Sri Lanka Women defended 129 to register a crucial win – their first of the tournament – against Ireland Women in Mohali
ESPNcricinfo staff20-Mar-2016 ScorecardCaptain Chamari Atapattu set the tone for Sri Lanka’s win with a 22-ball 34•International Cricket Council
Sri Lanka Women defended 129 to register a crucial win – their first of the tournament – against Ireland Women in Mohali. Three run-outs and three wickets from Sugandika Kumari helped keep Ireland to 115 in the chase, thereby completing a 14-run win.Left-arm spinner Kumari, who returned career-best figures, removed Clare Shillington and Cath Dalton early before solid cameos from Cecelia Joyce (29), Isobel Joyce (24) and Laura Delany (29) took Ireland closer. With 43 required off the last five overs, a succession of wickets took the game away from Ireland. Kumari finished with 3 for 24.Earlier, Sri Lanka got off to a flying start after opting to bat. The openers – Chamari Atapattu (34 off 22) and Yasoda Mendis – added 45 in just 32 balls, of which Mendis contributed 9.Legspinner Ciara Metcalfe then dismissed both openers in the space of four balls to bring Ireland back into the contest. Metcalfe produced another double-strike in the 10th over to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 59 for 5. A 49-run stand between Prasadani Weerakkody and Eshani Lokusuriyage, who struck a 28-ball 35, resurrected Sri Lanka and helped them post a total of 129 for 7. Metcalfe also produced career-best figures to finish with 4 for 15.
Dan Cook believes a heavy defeat midweek could be huge for Patrick Vieira’s future as Crystal Palace manager.
The Lowdown: Palace slipping into a relegation battle
Palace now have the unwelcomed record of becoming the first side since Opta started collecting data in the Premier League to have gone three league games without registering a single shot on target.
Prior to the Manchester City, Vieira was asked about any pressure he may be starting to feel given the Eagles are still winless in 2023, although he insisted he’s always been under pressure at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles’ fixture run of late hasn’t been very kind and it doesn’t get any easier in the immediate future as they travel to face their local rivals and Premier League high-flyers Brighton on Wednesday evening.
The Latest: Heavy defeat could cost Vieira
Cook has insisted on the HLTCO podcast that any sort of heavy defeat at the hands of Brighton could do significant damage to Vieira and his hopes of staying in the dugout at Palace.
He said: (9:30) “I do think regardless of Brighton’s upwardly mobile position a heavy beating by them on Wednesday night at the Amex could do significant damage to Patrick Vieira, regardless of the fact we are in a very difficult run of games and the hope is that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“Because regardless of the Seagull’s upward momentum in their European aspirations, the emotional attachment for our fans to this fixture is such that if we do go to the Amex and get beat3/4/5-0 – heaven forbid – then it could really put the cat amongst the pigeons in terms of the fan reaction.”
The Verdict: Vieira now under pressure
The Eagles will know that going away to Brighton isn’t the easiest for any team in the league as they’ve lost just once on their home turf all season, but they’ve defied the odds in the past against the Seagulls.
In recent times, Palace have gone to the Amex, had two touches in the opposition’s box and managed to score two goals, claiming an extremely unlikely victory, but Roberto De Zerbi has unlocked a ruthless side.
While the game will be very difficult for Palace, Vieira will know that his team need to at least have a shot on target and show the fans that the players are still indeed fighting for him and believe in what he’s doing, otherwise it could be a long and tough road back.
Glasgow Rangers have received a response from a primary managerial target that they have identified to replace Michael Beale in the Scottish Premiership, as a fresh report has shared.
Is Michael Beale getting sacked?
At Ibrox, Beale’s side have had a mixed start to the new campaign where they find themselves fourth in the table after securing three wins and suffering two defeats from their opening five games, via Sky Sports, but after being knocked out of the Champions League in humiliating fashion, some supporters have been calling for the manager to be sacked.
The Light Blues have therefore been linked with the likes of Graham Potter, who has already rejected the opportunity, and Kevin Muscat, although reporter Andy Newport was quick to confirm that rumours surrounding the latter were wide of the mark.
Another candidate to have entered the frame is Birmingham City’s John Eustace, who The Daily Mail claim has emerged as a serious contender having caught the eye not only with his CV, but the fact that he’s an up-and-coming coach which meets the profile wanted.
According to journalist Alex Dicken, it would take an irresistible offer for the 43-year-old to leave St. Andrews and make the move north of the border, but regardless of how much the hierarchy try and tempt him, it doesn’t sound like anything they do will work.
Are Rangers appointing John Eustace?
Speaking to BBC West Midlands, Eustace was asked to comment on the rumours linking him with the job at Rangers.
As quoted by the Football League Paper (via Ibrox News), he said: “It’s all speculation. I’m not interested in any other job than Birmingham City. I’m very, very happy here. I came here 14 months ago and I signed a three-year deal to try to help grow the club, to build this fantastic football club to back where it should be. We’re coming up to halfway in doing that.
"I think there’s been great progress and I want to continue with that progress and see this club fly. There have been some ups and downs but I think everyone can see that we’re going in the right direction, and I want to be here for as long as the club want me.”
Birmingham City manager John Eustace.
What is John Eustace's record at Birmingham?
In the Championship this season, Eustace has helped his side to secure three wins, two draws and just one defeat, where having taken 11 points from a possible 18, Birmingham find themselves sixth in the play-off places in the table, as per the BBC.
The Solihull-born coach, who has a preferred formation of a 3-5-2 flat midfield, was also nominated for August's Manager of the Month award as a result of his impressive efforts from the dugout, so it’s fantastic that he’s receiving individual recognition for his work from the sidelines.
According to journalist Josh Bunting, Eustace has got the Blues playing “easy on the eye” football, and having previously beaten Beale on the one occasion that he’s faced him throughout his career, he’d clearly be an upgrade on the current boss in Glasgow.
Real Madrid have been warned they must be cautious about signing a big name like Kylian Mbappe as the forward's arrival will not guarantee success.
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Madrid expected to sign MbappeWould be monumental transferClub warned to learn from 'mistakes'WHAT HAPPENED?
The Spanish giants are said to be closing in on a deal to land the French forward after he informed Paris Saint-Germain that he will leave when his contract expires at the end of the season. His signing could mark a new Galactico era for Madrid, recreating the time they signed Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham together. However, ex-Madrid star Ivan Helguera has warned they could end up failing to live up to their potential.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT HELGUERA SAID
Helguera said at a La Liga and DAZN event: "It could be, what happens is that you have to see the mistakes that were made , there were many figures and very good players… but nothing was won. In Madrid it is important to win every year. It is wonderful to have all those players, but you have to know how to balance with a good squad. For Mbappe to come to Real Madrid would be an impressive signing and upwards it would be difficult to beat."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Mbappe would be joining a a squad that already boasts the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, as well as veteran stars Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Despite the quality at Carlo Ancelotti's disposal, the Santiago Bernabeu side failed to win La Liga or the Champions League last season.
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The capital club are expected to seal the Spanish league title this season, and may also go on to claim their 15th European crown, while they work out a deal to bring Mbappe to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer transfer window.
Manchester City are set to bring in City Group winger Savinho at the end of the season, after he has impressed in Girona's unlikely title challenge.
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Have agreed undisclosed fee to bring in Savinho
Moved to Troyes in 2022 and sent out on loan to Girona
Winger has scored five, assisted seven this season
WHAT HAPPENED?
After being linked with a move to Manchester City for months, Savinho, or Savio as he is also known, has finally secured his high-profile deal. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Brazilian winger is set to join Girona's parent club at the end of the season, ending speculation that he could move elsewhere.
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WHAT SAVINHO SAID
The winger has made clear his ambition to play for the Cityzens in the past: "I have the goal of playing for City, yes. I think that when I was hired my goal was always to get to City and I'm working towards that. But I have to keep my focus on Girona and do things well to get there. If one day I arrive at City, you can be sure that I did things well at Girona, as I am doing. I want to continue working here so that one day I can reach City, which is my reference point."
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The transfer doesn't appear to be so simple. Although he plays for Girona, Savinho's parent club is Ligue 2 side Troyes, who will presumably receive any financial compensation for completing the signing. The Brazilian winger hasn't made a single appearance for his parent club.
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WHAT NEXT FOR SAVINHO?
Manchester City's newcomer will play the rest of the season for Girona, before completing his move this summer. City already have extensive depth at his preferred left-wing position, with Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden all able to play there.
West Ham United are interested in signing one of the hottest attacking properties around this summer.
But who is that player?
What’s the latest West Ham transfer news?
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Irons are set to ‘open initial talks’ to sign Mohammed Kudus, who has been described as the ‘priority target’ in case Lucas Paqueta joins Manchester City.
The Italian journalist revealed that ‘positive talks’ have already begun with Kudus, who is ‘open’ to the transfer. Nonetheless, the deal still remains very dependent on Paqueta’s situation.
It's understood the Brazilian has reached an agreement with the reigning European Champions and wants the move. The opening £70m bid was rejected by the Hammers, but City will submit a new one.
Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…
On 5 August, Brighton settled on a fee with Ajax in the region of €40m (£34.5m) for the attacking midfielder, who was described as a ‘key target’ for Roberto De Zerbi.
However, it was revealed by The Guardian that a move to the south coast has collapsed due to personal terms, opening the door for West Ham, Arsenal, and Chelsea.
What does Mohammed Kudus offer?
The high level of Premier League interest in Kudus is indicative of the forward’s admirable and sought-after quality. Last season can be labelled as a ‘breakout’ for the Ghanaian, who emphatically hit new heights in his productivity.
Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus.
In 42 appearances across all competitions, he recorded 25 goal involvements and also enjoyed an eye-catching World Cup, scoring twice and completing 71% of his dribbles.
During the international tournament, his former teammate Calvin Bassey described him as a “star boy” and his reputation has arguably skyrocketed thanks to his positional versatility – according to The Athletic, in 2,272 minutes of Eredivisie football since the start of the 2021/22 season, he has played 22% of the time as a striker, 40% as a right-winger, 9% as an attacking midfielder and 22% as a central midfielder.
To look adequately equipped and confident enough to appear in this vast array of positions, as well as to be trusted in this role is a testament to his intelligence and potential.
To possess a player of this versatility, output, and creativity mirrors the glorious days of the irrepressible Dimitri Payet, who was equally effective as either a left-winger or attacking midfielder.
Between 2015 and 2017, the mercurial Frenchman made 60 appearances in all competitions and registered 38 goal involvements. In 28 games on the left, he scored seven goals and created 13 assists, then from 27 matches in the centre, he netted seven times and crafted eight assists.
Dimitri-Payet-goal-against-Middlesbrough
In Payet’s debut season in England, the joyous technician was named the Premier League Player of the Year at the 2016 London Football Awards, as well as the West Ham Player of the Year.
The playmaker’s majestic creativity prompted huge praise from Zinedine Zidane, who said at the time: “He is one of the most important and talented players, not just in the French side, but in Europe.
“From a coach’s perspective, he is everything you look for in an attacking midfield player. He can score goals, he can create goals, he has real quality from set pieces.”
The east London faithful are desperately yearning for a new talent to replicate Payet’s heroics, and Kudus is well-placed to do so.
Jurgen Klopp admits that news of Mohamed Salah picking up an injury on AFCON duty came as an unwelcome “shock” to those back at Liverpool.
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Reds forward away on international dutyLimped out of latest appearanceSet to undergo further medical testsWHAT HAPPENED?
The Egyptian forward is currently away with his country chasing down continental glory at the Africa Cup of Nations. He lasted less than 45 minutes in his latest outing at that event, with the 31-year-old winger limping off in a 2-2 draw with Ghana.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT KLOPP SAID ABOUT SALAH
Egypt boss Rui Vitoria says the problem is not “dangerous”, but Salah is due to undergo medical tests. Klopp has told reporters of learning that a talismanic part of his plans at Anfeld is nursing a knock: “We don't know anything about Mo. I spoke last night with him and (asked) how it is with his injuries. With these injuries they need further assessment, that's what they are doing now and we will know more. In that moment (it happened), it was a shock. I couldn't see it was like he was hit by something high intense and then go down. You can have these hamstring injuries in different ways, be he still felt it. We all know how rarely Mo goes off or needs to go off so it is definitely something, so we will see. There will be ultrasound and MRI and then we will see what Egypt plan. But it's too early.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Salah has missed Liverpool’s last two games, and could be absent for five in total. The Reds will not have any of their walking wounded back for a Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Sunday – despite seeing Trent Alexander-Arnold put his knee injury to the test during a visit to the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show in Milan – with Klopp adding: “Obviously he can walk on the catwalk! He is not ready but all are going in the right direction and getting closer. Some of them might be part of team training next week. I don't expect anybody back before then. If nobody else is out before, after Bournemouth and maybe for Fulham, we will see how the boys do but they are all close. Trent is close, Dom (Szoboszlai) is close, Robbo (Andy Robertson) is close. All are going in the right direction.”
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Alexander-Arnold could be back for the second leg of Liverpool’s Carabao Cup semi-final showdown with Fulham next Wednesday, but the Reds will have to cope without Salah for some time yet as they look to remain in contention for major silverware on four fronts in 2024.
Crystal Palace bringing Everton winger Demarai Gray to Selhurst Park is a deal that Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor thinks will 'end up getting done' this window.
Is Demarai Gray moving to Crystal Palace from Everton?
As per Football Insider, Everton are ready to listen to offers for Gray this summer as Sean Dyche looks to raise funds to carry out his transfer business amid financial difficulty at Goodison Park.
Crystal Palace, Fulham and clubs from Saudi Arabia are keen to offer Gray a new challenge as he ticks into the final year of his deal at the Toffees; however, Everton do have the option to extend his £25k-a-week contract by a further 12 months.
The Daily Mail claim that the fee quoted for Gray to leave Everton will be around £12 million, representing a significant profit for the Merseyside giants compared to the £1.7 million price they acquired him for in 2021 from Bayer Leverkusen.
Former Leicester City winger Gray, who has been hailed as "unbelievable", would be open to leaving Everton due to becoming frustrated at his lack of first-team involvement at the club.
FootballTransfers report that Gray would turn down advances from Saudi Arabia in favour of moving to Crystal Palace and talks are continuing over a potential switch.
Jamaica international Gray is keen to stay in the United Kingdom, where his family is based, which is said to be a main motivator behind his desire to pitch up at Selhurst Park.
Last term, Gray made 36 appearances in all competitions for Everton, registering six goals and a solitary assist in the process, as per Transfermarkt.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Daily Express journalist Taylor has confirmed that Gray and Flamengo star Matheus Franca are two names of 'strong interest' at Selhurst Park.
Taylor stated: “They are two names of strong interest. Demarai Gray is one that I expect to end up getting done. I know Fulham are also interested. There have been clubs from Saudi Arabia, including Al-Hilal, who are also interested.”
What now for Crystal Palace?
Crystal Palace have been a slow burner in the window, with only Jefferson Lerma joining the club on a free transfer from Bournemouth so far, as per Transfermarkt.
Nevertheless, The Telegraph's Mike McGrath has confirmed on Twitter X that the Eagles have looked at Ausburg midfielder Ruben Vargas and Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville, stating: "Crystal Palace have been assessing midfielders during the window. They've looked at Ruben Vargas at FC Augsburg as a possible loan. Leeds' Crysencio Summerville is admired but would need to determine LUFC plans for him next season."
In a surprise turn of events, Crystal Palace are keen on a shock deal to acquire Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, who the Citizens would be willing to sell at a considerable loss, according to The Daily Star.
CBS Sports understand that Crystal Palace are admirers of Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun; however, Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United and Inter Milan are also in contention to land the United States international.
Looking ahead, Crystal Palace supporters will hope that some new arrivals will arrive in SE19 in the next few weeks to bolster their squad heading into the new Premier League campaign.
Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes, was mercilessly goaded by rival fans after a rat was spotted running across the pitch at the Etihad.
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Rat ran on pitch at the Etihad
Fans were quick to jump on Fernandes
Man Utd face Nottinham Forest
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Manchester City's 2-0 victory over Sheffield United was trespassed by a small rat running across the pitch. The Citizens eased to victory and would have hardly noticed the extra man, or rat, they had on the pitch. Yet, the rat was not missed by rival fans who took to social media to point fun at United's Fernandes.
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WHAT FANS SAID
A whole host of tweets aimed at Fernandes came flying in. One user commented: "Who invited Bruno to the Eithad?"
Another replied: "What’s Bruno doing?"
And finally, an Arsenal fan said: "What's Bruno doing on the pitch?"
THE BIGGER PICTURE
You would like to hope Bruno Fernandes won't be scouring social media just before he takes to the pitch at the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest. But, if he is, United fans will be hoping he has thick enough skin to not take the light trolling too much to heart.
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WHAT NEXT FOR FERNANDES?
Fernandes will captain United as they face Forest and the Portuguese star will be hoping to put in a strong performance to make sure social media is talking about his victory, and not a rat.
Ireland have called up the uncapped pair Jack Tector and Nathan Smith for their Intercontinental Cup match against Netherlands at Malahide from August 15-18.Allrounder Simi Singh, who made his ODI debut earlier this season, and legspinner Jacob Mulder have been chosen as the spin-bowling pair ahead of George Dockrell and Andy McBrine.Paul Stirling (calf), Niall O’Brien (shoulder) and Craig Young (elbow) are all unavailable due to injury. However, Boyd Rankin and Kevin O’Brien return after missing the previous Intercontinental Cup match against Afghanistan.Tector, 20, has been in consistent form this season and scored a century for Ireland Wolves against Scotland A last month while Smith claimed a five-wicket haul against MCC Young Cricketers last week.”I’m obviously delighted to be included in the squad,” said Tector. “It has been a dream of mine for a long time so it’s massively exciting. I’ve been happy with how the season has gone so far. The winter was brilliant with the Shapoorji Pallonji Academy and it’s nice to see that paying off. I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me along the way, particularly my club YMCA who have been so supportive.”Smith said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the call. It’s great to be a part of this exciting time in Irish cricket and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”Ireland squad William Porterfield (captain), John Anderson, Andrew Balbirnie, Peter Chase, Ed Joyce, Barry McCarthy, Jacob Mulder, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Nathan Smith, Jack Tector, Gary Wilson.