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Spinners Sandhu and Fatima also dominate visiting batters to give hosts unassailable series lead

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Nov-2022

Ameen now has 267 runs in two ODIs in the series, and is yet to be dismissed•PCB

Following her record-breaking unbeaten 176 on Friday, Sidra Ameen notched up an unbeaten 91 in the second ODI to help the hosts chase down Ireland’s small target of 195 and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.Ameen was assisted in Pakistan’s chase by the captain Bismah Maroof. They put on an unbroken stand of 136 for the second wicket, with 22 fours between them. They razed the target with more than 17 overs to spare, with both Ameen and Maroof operating at nearly a run a ball in a second straight dominating batting show from the home side.Ireland’s batters, for their part, got starts but did make full use of them. Six Ireland batters got past 20 but, from there, none could get past 35 – Mary Waldron (35) and Arlene Kelly (34) were the top scorers. Most of the damage was caused by regular strikes from the spin bowlers. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu and legspinner Ghulam Fatima took three wickets apiece while right-arm seamer Fatima Sana took two.After Sana struck in the first over of the match, Sandhu and Fatima took over to reduce Ireland to 122 for 7. A 60-run eighth-wicket stand between Waldron and Kelly took Ireland close to the 200-run mark, but once that partnership was broken, the last two wickets followed swiftly too.Pakistan’s chase of 195 started off with a stand of 59 between Ameen and Muneeba Ali (27). But despite using eight bowlers, Ireland captain Laura Delany could not find another wicket. Instead they were met with aggression from Ameen and Maroof, the last 61 runs coming in just 6.4 overs.

Seamer’s quad stiffness the latest injury setback for England after they lost Topley for the entire World Cup

Tristan Lavalette21-Oct-2022England seamer Chris Woakes is in doubt for the side’s T20 World Cup opener against Afghanistan as he battles quad stiffness. His injury might further stretch England’s options in the powerplay and the death.After England were rocked this week by the loss of in-form seamer Reece Topley for the entire tournament, Woakes was tipped to be a starter for the clash on Saturday at Perth’s pace-friendly Optus Stadium.But he faces a race against time to be fit and went through what appeared to be a fitness test on the ground on Friday afternoon. Under the watchful eyes of England’s medicos, Woakes had an intense workout, including several sharp sprints, while just metres away left-armer Tymal Mills – who replaced Topley in the squad having recovered from a toe injury that had sidelined him in recent months – marked his run-up, adding to the intrigue.”He [Woakes] is not someone you’d want to take a risk on. But I think he’s feeling good,” England captain Jos Buttler said. “He’ll take full part in training today and hopefully pulls up well.”He’s obviously a key player for us.”Related

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Mills replaces injured Topley in England squad

Woakes looms as an especially important cog of the attack during the powerplay. He issued a reminder during the third T20I against Australia in Canberra that he might be England’s best new-ball bowler with three wickets, including Aaron Finch and Mitchell Marsh with the first two deliveries of the innings.Woakes has endured an injury-riddled year, including surgery on his left knee, before returning in style recently in Pakistan. In the seventh T20I, he claimed 3 for 26, including Babar Azam in the first over, helping England to a big victory.In that match he also claimed Shan Masood in the penultimate over to further showcase his versatility at the death. He won’t be easy to replace if ruled out with Mills, David Willey and Chris Jordan fighting for a berth alongside speedster Mark Wood and Sam Curran, who starred against Australia with clutch death bowling marked by canny slower deliveries.While Woakes and Topley were originally earmarked to be England’s new-ball bowlers, Willey could now be a powerplay option along with Ben Stokes, who recently returned to T20Is after an 18-month absence.England have already been dealing with the headache of losing Topley on tournament eve, in what is a significant blow, given his flexibility and versatility to bowl at every phase.”We’re all so bitterly disappointed for him,” Buttler said of Topley, whose 17 T20I wickets is the most by an England bowler this year.”The amount of setbacks he has had already in his career…to come back and be in the position he’s in on the eve of a tournament, being in such great form, and to have that cruelly taken away from him is really tough.”Even though England have entered the tournament with bad injury luck, much like 12 months ago, there is an air of confidence in their camp that has been evident since they initially arrived in Perth earlier in the month.It manifested in an impressive series victory over Australia, which probably would have been a clean sweep if not for a washout in Canberra, but Buttler has managed expectations in his first major tournament in charge.”Far from it,” Buttler said when asked if he believed England were favourites, preferring to give the tag to Australia. “I think we’re a dangerous team who have players who can win games on their own and that’s a huge thing in T20 cricket.”We have plenty of options as to whichever way we want to go. I’m very confident in the team.”

Rangers are looking to strengthen their team in what remains of this transfer window, but they could also be prepared to sell a £27,000-a-week first team player in the process, according to a recent report.

Rangers transfer news

It’s been an up-and-down start to 2025 for the Gers, as they started the year off with an excellent performance and victory over arch-rivals Celtic, but followed that game up by dropping points on the road at Hibernian and Dundee. That has resulted in pressure building on Philippe Clement, but the club are remaining behind their manager for now.

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Rangers’ CEO Patrick Stewart has come out and backed Clement in public and, in the process, has also revealed that the club wants to sign a new centre-back in this transfer window: “The January window generally isn’t a particularly fruitful window. Most selling clubs do not want to sell their best players. We have no intention of selling the players that are performing on the park at the moment, and why would we expect any other club that’s challenging for trophies to do so.

“All of that said… I think there are a couple of scenarios where it can be really effective. Firstly, where a club has suffered injuries such as we have – particularly a centre-back – it is an opportunity to make a reactive signing. This is a position we’ve been looking at since December, and so we have been active in discussions.”

One defender they have their eye on is Burnley’s Hjalmar Ekdal, as Rangers have made an approach to the centre-back. The Clarets are expected to loan out the player this month, but the Gers are not the only team interested, as Stoke City, QPR and Middlesbrough have also made approaches for Ekdal.

Rangers could now sell frustrating forward this month

While the Gers look to add a new defender to their squad, a departure could occur from Ibrox this month, as Football Insider reports that Rangers could look to sell striker Cyriel Dessers amid interest in his services.

Dessers, who earns £27,000 a week at Ibrox, joined Rangers in July 2023 from Italian side Cremonese. The 30-year-old made a very good impact in his first season in Scotland, as he scored 16 goals in 35 Scottish Premiership games, and he scored two goals in Europe.

The Nigeria international has been among the goals once again this season, but he has been in and out of the side under Clement, starting 11 games in the league so far. The forward has found himself on the bench in recent games, and now Football Insider are reporting that Rangers could “sacrifice” Dessers this month.

Cyriel Dessers’ Rangers stats
Apps	85
Goals	34
Assists	13

It states that the Rangers man is wanted by Italian club Cagliari after his previous success in Italian football. Dessers has become a frustration to Rangers supporters with his performances, and there is now a “real possibility” he is sold before the close of this transfer window. Hamza Igamane is seen as the first-choice striker at Ibrox, and this means Dessers has slipped down the pecking order and therefore could be free to leave.

Chelsea chiefs hold a serious theory that they’ll win the race for a top-class player after consistent discussions with his club this month, and they also believe that their transfer target is pretty keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Busy end to January transfer window expected at Chelsea

Enzo Maresca’s side returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Wolves in west London, courtesy of strikes from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke.

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The result takes them back up to fourth as Maresca continues his attempts to seal a Chelsea return to the Champions League for next season, but a lot could happen between now and then in terms of transfer activity.

Man City (away)

January 25

West Ham (away)

February 3

Brighton (away)

February 14

Aston Villa (away)

February 22

Southampton (home)

February 25

Chelsea are believed to be looking at new forwards for before the end of this January window, with Christopher Nkunku agreeing personal terms to join Bayern Munich, even if the Bundesliga giants are yet to make any serious headway on a club-to-club deal.

In the event Nkunku does leave, BlueCo are doing their due-diligence on alternative attacking options. A Chelsea approach has been made for Alejandro Garnacho, according to respected journalist David Ornstein, while the club also sense a potential opportunity to lure another exciting Man United starlet, Kobbie Mainoo, away from Old Trafford – amid his contractual standoff (The Mail).

From the very beginning of this window, Chelsea have also been heavily linked with a move for ex-defender and Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

Trevoh Chalobah saw his Palace loan terminated, with Chelsea activating their re-call clause, but this apparently hasn’t stopped Maresca’s men from pursuing a 2025 deal for the England international.

Chelsea "adamant" they'll win race to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi

As per GiveMeSport, Chelsea chiefs are “adamant” they’ll win the race to sign Guehi this year behind the scenes.

They’re also convinced that the 24-year-old wants to make a return to his former club, following “constant dialogue” between Chelsea and Palace throughout this month.

While they’re now prepared to wait until the summer to strike a deal for Guehi, the report also doesn’t entirely rule out Chelsea swooping before February 3, but they’ll need to be given more encouragement that Oliver Glasner’s side could sanction it.

On a reported £50,000-per-week at Selhurst Park, Guehi’s price tag stands at around £70 million for January, as Palace attempt to deter suitors from making a formal mid-season move.

However, it is worth noting that Chelsea would receive a 20 per cent discount on that £70m price tag, due to the sell-on clause they inserted into the deal which saw Guehi leave for Palace.

Dan Lawrence and Paul Walter’s sensational hitting fired Essex Eagles to their highest Vitality Blast total as they kept their home quarter-final dreams alive.Lawrence thrashed 71 off 37 balls, Walter a blistering 23-ball 58 and Adam Rossington a booming 45 to take Eagles to 254 – beating the 244 set barely two weeks ago. Glamorgan reached 185 for 7 in reply, with stand-in captain Sam Northeast pumping an unbeaten 97, to lose by 69 runs.Essex, the 2019 winners, had already confirmed a knockout spot and moved up to second in the South Group. They will host a last-eight match if Surrey beat Somerset on Sunday.Essex were put in and blasted it from ball one on a belting wicket with short boundaries. Robin Das struck the first of 16 sixes in the third over by pinging over long-off before following it up with a second over deep midwicket with the next ball.Das pulled another ball to the boundary before he skied to cover to give Jamie McIlroy his first T20 wicket on debut. He would later pick up Lawrence to claim an impressive 2 for 32 – the only bowler to go at under 10s.Rossington skipped his way to 45, having scored 95 the previous evening, with seven boundaries and a six off 23 balls. But his quick scoring was just the prelude for what was to come.Michael Pepper was caught on the reverse and Rossington holed to long-on before Lawrence and Walter went ballistic with their 101-run partnership off 69 balls, although there was an 18-ball gap between boundaries at one point.Dan Douthwaite took the biggest tap going for 12 and 13 in successive overs as he returned the fourth-worst bowling figures in Blast history, eventually conceding 66 in four wicketless overs.But the showpiece over for Essex was the 31 taken off Prem Sisodiya. Walter started off with four sixes, once over the long square boundary and three straight down the ground, before scrapping a single, then Lawrence completed the over with another swinging maximum.It started a final five overs where 95 runs were plundered. Walter fell, having brought up 20-ball fifty, but Daniel Sams picked up where he had left off with three sixes in his first four balls.Lawrence had been 18 off his first 20 balls but caught up in style to reach his 11th T20 half-century in 30 balls before eventually clothing to long off for 71. Fifteen came off the final over as Eagles crashed the joint fourth-best total in the tournament’s history.Glamorgan never looked like replicating their greatest chase of 224 – against Essex in 2017 – with three wickets falling in the powerplay. Aaron Beard was the chief destroyer as he picked up 2 for 16 in his three overs with debutant Tom Bevan top-edging to deep third and Billy Root seeing his three stumps obliterated. Sams had Colin Ingram flicking to deep square leg.Eddie Byrom and Chris Cooke were both caught, but Northeast, skippering his third Blast side for the first time, stuck around and plundered a couple sixes of his own on his way to a 38-ball fifty – his third in T20s against Essex. Douthwaite chipped in with 34 off 17 in a 62-run stand but had his stump broken by Sams. As the required rate rose beyond the impossible 36 mark, Andrew Salter and Northeast started to have fun with 16 runs coming from three successive overs.Salter holed out and Northeast ended his campaign needing a boundary for a second Blast century but could only bunt a single.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após empatar em casa na estreia do Campeonato Brasileiro, o Juventude retorna ao gramado no fim de semana para encarar o América-MG, fora de casa.

– VEJA A TABELA DO BRASILEIRÃO

Para o confronto, a ordem do técnico Eduardo Baptista é aproveitar a sequência de jogos do rival para impor o ritmo de jogo e ganhar no lado físico.

Nesta quinta-feira, o time embarcou rumo a Minas Gerais e a lista dos relacionados foi divulgada. Confira abaixo:

Goleiros: César e Felipe Alves

Laterais: Busanello, Paulinho, Rodrigo Soares e William Matheus

Zagueiros: Paulo Miranda, Rafael Forster e Thalisson

Volantes: Darlan, Jadson e Yuri Lima

Meias: Chico e Gabriel Tota

Atacantes: Capixaba, Edinho, Guilherme Parede, Óscar Ruiz, Paulinho Moccelin, Pitta, Ricardo Bueno e Vitor Gabriel

RelacionadasCoritibaAndrey fala sobre a felicidade de jogar pelo CoritibaCoritiba14/04/2022AvaíWilliam Pottker é oficializado como reforço do AvaíAvaí14/04/2022CearáLima comenta sobre início de trabalho de Dorival JuniorCeará14/04/2022

MatériaMais Notícias

Em meio à crise, o Flamengo estreou com vitória na Libertadores ao bater o Sporting Cristal por 2 a 0, no Peru. Contudo, a atuação novamente não agradou a torcida e existe uma reuniãomarcada pelo vice de futebol Marcos Braz com membrosde organizadas. No desembarque, Everton Ribeiro falou que não foi informado sobre a conversa e que a equipe tem procurado melhorar a cada partida.

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– Natural não é, mas conhecemos o futebol brasileiro e faremos de tudo para que o Flamengo siga vencendo e sendo um só, tanto torcida quanto jogadores. Importante é estarmos numa sintonia. A torcida apoiando e nos ajudando dentro de campo. E nós, dentro de campo, mostrarmos que estamos correndo e querendo vencer a todo momento. Acredito que possamos nos unir cada vez mais para termos um ano vencedor – disse, e emendou:

+ Confira e simule a tabela da Copa Libertadores 2022

– Essa reunião eu não fui informado, então vamos ver como vai acontecer. Acho que a cobrança, ainda mais sendo Flamengo, é natural. Sabemos que temos que estar vencendo e melhorando, porque é o que o nosso grupo gosta, de vencer e jogar bem. Infelizmente não é o que vem acontecendo, mas estamos procurando melhorar e acertar o que estamos errando para dar uma sequência boa na temporada. Sabemos que será difícil, mas temos tudo para terminar o ano com um título, que é o que almejamos – completou.

A reunião está marcada para a próxima quinta-feira e contará com o elenco e membros de torcida organizada. A conversa foi marcada pelo vice de futebol, Marcos Braz, e não houve uma consulta aos jogadores ou a outros poderes do clube.

Everton Ribeiro também analisou as mudanças feitas pelo técnico Paulo Sousa e reforçou que o triunfo, no Peru, foi importante para resgatar a confiança da equipe e que, agora, é focar na estreia no Campeonato Brasileiro.

– Conversa pontual não teve, foi só o que precisávamos melhorar depois de ter perdido o Carioca. Precisávamos vencer imediatamente, que foi o que procuramos fazer. Agora é continuar acertando e melhorando para sermos mais dominantes e poder controlar melhor os jogos – explicou, depois acrescentou:

– Acredito que a vitória valeu mais que o jogo. Sabemos que não foi um jogo tão dominante quanto gostaríamos. Mas buscamos vencer o primeiro jogo da Libertadores, que sabemos que é uma competição que precisamos vencer para ter tranquilidade. Como o professor falou, com a vitória o trabalho fica mais aceito para poder trabalhar e ter os ajustes que estão tendo e vão ter cada vez mais. Agora é focar no Brasileiro, que é um campeonato que também temos que vencer já nas primeiras rodadas para brigar pelo título até o fim – finalizou.

+ Em meio à turbulência, as boas notícias do Flamengo vêm do Ninho

O próximo compromisso do Flamengo será no sábado, na estreia pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, diante do Atlético-GO, às 19h, no Antônio Accioly. Na Libertadores, a segunda rodada acontece na terça, às 21h30, no Maracanã, contra o Talleres, da Argentina.

Liverpool are considering a January move for an Ecuadorian prodigy who came through the same academy as former target Moises Caicedo, according to reports.

Liverpool transfer news

With the January transfer window on the horizon, Liverpool are being linked with a number of potential reinforcements, including Juventus prospect Kenan Yildiz and FC Porto right-back Martim Fernandes. According to TEAMTalk, the Reds are also interested in signing Bologna centre-back Sam Beukema.

They report that manager Arne Slot is a long-term admirer of the defender, and views him as a potential purchase for the summer, with Bologna not keen on letting him leave in January.

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Though a number of Europe’s other top clubs are also interested, the Reds could have the edge in negotiations, as Beukema, who Bologna value at £20 million, has already admitted he could one day see himself moving to Anfield.

“I was a fan of West Ham. I once visited Upton Park with my father and I was really impressed, because the atmosphere was similar to that of Feyenoord or Go Ahead Eagles,” he said. “But there are so many fantastic teams in England, so if another great club like Liverpool came along I would be happy to go there one day.”

Reds want Ordonez

Another centre-back who is understood to be interesting Liverpool is Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez. According to Belgian media outlet Het Laatste Nieuws (HLN), both Liverpool and Chelsea have been keeping tabs on the Ecuadorian, with January touted as a potential window for a move.

Ordonez joined Brugge in 2022 after coming through the academy of Independiente del Valle – the same club from where Chelsea midfielder and former Liverpool target Caicedo also emerged. Since the move, the 20-year-old has established himself as a key player for Nicky Hayen’s team, making 52 appearances and helping them the Belgian Pro League title last term.

Like Beukema, Ordonez has also expressed his desire to one day play in the Premier League.

“The Premier League, I would like that,” he recently told HLN. He added, however, that he remains focused on his current club, and suggested that he won’t be leaving the Jan Breydel Stadium anytime soon: “I’m focused on Club [Brugge], with whom I want to win another title.”

Meanwhile, Brugge head coach Hayen said of the interest in the youngster: “That is ultimately what you want as a player. What makes me happy is that Joel always does his job despite the interest. When that transfer will happen, you have no control over that. It could be in the winter season, but it could also be after this season, which we would prefer.”

The former Mexico star questioned the exclusion of Ochoa among other criticisms

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Ochoa, Lozano and Martin among surprising snubs by AguirreHugo Sanchez questions decisions and criticizes Liga MXMexico face Canada in Nations LeagueFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

The recent call-ups of the Mexican National Team for the CONCACAF Nations League Final Four have sparked various reactions from both the media and fans as head coach Javier Aguirre surprised many by leaving out key players such as Guillermo Ochoa, Hirving Lozano, and Henry Martín.

In response to Guillermo Ochoa's exclusion, Mexican football legend Hugo Sanchez stated: "I miss Guillermo Ochoa — he's someone special and a symbol of Mexican football. I would consider him for the World Cup."

Ochoa, currently playing in Portugal, has appeared in five World Cups and is aiming to break the record for most World Cup appearances with a sixth.

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Sanchez also called on Mexican football executives to reduce the number of foreign players in Liga MX, citing the decline in the production of national talent. "In the past, there was a lot of national production; now the solution lies in foreign players, and there are no opportunities for young players to showcase themselves."

Among the new inclusions, Julián Quinones' call-up stands out, as he had not been previously selected by Aguirre. Also notable is the absence of Jesus Orozco from Cruz Azul and the inclusion of three Chivas players: Raúl Rangel, Luis Romo, and Roberto Alvarado.

DID YOU KNOW?

Among the selected players, nine are based in Europe, while 13 play in Liga MX. Only Julián Quinones plays in Asia, representing Al Qadisiya in Saudi Arabia.

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WHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO?

Mexico will face Canada in the semifinals on March 20, with the potential to meet either the United States or Panama in the final.

Veteran Brazilian forward Hulk has shown that he still has it by hammering a 35-yard free-kick into the net off the underside of the crossbar.

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• Striker still going strong at 38
• Captain of Atletico Mineiro
• Intends to play on into his 40s

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Brazil international, won won 49 caps for his country, is now 38 years of age. Much like all-time greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, he is showing no sign of slowing down in what could be considered the twilight of his career.

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  Hulk, who once represented the likes of Porto and Zenit in Europe, is now on the books of Atletico Mineiro in his homeland. He fills the captain’s armband there and has maintained a remarkable strike rate that has seen him register more than 100 goals across the last four years.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  His latest strike was a trademark effort from distance. Hulk has always possessed a rocket of a left foot, and he showcased that once again when taking on Tombense. His first of the game in a 2-0 win came from the penalty spot, before crashing a spectacular set-piece in off the frame of the goal.