We have a nice mix of experience and youth,” Kishore Shallow, the CWI president, said after the announcement. “We have some players bordering [on] 19; I think Zaida [James] is still probably a teenager and one or two of the young players there. So, really happy with the mix.Related

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Dottin ends international retirement ahead of T20 World Cup

Aug 2022: Deandra Dottin announces West Indies retirement

“Also, I think, we all as West Indians are excited to see Deandra Dottin back. It has been a year of communication – back and forth – with Deandra, and I particularly want to recognise the involvement of Ann Browne-John who has led those conversations over the last year, even when she wasn’t officially the selector. She was integral in Deandra coming out of retirement.”Dottin’s recent form is particularly encouraging: she was the third-highest run-getter in WCPL 2024 league phase, with 113 runs in four innings at an average of 28.25 and strike rate of 111.88. She was also the only batter to have hit more than two sixes this WCPL season, leading into the final. Her 53 off 38 balls against Guyana Amazon Warriors set up a Super-Over finish at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. Dottin returned to bat in the Super Over, her unbeaten 13 off four balls paving the way for Trinbago Knight Riders’ win.ESPNcricinfo LtdHead coach Shane Deitz welcomed Dottin back into the West Indies set-up. “Her record is phenomenal and she is doing it again at the WCPL as we speak,” Deitz said of Dottin. “We’ve been really working hard off the field with our team culture, and the leadership group within the team. Denadra and the other players who are coming into the side – they are all going to be welcomed in the same manner.”On the field, as I said, her record is unbelievable and gives us flexibility with power-hitting and smart batting as well. [She is] an unbelievable fielder, does death bowling and some other bowling in between and she really steps up to bowl the big overs and she is an absolute winner. She has been here at the camp past week and really fit in well. Great to get her back in the squad and we’re looking forward to her contributions in the World Cup.”When Dottin had announced her retirement in August 2022 at age 31, she had played 127 T20Is (alongside 143 ODIs) for 2697 runs and 62 wickets. That record fastest hundred of hers came at a T20 World Cup, back in 2010; she got to the landmark off 38 balls – at the time a record across both men’s and women’s cricket – and went on to smash 112 off 45 balls against South Africa in St Kitts.She took to the T20 circuit after her retirement, but had not played competitive cricket since September 2023 before taking charge of TKR at the ongoing WCPL.West Indies’ leadership team at the World Cup will remain the same, with Hayley Matthews to lead and Shemaine Campbelle her deputy. The team has been impressive in T20I cricket leading into this World Cup; they travelled to Pakistan in April-May and won 4-1, before going to Sri Lanka and taking the series 2-1.That was their previous assignment, and the World Cup XV included four changes from that squad. There was no room for Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Rashada Williams and Late Wilmott. They made way for Ashmini Munisar, Dottin, Mandy Mangru and Crafton. Mangru is uncapped in T20I cricket and has played just the one ODI.West Indies begin their World Cup campaign on October 4 in Dubai against South Africa, and then have the rest of their Group B games lined up against Scotland, Bangladesh and England. The top two teams from the group will proceed to the semi-finals. The final is scheduled for October 20.West Indies squad for 2024 Women’s T20 World CupHayley Matthews (capt), Shemaine Campbelle (vice-capt), Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Karishma Ramharack, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton, Qiana Joseph, Shamila Connell, Stafanie Taylor, Zaida James
In: Ashmini Munisar, Deandra Dottin, Mandy Mangru, Nerissa Crafton
Out: Cherry-Ann Fraser, Shabika Gajnabi, Rashada Williams, Late Wilmott

استقر يانيك فيريرا المدير الفني للفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، على تشكيل فريقه في مباراة نظيره المصري اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وتقام المباراة على استاد برج العرب بالإسكندرية، ضمن منافسات الجولة السادسة من الدوري المصري الممتاز موسم 2025-2026.

طالع.. خاص | سبب استبعاد شيكو بانزا من مباراة الزمالك والمصري

ويحتل المصري المركز الأول في جدول ترتيب الدوري برصيد 11 نقطة من 5 مباريات، بعدما حقق 3 انتصارات وتعادل مرتين

فيما يأتي الزمالك ثانيًا برصيد 10 نقاط، جمعها من الفوز في 3 مباريات والتعادل مرة والخسارة في أخرى.

تشكيل الزمالك أمام المصري في الدوري.. آدم كايد أساسيًا تشكيل الزمالك المتوقع أمام المصري

حراسة المرمى: محمد صبحي

خط الدفاع: محمود بنتايج وحسام عبد المجيد ومحمد إسماعيل أو صلاح مصدق، عمر جابر

خط الوسط: دونجا – ناصر ماهر – عبد الله السعيد

خط الهجوم: خوان بيزيرا – عدي الدباغ – عبد الحميد معالي.

Maharaj, Rabada’s heavy workloads could not force a result in a Test where 142 overs were lost across five days

Firdose Moonda11-Aug-2024

South Africa ran out of time, ideas and most importantly bowlers, as they fell five wickets short of winning the first Test against West Indies in Trinidad. The hosts weren’t too far from challenging for a win themselves: West Indies were 97 short of their target when the curtains came down.With 142 overs lost to rain over the five days, South Africa made a fist of the final day when they batted quickly, declared early and gave themselves a little over two sessions to bowl West Indies out. But, Alick Athanaze, playing in his eighth Test match, scored a career-best 92 and shared in half-century stands with Kavem Hodge and Jason Holder to deny South Africa and save the match. This was the first drawn Test worldwide in 28 matches, since July last year.Related

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Weather aside, questions will be asked of South Africa’s selection after they chose an extra batter at the expense of a fifth frontline-bowling option and were forced to rely heavily on two players. Keshav Maharaj bowled 66.2 overs and Kagiso Rabada 30 out of the 148.1 West Indies faced across both innings, while Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder contributed 30.5. In the absence of a second specialist spinner, Aiden Markram delivered 21 overs.There may also be some scrutiny on the Queen’s Park Oval pitch. It lacked pace and bounce and did not facilitate a free-flow of runs, ostensibly because the square has already been used extensively for club cricket this season. Whatever the reason, it made for an attritional style of play, emphasised by the amount of time lost, and both teams did well to turn most of the final day into a cat-and-mouse battle with all four results possible.Maharaj and Rabada bowled 96.2 overs between themselves in the Test•AFP/Getty Images

South Africa came out with clear intent on the fifth morning: to get runs and get them quickly. Tony de Zorzi and Markram scored 48 in the first 10.2 overs and the 13 they took off Jayden Seales’ third over best illustrated their approach. De Zorzi appeared to defend the first ball but somehow timed it well enough to get through mid-off and almost to the boundary and the pair ran three. Then Markram smashed a short ball through midwicket and drove a full one over mid-on for two fours. Timing, power and finesse all went into their 78-run opening stand.When Jomel Warrican was introduced in the 16th over, de Zorzi tried to be innovative and paddle him away fine but gloved a leg-stump delivery to Joshua Da Silva, ending his 60-ball stay. He fell five runs short of scoring successive half-centuries in this Test and has put a peg in the ground as an enterprising opening option.Tristan Stubbs was in at No.3 and edged the fourth ball he faced past the only slip to frustrate Holder, but Stubbs calmed his nerves with a sweep off Warrican in the next over. The sweep shot was profitable for him and Warrican was a clear target. Markram hit Warrican for six over long-on once but when he tried it a second time, he did not get enough behind the shot and was caught on the boundary by Holder.Tristan Stubbs celebrates his maiden Test fifty•Gallo Images/Getty Images

Temba Bavuma stayed in his No. 4 spot and provided a foil to Stubbs, who was given a licence to thrill. He reverse swept and advanced on Warrican to hit him over the leg side and scored 36 runs off the 25 balls he faced from him. In the process, he reached his first Test fifty, off 42 balls – the second-fastest maiden half-century by a South African after Dudley Nourse’s 40-ball fifty on debut. Stubbs also took on the senior seamer, Kemar Roach, and scored 13 runs off three balls from him before Roach took out his leg stump, and South Africa declared half an hour before lunch.They gave their bowlers 20 minutes in the first session but only had 15 before the rain came down. Maharaj opened the bowling and, with his third ball, had the usually sedate Kraigg Braithwaite attempting a big shot from a full ball and caught at sweeper cover. Stubbs judged his run from the boundary well to hold on to the catch.At the other end, Rabada tested Keacy Carty by beating his outside edge, almost having him played on, and thought he had him caught behind but didn’t. He then reviewed an lbw appeal that hit Carty’s front pad in line with off-stump. Ball-tracking showed it was clipping the top on umpire’s call and Carty survived but then rain arrived.Rain affected play in all five days of the Test•AFP/Getty Images

An hour was lost and when play resumed, Rabada returned with a plan. He set up Mikyle Louis with a series of full deliveries including a fabulous yorker that was well kept out and then bowled a short one. Louis got a top edge to midwicket where he found Stubbs, who held on to a second good catch.With Carty and Athanaze at the crease, South Africa would have hoped to exploit their inexperience but the young pair survived and then thrived. Athanaze became comfortable sweeping and Carty took 12 runs off Ngidi’s second over. The third-wicket stand grew to 46 before Carty hit Maharaj towards cover where Mulder dived forward to take a low catch.South Africa could not prise West Indies open in the second session and put down two chances. Hodge offered Markram a return catch when on 9 and survived again on the last ball before tea when, on 24, he gloved a Maharaj delivery in Bavuma’s direction at second slip. Bavuma went to his right but the ball evaded him. Hodge’s dance with danger ended in the first over after tea when Maharaj found turn and bounce and Hodge got the faintest of edges to Kyle Verreynne.But Athanaze was not easily moved and was excellent against the short ball. He scored quickly, reached 50 off 58 balls and took on South Africa’s main bowlers. He scored 18 runs off 19 balls he faced from Rabada and 47 off 62 from Maharaj and had three figures in his sights until he top-edged a sweep from Maharaj to Ryan Rickelton at deep-backward square leg. By then, West Indies were on safe ground and it was too late for South Africa to push for a result. The captains shook hands on a draw in fading light with 6.4 overs of play remaining.

Less than a month after becoming the advisor to the PCB chairman on cricket affairs, Waqar Younis’ stint has ended, with the former fast bowler now a mentor for one of the five sides in the new domestic competitions the PCB is introducing this season.Waqar is joined by Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Saqlain Mushtaq and Sarfaraz Ahmed as mentors, whose first assignments will be the Champions One-Day Cup, which will run from September 12 to 29 in Faisalabad. The PCB confirmed that Sarfaraz, who is part of the Test squad for the ongoing Bangladesh series, would continue with his playing career.Waqar was slated to become the board’s cricket supremo, a role created to take the burden of cricketing decisions away from the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi. He even appeared alongside Naqvi at a press conference in that role, an unveiling of sorts, at Gaddafi Stadium at the time.Related

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Initially the PCB didn’t give a reason for why Waqar is no longer in that role and had become a mentor instead, which is a three-year contract and was, in the PCB’s words, the result of a “transparent and robust recruitment process”. It had been suggested that both parties thought Waqar might be better suited to a team-building role such as this, with more active involvement in the development of a side. The role of the advisor to the chairman is still being advertised.But at a press conference later in the day in Lahore, Naqvi said Waqar had played a pivotal role in identifying and appointing the other four mentors, before taking on the fifth spot himself. “Waqar Younis assisted us for the last 3-4 weeks,” Naqvi said. “He’s a great name to have, a great cricketer was on board with us. He helped us finalise the other mentors. He spoke to them, did everything. And then he had to handle the fifth team. So in the first 3-4 weeks, in this entire exercise, he spoke to them, convinced them, to get them on board, and now he will handle the fifth team.”As per the constitution we couldn’t hire him as a mentor straight away, only as an advisor. And now he is a mentor handling an entire team.”In an earlier statement, Naqvi had welcomed “five exceptional champions as mentors” for the Champions Cup teams. “These individuals bring a wealth of cricketing experience, knowledge and expertise, which, combined with their passion for the game we all love, will help the Pakistan Cricket Board identify, develop and nurture the next generation of cricketers across all formats. This initiative will not only benefit the Pakistan men’s cricket team but also help bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket.”