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India posted their highest-ever World Cup total on their way to a comprehensive win over New Zealand

Shashank Kishore23-Oct-20254:10

Review – India’s stellar batting display

India overturned a sequence of three straight losses to beat New Zealand in style to seal the fourth semi-final spot in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. India qualified for the knockouts by virtue of having more wins than New Zealand. The winner of Saturday’s game between South Africa and Australia will determine their last-four opponents.Harmanpreet Kaur lost the toss, but India bettered their previous World Cup best of 330 – achieved earlier in the tournament against Australia in Visakhapatnam – courtesy centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, and an excellent unbeaten 76 from Jemimah Rodrigues, who returned to the XI, replacing allrounder Amanjot Kaur.India’s 340 for 3 in 49 overs was then DLS-adjusted to a target of 325 in 44 overs for New Zealand, asking them to achieve the highest-ever chase in women’s ODIs, after over two hours were lost due to rain. While there were no weather interruptions for the rest of the evening, New Zealand’s timid approach left them too many to get (168) in the last 15 overs.Brooke Halliday constructed an 81-ball 84, but New Zealand couldn’t flex their muscle at any point. This was partly down to losing wickets at regular intervals, and partly to India’s spinners making it difficult for their batters after Renuka Singh took the early wickets of Georgia Plimmer and Sophie Devine, both bowled off devious in-duckers.Halliday put on 72 for the sixth wicket with Isabella Gaze, who brought up a career best, unbeaten 76, but they merely delayed the inevitable as New Zealand’s innings petered to a predictable close; they eventually finished at 271 for 8.Pratika Rawal hit 13 fours and two sixes•AFP/Getty Images

The good work by Renuka and Kranti Gaud in the first powerplay – they didn’t concede a single boundary in the first six overs of New Zealand’s chase – allowed India a little bit of leeway, considering they were playing with just five specialist bowlers. Rawal, who top-scored with 122, her second ODI century, played the role of sixth bowler, and even picked up a maiden World Cup wicket when she dismissed Maddy Green off a miscue.But all that paled in comparison to what Rawal did with the bat. She and Mandhana overcame a slow start – India only scored 18 in their first six overs – to put together their seventh century stand, the joint-most by an Indian pair in Women’s ODIs. They shifted gears effortlessly to raise the century stand in 17.4 overs, with Mandhana and Rawal bringing up their half-centuries off 49 and 75 balls respectively.Mandhana wasn’t up and running until the seventh over when she brought out the sweep at the first sight of spin, against Eden Carson. Seemingly keen on dominating the slow bowlers, she was quick to step out and deposit Carson over wide long-off in her second over.Rawal was superb square of the wicket with the cut and pull, taking on Lea Tahuhu as the seamer began expensively after coming on after 10 overs. Rawal took her down for two statement fours — a short-arm jab over midwicket followed by a lofted straight hit that she enjoyed so much that she held the pose for the cameras.Mandhana enjoyed a huge slice of luck on 77 when she reluctantly reviewed an lbw, only because Rawal had coaxed her into it. And when the giant screen replayed her missed slog, Mandhana began to walk off, only to see UltraEdge showing the tiniest of spikes as ball passed bat. She soon brought up her 14th ODI century, which put her just one short of Meg Lanning’s all-time record, off just 88 deliveries.Renuka Singh took the early wickets of Georgia Plimmer and Sophie Devine•Getty Images

By then, Mandhana was tiring and cramping, and she was ready to throw her bat at everything. She nailed one such hit, a perfectly-timed slog for six off Amelia Kerr, and fell attempting a similar stroke when she was caught by substitute fielder Hannah Rowe at long-on off Suzie Bates, which ended the opening stand at 212.Rawal brought up her second ODI century, off 122 balls, and was helped along in her quest to accelerate as Rodrigues picked her spots and executed her strokes with precision. Rawal followed suit by hitting her first six soon after raising her century, and was then put down on 108 by Maddy Green coming in from the long-off fence. Rawal eventually perished for 122 when she miscued Bates to Rowe once again at long-off.Rodrigues then dominated her fourth-wicket stand with Harmanpreet, before rain forced the covers to come on at the 48-over mark. The match was initially reduced to 49 overs a side, endured another interruption after India ended their innings, cutting five more overs out of the chase.Rodrigues was at her cheeky best. She swept, reverse-swept, opened up the off side to play pristine inside-out drives, and scythed full deliveries behind square when the bowlers went full. She exhibited her full range in an innings loaded with intent, hitting 11 fours in 55 balls.On a day when most things went right for India, including the decision to play Rodrigues and give her the No. 3 spot, she may have yet given the team management some food for thought ahead of the semi-finals.

Elche’s 2-2 draw against Real Madrid erupted into controversy after Vinicius Junior collided with goalkeeper Inaki Pena in the build-up to Jude Bellingham’s equaliser. Pena was left bleeding after the incident and furious that no foul was given. What began as a brave Elche performance turned into a storm of complaints, shifting focus from their impressive display to referee decisions.

Pena left bleeding amid controversial goal decision

Elche had Madrid on the ropes, leading twice and defending with discipline, when a late scramble inside the box changed the shape of the night. As Vinicius attacked a loose ball in the 87th minute, he crashed knee-first into goalkeeper Pena’s face, sending the keeper to the turf with a bloody nose. Play continued, Madrid recycled possession, and Bellingham buried the rebound for 2-2, sparking immediate protests from Elche players.

At first, Pena himself downplayed the incident, still dazed as he spoke minutes after the final whistle. “He shoots, I stop it, and with the momentum, it hits me in the nose. Bad luck. It’s part of the game. It was just a blow, nothing more,” he said in his initial interview.

Elche manager Eder Sarabia, however, made it clear he believed the referee missed a decisive moment. “Vinicius doesn’t touch the ball, it hits Pena in the face. It’s a clear foul,” he insisted.

What looked like a moment of misfortune soon spiralled into a larger debate as Pena’s own assessment changed once he saw the replay.

AdvertisementAFPPena reverses his verdict as he claims Vinicius foul

Back in the dressing room, after watching video of the collision, the Elche shot-stopper realised what had actually happened and that the blow he received was not incidental.

In his press conference he corrected his earlier remarks stating: "He shoots, tries to go for the rebound, but on the second play he doesn't let me participate because he knocks me out. For me, it is a foul, but if the referee goes to VAR and says it's not a foul, there's nothing we can do," the 26-year-old said.

The change in tone reflected the frustration in the Elche camp. They believed they had earned more than a point and that Madrid’s equaliser should never have stood.

The draw, however, keeps Elche steady in the standings. After 13 matches, they sit 11th in La Liga, continuing to exceed expectations despite the disappointment of dropping two points so late. Their organisation, fight and attacking efficiency once again underlined why many consider them one of the most exciting newly promoted sides in the league.

Elche coach Sarabia’s anger boils over

Sarabia's frustration with the officiating was immediate. He pointed to two moments that he believed “conditioned the final result” – a missed foul in the build-up to Madrid’s first equaliser, and the collision involving Vinicius.

“No, I’m not happy, not at all,” he said. “I already told the players I was gutted, and when I saw the decisive calls, I’m even more so.”

He further added: “The foul before the second goal (for Madrid) wasn’t a foul at all. What’s more, it was a counter-attack that could have made it 3-1. And then Vinicius doesn’t touch the ball, it hits Inaki Pena in the face. Inaki Pena didn’t see the play. Vinicius hits him in the face, that’s why his face is like that. It’s a clear foul.”

Sarabia’s irritation extended beyond a single decision. "When you play against Real Madrid, you do so many things, you take the lead twice, and then you feel that there were factors that influenced the final result, it makes you angry.” 

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AFPElche's stunning return to La Liga under Sarabia

Sarabia's newly-promoted side have delivered some impressive results: draws against Atletico Madrid, Real Betis and Sevilla, competitive performances against every top-six side, and a current mid-table position far above preseason expectations.

As Sarabia himself puts it: “Everything starts from bravery… we have an idea, and we will die with that idea.”

His players share the same conviction. Captain Pedro Bigas says the team finally feels “in control, even against the biggest teams,” while striker Rafa Mir highlights the “freedom within structure” that has allowed Elche to thrive, and allowed him to net four goals this season.

With upcoming fixtures against Girona, Mallorca and Rayo Vallecano, Elche have the chance to consolidate their impressive start and push closer to the top half.

تحدث هيمير هالجريمسون، مدرب منتخب أيرلندا عن لقطة طرد المهاجم البرتغالي كريستيانو رونالدو، في مباراة المنتخبين خلال تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

وكانت الجماهير البرتغالية تنتظر تحقيقها نتيجة إيجابية والفوز ضد أيرلندا لحسم بطاقة صعودها لكأس العالم بشكل رسمي، قبل أن يتأجل حسم الصعود للمونديال بعد الهزيمة بهدفين نظيفين.

ورد هيمير هالجريمسون مدرب منتخب أيرلندا خلال مؤتمر صحفي بعد الفوز ضد منتخب البرتغال على البطاقة الحمراء التي تلقاها كريستيانو رونالدو.

أقرأ أيضاً.. موقف رونالدو من خوض أولى مباريات البرتغال في كأس العالم 2026

وقال هالجريمسون في تصريحات نشرتها “أبولا” البرتغالية: “أشاد بي رونالدو لأنني ضغطت على الحكم وأنني كنت ذكياً لكن تصرفه السخيف بمهاجمة لاعبنا هو ما أدى للبطاقة الحمراء ولا علاقة لي بالأمر”.

وأضاف: “لقد فقد كريستيانو رونالدو تركيزه قليلاً وربما كان ذلك بسبب الجماهير، لقد شعر بالإحباط وتصرف بطريقة لا ينبغي أن يتصرف بها”. 

وكان كريستيانو رونالدو قد ذكر في مؤتمر صحفي قبل المباراة حول هالجريمسون: “أعتقد أن هالجريمسون سيحاول الضغط على الحكم، أنا متأكد من أنه ذكي ويعرف ما يجب فعله وأين يجب أن يضغط، عملت في مجال كرة القدم لسنوات عديدة وهو يعرف كيف يخفف الضغط عن اللاعبين، إنها مباراة حاسمة لهم لكن ستتاح لهم فرصهم ولديهم فريق جيد لكنني أعتقد أن البرتغال ستلعب مباراة جيدة وتفوز”.

After a tough spell at Barcelona, Vitor Roque has rediscovered his form at Palmeiras, and now, a return to Europe could be on the cards. The Brazilian’s agent has revealed that a €50 million Premier League offer is expected soon, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham all said to be monitoring his situation.

• From painful Barcelona exit to Palmeiras revival

  Roque joined Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense in July 2023 for around €35 million (£30m/$39m), but struggled to find his footing under Xavi. He scored just two goals in 16 appearances across all competitions before being sent on loan to Real Betis in the first half of last season. However, that move also didn’t work out as expected, with the loan being cut short midway through the campaign. Roque returned to South America earlier this year to play for Palmerias, determined to reset his career.

  Notably, before his €25m (£21m/$26m) move to the Brazilian club, Roque’s camp had also received a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, but they turned it down in favour of a return to his home country. The decision now looks wise, as his performances at Palmeiras have reopened the door to top European football. The 20-year-old striker has scored 13 goals and provided three assists for Palmerias this season. The move has turned into a success story both for him and potentially for the Spanish giants. The Catalan club smartly kept a 20% sell-on clause, a decision that could soon pay off as several Premier League clubs are ready to bid for the Brazilian striker.

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• AI
  

  Roque's agent reveals Premier League offer expected soon

  In an interview with , Roque’s agent, Andre Cury, confirmed that bids are already starting to come in, but none have matched their expectations yet. 

  "We already had an offer from the Arab world of 35 million euros, which we were not interested in. We are now waiting to receive a proposal of around 50 million euros from the Premier League," he said.

  The agent also stressed that Roque is focused on helping Palmeiras win the Brazilian Serie A and the Copa Libertadores before considering his next move. 

  "The plan was to return here, regain strength and also study the market. If a good offer comes for everyone and they understand that he has to leave, he is willing to listen, but he is very happy at Palmeiras. Now the goal is to try to win the Brazilian Championship and the Copa Libertadores," Cury added.

• Getty
  

  Man United, Chelsea and Spurs monitoring situation

  According to , United are preparing a €50m (£44m/$57m) bid for Roque. Chelsea and Tottenham are also keeping tabs on the 20-year-old forward. If a deal at that price materialises, Barcelona would reportedly receive around €10 million from their retained sell-on percentage. For a club still battling financial issues, that figure could be another small but welcome boost.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  What's next for Vitor Roque

  For now, Roque’s focus remains on finishing the season strong with Palmeiras. The Brazilian club currently sits atop the Serie A table with 65 points, just one ahead of Flamengo. After this, his future could take another major turn in the coming months. A Premier League move would not only give him a second chance in Europe but could also see Barcelona earn financially from a deal they thought was already closed. With United, Chelsea and Tottenham all exploring attacking options ahead of next summer, Roque’s return to form couldn’t have come at a better time.

  The young forward may feel he has something to prove with his next adventure after failing to make an impact at Barcelona despite the hype that surrounded him.

  "I feel really sorry for him," Barcelona sporting director Deco said of him recently. "With Vitor, I always think arriving in January didn’t do him any favours. He started well – scored a few goals—but then it became hard to handle the pressure that comes with playing for Barcelona.

  "If he had arrived this season, things might have gone better for him. With new fitness coaches and a fresh start, maybe he would’ve had more luck. Now he has to rebuild his confidence back at Palmeiras."

MatériaMais Notícias

Autor do gol salvador que garantiu a vitória do Palmeiras sobre o Goiás pelo Campeonato Brasileiro, Breno Lopes provocou mais uma vez a torcida do Verdão. Após comemorar seu feito insultando o setor do estádio destinado à torcida organizada, o atacante repostou um vídeo publicado pelo pai em suas redes sociais no qual aparece proferindo gestos ofensivos aos torcedores.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoTorcedores do Palmeiras se revoltam após comemoração de Breno Lopes: ‘Inadmissível’Fora de Campo16/09/2023PalmeirasAbel faz alerta sobre saúde mental ao falar dos efeitos da Data Fifa no PalmeirasPalmeiras16/09/2023PalmeirasANÁLISE: Palmeiras sofre (de novo) no ataque e ainda não tem solução para a ausência de DuduPalmeiras16/09/2023

+ Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades

– Aí filhão, é isso aí. Abençoado. Você é abençoado meu filho. Eu te amo! Reclama aí torcida, reclama aí. Eu te amo meu filho. Eu te amo – exclamou Welington, pai do jogador, na publicação.

O camisa 19, que iniciou o duelo no banco de reservas, entrou aos 43 minutos da segunda etapa no lugar de Zé Rafael. Nervoso em campo, Lopes errou a maioria dos lances que tentou e começou a ser vaiado pela torcida. Porém, nos acréscimos, o atacante aproveitou o bate rebate na área do Esmeraldino e não desperdiçou.

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Depois do encerramento do duelo, todos os atletas e comissão técnica do Alviverde partiram em direção ao jogador para acalmar os ânimos e prestar apoio. Nas arquibancadas, a torcida deu sua resposta: “Breno Lopes, preste atenção, muito respeito com a camisa do Verdão”.

+ ATUAÇÕES: Breno Lopes volta a ser herói do Palmeiras em vitória no Brasileirão

Alvo de duras críticas, Breno Lopes não tem uma relação harmoniosa com a torcida. Herói do título da Libertadores de 2020, ele precisará trabalhar muito para recuperar seu prestígio com os palmeirenses.

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Breno LopesPalmeiras

An Arsenal target now has his heart set on joining Manchester United, due to his deep respect for former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and the club’s traditions.

Man Utd's standards have slipped since Ferguson's retirement

Man United are well-known for their rich history and traditions, which included wearing suits when arriving ahead of matches, but Wayne Rooney has revealed that standards started to slip after Ferguson’s retirement back in 2013.

Rooney said: “I remember we went to the League Cup final and players were wearing the suits with big, bright yellow trainers and stuff like that.

“I remember we went to the League Cup final and players were wearing the suits with big, bright yellow trainers and stuff like that. I went to Mourinho and said, ‘Listen, I’ve spoken to the players and you need to have a word here and to keep the standards. We can’t have that going to Wembley into a cup final.’

“He’s like, ‘Yeah, yeah, I’ll speak to them’. And then as we came down to leave, I’ve seen Jose there and he’s got a zip-up top with no tie on. I was thinking, “What’s the point?”

With Rooney going on to reveal that players are allowed to wear whatever they want nowadays, one of United’s traditions has arguably been eroded, but that hasn’t stopped an up-and-coming star setting his sights on a move to Old Trafford.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal target Kirill Glebov, who currently plays for CSKA Moscow, has his heart set on joining Man Utd and dreams of a transfer, citing the Old Trafford atmosphere, the club’s traditions, and his deep respect for Ferguson as the key reasons.

Glebov is currently valued at just €1.5m (£1.3m), but the winger’s price tag could rise considerably if he continues his current form, having started the season very well, which has attracted the attention of the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Brighton.

Glebov could be future star for Man Utd

At this stage, United don’t appear to have a great deal of interest in the Russian, but there are indications he has plenty of potential, having made a flying start to the 2025-26 campaign for CSKA Moscow.

The 19-year-old already has four goals and two assists to his name in all competitions, which recently earned the teenager a first call-up to the Russian national side, making his debut in the 0-0 draw against Jordan last week.

Man Utd now eyeing January move for "unbelievable" £47m Baleba alternative

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That said, Glebov is still at a very early stage of his career, and having strengthened their attack considerably in the summer, signing Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, Man United should now focus on bringing in a new central midfielder instead.

There is certainly no shortage of options on the shortlist, with Al Hilal’s Ruben Neves, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson all believed to be of interest.

DC will be looking to get back to winning ways after their perfect start was cut short in their last game

Ashish Pant15-Apr-20253:11

Rayudu: Hetmyer should bat at No. 4 for RR

Big picture – Can RR get their floundering season back on track?They lost their first two games, then won two and have now lost two more matches to have just four points after six games. And if they thought it could get any easier, Rajasthan Royals (RR) now travel to the Arun Jaitley Stadium to face second-placed Delhi Capitals (DC), who seem to have most bases covered.RR’s top order has been found wanting and without the depth in their batting, their middle overs have lacked teeth. RR have the second-best powerplay run rate of 9.72 in IPL 2025, behind Punjab Kings, but that drops to 7.86 in the middle overs: the second-worst behind Chennai Super Kings (CSK).That’s where RR will have to buckle up against DC. In Kuldeep Yadav, the hosts have one of the most potent middle-overs bowlers. Kuldeep has bowled 18 overs in this phase and has gone at an economy of just 5.94, picking up nine wickets, the second most only behind Noor Ahmad.On a flat surface, RR desperately need their inconsistent batting to come good. Sanju Samson has scored just fifty so far, Riyan Parag form has been indifferent, Nitish Rana has just had one innings of note, while Shimron Hetmyer’s entry point has stirred some debate. Only Yashasvi Jaiswal with two fifties in his last three games seems to have found some consistency. RR will need the rest of the power-packed batting unit to fire.Jake Fraser-McGurk is yet to click in IPL 2025•Delhi Capitals

For DC, there are fewer issues, but Jake Fraser-McGurk’s form might have them sweating. He’s scored 46 runs in five matches at 9.2 and a strike rate of 100, a far cry from the sensational season he had last year. While the DC management has backed him, time might be running out for the youngster.DC have four wins in five games, but their loss against Mumbai Indians will sting them and they will want to get back to winning ways ASAP. A clash against a beleaguered RR might just be what they are looking for.Form guide: Can DC make it five out of six?Delhi Capitals LWWWW
Rajasthan Royals LLWWLRelated

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Team news and likely XIIs: Is du Plessis fit?There is still uncertainty over Faf du Plessis’ fitness with the word from the DC camp being that he is recovering. “He’s recovering well although I’m not sure (if he’ll play or not). As far as I know, it’s not a big concern,” Mohit Sharma said about du Plessis’ availability for the RR game. If he is fit, it is likely he will replace Fraser-McGurk at the top of the order, with Karun Nair slotting in at No. 3. If du Plessis is yet to recover, then DC might go with the same XII as the game against MI, with Nair swapping with Mukesh Kumar as the Impact Sub and vice-versa. Du Plessis, however, was not available for practice on the eve of the game.Delhi Capitals (probable): 1 Faf du Plessis/Jake Fraser-McGurk, 2 Abishek Porel, 3 Karun Nair, 4 KL Rahul (wk), 5 Tristan Stubbs, 6 Ashutosh Sharma, 7 Axar Patel (capt), 8 Vipraj Nigam, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Mohit Sharma, 12 Mukesh KumarRR do not have any injury concerns but need to take care of other issues. They could possibly look at having Akash Madhwal come in place of Tushar Deshpande, while Kumar Kartikeya is again expected to come in as the impact player replacing Rana.Rajasthan Royals (probable): 1 Sanju Samson (capt & wk), 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Nitish Rana, 4 Riyan Parag, 5 Dhruv Jurel, 6 Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Jofra Archer, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Tushar Deshpande/Akash Madhwal, 11 Sandeep Sharma, 12 Kumar Kartikeya1:24

Bishop: Hasaranga and Theekshana need to get their lengths right

In the spotlight – Karun Nair and Riyan ParagAfter what has been a barely believable domestic season for Karun Nair, he’s made a statement knock in IPL 2025. In his maiden appearance of this season, Nair smashed a 40-ball 89 to nearly take DC home against MI. His takedown of Jasprit Bumrah – 26 runs in nine balls – will remain the highlight of the season. He came in as an Impact Sub against MI, but that is likely to change going forward, especially if Fraser-McGurk’s lukewarm season continues. Incidentally, Nair has had a couple of stints with RR, the most recent one coming in 2022, the last time he played in the IPL and also had one of his best IPL seasons with them back in 2014.There were a lot of expectations from Riyan Parag after the bumper season he had in 2024, but it’s been a season of what-ifs for the batter so far. He’s scored at least 25 or more in five of the six innings so far, yet his highest score remains 43. Parag has looked compact most of the time he’s walked out but has thrown it away more often than not. Considering the placid surface in Delhi, RR will rely a lot on Parag to provide the top-order muscle he is capable of. Another important battle will be between Parag and the DC spinners. He does not have a great record against spinners in the IPL; a strike rate of 118.61, and that will be crucial considering he will come up against Kuldeep and Vipraj Nigam, two of the better spinners in the tournament this year.The big questionPitch and conditionsDelhi has recently become a haven for batters with run-scoring at an all-time high. In the last seven games, teams batting first have posted scores in excess of 200 each time and have also won. The surface for the DC-MI game was once again a belter where the home side almost chased down 206. But, there was also some turn on offer and that could bring the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Nigam, Kuldeep and Maheesh Theekshana into the game.The temperature is likely to hover around the mid to late 30s on the Celsius scale, but the evenings are expected to be cooler.Stats and TriviaKuldeep’s economy in IPL 2025 of 5.60 is the best for any bowler with at least ten overs under his beltRR have taken the third-fewest wickets so far in the IPL: 29 in six inningsRR are marginally ahead in the head-to-head count, having won 15 out of 29 matches between the two sides, with DC winning 14Mukesh has had the wood over Jaiswal in the IPL. Jaiswal has managed just seven runs in two matches against the pacer and fallen twiceKL Rahul has a great record against Jofra Archer in the IPL: 89 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 151 without being dismissed even onceQuotes”I am not someone who… if the game demands that I should tell Sanju [Samson] or anyone that I can do something here or bowl, then I will. But there is no need to overthink. I always try to take whatever comes my way and help the team, be it bowling, batting or fielding. I also want to bowl regularly, because I have bowled before and am a decent bowler. If situation arises, why not, I will talk to Sanju and let’s see what happens.”
.”KD (Kuldeep) is bowling very well not just for DC but in the entire tournament. Despite bowling on small grounds, dew being around, he is not being read that well right now and hopefully he won’t be later also through the tournament. The way Axar has been using him to pick wickets, break partnerships is great.”

It took Aston Villa a long time to finally kick into gear on the transfer front, but they’re now starting to make serious moves.

Last weekend, Unai Emery welcomed the arrival of Evan Guessand in a potential £30 million deal from Nice – their first major signing of the window – but NSWE are not done there.

In what is expected to be a hectic final two weeks of the summer window for the club’s president of footballing operations, Monchi, it is believed the Spaniard is eyeing a host of other late incomings.

Departures are fully expected too, with Leon Bailey left out of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United amid his talks to join Roma – which are seriously progressing.

To combat losing the likes of Bailey, Villa are believed to be firm contenders to sign Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who Enzo Maresca confirmed has a chance to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer deadline on September 1.

Villa are among the clubs to be offered Jackson, a player who Emery knows well from their time together at Villarreal, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll opt to meet Chelsea’s lofty price tag or could even agree a loan with an obligation to buy (talkSPORT).

Amid their links to the Senegalese, it is also reliably reported that PSG attacker Marco Asensio could make a return to the Midlands.

The former Real Madrid star made a real impact on loan at Villa from the European champions over the second half of 2024/2025, scoring a brace against Chelsea and notching three Champions League goals over two legs against Club Brugge.

With Jacob Ramsey leaving for Newcastle United, Villa have begun negotiations to re-sign Asensio, with personal terms on a three-year contract already agreed (Sky Switzerland).

Aston Villa in 'advancing talks' to re-sign Marco Asensio in cut-price deal

Now, according to Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey, those discussions are progressing well.

Villa are in ‘advancing talks’ with all relevant parties over a deal for Asensio, with Emery a ‘big fan’ and personally keen to bring the Spaniard back on an indefinite basis.

PSG are also open to the possibility of green-lighting this potential deal for a ‘cut-price’ fee, considering the 29-year-old has just one year left on his £120,000-per-week contract, which comes as a major boost for Villa in terms of avoiding the ever-swinging PSR axe they’ve had serious trouble with this year.

Earlier this summer, NSWE actually pulled the plug on a move for Asensio over costs, according to Veysey, but it appears they’ve pulled a U-turn and are now working on an agreement.

Emery praised Asensio during their spell together last term, and after losing Ramsey, the tactician could get a major boost in the form of his comeback.

Neymar has suffered another setback in his battle for fitness, with Santos president Marcelo Teixeira confirming the Brazil icon will be sidelined until November. The 33-year-old’s recurring injury problems continue to cast doubt over his club’s survival fight and his hopes of leading the Selecao at the 2026 World Cup.

• Fresh setback for Neymar at Santos

  Santos confirmed earlier that Neymar’s thigh injury will keep him out until November, ruling him out of upcoming fixtures in both league play and international duty. President Marcelo Teixeira explained that the former Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona forward is targeting a return for the final stretch of the season, as Santos fight to avoid relegation.

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  Santos fighting for survival without Neymar

  The Sao Paulo giants are just five points clear of the drop zone after a 2-2 draw with Bragantino, and Neymar’s continued absence leaves them without their talisman in a crucial run of games. The 33-year-old has already missed large chunks of the season and, despite six goals in 21 appearances, his impact has been limited by recurring setbacks.

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  Neymar’s injury history raises World Cup concerns

  This latest blow adds to a worrying trend. Neymar tore his ACL against Uruguay in October 2023 while playing for Brazil, an injury that derailed his short stint at Al-Hilal and sidelined him for a year. Since his return to Santos, he has struggled to string together consistent performances, forcing Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti to leave him out of the squad for recent qualifiers.

  Ancelotti recently said of the Brazilian: "I want him to be really well to be able to play. He can participate in the World Cup if he is physically well. From a technical point of view, there is no discussion. His objective must be to be ready in June. It does not matter whether he is in the list in October, November or March."

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  Brazil’s World Cup hopes hinge on Neymar’s recovery

  The Brazilian’s rehabilitation program is set to continue for at least six more weeks, with hopes he can rejoin Santos in December for the final league fixtures. For Brazil, the question is whether he can recover in time to be fully fit for the 2026 World Cup cycle. At 33, with time running out, every setback raises fresh doubts about whether the Selecao’s No.10 will ever reach his old heights again.

Ruben Amorim capped off Manchester United’s hard-fought victory over Chelsea with a classy gesture that has further endeared him to the Red Devils faithful. Despite torrential rain lashing down outside Old Trafford, the United boss stayed until late in the evening to sign autographs and take photos with supporters. The act of appreciation followed a much-needed 2-1 win that lifted pressure and boosted morale.

• Amorim's classy gesture towards Man Utd fans

  Manchester United beat Chelsea 2-1 in a rain-soaked clash that saw both sides reduced to ten men. After the game, hundreds of supporters waited outside Old Trafford in grim conditions to meet Amorim. The Portuguese coach obliged, staying until after 9 pm to greet fans, sign shirts and pose for selfies in the pouring rain.

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  Building a bond to last at Old Trafford

  The victory not only provided a morale boost but also gave Amorim vital breathing room after a tough run of results. His willingness to connect with fans beyond the pitch shows a human side that has struck a chord with the United faithful. The bond between manager and supporters could prove crucial as he looks to build trust and stability in a new era at Old Trafford.

• Amorim: It's time to create a bit of momentum

  Amorim welcomed the win but stressed the importance of consistency moving forward. He said: "Now it's time to create a bit of momentum. We deserved the win, it's just one win. And we need to think about the next one. It's really important because I understand the environment around the team and the coach. 

  "It's Manchester United winning a game at home, it's just that. Three points. We cannot forget that we suffer a lot when we are not in the top, in our maximum in all aspects. We can lose against Grimsby, we can win against any team. We need to take that for the next week. Of course it's really good to win, you can feel the environment in the dressing room. But forget that feeling. I prefer the other feeling now, because it will bring us the urgency to win again. That is really important again."

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  Next up for Man Utd: Brentford away

  Amorim will hope the win over Chelsea can serve as a turning point for his side. United are due back in action next Saturday when they take in a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford.