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Opener’s career best helps Middlesex reel in 388 target – the highest successful List A run chase in England as Alex Lees, David Bedingham tons go in vain

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay13-Aug-2025Opener Sam Robson’s stunning career best 169 not out off 139 balls helped Middlesex chase 388 – the highest ever successful List A run chase in England – to beat Durham by five wickets in a thrilling Metro Bank One Day Cup clash at the Banks Homes Riverside.Durham pair Alex Lees and David Bedingham hit contrasting centuries in their imposing 387 for 4. Having been inserted, it was the county’s highest ever home total in this format.Captain and opener Lees batted through for 138 not out off 132 balls and South African Bedingham blazed 107 off 67 with eight sixes. But it wasn’t enough to prevent a second defeat in four Group B matches.Robson, like Lees, batted with controlled aggression and was the cornerstone of a remarkable chase in perfect batting conditions, achieved in 48 overs. Middlesex won their second game in three to boost hopes of a top-three finish.A handful of counties have posted higher second-innings totals in List A matches, but no one had bettered Worcestershire’s successful pursuit of 377 to beat Leicestershire at New Road in 2018. Until today.Both teams lost a wicket in their first over.New-ball seamer Toby Roland-Jones bowled Emilio Gay for a golden duck with a beauty two balls into a sun-soaked contest. He was the day’s standout bowler with 1 for 43 from 10 overs.Much to the bemusement of representatives from both counties, India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal sat in Durham’s fan zone prior to the game.Leg-side dominant, Lees hit his two sixes over midwicket and wide long-on and shared 141 for the second wicket with in-form Will Rhodes from 1 for 1 in the opening over. Rhodes contributed a well-paced 63.While Lees became the first Durham player to score centuries in the County Championship, T20 Blast and One Day Cup in the same season, Bedingham was much more aggressive – vicious on the pull and down the ground.Lees was on 71 when Bedingham came to the crease, and there was a brief moment when the South African could have reached his hundred first. However, Lees got there off 106 balls, followed by Bedingham’s off 65.Luke Hollman took a superb catch at long-on to help teenaged seamer Jamie Feldman remove Bedingham at 289 for 3 in the 42nd over, though both sides were loose in the field.Colin Ackermann crashed 53 off 27 balls to give Durham the advantage at halfway.However, Middlesex responded in kind en-route to their highest List A total.Joe Cracknell was caught behind down leg pulling at Ben Raine.But, from 2 for 1, Robson and Josh De Caires advanced in dynamic fashion by sharing 120 inside 16 overs. The latter had contributed 63 off 48 balls when he was caught behind reverse sweeping against George Drissell’s off-spin.Middlesex reached 200 for 3 after 28 overs, by which time Durham’s new fast-bowling signing Archie Bailey had uprooted the middle stump of captain Ben Geddes for 24.Former England Test opener Robson, aged 36, was strong on both sides of the wicket without hitting a six until his side neared 300.The right-hander reached his fourth career century off 89 balls, by which time Middlesex were 237 for 3 in the 33rd over. Robson was in the midst of a 114 partnership with Jack Davies. Bailey bowled Davies for 61 off 42, at 280 for 4 in the 37th over, but Robson ploughed on.With 10 overs left, Middlesex needed 78, with Hollman now a helping hand. He contributed 47 to a near match-sealing partnership of 103 with Robson, who hit 19 fours and two sixes to record his county’s second-highest List A individual score.

The last few months have been a rollercoaster of emotions for Newcastle United.

We don’t dwell too much on that transfer saga during the transfer, but despite the form of new fan favourite, Nick Woltemade, the Toon have struggled to find consistency.

In the league, Eddie Howe’s men have won just two of their first eight games but in the Champions League, they are soaring high.

Defeat to Barcelona is no embarrassment and since then they have bounced back well, beating Union Saint Gilloise 4-0 in match week two and then seeing off Jose Mourinho’s Benfica 3-0 on Tuesday evening.

This was one of Newcastle’s best performances of the season, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes both on the scoresheet.

While Howe was missing Sandro Tonali, it was arguably no surprise that one of the best results of the campaign came when Anthony Elanga and Joelinton were both on the bench.

Elanga has failed to score since his mega-money £55m move from Nottingham Forest while it does look as though we’ve now seen the best of Joelinton in black and white.

Newcastle's Joelinton problem

After suffering a 2-1 defeat to Brighton last weekend, Howe rang the changes for the visit of Mourinho’s men.

Jacob Murphy – who assisted Gordon’s strike – came in for Elanga on the right flank while in midfield it was all change.

Jacob Ramsey and Lewis Miley came into the team at the expense of the unavailable Tonali and the out-of-form Joelinton.

The Italian is likely to walk back into the team once he returns to full fitness but the future of their Brazilian warrior is less certain.

The £40m man’s time in the north east has been that of a movie. He joined as the club’s record signing during the Steve Bruce era and was initially acquired as a centre-forward.

Yet, after bagging just two goals in his debut Premier League campaign with the Toon, an alternative solution was thought of.

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Howe’s arrival at St James’ Park coincided with Joelinton’s transition to become a central midfielder. Since then, he’s been a wonderful asset to the club. He’s been a mainstay, missing just nine top-flight games last term.

He was also vital as Newcastle ended their trophy drought in 2024/25. Journalist Craig Hope remarked that the 29-year-old had his “greatest game in black & white” during the final at Wembley.

Yet, 2025/26 has been a tale of woe for such a much-loved figure. The nadir of his season so far came in that game against Brighton.

Hauled off at half-time, he was criticised by various sections of the media, including Toon reporter Mark Douglas who said that he is now “nowhere near his best”.

Joelinton vs Brighton

Minutes played

45

Touches

39

Accurate passes

21

Dribbled past

2

Dribbles

0

Shots

0

Key passes

0

Crosses

0

Aerials lost

100%

While Joelinton’s downfall is sad, for the sake of Newcastle’s season, Howe needs fresh blood and that’s exactly what he got against Benfica on Tuesday.

Newcastle's Joelinton solution

During their 3-0 win in midweek, Howe turned to a midfield trio we have never seen play together before.

Bruno Guimaraes kept his place in the middle of the park but he was joined by summer signing Ramsey and young Miley.

Ramsey has missed a lot of football since moving to St James’, largely due to injury, and did perhaps struggle on Tuesday. The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder noted that the former Aston Villa man ‘did not fully grasp his opportunity’.

Yet, Miley certainly did. In fact, he’s grasped his opportunity incredibly well in the last two games. Hailed as “the next young English superstar” by BBC Sport’s Pat Nevin, it’s easy to see why comparisons to fellow academy graduate Elliot Anderson have begun to be made.

It was Miley who produced the assist for Woltemade’s goal against the Seagulls a few days ago and it was Miley who ran the show in the middle of the park against Benfica.

The aforementioned Ryder summed up his performance well, writing that ‘the teenager stepped up to the challenge with ease. He battled well against seasoned European campaigners and passed with purpose and showed no fear.’

No fear is precisely what the 19-year-old has showcased since bursting onto the scene. After all, it was the young Englishman who dazzled PSG as a 17-year-old during Newcastle’s last Champions League venture.

Miley’s career has been rather stop-start since then due to injury, but the few cameos we’ve seen from this week are a timely reminder of just how good a player Howe has on his hands.

His performance against Benfica was remarkably complete, something the numbers help substantiate.

Lewis Miley vs Benfica

Minutes played

90

Touches

51

Accurate passes

37/41 (90%)

Shots

2

Expected goals (xG)

0.53

Key passes

1

Tackles

2

Interceptions

2

Recoveries

5

Duels won

4/6

Stats via Sofascore.

He completed 90% of his passes and completed 100% of his pass attempts inside his own half, dictating the play beautifully. While he did not pick up an assist on this occasion, he did register a key pass and also had two shots.

Miley also demonstrated what a marvellous ball winner he is, winning both of his aerial battles and winning 50% of his ground duels.

This performance, in particular, should have made him undroppable for the game versus Fulham on Saturday. In the process, he may well put a permanent end to Joelinton’s Newcastle career too.

For the Brazilian, this should be the end of his time as a regular starter and it would not be a surprise if new sporting director Ross Wilson soon deemed him surplus to requirements.

Manuel Neuer is still going strong at Bayern Munich despite turning 39 earlier this year as the 2014 World Cup-winning goalkeeper has prevented Jonas Urbig from seizing his spot as the No.1. However, with Neuer's contract expiring at the end of the season, the veteran custodian has claimed that he needs to consider multiple factors before making any decision. Vincent Kompany also added that now is not the time to discuss Neuer's future.

Neuer's future at Bayern Munich not clear yet

There was intense speculation surrounding Neuer's future as a footballer after he announced his decision to retire from international football following Germany's quarter-final defeat to Spain at the 2024 European Championship. However, the rumours were dismissed after Neuer signed a new one-year extension with Bayern Munich earlier this year.

The 39-year-old continues to be a regular fixture in the starting lineup, playing in goal in 12 of the 15 games the Bavarian giants have contested in in the ongoing 2025-26 season. With the second half of the season fast approaching, the talk regarding Neuer's potential stay beyond next summer has started to intensify. Numerous reports over the past couple of weeks have claimed that Bayern are leading towards handing Neuer a new contract, which will see him remain at the Allianz Arena beyond his 40th birthday. Talks will reportedly take place in December.

"I have to take care of my bones," the iconic goalkeeper cheekily responded recently when asked about a possible contract extension. "It's getting late, and I'm already feeling it again," the 39-year-old said with a mischievous smile. "Let's see how it is when I get up."

AdvertisementAFPNeuer and Kompany not taking any 'pressure' over new contract

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Neuer said: "I’m totally relaxed about it. The most important thing is what we do with our team. I already hinted at this in the mixed zone, that my well-being will also be important. I'm taking my time and being totally relaxed, at least over the winter. Many factors come into play. It's a question of health, fitness, and motivation. But also, what happens with the club next season. I can't answer that myself because it's still far too early. Then, of course, we can always talk. Everything plays a role."

Head coach Vincent Kompany also shared his two cents on the situation at the same press conference. "There's absolutely no need for time pressure," the Belgian said. "The important thing is that he enjoys himself and continues to perform as he is currently doing. And at some point, there will be a time when this is discussed. But it's not an issue right now in November."

Bayern have faith in Urbig

Any possible contract renewal would be a big blow to the development of Urbig, whom Bayern signed from Cologne in January earlier this year. He made 12 appearances in the injury-enforced absence of Neuer in the second half of the 2024-25 season, showing enough glimpses of his talent. 

“When Jonas joined us, he immediately started in the Champions League against [Bayer] Leverkusen," Kompany told reporters last weekend. "Then came Inter Milan in the quarter-finals. He never disappointed; he helped the team when we needed it. During that time, we were very calm about his appearances. It was never about Jonas – I mean that in a positive way. He is part of our team, has shown that he can help us.

“We don’t need to increase the pressure on him. But when you have a keeper like Manuel Neuer, you can only build Jonas up calmly and not expect him to achieve everything Neuer has achieved in his career in just one or two games. We will build him up calmly. And when his moments come again, we will have just as much confidence in Jonas as we have had up to now."

Urbig does not seem too bothered about Neuer's potential renewal, claiming that he focuses on things he can control. However, he added that he is grateful to learn from the experienced duo of Neuer and Sven Ulreich. 

“These are things I don't really concern myself with,” he told recently. “Because it's not my place to comment on the decisions Manu makes, or the club makes. I concentrate on the day-to-day work with Manu, the goalkeeping team, and the squad. Our relationship is good; we work well together. It’s important to me to emphasise that we have a good relationship within the entire goalkeeping team. Manuel and Sven simply have an incredible amount of experience, which I can learn a lot from.”

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Getty Images SportBayern await Paris Saint-Germain challenge

Die Roten's record-breaking 15-game winning streak faces a serious threat in the form of PSG, with the two heavyweights set to clash at Parc des Princes on Tuesday evening in a high-octane Champions League encounter. Kompany and his troops will be aiming to avenge the Club World Cup quarter-final loss.

Cameras picked up Ted Lasso actor Jason Sudeikis in attendance at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night as Arsenal hosted Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. The American entertainer is known to be a huge sports fan and his presence at the game, given his alter ego's place within modern football culture, was an amusing side-note for fans of the world famous show.

Ted Lasso at the Emirates again!

Sudeikis was there as himself, rather than some kind of Ted Lasso cameo, dressed in a jacket and tie, flat cap and dark glasses. Richmond gear was nowhere to be seen. It's not the first time this season that he's been seen at an Arsenal game, attending August's season opener against Nottingham Forest, and is increasingly a known fan of Mikel Arteta's side. Still, Brendan Hunt, known for playing Lasso's assistant, Coach Beard, was alongside him.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportArsenal's good luck charm

Atletico Madrid have forged a reputation in the decade-plus that Diego Simeone has been at the helm as being one of Europe's toughest teams to beat. So for Arsenal to put four goals past them and prompt a full-on collapse – just 13 minutes elapsed betwen Gabriel putting the Gunners ahead and Viktor Gyokeres making it 4-0 – was certainly worthy of a few raised eyebrows.

Not a fan before Ted Lasso series began

Ted Lasso was born when Sudeikis starred as the character in a series of TV commercials advertising NBC's coverage of the Premier League in 2013, ironically depicted as the new Tottenham Hotspur head coach. But it wasn't until 2019 that a full series was commissioned, airing in 2020.

Sudeikis wasn't a soccer fan before taking on the role, but it has introduced him to the world's most popular sport. "I like it, yeah," he remarked in 2024. "I don't understand everything, but after the show, I started to enjoy it even further."

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Getty ImagesSolskjaer also attends

Sudeikis wasn't the only famous face spotted among the crowd. Ex-Manchester United boss and Old Trafford legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also seen watching on. The Norwegian was recently dismissed by Besiktas following successive Europa League and Conference League qualifying eliminations, only eight months after taking the job in Istanbul. It was Solskjaer's first role since leaving United in 2021.

It’s been a gruelling start to the season for Arsenal so far.

In their five Premier League games, Mikel Arteta’s side have played Liverpool and Manchester United away from home, and hosted Manchester City at the Emirates.

Then, in the Champions League, they kick-started their campaign away to Athletic Bilbao, who finished fourth in La Liga last season.

Fortunately, the Gunners’ opening League Cup fixture tonight is against what should be easier opposition in Port Vale. As such, Arteta has the chance to make some changes, including the dropping of Viktor Gyokeres, but not for Mikel Merino.

Why Gyokeres should be dropped

Now, while there are undoubtedly going to be some fans who want to see Gyokeres start tonight, there are several reasons why we think that is a bad idea, notably the state of the squad.

Jesus

Knee

01/26

Havertz

Knee

11/25

Madueke

Knee

11/25

Odegaard

Shoulder

09/25

Hincapie

Groin

N/A

Arsenal are already going through an injury crisis at the moment, and one of the players who is out of action and looks set to be out for some time longer is Kai Havertz.

So, while other players could start league games up top, the former Sporting CP star is the only natural option who plays there, and therefore, should be protected in a game like this.

Moreover, while some might argue that it’s the perfect fixture to help play the Swede into some form, the struggles of other top sides against lower opposition in recent weeks should serve as a warning that it may not be as easy as some expect.

In other words, if the Stockholm-born star starts and then doesn’t score against Port Vale, the narrative around his ability and suitability in this side will reach new levels and could totally derail his integration into the team.

Anyway, should the Gunners find themselves a couple of goals to the good late on in the game, Arteta could always bring him off the bench for 25 mins or so to run at a tired defence and grab a goal or two that way.

With all that said, then, the Spaniard has to drop Gyokeres to the bench tonight and go with another one of his attacking stars and not Merino.

The Arsenal star Arteta should start in place of Gyokeres

So, if Arteta does decide to start Merino in place of Gyokeres tonight, it wouldn’t be a terrible move, as we’ve already seen that he can do well up top.

Chalkboard

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

However, we think that the far better option for this game would be Gabriel Martinelli.

Yes, it’s not something he’s done all that often over the years, but the manager should play the former Ituano gem through the middle, and there are a few reasons why.

Firstly, the Brazilian is probably the club’s most inform attacker at the moment, as coming off the bench in Spain, he scored the opening goal and then provided an assist for Leandro Trossard to get the second.

Then on the weekend, as it looked like Man City were going to get all three points, he once again came off the bench to score a wonderful chip and prevent what would have been a minor disaster so early on in the campaign.

So with the 24-year-old being directly involved in the team’s last three goals, the manager should reward him with what would be just his second start of the season.

Another reason why he should be in the starting lineup is that, over the last few years, the rapid “monster,” as journalist Mark Mann-Bryans once dubbed him, has proven himself to be a real confidence player.

In other words, not only would starting him be the right thing to do as a reward for his form, but it’d also be best for the squad overall, as Arteta would have another inform free-scoring option he can call upon on the bench in league games.

Ultimately, Gyokeres should be rested tonight, and while Merino would likely do a fine job leading the line, Martinelli is in red-hot form in front of goal and deserves his chance to lead the line – it might just prove to be a game-changing development for Arsenal.

Saka rival: Arteta has another Madueke to unleash in "insane" Arsenal star

Arteta could turn to the incredibly exciting talent for Arsenal’s game tonight.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 24, 2025

After Thomas Frank’s appointment earlier this summer, no Tottenham Hotspur fan could’ve envisaged the perfect start the side has made to his tenure.

The Lilywhites have won both of their first two Premier League matches, scoring five times and keeping two clean sheets – a third of their tally from the previous campaign.

Their victory over Manchester City has undoubtedly been the best victory of the Dane’s spell in charge – restricting Pep Guardiola’s side to limited opportunities at the Etihad.

However, the 51-year-old is still hunting for further reinforcements in the transfer market, especially after missing out on Eberechi Eze to North London rivals Arsenal.

Numerous players have been on their radar over recent days, potentially offering the new boss the talent he craves in such a position for 2025/26 and beyond.

Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder

Over the last couple of days, Spurs made a £61m offer for Como star Nico Paz, highlighting the hierarchy’s ambitions of improving the squad before the September 1st deadline.

However, the offer for the Argentine was swiftly rejected by the Serie A side, with the player himself wanting to stay at Cesc Fàbregas’ side for the time being.

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As a result, the Lilywhites have moved on to different targets, resulting in Leicester City talent Bilal El Khannouss once again appearing on the club’s radar ahead of the end of the window.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Frank’s side have made the decision to enter the race, after Crystal Palace made a move to land the 21-year-old.

It’s been reported that he’s set to leave the Foxes before the end of the window, with a £22m transfer fee being mooted to prise the youngster away from the Foxes.

The playmaker had been widely expected to move to the Eagles but is now giving thought to moving to Spurs.

It’s alleged that ‘there is a serious possibility that he will choose’ Tottenham over Palace when he makes a decision on his future this week.

Why Spurs’ £22m target would be perfect for Kudus

Earlier this summer, Spurs landed the signature of Mohammed Kudus, costing £55m from West Ham United – becoming the first major signing of Frank’s tenure at the helm.

The Ghanaian, who can operate in numerous positions, has started both of the club’s Premier League outings – cementing his place at the top end of the Lilywhites squad.

Whilst he’s failed to get himself on the scoresheet, the 24-year-old has registered two assists in his first two outings – both of which came in the triumph over Burnley in North London.

His direct dribbling and ability to create carnage within the final third has already caught the eye of the supporters, potentially being a bargain despite his big-money transfer fee.

However, despite Kudus’ impressive start to life under Frank, he could reach the next level in the months ahead if the side land a deal for El Khannouss in the coming days.

Despite relegation from the Premier League last season, the youngster produced numerous impressive figures that would bring the hierarchy’s hunt for a new attacking midfielder to an end.

El Khannouss, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, ranked in the 90th percentile for passes into the final third (3.7) and the 86th percentile for progressive passes (5.3).

El Khannouss for Leicester in PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)	Tally
Games played	32
Goals & assists	5
Pass accuracy	75%
Progressive passes	5.3
Passes into the final third	3.7
Key passes made	1.7
Progressive carries	3.1
Carries into the final third	1.9
Take-on success	57%
Stats via FBref

Both figures would allow the Moroccan to provide countless chances for Kudus within attacking areas, helping the former Hammers star build on his impressive start to life at the Lilywhites.

He also completed 57% of the take-ons he attempted, whilst making 1.9 carries into the final third per 90 – having the ability to glide past the opposition and cause problems for the opposition in dangerous positions.

Such numbers are impressive, but the end product is just as important, something which El Khannouss has demonstrated by his tally of five combined goals and assists in England’s top-flight throughout 2024/25.

Given the Eagles’ interest in landing the 21-year-old, Frank and the Spurs hierarchy need to act quickly to make a move for his signature to avoid missing out on yet another summer target.

If they do land the youngster, it would be a bargain transfer and one that could hand Kudus the platform to reach the next level in his career during his stint in North London.

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Their own Paz: Spurs likely to see £47m bid accepted for "ridiculous" star

Spurs are looking for alternatives after their Nico Paz setback.

1

By
Will Miller

Aug 26, 2025

The hosts take on New Zealand in the tournament opener, having lost to them twice in the recent tri-series

Karthik Krishnaswamy18-Feb-20251:35

Urooj: Babar’s form is still a concern

Big picture: Pakistan vs New Zealand (again)We live in a time when the ODI is starved for attention, with the older sibling commanding instant respect for its age and wisdom and the younger one bawling at full lung capacity if you dare to look away while it cartwheels around the room. For all that, the middle child never fails to remind us how captivating it can be whenever a global tournament comes along. The last two ODI World Cups produced so many classics between them, and so many passages of play that showcased the variety of skills that this format can both compress and give breathing room to.Given how little we’ve seen of it over the last year-and-a-half or thereabouts, then, our appetite for the ODI should be at its peak, even if the Champions Trophy remains an awkward fit in the calendar and the interests of the ICC’s member boards. So much has happened since Sarfaraz Ahmed lifted this trophy eight years ago, enough for everyone to forget that it even exists, but here we are now, and here it is once again.We have Pakistan, the defending champions and (co-ish) hosts, to start us off, and they’ll face familiar foes in the tournament-opener. No visiting team has played more ODIs in this country than New Zealand’s 11 since the start of 2019, and they begin this Champions Trophy a mere five days after beating Pakistan in the final of an ODI tri-series. Karachi hosted that match, and will host this one too.Related

Rizwan says Rauf is 'fully fit' for Champions Trophy opener

It says something about the two teams that New Zealand and Pakistan finished fourth and fifth – just inside and just outside the knockouts spots – on the league tables of both the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, and that Pakistan won the head-to-head meetings both times. It speaks of two teams with potentially title-winning strengths as well as title-squandering flaws, and this, perhaps, makes it the ideal contest to kick things off.Form guidePakistan LWLWW (last five completed ODIs, most recent first)
New Zealand WWWLWIn the spotlightHe’s gone 21 innings without an ODI hundred, and while this wouldn’t be abnormal for most batters, Babar Azam isn’t most batters. That sequence only includes two single-digit scores, so it isn’t as if he’s been struggling, but few things will bring as much joy to Pakistan at the start of a global event on home soil as a big score from their until-recently-irreproachable run machine. He’s batting at the top of the order now rather than No. 3, so a score of significance will also ease any doubts Pakistan may have about the structure of their line-up.Rachin Ravindra was struck by the ball on his forehead during the tri-series•AFP/Getty ImagesIn the recently concluded tri-series, New Zealand’s spinners finished with a combined economy rate of 4.41, which was remarkable considering their Pakistan and South Africa counterparts went at 5.67 and 5.94 respectively. It speaks to the quality of Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, who picked up five wickets apiece during the tri-series at near-identical averages and economy rates. They form as enviable a spin combination as any in this tournament: a left-arm fingerspinner and an offspinner, both extremely handy with the bat.Team news: Rauf boost for PakistanHaris Rauf played no part in the recent ODI tri-series after going off the field with a side strain during the opening game against New Zealand. He has been bowling in the nets in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, though, and Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan was confident he would be fit to start the tournament-opener. This should leave Pakistan able to pick a full-strength XI.Pakistan (possible): 1 Fakhar Zaman, 2 Babar Azam, 3 Saud Shakeel, 4 Mohammad Rizwan (capt & wk), 5 Salman Agha, 6 Tayyab Tahir, 7 Khushdil Shah, 8 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar Ahmed.New Zealand go into the Champions Trophy with two of their original fast-bowling selections – Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears – out of the tournament. There’s also doubt over whether Rachin Ravindra – who hasn’t played a game since being struck on the head by the ball while fielding during the first match of the tri-series – will be fit to start, but the opener has been batting during training sessions in the lead-up to this tournament. New Zealand will take a call on him after their training session on Tuesday, with Will Young likely to open alongside Devon Conway should they decide not to risk Ravindra. Ferguson’s replacement Kyle Jamieson will not arrive in Karachi in time to be available for the first game.New Zealand: 1 Rachin Ravindra/Will Young, 2 Devon Conway, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner (capt), 9 Matt Henry, 10 Jacob Duffy, 11 Will O’Rourke.Pitch and conditionsKarachi hosted the last two matches of the recent tri-series, and they ended up as extremely dissimilar contests. On February 12, South Africa posted 352, the highest-ever total achieved at the venue, but that record only lasted a few hours as Pakistan hunted it down with an over to spare. Two days later, Will O’Rourke bagged four wickets and the unhittable Santner took 2 for 20 in his ten overs as Pakistan, electing to bat first in the final, were bundled out for 242, a total that New Zealand chased down with five wickets and 28 balls to spare.What sort of surface will the National Stadium serve up on Wednesday, then? Recent history suggests this is a testing venue for fast bowlers in ODIs, as their combined average of 33.67 and economy rate of 6.02 over this decade would attest. Where Lahore has tended to be just as harsh to spinners, however, Karachi has given them a modicum of respite; while their wickets have come at 45.50, they have only gone at 5.11 per over.Going by recent trends, pitches in global tournaments have tended to be good batting surfaces with something for bowlers to work with: the last three ICC ODI events – the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2019 and 2023 World Cups – finished with overall run rates of 5.54, 5.59 and 5.82 respectively.Wednesday is expected to be a warm day in Karachi with a high of 29 degrees Celsius, and little to no chance of rain.Stats and triviaNew Zealand (2000) and Pakistan (2017) both beat India in the final when they won their respective Champions Trophy titles.These two teams have met three times in the Champions Trophy, in 2000, 2006 and 2009, with New Zealand winning all three times.New Zealand have faced Pakistan 11 times in ODIs since the start of 2023, and the results have been neck-and-neck. While New Zealand have won five and lost six, they’ve won three of the last four meetings.Of the 47 New Zealand batters to score 1000 ODI runs, Daryl Mitchell has the best average (50.42). His strike rate of 97.89 is also hugely impressive, since all five batters above him on that list average below 30.Of the bowlers from the eight teams in this tournament, Shaheen Shah Afridi (21 at 22.04) is the highest wicket-taker in ODIs since the end of the 2023 World Cup.Babar, Fakhar Zaman and Faheem Ashraf are the only members of Pakistan’s squad who were also part of their victorious 2017 campaign.Quotes”We’re all equal whether someone’s a platinum or an emerging player. The senior players have a bit more pressure on them, and we expect ourselves to perform on the biggest occasions, and this is as big as it gets.”
“Anytime you’ve been in conditions you’re been coming up against is an advantage. We’re lucky we’ve been over here for a couple of weeks and played in Pakistan quite a bit over the last three years”

MatériaMais Notícias

Com dois gols de Tiquinho Soares e um de Eduardo, o Botafogo goleou o Corinthians por 3 a 0 na noite desta quinta-feira, no Nilton Santos, pelo Brasileirão. O Glorioso, com este resultado, chegou na liderança da competição com 100% de aproveitamento. O Timão, depois de empatar em casa com o Fortaleza, é dominado no Rio de Janeiro e vive uma situação preocupante sob comando do recém-contratado técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

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+ Lembre o escândalo da Máfia da Loteria Esportiva

O Botafogo começou jogando em um 4-2-3-1, com Júnior Santos e Victor Sá abertos pelos lados e Eduardo próximo de Tiquinho Soares na frente. O Corinthians, por outro lado, atuava em um 4-1-4-1, com Roni, Maycon e Matheus Araujo formando uma trinca no meio de campo.

+ ATUAÇÕES: Tiquinho Soares dá show e recebe a maior nota na quinta vitória consecutiva do Botafogo
+ ATUAÇÕES: Cássio comete pênalti infantil, Corinthians sofre na criação e é amassado pelo Botafogo

GOL DE TIQUINHO

O time de Luís Castro começou com uma intensidade alta em campo e foi coroado com um gol logo nos primeiros minutos de jogo. Após belo cruzamento de Marçal, Víctor Cuesta cabeceou no travessão e, no rebote, Tiquinho Soares empurrou para as redes, levando os torcedores ao delírio no Nilton Santos.

TIMÃO INOFENSIVO

O Timão, depois do gol sofrido, tentou explorar jogadas pelos lados, mas tinha dificuldades em realizar triangulações e ataques de perigo. O Glorioso aproveitava a vantagem no placar para explorar jogadas ataques com Júnior Santos e Víctor Sá, mas pecava na hora da finalização.

Vanderlei Luxemburgo tentava incentivar seus jogadores, mas não estava satisfeito com o que via em campo. O Corinthians só chegou perto do gol aos 30 minutos, quando Yuri Alberto finalizou de fora da área e Lucas Perri fez uma segura defesa. No fim do primeiro tempo, Júnior Santos recebeu livre pelo lado direito, mas chutou por cima do gol.

O Corinthians entrou no segundo tempo tentando controlar as ações do meio-campo e apostando na criatividade de Roger Guedes pelo lado esquerdo. O Botafogo buscava explorar os espaços deixados pelo adversário para contra-atacar em velocidade.

MAIS UM DELE

A estratégia do Glorioso acabou surtindo efeito. Depois de uma cobrança de falta do Timão, Gabriel Pires puxou um contra-ataque e acionou Júnior Santos em velocidade, que acabou sendo derrubado por Cássio dentro da área. Na cobrança de pênalti, Tiquinho Soares chutou forte e marcou seu segundo gol na partida.

CHOCOLATE NO NILTÃO

Depois do segundo gol, os jogadores corintianos não conseguiram reagir. No fim do jogo, Matías Segovia construiu um contra-ataque em velocidade e tocou para Eduardo marcar o terceiro gol. Aos gritos de “olé”, os comandados de Luís Castro administraram a vantagem no final da partida e venceram por 3 a 0 no Nilton Santos.

FICHA TÉCNICA
5ª RODADA DO BRASILEIRÃO
BOTAFOGO 3 X 0 CORINTHIANS

Estádio: Nilton Santos
Data e Hora: 11 de maio, às 19h30
Árbitro: Anderson Daronco (RS)
Assistentes: Bruno Boschilla (PR) e Jorge Eduardo Bernardi (RS)
VAR: Igor Junio Benevenuto de Oliveira (MG)
Onde Assistir: Premiere e Tempo Real do LANCE!
Gols: Tiquinho Soares (2) e Eduardo
Cartões Amarelos: Fábio Santos e Gil (Corinthians); Cuesta (Botafogo)

Botafogo (Técnico: Luís Castro)
Lucas Perri; Di Plácido, Adryelson, Víctor Cuesta e Marçal; Marlon Freitas, Gabriel Pires e Eduardo; Júnior Santos (Matías Segovia – 31/2°T), Victor Sá (Luis Henrique – 31/2°T) e Tiquinho Soares.

Corinthians (Técnico:: Vanderlei Luxemburgo)
Cássio; Fágner, Murillo, Gil e Fábio Santos (Bruno Méndez – 33/2°T) ; Roni, Maycon (Chrystian Barletta – 33/2°T), Matheus Araújo (Giuliano – 22/2°T), Adson (Wesley Teixeira – 22/2°T) , Roger Guedes e Yuri Alberto.

Newcastle United have been locked in purgatory this summer, with the feel-good factor of last term melting away with the hopes of signing so many top targets.

Last season’s Carabao Cup champions have added Anthony Elanga to their ranks for a £55m fee, solving one of Eddie Howe’s biggest problems, but the list of failed efforts for new first-team players is long, and Alexander Isak is now a wantaway striker too.

Though Newcastle are struggling to identify and lure in a new number nine, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has made it clear that “there’s a very good chance” Isak leaves the club this month.

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is the latest man to be linked with a move to the Newcastle centre-forward seat, but that’s not the only area of concern as Howe prepares for the looming campaign.

Newcastle lining up new targets

The only thing for it is to get back up from the wayside. Manchester United have won the race for Benjamin Sesko, the RB Leipzig striker favouring the Red Devils and that deal is progressing to the closing stages.

With Isak still anticipated to be leaving St. James’ Park, Newcastle have turned to other targets, but they also need to sign a defender this summer, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi at the top of Howe’s shopping list once again.

The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder has revealed that claims of an official approach are wide of the mark, but that the Toon’s interest is genuine as they push for a new centre-back.

With Liverpool also interested in signing the £40m-rated defender, Newcastle will be wary of falling flat in yet another Premier League transfer tussle.

And that’s why an alternative option has been earmarked.

Newcastle eyeing Guehi alternative

Well, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Newcastle have reached a verbal agreement with Malick Thiaw of AC Milan, though wrestling him away from the Serie A side will prove a tough test indeed.

Thiaw is one of Italian football’s most talented defenders, and the Rossoneri know it. Sky Germany have also made it known that the German, 23, has already been at the centre of a rejected €30m (£26m) bid from the Magpies.

Previous reports suggest that Milan are holding out for a deal in the region of £30m.

Why Malick Thiaw would be perfect for Newcastle

Over the past few seasons, Sven Botman has gone from being one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League to a luckless player whose fitness woes have restricted his playing time.

Heading back into the Champions League, defensive depth is essential, and Thiaw would be perfect on that front. The 23-year-old has completed 85 appearances since leaving boyhood club Schalke two years ago, winning the Supercoppa Italiana last term.

Given the ostensible figures involved, Thiaw might actually prove to be a better signing for Newcastle than Sesko would be. He’s certainly not the finished product, but then neither is the 22-year-old Sesko, whose signature comes attached to a jaw-dropping £74m fee despite only scoring 13 goals across 33 Bundesliga matches last season.

Though it is important that Newcastle sign a striker, is there any tangible evidence that Sesko would prove an auspicious signing for a Tyneside outfit in need of instant results, especially if Isak leaves?

One factor to note is that Thiaw has suffered his share of injury problems over the past few years, though not to the detriment of his progress.

Malick Thiaw – Career Injury History

Season

Days

Injuries

Games missed

24/25

36

2

7

23/24

85

2

16

21/22

32

3

6

20/21

13

1

3

Data via Transfermarkt

Considered to have the capacity to be a “monster in the air” by journalist Martino Puccio, the German has the sinewy physicality to succeed as a high-class Premier League defender.

Indeed, he won 64% of his aerial battles in Serie A last season, emphasising that point. Guehi, curiously, won only 54% of his aerial duels in the previous Premier League edition.

Moreover, he ranked among the top 6% of centre-halves across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion and the top 14% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, with his crisp and enterprising passing game drawing Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate as his most statistically comparable player.

Talking of Liverpool: AC Milan played out a pre-season friendly against Arne Slot’s Reds toward the end of July, and Thiaw produced a stunning performance, winning all six of his duels and making five tackles, as per Sofascore.

Now we know that this current iteration of the defender – who Milan so desperately want to keep – has made considerable progress to establish himself as one of his outfit’s most talented and proven players against the highest calibre of opponent that English football has to offer.

What of Sesko? Man United previously spent £72m on signing a similarly young and talented striker in Rasmus Hojlund, after all.

All this is not to say that Newcastle don’t need a centre-forward. Newcastle absolutely need a centre-forward. But they need the right striker, and splurging £74m on Sesko would come laced with all the perils.

Transfer Focus

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

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Shrewdly spending around £30m on Thiaw, however, to complete Howe’s line ahead of a multi-front campaign? Now that’s good business, and the Newcastle that we’ve come to know over the past several years.

Related He’s an Isak upgrade: Newcastle chasing “one of the best 9s in the world”

Newcastle’s bid for a centre-forward could be set to take another twist…

Posts 2 ByJoe Nuttall Aug 7, 2025

“I can promise you, they [are] going to get looked after amazingly well. The young cricket fans adore them”

Alex Malcolm31-Oct-2024

Wasim Akram: “I think if India come, it will be great for cricket, and of course, it’ll be great for Pakistan too”•Getty Images

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram believes India will get looked after “amazingly well” if they travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy in February next year and reckons it would be a great thing for cricket.”I think whatever I’m reading, there are positive vibes from [the] Indian government and [the] BCCI,” Akram said. “I also read somewhere they will play probably all their games in Lahore. They will probably come to Lahore and travel [back] the same night. I’m all for it, as long as India is comfortable.”And I can promise you, they [are] going to get looked after amazingly well. I mean, Indian cricketers like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, [Hardik] Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, they have fans in Pakistan. The young cricket fans adore them.”Related

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Champions Trophy 2025: PCB draft schedule has all India games in Lahore

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains intent on hosting the entire Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan between February 19 and March 9. It has even proposed to have all of India’s matches take place in Lahore, which is close to the Indian border and makes logistics and security hurdles less complicated. The PCB also said that it would grant about 17,000 visas to Indian fans who wanted to follow their team. The final will be held in Lahore, as will any semi-final that India play, if they qualify.Speaking ahead of Pakistan’s six-match ODI and T20I tour of Australia that begins on Monday, Akram was hopeful India would come to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy.”People-to-people contact is very important in this day and age,” he said. “In this social media age, there’s so much negativity all over the world, unnecessary negativity in my opinion, and I think if India come, it will be great for cricket, and of course, it’ll be great for Pakistan too.”India have not played an international match in Pakistan since 2008, and the UAE is believed to be the likeliest – though not only – alternate venue should any part of the Champions Trophy be moved out. The BCCI did not send a team to Pakistan last year for the Asia Cup, prompting the tournament to be shifted to a hybrid model with the latter stages played in Sri Lanka.But Pakistan did travel to India right after that for the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they missed out on a semi-final spot.Earlier this month, the ECB’s chief executive Richard Gould and chair Richard Thompson, said that there are “lots of different alternatives and contingencies available” in the event that India do not travel to Pakistan, raising the possibility of a hybrid model being used.The Champions Trophy will feature eight teams, with two groups of four, followed by semi-finals and a final. The competing teams are Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa.