Ameen and Muneeba’s record-breaking first-wicket stand was backed up by Sana’s 4 for 26

Danyal Rasool03-Jun-2022An imperious top-order batting performance from Sidra Ameen and Muneeba Ali, backed up by a four-wicket haul by Fatima Sana, helped Pakistan to another rout of Sri Lanka by 73 runs, and a wrap of the ODI series with a game to spare.The victory was spearheaded by a sensational 123 by Ameen – her second ODI century – as part of a record 158-run opening stand with Muneeba. Ameen’s 150-ball knock was complemented by a more sedate 100-ball 56 from her partner, before cameos from Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar ensured Pakistan finished with a strong 253 for 2. Sri Lanka, in response, never got into top gear and seemed content to put together a respectable total as they huffed and puffed their way to 180 for 9 in their 50 overs.A somewhat enterprising start to the chase immediately ran into problems once Sana removed Hasini Perera for 14. While most Sri Lankan batters put together steady contributions, Pakistan’s chances of victory were rarely threatened.The story though could have been different. Opting to bat first for the first time this series, Pakistan enjoyed a huge reprieve when Ameen was put down at the slips before scoring a run. It was an error she ensured Sri Lanka regretted for the next three hours. A chanceless century would follow thereon, with runs ticking over and a solid platform being built, and it felt, in slow motion, as if Sri Lanka were being batted out of the contest.ESPNcricinfo LtdMuneeba, too, was reprieved once, when a sharp caught-and-bowled chance was dropped by Kavisha Dilhari. She spent most of the innings playing second fiddle to the more exuberant Ameen as Pakistan clocked their first-ever century opening stand in an ODI. They continued pressing on, and it wasn’t until the 36th over that Muneeba, looking to force the issue, holed out to point.Sidra soon got to her hundred with a sweep past fine leg, but by now, Maroof was helping ensure Pakistan moved through the gears more quickly. From that point on, the last 40 balls yielded 57 runs as Pakistan breached the 250-run mark, setting Sri Lanka the highest total of the series to chase.Sri Lanka’s innings was defined by caution, and yet interspersed with some puzzlingly rash decision-making. While they were far too timorous against the bowlers, especially when there was generous flight on offer, there were also the obligatory run-outs, both coming at key stages. There was also uncertainty in the approach. A bright start was stymied when the first wicket fell; it would come in a passage of play that saw four powerplay overs bowled without a run scored.From there on, in truth, this was less of a match and more of a practice drill and the Pakistan bowlers were never quite shaken out of their rhythms. Nida Dar made amends for a dropped catch by putting an end to Chamari Athapaththu’s plodding innings, while Hansima Karunaratne sent Sana’s flighted half-volley straight down long on’s throat. Each of the top seven batters got to double figures while the target seemed increasingly irrelevant to the contest actually playing out.Sana returned to get two more lower-order wickets, and when Diana Baig picked up the ninth wicket, Sri Lanka’s only aim appeared to be to prevent getting bowled out.

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Com a goleada por 8 a 1 sobre o Independiente Petrolero-BOL, o Palmeiras chegou a 47 gols em 2022 e quase 40% deles tiveram um personagem como responsável direto: Raphael Veiga, que lidera com sobras o ranking de participações em gols do Verdão neste ano. Rafael Navarro, que marcou quatro vezes na última terça-feira, aparece em segundo lugar com nove participações.

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Principal jogador do Alviverde nesta temporada, Veiga não apenas mostra isso em desempenho dentro de campo, mas também em números. Até aqui, o camisa 23 marcou 13 gols no ano (artilheiro do time) e deu cinco assistências (maior garçom do time), totalizando 18 participações diretas em tentos da equipe, ou seja, 38,3% dos gols palmeirenses na tiveram influência do meia.

A importância de Raphael Veiga é tamanha, que o vice-líder desse ranking tem metade das participações. Ao mesmo tempo que esse segundo colocado é surpreendente, ficou mais óbvio depois da goleada da última terça-feira. Trata-se de Rafael Navarro, que chegou a seis gols no ano, além de uma assistência (Ind. Petrolero) e dois pênaltis sofridos (São Bernardo e Red Bull Bragantino).

O centroavante, que vinha sendo bastante criticado, já chega a nove participações em gols. Ainda que seja metade de Veiga, o número é maior do que Rony (sete participações) e Dudu (seis participações) apresentam até aqui, por exemplo. Ambos, é claro, têm importância e relevância maiores do que Navarro, mas em relação aos números o jovem vem ganhando espaço.

Quem também de certa forma surpreende nesses primeiros meses de 2022 é Zé Rafael. Para Abel Ferreira, certamente ele é essencial para esquema do time, mas aparecia pouco para o torcedor, que o criticava bastante. Mas neste ano ele tem mostrado também em números sua importância. Já são cinco gols marcados e uma assistência: seis participações e o quarto lugar no ranking.

A tendência é que Raphael Veiga siga nessa liderança e a amplie ao longo da temporada, uma vez que também é o cobrador oficial de pênaltis do time. Ao mesmo tempo, é importante que outros nomes passem a contribuir mais com essa conta para que o Palmeiras não dependa tanto de seus serviços. Vale lembrar que atualmente o elenco não tem um substituto para o camisa 23.

Confira o ranking de participações em gols do Palmeiras em 2022:

1) Raphael Veiga – 13 gols/5 assistências – 18 participações
2) Rafael Navarro – 6 gols/1 assistência/2 pênaltis sofridos – 9 participações
3) Rony – 5 gols/2 assistências – 7 participações
4) Zé Rafael – 5 gols/1 assistência – 6 participações
5) Dudu – 4 gols/2 assistências – 6 participações
6) Wesley – 2 gols/2 assistências/1 pênalti sofrido – 5 participações
7) Danilo – 3 gols/1 pênalti sofrido – 4 participações
8) Murilo – 3 gols – 3 participações
9) Mayke – 2 assistências/1 pênalti sofrido – 3 participações
10) Gabriel Veron -2 assistências/1 pênalti sofrido – 3 participações

Outros no ranking

Gustavo Scarpa, Marcos Rocha, Jailson, Atuesta, Breno Lopes e Gustavo Gómez – 2 participações cada

Deyverson (não deve jogar mais pelo clube), Luan, Patrick de Paula (deixou o clube), Kuscevic e Gabriel Menino – 1 participação cada

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Arsenal are believed to have their eyes firmly on one club’s talismanic star, as manager Mikel Arteta decides what he wants most from a new player for his Gunners squad.

Arsenal "very alert" to potential January transfer opportunities

The Premier League title chasers take on Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final this evening, and it’s a hugely important clash against an in-form Magpies side who are seriously impressing right now.

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Eddie Howe has guided Newcastle to five consecutive league wins, and they’ll fancy their chances at the Emirates this evening as they look to try and reach their second Carabao Cup final in three years.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Tottenham (home)

January 15

Aston Villa (home)

January 18

Wolves (away)

January 25

Man City (home)

February 2

Leicester City (away)

February 15

Arsenal, meanwhile, dropped points against Brighton last weekend and failed to capitalise on Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at home to Man United. They’ll also have to contend with Newcastle’s superstar striker Alexander Isak, who is in the form of his life, so they’ll be no easy customers tonight.

In the background of this pivotal clash, interim sporting director Jason Ayto is reportedly looking at opportunities for the January transfer window. Fabrizio Romano says that Arsenal are targeting Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao, as the club eye up alternatives to the injured Bukayo Saka, and Arteta continues to suggest that a new signing this month is possible.

The Spaniard says that his side are increasingly attentive to potential transfer openings before deadline day on February 3, however, their focus is on contending with their current options.

“Whatever is in the market, we’re very alert,” said Arteta on Arsenal signing players this month. “But the priority is working with the players that we have at the moment and tomorrow night, which is a big night for us. It’s not a yes, it’s not a no.”

As well as out wide, Arsenal are facing a future without midfield veterans Jorginho and Thomas Partey. Both players are out of contract at the end of this season as thing stand, prompting the north Londoners to express an interest in Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham.

Arsenal set sights on signing Sunderland midfielder Jobe Bellingham

According to Football Transfers, the younger brother of Real Madrid superstar Jude has admirers at N5, and Arsenal have scouted the English midfielder on numerous occasions across 24/25 – who has impressed the club with his versatility and assurance.

Arsenal have “set their sights” on signing Bellingham from Sunderland, with Arteta personally earmarking the addition of a player who possesses youth and dynamism as a “top priority” for the club.

The 19-year-old is rumoured to command a £20 million price tag, but Arsenal are not his only suitors as clubs from across the Premier League take note of his exploits in the Championship.

“Jobe is so powerful. He wants to affect the game, he had good quality today,” said Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris after Sunderland’s 2-1 win over Norwich.

“It’s not a big surprise for us but you have to do it on the pitch. He did very well today to score the second goal. I don’t have to say to Jobe, ‘you can score’, it’s just now a question of his position. We talk now a lot about positions on the pitch because if he can manage different situations, he can be involved in the build-up, in the high pressure and low pressure.

“But if you want to affect the score properly, the opposition has to be a little bit higher on the pitch. We spoke a lot about this position for our eights, especially for Jobe because out of possession he plays as a six. So it’s not easy to find the right balance with the offensive part of the game.

“He played the first game of the season higher on the pitch like with two strikers, then as a midfielder. It was easier to find the right position and adjustment. I think he’s doing well. He learns so very quickly.”

Manchester United duo Alejandro Garnacho and Manuel Ugarte face a gruelling travel schedule in the summer due to commitments with club and country.

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• Duo could feature in World Cup qualifiers
• United also planning Asia friendlies
• And pre-season tour of United States

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After a busy 2024-25 season, Garnacho and Ugarte also look set for a hectic summer. The two players are due to jet off to South America after the end of the Premier League season for World Cup qualifiers with their national teams. The pair may then have to fly out to Malaysia and Hong Kong to meet the United squad for friendly fixtures before heading back to England for the start of pre-season and games in Sweden and the United States, according to . If the two players do feature in all the games currently planned by the Red Devils they will end up travelling across four continents and racking up 75,000 miles.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The two players are said to be "alarmed" at the thought of taking on such a gruelling schedule after the end of the season. Garnacho has already made 48 appearances for club and country during the current campaign, while Ugarte has taken in 40 matches in total for United and Uruguay. The off-season should allow players the time to relax and recharge their batteries but there is increasingly little time for top stars to enjoy time away from the game due to a congested fixture list

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Man Utd's pre-season schedule sees the Red Devils take on Leeds United in Stockholm, before games against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton in the United States. The 2025-26 Premier League season is due to kick off on the weekend of August 16-17.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD

  Ugarte has been with the Uruguay squad over the latest international break and featured in the 0-0 draw with Bolivia in World Cup qualifying, while Garnacho was left out of Argentina's squad for games against Uruguay and Brazil. United are back in action on Tuesday in the Premier League against high-flying Nottingham Forest.

There will be eight qualifying spots up for grabs, with West Indies and USA getting in automatically as the hosts

ESPNcricinfo staff31-May-2022

The first qualifying event for the 2024 men’s T20 World Cup will commence in Europe in June, the ICC announced on Tuesday.The 2024 World Cup, to be held in the West Indies and the USA, will have a record 20 teams participating. Twelve teams will get automatic qualification, while the remaining eight spots will be filled via the qualifying events.The first step in the qualifying process will be the sub-regional qualifiers, which will be held across 2022 and 2023. There, 68 teams will participate across ten events: 16 teams from Africa (two events), eight from the Americas (one event), nine from Asia (two events), seven from the East Asia and Pacific (EAP) region (two events) and 28 from Europe (three events). The three sub-regional qualifiers in Europe this year will take place across Belgium and Finland over five weeks starting June 28.From the sub-regional qualifiers, the top teams will qualify for five regional finals, to be held in 2023. From the two sub-regional qualifiers in Africa, four will progress to the regional Africa finals, and eventually two for the main event in 2024. From the Americas sub-regional qualifiers, the top three teams will compete with Canada in the Americas regional finals for one spot at the World Cup.One team from each of the two Asia sub-regional qualifiers will meet Bahrain, Nepal and Oman in the regional Asia finals for the two final spots for the main event. The winners of each of the EAP sub-regional events will meet Philippines in the EAP regional finals to eventually compete for one qualification spot. And each of the three sub-regional winners from Europe this June will compete with Germany in the Europe regional finals next year for the last two qualification spots.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

As far as automatic qualification is concerned, eight spots will be filled by the top eight teams from the 2022 men’s T20 World Cup, to be hosted by Australia this October-November. West Indies and USA, the hosts for the 2024 event, will also get automatic berths.The remaining two slots will be taken by the two next highest-ranked teams on the ICC’s T20 rankings as of November 14 this year. In case West Indies finish in the top eight in this year’s World Cup, then the top three teams based on their ICC rankings on the cut-off date will make the grade.Speaking on the commencement of the qualification pathway, ICC head of events Chris Tetley said, “We are delighted to see a record number of teams competing for places at ICC events as the Men’s T20 World Cup pathway begins in Europe. The T20 format continues to drive the growth of the game and over the next two years we will see new teams competing in ICC events for the very first time.”A very warm welcome to Hungary, Romania and Serbia who are making their debut and thanks to Cricket Belgium and Cricket Finland for playing host to a record number of teams at this stage in qualification. I would like to wish all the competing teams every success as they begin their journey towards the USA and West Indies in 2024.”The 2024 T20 World Cup is set to begin in June that year. It will be the first major ICC event hosted by the USA.

Tottenham Hotspur drew 2-2 with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday afternoon, undoubtedly placing more pressure on boss Ange Postecoglou.

Goals from Brennan Johnson and Rodrigo Bentancur weren’t enough for Spurs in North London after Jorgen Strand Larsen fired home a late equaliser for the visitors.

The point leaves Postecoglou’s side 11th in the Premier League table at the halfway stage of the campaign, 11 points off the Champions League spots, with the dream rapidly fading away week after week.

The draw leaves Spurs chasing their first win in three matches, losing two and conceding nine goals in the process, with the defensive injuries causing havoc once again.

However, such issues shouldn’t excuse the performance levels of numerous players who once again failed to deliver at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs’ disappointing performers against Wolves

Striker Dominic Solanke has often been the man to provide the goods within the final third this season after his club-record £65m transfer from Bournemouth in the summer.

The Englishman has scored six Premier League goals in 2024/25, but was unable to add to his tally this afternoon, looking wasteful in possession throughout the score draw.

He only completed one of his four attempted dribbles in North London, whilst also winning just six of his 16 duels and losing possession 11 times in the process.

As for goalkeeper Fraser Forster, he was once again unable to pull up any trees as he covered for the injured Guglielmo Vicario between the sticks.

The 36-year-old made his tenth appearance of the season earlier today, but wasn’t able to add to his clean sheet tally, conceding two or more for the fifth time.

He was beaten by a sensational strike by Hwang Hee-chan for the opener, but certainly could’ve done more to keep out the visitors’ leveller, being beaten way too easily at his near post.

However, one other Spurs player failed to produce once again despite continued faith shown by Postecoglou, with the Aussie needing to take action ahead of the next league clash next weekend.

The Spurs player who was as bad as Forster against Wolves

Spurs captain Heung-min Son has for so long been the player to cause havoc for the club in attacking areas, but in recent months has struggled to produce the goods on a consistent basis in 2024/25.

The South Korean attacker has only managed to notch five goals in the league to date, with this afternoon another one of his displays to forget in North London.

He featured for just 64 minutes before being replaced by Timo Werner, but his withdrawal was understandable given his lack of impact during his hour on the pitch.

The 32-year-old only registered 27 touches of the ball, only completing 15 passes – losing possession six times and looking wasteful throughout the draw with the relegation-threatened side.

Son also missed his spot kick in the first half, with Postecoglou’s side undoubtedly going on to claim all three points had he managed to find the back of the net.

Minutes played

64

Touches

27

Passes completed

15/17 (88%)

Possession lost

6x

Penalty missed

1

Crosses completed

0/3 (0%)

Dribbles completed

0

He also failed to complete any of his three attempted crosses, unable to succeed in dribbling past the opposition, looking a shadow of his former self, with his days at the top level undoubtedly numbered given his recent showings.

As a result of his dismal showing, he was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by Football London’s Alasdair Gold – highlighting how disappointing he was once more.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Given his failure to deliver once again this afternoon, Ange simply must drop him from the starting lineup in the next meeting with Newcastle United next weekend.

It’s been sad to see a fan-favourite decline given what he’s done for the club over his decade in North London, but ultimately, the Aussie needs to be brutal to save his job and take the Lilywhites back to the top end of the table.

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Manchester City have issued a fresh update on Erling Haaland's ankle injury after he was forced off in the FA Cup win over Bournemouth.

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Haaland injured on Sunday in FA CupHas undergone tests on ankle problemWill now seek a specialist opinionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Haaland was replaced during Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final win over Bournemouth after sustaining an ankle injury and was later spotted in a protective boot. Amid concerns his season may be over already, City have now offered an update on his current fitness.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT MAN CITY SAID

The club said in a statement: "Manchester City FC can confirm that Erling Haaland has suffered an injury to his left ankle. The Norwegian striker sustained the injury during Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final victory away at AFC Bournemouth. Erling underwent initial tests in Manchester on Monday morning and will now seek specialist consultation to confirm the full extent of the injury. Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain a full prognosis. The expectation is that Erling will be fit in time to play a further part in the remainder of this season, including this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup. Everyone at the Club wishes Erling a speedy recovery and mancity.com will bring you regular updates regarding his rehabilitation."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite City having their worst season in years, Haaland has still scored an impressive 30 goals in all competitions this season. Pep Guardiola's men are still trying to qualify for next season's Champions League and win the FA Cup but that will be a lot harder to do without the Norwegian leading their attack.

AFPWHAT NEXT?

The fact that City said the 24-year-old is expected to be fit to play "a further part in the remainder of this season" suggests this isn't too serious an injury but it remains to be seen just how long he will be out for.

Arsenal may be a far better team than they were a few years ago, but as things stand, their season feels like it’s on the precipice of falling apart.

Mikel Arteta’s side may be second in the Premier League but sit six points off leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. On top of that, they may have just thrown away their chance of winning the League Cup.

The Gunners played host to Newcastle United in the first leg, and despite going 2-0 down early in the second half, the manager didn’t turn to any of his summer signings, including Mikel Merino, who started in the draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on the weekend.

The Spanish international may well turn things around, but so far this season, he has struggled to impress the fans, so recent reports linking the club to another central midfielder this month shouldn’t come as a massive surprise.

Arsenal target former PL star

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are one of several teams interested in signing Juventus ace Douglas Luiz this month.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Manchester United, Tottenham and Fulham are all keen on the Brazilian star, who joined the Old Lady for £42m in the summer after years of impressive performances for Aston Villa.

However, the all-action midfielder has found himself out of favour in Turin, and with just 354 minutes played across 13 appearances thus far, the report claims that the North Londoners are keen to bring him back to England on a short-term loan.

It could be a complicated deal to get over the line, especially if other clubs come in with a permanent offer, but given Luiz’s brilliant performances for Villa over the years, it is one worth fighting for, even if it could spell trouble for Merino.

How Luiz compares to Merino

Okay, so while Luiz can play as both the six and eight in a team, the combination of Declan Rice and Thomas Partey already being in the squad and his attacking abilities would almost certainly see him take up the latter role in North London were he to join Arsenal this month.

Therefore, while it might be harsh, he would then be in competition with Merino for a place in the team, a competition many in England would back him to win.

With that said, though, how can we compare them to determine who really would be the ideal starter in that left-eight role for Arteta and Co?

Well, given that neither has played all that much, nor all that well for that matter, this season, the best way to figure this out would be to compare their underlying numbers from last season, as both players were regular starters and vital members of their respective teams.

Unfortunately for the former Real Sociedad star, when we do this, it’s the “box-crashing” Brazilian, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, who comes out on top, and by some margin at that.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.28

0.19

Actual Non-Penalty G+As

0.30

0.29

Progressive Carries

1.80

0.94

Progressive Passes

5.05

5.91

Shots

1.32

1.09

Passing Accuracy

85.7%

76.2%

Key Passes

1.59

0.72

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.17

0.98

Shot-Creating Actions

3.52

2.36

Goal-Creating Actions

0.30

0.29

Tackles Won

1.14

1.56

Interceptions

0.69

0.58

Clearances

0.54

1.99

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.06

0.11

Ball Recoveries

5.53

7.14

For example, the former Villa star emerges victorious in the majority of relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots, passing accuracy, key passes and passes into the penalty area, shots and goal-creating actions, interceptions and more, all per 90.

On top of having the better underlying numbers, the Rio de Janeiro-born dynamo had a far better rate of return, scoring ten goals and providing ten assists in 53 appearances, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 2.65 games.

In contrast, the Spaniard scored eight goals and provided five assists in 45 appearances for La Real, which came to a solid but less impressive average of a goal involvement every 3.46 games.

Ultimately, Merino may well come good for Arsenal and help them in their quest to win major silverware in the years to come, but as things stand, he’s struggling to assert himself on this team, and while Luiz is also struggling in Italy, we all know how effective he can be in the Premier League.

Therefore, if the North Londoners have an opportunity to land the Brazilian on a short-term loan this month, then they must take it.

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