Injuries to key players, departures of overseas players for national duty, and the break in momentum – they were playing a game after 20 days – contributed to RCB’s nosedive against SRH

Shashank Kishore24-May-20250:58

Moody: RCB need to move on from this loss quickly

Sometimes, a loss helps as much as a win does. That’s the sentiment Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) want to channel after a heavy defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2025 game in Lucknow may have stalled their top-two aspirations.For 14 overs in their chase of 232, RCB had the game by the scruff of the neck. Their batters seemed in perfect symphony. Virat Kohli, fresh off his Test retirement announcement, was flowing. Phil Salt, back after illness, was firing away. Rajat Patidar’s injured-and-repaired right hand was looking mobile again. Jitesh Sharma, the stand-in captain, kept reeling one big hit after another.RCB, who had only ever chased down 200-plus twice in 18 years, were on track to scale a peak. And then they unravelled, as they went from 173 for 3 to 179 for 7 in the space of 12 balls. A march towards the top spot turned into a swift nosedive that has sent them to No. 3, with their net run-rate taking a huge hit in the process too.Related

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Andy Flower: RCB do not have 'ideal lead-in' to playoffs

But, in the aftermath, there’s more reflection than panic.”I think sometimes losing a game is a very good sign because you can check, analyse where we are lacking,” Jitesh said on the broadcast. “If you keep winning, you don’t see your mistakes. You keep going with the flow. But I think the positive things are everyone is chipping in.”I’m batting well, Rajat is batting well – Rajat has come back. Even the bowlers are bowling well. Virat is in form. But after this loss, we will get that light setback to check again, see the set-up, how to get things working again. Once we’ve got this setback, I think we will go forward again.”Friday’s fixture was RCB’s first in 20 days. Last week, they had their home fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) washed away by rain. The four days after that were spent indoors, thanks to wet weather in Bengaluru. The break was a lot longer in Salt’s case. Having last played on April 24, he spent two weeks on the sickbed before returning re-energised after a short trip home.”It’s a funny one,” Salt said in the press conference after his 32-ball 62, his third half-century of the season. “Obviously when you’re ill you sit in your bed and wonder if you’re ever going to feel better again. You think about all the things you took for granted when you were healthy.”As a group, we’d not played until tonight in three weeks or so. I don’t think I’ve played in a month, which is a long time. More than anything else, I’m just glad I’m healthy and feeling good and playing another game of cricket.”When they last played, on May 3, RCB had completed a magnificent double over Chennai Super Kings (CSK). While the long break since then has allowed Patidar time to heal sufficiently to at least bat, it has also taken away the winning momentum they were building. Salt underlined the need to quickly get this loss out of the way.”You don’t mind not having this game in the playoffs,” Salt said. “You can take it as a disappointment or you can take it for what it is. We’ve qualified. We’ve lost a game. No one likes to lose games of cricket. I hate the fact we’ve lost, as everyone else in an RCB shirt [does].”[But] you’d rather have that now than you would in an Eliminator, let’s say. So, we’re going to get an opportunity to pick the bones out of it, have a look at things we did well and things we didn’t do so well and come back. We’ve got one more group game and headed to the playoffs.”

“Honestly, we’ve qualified for the playoffs. Once you’re in you’ve got to play in a pretty carefree manner and do what you can to win the trophy. We’re not too far ahead of ourselves at the moment with that thinking”Phil Salt

Despite that bit of perspective, it’s fair to say RCB’s journey has hit a bit of a speed bump.Josh Hazlewood’s absence owing to a shoulder niggle is no longer just a missing piece. It feels like a fault line beneath a strong foundation RCB carefully built at the auction. Without him, they lack an all-phase bowler. On Friday, against SRH, they bled 71 in the powerplay and 54 at the death.Lungi Ngidi hasn’t been able to conjure the same kind of intensity or form Hazlewood brought. On Friday, he went for 51 in his four overs. In three days, he too will leave to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. This will leave RCB’s overseas pace stocks worryingly thin, though there is hope that Hazlewood will be around. Nuwan Thushara hasn’t played a game yet. Blessing Muzarabani will be straight off a flight following a Test match in England for the next game.On Friday, they had another massive injury scare. Tim David, a wrecking ball in the death overs with his big hits, limped to the crease dragging an injured hamstring and was barely able to run. He had felt a twinge while fielding and immediately went out. David’s role as a finisher has been key to RCB being the best death-overs bating team this season. But this throws a big doubt over his participation in the remainder of the season.1:01

Did RCB get their bowling tactics right?

And it comes amid more departures; Jacob Bethell is done for the season, he has national duties to take care of. Devdutt Padikkal is gone, his injury has opened up No. 3 – a crucial pillar now suddenly fragile. On Friday, Mayank Agarwal, an opener, stepped in as a stop-gap arrangement and looked like he was playing catch-up.So, unless Hazlewood returns or a Plan B emerges fast, their promising campaign that had their fans dreaming of a maiden title runs the risk of a slow fadeaway, with resources stretched just a little too thin. Yet, Salt isn’t panicking.”Obviously the schedule has done a bit of jumping around,” he said. “We’ve got another opportunity to go out and show ourselves and our fans what we can do before the playoffs begin [against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27]. I can’t speak for anyone else, a lot of times in cricket you do all the preparation, so much that goes into it. Performance on the night, sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t happen.”I can’t sit here and tell you we prefer to finish one, two, three, four, five. Honestly, we’ve qualified for the playoffs. Once you’re in you’ve got to play in a pretty carefree manner and do what you can to win the trophy. We’re not too far ahead of ourselves at the moment with that thinking. In a few days we’re playing again here in a game we want to win, and show how good we are.”

Zimbabwe took a 233-run lead, and then prised out one Afghanistan wicket before stumps

Ekanth21-Oct-2025

Zimbabwe scored 229 runs and lost eight wickets. Afghanistan scored 34 and lost one. On paper, day two was a day of shared honours. In reality though, the hosts were left holding all aces after having bundled out Afghanistan for 127 on day one, and then converting a three-run lead to a 233-run lead, thanks mainly to a gritty, layered 121 from Ben Curran and a calculated (if not slick) 65 from Sikandar Raza.Ziaur Rahman’s 7 for 97 was a dreamy career-best on Test debut. He became the first bowler to take seven or more wickets via bowled or lbw in a Test innings since Imran Khan in 1982. Afghanistan batted for 12 overs before stumps and lost opener Abdul Malik to Richard Ngarava. Ibrahim Zadran got off to a start and was unbeaten on 25.On a day tailor-made for pacers, the proactivity of Brendan Taylor and the experience of Craig Ervine were no match for the reveries of a Harare pitch offering up-and-down as well as sideways movement. Taylor got an edged boundary through gully (over 41.2) and a chipped four through mid-on (43.3).Despite being decisive and even picking up a boundary to third from a semi-educated edge off a flashing cut and looking solid in defence, the right-handed Taylor fell to a vicious inducker from Ziaur, who then used his allies – low bounce and seam in – to trap the left-handed Craig Ervine lbw.Curran, at the other end, grew into a natural rhythm. One undeterred by being beaten and edging. Raza came in with his problem-solver hat on, walking down the pitch and shuffling sideways against the pace of Ismat Alam and Ziaur. He had nervy moments – like a chip to cover off Alam (50.2) – but overcame them while disregarding the threats posed by the conditions and some skillful bowling.Yamin Ahmadzai’s accuracy and consistency in a six-over collection, split across two spells between overs 38 and 56, saw two maidens, just 11 runs but no wickets. The Morne Morkel-esque Ziaur didn’t face a case of pretty figures. Alam created more nervy moments, especially against Raza, but also conceded more boundaries.Curran and Raza built their 99-run stand in 160 balls with Curran scoring 33 despite facing a healthy share of 72 balls. The clear roles and the duo’s commitment ground down Afghanistan, who had an upbeat presence at the start – with chatter and buzz from the keeper and cordons. Zimbabwe went into lunch on 214 for 4, with Curran on 79* and Raza 37*.The older ball, tiring bowlers and the fewer challenges posed by Hashmatullah Shahidi’s part-time bowling and Khalil Gurbaz’s awkward action, helped the two batters consolidate.Curran brought up his 217-ball ton off Shahidi’s flick and virtually levitated with open arms, a bat in one hand and helmet in the other, in celebration.Ziaur Rahman picked up a five-for on Test debut•Zimbabwe Cricket

Raza hit three fours off Sharafuddin Ashraf between overs 69 and 72, but then fell on 75.3, looking for the fourth, after top-edging a slog sweep to Yamin Ahmadzai running around from deep square leg to take the catch.Afghanistan took the new ball one ball after it was available and got it changed 3.5 overs later. Meanwhile, Curran hit three fours in the space of four balls that he faced. There were immediately more threats after the second ball change.Ahmadzai and Ziaur went back to what they did earlier in the day to first threaten edges and dry up scoring, and then Ahmadzai took Curran’s wicket on the stroke of tea. Low bounce and seam in was a culprit again as Curran was hit on the back leg and was out plumb lbw for a 256-ball 121 across 423 minutes.Zimbabwe slumped from 302 for 6 to 359 all out after tea. Ziaur came into his own against a helpless lower-middle and lower order as the final three batters fell for single figures. The carnage began with Tafadzwa Tsiga and Ngarava being lbw in successive balls.Ahmadzai missed the chance to run Blessing Muzarabani out. Perhaps that was because the bowling division of the cricket Gods wanted to watch Ziaur send Muzarabani cartwheeling its way back halfway to the keeper. Evans pulled through against spread-out fields and took Zimbabwe past 350 before Chivanga fell to Ziaur, thus wrapping up the innings.Muzarabani juggled jaffas with the odd bouncer to make Afghan opener Malik’s short stay a scarring one. There were two close shaves in the third over where the ball nearly took the edge – one against each batter.When Ngarava went after Malik with a less attacking plan of bowling short from around the wicket, an attempt to break the shackles was made and an aerial pull went into Muzarabani’s hands at deep-backward square leg.Amid lightmeter readings and some fiery pace bowling, Ibrahim seasoned a crafty little knock while Rahmanullah Gurbaz batted through to stumps. With the visitors still being in the deficit by 198 runs, an innings-win for the hosts is on the cards.

Cummins is the fifth-fastest to 300 Test wickets in terms of balls bowled, reaching the milestone in 13,725 balls

Shubh Agarwal12-Jun-20251:53

‘Once the ball gets older, Cummins puts his hand up’

Pat Cummins has reached the milestone of 300 Test wickets, claiming his 14th five-wicket haul during the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s. Picking five of the six South African wickets to fall on day two, Cummins finished with figures of 6 for 28 in 18.1 overs.Six wickets short at the start of the Test, he has now become the 40th bowler to reach the landmark and the eighth for Australia. Among pacers, he is the 30th to enter this club and the sixth for Australia.Cummins is the fifth-fastest to reach there in terms of balls bowled, completing 300 wickets in 13,725 balls, beating Malcolm Marshall by three deliveries. His bowling strike rate of 45.75 is the best for an Australian seamer.He also levelled with Imran Khan to become the joint-tenth-fastest to complete 300 wickets, reaching there in 68 Test matches.Cummins has picked up 136 wickets as the captain of his side. Among pace-bowling captains, only Imran has picked up more wickets (187). Among Australian captains, only Richie Benaud is ahead by a slender margin of two wickets. Overall, only ten bowlers have picked up over 100 Test wickets while being the captain of their side.Cummins has been among Australia’s greatest match-winners with the ball in this format. Overall, 184 of his Test wickets before this WTC final came in wins. The likes of Jason Gillespie, Mitchell Johnson, Dennis Lillee, Brett Lee, Mitchell Starc and Glenn McGrath are ahead but no one has a better average than Cummins’ 18.09, which is bound to improve further if Australia win the WTC final to claim their second successive title.Also, he is only the second Australian to claim over 200 wickets in the WTC, and the only quick bowler in the list with 206 wickets at 22.11 runs apiece.Cummins has mostly been a first-change bowler for Australia, coming in after the new ball bowlers in 48 of the 126 innings in which he has bowled in Test cricket. He is the only Australia quick with more than 100 wickets as a first-change bowler, with Peter Siddle behind him with 87 wickets on this metric. Among those who have over 50 wickets as the first-change bowler, only Scott Boland (52 wickets) has a better average than that of Cummins (Boland 15.75, Cummins 24.50).Overall, only four quick bowler have more than 100 Test wickets as first-change bowler – Courtney Walsh (106), Cummins (107), Morne Morkel (129) and Ian Botham (129).Cummins made his Test debut in 2011. However, after one Test – where he was the Player of the Match against South Africa – he was sidelined for six years owing to recurring injuries, and made a return in 2017 when he played his second Test. England’s Joe Root has been the highest run-scorer during Cummins’ career since November 2011, scoring 13,006 runs in this period.Cummins has dismissed Root 11 times, the most time he has dismissed a single batter in Test cricket, followed by Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma (eight times each).He also holds the record for the best bowling average for an Australia fast bowler in a calendar year with more than 50 wickets. He averaged 20.13 for his 59 wickets in 2019, bettering Lillee’s feat in 1981 – 85 wickets at 20.95.

Chelsea striker Liam Delap sung the praises of a Stamford Bridge teenager after the 3-0 rout of Barcelona, describing him as “so raw” but “so exciting”.

Blues breeze to victory against Barcelona in the Champions League

The Blues made a major statement by defeating Barca 3-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday evening, leaving goalkeeper Robert Sanchez optimistic they can go all the way and win Europe’s elite competition for the third time.

Delap scored his first goal since making the move to Stamford Bridge from Ipswich Town in the summer, capping off what was a fantastic all-round display against the reigning La Liga champions, and the centre-forward was left impressed by how they executed the game plan.

The Englishman could be in line for a start on Sunday, courtesy of scoring after replacing Alejandro Garnacho in the second half, potentially alongside Estevao, who bagged the second goal in the 3-0 victory.

Indeed, the 11-cap Brazil international once again caught the eye, also creating one big chance, making three key passes and completing two successful dribbles.

Speaking after the game, Delap took the time to praise his teammate, who has now established himself as a key player for the Blues.

Estevao draws Messi comparisons after remarkable solo goal

It would be fair to say Enzo Maresca was also left very impressed with the Brazilian’s performance, taking the time to praise his fantastic solo goal, saying: “The goal Estevao scored reminded me of the one [Lionel Messi] scored against us in the Club World Cup. It’s very similar, the same action.”

With Sanchez of the belief Chelsea are the favourites to win the Champions League this season, the 18-year-old could be key to their success, having already scored three goals in the competition, which is more than any of his teammates.

Not only has the starlet been impressing at club level, but he has also continued to impress for Brazil, having scored four goals in his last four matches, which bodes well for the Seleção Canarinho as we edge closer to the 2026 World Cup.

Related Chelsea have already signed another exciting star who's "just like Estevao"

Chelsea have already signed another youngster who could become another Estevao for Enzo Maresca.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 26, 2025

Perhaps Chelsea’s toughest game so far this season is penciled in for this weekend, as they take on Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, but if Estevao is firing on all cylinders, Maresca’s side certainly stand a chance of defeating their London rivals and closing the gap at the top of the Premier League table to just three points.

Big Picture: NZ under the pump

Two matches in, New Zealand are already at risk of playing catch-up in the Women’s World Cup. Two brilliant innings from captain Sophie Devine haven’t been able to save them as they lost to Australia and South Africa. That makes them one of two winless teams in this tournament.New Zealand hadn’t played an ODI in six months prior to the World Cup. The rust has shown: before losing to Australia and South Africa, they suffered defeats in their warm-up games against India and India A. Apart from Devine, who has contributed 42% of New Zealand’s runs in the tournament so far, the batters have struggled for fluency and the bowling has lacked bite. Against South Africa, they also let themselves down in the field with seven misfields, a reflection of a team that has looked undercooked.Bangladesh, in contrast, are on the rise. They stunned Pakistan, pushed England hard, and are brimming with belief. Their batting hasn’t quite clicked, but their bowlers have done the job with Marufa Akter consistently striking with the new ball and the spinners keeping a tight leash through the middle overs. With Brooke Halliday the only left-hander in the batting order, New Zealand’s right-hand-heavy line-up could be tested by left-arm spinner Nahida Akter and the legspin duo of Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan.They’ve never beaten New Zealand in ODIs, having lost both their completed games by a big margin in 2022. But with spin expected to play a big role in Guwahati on Friday, Bangladesh will be keen to use the conditions to their advantage. Unlike New Zealand, they have already played a game at this venue in the World Cup.

Form Guide

Bangladesh LWLLW (last five matches, most recent first)
New Zealand LLWWLSuzie Bates is yet to open her account in this World Cup•ICC via Getty Images

In the spotlight: Fahima Khatun and Suzie Bates

Fahima Khatun was near unplayable against England on Tuesday, returning remarkable figures of 3 for 16. She dismissed Nat Sciver-Brunt, Emma Lamb, and Sophia Dunkley, and celebrated each wicket with her trademark jig. Fahima’s slow, loopy legspin tied England down; she conceded just one boundary in 60 balls. She also had Heather Knight caught at cover, but the low catch was ruled not out by the TV umpire, a pivotal moment that arguably swung the game.New Zealand have missed the runs from Suzie Bates from the top of the order, who will be coming into this match off two consecutive ducks. She struggled to score off her first eight balls against Australia, eventually falling to left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux, while she fell for a golden duck against South Africa to Marizanne Kapp. She will need to find a way to see off a red-hot Marufa, who’s coming off four wickets in two games.

Team news: Is Mair fit and ready?

Bangladesh are unlikely to change their combination unless there’s a last-minute injury or illness. Marufa, who bowled only five overs against England and was off the field with cramps, is “fit and ready” for Friday’s game, Nahida said at the press conference.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Rubya Haider, 2 Sharmin Akhter, 3 Nigar Sultana (capt & wk), 4 Sobhana Mostary, 5 Mst Ritu Moni, 6 Shorna Akter, 7 Fahima Khatun, 8 Nahida Akter, 9 Rabeya Khan, 10 Marufa Akter, 11 Sanjida Akter MeghlaNew Zealand assistant coach Craig McMillan had said that right-arm quick Rosemary Mair was “close to fitness” before their previous fixture against South Africa. If she’s fit, New Zealand may bring her in for Jess Kerr.New Zealand (probable): 1 Suzie Bates, 2 Georgia Plimmer, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Gaze (wk), 8 Jess Kerr/Rosemary Mair, 9 Lea Tahuhu, 10 Eden Carson, 11 Bree Illing

Pitch and conditions: Spin to win

Spinners have taken 75% of the wickets (33 out of 44 total wickets) in the three matches in Guwahati so far this World Cup. There is a possibility of a rain-interrupted start.

Stats and Trivia: Tahuhu gears up for 100th ODI

• New Zealand fast bowler Lea Tahuhu will be playing her 100th ODI on Friday.
• Marufa Akter has eight wickets in the powerplay this year, the second most by a bowler in women’s ODIs.
• Brooke Halliday is 57 runs away from 1000 ODI runs. She will become the 18th New Zealand batter to the feat.

Quotes

“There has been quite a bit of turn and bounce in the nets, which is exciting for my bowling. But on the other hand with batting, it’s just being really disciplined in the best way to play spin. We know with Bangladesh, they’ve, I think apart from the opening bowler, they’re a spin-heavy attack and they’ve had a lot of teams in trouble as well throughout this tournament we’ve seen. So, I think being really disciplined with the bat, you have to sum up conditions really quickly and then work out what your best game plan is.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Os dois gols de Arrascaeta na vitória do Flamengo por 2 a 1 sobre o Cruz Azul nesta quarta-feira (10), na estreia da Copa Intercontinental, renderam ao camisa 10 um recorde. O meia alcançou Pedro como maior artilheiro rubro-negro em Mundiais, com quatro gols cada.

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➡️Jogadores do Flamengo estão pendurados na Copa Intercontinental? Entenda regulamento

O uruguaio chegou ao quarto Mundial pelo clube e voltou a balançar as redes em torneios da Fifa. Em 2019, marcou contra o Al-Hilal. Em junho deste ano, fez um gol diante do Espérance, na Copa do Mundo de Clubes. Os dois gols desta quarta completaram a lista.

Pedro, ausente no jogo por lesão na coxa esquerda, também soma quatro gols em Mundiais, todos marcados na edição de 2022 — realizada em fevereiro de 2023. Na ocasião, foram dois gols na semifinal, na derrota por 3 a 2 para o Al-Hilal, da Arábia Saudita, e outros dois na vitória por 4 a 2 sobre o Al Ahly, do Egito, na decisão de terceiro lugar.

continua após a publicidadeMaiores artilheiros do Flamengo em MundiaisArrascaeta e Pedro – 4 gols.Bruno Henrique, Gabigol, Nunes e Wallace Yan – 2 gols.Adílio, Danilo, Gerson, Jorginho e Luiz Araújo – 1 gol.

O Flamengo volta a campo no sábado, às 14h (de Brasília), contra o Pyramids, do Egito, pela semifinal da Copa Intercontinental, no Estádio Ahmad Bin Ali, em Al Rayyan. Quem avançar enfrentará o PSG na decisão.

➡️Tudo sobre o Mengão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Flamengo

Para acompanhar asnotícias do Flamengo, acompanhe o Lance! Todas as informações e acontecimentos atualizados em tempo real.

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The Guardians, despite their perennially small payroll, are a team that deals in outsized superlatives—the longest World Series drought, the longest no-hitter drought, and the largest in-season comeback in baseball history.

Despite accomplishing the last of those feats this season, Cleveland's 6–3 loss in Game 3 of its wild-card series against the Tigers Thursday ensured the first will continue. The Guardians had a runner on third in the ninth inning of Game 1 trailing by one run and won Game 2—only for the wheels to come off in a Game 3 that laid out the team's litany of flaws.

When the dust settles, Cleveland—rudderless and sub-.500 in early July—can reminisce fondly on essentially stealing a quality year as it phases in a new generation of talent. Here's a look at the problems that cost the Guardians against Detroit and the lessons the losing team can draw from them.

1. An already threadbare offense disappeared

The number ".226" followed Cleveland around like a specter during its short playoff stint—that was the team's batting average this year, the worst in the franchise's long history. The Guardians' .296 on-base percentage was a 53-year low; their .373 slugging percentage was a low for any full season this century. Even in September and October, the team hit just .242.

Lazy an observation as it may be, it is almost impossible to hit as poorly as Cleveland did all year and do protracted damage in the playoffs—even with a pitching staff as effective as the Guardians'. Thus, a one-run lead for the Tigers in Game 1 became insurmountable, and only a big eighth inning could save Cleveland in Game 2.

The Guardians, zealous platoon advocates, gave a glut of at-bats early on to some of their worst hitters: right fielder Johnathan Rodriguez (.197), first baseman Jhonkensy Noel (.162), and catcher Austin Hedges (.161) took seven at-bats combined (Hedges drew two walks in Game 1). When they rolled the dice on young talents such as right fielder George Valera and center fielder Chase DeLauter from Game 2 onward, the offense seemed to receive a modest jolt—perhaps a preview of coming attractions for 2026.

2. Small mistakes proved costly

Cleveland's defense-and-fundamentals-first approach—while undeniably entertaining to watch—had the adverse effect of shrinking the Guardians' margin of error to near zero. The trouble began for Cleveland in the first inning of Game 1, when Rodriguez misplayed a fly ball that opened the door for Detroit to score the first run of the series. Noel, too, made a costly error while playing out of his natural position (though manager Stephen Vogt correctly gave him credit for ensuring the play didn't go even more haywire).

Even third baseman José Ramírez—the Guardians' nerve center for over a decade now and a future first-ballot Hall of Famer—wasn't immune to the blunders Cleveland so carefully avoided late in the season. He ran into a crucial out in the ninth inning of Game 1, and in Game 3 appeared to slow up running to second base after a Tigers error—only for pitcher Will Vest to throw him out and extinguish the Guardians' last significant threat.

3. The Tigers beat them at their own game

On Sept. 23, Cleveland beat Detroit during its furious push for the division title with the help of a classic display of small ball. The Guardians stitched together two bunts, an infield hit, a wild pitch, a balk and a groundout to scrounge out three of their five runs in a 5–2 victory. It was part of a streak where every break in the American League seemed to be vacuumed into a black hole on the shores of Lake Erie.

As it turns out, the Tigers—a team, as ESPN announcers Sean McDonough and Todd Frazier pointed out, had five sacrifice hits —are quick learners. Detroit turned that formula back on Cleveland on multiple occasions this series, taking the lead in Game 1 on a well-placed bunt by third baseman Zach McKinstry (dubbed the "Zachrifice" by the Tigers' X account). Center fielder Parker Meadows, too, chipped in with a critical bunt in Game 3. The moral of this story for the Guardians may be the sheer fungibility of their luck-centric approach over the long term—but Cleveland fans can take heart in the knowledge that their front office's eagerness to control every variable has kept the Guardians one of baseball's most vital organizations for a decade and counting.

قدّم نادي بيراميدز شكوى رسمية لاتحاد الكرة ضد 3 حكام مصريين متّهمًا إياهم بارتكاب أخطاء تحكيمية مؤثرة في مباراتي الفريق أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية وبتروجيت، وما وصفه النادي بـ”الإخلال بمبدأ العدالة وتكافؤ الفرص”.

وجاء في الشكوى أن الحكم سيد منير الذي أدار مباراة بيراميدز أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية، اتخذ سلسلة من القرارات العكسية ضد لاعبي الفريق، إلى جانب تغاضيه عن إضاعة الوقت المتكرر من جانب لاعبي الكهرباء، مما أثّر على سير اللقاء وتسبّب في اعتراضات واسعة داخل الجهاز الفني.

وأشار بيراميدز إلى أن فوزه بالمباراة لا يعني تجاهل ما حدث، مؤكدًا ضرورة محاسبة الحكم على القرارات غير المفهومة التي صاحبت اللقاء، وعدم اعتبار النتيجة سببًا لإغلاق الملف.

طالع أيضًا | شوبير: أؤيد عدم انضمام لاعبي بيراميدز لمنتخب مصر والمشاركة في كأس إنتركونتينينتال

كما أبدى النادي اعتراضًا شديدًا على أداء الحكم محمد العتباني في مواجهة الفريق أمام بتروجت، خاصة بعد احتسابه ركلة جزاء مثيرة للجدل لصالح الفريق البترولي، رغم توصية تقنية الفيديو (VAR) بعدم احتسابها، واعتبر بيراميدز القرار خطأً حاسمًا أثّر في نتيجة المباراة.

وامتدت الشكوى إلى الحكم الرابع محمود رشدي، حيث أكد النادي أن تعامله مع المدير الفني يورشيتش كان “غير لائق”، مشيرًا إلى وقوع مناوشات بينهما وتدخله المستمر لمنع المدرب من توجيه لاعبيه داخل الملعب، مقابل مرونة أكبر وأجواء أكثر ودية في تعامله مع الجهاز الفني لبتروجيت.

وطالب بيراميدز اتحاد الكرة بفتح تحقيق عاجل في أداء الحكام الثلاثة، وتطبيق معايير المحاسبة، وضمان الاستخدام الصحيح لتقنية الفيديو، حفاظًا على نزاهة المنافسة ومنع تكرار الأخطاء التي تزايدت مؤخرًا.

Something is happening at Chelsea this season.

Enzo Maresca’s side blew Spanish champions Barcelona away in the Champions League last Tuesday and then followed that up with a sensational performance against Arsenal in the Premier League.

The Blues were by far the better team for most of the first half, and even after Moises Caicedo was sent off, they scored a goal and held on for a point.

Now, having the Ecuadorian out for three games is a problem, but Maresca could solve it by unleashing one of Chelsea’s most exciting young stars.

Chelsea's solutions to Caicedo's red card

With it highly unlikely that Caicedo’s ban will be overturned – if it’s even appealed – Chelsea need to come up with a solution for the next three games. This is a player who is renowned as one of the best midfielders in the world, a player of the calibre of a certain Declan Rice. Therefore, replacing him will not be easy.

One answer could be to keep Reece James in the middle of the park, drop Enzo Fernández back next to him to create a double pivot and start Cole Palmer ahead of them.

Now, this would be quite a change, but it would allow the captain to continue to boss games from a central area and bring the club’s best player back into the most important part of the team.

Moreover, if the Englishman is pulling the strings in the ten position, Estevao can keep his place on the right, where he tore Barça to bits last week.

However, if Enzo only wants to make one personnel change to the side to keep up momentum, he could be extra brave and bring one of Cobham’s most exciting youngsters into the side: Reggie Walsh.

The 17-year-old star in the making is someone who could slot in next to James in the midfield and, especially against a poor Leeds United, earn some brilliant experience.

It would certainly be a bold move, but even though he’s so young, the academy gem is seen as “truly ridiculous” talent, per Como scout Felix Johnston, and has already made four appearances for the senior side.

Yet, with all that said, there is a far more realistic and sensible option Maresca could go for.

Chelsea's ideal solution to Caicedo's red card

With Dario Essugo unlikely to be fit enough to play a significant role over the next three games, Maresca should turn to Andrey Santos to cover for Caicedo.

Chalkboard

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

The 21-year-old is still most certainly a little raw and clearly not the finished article, but there are a few reasons why he would be the perfect solution to the Blues’ problem.

The first is that with him being comfortable playing in central and defensive midfield, he could form a fluid partnership with James and Fernandez.

In other words, the three of them could rotate in and out of positions in the middle of the park, making life difficult for opposition defenders and attackers.

The second reason is that, thanks to his comfort in a variety of positions, he has developed a skill set that makes him effective in attack and, in the words of talent scout Jacek Kulig, a duel-winning “one-man war machine in midfield.”

For example, despite only playing 655 minutes across nine appearances this season, he has already produced four goal involvements.

His underlying numbers are also sensational.

Tackles Won

2.09

Top 3%

Tkl+Int

4.26

Top 7%

Goals + Assists

0.39

Top 8%

Pass Completion % (Long)

77.3%

Top 8%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.20

Top 9%

Goals/Shot

0.14

Top 15%

Clearances

2.33

Top 16%

Pass Completion %

88.3%

Top 17%

Fouls Drawn

1.74

Top 17%

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 3% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for tackles won, the top 8% for goals plus assists, the 13% for dribblers tackled and more, all per 90.

Finally, given his brilliant box-to-box skill set, he would add some more dynamism and explosiveness to the middle of the park, which, against teams like Leeds, could make the Blues impossible to live with.

Ultimately, while nobody in the Chelsea squad can replace Caicedo in a like-for-like capacity, Santos could bring something else to the side and keep the quality level high.

Chelsea star who saved Caicedo is their "most underappreciated player"

The underrated Chelsea ace made sure Caicedo’s red card didn’t cost Enzo Maresca’s men against Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 30, 2025

Mushfiqur and Litton scored centuries to lift Bangladesh to 476 earlier in the day

Mohammad Isam20-Nov-2025Ireland lost five wickets for 98 in reply to 476 to put Bangladesh in a strong position on the second day of the Dhaka Test. The day started with Mushfiqur Rahim reaching his century in his 100th Test, before the Bangladesh spinners got into their groove.Hasan Murad took two wickets, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam picked up one each so far. Ireland’s debutant Stephen Doheny and Lorcan Tucker were the unbeaten batters, on 2 and 11 respectively.When Ireland bowled earlier in the day, Andy McBrine completed his second six-wicket haul in Tests, both having come at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Matthew Humphreys and Gavin Hoey took two wickets each, making it the first instance of Ireland’s spinners taking all ten wickets in a Test innings.Mehidy Hasan Miraz celebrates after getting rid of Cade Carmichael•BCBPaul Stirling’s string of boundaries, including a slog-swept six off Taiju lslam, got Ireland off to a positive start. But he fell lbw to Khaled Ahmed for 27. Captain Andy Balbirnie was next to go, when Murad had him caught at slip for 21. Cade Carmichael became Miraz’s first victim when he fell lbw, camping on his backfoot to play the shot.Murad then bowled the ball of the day, his arm-ball sneaking past Curtis Campher’s defensive push. Taijul Islam then got into the act with Harry Tector’s wicket, as the batter went back to a slightly good length delivery, only to be trapped lbw for 14.Bangladesh’s 476 was built around centuries from Mushfiqur and Litton Das. Mushfiqur became the eleventh batter to score a century in his 100th Test. He completed his 13th century when he took a single off the ninth ball of the second day after being unbeaten on 99 overnight.Mushfiqur though lasted for a short while longer before Humphreys had him caught at second slip for 106. Litton too got to his century later in the first session, taking an adventurous route with a six and a four through the nineties. He added 123 runs for the sixth wicket, making it three century stands in a row.McBrine rounded off the Bangladesh innings after trapping Khaled Ahmed lbw, with 30 minutes remaining in the second session.