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In a late flurry of deals, Nottingham Forest have now reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign a Bundesliga attacker for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Nottingham Forest agree Kalimuendo deal

Whilst it has been a steady summer at Forest, with their biggest deal arguably being Morgan Gibbs-White’s new contract, Nuno reiterated that there is still work that needs to be done.

The Forest boss told reporters: “Dealing with doubts is the worst thing you can have in football. We have doubts, who is going to be [here], when are they [new signings] going to come? All these things create doubts.

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“Not only me but in the club. What we want is game-by-game to have as many options as possible. Europe will come after, and for sure it will be better, but for now until that happens it is a major concern.

“The owner is aware, the club is aware, everyone is aware. Everybody knows the reality. This is a lost chance that we had as a group to do it.”

It seems as though Nuno is set to get an answer to his questions and the chance to ease his doubts, however. Following his strong words, Forest have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Arnaud Kalimuendo, whilst the likes of Omari Hutchinson and James McAtee also now look destined for the City Ground this month.

It’s a late-summer spending spree which may be far from done. Reports are now indicating that Forest have also submitted an opening bid to sign a Bundesliga talent.

Nottingham Forest submit Leweling offer

According to Sky Germany, Nottingham Forest submitted an opening bid to sign Jamie Leweling worth €25m (£22m) with add-ons.

VfB Stuttgart have rejected this first offer, and the German club reportedly have no intention of selling their star winger, but whether more interest from the Premier League changes that remains to be seen.

League stats 24/25

Anthony Elanga

Jamie Leweling

Minutes

2,501

1,663

Goals

6

11

Assists

2

2

Key Passes

50

25

Those at the City Ground are seemingly willing to take a chance on Leweling despite a relatively tough season last time out. Although a hamstring injury disrupted his campaign, the German would have been disappointed to end on just four goal involvements in the Bundesliga last time out.

On paper, the 24-year-old does not have the output levels to replace Anthony Elanga, who decided to swap the Midlands for Newcastle United earlier this summer.

Nonetheless, Leweling has still earned plenty of praise in Germany. Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth told reporters: “Jamie featured in every Bundesliga match [last season], and that statistic alone shows just how important he is to the team.

“His commitment and willingness to work for the team make him a very valuable player for us. We also think that he has plenty of potential to develop further, and that’s why we decided to tie Jamie down to VfB on a long-term deal.”

The new deal covers the next ODI World Cup as well as away Test series in India and England

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-2024Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has had his contract extended until the end of 2027 meaning he will guide the team’s defence of their ODI World Cup title that year as well as throughout next cycle of the World Test Championship.When McDonald was initially appointed in 2022 it was on a four-year deal which took him to midway through 2026. That would have seen him finish after the next T20 World Cup. He had stated that he was likely to be a one-term coach citing the demanding nature of the job and the fact that Justin Langer had only served one four-year term, despite Langer wanting an extension back in 2022.However, if McDonald had walked away in mid-2026, a new coach would have come in at an awkward time. Australia’s 2027 schedule looks like one of the heaviest calendar years the men’s team will have ever had. They host four Tests with New Zealand in December and January of 2026-27 before playing five Tests in India in January and February. Then they return home for a one-off Test against England in March to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Test cricket, with a two-Test home series against Bangladesh also scheduled but likely to be moved.Related

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There will then be a WTC final, if they qualify, followed by a five-Test Ashes tour. The next ODI World Cup then takes place in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia during October and November 2027.Keeping McDonald in place for that period means CA has some stability to plan for the extensive schedule. McDonald has an established coaching group around him, including Michael Di Venuto, Daniel Vettori and Andre Borovec, and will add a national pace bowling coach soon. McDonald’s three assistants have each coached the team for different white-ball series in the last two years in order to share the load. McDonald is hopeful those three assistants will get contract extensions until 2027 as well.”Those people are incredibly important to the team and myself,” McDonald said. “So the idea would be to continue to surround myself with those people, and I think they’ve got an appetite to continue on. So I’m hoping that news will hopefully follow this news and they’ll be on the journey long term.”Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins has recently suggested he would be open to remaining in his role for longer than may have first been planned, meaning he and McDonald could continue to work together until 2027 having developed a very close working relationship over the past three years.”I am very fortunate to have an exceptional group of leaders, players, coaches and staff who are fully invested in the ongoing well-being, success and development of this group,” McDonald said. “The professionalism, commitment and experience of my fellow coaches and the wider staff have ensured the journey has been extremely successful but just as importantly created a culture of unity, trust and inclusivity.”International cricket has many challenges for all teams and I am particularly proud how the group, players and staff, across all formats have navigated those together.”McDonald took over in the head coach role after the ugly departure of Langer in early 2022 and has guided the men’s team to significant success including the 2023 ODI World Cup and World Test Championship titles. The extension means he will have the opportunity for Test series wins in India and England which have recently eluded the side.Australia are currently in a race to qualify for next year’s WTC final at Lord’s in a bid to defend that title with the upcoming India series vital to their prospects.Nick Hockley, the Cricket Australia CEO, said: “Andrew has proven to be an outstanding men’s head coach who as well as delivering exceptional results has built a strong coaching team, methodology and an excellent environment for the team to perform at its best. We are delighted to extend his tenure for a further two years.”

Earlier this week, Everton finally secured the signature of striker Thierno Barry in a £27m deal from Villarreal.

David Moyes has been working to get this one over the line, and there is no doubt Barry could become a major hit on Merseyside next season.

The supporters will be hoping that the Frenchman isn’t the only attacking player to arrive this summer, especially as Moyes will be looking to drag Everton back into the top half of the Premier League table.

Recent news suggests Moyes might be close to signing another player. Could he be an even bigger talent than Barry?

Everton hold talks with Manchester City starlet

According to Football Transfers, Everton are aiming to finalise a move for City starlet James McAtee after they held talks with his representatives earlier this week.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

West Ham United are also keen on securing his signature, and the youngster could cost Everton around £30m should he choose them.

The next few weeks could be interesting indeed, as McAtee certainly appears to be a man in demand. If Moyes is able to wrap up a deal sooner rather than later, he could transform the club’s attacking department.

Furthermore, McAtee would turn out to be an even bigger talent than Barry over the next few years.

Why Everton must sign James McAtee

For Villarreal last season, Barry scored 11 times in La Liga, going on to grab four assists also, as he established himself as one of the best young forwards in the division.

McAtee may have only played 27 times for Man City last term, with only nine of them coming in the starting XI, but he still managed to find the back of the net seven times.

Goals

3

Assists

0

Key passes per game

0.2

Big chances created

2

Successful dribbles per game

0.1

Shots per game

0.8

He also shone for England at the recent U21 European Championship, scoring once and grabbing two assists as the country retained their title. Barry also featured at the tournament, but he managed to score just once as France were knocked out at the semi-final stage.

McAtee also averaged 1.7 key passes per game, while averaging 2.3 shots and 36.3 touches per match at the competition. Barry, on the other hand, could only muster 0.4 key passes, while averaging two shots per game, and 13.2 touches each game.

While the former Villarreal starlet was clearly close to his best last term, considering his displays in La Liga, it is evident that McAtee has yet to truly blossom.

Given that Pep Guardiola once hailed him as a “special talent”, once he finds a team that is willing to utilise his skills on a regular basis, the Englishman will be unstoppable. Indeed,

The pair would combine to great effect next season should Moyes secure a deal with City, but given their respective ceilings, it is McAtee who has the potential to be the bigger talent. Indeed, managing to poach such a player from an academy like Man City’s would be truly exciting.

Everton could be a team to be feared next season, especially should a move for McAtee go through in the coming weeks, that’s for sure.

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Everton are making sweeping changes in the summer transfer market.

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Back in the Premier League and on the hunt for reinforcements, Leeds United have reportedly made contact to sign a young Manchester City defender on loan for the season.

Leeds vying to commence summer business

Although it’s still very early days and July is yet to even arrive, Leeds have already reportedly set their sights on a number of potential reinforcements. The Whites will be well aware of the importance of getting the transfer window right. After all, none of the last six promoted sides have survived the following season in the Premier League. With the 49ers’ backing, however, Leeds could be well positioned to put an end to that worrying trend.

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49ers chairman Paraag Marathe spoke about Leeds’ summer plans last month, reiterating that they will spend as much as they can in the coming months. He told reporters: “Whatever they will let us spend, we’ll spend. I can comfortably say that we are going to spend the very last penny that we can. I’m under no illusions that it’s going to be easy, there’s a widening gap.”

Just who arrives with that said is the big question. Names such as Japhet Tanganga and even Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz have threatened to grab the headlines in recent weeks and there’s no doubt that signing the latter would make quite the statement.

Since leaving Aston Villa last summer, Luiz has struggled to establish himself at Juventus and has looked destined to depart for some time. A return to the Premier League would certainly be one way to revive his career, with Leeds now reportedly an option ahead of next season.

It’s not just experience that Leeds are after, however. Those at Elland Road have also been linked with some emerging stars who could discover their potential in Yorkshire and keep Daniel Farke’s side afloat in the Premier League in the process.

Leeds express interest in Juma Bah loan move

As reported by Africa Foot, the 49ers have now expressed interest in signing Juma Bah on loan from Manchester City in January. The 19-year-old defender arrived in January before heading straight out on loan to RC Lens. Now, six months on, he’ll reportedly be granted the chance to complete another loan move amid interest from Leeds and relegated Southampton.

Described as a “powerhouse” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Sierra Leone centre-back could find himself wearing the white of Leeds before he even has the chance to represent Manchester City for the first time.

Having impressed on loan at Lens though, the natural next step for Bah should be a Premier League loan move, be it to Elland Road or elsewhere this summer. A player full of potential, the 49ers would be wise to snap up the defender if only for the season.

Chelsea are continuing to work on their summer recruitment plans, even after the pre-Club World Cup transfer deadline passed at 7pm on Tuesday, with manager Enzo Maresca still able to add new players to his squad midway through the tournament.

How Chelsea can still introduce new signings for the Club World Cup

It was thought that the mini-summer window, which opened from June 1 to June 10, would be Chelsea’s only opportunity to strengthen ahead of their CWC campaign.

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It was, after all, why the window was introduced in the first place – to hand competing teams a chance to register new players after long and gruelling 2024/2025 campaigns.

However, as per Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol in the last few days, Chelsea and other sides taking part in the tournament will also have a unique registration period to benefit from midway through the CWC.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

From June 27 to July 3, just after the group stages finish, teams will be given the chance to add new players to their CWC roster – which allows Chelsea to introduce new signings who could take part in the knockout phase – if they indeed make it that far.

Chelsea missed out on deals for both AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens before the pre-CWC window deadline, with the west Londoners walking away from the former after refusing to meet Milan’s asking price.

Chelsea made three last-minute bids for Gittens as well, but none of them could satisfy Dortmund, who kept demanding more and more money for the English sensation.

It is unclear whether Chelsea will maintain their pursuit of Gittens in time for the CWC unique registration period starting on June 27, but they could perhaps turn to Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Hugo Ekitike instead.

Chelsea in ongoing talks for Hugo Ekitike after pre-Club World Cup deadline

There are reports that Chelsea believe Ekitike could eventually rival Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, which is how highly they rate the Frenchman after his exceptional 22-goal campaign.

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea are maintaining talks for Ekitike, despite failing to sign him in time for the CWC, so he’s still very much “one to watch”.

“Chelsea and Ekitike remain in talks for the summer transfer window – but Liverpool are still in the race,” said Plettenberg.

“One to watch in the coming weeks.”

The 22-year-old is very highly-rated, with ex-Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder even calling him a blend of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, so Ekitike could well be worth the punt – but not for his ridiculously high price tag of around £84 million.

“I think he’s a mix between Neymar and [Kylian] Mbappé. I sincerely think so,” said Sneijder.

“He has the grace of Neymar, but also the movements of Mbappé. To suddenly accelerate, that’s something that Mbappé also has. And he’s only 22 years old. There’s really a lot of potential in this boy.”

Arsenal are expected to sign world football’s “second best” player with the groundwork for a deal already done, according to a very reliable media source.

Andrea Berta holds talks with key Arsenal targets

New sporting director Andrea Berta is set to take the lead in what is anticipated to be a pretty busy summer window for the north Londoners.

Arsenal make offer to £30m star after Berta successfully convinced Arteta

The Italian and Arsenal’s manager are already working on the club’s transfer plans this summer.

9 ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2025

Nuno Tavares, Albert Sami Lokonga, Fabio Vieira and Oleksandr Zinchenko could all quit Arsenal in the summer, according to Sami Mokbel, with Jorginho also agreeing to join Flamengo and Kieran Tierney set to make a return to Celtic after their contracts expire.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

If Arsenal don’t agree an extension with Thomas Partey, following his arguably best season at the Emirates to date, then the Ghana international will follow them – so it appears there will be plenty of ins and outs.

In terms of incomings, Berta is believed to have reached out to the representatives of a few key summer targets already.

Recently, the Italian has been pushing to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with extensive discussions held, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

As well as this, Berta reached out for talks with Nico Williams’ representatives in one of his first acts as sporting director, as per The Guardian’s Ed Aarons, with Arsenal exploring a move for one of La Liga’s standout talents.

However, one man who could be arriving before any of them is Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

The Gunners have been in advanced talks for his signature since January (The Mail), and the reliable David Ornstein says that those within Arsenal are behaving like they’ve already sealed a deal for Zubimendi.

Arsenal expected to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer

Now, a very credible source in the BBC, and their reporter Mokbel, have shared an update of their own.

Arsenal are very much expected to sign Zubimendi, according to their information, and the groundwork for a deal has already been done, largely by ex-sporting director Edu Gaspar and interim chief Jason Ayto.

The Spain international’s £51 million release clause looks likely to be triggered, but Arsenal should be wary that Zubimendi rejected a move to Liverpool last summer.

Arsenal will be eager to get this over the line early doors after months of negotiations, especially considering Zubimendi’s pedigree as a truly elite number six.

“For me, Martín is the second-best player in the world. We are incredibly lucky to have these two, who I consider the best players in the world.” said Spain boss Luis de la Fuente on Zubimendi and Rodri.

“But we also have other fantastic players who’ve been here and are with us now—another fantastic player, Pepelu hasn’t come yet, but he’s been called up with us.”

Before Thursday’s first-leg Europa League clash with Lyon, many of a Manchester United persuasion would have been more than happy to have secured a draw ahead of next week’s return fixture at Old Trafford, with such a result on the road ensuring that Ruben Amorim’s men remain in control of proceedings.

Having ultimately played out a 2-2 stalemate with the Ligue 1 side, however, the overriding feeling is one of deflation, with the hosts snatching a draw right at the death following last-gasp heroics from Rayan Cherki.

The majestic playmaker pounced on Andre Onana’s mistake – not the Cameroonian’s first of the night – to level things up in the fifth minute of stoppage time, with it having initially looked like Joshua Zirkzee’s late header would be enough to seal the win for the Red Devils.

Frustratingly, there is still work to do next week when the two sides meet again, with Amorim left to ponder his selection decisions for that second-leg, as well as for Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park.

A raft of changes could well be on the cards, and not just due to rotation.

Man Utd's worst performers against Lyon

The obvious place to start is, of course, with that man Onana, with the 28-year-old ending proceedings as he began the night – dominating the headlines.

After his war of words with former United star, Nemanja Matic, the ex-Inter stopper needed to put in a serene display up against the French outfit to back up his pre-match verbals. Sadly for Amorim and for Onana, he did anything but.

At fault for both of the hosts’ goals on the night, the one-time Ajax hero has now made more errors than any another Premier League goalkeeper in all competitions, since the start of last season, having endured a wretched two-year spell at the Theatre of Dreams.

Most errors leading to a goal – PL in 24/25

Player

Errors

Arijanet Muric

5

Robert Sanchez

5

Bart Verbruggen

4

Andre Onana

3

Alphonse Areola

2

Alex McCarthy

2

Nick Pope

2

Ederson

2

via Premier League website

Not that Onana was alone in having another off night on Thursday evening, with Rasmus Hojlund fluffing an effort wide and registering just 11 touches in total, before being hooked on the hour mark.

In between the two, Manuel Ugarte once again failed to last the full 90 minutes following a largely frustrating performance, with the Uruguayan – who can at least claim the assist for Leny Yoro’s equaliser – winning just two of his six duels, while being the recipient of a needless yellow card.

There will likely be calls for that trio to be replaced with the likes of Altay Bayindir, Mason Mount and the aforementioned Zirkzee moving forward, while young Alejandro Garnacho is another who could be in the firing line.

The Man Utd man who was outclassed by Cherki

Despite slipping to a draw at the death, United may feel as if they are still well-placed to progress – that is unless Cherki has something to say about it.

Indeed, the 21-year-old Frenchman was a real shining light on the night for the home side, having deservedly stolen the acclaim with his late dink over Onana, after smartly pouncing on the goalkeeper’s errant parry.

Widely touted as the heir to Karim Benzema for both club and country, the fleet-footed forward almost strolled through the game with consummate ease, having notably racked up four key passes in total – more than any other player on the pitch.

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The local hero also successfully completed four of his attempted dribbles amid his desire to provide that attacking spark for his side, with such a performance looking completely at odds with United’s own rising star, Garnacho.

While the Argentine did end the night with a 100% pass accuracy, his showing was summed up by his poor decision-making on the counter late on, having failed to pick out the advancing Zirkzee, before firing in a wayward pass to the stretching Bruno Fernandes.

Cherki vs Garnacho – key stats

Stat

Cherki

Garnacho

Minutes played

90

83

Touches

72

32

Pass accuracy

88%

100%

Key passes

4

1

Big chances created

0

0

Goals

1

0

Assists

0

0

Successful dribbles

4/7

0/0

Total duels won

6/12

3/8

Possession lost

17x

8x

Stats via Sofascore

Operating on the right of the front three, the 20-year-old – who actually had fewer touches than Onana recorded in the sticks (35) – had little joy in an attacking sense, albeit while picking out Fernandes in the first half with a clever pull-back.

The Spain-born speedster did also have the chance to net himself at the backpost in the second half, following a fine cross from Patrick Dorgu, yet – as has been the norm of late – he simply couldn’t convert the chance.

Still with just two goals to his name under Amorim, Garnacho’s suitability to this 3-4-3 system remains up for debate, with MEN journalist Samuel Luckhurst handing him just a 5/10 match rating, while writing that his ‘end product was often lacking’.

Despite just a slight age difference between the pair, there appeared to be a real gulf in quality and class between Garnacho and Cherki, with the latter man looking like the type of figure who would relish the role in one of the two number ten berths.

It is for no reason that teammate and ex-Arsenal man Ainsley Maitland-Niles has lauded Cherki as the “best natural talent [he’s] ever seen”, with Garnacho, by contrast, looking as if he’s not even fit to lace the Lyon man’s boots.

Can that all change at Old Trafford next week?

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Three talking points from India’s selection for the Women’s World Cup

Shashank Kishore19-Aug-20252:54

‘We have an eye on Shafali, want her to have a long career’

With less than a month-and-a-half remaining before they begin their quest to win their first Women’s World Cup, co-hosts India have named a squad without major surprises. Even so, these three talking points are worth deeper analysis.Why was Shafali left out?By leaving out Shafali Verma, the selectors have opted for consistency over X-factor.Pratika Rawal, who made her debut after India left Shafali out of their ODI squad last year, has scored 703 runs at an average of 54.07 and a strike rate of 87.43 in 14 innings. She has formed a prolific combination with Smriti Mandhana at the top of the order: they’ve already put on four century partnerships and six half-century stands, and average a remarkable 77.57 together – no pair of India batters, with a cut-off of 1000 partnership runs, has done better.India clearly wanted continuity at the top, and Shafali, who hasn’t played ODIs since October 2024, needed a rich run of form to barge the door down. She certainly did her bit. She scored 527 runs at an average of 75.28 and a strike rate of 152.31 in the domestic one-dayers for Haryana in December 2024, including a top score of 197 off 115 balls against Bengal. She followed that up with a sensational WPL 2025 for Delhi Capitals; she was the fourth-highest run-getter overall, and the most prolific Indian batter, with 304 runs at a strike rate of 152.76.Even so, Shafali missed out on the tri-series in Sri Lanka in June and the ODIs in England in July. She impressed during the T20I series in England, with scores of 47, 31 and 75 in the last three games, but her form on the recent India A tour of Australia – scores of 52, 4, and 36 in three one-dayers, and 41, 3, and 3 in the T20s that preceded them – may have not made a compelling enough case for the selectors to pick her to open ahead of Rawal. Another factor that works in Rawal’s favour is that she can bowl, something Shafali doesn’t offer more regularly.The selectors could have picked Shafali as back-up opener, but they went with the more versatile option in Yastika Bhatia, who offers wicketkeeping cover in addition to her top-order batting.The one aspect India could miss out on in Shafali’s absence is a dash of aggression in the powerplay. Rawal is more accumulator than dynamo, and this has put the onus on Mandhana to be the enforcer early on.The WPL has helped fast-track Shree Charani into her maiden ODI World Cup•Getty ImagesThe WPL stamp on India’s World Cup squadThe 2025 edition is India’s first ODI World Cup since the advent of the WPL, and the tournament’s impact is already evident. Kranti Goud has only played only four ODIs, and N Shree Charani just eight. Neither had even played in the WPL before the 2025 season.Having punted on both players on the back of positive feedback from their franchises, the selectors were proved right when Charani emerged as Player of the Series in India’s 3-2 T20I win over England last month, picking up 10 wickets at an economy rate of 7.46, and standing out for her control, fearlessness and ability to hold her own under pressure.Similarly, it only took eight WPL games for Goud to impress the selectors with her ability to hustle batters at a bristling 115kph or thereabouts and bowl a mean yorker. With Renuka Singh injured, they backed Goud for the ODIs in England, and she responded with a fiery, match-winning 6 for 52 in the decider at Chester-le-Street.The WPL canvas extends beyond Charani and Goud. Amanjot Kaur made a strong case for an international comeback as a back-up allrounder through her performances for WPL champs Mumbai Indians – a blockbuster 3 for 22 and 34 not out off 27 balls in a thrilling win over defending champs Royal Challengers Bengaluru was the prelude to her summer.3:52

Nayar: India went for Rawal’s solidity over Shafali’s flamboyance

Once it emerged that Pooja Vastrakar’s long-term injury absence was likely to extend through the World Cup, India backed Amanjot to be a second seamer in a predominantly spin-heavy attack, and she impressed with both bat and ball during the England T20Is.A back injury in England during the ODIs forced the team management to tread cautiously, resting her from the ODI series against Australia that precedes the World Cup. They are giving Amanjot every chance to be fit for the World Cup warm-ups, leading into the tournament opener on September 30.Similarly, Arundhati Reddy, with the experience of just nine ODIs, has made the World Cup squad on the sheer weight of her WPL performances. In the 2024 season, she was one of Meg Lanning’s go-to bowlers, evident in the sheer number of overs she bowled – 29.2, the second-most for Delhi Capitals. She carried that form into 2025, and has become an excellent swing bowler who offers handy lower-order hitting that gives the team batting cushion.Renuka Singh’s returnSayali Satghare. Saima Thakor. Titas Sadhu. Kashvee Gautam. India have handed opportunities to a number of seamers over the past year, but none of them has been able to nail down a spot. This is why the selectors waited on Renuka Singh, who had been injured and out of action since the WPL. They worked on her fitness in sync with the Centre of Excellence, who prepped her with a steady diet of practice matches following a lengthy rehab. She now has the three ODIs against Australia to help her gain rhythm and match time in the run-up to the World Cup.

The cricket ground was full, the nearby rugby ground was full, and the party ran into overtime as a spirited home team took one – big – step closer to the World Cup

Firdose Moonda24-Jun-2023Super Saturday. It’s one of sports’ most marketable catchphrases; but sometimes, it’s spot on. Today was one of those days.In Harare, as the race to the World Cup became more intense, something incredible unfolded in the two-and-a-half hours after Netherlands’ win over Nepal, which helped them secure their spot in the Super Sixes; something that could see Zimbabwe into the main event, and they will have this afternoon to thank for it.First let us go back to the week that was. Zimbabwe had opened their World Cup Qualifier by conceding 290 against Nepal and then chasing it down. They followed up by giving away 315 against Netherlands, and hunted that down too. In the space of three days, they showed that anything was gettable in Harare, where the surface is flat and the outfield fast.Related

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Sean Williams stays cool in Harare heat

So against West Indies on Saturday, when they were asked to bat first and all they could muster was 268, hearts may have sank, but something in their spirits still soared. There’s no other explanation for this showing at the Harare Sports Club (HSC).At 11.30am local time, with Sikandar Raza and Ryan Burl’s partnership building, the HSC was sold out, but people kept coming. A fan park was set up on the rugby field adjacent to the stadium, complete with a big screen. By the afternoon, it was also well populated, and even when West Indies started their reply strongly, people still kept coming.By then, West Indies already knew that Netherlands had advanced to the Super Sixes, and Zimbabwe, by virtue of having beaten Netherlands earlier this week, would, as per the tournament’s rules, carry those two points through to the next round. But it was the two more which they could get against West Indies that the supporters were interested in – not just because points matter but also because of who they could come against.Fans watch the game from an overflowing Centurion pub•ICC/Getty ImagesThe West Indies team has long been an inspiration to many of the current Zimbabwe crop, and a favourite among their fans. Ahead of their Test comeback in 2011, the Zimbabwe side had watched with then then head coach Alan Butcher, hoping it would serve as motivation. He was right, and they won the Test. In the years before and after that, Zimbabwe’s population have had reason to resonate with the ideas of black excellence shown by the West Indians. Thus, seeing the West Indies’ cricketing flag at Zimbabwean grounds, even if they’re not playing, is commonplace.And since it’s rare that the two teams actually meet, seeing West Indies on home soil is a treat. So even when West Indies seemed to be slightly ahead at 139 for 4 in their chase of 269 at the halfway stage, there was no malice in the air. The grass banks were teeming, the stands were stacked, the Centurion pub in the sports complex overflowed, and the famed Castle Corner was hushed as they contemplated their team’s fate.Tendai Chatara had just been brought back on, and his four overs had cost 28 at that stage. He was preferred over Brad Evans, even though he had conceded 51 runs in five overs against Netherlands, and 59 in seven against Nepal, and his discipline seemed off even against West Indies. Chatara’s fifth over went for six runs, his sixth for two, and his seventh for ten; and by the end of the 31st over, at 172 for 4, West Indies were less than 100 runs away from victory.A Zimbabwe flag flies high at Harare Sports Club•ICC/Getty ImagesSlowly and softly, as though just to keep some noise going, some singing restarted. At the Centurion, a young child was lent a Zimbabwe flag by a woman, and told he would have to give it back, but only if Zimbabwe won. The patrons began to prepare for the after-party – or drowning of sorrows – headlined by DJ Fafi, who had arrived in a Zimbabwe Cricket shirt but could have been contemplating a change of outfit.Castle Corner bristled – restless – as Richard Ngarava was given the ball to start the 32nd over. His fourth delivery swung in, and struck Nicholas Pooran in front. And even though it may have been slipping down leg the side, West Indies’ former captain was given out. “Now,” someone inside the pub said with the kind of authority that only too many drinks or too many dreams can provide, “Zimbabwe win”. But very few paid proper attention.In the next over, when Blessing Muzarabani pinned Rovman Powell on the pads, the HSC exploded. Despite West Indies’ long batting line-up, Powell’s dismissal opened a door. But it was only eight overs later that Chatara walked through it. Tasked with bowling the 41st over, confidence in him was not exactly high in the crowd after an expensive showing, but Zimbabwe’s coach Dave Houghton still believed.Fans turned out in their thousands for the big game•ICC/Getty Images”You have to give people more of a chance, especially those that are your best players,” he said at the post-match press conference. “Everybody can go through a bad game or two. To drop them or axe them doesn’t do their confidence a world of good. He is still our best bowler.”With what Chatara will admit was not his best ball, he got Jason Holder to reach for a wide delivery and edge it to wicketkeeper Joylord Gumbie, and in so doing, redeemed himself in a big way. West Indies were reduced to 217 for 7, and the flag already had to be given back, DJ Fafi had to wait, and Castle Corner burst into their selection of war cries. They were not alone.Around the crowd, the famed victory song rang out. It’s a hunting song, which describes a dagger going through the heart of the hunted, and is accompanied by an action mimicking a spear in mid-stab. When 10,000 people belt this out all at once, it sounds like both a threat and a triumph, and it was there that the momentum turned.On cue, Sikandar Raza came on at the other end to bowl the 42nd over, and recognised the moment Keemo Paul didn’t. Paul had been a thorn in the Zimbabwe fans’ side since his run-out of Ngarava backing up at the non-striker’s end at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup, and they were only too happy to give him a send off. The puncturing actions were brought out again, and West Indies seemed deflated.

“We love our fans. We know the aura they bring to us at home. They talk about a 12th man in football. For us, these fans are 13th, 14th and 15th man.”Zimbabwe coach Dave Houghton

But those at the HSC did not have too much time to think of their opposition: next over, Chatara got the ninth wicket, and cries of “one more, one more, one more” rang out. It took 12 balls, but it came and then the party began. was the next number, and it was accompanied by the players, first consoling Akeal Hosein, and then thanking those who helped get them there.”We love our fans. We know the aura they bring to us playing at home,” Houghton said. “I’m glad I am not one of the opposition. They talk about a 12th man in football. For us, these fans are a 13th, 14th and 15th man.”Those spectators have now seen Zimbabwe win three matches on the trot at the HSC, with one to come against the already-out-of-contention USA. Then, Zimbabwe will go to Bulawayo, and with a massive advantage. They take four points into the Super Sixes, while one of West Indies and Netherlands can only take two – depending on the outcome of their meeting on Monday – and the other none.A joyful bunch: Zimbabwe fans celebrate their win•ICC/Getty ImagesIn short, the result of Zimbabwe beating West Indies match could be decisive in who ends up qualifying for the World Cup, and though he wouldn’t say it in so many words, Houghton already knows it.”I think it’s important to finish at the top of the section. We knew coming in that it was going to be a lot of tough games,” he said. “The real big games are against Sri Lanka [in the Super Sixes] and West Indies. I’ve said to the guys. We had a clear path in 2018; we only had to win the last game, and we messed it up. We’ve got to make sure we still do the job [this time]. My job was that we were going to win every game in this World Cup Qualifier.”Five years ago, with many fewer fans, Zimbabwe had lost to UAE in a rain-reduced match that denied them a place at the 2019 World Cup. What followed was the sacking of the support staff, and a period of deep introspection and hurt for the players. As much as they know they can’t win every game, they also know that was one they should have won. Now, they don’t want to create any more what-ifs.Even though they have only beaten West Indies 11 times in 49 ODI meetings, two of those victories have come in the last three games; and the last of those is as important a win as ever. Not all Saturday’s are Super, but this one definitely was.

To be even more useful for Bangladesh, stepping away from T20Is could be the way to go for the wicketkeeper-batter

Mohammad Isam11-Jan-2022Litton Das’ counter-attacking innings on the third – and final – day of the Christchurch Test against New Zealand was the highlight from Bangladesh’s point of view. His approach, in which he strings together boundaries to put pressure on the opposition, which often forces a change in their tactics, worked well on the day, as he scored his second Test century despite an innings-and-117-run defeat.”He is technically very sound,” Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque said after the Test. “He gets a lot of time like world-class players. He always ensures he scores off the bad balls. He waits for a long time for the bad balls, and then makes it count. He has scored two centuries in consecutive series. Everyone, including myself, was really enjoying his batting.”Related

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Whichever direction Bangladesh goes in in the coming months, Litton has shown now that he is capable of taking on greater responsibility. In Christchurch. Mushfiqur Rahim’s injury meant that Bangladesh needed a middle-order batter with a bit of experience. Nurul Hasan was picked, which also mean that Litton could play as a batter at No. 5, giving him a significant role in the middle-order.The first innings didn’t go as planned. Trent Boult’s full delivery found Litton’s inside edge, as Bangladesh slipped to 27 for 5 after tea on the second day. Litton was one of the top five who all got out for single-digit scores. But unlike the four batters before him, Litton managed to bounce back with a significant score in the second innings.After following-on, Bangladesh’s second innings, despite a promising start, was going nowhere when Yasir Ali was dismissed before tea on the third day. Litton, however, stole the show in the next couple of hours.

The difference in Litton’s form in T20Is and Tests could mean that, even at this stage in his career, he might have to take a decision on how many formats he plays. He forms a strong opening pair with Tamim Iqbal, when he is available, in ODIs, but perhaps for Bangladesh to do well in Tests in the coming years, Litton’s focus should be on that middle-order

In a calculated attack, he took 17 and 16 off Kyle Jamieson and Trent Boult. He pulled and ramped the ball against the tall Jamieson, while driving Boult with confidence; the last of the four boundaries off the left-armer, a straight drive, really stood out.Suddenly, from a meandering 33 off 64 balls, Litton got to 64 within the next nine balls he faced.He lost Nurul and Mehidy Hasan Miraz not long after, leaving him in the 80s with the tail-enders. And soon, he was up against Neil Wagner, a bowler he had hit with three fours off before the tea break. Wagner didn’t hold back either, bouncing Litton repeatedly, and taunting him to go for his shots. Litton responded. He first pulled and then flat-batted Wagner over the covers for two fours. The second shot was very uncharacteristic, but it was yet another example that he was ready to play out of his comfort zone.Litton had already showed that he had the chops in Mount Maunganui. Walking into a situation when Bangladesh had lost Mushfiqur after a tough 19-over spell in the first innings, Litton left his stamp with an attacking 86. Bangladesh needed his positivity at that stage, because Mominul was more inclined to play a conservative role. Litton took on Tim Southee, Jamieson and Wagner, while maintaining caution against Boult and, somewhat surprisingly, Rachin Ravindra.Litton Das had a poor time of it at the T20 World Cup•Getty ImagesHis 158-run fifth-wicket stand with Mominul gave Bangladesh the lead, but more importantly, it was an extra point scored against the New Zealand bowling attack that had been grounded down by the Bangladesh top five.Litton had a good year as a Test batter in 2021 as well, but Bangladesh’s poor results overshadowed that. He ended the year with 114 (his maiden Test century) and 59 against Pakistan, in Chattogram. That came after Bangladesh’s top order had sunk in the first hour of the match. Litton attacked, but it was a comparatively measured approach, with Mushfiqur holding up the other end. Litton almost repeated the effort in the second innings, but ran out of partners.That came after he had been dropped for the T20I leg of the series following a poor T20 World Cup, and he was asked to play first-class cricket instead. He met his childhood mentor Nazmul Abedeen Fahim then, and discussed his game. Litton then headed to train in Chattogram before the rest of the squad had reached, and Bangladesh batting coach Ashwell Prince later said that Litton had worked on a slight issue he had with his stance.The difference in Litton’s form in T20Is and Tests could mean that, even at this stage in his career, he might have to take a decision on how many formats he plays. He forms a strong opening pair with Tamim Iqbal, when he is available, in ODIs, but perhaps for Bangladesh to do well in Tests in the coming years, Litton’s focus should be on that middle-order.Shakib Al Hasan has missed a lot of cricket of late, and neither he nor Mushfiqur are getting any younger. Perhaps Litton, with Test cricket as his focus, could be the man to step up.