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The Bangladesh coach does not think the BPL is helping Bangladesh cricket – this and more from a freewheeling chat with ESPNcricinfo

Mohammad Isam25-Feb-2024

On the importance of legspin

You always liked having a legspinner in your team but you are in a country where legspin is hardly ever used in domestic cricket. Have you ever mentioned it to the board: how can have more legspin in domestic cricket?
I have spoken to the people who matter. Not only this time, the previous time [when Hathurusinghe was Bangladesh coach] as well. Sometimes when those things [still] haven’t happened, I have had to take an unconventional route as well. As you know, Jubair [Hossain] played Tests without playing much first-class cricket. Rishad has also been fast-tracked, but coaches and captains need to understand the value of legspinners. How to use legspinners.We need to have systems in place to identify the proper pathway for them. I have been involved in building two world-class legspinners: Adam Zampa and Tanveer Sangha. I know how much investment went towards their careers. When I saw Zampa in 2011, he was just another player. He turned out to be world-class. We don’t understand the value of a legspinner here. We are suffering because of that.

On the upcoming series against Sri Lanka

What were the thoughts behind including spinners Aliss Al Islam and Rishad Hossain in the T20 squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka?
[Legspinner] Rishad is one for the future. I am really trying to back him as much as we can. Unfortunately we are not getting enough support from local cricket. He is not even playing the BPL. I am very disappointed with that.

“We need to have a tournament where our players can do things – like Bangladesh players batting in the top three, Bangladesh bowlers bowling in the death. Where will we learn these things otherwise? “On the need for another domestic tournament other than the BPL

I think Aliss has mystery, but I don’t know much about him. I have seen him on TV. It is one thing to have that kind of a skill, but you need to field well and have fitness at the international level. [By being part of the set-up for the upcoming series], he will know what standard he has to reach, and we can understand the mystery about him.Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are now rivals. Not just off the field but their gap has been shortening since those days when Sri Lanka used to beat Bangladesh easily. How do you think Bangladesh will fare this time against them?
There is a real competition. Sri Lanka is a very good T20 side. Their bowling is among the top three teams in the world. We are developing as a T20 team. We are underdogs, to be honest. It is a good challenge for us. I am still confident we will give them a good fight. We will understand where we are at, ahead of the World Cup, after this series.Was Mahmudullah’s revival only about good batting form or is there anything else you spotted in him?
I think he was very well prepared for the [ODI] World Cup. He has had time off [having not played for Bangladesh since the end of the 2023 World Cup]. He was fresh physically and mentally. That’s what I saw. A determined and fresh Mahmudullah, and wanting to prove to himself and to everyone that he is still good enough.

On the state of T20 cricket in Bangladesh

How do you instill a T20 mindset in Bangladesh? Are they catching up with world standards?
No way. We don’t have a proper T20 tournament. This sounds very odd but when I am watching the BPL, I sometimes turn off the TV. Some players are not even of the class. I have a big issue with the current system. The ICC needs to step in. Our board needs to do something about us. There has to be some regulations. A player is playing one tournament and then playing another tournament. It is like a circus. Players will talk about opportunities, but that’s not right. People will lose interest. I have lost interest.We need to have a tournament where our players can do things – like Bangladesh players batting in the top three, Bangladesh bowlers bowling in the death. Where will we learn these things otherwise? We have only one tournament. My ideal suggestion is that we have another tournament before the BPL. A franchise does what it wants. Some of my best players are not playing [the BPL]. So then how do you expect the Bangladesh team be up with the other teams? I am fighting a steep battle.Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has a chat with head coach Chandika Hathurusinghe•BCB

On the changing of the guard in Bangladesh cricket

I was made aware of something called the Tiger Code…
That is to have something that when you come into the team as a debutant, you are told the meaning of representing Bangladesh. The players have come up with what they stand for, as a Tiger. They want to leave something behind for the next generation when they retire. They have a set of values that they stand for. There are some blank pages to write their stories and once they retire, they can fondly look back at those.You have backed Najmul Hossain Shanto as the captain. How will you help him in his first year as captain?
It is important to have a good relationship with him. We must have open communication. [We must] understand how he wants to lead and support his vision, support the culture he wants to set. I only saw his tactical side and leadership in the middle, now I want to help him with the leadership off the field. My job is to get as much resources from outside to support him as a leader and take the pressure off most of the time from other things.How does a young captain lead a team with ex-captains and senior players in the set-up?
I was always against that sort of thing: if you expect different treatment just because you are a senior, you are in the wrong place. That’s my belief all the time. I was a club captain and with Sri Lanka A at a very young age.You backed players like Tanzid Hasan and Tanzim Hasan in the ODI side. Have they improved since you saw them for the first time?
First of all, I backed some of them not by choice. It was due to what happened leading up to the [2023 ODI] World Cup with injuries and other reasons. Tanzid has real potential. I am glad that he is showing glimpses of it. He has a high ceiling. Tanzim has real character. I know he needs to develop some skills but due to sheer determination, he is a good asset to the team. He doesn’t step back. Both are still babies in international cricket though.

“If a big change [in the captaincy] happens like that, it definitely disrupts your preparation. Other teams are planning for three years. Something like that happens before the World Cup, it must have some [effect] on the team.”On the Tamim controversy in the lead up to the 2023 World Cup

On the Tamim Iqbal controversy

Would you like to clarify what happened with Tamim Iqbal in the weeks leading up to the Afghanistan ODI series?
What incident? I am asking you. I never heard anything before. I don’t know till today why he made that decision [to retire] to be honest.Have you spoken to him since then?
No.Did the board try to arrange a conversation between you two?
He retired and it escalated to the level which we can’t do anything about. After that my focus is team. As you know, I have always said this. No individual is bigger than the team.

On the 2023 World Cup performance

Did all that controversy leading up to the 2023 World Cup have an impact on the campaign?
If a big change [in the captaincy] happens like that, it definitely disrupts your preparation. Other teams are planning for three years. Something like that happens before the World Cup, it must have some [effect] on the team. Ebadot’s injury was also a big one. We missed him a lot on those wickets.Do you think the changes in the batting order contributed to a difficult World Cup?
Nobody said anything to me [at the time]. It was not my sole decision. It was the leadership’s decision. We were not performing. How can you hold your position without performance?We changed only one player. [Mehidy Hasan] Miraz scored runs. Everyone forgot his Asia Cup hundred. He scored runs in the [World Cup] practice games. He got a fifty in our first World Cup game. Anyone complaining about it [the shuffling] is giving an excuse. They [the batters] got to bat for 30 overs [in general] but what did they do with it? Our batters didn’t perform.Chandika Hathurusinghe says he has not chatted with Tamim Iqbal about his retirement episode•BCBWhy can’t Bangladesh break into a World Cup semi-final?
It is a good question. It is a broad question. It is not about the players. We have to develop a system or four- or eight-year cycle to become world champions. It doesn’t happen automatically. In this era, teams have to develop. When England lost to us in Adelaide, how much did they change in the next 12 months? That’s how they won the 2019 World Cup. New Zealand has built up for years. After the 2007 disaster, India built themselves up in four years. How much did they change in 2011? There are systems that you need to have. We need to plan and build on towards an event.

On Bangladesh’s Test challenges in 2024

Bangladesh doesn’t have a huge pool of red-ball players too. Are you looking at the A-team system to support the senior team?
A-team cricket is very important. We don’t have the world’s best domestic cricket. To bridge the gap between international and domestic cricket, we need A-team tours. We spoke about it since I have come this time. Your best players have to be in the A-team, even if he is good enough at 17 or 18.You said that the fast bowling attack surprised you with their development in the last few years. Are you planning to prepare them for overseas Tests?
It was the same guys but they are now doing well, like Taskin [Ahmed], Ebadot [Hossain] and Mustafiz [Mustafizur Rahman]. Only Shoriful [Islam] and Hasan Mahmud are the new ones. What excited me were the young fast bowlers that we didn’t have before. Guys like Nahid Rana, Tanzim Hasan, Mushfik Hasan and Rejaur Rahman Raja. They now bowl a lot in domestic cricket, like almost 20 overs in every game. Before they used to bowl four overs and wait for the second new ball. It is a good thing that the board has done.

On returning to the hot seat in Bangladesh

Have you met the new chief selector?
I met him yesterday [Friday] briefly. We didn’t speak about selection. He doesn’t start till March 1. We just had a general chat.What made you come back to the Bangladesh job?
One thing is, when I left [in 2017], everyone thought I wasn’t happy here. I communicated well with the board about why I was leaving. I had my personal reasons. There were instances when the board asked me if I wanted to come back. I always kept an eye on Bangladesh cricket. I really had gratitude because they gave me opportunity when I was a nobody. I wanted to come back again if they needed me.I wanted to wait till after the World Cup when there was a transition happening, to come and develop the team. After the T20 World Cup, the board asked me. I thought I would come, I always wanted to come.You had spent three years with Bangladesh in your first stint. Now it has been 12 months. Another World Cup is coming up. What do you want the Bangladesh team to do apart from achieving results?
I want them to enjoy their cricket. It is a relatively young team. There’s a change of guard. If they enjoy their cricket, I think they will have good memories. As a team, I want us to get into the second round. It is a different format in unknown venues like the US [the T20 World Cup will be played in the West Indies and the USA]. It is quite a challenge, the unknown. I just want them to have an enjoyable World Cup.

A comprehensive, numbers-based look at the greatest upsets in Tests, taking into account team strengths, recent form and result margin

Anantha Narayanan05-Jan-2022At the beginning of 2021 I had come out with an in-depth article in which I had determined the greatest upsets in Tests and ODIs. Now, after Bangladesh’s fantastic win in Mount Maunganui, it’s time to revisit that piece, because this win breaks into the all-time top five.Normally a selection like this is done using subjective ideas, often from memory. However, I determined these matches through totally objective methods, quantifying all relevant factors.Before looking at the updated list, here are the factors I have considered. To know more about the methodology used, please read the original article.1. Team Strength Index (TSI) differential between the two sides. This takes into account the teams’ strengths based on the location (home/away for each team)
2. Recent overall form of the winning (weaker) team. This is based on the results of the last 10 Tests, across venues, with a point for a win, half a point for a draw and none for a loss. That is the Result Index, and “10-RI” is the value taken for this parameter. Thus, a team which has lost a lot recently gets a higher score, which boosts the overall Upset Index total.
3. Recent location-specific form of the winning team. The same process as above, applied to the most recent five home/away matches
4. Recent overall form of the losing (stronger) team. In this case, the RI value is taken as is
5. Recent location-specific form of the losing team
6. Team Performance Points of each team in the Test. A total of 10 points is allocated between the two teams, depending on the margin of the result.
7. Location of the match (away, neutral, home): five points for an away win, three for a win at a neutral venue, and one for a home winSince that article was first published, we have had two great upsets, both good enough to breach the table featuring the top 12. Bangladesh’s eight-wicket in in Mount Mounganui, their first in New Zealand, comes in fifth place. The relevant parameter values for Bangladesh are given below.TSI Differential: 30.8 (42.8-73.6)
Recent Overall form – Bangladesh: 7.5 (LLWLDLLWLL)
Recent away form – Bangladesh: 3.5 (WLDLL)
Recent Overall form – New Zealand: 8.0 (LDWWDWWWWW)
Recent home form – New Zealand: 5.0 (WWWWW)
Team Performance Points – Bangladesh: 6.85 (a rather easy eight-wicket win)
Match location – away win: 5.0Total points: 66.65Anantha NarayananThe aggregate of 66.7 Upset Index points puts Bangladesh’s win in the fifth position, just behind Afghanistan’s amazing away win against Bangladesh in Chattogram. A very well-deserved position for what was, inarguably, Bangladesh’s greatest win and one of the greatest team achievements ever.Let us not forget that the win was achieved without Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal. And the cherry on top was the margin of the win, with the match not going past lunch on the fifth day.The top 10 also has another recent match, which happened just after the piece was originally published in January last year. That game was India’s Brisbane win, which is now in eighth position, with 64.5 Upset Index points. India, with its depleted team, managed to upset the rampant and strong Australia, with a strong and unexpected fourth-innings chase.

The Philadelphia Phillies hosted the Detroit Tigers over the weekend in what could very well be a World Series preview. They were able to break out shiny new trade deadline acquisition Jhoan Duran twice over the three game set and both times he showcased why he was such an attractive asset.

Duran, who was part of the Minnesota Twins' sell-off, closed Friday night's victory in his debut in front of a raucous crowd and then did the same on Sunday night in front of a national television audience.

Of the 12 pitches he threw en route to picking up the save, four were among the five fastest ever hurled by a Phillie since the StatCast era began in 2008. Two at 102.5 mph, including the one that struck out Riley Greene to end the game, tied the previous record set by Jose Alvarado.

Duran added one at 102.7 mph and 103.3 mph for good measure.

Now, all of that is very exact and scientific. It's nice to have the actual numbers that prove no one's thrown this fast in a Phillies uniform in a long, long time. On the vibes side, one can understand why Philly fans are fired up to watch a new guy really zoom it in there as they compete for the National League East and hope to play deep into October.

Hard to think of a better welcome for the new closer at the end of the bullpen and hard to think Duran could have been more impressive in his new debut.

Barcelona have reiterated that they will not “fuel controversies or speculation” when it comes to a possible playing return to Camp Nou for Lionel Messi. The Liga giants are still planning the most “beautiful tribute” to their all-time leading goalscorer, but the Argentine GOAT is under contract in MLS with Inter Miami and appears unlikely to grace European football again.

American dream: Messi has signed new contract with Inter Miami

Messi severed career-long ties with Barca in 2021 when joining Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent. An emotional farewell was bid to Catalunya once it became apparent that the funds were not there to hand him a new contract.

Two years were spent in France before chasing the American dream. Messi, his wife Antonela and their three sons are now settled in South Florida. An extension to lucrative terms has been agreed through 2028.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLoan move? Messi sees Camp Nou return mooted

There remains the possibility that Messi could return to Barca during the MLS offseason, before their calendar is changed, with the 2026 World Cup fast approaching. Messi is eager to ensure that he is fit and firing for Argentina’s global title defence.

Barca have, however, played down loan talk and club president Joan Laporta continues to distance the Blaugrana from speculation regarding a potential ‘Last Dance’ for Messi in familiar surroundings.

Quizzed on that topic again at the Foros de Vanguardia forum, Laporta told reporters: “I'm not going to fuel controversies or speculation about things that aren't realistic. Everyone is entitled to their opinions. Leo will always be in the collective memory of Barcelona fans. Leo has a contract with a football club.”

Laporta added on Barca’s plans for Messi, with an exhibition or friendly match having been mooted for some time: “The tribute should take place at a time when we can thank him for everything he's done for Barca. A tribute with a full Camp Nou, with 105,000 Barca fans thanking Messi for everything he's done for the club, could be a beautiful thing.”

He went on to say of immortalising Messi in statue form, potentially alongside other Barca icons: “People can understand each other by talking. I don't see any problem. We've thought about giving him the most beautiful tribute ever given, and a statue alongside players who have made history. Kubala, [Johan] Cruyff, Messi and Ronaldinho also come to mind. Leo has defined an era and is the best player in history and in Barca's history.”

Will Messi grace the field at Camp Nou again?

Messi recently took in a surprise visit to Camp Nou, after seeing that iconic venue enjoy a serious facelift. He posted on social media: “Last night I returned to a place I have missed with all my soul. A place where I was extraordinarily happy, where a thousand times you made me feel like the happiest person in the world. I hope one day I can come back, and not just to say goodbye as a player, as I never got to.”

Messi has since revealed that he and Antonela are planning a return to Barcelona at some stage. That is not, however, expected to see him grace a legendary No.10 jersey again.

Sporting director Deco has said of the Messi transfer rumours: “I don't think it's possible because Leo is under contract and it was never even considered. Leo is always Leo, and he could still contribute something; he's a great player, but it's not something we're going to talk about. The current situation is entirely speculative.”

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GettyMessi's record: Games & goals ahead of MLS Cup final

Messi made 778 appearances for Barca after stepping out of their fabled La Masia academy system. He scored 672 goals, winning 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. It was during that time that he cemented a standing as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

He now has eight Ballons d’Or to his name and is the most decorated player in history. An opportunity to land another major honour will present itself on Saturday when Inter Miami face Vancouver in the 2025 MLS Cup final.

Manchester City are now ready to snap up a “superstar” Champions League player, with the same agent as two members of Pep Guardiola’s squad.

Man City looking to strengthen after Bayer Leverkusen setback

After putting together a solid run to re-establish themselves as Premier League title contenders, Man City have endured a dip in form over the past week, losing 2-1 at Newcastle United on Saturday, before succumbing to a 2-0 home defeat against Bayer Leverkusen.

It was a new-look defence for City, with Guardiola making wholesale changes to his starting XI, bringing in Abdukodir Khusanov to replace Matheus Nunes at right-back, despite the 27-year-old impressing in that area this season.

However, given that both Khusanov and Nunes aren’t natural full-backs, the Blues remain keen on bringing in another option, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has now told TEAMtalk that Man City will be ready to sign Livramento if the opportunity presents itself, saying: “He’s happy at Newcastle, he is in a good position, he wants to push the limits of a new contract. But equally he knows he could secure a big transfer if he really wanted it.

“City have respect for his situation and have had to wait for him to decide what he does next. If he looks to leave, they are right there and will snap him up.”

"Superstar" Livramento could be perfect for Pep

Of course, any player in a Guardiola system must be comfortable in possession of the ball, and the Newcastle defender, who has the same agent as Stones and Nathan Ake, has averaged an 85.4% pass completion rate per 90 over the past year, placing him in the 87th percentile compared to other full-backs.

Once referred to as a “superstar” by Newcastle content creator Kendall Rowan, the three-time England international is also proven in the Premier League, having reached the 100-game mark in his side’s 2-1 win against City, during which the full-back made three clearances, two interceptions and two tackles.

Having been ranked as one of the best right-backs in the world, ahead of the likes of Nunes and Khusanov, Livramento could be a real upgrade for Pep at right-back, but a deal could be on the expensive side…

Man City preparing £158m+ bid for star who wants to work under Guardiola

The Citizens are keen to make new signings and could now look to acquire one of Europe’s most prominent attackers.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 24, 2025

Newcastle value Livramento at the £80m mark, which would make him one of the most expensive signings in Man City history, and given that Nunes has been impressing this season, it is questionable whether they should spend that much on another right-back.

Seamer asked to remain on standby for World Cup despite omission from initial squad

Valkerie Baynes24-Sep-2025

Kate Cross has lost her England contract, capping a difficult month in which she also learned she had been overlooked for the World Cup.Cross revealed that England Women’s head coach Charlotte Edwards and director of cricket Jonathan Finch had told her during a post-season appraisal in August that her central contract wouldn’t be renewed, after playing 102 matches for her country across formats in an international career spanning nearly 12 years.”I had my appraisal with Lot and Finchy, our director of cricket, and they just told me that I’m not going to get my England contract renewed next year,” Cross said in a pre-recorded segment for the latest episode of , the podcast that she co-hosts with best friend and former team-mate Alex Hartley. “So as of October this year, 2025, I will not be a professional cricketer for England anymore.””I was dreading saying that, I feel sick,” Cross added in the episode released on Tuesday.Cross had her appraisal in early August, on the eve of the Hundred, in which she was ultimately part of the Northern Superchargers side that won the title, and learned of her World Cup omission partway through the tournament. She also revealed that Edwards had approached her after the Hundred to be a reserve for the World Cup.”I had a phonecall with Lottie at the end of the Hundred where she was like: ‘Look if you’re willing, can you keep training through October? Because if an injury goes down to one of the seamers, we are going to need you.’ That’s the bit I’m finding tough, because the end point isn’t now for me,” Cross said. “I’m back at Old Trafford next week bowling. It’s not been great. But I also have to think if an injury does go down, I have to go and be ready to play for England in a World Cup.”Cross claimed two wickets in the Hundred final to help power Northern Superchargers to the title•Julian Finney/Getty Images

With England Women’s central contracts due to be announced in December, Cross said she had a bad feeling about her future at the end of England’s home ODI series with India, which the hosts lost 2-1 in late July.”I started the India series opening the bowling for England as vice-captain, and I finished that series not even making the 13 that was named the night before, for the squad to play in that last ODI,” Cross said. “Lottie said to me, in a chat the day before the game, that it was a must-win game and I’m not part of the 13. As a cricketer who’s always prided myself on being a reliable bowler for your captain, who would hopefully stand up in big moments and do what I’ve done for a while for England, that was pretty tough to hear. I felt like a lot of trust had been lost quite quickly.”I’m not daft, I’m old enough and wise enough, and been around the block plenty of times to know that something’s happened there that might mean my future is maybe in a little bit of jeopardy.”When I came out of that India series, I felt a little bit lost and I didn’t feel like Lottie trusted me that much, having started the series where I did. I even said to Lottie, ‘I’m not daft, I know I didn’t bowl great (in the first ODI) at Southampton’. I didn’t feel like it was a droppable offence, but I know that wasn’t me at my best.”Cross wondered whether the back injury that she sustained in South Africa last year meant she had “lost a little bit of something”. Though she remained with the squad for England’s subsequent Ashes campaign in Australia, she didn’t play a match as England were whitewashed by seven matches to none.”That’s the stuff that you come to terms with, I guess, but I don’t quite feel like that’s the case,” she said. “I feel like I still have a lot to give the team and I know everyone that gets pushed out will say that, they’ll say that they always still felt like they’ve got stuff to give.Related

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“I’m so aware that my international career had to come to an end at some point, and it was going to be unlikely that I’d get to do it on my terms, because not many people get the privilege of finishing it on their terms. So I always knew that this would be probably how it was done, that I wouldn’t be ready for it.”But I think it’s just the speed of it. I honestly think in a couple of months’ time, a couple of years’ time, I might look back and be really pleased at how quickly it all happened, so I’ve not had to do that year of getting phased out and doing drinks and stuff like that. But I’m also sat here questioning whether I want to play cricket again.”With all this going on, Cross was also part of the Lancashire side which won the inaugural Metro Bank One Day Cup Women’s title on Sunday. She was unsure whether she would seek out a domestic contract for next year and said she would spend the winter away from the game deciding what she wanted to do.”Lottie has, to be fair to her, kept reaching out saying, ‘can we have a chat?’ and I’m like, there’s no point for me yet because I don’t know what to say,” Cross said. “I don’t have anything to say to you that’s going to make me feel better.”The chat might make her feel better, but I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. That almost feels like something that might happen next year or in two years’ time, or maybe never.”

On a day of remarkable drama in the Asia Cup, Pakistan did just about enough to keep their focus and secure the win that guarantees them safe passage to the Super Four. But they had to weather a spirited bowling performance from UAE who gave them a mini-scare. However, an all-round performance from Shaheen Shah Afridi and a team effort from the Pakistan bowlers ultimately sealed a 41-run victory.After the game started an hour late as the PCB threatened brinksmanship over the status of match referee Andy Pycroft, Pakistan appeared to have left all their fire and fury off the field. They scratched and poked timidly in the first four overs, limping to 17 for 2, and it wouldn’t get much better for most of the innings. Junaid Siddique took wickets at top and tail while Simranjeet Singh punctured Pakistan with three in the middle. It was only Fakhar Zaman who was left holding the innings together, but even his 36-ball 50 barely got Pakistan’s run rate above a run a ball.Related

• The arrival of Shaheen Afridi, lower-order basher

• The Pakcroft drama: everything, everywhere, all at once

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Afridi’s unbeaten 29 off 14 balls at the end gave his side some breathing room, but after a third successive below-par game with the bat, it was Pakistan’s bowlers left to bail them out. Afridi enjoyed his best bowling display of the tournament, crucially breaking through with Alishan Sharafu’s wicket, while Haris Rauf, playing his first match of the Asia Cup, took the wicket of Dhruv Parashar to break a 48-run fourth wicket stand whose menace had slowly been increasing.Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub were operating in conditions conducive to their skillset, and they kept their end of the deal, their eight overs combining for 3 for 31 as the UAE’s innings ran out of steam. With six overs to go – they needed 62 runs with six wickets in the bag – the game still in the balance. However, as the pressure piled on, the Associates would crumple in a heap, the last seven wickets falling for 20 runs in 23 balls.

Junaid Siddique doubles up

In a tournament dominated by spin bowling, UAE fast bowler Junaid Siddique has become the top wicket-taker. Not for nothing has he amassed 105 T20I wickets, four of which came in a masterful spell of bowling against Pakistan on Wednesday.Following on from his 4 for 23 against Oman earlier in the tournament, Siddique drew Saim Ayub into a lash outside off for his third successive duck of the tournament. Varying his pace and lengths beautifully, he went the other way for Sahibzada Farhan, denying him room to induce a feeble chip into the infield.It meant Pakistan started off painfully – they were 9 for 2 in the third over – and Waseem squirelled away Siddique’s remaining two overs for the death. There, Siddique delivered like a charm once more, Pakistan’s lower-middle order finding him as difficult to put away as well. He struck once more in each of his two overs, outfoxing Mohammad Haris as he tried to paddle him, before signing off with a slower delivery that had Mohammad Nawaz holing out to leave Pakistan eight down.1:49

Jaffer: Junaid Siddique was ‘spot on’ in a must-win game

Shaheen injects batting momentum

It was fast bowler Afridi whose last-gasp cameo with the bat against India established some competitiveness to Pakistan’s total, and he came to the rescue in similar circumstances against UAE. With Pakistan 110 for 7 in the 17th over, Afridi almost single-handedly got Pakistan up to and beyond par. He found a way to fetch a pair of boundaries off Siddique, but the bulk of the runs came in a thrilling final over.Freeing his arms to get that windmill of a swing going, he began by slapping Muhammad Rohid over mid-off for six before whipping him over square leg for six more. Eighteen would come off that over, and of the 28 that came off the final two, with Afridi scoring 27 in 10 deliveries. It pushed Pakistan up to 146, placing a level of scoreboard pressure on the hosts that ultimately weighed them down throughout the chase.

When the moment slipped away

The game was going perfectly to plan for UAE. A superb bowling performance was being followed by a brisk start with the bat. Alishan Sharafu caressed the first ball of the innings from Afridi for four, and the first two overs produced 19 for 0.But there were signs that Afridi would back up his batting cameo with the ball when he coaxed Sharafu into dragging on. UAE’s captain Waseem then tried to keep the innings going. Five wides from Haris Rauf helped the run rate, and Waseem thwacked him for a boundary in the same over. By the end of the fourth, UAE were 35 for 1.The final two overs of the powerplay, though, damaged their chase. Salman Agha turned to Abrar whose carrom ball deceived Waseem. Mohammad Nawaz threw in a dive to take a stunning low catch to deal a hammer blow to their chances of an upset. In the next over, Saim Ayub cleaned up Muhammad Zohaib to leave UAE tottering at 38 for 3. As the asking rate rose into the ether, it took UAE’s hopes with it.

Liverpool made some eye-catching signings during the summer window and could now be set to enact a surprise double deal involving Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni.

After a frustrating period of matches, Arne Slot led his side to only their second win in their last eight fixtures against Aston Villa last weekend, offering something to build on ahead of the festive period.

Mohamed Salah’s 250th Premier League goal came as a landmark milestone, and his teammates stepped up after a dip in form, leaving them seven points off Arsenal in the Premier League title race as they gun for more silverware.

Admittedly, the visitors still produced moments of panic within the Liverpool backline. By no means were the Reds perfect last weekend, but three points are the only thing that matters after a dismal run of results that have caused them to drift from top spot.

Club legend Steven Gerrard spoke out in defence of Slot amid recent criticism involving the Dutchman, telling TNT Sports that ‘keyboard warriors’ won’t detract from the fine job he has done at Anfield.

He said: “It’s a great win; he deserves a lot of credit for that. But they come thick and fast, in two days’ time, the pressure will build again as he’ll be expected to beat Real Madrid.

“Compared to when we played there are a lot more people with microphones and cameras in front of their face, there are a lot more keyboard warriors and a lot of unnecessary noise. But it is football in the modern age, you have to take the rough with the smooth, that is life.”

Reds supporters will be fully behind their manager after the return he produced last term, and he could now be set to conclude a couple of lucrative deals to vastly improve his side.

Liverpool willing to bid for Eduardo Camavinga and Alessandro Bastoni

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are plotting an ambitious double swoop for Eduardo Camavinga and Alessandro Bastoni that could cost within the region of £122 million to complete.

Real Madrid won’t make it easy for Camavinga to leave the building, albeit the Reds’ desire to acquire him is there and they hope that their project could be enough to entice him to England.

In the case of Bastoni, he is viewed as a natural successor to Virgil Van Dijk, something that supporters could get on board with due to his left-sided nature, tenacity and willingness to contribute in all thirds.

The Italy star has registered a goal and three assists in 12 matches this season. On the other hand, Camavinga has notched a solitary strike in nine appearances, featuring either as a central midfielder, in a holding role, and even on the right flank.

Liverpool could earn £132 million to fund Camavinga and Bastoni deals

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha is also named as a target, though his situation is not as advanced. Either way, expect some notable future transfer dealings at Anfield.

Sunday's Major League Baseball action gets kicked off at 10:10 a.m. EST between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, and it concludes with two of the best teams in baseball — the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers — facing off on Sunday night.

With every team in the league in action, bettors can wager on 15 different games on Sunday.

Here's a moneyline pick for each of the, along with a short breakdown of each game:

New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies Prediction and Pick

We've got a pair of pitchers with over 5.00 ERAs squaring off in this game, although Jose Quintana has led the Mets to a win over the Phillies once this season.

Philly is top five in MLB in OPS this season, and it comes into this game on a four-game winning streak. I'll ride with the hot team at home as a slight favorite.

San Francisco Giants vs. Texas Rangers Prediction and Pick

The defending World Series champs should have an advantage on Sunday with Nathan Eovaldi (2.70 ERA) on the mound against Keaton Winn (3-6, 6.17 ERA).

The Giants are just 3-6 straight up in Winn's starts, and Eovaldi has been decent since returning from the IL, allowing just three runs across 8.2 innings of work. I lean with him to get the win on Sunday.

Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals Prediction and Pick

The Atlanta Braves are starting 2023 first-round pick Hurston Waldrep on Sunday — his MLB debut — against Washington's DJ Herz, who allowed four runs in four innings in his debut against the New York Mets.

Atlanta's offense, even without Ronald Acuna Jr., is better than this Washington group, and the Braves outrank the Nats in bullpen ERA. With both 'pens likely getting heavy usage in this one, I'll lay the juice with the Braves.

Minnesota Twins vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction and Pick

Pirates starter Jared Jones has just one start all season where he's allowed over three earned runs, and he should have the edge against Minnesota's Bailey Ober (4.94 ERA).

Both of these teams are 5-7 in these starters respective outings, but Jones has beenb lights out at home, posting a 1.95 ERA in six starts. Trust him in this afternoon matchup.

Baltimore Orioles vs. Tampa Bay Rays Prediction and Pick

Zack Littell led the Rays to a win over the Orioles in his last start, but it wasn't pretty. He gave up 11 hits across six innings (only three runs), pushing his WHIP up to 1.28 on the season.

He takes on Grayson Rodriguez (6-2, 3.28 ERA), who has led the O's to a 7-3 record in his 10 starts. Given the Rays struggles at home (17-20 straight up), I don't mind the Orioles (20-10 on the road) as slight favorites in this game.

Cleveland Guardians vs. Miami Marlins Prediction and Pick

There isn't much to love betwene Miami's Trevor Rogers (5.68 ERA) and Cleveland's Carlos Carrasco (5.66 ERA), but there is one stat that stands out to me.

Miami is just in Rogers' outings this season. I can't back this struggling Marlins team to get the win today.

Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Prediction and Pick

Cubs rookie Shota Imanaga appears to be coming back to earth, allowing 12 runs (eight earned) over his last two starts to shoot his ERA up to 1.88 on the season.

Meanwhile, Reds starter Frankie Montas is coming off his best outing of the season — seven innings of one-hit ball against the Colorado Rockies.

The Reds actually outrank the Cubs in OPS this season, so don't be shocked if they still one at home today.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Detroit Tigers Prediction and Pick

AL Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal has been money for the Tigers all season, posting a 1.97 ERA and leading the team to a 9-3 record across 12 starts.

He takes on Milwaukee's Bryse Wilson, who has pitched decently in 2024 but could be due for some regression due to his 4.77 expected ERA. I'll take Detroit here.

Seattle Mariners vs. Kansas City Royals Prediction and Pick

Kansas City Royals starter Cole Ragans has just two starts this season where he's allowed more than three earned runs, and I give him the slight edge over Mariners youngster George Kirby.

Seattle ranks just 24th in MLB in OPS, so I'm worried about it scoring enough against a Royals team that has thrived at home, going 24-10 straight up.

Boston Red Sox vs. Chicago White Sox Prediction and Pick

I can't bet on the awful Chicago White Sox, especially with Chris Flexen (5.19 ERA) on the moound. Chicago is just 2-11 straight up in his 13 starts this season.

Colorado Rockies vs. St. Louis Cardinals Prediction and Pick

I don't love either starter in this matchup, as Andre Pallante was rocked for St. Louis in his last outing, pushing his ERA over 6.00 on the season, and Ty Blach has been subpar (4.54 ERA) for Colorado.

These teams are both in last place with ugly run differentials, so why not take a shot on a road dog in this matchup?

Houston Astros vs. Los Angeles Angels Prediction and Pick

Justin Verlander hasn't been his best in 2024, but Houston is starting to play better, going 6-4 in its last 10 games to move just half a game back of second in the AL West.

The Angels (last in the AL West) are sending Patrick Sandoval (5.00 ERA) to the mound, and he may struggle against a Houston offense that ranks 10th in MLB in OPS against lefties.

Toronto Blue Jays vs. Oakland A's Prediction and Pick

Oakland has been decent at home (15-19 straight up) this season, and it may have the pitching advantage with Mitch Spence (3.86 ERA) taking on Bowden Francis (9.00 ERA) in a battle of young arms.

The Jays also rank 29th in MLB in bullpen ERA, so I don't have much faith in the arms after Francis being trustworthy enough to back the Jays as favorites.

Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres Prediction and Pick

The D-Backs are going with an opener in this game, which makes them an automatic fade in my eyes. Arizona will have to use a lot of its bullpen, which ranks 25th in MLB in ERA this season.

That puts the Padres and Adam Mazur (1.50 ERA), who is making his second career start, in a good spot to grab a win at home.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Yankees Prediction and Pick

Los Angeles' Tyler Glasnow and New York's Luis Gil have been two of the best pitchers in baseball this season, but I think the Dodgers pull off the series sweep of the Yanks on Sunday.

New York's offense has sputtered without Juan Soto, and the Dodgers hung 11 runs on New York on Saturday. If we're trusting an offense to get to a bullpen, I think the Dodgers have the slight edge right now.

Established by FIFPRO in 2005, the World 11 is the only global football award decided exclusively by professional footballers

The FIFPRO Men's World 11 is voted upon annually by the best players in the modern game. Dating back to 2005, the award celebrates footballing excellence on the global level.

The 2025 awards will mark the 21st edition, and will be announced on Nov. 3. The 11 players who receive the most votes at their position are selected for the FIFPRO World 11. Players from 70 countries have voted for the 2025 Men’s World 11 and Women’s World 11.

Here is a look back at every previous squad, with global superstars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Didier Drogba, Gianluigi Buffon and more all taking centerstage.

FIFPRO2024

Goalkeeper: Ederson (Manchester City)

Defenders: Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool), Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid)

Midfielders: Rodri (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)

Forwards: Kylian Mbappe (PSG/Real Madrid), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)

AdvertisementFIFPRO World 112023

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

Defenders: Ruben Dias (Portugal), John Stones (England), Kyle Walker (England)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (England), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium), Bernardo Silva (Portugal);

Forwards: Vinicius Jr (Brazil), Kylian Mbappe (France), Erling Haaland (Norway), Lionel Messi (Argentina)

FIFPRO World 112022

Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois (Belgium)

Defenders: Joao Cancelo (Portugal), Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium), Casemiro (Brazil), Luka Modric (Croatia)

Forwards: Kylian Mbappe (France), Erling Haaland (Norway), Karim Benzema (France), Lionel Messi (Argentina)

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FIFPRO World 112021

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy)

Defenders: David Alaba (Austria), Leonardo Bonucci (Italy), Ruben Dias (Portugal)

Midfielders: Jorginho (Italy), N’Golo Kante (France), Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Erling Haaland (Norway), Robert Lewandowski (Poland), Lionel Messi (Argentina)