Category Uncategorized

Ackeem Auguste and Roston Chase hit 50 runs apiece after WI’s brief stutter to guide them home

Mohammad Isam31-Oct-2025Ackeem Auguste and Roston Chase struck fifties to help West Indies to a five-wicket win in the third T20I against Bangladesh in Chattogram.Romario Shepherd’s hat-trick had earlier helped their cause for the 3-0 triumph, after Bangladesh were bowled out for 151 runs. The series sweep comes at the right time for West Indies, who had lost seven bilateral T20I series in a row, coming into this series.Auguste and Chase put on 91 runs for the fourth wicket, after they lost three early wickets. Auguste peppered the leg-side with five sixes against the Bangladesh spinners, while the stand-in captain Chase got his boundaries all around the wicket.Bangladesh had earlier collapsed from 107 for 2 in the 15th over, to be bowled out for 151 in 20 overs. They lost eight wickets for 44 runs in the last 5.3 overs, including Shepherd’s hat-trick spread over two overs. He was unaware of his achievement, until Jason Holder happily informed him from mid-off.Jangoo surprises for WIBangladesh restricted West Indies’ openers in the first three overs of the chase. The returning Mahedi Hasan got Alick Athanaze stumped for 1 and Amir Jangoo was also struggling to get going. But he had luck on his side. A mix-up between Litton Das and Saif Hassan gave him a let-off in the second over, before substitute Towhid Hridoy dropped a skier at mid-off.Jangoo then took on Taskin Ahmed in his first over. He started with a crisp flicked six off the first ball, before driving and pulling for three more fours in the 18-run over.Bangladesh hit back with Nasum Ahmed removing Brandon King in the sixth over. Jangoo struck two more fours before Rishad Hossain had him lbw in the eighth over. Jangoo’s 23-ball 34 provided West Indies the boost their 152-run chase needed after a slow start.Auguste packs a punchAuguste built on Jangoo’s innings. Like Jangoo, his first six was also a beautifully flicked six off Taskin. Chase, who was dropped on 10, struck three boundaries to get going, before Auguste took on Rishad. He used the flick off the first ball of the 13th over, before hitting him for two more on the leg-side. Rishad though was unlucky, as substitute Tanzim Hasan dropped Auguste at the covers, on 27.Auguste hammered Nasum’s first ball next over, before Chase took over in the boundary-hitting. He struck three more in the next two overs, on the way to completing his fourth T20I fifty.Bangladesh had some respite when Rishad removed both Chase and Auguste in the 16th over, but West Indies were already comfortably placed to complete the win.Tanzid shines againBangladesh had earlier got off to a decent start after deciding to bat first. Tanzid Hasan hit three fours in the first three overs, before Holder dropped him at mid-off on 12. Tanzid kept Bangladesh forceful in the powerplay, lofting Akeal Hosein for a six over square-leg.Parvez Hossain and Litton though fell cheaply, before Tanzid and Saif added 63 runs for the third wicket. Saif started with a six over square-leg against Chase, followed by Tanzid hitting his second off Khary Pierre. Tanzid cracked two fours off Shepherd in the 11th over, before he lofted Gudakesh Motie for his third six in the next over.Rovman Powell dropped Tanzid on 57, although it was a tough chance at long-on. This one made it West Indies’ sixth dropped catch in the last two matches.Shepherd’s special hat-trickWest Indies’ luck though would change from the 15th over. Holder had Saif caught in the backward square-leg boundary, a ball after he struck a six over the same region.Bangladesh would then lose wickets off the last ball of the over for five successive overs. Pierre removed Rishad in the next over, lbw for three, before Nurul Hasan was caught in the deep off Shepherd.Powell Nasum in the deep at the end of the 18th over before Holder got out-of-form Jaker Ali lbw for five.Shepherd started the 20th over with Tanzid caught at mid-off, before he yorked Shoriful Islam. He wasn’t aware of the hat-trick until Holder – the only other West Indian to get a T20I hat-trick – told him. Shepherd celebrated with a smile. It was the eighth hat-trick Bangladesh’s batters had suffered.

da bet7k： Fear not, Arsenal fans, the international break is finally coming to an end this weekend.

da betsson： However, while the return of the Premier League can’t come soon enough, the Emirates faithful have been able to watch a number of their stars excel for their nations over the last week and a half.

One of those who has been particularly impressive has been Bukayo Saka, who scored a wonder goal against Wales and then picked up an assist against Latvia.

So long as he remains fit, the Hale Ender will surely be one of the first names on the team sheet at the World Cup, as his importance to the Three Lions is only eclipsed by his importance to the Gunners.

With that said, while Saka will likely remain the North Londoners’ talismanic number seven for as long as he’s playing, Mikel Arteta and Co may already have the perfect long-term heir in one of the most exciting talents in the country.

Arsenal's recent number sevens

Despite the amount of change the squad has been through, Arsenal have only had three first-team players wear the number seven shirt since 2016.

The first of those was Alexis Sanchez, who took the number ahead of the 16/17 season following the departure of Czech international Tomas Rosický.

The former Barcelona ace was already an undeniable superstar for the Gunners at this point, having produced 37 goal involvements in 41 games the season prior.

However, with his new number on his back, the Chilean international reached another level, scoring 30 goals and providing 18 assists in 51 appearances, totalling 4230 minutes, in the 16/17 season.

That comes out to a staggering average of a goal involvement every 1.06 games, or every 88.12 minutes. If that wasn’t enough, he also scored the opening goal in the club’s 2-1 FA Cup Final triumph over Chelsea that summer.

Alexis Sanchez’s Arsenal record

Season

14/15

Appearances

52

Goals

25

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.71

Season

15/16

Appearances

41

Goals

17

Assists

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.68

Season

16/17

Appearances

51

Goals

30

Assists

18

Goal Involvements per Match

0.94

Season

17/18

Appearances

22

Goals

8

Assists

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.54

All Stats via Transfermarkt

However, all good things must come to an end, and midway through the following season, he moved to Manchester United in a swap deal that saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan come the other way.

The Armenian international took the seven shirt off the departing winger, but, interestingly, had to wear 77 in Europa League matches because two players are not allowed to wear the same number in the same campaign.

Unfortunately, while the Yerevan-born player is undeniably talented and has been brilliant in Italy, he failed to deliver in North London and, within a year and a half, was sent on loan to AS Roma, with just nine goals and 13 assists in 59 games for the club.

The loan was made in the summer of 2020, and in July, the seven was handed to one of the club’s own: Saka.

While he hasn’t had a season as explosive as Sanchez’s 16/17, the Hale Ender has become a reliable source of goal involvements as well as someone who can step up in the big moments.

Moreover, and arguably just as crucial, he has also become the face of Arteta’s project and rejuvenation of the club, with him netting his 100th Premier League goal involvement in just his 200th league appearance before the international break.

In all, the Gunners’ “legend in the making,” as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored 73 goals and provided 72 assists in 270 games for the club, totalling 20448 minutes.

In other words, since his first-team debut, the dazzling winger has averaged a goal involvement every 1.86 games, or every 141.02 minutes, which is made all the more impressive by the fact he spent much of his early career at left-back, or being played all over the place.

So, it’s clear that, so long as he can remain fit, Saka will almost certainly remain Arsenal’s number seven for potentially the next decade or so, and in even more good news, the academy looks like it’s producing someone who could be his long-term heir.

Arsenal's future number seven

There is certainly an argument to be made that Ethan Nwaneri could end up being Arsenal’s future number seven, as most of his games last season came off the right, in place of Saka.

Chalkboard

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

Expand Collapse

However, it has become increasingly clear this season that the club view him as a central player, and anyway, there is now another, younger Hale End gem who looks like he could thrive out wide and eventually make the number his own: Max Dowman.

It is hard to think of another academy gem who has received as much media attention as the 15-year-old, but it’s not just fans and pundits waxing lyrical about him.

For example, at the start of last season, Kulig claimed the teenager was the “most exciting prospect” he had seen “since Lamine Yamal”, and then last November, Hale End expert Will Balsam called him “the biggest talent in England.”

It might all sound somewhat hyperbolic, but his numbers from last season suggest it might not be.

Dowman in 24/25

Appearances

23

Minutes

1945′

Goals

19

Assists

5

Goal Involvements per Match

1.04

Minutes per Goal Involvement

81.04′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In just 23 appearances, totalling 1945 minutes, he scored 19 times and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes.

Moreover, he played brilliantly in pre-season, winning a penalty against Newcastle United, and then did the same at home to Leeds United in the league, with respected analyst Ben Mattinson pointing out that he “hasn’t even done his GCSE’s but he’s humiliating Premier League players.”

Finally, while there is a case for his future being in the middle of the park, his best attributes seem to be his agility, ability to beat opposition defenders, and his ability to burst into the penalty area, all of which feel like key skills for a top-class winger.

On top of that, his first team experience has come off the right, and he is currently playing out wide and thriving for England’s U19 side.

Finally, if the Gunners want to have him and Nwaneri in the team in the future, leading the way for Hale End, then it makes sense to play the latter in the middle and keep the former on the wing, where he can make the most of his incredible gifts.

Ultimately, Dowman is not going to take the number seven shirt from Saka in the foreseeable future, but given how young he is, there is every chance he becomes the 24-year-old’s long-term heir at the Emirates.

Related Arteta can drop Gyokeres by unleashing Arsenal star who's emulating Haaland

Viktor Gyokeres should be under pressure to perform at Arsenal.

Posts ByMatt Dawson Oct 15, 2025

На площадке IndieGala стартовала бесплатная раздача приключенческой инди-игры с элементами хоррора Whispering Willows, действие которой происходит в таинственном особняке.

В центре сюжета находится Елена Элкхорн, которая отправляется в поместье на поиски пропавшего отца. На пути девушка встретит множество головоломок, а также заблудившиеся души, которым можно помочь благодаря особому амулету, позволяющему душе героини выходить в астрал.

Whispering Willows получила очень положительные отзывы в Steam, а также собрала несколько наград на инди-фестивалях. Игроки хвалят проект за увлекательный сюжет и визуальный стиль.

Напомним, что сейчас в Epic Games Store можно забрать праздничное издание Star Wars: Battlefront 2.

😳 Это тебе не «Ведьмак»: в Crimson Desert дадут залезть в боевого меха с пулемётом и ракетницами

+2

Поделиться:

PC Новости Whispering WillowsНовости Star Wars: Battlefront 2НовостиИгровые новостихалявавидеоизображенияскриншоты из игрIndieGala

Liverpool had only dropped points in two Premier League fixtures in an incredible start to life under Arne Slot, but St. James’ Park is a temperamental beast and propelled Newcastle United back into the ascendency.

Perhaps not. Newcastle haven’t been good enough recently, with chequered results inhibiting Eddie Howe’s side. But this was a performance befitting such a talented squad, blessed with high-class parts that have showcased their talents on the biggest stage.

Though Mohamed Salah continued his indomitable start to the campaign, United overwhelmed the visitors for large portions of the fiercely contested clash. The Toon were immense; Tyneside responded, thunderous and crackling with life and noise and energy.

Newcastle are tenth in the Premier League standings and could fall lower still before the weekend – with teams still to play on Thursday evening. But Howe’s side proved that they can throw down the with the best of them.

Alexander Isak certainly proved himself the best centre-forward on the field, outclassing and outpunching Darwin Nunez and the some.

Alexander Isak's performance vs Liverpool

Some strike. There’s no denying that some segments of the Newcastle fanbase were growing concerned after Isak’s slow start to the season, for he had been on Arsenal’s radar in the summer and might have harboured distractions.

How the doubts have been released through this brilliant purple patch, with Liverpool now added to the collection of high-stakes matches that the Swede has succeeded in etching his name onto the board.

His name lit up as it does so often at this stadium, but he’s bagged few more striking, more emphatic, than the rifled shot that beat Caoimhin Kelleher with ease, pressing into the net from afar.

Minutes played

90′

90′

Goals

0

1

Assists

0

1

Touches

25

48

Shots (on target)

3 (0)

2 (1)

Big chances missed

2

0

Accurate passes

8/12 (67%)

19/25 (76%)

Key passes

0

5

Dribbles (completed)

2 (0)

9 (5)

Total duels (won)

13 (5)

16 (6)

It’s, erm, difficult to see how anyone could stake a claim for Nunez, the more expensive man, being the triumphant performer on Wednesday evening. Isak is leaps and bounds above his divisional rival, whose energy and tenacity make for box-office viewing, but bring infrequent results.

Isak, conversely, is an elite marksman, sniping at the opponent’s net and breaching it. That’s five goals in six matches for the 25-year-old, who proved to everyone that he was the star striker on the St. James’ Park pitch.

He wasn’t the only one to have shown Liverpool what’s up. Anthony Gordon was visibly elated when he made it 2-1 after the break, and for good reason too.

Anthony Gordon reminds Liverpool of his quality

It could have been very different. This summer, Newcastle were throttled by Premier League profit and sustainability rules and the ramifications of a non ‘big six’ side showing ambition. It wasn’t the dream window, but the Magpies chiefs deserve some credit for keeping hold of their prized assets, Gordon among them.

Newcastle’s 2023/24 Player of the Season hasn’t been at his best across the past several months, but he rose to the occasion against Liverpool, scoring against the Reds at St. James’ Park for the second season running and doing so with a performance to match that of Isak.

His dribbling is something to be admired, but so too is the combativeness that makes Gordon much more than simply a ball-carrying winger.

As per Sofascore, he completed three key passes and three dribbles apiece, but the 23-year-old also won nine duels in an excellent showing that advertised his multi-faceted style.

The Chronicle Live awarded him with an 8/10 match rating, even acknowledging that his lively showing could have bred more goals. But alas.

The England international’s initiative and roundedness make for a distinctive weapon, and he’s now being statistically likened to one of Europe’s superlative wingers.

Newcastle's £100m star in the making

That’s three goals and an assist across 13 Premier League matches for Gordon this season. Not the heftiest return, to be sure, but the dynamo is also averaging 2.2 key passes, 1.2 dribbles and 5.4 successful duels per game, the latter of which he is winning a respectable 54% of total battles.

Potency might have taken a step down, but Gordon is still leaving a trail of underlying data in his wake that bespeaks his elite-level faculties, and when looking at his FBref statistical breakdown, this becomes even clearer.

According to the stats-led site, he and Napoli superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia share some striking similarities, with both creative, crisp and technically proficient.

Hailed as a “phenomenon” by Italian football pundit Mina Rzouki, Kvaratskhelia, one of Europe’s most exciting wingers, is also 23 years old, and though he’s posted five goals and three assists across 13 Serie A matches for his Scudetto-chasing side this year, he’s also averaged only 1.1 dribbles, 1.7 key passes and 3.8 duels per game.

A wanted man, the Georgian has been on Arsenal and Liverpool’s radar this year and is valued at a whopping £100m. Given that Gordon is technically outperforming the Napoli man this season, it’s feasible that he might too reach such a high-priced figure, having already garnered plenty of intrigue this summer.

To be honest, though, most Magpies fans likely wouldn’t make a switch between the two. Gordon’s blood flows black and white, and he proved once more against Liverpool that he’s one of the finest up-and-coming wingers out there.

Newcastle now considering £66m move to sign Lloyd Kelly upgrade in January

It would be a massive signing that could help Howe’s side get back on track.

1 ByBen Browning Dec 3, 2024

يستعد برشلونة لدخول سوق الانتقالات الصيفية للتعاقد مع مهاجم جديد في 2026، ويرتبط جوليان ألفاريز مهاجم أتلتيكو مدريد بالانضمام لصفوف النادي بقوة.

ويحظى ألفاريز بطل كأس العالم 2022 مع منتخب الأرجنتين بإعجاب كبير من جانب إدارة برشلونة، ويرى فيه النادي هدفاً رئيسياً لخلافة روبرت ليفاندوفسكي والذي ينتهي عقده بنهاية الموسم.

ويعد ألفاريز هو المرشح المفضل لرئيس برشلونة خوان لابورتا ليصبح مهاجم المستقبل في البلوجرانا بدلاً من المهاجم البولندي.

اقرأ أيضاً.. الاتحاد الاسباني يوجه تحذيرًا لـ برشلونة وفليك.. ويهدد بمعاقبتهما

وأغلق إنريكي سيريزو رئيس أتلتيكو مدريد الباب أمام أي احتمال لرحيل جوليان ألفاريز العام المقبل في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”: “كنا نتوقع ذلك قبل وصولك أبولو سبورتس (المستثمرين الجدد في النادي)”.

وأضاف: “فكرة تحصين ألفاريز من خيالكم، جوليان لديه عقد وعليه الوفاء به، مثل أي شخص آخر، جوليان لاعب نرغب به ويريد البقاء هنا، فما الذي يحتاجه أكثر من ذلك”.

واختتم عن تجديد عقد ألفاريز وعدم عرضه للبيع: “لقد قضى معنا عاماً ولديه خمسة أو ستة عقود أخرى، لسنا منفتحين على التفاوض بشأن جوليان أو أي لاعب آخر، إذا تقدم فريق لضم لاعب وأراد الرحيل، سيرحل، لكن في الوقت الحالي لا يوجد لاعب واحد يرغب في الرحيل”.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot says it was wrong to rule out Virgil Van Dijk’s equaliser against Manchester City in their 3-0 loss on Sunday. The Reds’ captain thought he had found the back of the net after beating Gianluigi Donnarumma with a powerful header. But the celebrations were cut short quickly, with Andy Robertson judged to have interfered with play from an offside position.

Van Dijk's header ruled out by VAR

Liverpool fell behind to an Erling Haaland opener after the Norwegian had earlier had his penalty saved by Giorgi Mamardashvili. The striker’s looped header lofted over the Georgian in the Reds’ net and handed the hosts a deserved lead.

Liverpool did respond to going behind, with Van Dijk appearing to level proceedings in the 38th minute. Mohamed Salah drilled across a corner towards the back of the City box and the ball was met by a thunderous header by the centre-half, which flew into the bottom right corner. The Liverpool captain wheeled away in celebration to the corner flag, believing he had equalised.

VAR would soon intervene and spoil the Liverpool fans' cheers, though. Andy Robertson, standing three yards offside, ducked under the flight of the ball, but the officials judged him to be interfering with play. It was a contentious decision, given Donnarumma had seen the direction the ball was travelling in, and Robertson was not obscuring his vision.

The Liverpool fans and Slot were justifiably a little miffed.

AdvertisementAFPSlot slams the decision

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Slot said: “I think it's obvious and clear that the wrong decision has been made, at least in my opinion. Because he [Robertson] didn't interfere at all with what the goalkeeper could do.

“Immediately after the game someone showed me the goal that the same referee allowed City against Wolves last season [John Stones’ last minute winner]. So, it took the linesman 13 seconds to raise his flag to say it's offside. So, there was clearly communication.

“That could have influenced the game in a positive way for us because in the first half we were so poor.

“We would have been lucky going 1-0 down at half-time, let alone if it was 1-1 or 2-1 down. So it has been an influential decision, which is not to say that we then would have had a result over here because you cannot predict how the second half would have gone.”

City run out deserved winners

Regardless of the decision, Liverpool were not good enough and clearly deserved to lose the clash against their title rivals. Jeremy Doku was the standout performer for the hosts and the Reds struggled to contain the lively Belgian who put the game beyond doubt when he scored City’s third.

Earlier, Haaland and Nico Gonzalez had made it 2-0 to the hosts and prompted furious criticism of the Reds by Sky Sports’ pundits. Gary Neville claimed that Liverpool had been “asking to be beaten” by Pep Guardiola’s team and Roy Keane had labelled the Reds’ performance a “disgrace”.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportCity announce their intentions

City were the standout side, and their performance demonstrated why they are still one of Europe’s best sides. With Haaland in some of the best form of his career so far, it would be daft to write off City for any of the major honours.

Speaking after the game, Ruben Dias sent a warning shot towards league leaders Arsenal and claimed that his team were performing at the highest level. The defender added that “there are new faces because of the ones that left, but that quality stays the same, and we keep on pushing,” in a potential sly dig at the Reds.

Guardiola’s team have now moved within just four points of Arsenal, after the Gunners dropped two costly points late against Sunderland on Saturday. The victory also confined Liverpool to eighth spot in the Premier League, behind rivals Manchester United and eight points behind the Gunners at the top of the table.

There is a long way to go in the Premier League campaign, but Liverpool must start turning their fortunes around sooner rather than later.

Vinicius Junior's savage on-field jibe at Lamine Yamal has been revealed. Yamal put in a disappointing El Clasico showing as Barcelona fell to a 2-1 loss at Real Madrid on Sunday afternoon, a result that leaves the defending La Liga champions five points off Los Blancos. And to add salt to the wounds, Vinicius' comments to the teenager have now been made public.

AFPYamal disappoints in El Clasico

Yamal struggled to impact El Clasico as Barcelona fell to a 2-1 loss at the Bernabeu. Kylian Mbappe's 22nd-minute opener was cancelled out by Fermin Lopez in the 38th minute. However, Los Blancos went back ahead shortly before the break through Jude Bellingham.

Mbappe saw a second-half penalty saved by Wojciech Szczesny, with the Pole stepping in for the injured Joan Garcia between the sticks, but it needn't have mattered as Real Madrid went five points clear at the top of the table.

Yamal managed two shots and created two goalscoring chances but was largely kept in check by the Real Madrid backline. And it's now been revealed that Vinicius Junior launched a disrespectful jibe at the 18-year-old as Barcelona struggled at the Bernabeu.

AdvertisementVinicius mocks Yamal to his face

During the match, Vinicius and the rest of the Real squad appeared riled at Yamal for some of the teenager's pre-match comments. The Barcelona star said: "Yes, of course, they steal, they complain…" when talking about Real Madrid on Twitch. Vinicius didn't pass up the chance to launch his own jibe at the Barcelona winger. "Nothing but back passes, huh? Just passing it back to the defenders," the Real Madrid star reportedly said to the teenager when they were in close proximity.

The pair also had to be separated at full-time as tempers flared between both sides. Pedri received his marching orders shortly before Cesar Soto Grado called time on El Clasico, with the Barcelona midfielder pulled up for a late foul on Aurelien Tchouameni after being carded for a foul on Vinicius in the first half.

Vinicius was at the heart of the post-match confrontation as the Brazilian targeted Barcelona trio Alejandro Balde, Yamal and Raphinha. However, the forward wasn't the only Real Madrid star to have been caught dishing out comments to Yamal in a fiery El Clasico encounter at the Bernabeu, with Thibaut Courtois and Dani Carvajal also involved.

Further bookings were dished out to Vinicius, Eder Militao and Rodrygo for their roles in the melee. Backup Real Madrid goalkeeper Andrii Lunin, meanwhile, also saw red in a feisty end to the clash.

Getty Images Sport'You speak too much'

Carvajal was caught exchanging words with Spain teammate Yamal in the centre-circle at full time and the experienced defender reportedly said: "You speak too much. Speak now." Yamal tried to confront Carvajal, but was ushered away by Barcelona team-mates.

Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, said of the post-match scenes at the Bernabeu: "I didn't see what happened. I was on the bench and saw a lot of people. When the referee blew his whistle, Real Madrid players went after Lamine. It's a bit exaggerated. You'd have to ask them.

"In the first half, we weren't sharp with the ball. Madrid hurt with their players up front. In the second half, we lacked the ability to create danger and clear chances. If Carvajal wanted to speak with Lamine, call him or text him. You're team-mates, you know each other. Why do you have to make a scene on the pitch?"

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Xabi Alonso speaks out about Vinicius strop

Vinicius was withdrawn in the 72nd minute and was furious when he saw his number go up as Xabi Alonso looked to bring Rodrygo on. Rather than sit on the bench, Vinicius instead headed straight down the tunnel and ignored the Real Madrid boss on his way off the pitch.

Alonso has admitted he'll have a "conversation" with Vinicius following his sub strop, stating after the game: "Vini’s character? There are different personalities in any dressing room. Right now we will enjoy the win, then we’ll have a conversation, for sure."

Real Madrid are expected to maintain their lead at the top of the La Liga table when they welcome winless Valencia to the Bernabeu next weekend.

Visitors will have Mehidy Hasan Miraz back and could go with three spinners at SSC

Madushka Balasuriya24-Jun-2025

Dhananjaya de Silva hinted that three seamers were likely for Sri Lanka at SSC•AFP/Getty Images

Big Picture: WTC points at stake for both sidesAfter a draw in the first Test in Galle, the action moves to Colombo with more World Test Championship (WTC) points on the line for a Test arguably more important for Sri Lanka than Bangladesh. As their remaining two home series in this cycle are against India and South Africa, two Tests without a win against a lower-ranked Bangladesh might leave the hosts feeling like they left points on the table.As for the visitors, they were the closer of the two sides to getting a positive result in Galle, and will be heading to Colombo with the belief that they can go one better. And with their remaining two away series this cycle against WTC 2025 finalists Australia and South Africa, the points might prove more valuable than most.It is also Sri Lanka’s first Test of the post-Angelo Mathews era, with the search for his replacement now moving into full gear. The first to get a go looks likely to be spin-bowling allrounder Sonal Dinusha, whose slow left-arm spin makes him a handy option – particularly in home conditions. With no Tests on Sri Lanka’s cards until next year, he’ll be itching to make this opportunity one to remember.Related

Dhananjaya de Silva bets on pace in second Test against Bangladesh

Focused Shanto regains form despite instability all around him

If Sri Lanka opt to throw all their spin eggs in the Prabath Jayasuriya basket, then one of Pavan Rathnayake, Pasindu Sooriyabandara or even Oshada Fernando could come in.Bangladesh, meanwhile, welcome Mehidy Hasan Miraz back after he missed the first Test with fever. You would expect the No. 2-ranked allrounder in the world to be welcomed back with open arms. But his replacement Nayeem Hasan was arguably the best bowler on show in the first Test.With the SSC surface expected to be dry and batter-friendly, both teams will be trying to decipher the ideal combination. Dhananjaya de Silva hinted that three seamers were likely for Sri Lanka – which could potentially mean a debut for Isitha Wijesundara – but if Bangladesh were to follow suit, it might mean Nayeem misses out.Bangladesh, though, have the seam options to go with a three-pronged spin attack, with both Khaled Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain available for selection. With Ebadot just returning from an injury layoff, Khaled could get the nod, particularly owing to his proficiency with the new ball.Form guideSri Lanka: DLLLL
Bangladesh: DWLWLLAnamul Haque fell for 0 and 4 in the Galle Test•Associated Press

In the spotlight: Dhananjaya de Silva and Anamul HaqueFor most of his career, Dhananjaya de Silva has batted at No. 6 or lower. He was tried at No. 5 for the entire 2021 as well, and to some success. But with Mathews retired, Sri Lanka’s Test middle order is getting its first real shake-up in over a decade. The biggest beneficiary of that might be the Sri Lanka captain himself. Dhananjaya looks set to slot into that No. 4 role – at least initially – a position he has batted in on only six prior occasions, and one where he averages just 20.33. DDS, as he’s commonly known, has always been the man for a crisis in Sri Lanka’s lower order, and Sri Lanka will be hoping that crisis-management mode kicks in upon the retirement of one of the country’s stalwarts.Anamul Haque’s Test career hasn’t been one to write home about. Having made his Test debut back in 2013, he was in the wilderness from 2014 to 2022. Anamul’s return to the national team was brief, though, as he was dropped after a single Test for another three years. At 32 years of age, his return against Zimbabwe this April was less comeback, and more a reintroduction. He scored 39, his highest Test score, the only time he batted in that game. The Galle Test brought Anamul scores of 0 and 4, not ideal either. But on an SSC track that is expected to be as batter-friendly – if not, more – now, if ever, is the time to deliver.Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be back in action after a fever•AFP/Getty Images

Team newsSri Lanka will be pondering Mathews’ replacement, as well as whether to play three seamers. Milan Rathnayake’s injury has left open a spot for a bowling allrounder, and Dinusha seems likely to fill that role. Tharindu Ratnayake will be the one to make way if Sri Lanka go for an extra seamer.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Lahiru Udara, 3 Dinesh Chandimal, 4 Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), 5 Kamindu Mendis, 6 Sonal Dinusha, 7 Kusal Mendis (wk), 8 Prabath Jayasuriya, 9 Vishwa Fernando, 10 Kasun Rajitha/Isitha Wijesundara, 11 Asitha FernandoBangladesh will have to decide how to slot in the returning Mehidy, while also pondering whether to go with three seamers or an extra spinner. It could be Nayeem who misses out if the extra seamer does come in. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto also picked up a finger injury at training, but it doesn’t look likely to rule him out.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Shadman Islam, 2 Anamul Haque, 3 Mominul Haque, 4 Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), 5 Mushfiqur Rahim, 6 Jaker Ali (wk), 7 Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 8 Nayeem Hasan/Khaled Ahmed/Ebadot Hossain, 9 Taijul Islam, 10 Nahid Rana, 11 Hasan MahmudOf active Sri Lanka players, Prabath Jayasuriya’s ten wickets are the most at SSC•AFP/Getty Images

Stats and trivia Sri Lanka have lost four of their last eight Tests at the SSC. Prior to that, they had gone 21 Tests without defeat at the venue. Of active Sri Lanka players, Jayasuriya’s ten wickets are the most at the SSC. Bangladesh have beaten Sri Lanka just once across 27 Tests.Quotes”Runs in the first innings is the key. Then we can try and take 20 wickets in the game. Toss will not be a major factor. Even in Galle, we were able to score the same number of runs as them.”
“To leave Naeem out is difficult. But we make sure everyone is on the same page, and if a decision has to be made, people understand that it’s what’s best for the team.”

da betsson： Chelsea are now racing Arsenal for the signature of a “world-class” forward, who has just relocated to London, with his club open to a sale.

Blues set sights on Garnacho alternative

da gbg bet： The Blues have long been expected to sign Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, but the deal hasn’t shown much sign of progression recently, despite Fabrizio Romano stating there is still a great deal of confidence that it will go through.

Romano said: “Chelsea expect 100% that Alejandro Garnacho deal to happen. “I fully think we’ll have a “here we go” this week. There were some rumours to include Tyrique George as part of the conversation between Manchester United and Chelsea. This option was already stopped a few weeks ago so at the moment Tyrique George is not part of those conversations as of now.”

However, Tottenham Hotspur’s failed pursuit of Eberechi Eze underlines that anything can happen until a deal is signed and sealed, and the Blues still remain in the market for potential alternative options.

Related Maresca's answer to Eze: Chelsea now "expected" to sign £25m "superstar"

Chelsea could sign their answer to Eberechi Eze.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 26, 2025

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Chelsea are now monitoring Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who is viewed as a back-up option for Garnacho, and there are strong indications that a deal could be possible.

The Italian club are willing to sell Lookman this summer, given that he has already handed in an official transfer request, and they are looking to receive a fee of £45m, although there could be competition from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.

Interestingly, it is also revealed the 27-year-old has just relocated to London, which indicates a move to Stamford Bridge could appeal, and having removed all Atalanta content from his social media channels, it is clear the forward’s time with the Serie A side is coming to an end.

"World-class" Lookman could be better signing than Garnacho

Garnacho is the younger of the two players, at just 21-years-old, but that is probably one of the only things the Manchester United star has in his favour, with the Nigerian outperforming him across a number of key attacking metrics over the past year.

Average per 90

Alejandro Garnacho

Ademola Lookman

Non-penalty goals

0.20

0.63

Assists

0.14

0.20

Shot-creating actions

3.58

5.51

Successful take-ons

1.30

1.72

The Atalanta star, who has been lauded as “world-class” by the BBC’s John Bennett, has also proven he can deliver in big matches, most memorably scoring a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in his side’s 3-0 thrashing of the German club in the 2024 Europa League final.

It appears as though Chelsea will only target Lookman if the deal for Garnacho falls through, but they should perhaps reconsider, given that the Nigeria international is clearly a big-game player, and a £45m fee for his services seems very fair.

In quite the twist, Newcastle United are now reportedly the frontrunners to land one of their top targets who has given PIF the green light to move forward with the deal.

Howe: "Complex" Isak situation "far from ideal"

Whilst Newcastle continue to chase transfers of their own, the saga of the summer has been threatening to unfold between Alexander Isak and those at St James’ Park. After deciding to train away from the club and at former side Real Sociedad, it looked as though the Swede had done enough to open the door to his exit as Liverpool came calling with an opening offer.

Ultimately, however, the Reds didn’t do enough and have since had the door slammed in their face by Newcastle, who are demanding as much as £150m to sell their star man. Liverpool’s offer worth £110m was, therefore, always likely to be turned down.

Whilst some around St James’ Park may celebrate Liverpool’s latest stance, it’s Eddie Howe who has been left to pick up the pieces of the Isak saga.

He told reporters when asked about the situation: “I think from my situation, I am very much removed from everything that is happening back home. I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it.

The Newcastle boss then went on to say when asked if he knows where Isak is: “I know where he is through the media, so I think from that perspective it’s difficult for me to go into any detail. The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex. I think that is all I have got to say.”

Meanwhile, as that situation continues to unravel, another key factor in any potential deal has reportedly progressed in Newcastle’s favour.

Sesko chooses Newcastle

Delo, the number one newspaper in Slovenia, has revealed Benjamin Sesko ‘has made a decision’ and ‘will continue his career with Newcastle United’, while also confirming the rival interest from Manchester United.

And according to Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Newcastle have now matched Sesko’s price-tag with a blockbuster “formal bid” worth as much as £70m. Jumping ahead of Manchester United in unexpected fashion, the Magpies could now solve their striker problem with what would become their biggest ever signing.

After a summer of rejections, the news that they are now leading the race to finally sign the striker that they’ve been craving will be music to the ears of all those in Tyneside.

He's Sesko 2.0: Newcastle ready to battle for £60m "absolute powerhouse"

Newcastle United track one of Europe’s hottest talents after Benjamin Šeško setback

ByWill Miller Aug 2, 2025

There’s still a way to go, of course, but there’s no doubt that Sesko would be an excellent addition. Described as “special” by former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell, the towering forward looks destined for the Premier League.