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William Porterfield, the Ireland captain, admitted his side had “let a few people down” by surrendering tamely to Pakistan in the first of two one-dayers in Belfast

ESPNcricinfo staff29-May-2011

William Porterfield, the Ireland captain, said his side had “let a few people down” by surrendering tamely to Pakistan in the first of two one-dayers in Belfast, and put his side’s disappointing performance of 96 all out down to a lack of application with the bat. Opener Paul Stirling got them off to a flyer in the rain-reduced game, but once he departed, Ireland, to their detriment, did not rein in their strokeplay on a pitch that was offering the seamers a fair bit of assistance.”The way Paul started I think a few lads got caught up in that and thought it was a bit flatter,” Porterfield said. “It did seam about a bit and there were some poor shots. It was going to be difficult but I don’t think we acquitted ourselves as we should have.”There were too many bad shots and not enough application at the crease, especially after losing a couple of early wickets which can happen on any day. I think to keep losing wickets, we just folded too easily. We never put a partnership together. You never know on a wicket like that if you can scrap 160 or 170 in a reduced game you can contain teams and put them under pressure.”The series is a significant one for Ireland, as the ICC chief executive committee meets in a month’s time to discuss whether to overturn their decision to omit the Associates nations from the 2015 World Cup. Ireland’s impressive showing in the 2011 World Cup has garnered global support for their right to play in the next edition of the tournament, but their capitulation against Pakistan on Saturday suggested there is still a gap to be bridged between them and the top teams.”We’ve let a few people down today but we’ll be looking to turn that around come Monday,” Porterfield said. “We are disappointed in the way we performed today. We wanted to put on a performance for the fans that turned out and keep a buzz around Irish cricket.”He, however, stuck to the stand taken by him and coach Phil Simmons before the series began, in saying the ICC’s decision over the 2015 World Cup was not the top-most thing on their minds.”It is disappointing to make 96, but as I’ve said before it [the World Cup decision] is not something we think about or put in the forefront of our minds. We go out there with a plan to win a game and we didn’t do that today. We didn’t execute anything with the bat. We didn’t put any type of performance together.”The next one-dayer is at the same venue, the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont, on May 30, and despite the seven-wicket loss Porterfield was positive about his team’s chances of levelling the series.”I think it’s a mental think more than anything. It is something that will come together if everyone brings their A-game. We have to rectify that for Monday; we will do that.”

Though Daniel Vettori’s men will go into Friday’s game as favourites – only because the majority doesn’t fancy an upset – this is Zimbabwe’s best chance

The Preview by George Binoy03-Mar-2011Match FactsMarch 4, Ahmedabad
Start time 09.30 local time (0400 GMT)Tatenda Taibu examines his bats on the eve of Zimbabwe’s best chance of making the quarter-final•AFP

The Big PictureThe World Cup so far has been a tale of two groups. The teams comprising Group B have played five entertaining matches, bringing the tournament alive and adding intrigue. Group A, on the other hand, has been soporific, filled with one-sided contests decided early in the piece. It’s crying out for some life, some drama. On Wednesday, two of its more nuggety teams will attempt to give it some at Motera.New Zealand and Zimbabwe are ranked fourth and fifth in Group A. The first three teams, in all probability, are quarterfinal certainties. The last two don’t have a prayer. New Zealand and Zimbabwe are level on points with one victory and one defeat each, separated only by net run-rate. Though Daniel Vettori’s men will go into Friday’s game as favourites – only because the majority doesn’t fancy an upset – this is Zimbabwe’s best chance. Floor New Zealand tomorrow and a knockout berth is tangible, with the hapless Kenyans in store. Lose, and the dream of qualification all but goes up in smoke.The situation is similar for New Zealand as well, for they have been in wretched form against tough opponents. Beating Zimbabwe – as they are expected to – will leave them needing, in all probability, only one more victory with a game against Canada in hand. Slip, and they’ll have to beat either Sri Lanka or Pakistan to make it past the group stage. New Zealand’s quarter-final qualification would have either got much easier, or that much harder by this time tomorrow evening.Form guide (completed matches, most recent first)
New Zealand: LWWLL
Zimbabwe: WLLLL
Watch out for…In Ray Price, Prosper Utseya and Graeme Cremer, Zimbabwe possess a slow-bowling attack capable of containing most batsmen, especially if the conditions are to their liking. They had Australia’s top-order on a leash for the first half of their innings. That performance was at Motera as well. Price, if tested strategies are used, will bowl darts with the new ball. Martin Guptill, New Zealand’s opener, is less at ease against spin. Will New Zealand give Brendon McCullum a new partner tomorrow? Their other batsmen, however, also prefer the ball coming on at pace. They are unlikely to get it. Zimbabwe’s spinners will be New Zealand’s banana skin, and they’ll have to tread on it for a considerable period of time. How much assistance will New Zealand’s bowling coach Allan Donald, who spent time coaching in Zimbabwe last year, be to their batsmen?How long has it been since Ross Taylor entertained audiences with an innings filled with those pulls and slog-sweeps that dropped jaws? New Zealand would dearly love that blast from the past, but they will also settle for an unspectacular, calm and unifying innings from him. In theory, Taylor is New Zealand’s most capable top-order batsman but evidence of that has been scarce in recent months. If they are to go far, or even just a step further, in this World Cup, Taylor will need to be substantial.Team newsChris Mpofu, Zimbabwe’s new-ball bowler, was suffering from a side strain and did not train on Wednesday. He did train on Thursday, though, and is set to play. Charles Coventry failed in the first two matches and Terry Duffin is a replacement option, but Zimbabwe are unlikely to use him.Zimbabwe (probable): 1 Brendan Taylor (wk), 2 Charles Coventry, 3 Tatenda Taibu, 4 Craig Ervine, 5 Elton Chigumbura (capt), 6 Sean Williams, 7 Greg Lamb, 8 Proper Utseya, 9 Graeme Cremer, 10 Ray Price, 11 Chris Mpofu.New Zealand’s selection of Jamie How, a specialist opener, against Australia and then batting him at No. 7 as an insurance policy against the battery of fast bowlers, was questioned and criticised in the media. Especially when Jacob Oram was fit. Given that New Zealand will be tested by spin this time, will they retain How in the XI? The other question is whether Kyle Mills will play, and if so instead of whom? James Franklin failed at No. 5 against Australia and barely bowled. Hamish Bennett conceded 63 in seven overs but took two of the only three wickets to fall.New Zealand (probable): 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Brendon McCullum (wk), 3 Jesse Ryder, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 James Franklin, 6 Scott Styris, 7 Jacob Oram, 8 Nathan McCullum, 9 Daniel Vettori, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Hamish Bennett.Pitch and conditionsThe Motera pitch is likely to be slow and similar to the one that was used for the Zimbabwe-Australia game. The temperature in Ahmedabad will rise steadily as the day progresses.Stats and trivia New Zealand played Zimbabwe last in an ODI in August 2005. They won that by 27 runs. They lead the head-to-head record between the countries 19-7 with one tie and one no result. Since New Zealand’s one-day form begun to slump in August 2010, Taylor has averaged 24.73 in 17 innnings, with only three half-centuries and nine single-digit scores. Price, Utseya and Cremer bowled a total of 96 dot balls in 30 overs against Australia, who were able to relieve pressure by hitting occasional boundaries later in the innings. New Zealand might have to protect against a succession of dot balls.Quotes”This is a must-win game for us on where we go in the tournament. Zimbabwe have played pretty well. We have seen a different set of tactics. Against Australia it was pace, we would see a lot of spin in this game.”
.”It is the most important game for us tomorrow to put us in the running [for the quarter-finals]. The guys have prepared well and hopefully we will bring the positives from the last game into tomorrow’s game.”

Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has predicted a mass squad overhaul at Newcastle United in the upcoming summer transfer window. 

The lowdown: A new era awaits at Newcastle

Following the completion of the protracted takeover in 2021, newly-appointed Toon manager Eddie Howe was able to sign Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett and Chris Wood during the January transfer window.

Those arrivals meant that previously regular first-teamers Jamal Lewis, Ciaran Clark and Isaac Hayden were all left out of the Premier League squad for the second half of the 2021/22 campaign.

Since then, the Magpies have moved clear of the threat of relegation and can already begin planning for life in the top flight next term, as Howe himself predicted that ‘difficult decisions’ regarding the squad lie ahead.

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Those plans could well include a mass exodus, according to one onlooker…

The latest: Campbell predicts multiple departures

Speaking to Football Insider, Campbell – who works for talkSPORT as a pundit – has suggested that Howe will oversee plenty of changes to his Newcastle squad this summer.

The 52-year-old former Arsenal striker explained: “They have got to clear the decks. They might have to play some players off. That is the other thing that has to be considered.

“We saw Arsenal do it in order to create room in their squad for new signings. Players are on such good contracts now. Clubs have to pay players off in some cases.

“Newcastle will have a plan of what they want to do. I’m sure they have a deep budget. Adding quality to that squad is the order of the day. I don’t think it matters what department. They will be big, big movers and shakers this summer.”

The verdict: Exciting times

Following on from the euphoria of the eagerly anticipated takeover, the Newcastle faithful will have been delighted with the upturn in fortunes under Howe.

However, the recent defeats at the hands of Liverpool and Manchester City have served as a reality check as to just how far away the Magpies are from challenging in the upper echelons of the Premier League.

Similar smart recruitment akin to what was an impressive January window would suffice for the Toon, whilst the likes of Lewis, Clark and Hayden in particular could be fearing for their futures at St James’ Park as the new-look hierarchy make their intentions known.

Beyond that outcast trio, the likes of lesser-seen players such as Federico Fernandez, Paul Dummett, Jeff Hendrick and Dwight Gayle (just 22 combined Newcastle appearances this season) might all be fearing for their roles in Howe’s plans, should Campbell be on the money with his prediction.

In other news, talkSPORT man admits ‘concern’ over Newcastle star

Pundit Paddy Kenny has been reacting to an injury update regarding Tottenham midfielder Oliver Skipp, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Skipp still out

The 21-year-old has been ruled out since the end of January with a groin problem, missing Spurs’ last seven games in all competitions as a result.

Antonio Conte’s side haven’t shown any signs of consistency during that time, combining away wins over Manchester City and Leeds with defeats to Burnley and Middlesbrough.

The Italian confirmed on Friday that he will once again be without Skipp on Monday night against Everton, news which has caught the eye of Kenny.

The Latest: Kenny reacts to Skipp’s injury absence

Talking to Football Insider, the former Sheffield United goalkeeper labelled the 21-year-old’s continued absence as ‘huge news’ and even described it as ‘devastating’ for Conte.

Kenny staed:

“Losing Skipp for such a long period is a far bigger blow than people think.

“His energy, dynamism, work rate, ability on the ball, these are things that Antonio Conte really rates, as he usually picks him when he’s fit.

“It is no coincidence that Spurs’ results have been mixed, and pretty poor, while he has been out.

“Losing him for the next match is huge news, devastating really, as he helps make the team tick.”

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The Verdict: Return needed soon

Conte green-lighted January exits for Tanguy Ndombele, Dele Alli and Giovani Lo Celso, which has left him with just four central midfield options.

Rodrigo Bentancur joined Skipp on the injury table in recent weeks, leaving Conte with only Harry Winks and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in that part of the pitch.

The January signing is now available to return against the Toffees, but having Skipp back as soon as possible also seems to be imperative as Spurs look to finish in the top four and get back into the Champions League.

In other news: Spurs and Conte gifted another injury boost pre-Everton as ‘team player’ now declared fit

Glasgow Rangers got the job done in the end as they won 4-0 on the road in the Premiership on Sunday.

Kemar Roofe bagged himself a hat-trick, while Joe Aribo grabbed a fourth goal with around 15 minutes to go as all three points headed back to Ibrox.

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However, it was not exactly a vintage performance against St Mirren, as the Teddy Bears were criticised for their build-up play in particular, and The Transfer Tavern have used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who their three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were on the day:

Scott Wright (6.7)

Despite earning an assist after coming on for Ryan Kent as a half-time substitute, Wright was one of Rangers’ lowest-ranked performers in Paisley with 6.7.

The 24-year-old lost 50% of his duels, missed one big chance, failed to win a tackle and gave away possession three times. Also, he had just 28 touches of the ball in his 45 minutes on the pitch – one more than John Lundstram, who lasted a mere 26 minutes before going off injured.

Filip Helander (6.7)

Perhaps harshly given that an injury forced him off just before half-time, Helander was given a 6.7 overall rating.

The Sweden international lost out on three of his duels and also failed to record any interceptions or tackles, while he was inaccurate with four of his long ball attempts and lost possession nine times in total, hence his relatively low rating.

Leon King (6.7)

Also given a 6.7 rating, Helander’s replacement King ranked as one of the Teddy Bears’ worst players, despite helping his team to keep a clean sheet.

The defender lost all three of his duels and also made no interceptions or tackles, giving the ball away needlessly seven times in a less than stellar performance.

In other news, find out which Premier League player Rangers are now targeting

Centre-back. Left-back. Midfield.

Pascal Struijk can do it all at Leeds United.

The towering 6 foot 3 colossus has been nothing short of a sensation for the Yorkshire outfit, and he’s only going to get better.

He cost the Whites absolutely nothing when their director of football Victor Orta poached him from Ajax in 2018 and at just 22, he hasn’t looked out of place in the Premier League whatsoever.

Struijk has always delivered whenever called upon in whatever position manager Marcelo Bielsa needs him to play, though he appears to be a central defender by trade.

And that is where his long-term future is likely to settle.

“He’s going to become a supreme centre-back,” once claimed LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross. “He’s [Bielsa] worked with so many players in world football, and for him to say the things he’s saying about Pascal, it’s very, very exciting. Defenders don’t always get a very exciting press. It’s all about Raphinha, it’s all about Joe Gelhardt. But Pascal is the future. 

“And the longer he stays under the radar, the better, because he’s got the lot, to be honest.”

In terms of this season alone, he’s amongst their most resolute defensive options, averaging the second-highest number of tackles per game (2.3) and third-highest number of interceptions per match (1.4), too, as per WhoScored.

The Dutchman is also very capable with the ball at his feet, having averaged a passing accuracy of 84.3%, which is only bettered by fellow centre-back, Liam Cooper (85.7%) – of those that have started ten or more league games.

It’s no wonder Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Joe Urquhart dubbed him a “beast.”

Those returns suggest he’s more than capable at reading a game and then acting upon it, whilst his ball-playing ability makes him one of Bielsa’s most reliable options to start playing out from the back – and that be why he sometimes slots into the defensive midfield role as he’s clearly able to dictate play.

Meanwhile, ex-Leeds star Dominic Matteo also believes “he’s got it all” and that he “looks comfortable in possession.”

Struijk is going to be an integral part of Leeds’ success for the remainder of the season, especially with the aforementioned skipper still absent through injury.

What makes it all the more impressive is the fact that he cost Leeds absolutely nothing. He’s now worth around €20m (£18m), according to CIES Football Observatory. A fee that is only going to rise alongside his impressive performances.

This has been something of a dream deal for the Yorkshire giants. He could stay for a long time and continue to make a huge impact or he could sold on for mega profit. It’s a win-win.

United hit the jackpot with Struijk, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Huge boost for Bielsa: Journalist drops behind-scenes Leeds update out of Thorp Arch…

Taking to Twitter, reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared a big update out of Tottenham Hotspur involving another target in Uruguay international Rodrigo Bentancur.

The Lowdown: Spurs close in on Kulusevski…

According to reliable sources, the Lilywhites and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are finally close to completing a major first signing of the window with Juve winger Dejan Kulusevski nearing a move.

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Romano and Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio back that the Sweden international is nearing a move to north London in what could be a big boost for manager Antonio Conte.

A whirlwind January has seen Spurs miss out on key past targets like attacker Adama Traore and forward Luis Diaz, but with Kulusevski apparently close, it appears Paratici and co are far from done there.

The Latest: Romano makes late night Bentancur claim…

Sharing news late Saturday night, Romano claims Spurs have now also lodged an ‘official bid’ for another Juve ace in Bentancur as the 11pm Monday deadline fast approaches.

“Tottenham have submitted their official bid for Rodrigo Bentancur around €19m plus €6m add ons,” he explained on Twitter.

“Talks in progress with Juventus to reach the agreement – to be continued on Sunday.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

The 2018 World Cup gem, who played every game of that tournament for Uruguay and even grabbed an assist (Transfermarkt), could be a brilliant capture for a meagre €25m (£20.7m) fee in total.

Bentancur could really strengthen Conte’s options in the middle of the park, especially considering he has averaged an impressive 2.8 tackles per 90 in the Champions League this season under Massimiliano Allegri (WhoScored).

That’s the joint-most out of any Juve player in Europe over 2021/2022, potentially highlighting how he could add a real injection of steal and dynamism for Spurs.

In other news: Reliable journalist says Spurs have now been ‘offered’ player once valued at £90m! Find out more here.

MatériaMais Notícias

ScorecardEllyse Perry claimed two wickets to limit West Indies in their run-chase•Getty Images

Australia’s women maintained their 100% record, and booked themselves a slot in the first semi-final in St Lucia on May 13, by seeing off West Indies by nine runs in a tight contest in Basseterre.There was little at stake except for pride, with both sides already assured of their progression to the last four, but it was Australia who finished the group stage the stronger, thanks to a disciplined allround display.After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Australia posted a solid but unspectacular 133 for 7 in their 20 overs, with seven of their eight batsmen reaching double figures. The captain, Alex Blackwell, was the top-scorer with 28 from 26 balls, while Shanel Daley and Anisa Mohammed, with three wickets apiece, were the pick of the West Indies attack.In reply, West Indies suffered an early setback when Juliana Nero and Cordel Jack were both dismissed within three balls of one another (16 for 2), but Stafanie Taylor led the revival with an unbeaten 58 from 54 balls, adding 46 for the third wicket with Britney Cooper, who made 27.However, Australia’s bowlers held their nerve and kept their discipline, with Ellyse Perry claiming 2 for 19 in three overs to peg West Indies back in mid-innings. Her wickets included Deandra Dottin, who fell for her second first-ball duck in consecutive matches, having launched the tournament with a 38-ball century.

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وتختتم مباريات الجولة التاسعة في الليجا الإسبانية بلقاء وحيد بين فياريال وأوساسونا مساء اليوم.

كما تقام مباراتين في الدوري الإيطالي الآولى بين روما وسامبدوريا والأخرى بين فيورنتينا وليتشي.

وفي ختام الأسبوع العاشر بالدوري التركي تلعب مباراتين الأولى بين سيفاس سبور ومنافسه جيرسونسبور والمباراة الثانية بين أنقرة جوجو وفناربخشة مواعيد مباريات اليوم الاثنين 17-10-2022 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات الدوري الإسباني

فياريال أمام أوساسونا وتنطلق المباراة في تمام 9 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 10 مساءً بتوقيت السعودية، وتُذاع على beIN Sports HD 1 مواعيد مباريات الدوري الإيطالي

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