Howe can fix Gordon blow by starting Newcastle "beast" out of position

Newcastle United’s astonishing rise under the wing of Eddie Howe reached its apotheosis (for now) when Liverpool were well beaten in the Carabao Cup final last week, ending a 70-year trophy drought on Tyneside.

After losing on the same stage at Wembley two years ago, after the frustrations of last season and last summer’s transfer window, Newcastle’s first team have showcased a remarkable knack for weathering adversity to immortalise themselves.

Lewis Hall and Sven Botman were absent through injury, while Anthony Gordon was suspended for the clash with the Merseysiders. The Magpies still prevailed.

However, the storms haven’t cleared yet on Tyneside, with Gordon perhaps facing a longer spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury during England’s World Cup qualifier against Albania.

Anthony Gordon's injury blow

Fans will take solace in Newcastle’s triumph in the final despite Gordon’s seat on the sidelines, but he’s a dynamic forward whose presence would be sorely missed over the business weeks of the season.

Tuchel’s words will have done little to mollify the anxieties of Newcastle’s supporters, but Gordon was pictured walking post-match, wearing a slight limp.

For now, we wait, but if the Three Lions star is to be sidelined for a large chunk of the season’s remainder, it could be a detrimental blow for Howe’s side.

He’s not quite been as destructive as last year, but Gordon, 24, would be a big miss if indeed ruled out for a prolonged stretch.

Harvey Barnes would be the obvious choice to replace his countryman on the left flank, but there’s someone else for Howe to consider (again).

Who should replace Gordon at Newcastle

Barnes is a sharpshooter, scorer of five Premier League goals this season despite only starting seven games. However, Howe clearly doesn’t like him playing from the outset all the time, and there’s another man who could slot into a Gordon-shaped hole over the coming weeks.

Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes

He’s principally a midfielder these days, but Joelinton could be the man for the job. The Brazilian joined Newcastle in a club-record £40m transfer and plummeted to the wayside as an ineffective striker. Steve Bruce refashioned him, then Howe made his own tweaks to create a fearsome new hybrid.

Julian Nagelsmann, who managed the 28-year-old at Hoffenheim, described his protegee as a “beast who is a nightmare to play against,” and that has certainly been the case over the past several years in England.

As per Sofascore, he’s averaged 5.4 ball recoveries, 5.7 successful duels, 2.1 tackles and 0.5 dribbles per top-flight fixture this year, with his powerhouse style making him a great candidate to shift from the middle and onto the left flank.

Howe has also praised the Brazilian for being “like gold dust,” so flexible and willing to compete across any number of different roles.

Only four of his 32 appearances across all competitions this year have been plied on the wing, but he’s made a positive impression when unleashed in the makeshift role.

Namely, Joelinton thrived at left wing when Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 at the City Ground back in November. He scored a fine goal, but it was the underlying data that highlighted his quality.

Finding the back of the net when it mattered, Joelinton still retained his trademark combativeness, winning a whopping ten duels, making three tackles and one interception, as per Sofascore.

02/04/25

Brentford (H)

4-2 loss

07/04/25

Leicester (A)

4-0 win

13/04/25

Man United (H)

2-0 win

16/04/25

Crystal Palace (H)

1-1 draw

19/04/25

Aston Villa (A)

3-0 win

The games are coming thick and fast alright. Someone of worthy physicality will be needed to pass with flying colours, and Joelinton might just be the man for the job, especially with Joe Willock waiting in the wings to slot in the midfield and combine so well with his South American teammate.

More assists than Gordon: Newcastle plotting move to sign "terrific" star

He’s enjoying an excellent season.

ByTom Cunningham Mar 20, 2025

أحمد الشيخ يعلن تفاصيل فشل انتقاله إلى الزمالك

كشف أحمد الشيخ لاعب الأهلي السابق، تفاصيل تلقيه عرضًا للانتقال إلى صفوف الزمالك بعد نهاية عقده مع القلعة الحمراء.

وقال أحمد الشيخ في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر”: “بعدما تركت الأهلي أصبحت لاعبًا حرًا، وكان يتبقى 48 ساعة على غلق باب القيد، وكانت لجنة التخطيط في الزمالك تضم أشرف قاسم وأيمن يونس، إلى جانب لجنة ثلاثية تدير النادي، وتحدث معي أيمن يونس للانضمام إلى الأبيض”.

طالع.. بالتفاصيل | زيزو يتقدم بشكوى جديدة ضد الزمالك

واستطرد: “الزمالك نادٍ كبير، وأنا معتاد على التواجد في أندية كبيرة، وقلت إنها ستكون تجربة جيدة، استخرت الله أكثر من مرة، واتفقت على كل شيء مع الزمالك، وقلت إنها فرصة لا تتكرر للجميع”. 

وواصل: “لكن في النهاية لم تتم الصفقة، وحدثت تفاصيل غير جيدة، وبعض الأشخاص في الزمالك تحدثوا عني بشكل سلبي”.

واختتم: “السوشيال ميديا مارست ضغطًا على الزمالك، ما أدى إلى عدم إتمام الصفقة، وكنت أتمنى أن يظل اسمي مرتبطًا بالنادي الأهلي”.

Boehly must sell Chelsea's "waste of money" who earns more than Nkunku

Chelsea were left with a big hole to fill in their team when first-choice centre-forward Nicolas Jackson suffered a muscular injury in February that was set to rule him out for up to eight weeks.

The Senegal international had scored nine goals and provided five assists in 22 Premier League starts this season, prior to that injury, and the Blues have missed his quality at the top end of the pitch in the subsequent weeks.

Enzo Maresca has had to find a solution to the number nine problem in recent weeks and has turned to France international Christopher Nkunku.

The French forward, who was signed for £52m from RB Leipzig in 2023, has only managed one goal and one assist in eight matches in all competitions since Jackson’s injury.

Chelsea's highest earners

Nkunku has, simply, not done enough to justify the £52m transfer fee or his reported wages of £195k-per-week, as he has managed just three goals and two assists in 25 Premier League games this season.

The former Leipzig star has severely underperformed in comparison to Jackson, who has scored more goals and provided more assists despite earning almost £100k less per week.

Chelsea’s highest earners (excluding loanees)

Player

Weekly wage

Reece James

£250k

Wesley Fofana

£215k

Christopher Nkunku

£195k

Enzo Fernandez

£180k

Marc Cucurella

£175k

Pedro Neto

£160k

Moises Caicedo

£150k

Cole Palmer

£130k

Tosin Adarabioyo

£100k

Nicolas Jackson

£100k

Wages via Capology

As you can see in the table above, Nkunku earns more than the likes of Cole Palmer, Jackson, and Pedro Neto, despite contributing less on the pitch in the top-flight.

He is not the only player on that list who has failed to live up to expectations, however, as Maresca must also ditch Wesley Fofana, who earns even more than the Frenchman, in the summer.

Why Chelsea should ditch Wesley Fofana

The Blues should brutally bin the France international in the summer transfer window as he has not proven himself to be a reliable figure for the club.

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Football FanCast’s Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

Chelsea swooped to sign Fofana for a staggering £75m from Premier League rivals Leicester City in the summer of 2022, but he has only made 35 appearances for the first-team to date.

Injuries have plagued his career at Stamford Bridge. However, that should not be used as an excuse for the recruitment team because the centre-back missed 63 games through injury in the 2021/22 campaign, 14 in the 2020/21 season, and 26 the year before that.

Former Real Madrid and Inter star Wesley Sneijder once claimed Fofana was a “waste of money” by Chelsea, and it is hard to argue with that assessment at this moment in time.

Wesley Fofana (Chelsea)

22/23

23/24

24/25

Injuries

2

1

1

Games missed

26

51

18

Premier League appearances

17

0

14

Premier League clean sheets

2

0

1

Error led to shot

0

0

2

Error led to goal

2

0

0

Stats via Sofascore & injuries via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the centre-back has made more errors that have led to shots or goals for the opposition than he has contributed to clean sheets in the top flight during his Chelsea career.

This suggests that the Blues spent £75m on an injury-prone and error-prone central defender, despite his injury record at Leicester warning them against such a big-money move.

Ultimately, Chelsea are reportedly paying Fofana a significant wage – even more than Nkunku and the likes of Palmer and Jackson – and he has not been able to pay them back with quality performances, or reliable availability, in return.

This is why Maresca must finally part ways with the flop in the summer transfer window, so that his exit can open up the space in the squad for Chelsea to recruit a centre-back who can offer more reliability – with performances and fitness.

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Mar 18, 2025

Jude Bellingham's Real Madrid vs Al Hilal, Ousmane Dembele’s PSG vs Atletico Madrid among top five Club World Cup group stage matches to watch

GOAL takes a look at the can't-miss matches in the Group Stage of this summer's competition

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is just days away, and anticipation is higher than ever. Thirty-two teams are set to clash, going head-to-head in the expanded format of the marquee summer competition, and some scintillating matches are on the cards.

Clubs from six of the seven continents around the world are sending representatives to the competitions, and as a result, there are some fantastic storylines early on in the competition. With nearly $1 billion in prize money being handed out to all participating teams, the stakes are higher than ever.

From the opening match featuring Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly to a European showdown between giants Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, GOAL takes a look at the top five Group Stage matches to watch ahead of this summer's competition.

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    Inter Miami vs. Al Ahly

    When: Saturday, June 14 – 8 p.m. ET

    Where: Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, FL

    Why: It's the opening match of the competition, it's the game that sets a precedent for the tournament, and it's a "home" match for Lionel Messi and the The contest will serve as the beginning of a month of footballing festivities around the competition, while establishing the excitement and hype for the tournament.

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    Atletico Madrid vs. PSG

    When: Sunday, June 15 – 3 p.m. ET

    Where: Rose Bowl – Pasadena, CA

    Why: Two global powerhouses going at it, and two intense managers in Luis Enrique and Diego Simeone, who have opposite ideals, battling it out on the touchline – for fans, this is a final in the Group Stage. Simeone and Atletico Madrid are a possession-based team who are known for their defensive prowess around Europe. Enrique's PSG, meanwhile, are the reigning European champions and offer a blockbuster attack that tore apart some of Europe's best this season.

    This will be a thrilling affair.

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    Real Madrid vs. Al Hilal

    When: Wednesday, June 18 – 3 p.m. ET

    Where: Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, FL

    Why: Saudi Arabia's best club over the past two years, Aleksandr Mitrovic and Co. will look to make a statement at the tournament this summer – and it begins with a tango against Madrid, meanwhile, will look to start their tournament out hot as they look to claim their sixth Club World Cup title with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham in their ranks. Former Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo is set to return from injury for the competition, handing the Asian outfit a massive boost, too.

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    Bayern Munich vs. Boca Juniors

    When: Friday, June 20 – 9 p.m. ET

    Where: Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, FL

    Why: A crossover between continental giants, Harry Kane and the Bundesliga powerhouse will clash with Edinson Cavani and the Argentine club in a highly anticipated contest. The greater Miami area is home to one of the largest Argentine populations in the USA, and Bayern have one of the biggest American fanbase contingents as well, meaning both clubs should be well-represented in the stands for this showcase.

Harmanpreet aces the chase after bowlers stifle Bangladesh

Vastrakar and Deepti were miserly while debutant Minnu Mani picked up her first maiden wicket

Ashish Pant09-Jul-2023Miserly bowling spells from Pooja Vastrakar and Deepti Sharma, followed by a quick fifty from Harmanpreet Kaur, set up a straightforward seven-wicket win for India over Bangladesh in their first international outing in over four months.Bowling first, India restricted Bangladesh to 114 for 5, with Vastrakar and Deepti drying the runs before Harmanpreet’s unbeaten 35-ball 54 and Smriti Mandhana’s 34-ball 38 sealed victory for the visitors with 22 balls left.Bangladesh start strong in helpful bowling conditionsWith conditions overcast and the surface having a tinge of green, Harmanpreet had no hesitation fielding first. Her decision was vindicated with Vastrakar starting with a maiden, finding generous movement in the air. It was Minnu Mani, one of the two India debutants, who struck the first blow, getting rid of Shamima Sultana. Despite being struck for a four and six off the previous two balls, Mani stuck to her plan of keeping it slow outside off. Sultana went for one shot too many and holed out at deep square leg.Shathi Rani, also on debut for Bangladesh, took down Amanjot Kaur for three successive fours as the hosts reached 46 for 1 after seven overs, starting to look comfortable. Bowlers squeeze, Shorna shores Bangladesh upWhile the quicks got movement, the spinners also found sharp turn and bounce, and Hamanpreet was quick to ring in the changes. Vastrakar roughed Rani up with a few bumpers before sending down a quick one to rattle her stumps. And once Rani fell, the runs slowed down to a trickle. Bangladesh managed the solitary boundary between overs eight to 16, also lost three wickets in the period.Their run-rate came down to five an over, and the captain Nigar Sultana’s needless run-out hurt them further. Deepti was at her miserly best, mixing her lengths and varying her speeds, and got good support from Vastrakar and the two debutants – Mani and B Anusha.Only Shorna Akter’s late blows helped Bangladesh go past the 100-mark. On 6 off 16 at one stage, she struck two sixes to finish unbeaten on a run-a-ball 28, helping Bangladesh creep up to 114 for 5. Harmanpreet, Mandhana set up India’s easy chaseDefending a small score, Bangladesh couldn’t have asked for a better start with Marufa Akter trapping Shafali Varma, who played all around an in-dipper, in her first over. Jemimah Rodrigues struck a couple of crisp fours but was soon cleaned up by Sultana Khatun for 11.Mandhana and Harmanpreet, however, made sure the Bangladesh celebrations were short-lived. Mandhana got going with a four past point in the second over before slamming Marufa for back-to-back fours either side of the wicket right after Rodrigues’ dismissal. Harmanpreet also cashed in early as India reached 41 for 2 at the end of six overs.The duo made sure to capitalise on every loose ball, of which there were plenty, adding 70 off 55 balls for the third wicket. By the time Mandhana danced down the track only to be stumped for 38, the game was in India’s grasp.Harmanpreet, who was dropped on 24, did the final honours. She opened up her shoulders, smashing Rabeya Khan for a six and four, before bringing up her 11th T20I fifty off just 34 balls in the 17th over with a six over deep midwicket. The very next ball brought about the end of the game with Harmanpreet fittingly finishing things off with a four through midwicket again.

'Shaking in his pants!' – Rasmus Hojlund loses international spot to ex-Arsenal striker Mika Biereth as Man Utd flop feels wrath of Danish media

Manchester United flop Rasmus Hojlund has been told he should be "shaking in his pants" after losing his starting spot as Denmark’s main striker.

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Hit four Premier League goals in 2024-25Red Devils being linked with a new No.9Striker enduring struggles with club & countryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The 22-year-old frontman was supposed to be a long-term option to lead the line for club and country after making early progress in his career at Sturm Graz and Atalanta. A £72 million ($97m) transfer took him to Old Trafford in the summer of 2023.

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Hojlund has registered just 26 goals through 95 appearances for the Red Devils, with only four efforts recorded in the Premier League last season. He has started to drift out of favour there, with United now being heavily linked with Sporting sensation Viktor Gyokeres.

DID YOU KNOW?

Hojlund also finds himself slipping into reverse at international level, with Denmark favouring Mika Biereth in their No.9 berth for a friendly date with Lithuania. He found the target in a 5-0 victory, while drawing a red card from a hefty challenge, while strike partner Kasper Dolberg also hit the net.

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GettyWHAT DANISH MEDIA SAID

Biereth is considered to have put in a "venomous" performance, with Danish media outlet claiming that: "Hojlund must be shaking his pants by now. He has been overtaken." United’s No.9 was given just 18 minutes off the bench, and made little impact.

Vincent Kompany in awe of 'special' Lionel Messi lighting up Club World Cup at 37 as Bayern Munich boss urges fans to 'cherish every moment' Inter Miami superstar is on the pitch

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has been blown away by Lionel Messi at the Club World Cup and says fans should cherish the Inter Miami star.

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Messi impressing at tournament with Inter MiamiKompany can't believe what he's seeingUrges fans to cherish every momentFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Messi rolled back the years yet again for Inter Miami against Porto at the Club World Cup. The Argentina international sealed a comeback win with a stunning free-kick to give the MLS side an excellent chance of reaching the knockout stages after taking four points from their first two games.

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Messi has been wowing fans across the globe since making his debut for Barcelona at the age of just 16. The Inter Miami superstar will celebrate his 38th birthday during the Club World Cup and Bayern boss Kompany, who turned 39 in April, says he is amazed that Messi can continue to produce the goods.

Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream nowWHAT KOMPANY SAID

He told reporters: "Inter Miami they have a special, special player there. I think he's my age. I don't know how he still does it. We are still watching these games and I think we have to cherish every moment Messi's on the pitch."

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

Messi and Inter Miami play their final group game at the tournament on Monday against Brazilian side Palmeiras. Kompany's Bayern will wrap up their group stage campaign on Tuesday against Benfica.

'Error of judgement' – Tottenham apologise for blocking own fans on social media over Manor Solomon comments with winger still 'stranded in Israel'

Tottenham have apologised after their social media team manually blocked Spurs fans for comments under a post which included winger Manor Solomon.

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  • Tottenham apologise for social media activity
  • Fans were blocked manually
  • Solomon stuck in Israel after wedding
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Tottenham were forced to apologise after their social media team blocked accounts responding to a post which included a photo of Solomon's wedding. Some comments referred to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with Solomon previously sharing his support for Israel, his homeland.

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    An internal review found some social media users who posted their support for Palestine under the post were manually blocked by Spurs' social media team. The club already has an automated process in place for banning users who use abusive or threatening behaviour towards any of their players.

  • WHAT TOTTENHAM SAID

    A Tottenham statement delivered to reads: "We have been made aware of a number of X accounts that have been blocked manually by the club's social media team following posts aimed at one of our players related to the current conflict in the Middle East.

    "Following an internal review, we recognise some of these posts do not meet the threshold of malicious communication defined in our policy and we acknowledge an error of judgment has been made in these instances. We have unblocked these accounts and are reviewing our internal procedures.

    "The club should like to wholeheartedly apologise to those impacted. We continue to stand for peace and acceptance for all, while standing firmly against all forms of abuse and discrimination."

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Solomon is currently stuck in Israel, having flown back to the region for his wedding. Their country's airspace has been closed due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, but Spurs have confirmed they are in contact with the 25-year-old regarding a return to the United Kingdom.

Saka's return could spell trouble for Arsenal star who's "not at the level"

It was a night of mixed emotions for Arsenal on Tuesday.

Mikel Arteta lost another player to a hamstring injury, this time Gabriel Magalhaes, but the team picked up all three points at home to Fulham, and Bukayo Saka made his long-awaited return.

Moreover, the Hale End icon scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal just seven minutes after coming off the bench.

The importance of the Englishman’s return cannot be overstated, although it could spell trouble for one of the club’s leaders.

Saka's importance to Arsenal

It was on December 21st, away to Crystal Palace, that Saka injured his hamstring, and since then, the points gap to Liverpool has grown from just seven points to 12.

If that wasn’t evidence enough of the winger’s importance, then how about the fact that of the 13 league games he’s missed this season – including the away defeat to Bournemouth – the North Londoners have dropped points on six occasions.

Those included four draws against Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester United, plus the defeats against West Ham United and the Cherries.

Arsenal’s PL record

Data

With Saka

Without Saka

Games

17

13

Wins

10

7

Draws

6

4

Losses

1

2

Points per Game

2.11

1.92

All Data via Transfermarkt

In comparison, the Gunners have dropped points in just seven of the 17 league games the mercurial winger has played this season, courtesy of six draws and one loss.

That means that when Saka plays in the Premier League this season, the Gunners have averaged 2.11 points per game, whereas when he has not played, they’ve averaged just 1.92, which is a significant drop.

In short, the fact he’s back in action is brilliant news for the club, but it could be less so for one of Arteta’s regular starters.

The Arsenal star who might be in trouble

So, there might be a number of you who assume the player who could miss due to Saka’s return is Ethan Nwaneri, and while that’s a perfectly logical assumption, it’s not.

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

In fact, due to the teenager’s own impressive form this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in 1153 minutes of action, and the fact he’s more than capable of playing in the middle of the park, we would not be surprised to see Arteta move him there for the game tomorrow, in place of Martin Odegaard.

Yes, the starter in danger is none other than the club captain, who may be an incredibly talented midfielder in his own right but has been undeniably poor this season.

For example, despite the fact he is supposed to be the creative hub of the team, the Drammen-born international has only scored five goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances this season, which comes out to a disappointing average of a goal involvement every 2.53 games.

That’s a not-so-insignificant drop from his 22 goal involvements in 48 appearances last season, an average of one every 2.18 games, and worse yet, his actual performances have been far more frustrating this year, as he consistently struggles to make his mark on games.

Odegaard’s recent seasons

Season

22/23

23/24

24/25

Appearances

45

48

33

Minutes

3404′

4053′

2579′

Goals

15

11

5

Assists

7

11

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.48

0.45

0.39

Minutes per Goal Involvement

154.72′

184.22

198.38′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

It was the same story on Tuesday, as the Standard’s Dom Smith awarded him a 6/10 match rating, writing that he ‘should have done better’ with the opportunities he received and that it just ‘didn’t quite happen for him’ on the night.

Fans are also starting to lose their patience somewhat, with content creator Rimedi arguing he’s “not at the level” at the moment while fellow content creator Alex Moneypenny claimed he was “falling out of love” with the Norwegian following another dismal showing.

Ultimately, Odegaard is an incredibly talented player, but he has not shown that this year, and with Saka back at right-wing and Nwaneri in red-hot form and capable of playing in attacking midfield, he might be in real danger of losing his place in the team.

Berta has also held Arsenal talks with £50m star alongside Nico Williams

The Italian’s personally reached out to another player.

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Emilio Galantini

Apr 4, 2025

Nicholas Pooran, Akeal Hosein win battle of nerves to make it 2-0 for West Indies

Tilak Varma’s fifty on tricky track went in vain as West Indies overcame a mid-chase slide of 4 for 3 to edge home by two wickets

Himanshu Agrawal06-Aug-20231:20

Jaffer: ‘Hardik not giving Chahal a fourth over shocks me’

West Indies beat India in back-to-back T20Is for the first time since 2016, thus giving themselves every chance of triumphing over India in a T20I series (two games or more) for the first time in seven years. But none of this was without drama. With 27 runs to get off 37 balls and six wickets still in hand in the chase of 153, West Indies lost 4 for 3 in the space of 13 deliveries, their smooth progress hitting serious turbulence.Who would have thought then that they would win with seven balls to spare? Eventually, it took an unbroken ninth-wicket partnership of 26 between Nos. 9 and 10 Akeal Hosein and Alzarri Joseph to get their side home.But before rescuing West Indies with the bat, both Hosein and Joseph grabbed two wickets each – as did Romario Shepherd – to set the base for the win by restricting India to 152. Nicholas Pooran then led the effort with the bat, clobbering 67 off 40 balls with six fours and four sixes to keep India under pressure for most of the chase.Powell’s calls, bowlers’ execution spot onRovman Powell had lost the toss, but his tactics ensured India’s batters hardly ever felt settled on a pitch where the ball was gripping and turning. Throughout India’s innings, there were only two occasions when a West Indies bowler bowled at least two overs in a row. And even that first happened only when Jason Holder bowled the ninth and 11th overs, with the constant rotation of bowlers not allowing India any momentum.Obed McCoy, Holder, Hosein and Joseph executed the plan to perfection, combining to grab 4 for 111 across 16 overs – an economy rate of less than seven an over – across multiple change-ups. There were fast ones zipping and skidding through on the two-paced pitch – from the pace bowlers and the left-arm spinner Hosein alike – as well as slower balls, cutters and turning deliveries, which India’s batters could not get a hold of.West Indies got everything they could have hoped for on Sunday to keep India in check: the slowness of the pitch playing a part in a leading edge from Shubman Gill, a direct-hit to run Suryakumar Yadav out, turn to have Sanju Samson stumped, and pace and accuracy to clean up Hardik Pandya and Ishan Kishan. Batting was difficult on this track in general too, as India struggling to 53 for 2 off the first nine overs indicated.Ishan Kishan was cleaned up by Romario Shepherd•Associated PressTilak’s maturity holds India togetherOn debut in the previous game, Tilak Varma wasn’t afraid of pulling back-to-back sixes to open his runs tally despite India having not started well in the chase. He hit 39 from 22 balls there, in Tarouba, as India fell just short. Three days later, Tilak was happy to play anchor. He came in at 18 for 2 in the fourth over, with Gill and Suryakumar’s lean returns continuing.Despite hitting two boundaries, Tilak was only on 21 off his first 24 balls. But even then those fours hinted at his confidence: the first was a clean loft over mid-on, the next a bold scoop over short-fine leg. He ultimately upped the tempo and finished with 51 from 41, though he did enjoy some luck.When on 25, his pull shot was anticipated by Shepherd at short fine leg, where he stuck his right hand up only for the ball to brush it and trickle to the rope; on 30, McCoy ran and dived to his left from long-on, but dropped another tough chance. But a reverse-sweep for four and a heave over short fine for six soon after showed Tilak still wasn’t afraid to take his chances.Pooran shakes India upPooran had arrived at the crease with West Indies 2 for 2 after four balls, and managed only a single from his first five deliveries. But he then came to life as if abruptly waking up from deep sleep. Pandya was heaved over long-on for six and slashed through point for four in the third over; Mukesh Kumar was slapped and drilled through cover for fours in the fifth; and Ravi Bishnoi was deposited for 4, 6, 4, 4 to end the powerplay.That gave West Indies 61 runs off the first six overs, and Pooran got to his half-century off 29 balls to start the tenth over. It all looked rosy for West Indies while he was at the crease, before his dismissal triggered that mini-collapse and set nerves jangling in their dressing room. Fortunately for them, a stoic Hosein and Joseph were up to their task.

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