Graham Potter is reportedly close to a Premier League return with Leicester City emerging as the favourites to recruit the Chelsea flop.
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It’s a squad that ‘balances experience and emerging talent’ with an eye on the future, explains chairman of selectors Andrew White
ESPNcricinfo staff08-Jul-2019Days after being dropped from Ireland’s ODI squad, for the three-match series against Zimbabwe, left-arm spinner George Dockrell has been left out of the long-format squad, too, for the one-off Test against England at Lord’s. James Cameron-Dow, also a left-arm spinner, seamer Barry McCarthy, and wicketkeeper-batsman Stuart Poynter, who were all part of the squad for the Test against Afghanistan in Dehradun earlier this year, have also been left out. Instead, fast bowlers Mark Adair and Craig Young, and wicketkeeper-batsman Gary Wilson have been picked.Ireland squad
William Porterfield (capt), Mark Adair, Andrew Balbirnie, Andrew McBrine, James McCollum, Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Boyd Rankin, Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Lorcan Tucker, Gary Wilson (wk), Craig Young
In: Mark Adair, Gary Wilson, Craig Young
Out: James Cameron-Dow, George Dockrell, Barry McCarthy, Stuart Poynter
While both Adair and Young are uncapped in Test cricket, Wilson had featured in Ireland’s inaugural Test, against Pakistan, last year in Dubin. Seamers Adair and Young have been rewarded for their impressive performances for Ireland A while Poynter was left out in favour of the more experienced Wilson.The four-day Lord’s Test, starting ten days after the World Cup final on July 24, will be Ireland’s 12th international against England. In their first ODI at Lord’s, Ireland were emphatically beaten by Eoin Morgan’s men. But in their most recent ODI exchange in Malahide, Ireland gave England a scare in a low-scorer.ALSO READ: England optimistic of James Anderson’s fitness for Ireland TestAndrew White, the chairman of selectors, took heart from that performance and expected the players to be “just as competitive in the Test arena”.”We have stated all along that as selectors we are looking for players not only in-form but displaying consistent performances, and I believe we have selected a squad that reflects this,” White said. “It’s also a squad that balances experience and emerging talent, which is necessary in looking to the future in this format of the game.”This may only be our third Test, but we have 11 more to play over the next three years and our two Tests to date have shown glimpses of the potential we possess.”
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke will be keen to accelerate his potential plans for the January transfer window and now looks to be well down the line regarding a potential sale at Elland Road, according to a report.
Realistically, Farke has to perform something of a squad rebuild upon arrival at Elland Road as he was tasked with the chance of revitalising a club who endured a turbulent campaign last year. At the halfway point of 2023/24, it would have to be deemed that the German coach has done a decent job in his new capacity, with his side well in the race for promotion from the Championship.
49ers express interest in signing "outstanding" new full-back for Leeds
He could return to England for a cut-price fee…
By
Sean Markus Clifford
Dec 24, 2023
Summer arrivals like Joel Piroe and Ethan Ampadu have all gone on to become key cogs in his machinery in Yorkshire. At the same time, enhancing existing players' abilities such as Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Daniel James has helped to give the Whites a genuine chance of returning to the English top-flight at the first time of asking – between them, that trio have registered 41 goal contributions this campaign.
However, the Whites faltered on Boxing Day as Illan Meslier was sent off in a 2-1 defeat at Preston, with Liam Millar grabbing a late winner to severely damage Farke's hopes of finishing the campaign in the top two.
Come January, shipping players out of the door will be a useful avenue to generate cash for incoming deals, and the Whites are in an unusually advantageous position concerning potential outgoings due to the large quantity of players who are currently away from Elland Road on a loan basis. Now, it looks as if one loanee is now well on his way to departing Leeds on a permanent deal ahead of the January window, according to a report.
According to Football Insider, Leeds and Real Betis are in talks regarding a permanent deal for Marc Roca, who joined the La Liga outfit in the summer window on loan.
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Marc Roca's time at Real Betis – all competitions (FBRef) |
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Shot creating-actions |
52 |
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Expected goals |
1.0 |
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Expected assists |
1.1 |
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Progressive passes |
79 |
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Progressive passes received |
12 |
The report states that Roca is keen to leave Elland Road for good and has instructed his agent to sever ties with the Whites following his departure earlier this year that came about due to a relegation release clause. Spending just one season in Yorkshire, the 27-year-old has since gone on to be a key player at the Benito Villamarin Stadium, featuring regularly in the Spanish top-flight and Europa League.
Labelled "hardworking" by former boss Julian Nagelsmann, Roca has appeared on 25 occasions this campaign across all competitions, registering two goals and four assists (Roca statistics – Transfermarkt).
Nevertheless, his time at his parent club looks to be coming to an end and selling him would allow Leeds to recoup some of the £10 million they paid to sign him for back in 2022 from Bayern Munich.
Leeds United will be keen to make moves in the transfer market this window and now look set to wrap up an important piece of off-field business at Elland Road towards the end of the month.
Leeds United January rumours…
Following a period of keen anticipation, Leeds United alongside others are now well underway in the transfer window and they will be looking to conclude deals to finalise both incomings and outgoings in order to balance their squad depth.
Daniel Farke has indicated that he is happy with the options at his disposal, though he hasn't ruled out adding to his side over the next few weeks, as he stated in a recent press conference:
"I'm happy with our squad. I think we have a pretty balanced squad and in all areas. There's not one particular position where you think okay, there is definitely a need that you have to do something. But again, it's also I think, professional to stay awake and also to check if there are some options."
Leeds United want to sign "dangerous" new full-back in £8m+ transfer
He could replace Djed Spence at Elland Road.
ByDavid Comerford Jan 5, 2024
Hellas Verona defender Josh Doig and Bournemouth winger David Brooks were named as early targets for the Whites this month; however, it remains to be seen whether Farke will act to bring them in to try and aid his side's quest for promotion from the Championship.
In other news, Leeds United are also believed to be waiting in the wings for Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore, though the Bournemouth man is also attracting interest from Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.
Despite all focus being on dealings in the transfer market, news has emerged detailing that the 49ers Enterprises appear to have made an off-field appointment at Elland Road.
Leeds United set to hire Jordan Miles
According to Football Scotland reporter Mark Hendry, Leeds United are set to hire Aberdeen recruitment chief Jordan Miles and plan to offer him a major role in their transfer negotiations this summer after initially targeting him last month. The 33-year-old only joined the Dons from West Ham United in the summer; however, he is now expected to depart the Granite City for a compensation fee to take up a position at Elland Road.
Championship Top Scorers
Club
Games
Goals
Assists
Sammie Szmodics
Blackburn
25
16
3
Adam Armstrong
Southampton
26
13
9
Morgan Whittaker
Plymouth
26
13
5
Crysencio Summerville
Leeds
23
12
6
Jack Clarke
Sunderland
26
12
2
Jonathan Rowe
Norwich
24
10
2
One key caveat to the deal is that he will remain in post at Aberdeen until the end of the month despite attempts from the Whites to bring him south of the border before the window's conclusion. Nevertheless, they will need to wait to get their man, who will be tasked in the immediate term with trying to seek additions to help his current employers rise up the Scottish Premiership table.
Recruitment has improved at Leeds United since Nick Hammond arrived last summer as interim football advisor and shrewd signings such as Joel Piroe, Sam Byram and Ethan Ampadu have gone on to make a marked impact at the club.
Now, the 49ers look to have landed a key appointment as they aim to restore Leeds United's status as a club capable of competing in the top bracket of English football.
Everton are interested in signing an exciting young player with "Champions League level" quality on the ball, according to a fresh transfer update, but they are falling behind in the race.
Everton transfer news
The Blues have an important month ahead of them, not only in terms of further pulling away from the Premier League relegation zone, but also when it comes to completing new signings. Sean Dyche will surely be eyeing up reinforcements between now and the end of the January transfer window, and plenty of players have been name-checked as financially viable additions.
That includes Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, who the Everton manager worked with for a long time at Turf Moor, and a loan move has been mooted. Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri has also emerged as a temporary option in the middle of the park, with the Blues battling it out with Sevilla to get their man.
Talleres winger Ramon Sosa is a more unknown player who has been linked with a switch to Goodison Park, too, so the club certainly appear to be looking at adding some youth to their ranks.
Everton fall behind Spurs in Adam Wharton race
According to a new update from Football Insider, Everton are interested in signing Blackburn Rovers youngster Adam Wharton, but Tottenham and Crystal Palace are also firmly in the mix, and Kevin Thelwell will need to act fast as the north London outfit are "stepping up" their interest.
"Tottenham are stepping up their interest in Blackburn midfielder Adam Wharton, sources have told Football Insider. Spurs scouts have regularly watched the 19-year-old in action – with Everton and Crystal Palace also keen on the highly-rated, top young player.
"A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Tottenham recruitment chiefs feel Wharton is a potential star in the making."
Wharton looks like a player of enormous potential, already becoming an undoubted key player for Blackburn and starting 20 Championship games for them this season. In that time, the 19-year-old has assisted three times and chipped in with one goal, and he has also averaged 2.3 tackles per game. The young Englishman has had praise heaped on him by Blackburn manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, too, who has said of his talented midfielder:
"Adam, on the ball, he has a Champions League level. I've been a Champions League player myself, I've coached in the Champions League so I know what you need."
This says so much about the long-term potential that Wharton possesses, and if Everton could beat others to his signature this month, it would represent a hugely exciting piece of business.
The Blackburn ace is still maturing as a player, so it would be unfair to expect him to come straight in as a superstar for the Blues, but the quality he is already performing with at a good standard suggests he could become a fixture in Dyche's team in a relatively short space of time.
Man Utd plot player swap deal to sign Everton star who Ten Hag loves
Erik ten Hag is believed to be a big fan of the player…
BySean Markus Clifford Jan 9, 2024
Wharton only signed a new deal at Ewood Park last month, keeping him there until the summer of 2028, so a hefty bid may be required to prise him away. He could be worth every penny, though, should he keep developing at his current rate.
MatériaMais Notícias
Em jogo atrasado da longínqua primeira rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, Palmeiras e Vasco se enfrentam nesta terça-feira (26), às 20h (horário de Brasília), no Allianz Parque, em São Paulo. A partida estava originalmente marcada para o dia 9 de agosto de 2020, mas foi postergada devido à presença do Palmeiras na final do Campeonato Paulista, que foi disputada no dia 8 daquele mês.
O Verdão está na quinta colocação do campeonato nacional, com 51 pontos conquistados, e vem de uma derrota contra o Ceará, na Arena Castelão, em Fortaleza, por 2 a 1. O Vasco, por sua vez, ocupa o 14º lugar com 35 pontos. Na última rodada, o Gigante da Colina derrotou o Atlético-MG por 3 a 2 em São Januário, no Rio de Janeiro.
RelacionadasPalmeirasVídeo: O Verdão jogou ontem e joga amanhã… mas o que importa é dia 30 – Atuações | Ceará 2 a 1 PalmeirasPalmeiras25/01/2021PalmeirasCom volta de Rony e outros titulares, Palmeiras se reapresenta na Academia de FutebolPalmeiras25/01/2021PalmeirasAbel Ferreira destaca a força do elenco do Palmeiras apesar de derrota para o CearáPalmeiras25/01/2021
RONY RETORNA AOS TREINOS NO PALMEIRAS
Durante as atividades na Academia de Futebol, em preparação para o duelo contra o Vasco, uma das novidades foi o retorno de Rony, que participou sem restrições dos treinos com o elenco. O atacante desfalcou o Verdão nas duas últimas rodadas, contra Flamengo e Ceará, com dores musculares após sofrer uma pancada na coxa.
>> Confira a classificação atualizada do Brasileirão e faça sua simulação
>>Confira os clubes que já estão garantidos na Copa Libertadores 2021
Horário, transmissão, arbitragem, prováveis escalações: os dados de Palmeiras x Vasco
Data: 26 de Janeiro de 2021
Horário: 20h (de Brasília)
Local: Allianz Parque, em São Paulo-SP
Árbitro: Anderson Daronco-RS
Assistentes: Rafael da Silva Alves-RS e Michael Stanislau-RS
VAR: Jean Pierre Gonçalves Lima-RS, Vinicius Gomes do Amaral-RS e Lucio Beiersdorf Flor-RS
Transmissão:
– PREMIERE (pay-per-view para todo o Brasil);
O assinante poderá assistir ao jogo online pelo Premiere Play.
ESCALAÇÕES, DESFALQUES, PENDURADOS E SUSPENSOS DE PALMEIRAS X VASCO
PALMEIRAS: Weverton; Mayke, Benjamin Kuscevic, Alan Empereur e Gustavo Scarpa; Danilo (Zé Rafael), Patrick de Paula e Lucas Lima; Breno Lopes, Gabriel Veron (Rony) e Gabriel Silva (Willian). Técnico: Abel Ferreira.
Desfalques: Wesley e Luan Silva (machucados);
Pendurados: Patrick de Paula, Felipe Melo, Esteves, Alan Empereur, Luan, Lucas Lima, Luiz Adriano, Abel Ferreira, Mayke, Rony, Gustavo Scarpa e Wesley;
Suspenso: Emerson Santos (terceiro amarelo);
Voltam de suspensão: Raphael Veiga (terceiro amarelo)
VASCO: Fernando Miguel, Léo Matos, Marcelo Alves, Leandro Castan e Henrique; Bruno Gomes, Juninho (Benítez) e Gil; Yago Pikachu, Cano e Talles Magno. Técnico: Vanderlei Luxemburgo
Desfalques: Ricardo Graça
Pendurados: Yago Pikachu, Léo Matos, Ricardo Graça e Gabriel Pec;
Suspenso: Ninguém;
Voltam de suspensão: Ninguém;
With Sandy MacIver and Ellie Roebuck unavailable, the Cityzens have made an emergency loan signing who could need to start against West Ham on Sunday
To win a major trophy, every team needs a little bit of luck. However, as Manchester City enter the final stretch of the Women’s Super League title race, they are certainly lacking some when it comes to injuries, to the point that their starting goalkeeper for Sunday’s clash with West Ham could be a player who only joined the club last weekend.
City haven’t won the title since 2016, an almighty wait for a team of its stature, especially considering the number of domestic cup triumphs that have come in those eight years. They are currently in a fantastic position to end that barren run though, level on points with Chelsea at the top of the WSL table with just four games to go.
It is a very real possibility that the honour of being crowned champions of England could come down to goal difference, with the two title rivals regularly exchanging places in the table based on that factor. It’s a sign of how close this chase has been – but it also makes City’s situation in the goalkeeping department, which has led to an emergency loan signing, even more significant.
The allrounder has been sent back to Shield cricket to find some form with Tim Paine expecting him to be needed later in the series
Daniel Brettig in Adelaide05-Dec-2018
He’s behind you: Peter Handscomb has taken Mitchell Marsh’s place•Getty Images
Australia’s attempt to emulate their Ashes bowling formula from last summer, combined with question marks over a batting line-up shorn of Steven Smith and David Warner, has forced the omission of the vice-captain Mitchell Marsh from the team to face India in the first Test of the summer at a draining Adelaide Oval.Twelve months ago the selectors chose Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon as their sole four bowlers for the opening two Tests against England, before Marsh was called in as a reinforcement from the time of the third match onwards. The change in team balance was vindicated by the way the front-liners dominated Joe Root’s team, and a year on the captain Tim Paine and coach Justin Langer have sought to repeat the dose against Virat Kohli’s tourists.There are two key differences, of course: India’s batsmen are far better versed in facing spin and will be capable of attacking Lyon to bring the pacemen back more quickly, while an Australian batting line-up without Smith and Warner will need contributions from as many players as possible. This has meant a recall for Peter Handscomb in the middle order, handing Victoria three spots in the same Australian batting line-up for the first time since Bill Lawry, Ian Redpath and Keith Stackpole in the 1970-71 Ashes.”Mitch Marsh probably hasn’t been as consistent as he would like and we would like,” Paine said, confirming that Marsh would be a likely inclusion later on in the Test summer. “We know the talent Mitch has. We know most likely at some stage in this series we’ll need him, so we’re taking the opportunity at the moment to send him back to play a Shield game, get more cricket under his belt, knowing at some stage we’re probably going to need him.”We know he is good enough to be a genuine allrounder at Test level, he probably just hasn’t put it together consistently enough. There’s the opportunity for him to go back and get a Shield game under his belt before the BBL start. Going forward we’ve got full faith in him being a Test allrounder and as this series wears on and we get to places where the wicket might be a bit flatter, conditions might be a little warmer and our bowlers a bit tired then the allrounder position becomes important.”Apart from anything else, the decision to drop a recently appointed vice-captain underlined how slim Australia’s leadership resources currently are. Without Marsh in the team, captaincy duties would be most likely to fall to the limited-overs captain Aaron Finch or one of the state captains Usman Khawaja (Queensland) or Travis Head (South Australia) in the event of Paine suffering an injury.Either way, Paine acknowledged that arguably the key “chess match” of the series when Australia were in the field would involve India’s efforts to attack Lyon in order to force him to bring his fast men back earlier than intended. “I’m sure there will be opportunities at times when we can hopefully put their spinners under pressure and try and put some big overs into their fast bowlers,” Paine said. “It is going to be no different for them; they are going to see at times if they can attack Nathan and get on top of him and we’re going to have bowl our quicks a bit more than we would like so it is going to be a real chess match in that regard.”The [Adelaide] wicket over the last few years here has given enough throughout the game [to not need an allrounder]. We’ve obviously got a lot of confidence in Nathan Lyon bowling a lot of overs if we need to. And probably the fact all our three quicks go in really fresh, so we’ve got confidence in them – particularly at the start of the series. It’s probably unlikely that we’ll use the three quicks as much as we will in this game, throughout the whole series as it wears on – but this being the first Test we think they’ll do the job.”Paine was dismissive of questions over whether Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins would be capable of standing up to the workload, given their micro-managed preparation for this assignment. “They got through the Ashes last year I thought and bowled a hell of a lot of overs,” he said. “So, they are fresh and ready to go. They have had a great preparation and are ready to go. They are fine to go. They will be bowling big overs if need be, and they are totally comfortable with that.”The quicks are going to have to bowl a bit more and we have full faith that Nathan Lyon can do the job in any conditions, he’s shown that over the last few years, he bowled a mountain of overs in the UAE and our quicks are fresh so we can cover that, Travis Head bowls some handy offspinners so we have options there but we’ll be backing our bowlers.”As for the debutant Marcus Harris, Paine saw the maturing of a talented shotmaker into the sort of rounded batsman who will be able to help guide Finch and the No. 3 Khawaja through the testing early periods of each innings, before hard pitches and Kookaburra balls allow batting to become significantly less testing. “He’s been a really consistent player for Victoria for three years and thoroughly deserves the opportunity,” Paine said.”He’s always been a really talented batsman but I think in the last three years we’ve seen him mature into a top line opening batter. He’s an aggressive little player, he’ll play his shots. But he has also really improved his defence and has come a long way as a batsman. We’re really excited as we think he has the game for Test level and we can’t wait to see him get out there tomorrow.”
Manchester United have entered the running to secure the services of up-and-coming teenager Leny Yoro, but a fresh report has revealed that they are set to face a lot of stiff competition ahead of January.
Erik ten Hag’s side have made an extremely mixed start to the new Premier League campaign, having won five and lost four of their opening nine fixtures, finding themselves eighth in the table.
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Victories |
Defeats |
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Wolves (1-0) |
Tottenham Hotspur (2-0) |
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Nottingham Forest (3-2) |
Arsenal (3-1) |
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Burnley (1-0) |
Brighton and Hove Albion (3-1) |
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Brentford (2-1) |
Crystal Palace (1-0) |
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Sheffield United (2-1) |
The Red Devils could therefore be looking to bolster and more importantly improve a lot of areas across the pitch during the upcoming transfer window in January, but it would appear that chiefs have set their sights on a player who would be more of a signing for the long-term future of the club considering his age.
Lille centre-back Yoro, who is just 17 years old, has worked his way up through his outfit’s various youth ranks to get promoted to their first-team last summer, where he’s so far already made 27 senior appearances under Paulo Fonseca (Transfermarkt – Yoro statistics).
The France youth international still has just under two years remaining on his deal (Lille contracts), but having impressed during his performances since making the step-up to the highest level in Ligue 1, he’s grabbed the attention of the hierarchy, not only at Old Trafford but also other clubs in the top-flight in England.
Taking to X, Graeme Bailey confirmed that Man United are keeping tabs on Lenny Yoro.
“Chelsea have joined the chase for Lille sensation Leny Yoro. Liverpool and Manchester United both well aware of the 17-year-old defender – who is also being checked on by Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.”
Expanding in his column for 90min, however, the reporter added that club chiefs are “yet to advance their interest”, alongside Jurgen Klopp’s outfit on Merseyside.
Whilst Man United aren’t developing their admiration at this stage, Yoro is most definitely a player who is “world-class material”, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, so Ten Hag should consider making an approach to discover the conditions of a deal in January.
Standing at 6 foot 2, Saint-Maurice’s native is currently averaging 3.1 clearances and two aerial wins per league game for Lille, alongside recording an impressive 90.6% pass success rate (WhoScored – Yoro statistics), highlighting what a fantastic physical and composed presence he can be at the heart of a backline.
Additionally, Yoro, who also has the versatility to operate slightly higher up in defensive midfield, is even capable of contributing to efforts in the final third having scored two goals and provided one assist in his 27 senior appearances, so this really is a no-brainer of a move to pursue at the beginning of 2024.
The former captain smashed 144, including a last-wicket stand with Tamim Iqbal who came out to bat with a broken hand, to lift Bangladesh to a winning total
The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando15-Sep-2018
1:01
Maharoof: SL need specialist batsmen, not allrounders
Mushfiqur Rahim’s sublime 144 hauled Bangladesh kicking and screaming to 261, then a fired-up Mashrafe Mortaza set in motion a Sri Lanka collapse, and the first match of the Asia Cup soon turned into a thrashing – Bangladesh claiming victory by 137 runs, after Sri Lanka crashed to 69 for 7, then 124 all out.A third Bangladesh senior had also played an impressive role in the victory. Tamim Iqbal faced only four deliveries in all, but he had crucially come out to bat again with a broken wrist – which he had sustained in the second over – with nine wickets down. Mushfiqur made spectacular use of his teammate’s bravery, hitting a further three fours and three sixes, as 32 runs were added to the team total, lifting Bangladesh from a modest score to a competitive one.Though his contribution was eventually drowned out by those of Bangladesh’s experienced players, one Sri Lanka old-timer also had an outstanding outing. Lasith Malinga, playing his first international in a year, shook off the rust, struck twice in his first over, and finished with 4 for 23 from 10 overs, to suggest that his one-day career was far from done yet. Had his teammates held all their catches, Malinga might have wreaked even more damage. He should have had Mohammad Mithun – who went on to make 63 in a 131-run stand with Mushfiqur – caught at mid on for one, if Angelo Mathews had held the catch while diving forward. In general, Sri Lanka were woeful in the field, spilling no fewer than four catches, including two off Mushfiqur, who was reprieved on 10 and 85. For the umpteenth time in the last three years, their catching can be said to have cost Sri Lanka a one-dayer.Though perhaps it is their batting that was the worse suit on this evening (it’s often difficult to work out which discipline was the worst with this Sri Lanka ODI team). Kusal Mendis – opening in place of Danushka Gunathilaka – was Bangladesh’s first victim, when he got himself trapped in front of the stumps the first ball he faced. Upul Tharanga had been storming away at the other end, and looked good for a big innings, until, typically, he suddenly played a poor shot. Attempting to steer a Mashrafe delivery to third man, Tharanga only managed to play it on to his stumps. Mashrafe would have a second important wicket soon after – nailing Dhananjaya de Silva in front of the stumps for a duck, with de Silva going on to waste Sri Lanka’s review. The review could potentially have saved Kusal Perera later on.Mushfiqur Rahim celebrates after reaching his sixth ODI century•ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP/Getty ImagesIn general, this was not an evening of good decision-making from Sri Lanka’s batsmen. Kusal Perera’s lbw (he had actually got a thin inside edge to that ball from Mehidy Hasan) left the team 38 for 4, not long before Angelo Mathews compounded Sri Lanka’s woes by running out Dasun Shanaka as the pair attempted a painstaking recovery. Thisara Perera holed out soon enough, and Mathews was himself dismissed for 16 off 34 balls – trapped lbw by Rubel Hossain. That Sri Lanka even survived into the 36th over and made as many as 124 was down to a plucky tail, who hung around, despite the target being clearly out of their reach. Even the tail’s efforts were not enough to prevent a record though – this victory was Bangladesh’s biggest in terms of runs, away from home.Although Mushfiqur had a little luck early on – having been dropped in the 10th over – his was nevertheless a terrific innings. He had begun slowly, playing out a maiden against the red-hot Malinga, before later producing Bangladesh’s first boundary of the match, off the last ball of the eighth over. He built steadily alongside Mithun, taking an especial liking to Sri Lanka’s finger-spinners, often venturing down the track to them, sometimes to hit boundaries.Although after Mithun fell, Mahmudullah and Mosaddek Hossain followed in quick succession, Mushfiqur batted efficiently with the tail, looking for boundaries at the start of each over, and singles towards the end. Despite his best efforts, the lower order batsmen continued to perish, however, and Bangladesh found themselves nine down in the 47th over, which should have been the end of their innings given one of their batsmen had suffered a fractured wrist earlier in the innings.Tamim, though, made the courageous decision to bat again, with his bottom hand in a cast. He hid that injured left hand behind his body, and rode out a Suranga Lakmal ball at his ribs, to hand the strike over to Mushfiqur, who didn’t disappoint. Mushfiqur moved expertly around the crease to smoke a spate of valuable late boundaries, moving past his previous best ODI score of 117, while twice making sure to take a single off the last ball of the over, to ensure Tamim did not have to face another ball. Mushfiqur had hit successive sixes off the first two balls of the final over, bowled by Thisara Perera, before he holed out attempting a third six. His valiant hand would turn out to be more than enough for Bangladesh to claim an important first victory in the tournament.