Amir and Shadab make Pakistan smile again

They only played together in two of Pakistan’s 11 losses in a row, and their tandem act contributed significantly to ending that losing streak

Osman Samiuddin06-Jun-2019No wise man ever said that legspin and left-arm pace make the world right. Let’s just say that that speaks more to the wisdom of Pakistani men in particular, given how right their world has always looked with one of each.The simple fact of Mohammad Amir and Shadab Khan playing together in only two of Pakistan’s 11 losses in a row was not an insignificant contributor to their world being so wrong recently. Since the Champions Trophy final, where both were so key, they’ve played together in less than half of Pakistan’s ODIs. And the fact that they finally both bowled against England was, it follows, a fairly significant contributor to the ending of that losing streak.The pair took four wickets between them including the two, five overs apart, of Joe Root and Jos Buttler. That was the winning of the game. It was a collective bowling triumph – this was a bowling side that had the second-highest average coming into the World Cup and worst strike rate (from January 2018). They were also, on average, taking the fewest wickets per match.Hasan Ali was in a rut, Shaheen Afridi’s youth was catching up with him, Mohammad Hasnain was exciting but the time when rawness worked as surprise was gone two decades ago, and Wahab Riaz was on holiday until two weeks ago. This wasn’t an attack that looked like it could defend 348 precisely because it hadn’t only earlier this month.Mohammad Amir sends back Jos Buttler•Getty ImagesBut the individual wins can’t be ignored. Amir had gone through a drought unlike any in his career, and it had driven him mad – as much from the criticism as from the frustrations of bowling adequately but not picking up wickets. Who’d have blamed him if he thought he was undergoing some kind of karmic retribution, now that the legal toll had been taken?The headline was that he swung that first ball and boy did he ever swing it, full and late, curving in and turning Jonny Bairstow, for one ball only, into a tailender. For many Pakistani fans, that alone was worth the admission price and they won’t be the only ones who will cling to its memory: at some point in this tournament, even if it is for just that first over, it’ll be something Amir and whoever he is bowling to will remember.The swing went quickly, but only for Amir to unveil the non-sexy bits. He’s always been a sharp reader of contests and batsmen, just that everything else has often overshadowed that. One instance was the set-up of Root. Two balls angled across him to start, but neither wide enough to let him breathe out, a quick, accurate bouncer to squeeze harder, another angled across but no room so that an inside-edged boundary was and wasn’t an exhale, and then the mirage: fuller and wider. Come and get me, I’m your oxygen.It played on a pattern in Root’s career, having worked him into a state before doing it. Babar Azam dropping it at slip was the fingerprint on this otherwise perfect, gleaming black mirror, but the dismissal of Buttler later was plenty consolation. Amir, unafraid to go wide despite having been twice slice-driven over mid-off off such deliveries, went this time with a cutter and so got a little extra bounce for the edge – both those sliced fours had come soon after Buttler was beaten by almost this exact delivery.One of the more curious observations about Amir since his return has come from Mickey Arthur, that Amir is a big-game gun. It’s curious because such assessments sound glib and reductive, and yet you see Amir as he was at Trent Bridge – the opponent, the crowd, the occasion – and you think maybe there’s something to it. He was completely on, the eyes alive, body and mind primed, the pace up. It’s a tiny sample size, because Pakistan don’t play that many big games: a couple against India, some Tests in England, but in those games is not the Amir 2.0 seen and bemoaned on many other days.Shadab Khan is pumped after taking a wicket•AFPShadab, in plainer words, is a wonder, and his impact right through England’s chase reaffirmed this. He’s Sarfaraz Ahmed’s go-to guy in the early death overs, and here again his three from the 39th to 43rd, for just runs (plus Root’s wicket), were game-breaking. He concedes just 4.66 per over from overs 36 to 45, and among spinners who’ve bowled in at least 20 innings in that phase since his debut, only Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman (who have bowled a lot more overs against lower-quality opponents) have been more economical.It was those opening overs, though, where he self-corrected so quickly after a poor first over, that speak of the expanse of his gifts. He doesn’t like bowling with the new ball and the few times he’s done it – in T20s – results have been mixed enough for him to not be especially confident about it. Neither can it have been easy to be the legspinner to open against England in this tournament, the element of surprise long gone, and the chances of ending up a cheap, desperate imitation high. Still he pulled it off.Intriguingly he bowled only six googlies, intriguing because his wrong ‘un is a really good ‘un, and the days of using it sparingly to retain mystery are long past us. The white-ball googly is as abundant as it is successful. But he made up for it with what appears to be a new variation, one he is said to have been working on ever since Thisara Perera hit him for 22 in four balls in Lahore nearly two years ago.Shahid Afridi had a fun quicker ball but he generally delivered that seam-up, and it doubled up as a reminder that he could’ve been a proper fast bowler. Shadab’s been taking tips from Afridi but on close observation, the quick ball that did for Joe Root – 69mph – seemed to be delivered as a leg-break, or leg-cutter; that is, difficult as hell to pull off.To do it at the moment that he did – Root already on 107 and the game tipping wildly towards England – was a moment of genius. Won’t be his last either.

Conway ruled out of opening Test against Australia

Further scans on the opener’s thumb revealed damage from the blow he took in the T20I series

Alex Malcolm27-Feb-2024New Zealand opener Devon Conway has been ruled out of the opening Test against Australia in Wellington due to the thumb injury he sustained in the T20 series. Henry Nicholls has been called into the squad although Will Young will be Conway’s likely replacement at the top of the order.Conway damaged his left thumb while wicketkeeping in the second T20I in Auckland on Friday. Initial scans cleared him of a fracture but he did not keep or bat after the blow and was ruled out of the third match of the series. Further investigation has shown damage to the thumb.”It’s disappointing for Devon to be ruled out on the eve of an important match,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “He’s a class player batting at the top of the order for us and I know he was really looking forward to this series.”Related

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Conway will undergo further assessment during the week to ascertain the extent of the injury and the final diagnosis. The second Test starts in Christchurch on March 8.On Tuesday, Stead confirmed that Rachin Ravindra would be fit to play after being left out of the last two T20Is against Australia as a precaution following knee soreness. Daryl Mitchell is also fit to play after missing the second Test against South Africa and the entire T20I series against Australia to manage an ongoing issue with his heel.Neil Wagner announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday after being told he would not be selected in the two Tests against Australia. His place in the squad is a ceremonial one for this Wellington Test only.Mitchell Santner is in line to return to the XI•Getty ImagesNew Zealand played four fast bowlers in their last Test in Hamilton but Stead admitted that, despite winning the match, it was probably a selection mistake. Mitchell Santner looks likely to reclaim his spot in Wellington.”I think in hindsight, we probably got that wrong the way that the pitch did behave,” Stead said. “We’ve certainly got Mitch Santner here as that option and we’ll certainly consider him as well.”Skipper Tim Southee, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke look likely to be the trio of quicks with Scott Kuggeleijn the only other fast-bowling option in the squad. The pitch had a typically green look to it two days out from the first Test but those who have been to the middle said it looks very good and firm underneath despite the covering of live green grass.New Zealand have not beaten Australia in a Test at home since 1993 and have not beaten them anywhere since 2011, but Stead said the series represents an opportunity to improve their record against their neighbours.”We don’t play Australia that often, which is strange considering that they’re just across the Tasman there,” Stead said. “But, look, they always set the benchmark and are current world Test champions and they are that for a reason. They’re a very good side. But that’s our opportunity. And that’s for us to go out and I guess show our wares and we’re certainly looking forward to the challenge that is ahead.”

Jobe Bellingham completes €33m transfer to Borussia Dortmund as midfielder pens emotional letter to Sunderland fans after deciding to follow same path as brother Jude

Jobe Bellingham has completed his €33 million (£28m/$38m) transfer to Borussia Dortmund after bidding an emotional goodbye to Sunderland supporters.

Article continues below

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  • Bellingham leaves Sunderland
  • Joins Dortmund in a club-record sale
  • Penned heartfelt letter before travelling to Germany
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  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    After a sensational promotion campaign with Sunderland, Bellingham is leaving the Stadium of Light for a fresh challenge in the Bundesliga, just like his brother Jude did as a teenager. Before packing his bags for Germany, the 19-year-old took to social media to express deep gratitude to Black Cats fans, thanking them for their loyal support throughout his time on Wearside.

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  • WHAT JOBE SAID

    Taking to , Bellingham wrote: "Dear Sunderland, It’s time for me to say farewell to all the loyal people of Sunderland, who have powered me through two incredible years in Red & White. Your support, on so many occasions, has completely blown me away, especially in the times of adversity which we pulled through together. You welcomed me with open arms as a kid leaving home for the first time, and I am proud that our relationship has grown to be so strong ever since. Your support for the team and I since I arrived at your beloved club was unwavering, and for that I am forever indebted to you as people and supporters.

    "I will always represent Wearside in all that I strive to achieve for the rest of my career, wherever that may be. I hope that I have made you proud along the way, and in return you have made me the player that has reached the heights I find myself at today. So thank you. I will love and remember you fondly for the rest of my life, from the bottom of my heart. I tried to embody the passion you have for the city on the football pitch and I’m so incredibly delighted that our journey came to an end with a victory at Wembley to restore the club in its rightful place.

    To the staff, players & most importantly the supporters thank you so much & good luck for the future.

    Jobe, Adopted Mackem.❤️🤍"

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Bellingham’s move is not only symbolic in terms of talent loss, but it also marks the most expensive outgoing transfer in Sunderland’s history. The initial agreement with Dortmund is believed to be valued at €33m, with the possibility of €5m more in performance-based bonuses. If those bonus criteria are met, the deal would surpass the £30m Sunderland received from Everton for Jordan Pickford in 2017. Though his departure is a blow, the financial windfall provides a significant boost as Sunderland gear up for their first Premier League season in eight years.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Bellingham has inked a five-year deal with Dortmund that runs until 2030. His salary, starting at €3.5m (£3m/$4m) annually, is set to increase incrementally each year, a financial framework mirroring the one previously used for his older brother, Jude, during his highly successful stint with BVB between 2020 and 2023. Bellingham will initially wear the No.77 with his new club.

    Sunderland’s deal with Dortmund includes a 15 per cent sell-on clause, ensuring they’ll profit further should Bellingham eventually move on from the German side. Additionally, his former club, Birmingham City, stands to receive a cut from this transfer, courtesy of a similar clause inserted when they sanctioned his switch to Sunderland two years ago.

Grêmio vence o Cuiabá fora de casa no Brasileirão com brilho de Galdino

MatériaMais Notícias

da betcris: O Grêmio conquistou sua segunda vitória no Campeonato Brasileiro ao triunfar sobre o Cuiabá neste domingo, na Arena Pantanal, pelo placar de 2 a 1. Vina abriu o placar para os visitantes, Marllon empatou para o time da casa e Everton Galdino, poucos minutos depois de entrar, deu números finais à partida no segundo tempo.

+ Veja a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasGrêmioVÍDEO: veja os melhores momentos da vitória do Grêmio sobre o Cuiabá pelo BrasileirãoGrêmio30/04/2023GrêmioGaldino celebra gol decisivo em vitória do Grêmio: ‘Precisávamos vencer fora de casa’Grêmio30/04/2023Fora de CampoTorcedores do Grêmio se revoltam com gol do Cuiabá e pedem Adriel; veja reações da webFora de Campo30/04/2023

da luck: O Grêmio ganha seis posições na tabela de classificação com a vitória e assume o sétimo lugar, com seis pontos somados. Por outro lado, o Cuiabá entra na zona de rebaixamento, na 17ª colocação, e segue com apenas um — sem vitórias na competição após três jogos.

Na próxima rodada, as duas equipes entram em campo no dia 7 de maio, domingo. Enquanto o Cuiabá vai a Minas Gerais enfrentar o América-MG, no Independência, às 11h (de Brasília), o Grêmio recebe o Red Bull Bragantino na Arena, às 18h30.

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UM GOL PARA CADA LADO

O Grêmio iniciou a partida no ataque, e o Cuiabá não conseguiu evitar o gol logo na primeira chance perigosa da partida. Em cruzamento da direita de Fábio, Vina cabeceou e abriu o placar na Arena Pantanal. O jogo, bastante truncado e recheado por cartões amarelos, apresentou um ritmo mais lento após o primeiro tento.

+Torcedores do Grêmio se revoltam com gol do Cuiabá e pedem Adriel; veja reações da web

A temperatura da partida voltou a subir aos 28 minutos, quando Ceppelini cobrou escanteio na segunda trave e Alan Empereur ganhou da marcação, cabeceando para o meio área. Em meio à briga pela bola, Marllon se sobressaiu e empurrou a pelota para o fundo do gol, empatando o duelo.

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Até o fim do primeiro tempo, cada equipe ainda chegou perto de comemorar mais uma vez: Luis Suárez acertou a trave pelo Grêmio, e Emerson emendou por cima do gol tricolor na última chance do Cuiabá antes do apito final.

+Presidente do Grêmio descarta volta de Luan: ‘Preciso de atletas competitivos’

CUIABÁ PRESSIONA

Na volta do segundo tempo, o Grêmio tentou sufocar o Cuiabá logo que a bola rolou para buscar o segundo gol, mas foi o time da casa que assustou primeiro em cabeçada de Deyverson na trave. Ronald também levou perigo à meta de Gabriel Grando, mas o Tricolor acabou com a festa da torcida alguns minutos depois.

+Ronald, do Grêmio, admite ‘sonho realizado’ com convocação para Mundial Sub-20 na Argentina

BALDE DE ÁGUA FRIA NA TORCIDA DA CASA

Aos 22, alguns segundos depois de entrar em campo, Everton Galdino aproveitou rebote após chute de Nathan e anotou o segundo tento gremista. O Cuiabá, então, teve muitas dificuldades para reagir, mesmo jogando em casa.

+Próximos jogos do Grêmio: veja calendário, datas, horários e onde assistir às partidas

Com o Grêmio fechado na defesa, o time da casa tentou criar oportunidades, mas chegou mais perto de levar o terceiro do que de conquistar o empate. Luis Suárez quase marcou belo gol na segunda metade da etapa final, mas parou em boa defesa do goleiro Walter. E ficou por aí.

FICHA TÉCNICA
CUIABÁ 1 X 2 GRÊMIO

Estádio: Arena Pantanal, Cuiabá (MT)
Data e Hora: 30 de abril, às 18h30 (de Brasília)
​Árbitro: Bruno Arleu de Araújo (Fifa-RJ)
Assistentes: Bruno Boschilia (Fifa-PR) e Carlos Henrique Alves de Lima Filho (RJ)
Árbitro de vídeo: Rodrigo Nunes de Sá (Fifa-RJ)
Renda/Público: 21.385 presentes e R$ 1.444.980,00

Gols: Vina (GRE 0-1, 9’/1T), Marllon (CUI 1-1, 28’/1T) e Galdino (GRE 1-2, 22’/2T)

Cartão amarelo: Patric Calmon (CUI), Raniele (CUI), Ronald Lopes (CUI) e Deyverson (CUI); Bruno Alves (GRE), Kannemann (GRE), Diogo Barbosa (GRE), Mila (GRE) e Bitello (GRE)
Cartão vermelho: Patric Calmon (CUI)

CUIABÁ (Técnico: Ivo Vieira)

Walter, Mateusinho (Matheus Alexandre, 29’/2T), Alan Empereur, Marllon e Patric Calmon; Filipe Augusto (Isidro Pitta, 28’/2T), Raniele (Denilson, 24’/2T) e Ceppelini (Ronald Lopes, 13’/2T); Jonathan Cafu (Wellington Silva, 24’/2T), Emerson Negueba e Deyverson.

GRÊMIO (Técnico: Renato Portaluppi)

Gabriel Grando, Fábio (Thomas Luciano, 33’/2T), Bruno Alves, Kannemann e Diogo Barbosa; Lucas Silva (Bruno Uvini, 33’/2T), Mila (Zinho, 13’/2T), Bitello e Cristaldo (Nathan, 13’/2T); Vina (Galdino, 22’/2T) e Luis Suárez.

Liverpool ready to pay £60m+ for 18-goal star with same agent as Van Dijk

Liverpool are likely going to be Premier League champions this season and Arne Slot has already commenced building the foundations for exciting reinforcements to arrive at Anfield in the summer.

Liverpool look to maximise appeal in the summer window

Put bluntly, there will never be a better time for players to join Liverpool as they close in their a second title of the Premier League era. Fans had to watch from afar when the Reds claimed the crown in 2020/21, but there will be no such problems come May.

Arne Slot has taken the acclaim of a support that have witnessed their rejuvenated side race into an almost unassailable lead at the summit, though the Dutchman won’t want to stop there as he aims to build a legacy on Merseyside.

Liverpool managerArneSlotbefore the match

Making a start on summer targets, Liverpool are eyeing an ambitious £100 million bid for Real Madrid attacker Rodrygo should Mohamed Salah complete a dramatic departure.

The Egypt international has still yet to pen new terms alongside Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, potentially creating an unwanted scenario where high-profile replacements need to be identified as contingencies should the trio move on.

With Andy Robertson not getting any younger, the Reds have Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez high on their wishlist despite Real Madrid’s reported interest in the Hungary international. Getting one over the Champions League heavyweights would likely send out a signal that Liverpool are serious about being England’s dominant force for time to come.

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The club have made their decision about his future.

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Henry Jackson

Mar 22, 2025

Maximising appeal has to be the focus for Slot and company. Setting the bar high, the former Feyenoord boss is now ready to pay a premium to land one of Europe’s most exciting forwards once the window opens.

Liverpool ready to pay £60m+ for Atalanta's Ademola Lookman

Per a report in Spain, Liverpool are ready to strike for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman and have intentions of offering up to €75m (£63.1m) to secure a deal for the flamboyant winger.

Born in London, the 28-year-old represents Nigeria at international level and has registered 18 goals and seven assists in 32 appearances this campaign in all competitions.

Ademola Lookman’s key Serie A statistics in 2024/25

Goals

13

Assists

5

Chances created

49

Shots on target

31

Completed dribbles

28

Mohamed Salah’s key Premier League statistics in 2024/25

Goals

27

Assists

17

Chances created

69

Shots on target

55

Completed dribbles

51

Labelled “exceptional” by former Nigeria goalkeeper Idah Peterside, Lookman is believed to hold strained relations with Gian Piero Gasperini due to his recent comments on the former Everton winger’s missed penalty for Atalanta against Club Brugge in the Champions League.

The backlash from his boss has emboldened the player to seek a new challenge this summer, alerting Liverpool alongside divisional rivals Chelsea, who are also willing to commit to a sizeable prospective transfer.

Intriguingly, Lookman and Reds stalwart Van Dijk are both members of the ROOF agency, something that could ease the process of future negotiations.

Fighting off competition for the man in question has to be a priority for Slot. Nevertheless, few would argue they are at a disadvantage given Champions League qualification is guaranteed for 2025/26.

Best deal since Timber: Arsenal closing in on £25m star after Zubimendi

Arsenal’s summer spending spree is seemingly set to commence.

On Saturday morning, Fabrizio Romano reported that Martín Zubimendi “has now verbally agreed” to join Arsenal, claiming that the Gunners intend to trigger his release clause, which stands at €60m (£51m).

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior in action with Real Sociedad's MartinZubimendi

This deal has been in the pipeline for a while, with David Ornstein of The Athletic reporting back in January that they were “pursuing a deal” to sign the Spanish international, describing him as a “long-term target”.

Nevertheless, this is set to be just the start of Mikel Arteta’s mass summer squad rebuild, so are the Gunners also close to signing another La Liga star, who’d be the club’s best value-for-money signing since Jurriën Timber?

Latest on Arsenal's transfer search

According to a report by Miguel Delaney of the Independent, Arsenal are ‘close to signing’ Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García.

As noted by James McNicholas and David Ornstein of The Athletic, Arsenal spent all of last summer pursuing the 24-year-old, having “identified” the Spaniard as the perfect player to provide competition for his compatriot David Raya, but Espanyol were unwilling to negotiate any lower than his €30m (£25m) release clause.

The bad news for Arsenal is that the Blanquiazules are on course to avoid relegation, García’s release clause would reportedly have dropped to just £12.6m had the Catalan club finished in the bottom three, but Tom Allnutt of the Times still believes the Gunners plan to finalise this deal.

RCDEspanyol'sJoanGarciain action with FC Barcelona's Hector Fort

So, how will García improve Arteta’s squad, and will he be their latest bargain signing?

Arsenal's best value-for-money signings

Analyst Ben Mattinson labels García an “exciting goalkeeper”, praising his “cross claiming” and “composure on the ball”.

Meantime, Sive Vishwa of Breaking the Lines describes him as “dependable and aggressive”, forecasting that he will become “one of the best goalkeepers” of his generation.

Thus, at just £25m, García looks set to prove an absolute bargain, but who are some of Arsenal’s best value-for-money signings of the Arteta-era?

David Raya

2023

£27m

93

Jurriën Timber

2023

£34m

51

Leandro Trossard

2023

£27m

121

Jorginho

2023

£12m

78

Martin Ødegaard

2021

£30m

195

Gabriel Magalhães

2020

£27m

210

Timber in particular stands out as an excellent value-for-money signing, arriving from Ajax for just £34m two summers ago.

As outlined by Alex Howell of BBC Sport, the Dutchman is in the running to be named Arsenal’s player of the season, a remarkable achievement considering he played just 147 minutes during his first campaign in North London, suffering an ACL rupture on the opening day of the season against Nottingham Forest.

So, will García prove to be the Gunners’ latest bargain?

Well, for him to become that, he’ll need to play matches, and this won’t be easy considering current number one Raya has been “really impressive” according to Arteta, so let’s compare the two Spanish shot-stoppers.

Appearances

34

52

Minutes

3,060

4,710

Cleans sheets

7

18

Goals conceded

44

47

Shots on target faced

176

170

Saves

135

119

Save %

77.3%

74.1%

Post-shot xG – goals conceded

+9.3

+4.1

Crosses stopped %

9.6%

12.1%

Penalties faced

6

12

Penalties saved

2

2

Pass completion %

70.9%

73.9%

Long passes attempted

515

723

% of accurate long passes

39.6%

36.7%

As the table outlines, García’s statistics this season do compare favourably to Raya, made all the more impressive by the fact he is playing for an Espanyol side battling to avoid relegation from La Liga, having been promoted via the Segunda División play-offs last June.

Raya’s statistics are superior when it comes to high claims and passes completed, but García’s post-shot expected goals – goals allowed figure of +9.3, meaning he’s prevented over nine more goals than expected, is certainly eye-catching.

Across Europe’s top-five leagues, of all 204 goalkeepers who have featured this season, García ranks sixth for this metric, behind only Yehvann Diouf (Reims), Yahia Fofana (Angers), Vanja Milinković-Savić (Torino), Đorđe Petrović​​​​​​​ (Strasbourg) and Donovan Léon (Auxerre), with Raya down at 131st, according to FBref.com.

Transfer Focus

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

So, García will arrive in North London confident he can usurp his fellow Spaniard in the pecking order, suggesting he could prove to be fantastic value for money.

Vini & Yamal hybrid: Arsenal could sign 'one of the world's best dribblers'

The brilliant winger would be unreal for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 10, 2025

A 1000 T20Is in, what's your favourite memory?

We’ve picked 20 landmark moments from the first 1000 T20Is. Vote for your favourite

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Nov-2019From the very beginning, T20s at the international level have been a sporadic exercise, coming into focus during the World Cups played every few years. A number of memorable moments have come in those World T20s, with a few record-breaking feats coming in bilateral games. We’ve picked 20 landmark moments from the first 1000 T20Is. Which of these is your favourite?Is there any big one that pops up in your mind that we’ve missed? Let us know by tweeting us or mailing [email protected]

Ange must axe Johnson to unleash "unbelievable" Spurs talent instead

Tottenham Hotspur face Nottingham Forest tonight, looking to build on their tremendous victory in the Europa League against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night.

Ange Postecoglou’s side booked their place in the semi-finals, setting up a clash with Norwegian outfit Bodo Glimt, with the majority of their attention on such a fixture.

However, the Lilywhites will look to end their Premier League campaign on a high, in what has been a hugely disappointing one by their usual high standards.

They have the opportunity to dent Forest’s ambitions of securing a Champions League place, led by former boss Nuno Espírito Santo, who was sacked in North London after just 17 games in all competitions.

If Ange’s side are to claim all three points this evening, he will have to drop one player who’s failed to deliver when handed the opportunity from the start in recent weeks.

Why Ange should drop Johnson against Nottingham Forest

Welsh winger Brennan Johnson has failed to match his early-season form, which saw him register a goal in six consecutive games across all competitions.

The 23-year-old has only found the back of the net twice since the end of February, with his showing against Frankfurt in midweek certainly one to forget despite the victory.

He featured for 85 minutes of the contest, completing just 69% of the passes he attempted, whilst winning just two of the six duels he entered – often being dominated in the final third.

His total of just 22 touches, an average of one every 3.8 minutes, showcased his lack of impact when on the ball, needing to be replaced as a result of his poor showing.

With little to nothing left to play for other than pride in the league, Ange could take the clash with the Reds to experiment with his first-team, potentially handing a rare start to one other first-team member.

The player who Ange must start against Nottingham Forest

Injuries have massively plagued Ange throughout the majority of this season, hugely preventing any chance of rising up the table – having to often utilise players out of position.

Tottenham Hotspur manager AngePostecoglou

The likes of Archie Gray and Ben Davies have often had to fill the void at the heart of the defence, with numerous forwards missing, leaving Johnson with very little competition in the process.

Wilson Odobert is just one player who’s spent an extended period on the sidelines throughout 2024/25, restricting him from making an impact after his £25m move from Burnley last summer.

The Frenchman has only featured in 14 games across all competitions, most of which have come from the substitutes bench, but it hasn’t prevented him from making a huge impact.

In one of his most recent starts for the Lilywhites, he scored twice in the Europa League triumph over AZ Alkmaar – only making one start since his impressive showing nearly six weeks ago.

Whilst he was an unused substitute in the win on Thursday night, it could be an opportunity for Postecoglou to shuffle his pack and hand the 20-year-old just his sixth league start.

He’s completed 1.8 dribbles per 90 in the league to date, whilst also registering the same amount of efforts on goal, having the attacking threat to add to the front line.

Games played

10

Minutes played

448

Pass accuracy

86%

Successful dribbles

1.8

Shots taken

1.8

Duels won

4.3

Touches in opposition box

5.8

Odobert, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by Jacob Horsfall, has the drive and threat with the ball at his feet that could cause the opposition backline no end of trouble tonight.

It’s the perfect opportunity for the youngster to impress, potentially staking his claim for a starting role in the Europa League, having a massive part to play in their quest for a first trophy since 2008.

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2 ByBen Gray Apr 20, 2025

ميليتاو بعد الفوز على إسبانيول: نعمل بجد لتنفيذ تعليمات ألونسو.. وأحاول تجنب الإصابات

أبدى إيدير ميليتاو، مدافع نادي ريال مدريد، سعادته بالفوز الذي حققه فريقه اليوم السبت على حساب إسبانيول، ببطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى.

وتحدث ميليتاو عن هدفه الذي سجله في لقاء اليوم والذي جاء بشكل أكثر من رائع في شوط اللقاء الأول.

ميليتاو قدم مباراة كبيرة وسجل هدف ريال مدريد الأول، والذي جاء من تسديدة رائعة خارج منطقة الجزاء، عجز حارس مرمى إسبانيول عن التصدي لها.

اقرأ أيضًا .. ألونسو بعد فوز ريال مدريد على إسبانيول: قدمنا مباراة قوية وهذه خطتي بشأن بيلينجهام

وقال ميليتاو في حديثه إلى قناة “ريال مدريد”: “كان الهدف مميزًا وجاء من تسديدة رائعة، أحيانًا تحدث أشياء جيدة وهذا ما حدث اليوم، في التدريبات الأمر مختلف تمامًا عن المباريات”.

وعن استمرار ريال مدريد في تحقيق الانتصارات، أضاف ميليتاو في حديثه: “نحن نتحسن مع كل مباراة، نؤدي بشكل جيد وفقًا لتعليمات ألونسو، الفوز مهم لمواصلة الأداء الجيد”.

وأوضح الدولي البرازيلي: “هكذا يعمل الجميع، هناك مجموعة متحدة تنفذ تعليمات المدرب وهذه هي النتيجة”.

وعن تحسنه على المستوى البدني بعد إصابته في الرباط الصليبي، اختتم ميليتاو: “أشعر أنني بحالة جيدة جدًا، وأعمل كل يوم لتجنب أي إصابات أخرى والعودة إلى مستواي”.

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