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Marcus Harris, who recently missed out on a Test recall, has been signed as a replacement player by defending champions Perth Scorchers for the closing stages of the BBL.Scorchers have lost Zak Crawley to England Test duty and will also be without Laurie Evans for the finals as he has an ILT20 deal. Stephen Eskinazi returned to the line-up against Brisbane Heat but Scorchers have bolstered their options by bringing in Harris, who did not have a BBL deal, as a replacement for the injured Jhye Richardson.Related

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Harris’ previous BBL outing came for Melbourne Renegades last season. He also played 14 matches for Scorchers between 2014 and 2016. Overall he has 981 runs in T20s at 20.43 and a strike-rate of 121.71.”We saw the need to add to our batting options with Laurie Evans and Zak Crawley unavailable for finals, and Marcus fits the bill nicely,” Perth Scorchers general manager, Kade Harvey, said. “He has plenty of domestic and international experience playing on a variety of surfaces, and he knows WA well having started his career in Perth. We’re pleased he’s on board for the remainder of the season.”Scorchers secured a place in the finals with victory over Brisbane Heat on Saturday, but face a key game against Sydney Sixers on Tuesday to earn a spot in the Qualifier, also against Heat, which would allow them the crucial second chance to reach the decider on January 24 as they aim to become the first team to complete a hat-trick of BBL titles.Harris would be able to play in finals even if he does not face Sixers. Overseas signings have to make a regular-season appearance in order to be eligible, but that does not apply to local replacement players.Harris was overlooked for a Test comeback last week when the selectors opted for Matt Renshaw as the spare batter in the squad to face West Indies after deciding to promote Steven Smith to open and recall Cameron Green at No. 4.

The position had been vacant since December 2022, when Ramesh Powar was removed as part of BCCI’s “restructuring module”

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Oct-2023

Amol Muzumdar didn’t play for India despite scoring 11,167 first-class runs•Hindustan Times via Getty Images

Amol Muzumdar, the former Mumbai batter, has been named head coach of the India women’s national team.”This is a huge responsibility and I look forward to working closely with talented players and providing them with the right preparation and guidance to excel,” Muzumdar said in a BCCI statement. “The next two years are extremely important as two World Cups are scheduled in the period. Together with the coaching and support staff, we will look to tick every box and give ourselves the best chance to succeed.”The statement added that the three-member cricket advisory committee of the BCCI had interviewed the shortlisted applicants for the position and unanimously recommended Muzumdar for the role.The position had been vacant since December 2022, when Ramesh Powar was abruptly removed as part of BCCI’s “restructuring module” two months ahead of the T20 World Cup in South Africa. Since then, Hrishikesh Kanitkar has been in the top job in an interim capacity, overseeing the team for the home T20I series against Australia in December last year, the tri-series in South Africa, the T20 World Cup earlier this year as well as the Asian Games, in which India won the gold medal, in September. Former India bowler Nooshin Al Khadeer was the interim head coach during the white-ball tour of Bangladesh in July.Muzumdar has been an active coach since he called time on a 21-year first-class career during which he became one of the highest run-getters in the Ranji Trophy. Following 15 years with Mumbai, he moved to Assam in 2009 and later to Andhra.He amassed 11,167 runs from 171 first-class matches with 30 centuries, but never got the chance to represent India. He went on to win eight Ranji Trophy titles with Mumbai.After his retirement, he has coached age-group sides at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy, has been at the helm for Mumbai, and has been part of the coaching staff at Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, and with South Africa during their tour of India in 2019.

Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee are likely to be fit for New Zealand’s second World Cup game against Netherlands having recovered from their respective injuries. However, captain Kane Williamson is likely to spend some more time on the sidelines, head coach Gary Stead has said.”Lockie Ferguson got through training really well so providing he is scrubbed up okay this morning, he will be available for this next game,” Stead said. “Tim Southee also got through the training really well. It was great to see him back at the bowling crease and also doing a little bit of fielding as well.”He will just get a final x-ray done this morning and we will make a call after that but it is all looking good for selection from now on and into the rest of the tournament.”Related

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New Zealand have been plagued by injuries coming into the World Cup and effectively had 12 fit players to pick from for their opening fixture against England. Ferguson missed the game due to a back niggle, while Southee, who had surgery on his fractured right thumb heading into the tournament, failed to recover in time.Williamson, meanwhile will continue to remain absent from the playing XI as he makes his way back to full fitness from an ACL tear he suffered in the IPL earlier this year. Williamson played the two warm-up games against Pakistan and South Africa, giving a good account of himself, scoring 54 and 37 respectively, before retiring out.He missed the opening game against England and is now targeting a comeback in New Zealand’s third game against Bangladesh on October 13 in Chennai.Kane Williamson is targeting a return in New Zealand’s third game•ICC via Getty Images

“Kane’s also been progressing very well. I think the fielding is still the element for him that he’s just got to get a little bit higher and get a little more trust in his body,” Stead said.”But he is progressing really well and we are pretty confident he will be playing the third match for us. We have got another training to get through today so we will finalise the team once we have got through that training. At this stage with Kane, we are looking like the third game is when he will start the tournament.”New Zealand will next face Netherlands on October 9 in Hyderabad.

It has been the story of Manchester United in recent seasons, with Ruben Amorim having been dealt a similar hand to his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, with regard to injuries.

Upon arriving at Old Trafford, for instance, the Portuguese coach singled out Mason Mount as a player who he was particularly looking forward to working with, praising the Englishman as a “proper footballer”. As fate would have it, the former Chelsea man was forced off just minutes into December’s Manchester Derby.

Only last month, after registering 11 goals and assists in just 20 games under the new regime, it was revealed that Amad Diallo would most likely be out for the season with an ankle ligament injury, with that setback following on from having not signed a new forward player in January.

Setbacks have continued since then, with Harry Maguire having notably been absent since the FA Cup clash with Fulham, although the latest cruel blow came in Sunday’s comfortable 3-0 win away at Leicester City, with teen sensation, Ayden Heaven, forced off early in the second half.

The latest on Ayden Heaven's injury

Having signed somewhat under the radar back in January, the ex-Arsenal starlet was surprisingly announced as a first-team signing upon his arrival in Manchester, despite having only made a solitary, ten-minute cameo for his former side at senior level.

Eyebrows were raised by the decision to parachute the 18-year-old straight into Amorim’s ranks, although that move has swiftly been vindicated, with Heaven’s £1.5m acquisition already representing a real bargain.

Having put in solid displays off the bench against both Fulham and the Gunners, the teenager subsequently sparkled on his first start for United against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, with journalist Samuel Luckhurst noting that he ‘looked a veteran’ up against the Basque side.

The youngster also started in commanding fashion against the Foxes, having produced a particularly vital tackle on Patson Daka in the first half, albeit before going down inside his own area after tangling with that man Daka just after the break.

The England youth international immediately signalled his discomfort to the United bench, before being stretchered off on the 51st minute mark, with academy graduate Toby Collyer entering the fray in his place.

The full extent of the injury has yet to be revealed, although there were encouraging signs amid reports that Heaven was able to walk after the game, albeit with his foot in a brace.

Whatever the case, it sadly looks unlikely that the teen revelation will be featuring again any time soon, leaving Amorim with a decision to make over how to replace him.

The Obvious Options

Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Noussair Mazraoui

Provided they can return from their own injury woes following the international break, the likely decision would be to re-introduce Leny Yoro and the aforementioned Maguire into the centre of defence, alongside potential future captain, Matthijs de Ligt.

The Red Devils do also have Victor Lindelof – who started against Leicester – to call upon, although the long-serving Swede looked shaky on Sunday, notably getting involved with what could have been a potentially costly mix-up with Andre Onana at one stage.

Amorim could also replicate the plan that he implemented at the weekend, amid the loss of Heaven, with summer signing Noussair Mazraoui comfortably slotting into a centre-back role, having started the evening at right wing-back.

That could well be the ideal solution considering Patrick Dorgu can now return from his three-game suspension, ensuring the young Dane can slot in at left-wing back, with Diogo Dalot on the opposite side.

That said, Mazraoui – who teed up Bruno Fernandes for a late chance against the Gunners – was excellent in that 1-1 draw at Old Trafford two weeks ago, when operating as a wing-back, ensuring it could instead be a straight fight between the Moroccan and Dalot on that right flank.

The Tactical Tweak

Casemiro

It might be a bizarre pick, yet with Manuel Ugarte having made his return from injury at the weekend, it could be worth experimenting with Casemiro as part of the back three.

The veteran Brazilian has enjoyed a positive few weeks amid his encouraging displays in both legs against Sociedad, and in the draw with Mikel Arteta’s side, with Amorim revealing that he is now “learning how to use” the 33-year-old in his 3-4-3 set-up.

With the mobility of midfield “machine” Ugarte – as hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – likely to be favoured moving forward, however, alongside Fernandes, Casemiro could put his ball-winning abilities to good use in the defensive trio instead.

The former Real Madrid man did lineup at centre-back under Ten Hag last season, amid the club’s injury crisis, with his aerial presence a real asset in both boxes, as shown by the fact that he has won 67% of his aerial duels in the Premier League this season.

One key issue with making that switch would be Casemiro’s lack of recovery pace, however, with pundit Jamie Carragher stating last year that it looks as if the midfielder’s “legs have gone”.

The Wildcard Pick

Godwill Kukonki

Even after seeing Heaven withdrawn, Amorim did not hesitate to introduce further teenage talents against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side, with Chido Obi and debutant Harry Amass entering the fray late on.

The former Sporting CP boss admitted he has “so much fun” with regard to unleashing young prospects, with there a case to be made for replacing Heaven with another shining starlet, in the form of Godwill Kukonki.

The 6 foot 5 titan – who only recently turned 17 – has already made his way into the matchday squad this season under Amorim, albeit having, understandably, been made to wait for a first-team bow.

With Heaven now sidelined, it could well be the perfect time for the academy sensation to finally get his chance, with analyst Ben Mattinson previously earmarking Kukonki as a perfect fit for that left centre-back berth, while describing the teenager as a “dominant” and “commanding” presence despite his youth.

Amorim already stated back in December that the then 16-year-old was “ready” to be called into action as “he’s very adult to handle the demands of the Premier League”, a positive sign amid the left-footer’s chance of earning some game time.

The England youth international has made 18 appearances this season at both centre-back and left-back, chipping in with one goal and three assists in that time, albeit having been restricted to just a solitary U21 appearance thus far.

In The Pipeline

Despite still largely operating for the U18s, Amorim evidently feels Kukonki is ready for life at senior level, with the unfortunate loss of Heaven ensuring it could now be his turn to impress.

Man Utd can axe Eriksen for 19-year-old academy star who "impressed" Amorim

Man Utd could already have the perfect replacement for Christian Eriksen brewing in the youth ranks

1

By
Robbie Walls

Mar 17, 2025

West Indies A were on top for most of the third game too but found Joy hard to dismiss

Mohammad Isam02-Jun-2023Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s unbeaten century and Yasir Ali’s half-century helped Bangladesh A hang on to a draw on the final day of the third unofficial Test in Sylhet. As a result, West Indies A clinched the three-match series 1-0, having won the second game by three wickets after the first match, too, was drawn.West Indies A were on top for most of the third game as well but found Mahmudul Hasan Joy hard to dismiss, as he scored 114 – the only century of the series – to save the game for the home side.Joy’s 114 included 14 boundaries, as he stuck around for seven hours and two minutes of Bangladesh A second innings. He added 93 for the opening stand with Zakir Hasan, another 53 with captain Saif Hassan for the third wicket before the match-saving 117-run fourth-wicket stand with Yasir, who made 67 with six fours and four sixes, lasting 85 balls.Offspinner Kevin Sinclair took three wickets in the fourth innings, but the rest of the West Indies attack couldn’t replicate their earlier exploits. They had bowled out the home side for 205 in the first innings with left-arm spinner Veerasammy Permaul taking three wickets while Anderson Philip and Sinclair took two each. Akeem Jordan and Raymon Reifer also took a wicket each.West Indies A put up a formidable 445 in the first innings, with five batters getting fifties. Tagenarine Chanderpaul made 83, while Alick Athanze (59), captain Joshua Da Silva (82), Reifer (56) and Sinclair (60) kept the visitors going. Chanderpaul also made an unbeaten 83 in their second innings.Nasum Ahmed took five wickets, while Musfik Hasan and Shoriful Islam shared two wickets each in the first innings.

Instead of building on his debut campaign with Tottenham Hotspur, this season has been something of a nightmare for Ange Postecoglou.

The Australian’s side may have lost just a single Premier League game last month, but they are still in 12th place and are out of both the FA Cup and League Cup.

However, while much of the blame for the Lilywhites’ poor form can be placed at the feet of the former Celtic boss, there have been some extenuating circumstances.

For example, the North Londoners’ biggest problem has been their defence, and there are several reasons why that is the case, not all of which can be blamed on the manager.

Tottenham's dismal defence

As things stand, Spurs have conceded 39 goals in just 27 league games this season, averaging 1.44 per game.

Seven teams have conceded more this term, but the Lilywhites have the joint-worst defence of the traditional ‘big six’ alongside Manchester United, and sharing anything in common with the Red Devils at the moment is not a good sign.

Now, there is certainly an argument to be made that at least part of this problem stems from Postecoglou’s desire to play a high-line, as both this season and last, his side have sat comfortably in the top half of the table for the height of their defensive line.

However, injuries are undoubtedly a more significant problem.

For example, this season alone has seen key defensive stars like Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Destiny Udogie, Ben Davies and even goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario miss sizable parts of the campaign.

Moreover, while there are ways to cope without some of their stars, Van de Ven is a vital cog in Postecoglou’s machine, as his power and breakneck speed allow the team to play further up the pitch without too much concern about counter-attacks.

The only silver lining to the club’s incredible number of defensive injuries this term has been seeing Archie Gray become an increasingly important member of the first team.

The 18-year-old may be a central midfielder, but within the context of the campaign, has done an exceptional job covering at centre-back and full-back and looks every bit the “future £100m” star analyst Ben Mattinson claims he is.

However, while the young Englishman has stepped up in a big way and made himself someone the club can count on in the future, the same cannot be said for one of his defensive teammates, who arguably earns more than he should.

Wage Burners

The Spurs defender earning too much

With the number of injuries to their defence this season, Radu Dragusin has been forced to play a lot more football than most would’ve expected he would, and, as a result, suffered his own season-ending injury last month.

However, prior to that, it would be hard to describe his performances as anything other than underwhelming this term, and that might even be a little kind.

For example, the former Genoa ace, who joined the team for £25m last January, made 16 appearances in the league this season, in which he averaged just 0.88 points per game and put in some stand-out performances for all the wrong reasons.

Appearances

16

Starts

14

Minutes

1251′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Points per Game

0.88

Arguably the worst of the lot came at home in the club’s dire 2-1 defeat against Ipswich Town, a game in which journalist Mitch Fretton described the Romanian international as a “horror show.”

Now, if the 23-year-old was earning a meagre wage and just looked at as a last-choice backup, his form might not be such a problem, but that is not the case.

Instead, he earns a whopping £85k-per-week, which is £10k more than Gray makes and a massive £35k more than Van de Ven, despite their undeniable importance to the team today and in the future.

Moreover, when you consider his transfer fee and the wages he’s earned since moving to N17, the Bucharest-born ace has cost the club around £30m.

Ultimately, Dragusin is not the worst defender, but when he and his teammates return to fitness, we don’t see a world where he plays for Spurs.

So, Daniel Levy and Co must do what they can to move him on as soon as possible in the summer.

He's playing like Spence: Levy must regret selling Spurs star for just £12m

Tottenham could have made good use of this talented full-back in 2024/25.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Mar 1, 2025

With Philippe Clement sacked as Rangers manager and Barry Ferguson in place until the summer, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has dropped a fresh update on links Steven Gerrard.

Clement sacked and replaced by former captain Ferguson

The Belgian has been under a huge amount of pressure at Ibrox for some time now, and Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at home to St Mirren was a shocking result for Rangers and the final straw for Clement, who has now officially been relieved of his duties after 16 months in charge.

The club released a statement on Sunday evening: “The club would like to put on record their sincere thanks to Philippe for his hard work and dedication during his spell in charge. A further update from the club will follow in due course.”

The Gers’ season is still alive, not least because they are still in the Europa League, and it’s now a case of riding on the emotion of former captain Ferguson to continue what could still become a memorable campaign akin to their trip to the final in 2022.

Unfortunately, Rangers have gone backwards this season in the league, with the gap between themselves and Celtic seemingly growing, highlighting the importance of bringing in the right boss this summer once Ferguson has steadied the ship.

Romano drops Gerrard to Rangers update

Writing for Give Me Sport, Romano reacted to the rumours floating around about Gerrard returning to Rangers: “At the moment nothing has been decided, so let’s keep all options open. The club is assessing options,” his report said. “Nothing direct yet with Gerrard or his camp.”

Opinion may be split on Gerrard returning to Rangers, with the Liverpool legend certainly doing lots right during his first stint at Ibrox, not least winning the Scottish Premiership title in 2020/21. He is the only manager to have achieved that feat for the Gers since the 2010/11 season, showing what an achievement it was, so it is easy to see why some supporters would like the idea of him coming back.

Stats

Total

Matches

107

Wins

76

Draws

21

Defeats

10

Points

249

Points per game

2.33

That said, there may be others who are unhappy that Gerrard decided to leave Rangers for Aston Villa back in 2021, perhaps feeling that he only ever saw them as a stepping stone in his managerial career.

Not only that, but second spells in charge can often be less successful for managers, and a chunk of the fanbase may like the idea of seeing a fresh face in the dugout.

49ers will love him: Rangers must hire "fantastic" manager who knows Wilson

As pressure mounts on Philippe Clement, the new 49ers ownership group at Rangers should look to hire “fantastic” out of work manager as replacement.

Feb 24, 2025

It’s also worth stressing that Gerrard ultimately struggled at Villa, eventually being replaced by Unai Emery, who has taken them on to far better things, so the jury is still out on him a little, despite the good job he did at Rangers.

أكد أيمن الرمادي، المدير الفني لنادي الزمالك، جاهزية الفريق لمواجهة بيراميدز، في المباراة النهائية لبطولة كأس مصر التي تقام بينهما مساء الخميس المقبل.

ويلتقي الزمالك مع بيراميدز، في نهائي بطولة كأس مصر للموسم الحالي 2024-2025، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.

وقال الرمادي خلال المؤتمر الصحفي الذي عقد اليوم: “مباراة بيراميدز في نهائي كأس مصر هي حدث كبير، ومواجهة مهمة جداً للفريق الأبيض، وصلنا لحالة جيدة قبل المباراة رغم تولي الجهاز الفني المسؤولية الفنية منذ ثلاثة أسابيع وأيام قليلة، وأشكر اللاعبين على تركيزهم، خاصة اللاعبين الكبار أمثال شيكابالا وعمر جابر وعبد الله السعيد الذين ساعدوني كثيراً وسعدت بالعمل معهم، وأستمتع بالعمل معهم وبأفكارهم”.

وأضاف: “بمنتهى الصراحة لم أكن أتخيل أنهم في وقت قصير سيعرفون ملامح أسلوب اللعب الذي اعتمد عليه، وهذا أمر جيد جداً، كل ما أرجوه أن يحالفنا التوفيق في المباراة المقبلة لأن هذه ستكون خطوة كبيرة جداً لإسعاد الملايين من جماهير الزمالك”.

طالع.. خاص | سر اختيار محمود بسيوني حكمًا لنهائي كأس مصر بين الزمالك وبيراميدز

وواصل: “أمتلك فريقاً مجتهداً جداً، وكل ما أُثير في الفترة الماضية كان زوبعة في فنجان، لأن الفريق يضم مجموعة مميزة من اللاعبين، وأنا محظوظ بالعمل مع لاعبي الزمالك، والفريق قد يكون في حاجة إلى 3 أو 4 لاعبين على أقصى تقدير، والزمالك يضم قائمة مميزة وأريد اللاعبين أن يثقوا في أنفسهم، ويلعبون بشجاعة، وكل ما أطلبه منهم هو أن يكون لديهم ثقة في أنفسهم”.

واستكمل: “قبل أن أعمل في الزمالك كان تقديري للاعبي الفريق مختلفاً عن تقديري لهم بعد العمل معهم، بسبب ما يتردد عن الفريق والقائمة، ولكن بعد العمل معهم وجدت أنهم نخبة اللاعبين في مصر، وهم الأفضل وسيُثبتون ذلك يوماً بعد يوم”.

واستمر: “هؤلاء اللاعبون تعرضوا للظلم فيما نُسب إليهم لأنهم ملتزمون جداً ومحترفون ويحبون النادي ويخلصون له، وعملت معهم في ظروف قاسية جداً، وظهر معدنهم الأصلي في كل تدريب، وأريدهم أن يلعبوا بتحرر وبحرية، وأي نتيجة إيجابية بسبب كفاءة اللاعبين وإجادتهم، لأنهم لاعبون رائعون”.

وأردف: “”فضلنا الانتظام في معسكر كي نكون قريبين من بعض ونقرأ أفكار بعض، خاصة أن فترات التدريب قصيرة جداً، والوقت عملية مميتة، والمعسكر بالنسبة لنا مهم جداً”.

وفيما يخص اللاعبين المصابين قال: “إذا بحثنا على جوجل عن أكثر سؤال تم توجيهه لمدير فني في تاريخ الكرة العالمية والمصرية سيكون السؤال الذي تم توجيهه لي عن المصابين في النادي، وهذا السؤال تكرر بصورة كبيرة، والمشكلة تكمن في مدى جاهزية اللاعبين العائدين من الإصابة وقدرتهم على المشاركة في المباريات، وأي لاعب بالفريق قادر على سد الفراغ، وقد يكون اللاعب المصاب تماثل للشفاء من الإصابة لكنه غير جاهز فنياً، وسيتم تقدير مدى جاهزيتهم للقاء المقبل”.

وتابع: “أركز مع فريقي بغض النظر عن المنافس، ومباراة نهائي الكأس ليست مواجهة سهلة، واهتمامي الأكبر مع فريقي، ونحترم فريق بيراميدز وقدراته”.

واختتم: “أتمنى أن يحالفني التوفيق في لقاء بيراميدز في وجود أعداد كبيرة من الجماهير، وكما قلت جمهور الزمالك هم الحلقة الأقوى ونحتاجهم جداً في مباراة بيراميدز المقبلة في نهائي كأس مصر، ونتمنى إسعادهم في اللقاء”.

Martin Guptill has become the latest New Zealand player to be released from their central contract after he recently lost his place in both white-ball teams.Guptill was part of the T20 World Cup squad in Australia but did not play during the tournament with Finn Allen preferred at the top of the order and was left out altogether for the ongoing series against India.He has not retired from international cricket and has stated a desire to play again, but as with Trent Boult he has been told preference will be given to those within the contracted set-up.”Playing for my country has been a massive honour, and I’m grateful to everyone within the Blackcaps and NZC for their support,” Guptill said. “But, equally, I’m realistic enough to understand the need to consider my options in the current circumstances.Related

• Guptill joins Renegades in BBL following release from NZ contract

• Williamson: Guptill will be missed but he has not retired

• NZ 'challenged' with players lured by T20 franchises, says coach Stead

• Guptill, Boult left out of New Zealand's white-ball squads for India series

• Williamson wants to continue playing all three formats

“With this release, I’m still available for New Zealand, I have the chance to explore other opportunities, and I also get to spend more time with my family – which is important.”It’s understood that he could be in the frame for a BBL stint as a replacement player with at least two clubs looking for reinforcements ahead of the season.”We understand Martin’s position,” NZC chief executive David White said . “He’s been a fantastic batsman for us for a long period of time, and we certainly don’t wish to stand in his way as he explores other opportunities.”Martin’s been a giant of the white ball game, a committed and well-respected member of the Blackcaps, and has earned the right to play out his career on his own terms. He leaves his contract with our best wishes.”If this does prove the end of Guptill’s international career he will finish with 7346 runs at 41.73 in ODIs, which currently places him third on New Zealand’s all-time list with their highest individual score of 237 not out, and 3531 in T20Is where he sits comfortably at the top. He played the last of his 47 Tests back in 2016.Guptill’s move follows that of Boult who relinquished his central contract earlier this year. He, too, was part of the T20 World Cup squad but has not been picked to face India. He has an upcoming deal with Melbourne Stars in the BBL before heading to the ILT20 with MI Emirates.Colin de Grandhomme also announced his retirement after being drafted by Adelaide Strikers while Jimmy Neesham declined a contract when he was offered the vacant spot due to existing deals he had signed when off the list.After the T20 World Cup, head coach Gary Stead said that the evolving landscape of T20 leagues would be a challenge for New Zealand but White is confident the game can adapt.”Players such as Martin, Trent and Colin, with long and successful international track-records, inevitably end up with alternative playing options at this stage of their careers, and we respect that,” he said. “It’s just part of the natural ebb and flow of individual careers within team sport.”

Pakistan recovered from a defeat to Thailand to notch up their first win against India in T20Is since 2016

S Sudarshanan07-Oct-2022

Nida Dar was off the blocks quickly and took the attack to India•Asian Cricket Council

Pakistan recovered from a surprise defeat against Thailand and inflicted a thrilling 13-run defeat on India in their Women’s T20 Asia Cup clash at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.Allrounder Nida Dar led Pakistan’s charge first with the bat, stroking an unbeaten 56 after an early stutter before picking up two wickets, including that of returning India captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Her efforts helped Pakistan notch up their first-ever win over India in the Women’s T20 Asia Cup and only their third win in 13 matches against them. It also ended India’s winning run in the tournament.Thanks to the 76-run stand between Dar and captain Bismah Maroof, Pakistan posted 137 for 6 and then had India on the mat at 91 for 7. But Richa Ghosh, batting at No. 8 after walking off the field in the first innings due to a heat-related issue, hit 26 off just 13 balls to raise India’s hopes. But it was a task too long eventually for her.Stifling powerplay
Opting to bat, Pakistan openers Muneeba Ali and Sidra Ameen made their attacking intentions clear pretty early. Under pressure after batting let them down against Thailand, the pair looked to change their approach and was eager to put the bowlers off their lengths. Ameen used the crease well to slash Renuka Singh for a four following which Muneeba used her feet to come down and swipe Deepti Sharma past mid-on. India’s disciplined bowling meant that the efforts of the duo did not bear fruits.Pooja Vastrakar then had Ameen nicking at one outside off before Deepti, in her third over inside the powerplay, picked up two wickets in the space of three balls. She first deceived Muneeba in the air to have her stumped before trapping Omaima Sohail lbw after she missed the sweep. In the interim, there was a dropped chance of Sohail as well.Pakistan were reduced to 33 for 3 in the first six overs.Maroof, Dar lead Pakistan’s recoveryIt was then upto the experienced duo of Maroof and Dar to bring Pakistan back on track. The only players in the line-up with over 100 T20Is each to their name, they showed their wares against India’s spinners. Dar was the attacker as she first swept Radha Yadav, brought in for Sneh Rana, through backward square leg before using her feet to slink down the track and hit Rajeshwari Gayakwad over mid-on.Dar got off the blocks pretty quickly, hitting a four and a six off Dayalan Hemalatha, even as Maroof took her time to get her eye in. The Pakistan captain ended her boundary drought via a pull off Pooja Vastrakar through square leg. In a bid to up the ante further, Maroof mistimed a scoop-turned-to-ramp straight to short third.Thereon, despite India making regular inroads from the other end – they picked up three wickets for just 30 runs in the last five overs, Dar moved quickly to bring up her sixth T20I half-century and in the process got Pakistan to 137.Experimentation costs India
In reply, Sabbhineni Meghana and Smriti Mandhana struggled to force the pace off the pitch against the Pakistan spinners, despite Meghana hitting a six and a four off Dar and Sadia Iqbal, brought in for the injured Diana Baig, respectively. Meghana then sliced one to cover when she tried to repeat it against Nashra Sandhu’s left-arm spin.Rodrigues then struggled to get going despite getting a couple of chances and top-edged a swipe off Dar to backward point. Even as Hemalatha got herself going from one end, Mandhana – after surviving a stamping chance – holed out to long-on on the very next ball off Sandhu to leave India in a spot at 50 for 3 in ten overs.Vastrakar, sent in at No. 5 ahead of Harmanpreet, was then run-out following a mix-up with Hemalatha before the latter was bowled in an attempt to play a cheeky paddle off legspinner Tuba Hassan. With the asking rate well over nine, Harmanpreet and Deepti added 26 off 19 balls for the sixth wicket before Deepti top-edged a sweep. Soon Harmanpreet failed to clear Aliya Riaz, who took three crucial catches towards the end, at long-on to leave India reeling.Ghosh then used her big-hitting prowess to smash Sandhu for back-to-back sixes in the 18th over before hitting one more off Iqbal in the next. But the target was always a long shot. She departed in the 19th over, leaving India needing 18 off the last over with one wicket remaining. Aiman Anwer cleaned up Rajeshwari Gayakwad with two balls remaining in the chase to secure a win for Pakistan.