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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that he wants to add more players to his attacking arsenal before the end of the summer transfer window.

Speaking after the 1-0 win over St Mirren, the Hoops boss said: “It’s just about improving. There’s areas that we want to improve in the forward line. That’s something that we hope we can do over these remaining weeks.”

The Scottish Premiership champions kicked off their defence of the title with a win, thanks to a late goal from Luke McCowan, but it was far from an assured performance.

There were some underwhelming performances from a number of Celtic players across the park on Sunday, and one of those flops was Hyun-jun Yang.

Why Celtic need to sign a new right winger

After selling Nicolas Kuhn to Como, the South Korean forward appears to be the first-choice right-wing option for the Hoops, and he does not look ready for that responsibility.

Yang is a very capable and useful squad player for Celtic to have, as evidenced by his return of six goals and six assists in 34 appearances in all competitions last term.

The 23-year-old forward has not shown that he can deliver outstanding quality on a consistent basis, though, and failed to register a single shot, completed dribble, or chance created in almost an hour against St Mirren.

Yang did not take his opportunity to show that he can be the replacement for Kuhn, which is why the club should be pushing to bring in a new right winger to allow Rodgers to ditch the South Korea international from the starting XI.

Calcio Mercato recently reported that Celtic are interested in an ambitious loan swoop for Liverpool outcast Federico Chiesa, alongside Premier League side Fulham.

Why Celtic should sign Federico Chiesa

The Italy international, who is reportedly on £150k-per-week wages at Anfield, would come in as a big upgrade on Yang and allow the manager to drop the current Hoops forward down to the bench.

Chiesa, who was described as a “top-level player” by commentator Seb Hutchinson, only made 14 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool last season, starting once in the Premier League, which means that it is difficult to judge him on his time in England.

The 27-year-old star’s form for Juventus in the 2023/24 campaign, prior to his move to Anfield, though, suggests that he could be a terrific player for Rodgers to call upon.

23/24 Serie A

Federico Chiesa

Percentile rank vs wingers

xG

6.43

Top 32%

Goals

9

Top 23%

Shots on target

27

Top 14%

xA

5.58

Top 3%

Chances created

54

Top 3%

Crosses completed

40

Top 3%

Assists

2

Top 38%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Chiesa caught the eye as both a goalscorer and a creative threat across 33 outings in the Serie A for the Old Lady that term.

The Italian forward scored more goals (nine) in one of Europe’s major leagues than Yang has managed in over two years at Celtic in all competitions (seven), which speaks to the gap in quality between the two right-sided attackers when it comes to scoring goals.

Chiesa, who scored 32 goals during his time at Juventus, could thrive if given regular game time as a loan signing for the Scottish giants, after a year of riding the bench for Liverpool.

The Italy international thrived as a regular for the Old Lady in the 2023/24 campaign and could get back to his best, providing a regular threat as a scorer and a creator of goals, by coming in to replace Yang as a starter at Parkhead.

It is not an easy deal for Celtic to do, though, as he is a full international who has proven himself in one of the best leagues in Europe, in Italy, so is likely to have plenty of suitors, including the aforementioned Fulham.

If the Scottish giants can find a way to agree a deal with Liverpool and convince Chiesa to make the move, though, then Rodgers can ruthlessly ditch Yang from the starting XI.

Twenty-year-old Disha Biswas, who is too yet to make her Bangladesh debut, was also selected

Mohammad Isam18-Sep-2024

Bangladesh have dropped experienced allrounder Rumana Ahmed for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in one of five changes to the squad that had played in the Asia Cup in July. But there was a first call-up for uncapped top-order batter Taj Nehar.Also among those selected, there was a recall for Sobhana Mostary, Shathi Rani, Fahima Khatun and Disha Biswas. Twenty-year-old allrounder Biswas, who had played in the Under-19 T20 World Cup in January-February 2023, was also picked for the senior T20 World Cup last year, although she is yet to make her Bangladesh debut.Fahima, the experienced 32-year-old legspinner, has played 84 T20Is so far, 20 of which have come across the five T20 World Cups since 2014. However, she had lost her place in the squad recently when she struggled against India and Australia at home. After missing out on the Asia Cup, Fahima took six wickets in as many matches in the Women’s National Cricket League (NCL) T20 competition.Bangladesh squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Meanwhile, opening batter Rani, whose five T20Is came last year, was the NCL’s leading run-scorer with 284 runs at a strike rate of 151.06. However, Rumana, a veteran of 87 T20Is, missed out after scoring just 55 runs in three innings at the NCL. Middle-order batter Mostary also had a tough time against India and Australia, and neither did she perform in the NCL, where she managed 103 runs in five innings. Mostary is also yet to score a fifty in 38 T20Is, but chief selector Sajjad Ahmed put her selection due to a lack of options at No. 3.”She is a prospect. However, she hasn’t performed up to the mark,” Sajjad said. “We don’t really have a lot of options at No 3. We tried Ishma Tanjim, but she didn’t perform well, and she couldn’t do much in the NCL. That’s why we had to go to Sobhana Mostary.”Apart from Rumana, the four others left out of the T20 World Cup are Rubya Haider, Shorifa Khatun, Sabikun Nahar and Ishma Tanjim. Sajjad said that despite an experience of 87 T20Is, they replaced Rumana with Nehar, as the former hasn’t batted in an aggressive manner of late.”We selected Rumana in the Asia Cup, where, unfortunately, she didn’t perform,” he said. “She is a middle-order bat who isn’t batting the way that is needed in T20s.”Bangladesh start their 2024 T20 World Cup campaign against Scotland in the first of the double-header fixtures on October 3, the opening day of the tournament.Bangladesh squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024Nigar Sultana (capt), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha Biswas
In: Sobhana Mostary, Fahima Khatun, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani and Disha Biswas
Out: Rumana Ahmed, Rubya Haider, Shorifa Khatun, Sabikun Nahar and Ishma Tanjim

We are now a month into the summer transfer window and Arsenal’s elusive striker doesn’t appear to be forthcoming just yet.

Coming into the ongoing market, Andrea Berta and Co knew, above all else, that new forwards needed to be brought into the club.

Well, Mikel Arteta has certainly issued his rallying call with reports suggesting that the Spaniard now wants his new centre-forward signed by the time Arsenal jet off to Singapore for their pre-season tour on July 19th.

So, no pressure Berta, it’s over to you.

The latest on Arsenal's hunt for a new striker

Without necessarily too many announcements, this has been a busy window for the Gunners with midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard both set to be announced before too long.

The north Londoners have raided Chelsea again to bring in Kepa Arrizabalaga in a £5m deal but they may not stop there. Noni Madueke, one of the Blues’ wingers, has reportedly agreed personal terms with Arsenal ahead of a prospective move.

Now, the Gunners are preparing club-to-club talks this week. It’s certainly an interesting one, but it’s not the priority; signing a striker is.

Much of the chatter this summer has been dominated by Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres. Well, the latest on the Gyokeres saga is that Arsenal may have made a breakthrough in proceedings.

Transfer Focus

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

That’s according to a number of sources including David Ornstein, who reports this weekend that the Swedish attacker now “wants to join” Arsenal and Arteta is pushing for a swift conclusion to the deal.

Ornstein reveals that a deal has moved into an advanced stage and discussions will now continue regarding a transfer fee.

Portuguese outlet Mais Futebol suggests that a ‘deal is expected to close this Sunday’ worth around €80m (£70m), while reporting that he ‘will join Arsenal’ in the next few days once the remaining details are finalised.

Personal terms on a five-year contract have also been agreed, as per journalist Ben Jacobs.

Why Arsenal must prioritise Gyokeres over anyone else

In the last 24 hours, talk of Madueke moving to Arsenal has been rife among the fanbase.

While it’s true that Arsenal need to discover a backup for Bukayo Saka after his enormous workload finally saw his hamstring give way last year, there are obvious concerns surrounding the Chelsea winger.

The first is that supporters are tired of raiding Stamford Bridge for Chelsea’s hand-me-downs. They have already brought in Kepa this summer but this would be the eighth occasion in the last ten years where someone has traded the blue of London for the red of London.

Petr Cech

£10m

David Luiz

£8m

Willian

Free

Jorginho

£11m

Kai Havertz

£65m

Raheem Sterling

Loan

Kepa Arrizabalaga

£5m

Madueke is a player with plenty of potential. He scored a Premier League hat-trick in 2024/25, You don’t do that if you aren’t a talented player.

In total, the England international ended last campaign with 11 goals in 41 appearances before jetting off to America for the Club World Cup. Inconsistenty is there, of course it is, he’s still only 23, but considering Arsenal have been linked with wingers such as Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, this feels underwhelming.

You sense that it’s the order of the deals Arsenal are completing here. No one can disagree that Arteta needs a Saka backup and should the Gunners conclude deals for a striker, a winger of Rodrygo’s calibre and also further their interest by concluding a move for Eberechi Eze, no one would bat an eyelid at Madueke’s arrival.

Thus, it perhaps represents one of Arsenal’s least exciting moves this summer. It’s certainly less exciting than Gyokeres, let’s put it that way.

Just casting your eye at the Swede’s remarkable goal tally over the last two years tells you all you need to know. He’s a “monster” in the words of journalist Alex Turk, crashing home 54 goals in 52 games last term.

For a team lacking goals, he feels like the ideal signing. Remarkably, no player in Arsenal red and white scored more than nine goals in the Premier League throughout 2024/25. That’s the first time the Gunners have swept through a league season without a player hitting double figures since 1923/24, over 100 years ago.

Arteta’s side had to ride the wave of injuries, sure, but it speaks volumes. Arsenal have to sign a striker and Gyokeres, Europe’s leading marksman last campaign, would perhaps be the club’s most captivating acquisition since Declan Rice moved from West Ham United for a club-record £105m.

Gyokeres isn’t just a goalscorer either. Unlike Kai Havertz, he’s capable of running the channels and he’s one of the quickest and most powerful centre-forwards around.

For an Arsenal team that lacks pace in transition after turning the ball over, this should help enormously.

During his time in the Championship at Coventry City, Opta Analyst noted that ‘Mark Robins’ side thrived in the chaos of transition’ during the 2022/23 campaign. That was largely thanks to Gyokeres who, as the focal point of the attack, helped the Sky Blues to become the most direct team in the entire division.

With Gyokeres up top, Opta revealed that Coventry registered 123 ‘direct attacks’. The next best was Sunderland who registered just 77 in comparison. Arsenal are one of the best at hounding the opposition and you best believe that if they won the ball back, their forward line would now totally transform with the Sweden international leading the line instead of Havertz.

So, the Swede would undoubtedly add more goals to this Arsenal team, but the overall threat of Arteta’s other forward players should also improve if they are to attack with more pace and power.

This would be a game-changing signing over at the Emirates.

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Newcastle United have now tabled an offer for a “superb” international forward, with a reply given in the last 24 hours.

The Magpies had a frustrating summer in 2024, with both Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell reportedly left disappointed by the lack of funds available.

Howe has spoken far more positively about how the current transfer window may pan out at St James’ Park, however, discussing the “different mindset” within the club.

Newcastle have reportedly opened talks with Brighton striker Joao Pedro over a summer switch to St James’ Park, and now there has been a fresh development.

Newcastle submit offer for Joao Pedro, reply received

According to The Telegraph‘s Luke Edwards, Newcastle have launched an offer of around £50m for Pedro, as well as moves for Anthony Elanga and James Trafford.

The 3-cap Brazilian is seen as a strong option to provide added firepower to Howe’s attack this summer, having proven himself in the Premier League last season, but The Times have since revealed Newcastle’s bid for Pedo has been rejected.

Pedro would be a brilliant signing for Newcastle if they up their bid, bringing something different to the attack to Alexander Isak, in terms of dropping deep and linking with the midfield.

The 23-year-old has an impressive tally of 30 goals in 70 appearances for Brighton, as well as chipping in with 10 assists, and he should only grow as a footballer by being surrounded by top-quality players.

Pedro’s quality hasn’t been lost on Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, with the Englishman lauding aspects of his game during one performance last season.

“This for me is a brilliant centre-forward goal. The way he follows it up and he is expecting the rebound to get there. He reacts before anyone else does and then he gets his reward. His hold-up play was superb at times when he had to keep hold of the ball and bring his team-mates into play.”

It remains to be seen if Newcastle will manage to complete the signing of Pedro this summer – Brighton are understandably desperate to keep hold of him – but he is the calibre of player that the club need to bring in.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jun 27, 2025

With Champions League football back at St James’ in 2025/26, some elite additions are required in Howe’s squad, and it promises to be an exciting few months in the transfer market.

Liverpool have a huge window ahead of them this summer to build on the superb work conducted by Arne Slot during his first season in charge at Anfield.

The Dutchman claimed the Premier League title at the first time of asking, doing so with four games to spare – highlighting the excellent work he’s overseen in recent months.

However, many teams in England’s top flight are likely to bolster their ranks during the off-season to mount a charge to knock them off the perch they’ve found themselves on.

Such actions will mean that the Reds will also have to strengthen to avoid being caught and left behind by their rivals, increasing their chances of retaining their title.

It’s pivotal that Slot and the hierarchy need to bring in the right players if they are to succeed once again in 2024/25, with work already being done to land key targets.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new additions this summer

Various areas of the pitch appear to be in focus ahead of the summer window for Liverpool, but none more so than the attacking department, with countless names mentioned for a switch to Merseyside.

Benjamin Sesko, Victor Osimhen and Liam Delap have all been touted with a switch to join the club, as Slot looks to land a new talisman to provide the goods in the final third.

However, in an attempt to aid any one of the aforementioned stars in their attempts at the club, they’ve also entered the race to land Lyon star Rayan Cherki, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

The report claims that the Reds are keen on a move for the 21-year-old star, who’s registered a staggering 32 combined goals and assists in his 44 appearances across all competitions.

It also states that the French side would be willing to part ways with the forward for a fee in the region of £34m this summer, with the youngster keen on a move to the Premier League ahead of 2025/26.

Why Liverpool’s £34m target is the dream Wirtz alternative

Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking midfielder, Florian Wirtz, has emerged as a key target for Liverpool over the last couple of days, with a move to Anfield on the cards this summer.

It emerged that the German and his representatives travelled to Merseyside for talks with the club over a potential move to the club, but also face competition from Bayern Munich.

However, given his record of 30 combined goals and assists this season, it’s likely the 22-year-old could command a fee that would break their record transfer, currently standing at £85m for Darwin Núñez.

His tally represents that it would be a worthwhile deal, providing another level of creativity to the already impressive front line that fired the club to the title.

However, given the difference in fee, the hierarchy would be better off pursuing a move for Cherki, with the French star a much cheaper investment, subsequently allowing for further signings elsewhere.

It may seem like a cost-effective solution, but when comparing the pair’s respective figures from the current campaign, the Lyon talent has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas.

Cherki, who’s been labelled “generational” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered more progressive passes and more passes into the final third – showcasing his creative nature with the ball at his feet.

How Rayan Cherki compares to Florian Wirtz in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Cherki

Wirtz

Games played

30

31

Goals & assists

19

22

Progressive passes

9.1

6.7

Pass accuracy

79%

78%

Passes into final third

4.3

3.6

Shot-creating actions

6.4

5.6

Take-on success

51%

49%

Aerials won

33%

20%

Stats via FBref

He’s also produced more shot-creating actions per 90, along with more take-ons completed, having the ability to produce chances for himself but also his teammates.

The youngster’s talents don’t stop there, winning more aerial battles, and registering a higher shot-on-target rate – handing the Reds an all-round threat within attacking areas.

Given the potential difference in transfer fee, the club should look to pursue a move for the Lyon star, having just as much, if not more, of an effect than Wirtz in attacking areas.

At just 21, he has the potential to explode into life on Merseyside, potentially being a bargain and a player to star under Slot for many years to come – handing them a boost in their ambitions of further success.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 22, 2025

Liverpool will be crowned Premier League champions if they avoid defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

The momentum built up across Jurgen Klopp’s swansong season was expected to be derailed when Arne Slot, an unknown presence from Holland, took his place.

But FSG’s data-driven approach came up trumps, with more popular names such as Roberto De Zerbi, Luciano Spalletti, and Ernesto Valverde reported to have been ‘serious contenders’ for the hot seat by The Athletic.

Now, the data scientists and analysts will need to peer through Liverpool’s distinctive prism once again as a title-winning squad (not yet confirmed, but surely) look to defend their crown while challenging for the major honours which proved a stretch too far this year.

While fans are expecting strikers, left-backs, and centre-halves galore, there’s also the matter of the right side of Liverpool’s backline, with Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to sign for Real Madrid when his contract expires this summer.

The latest on Trent Alexander-Arnold

Fans have held onto hope, hopeless hope, that Alexander-Arnold will renew his Liverpool contract. But everything suggests he is on the cusp of joining Los Blancos at the start of a new era, with Carlo Ancelotti to depart in the coming weeks.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the formalities are all that stand between the 26-year-old and a new chapter over in Spain, with reporters on Liverpool’s side echoing the claims, offering little in the way of optimism.

With Liverpool on the brink of winning the Premier League, perhaps the England international is waiting until all is said and done before accelerating his personal plans to the final stage.

But that stage is, sadly, set.

He’s won the lot, and he could win plenty more on Merseyside yet. But Trent’s head has been turned, and while Conor Bradley is an exciting young talent, Liverpool need to ensure they are well-stocked at right-back next year and beyond.

That’s why FSG are preparing to sign a talented young defender.

Liverpool advancing talks for Trent heir

As per Brazilian publication RTI Esporte – as translated by Sport Witness – Liverpool are one of the strongest teams pushing to sign right-back Wesley Franca, 21, this summer and have now made their first move.

Indeed, Wesley’s representatives have actually flown across the Atlantic and landed in England as they look to canvass their client’s qualities to FSG’s transfer team, with Flamengo hoping to earn around €35m (about £30m) from his sale.

Signing the rising star isn’t going to be a walk in the park, though, with both major clubs of a Manchester persuasion in the mix too.

What Wesley would bring to Anfield

Wesley has featured 124 times for Flamengo’s senior squad after graduating from the academy, scoring three goals and providing five assists for his teammates.

As with Klopp, Liverpool would be foolhardy to try and replace Alexander-Arnold with a B-grade version, but in Wesley, they would be signing a right-back with similar strengths, excelling in passing and crossing, while bringing his own distinctive style to the Anfield side.

Crisp, powerful and steely in defence, Wesley ranks among the top 9% of full-backs in divisions similar to the Brasileiro Serie A over the past year for pass completion, the top 18% for shot-creating actions, the top 21% for progressive carries, the top 12% for successful take-ons, the top 16% for ball recoveries and the top 12% for tackles and interceptions per 90.

This is quite the oversaturation of data, so let’s simplify it: talent scout Antonio Mango has lauded him for his “consistent and well-rounded” game, blending athleticism with natural intelligence and a stage presence that bespeaks a future on the Premier League pitch.

Such an energetic game with a skill at beating his man with the ball at his feet highlights a tenacious attitude that Slot would love to work with.

It would be remiss for the powers that be at Anfield to expect Wesley to replicate Alexander-Arnold’s sweeping creative skill set, but there’s nothing to suggest that he wouldn’t bring his own brand to the team, all the while providing consistent crosses into the box and support for Salah and co.

Looking at his opening performances in the Brazilian top flight this year, it’s not hard to see why he’s all the talk.

His strong start to the 2025 campaign highlights the quality that Liverpool would be weaving into their ranks, with Mango also gushing over the player’s “immense” performances right from the get-go.

FSG chiefs might feel that £30m is quite a steep figure to pay for a young defender plying their trade in South America, especially when there’s so much to do across various other positions.

But if sporting director Richard Hughes can succeed in whittling the price down, there’s every reason for Liverpool to be investing in this talented Brazilian, who recently earned his first two caps for the national team.

Given that Bradley has been in such fine fettle since breaking onto the scene, signing an up-and-comer such as Wesley could be the way to go for a Liverpool team looking to increase their depth.

With both players jockeying for the number one spot, it might even prove to elevate both stars to an even higher level.

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Arsenal are now ready to pay the £51m release clause for a “world-class” player, who is also of interest to Real Madrid, according to a report.

Gunners title hopes bleak despite Fulham victory

Fulham secured a surprise 3-2 victory against Liverpool yesterday afternoon, which means the Gunners remain 11 points behind the Reds in the Premier League table, but with just seven games left to play, their title hopes are looking very bleak.

Mikel Arteta still has an opportunity to make the 2024-25 campaign a memorable one, however, with his side still fighting in the Champions League, although their route to Munich will not be easy, as they are set to take on Real Madrid in the quarter-final.

The north Londoners will have to take on the reigning champions without an out-and-out striker, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus still sidelined, which will make the daunting task even more difficult.

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Squad depth has been an issue for Arteta this season, and the manager is keen to bolster his options in the summer transfer window, with a new central midfielder of interest.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now ready to meet the €60m (£51m) release clause in Martin Zubimendi’s Real Sociedad contract, having wanted to sign the midfielder for quite some time.

The Gunners are looking to finalise the deal for Zubimendi, who is Arteta’s primary target in central midfield, but Real Madrid also retain an interest, and the Spanish side could provide competition for his signature, alongside Atlético Madrid and Manchester City.

An agreement has already been reached on personal terms, indicating the Spaniard is keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, but his head could still be turned by one of the rival suitors.

Gunners must win race for "world-class" Zubimendi

The 26-year-old has been one of Sociedad’s best performers in La Liga this season, averaging a WhoScored match rating of 6.89, the second-highest figure in the squad, and he has received high praise from members of the media.

Ben Mattinson lauded the Spain international for a “top performance” against Real Madrid last week, claiming he could relieve the burden of creating chances that is currently on Martin Odegaard, while he has also proven himself to be solid defensively.

Journalist Alexandra Jonson believes there is “no doubt” the Sociedad star is “world-class”, indicating he could take Arsenal’s midfield to the next level, with Arteta in need of at least one new player, given that Jorginho is in talks over a move elsewhere.

As such, it is promising news that Arsenal are now ready to pay the £51m release clause, and they will be hoping his head isn’t turned by the prospect of remaining in Spain with Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid.

Their batting template remains in the spotlight, after failing even in conditions where it might have been expected to bear fruit

Sidharth Monga16-Jun-20241:31

Mumtaz on Babar’s innings – ‘Bizarre and baffling’

This space is not going to give into the exceptionalism that Pakistan cricket is more prone to this kind of a thing than any other cricket, but they have ended this disappointing campaign on a tragicomic note. It was like the middle order was hell bent on vindicating the RizBar way of playing white-ball cricket, and in these conditions it might well have been. And yet, in the end, even the RizBar way needed some fearless hitting from Shaheen Shah Afridi to relieve the pressure. It leaves you none the wiser about the course Pakistan should take.If we were to be left with Pakistan cricket’s improvisation on the chicken-and-egg situation of whether RizBar are so regressive because of a weak middle order or whether the middle order is so ordinary because RizBar don’t let them play at all in flat conditions, did we really need Pakistan to play the World Cup? To be fair to him, Babar Azam took the demotion, pushed up a more attacking left-hand opener, and still the results haven’t been great.In their final match, where the best they could achieve was a consolation win, Pakistan were staring at embarrassment when Babar showed his class, his ability to bat at a run a ball on a difficult surface, but eventually it wasn’t enough. It took Afridi’s sixes to settle the nerves.Related

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• When will Pakistan get serious about winning trophies?

• Imad: Pakistan have 'moved back' in T20 cricket, need to get rid of fear of failure

Afridi provided glimpses of what might have been: back to taking wickets in his first over, back to setting the game up for what can be a menacing pace attack. Of all the World Cups, this one had conditions where Babar and Mohammad Rizwan might have been justified in playing the way they do, but Rizwan cracked under the asking-rate pressure against India when the game was his to take home.A day before this match, Imad Wasim spoke about the mindset needed to play while-ball cricket at par with other excellent modern teams. He spoke about how Pakistan used to rule T20 cricket before they became a regressive unit. He spoke of the need to get rid of the fear of failure.When asked if it is insecurity from the decision-makers or the highly emotional reaction of the fans that nurtures this fear, Babar pointed at perhaps a question of quality. He said the selections have been consistent, that in fact there has hardly been much churn when he has been captain. In 85 matches that Babar has captained, 27 players have batted from Nos. 3 to 7, including Babar himself and Rizwan. By comparison, in 96 matches since the start of 2020, India have tried 32 players from Nos. 3 to 7.Babar Azam had to anchor the chase with wickets falling at the other end•AFP/Getty Images”I think we are playing the same eight-nine players for the last four years,” Babar said. “They should not fear on that front. They are being backed. They are being given opportunities. But as a player, you have to step up a little. Look, the mindset should be how you want to play. Now you can’t hit every ball, you can’t hit a six on every ball, you can’t even get a wicket on every ball. You need to assess the conditions, what’s required here.”Tell me how many matches have been played here [in the USA] and has there been any outstanding batting? There’s been a struggle, but you need to be proactive about what’s required here. You need partnerships, you need to bowl at good, hard length. It’s not that you come with a set mindset and follow just that.”I am not denying that we have to think out of the box. Every player has to think. It’s not that one person has to do it. Every player has to think because cricket has become very fast. We have to move with the times. With modern cricket, you must have game awareness. You know that you have to take it deep here, you have to take a bit of load. You know no matter how much you do, you can’t score at 150 here. You try to build the innings. I think it’s more game awareness and common sense that is required here.”That sounds like an acceptance that in other, more standard, T20 conditions, Pakistan need to move with the times. If this failure results in course correction, this World Cup could yet be an important event in Pakistan cricket.However, it will rankle them that they failed to make it out of round one in conditions that suited their style of cricket. There can be some allowance made for the USA defeat because they got put in and the scoring trend through the match suggests that only the first five-six overs were difficult, which is a significant portion of the game. Against India, though, they won the toss, they got the best of the conditions, and the one batter who got in neither killed the chase nor took it deep.It might also be time to crack the whip a little because the job security Babar mentioned hasn’t seemed to work for the top order or the middle order.

After the veteran scratched around, his mind seemingly clouded, Mumbai Indians’ new recruit was all poise and confidence as he fashioned a late flourish

Shashank Kishore06-May-20223:30

Are Pollard’s powers on the wane?

Great sporting teams prepare for a period of transition.Watching proceedings on Friday at the Brabourne Stadium, you wondered if Mumbai Indians were in the middle of one. Kieron Pollard, finisher supreme, white-ball destroyer and bonafide T20 legend, seemed a pale shadow of the big-hitter he once was.Related

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Tim David, among their costliest signings at the mega auction, meanwhile stepped up to play the kind of role Pollard has for more than a decade. It made you wonder why he has played just four games. Remember, Mumbai fielded just three overseas players in one match, and two in another.Where Pollard stuttered to 4 off 14, David blasted 44 not out from 21 balls. Where Pollard was diffident against spin – it seemed inevitable that Hardik Pandya would bring on Rashid Khan almost immediately as he came out to bat – David muscled the ball fearlessly despite the knowledge that it was on him to revive a stuttering innings, albeit on a belter of a surface.Pollard vs spin has been a no-contest this season. His overall strike rate of 109.32 this year is his worst since his maiden IPL season in 2010. Against spin, it gets worse: five times, he has been out to the slow stuff, while striking at a touch over 70. When you’re in such a downward spiral, even a half-decent spinner stands a chance of tying you down. Rashid Khan would have been licking his lips.Walking in with Mumbai 111 for 3 in 12 overs, Pollard did have a minute to steady himself – an over each of Pradeep Sangwan and Lockie Ferguson – before Rashid came on. By that point Pollard was on 4 off 9, with Ferguson having mixed up his pace to tie him down. He then tried to see Rashid off. For his part, Rashid stuck to his tried-and-tested mantra of bowling ripping legbreaks from a length. Pollard wasn’t taking any chances.In his pomp, Pollard picked lengths in a jiffy. Here, he didn’t seem sure whether to go forward or to play from the crease. If it was spinning away or sliding in. He also seemed to be playing for the wrong ‘un. When your mind is clouded to this extent, it’s already half the battle lost.Pollard duly got a legbreak that beat the edge. He played down the wrong line and the ball took the top of off. He was gone for 4 off 14. In the 2.5 overs he had been around at the crease, Mumbai managed just eight runs. A projected score that had touched 200 was suddenly toned down to 169.

“Everybody I know in the circle I worked in asked where Tim David was when he wasn’t playing. Mumbai Indians, when they reflect, will have to say we didn’t get it right with some of the selections we made in the first half of the tournament.”Ian Bishop on ESPNcricinfo’s T20 Time Out

“He’s struggling, he really is,” Ian Bishop observed on T20 Time Out, ESPNcricinfo’s analysis show. “He’s trying everything, and there are weaknesses that are coming through every time. Someone holds back a wristspinner of some kind to bowl to him, and it’s not the first time this season.”He’s either got to reinvent his game, because he’s been given a really long time this season by Mumbai. So he’s got to try and reinvent himself. I don’t like the catch-up, but the minimum you have to go at is a run a ball. Four off 14, 14 off 24, that’s too much. You can’t do that.”Even as Pollard cut a forlorn figure, David looked at ease and in the zone right from the outset. It was as if he had been practicing range hitting elsewhere, just before walking in. In the five preceding overs, Mumbai had managed all of 23 runs while losing three wickets. Pressure? There was no sign of it as he calmly shuffled from outside leg, set his base on middle and coolly drilled Mohammed Shami past mid-off to rev up.Next ball, he quickly jumped on a short ball, sending it soaring to the square-leg boundary. Having bowled full earlier, it was a perfect reaction from a snarling fast bowler to pepper the batter with a short one. Except, David was into position in a jiffy. Suddenly, he had broken the shackles with two fours.David then showed his smarts by playing out Rashid’s final over, milking singles with Tilak Varma, before he took on Alzarri Joseph. The arc between long-off and deep midwicket would be his preferred hitting zone as he blasted four sixes off the last 11 balls of his innings.Tim David watches one race away in the closing minutes of Mumbai Indians’ innings•BCCIHis modus operandi was simple and efficient: he set himself a strong base around middle, to be able to access both parts of the ground. Short, he was ready with the pull. Full and wide, he accessed long-off. Full and angling in, he had deep midwicket. It gave Mumbai important runs at the death. From looking good for 200 to suddenly appearing as if they’d get only 165, David had dragged them to 177.”Everybody I know in the circle I worked in asked where Tim David was when he wasn’t playing,” Bishop said. “He’s shown in these two games why he should have been playing. Mumbai Indians, when they reflect, will have to say we didn’t get it right with some of the selections we made in the first half of the tournament.”David said himself he’d love to bat up the order. He’d love the chance to go early and set himself up. He’s young. He is heading towards the prime of his career. Let us not pigeonhole this guy and let him blossom into something dynamic.”The late assault did not surprise Daniel Vettori one bit. “It’s such an impressive innings,” he said as part of the T20 Time Out panel. “It’s Shami, it’s Lockie Ferguson, he made it all look easy. Not one ball did he slog. It’s a big, tall man using his strength and using his ability. Forty-four off 21 when they were under a little bit of pressure. It would be fascinating to understand why a player of his class was left out when they had two available [overseas] slots.”David has done this before in other leagues when he sat out a little bit. He’s putting together this resume where he should be the one who’s first selected. Australia are going to be looking at him with the power that he has. There’s a lot going on to be impressed with. You just don’t see such clean hitting with such pure shot making at the back end of an IPL innings.”It’s safe to assume Mumbai are out of the playoffs race. They have four games left. That means four more opportunities for David to potentially build on his credentials. Potentially four more for Pollard to end a nightmare of a season on a high.If he does – and he’s capable of it, you only need to think back to the 2019 final – Mumbai will gladly take it with both hands. If he doesn’t, David has quietly made all the right moves to take over the baton.

Viv Richards, Australia’s prime minister, Mithali Raj and many more on Australia’s triumph and India’s promise

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Mar-2020A record crowd for a women’s cricket match turned out at the MCG. Hosts and defending champions Australia turned up and bossed the final against India, clinching their fifth T20 World Cup trophy.

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Unbelievable girls!! Amazing effort to win the T20 World Cup after having to face so many challenges. A truly great team, your standards have been world leading and you deserve every bit of success that comes with it!!

A post shared by Aaron Finch (@aaronfinch5) on Mar 8, 2020 at 5:24am PDT

Impressive final performance from @AusWomenCricket saved their best for last. Congratulations to all involved you’ve made Australia proud…again! #AUSvIND #WorldCupFinal

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) March 8, 2020

Congratulations @AusWomenCricket on winning yet another T20 title. You have brilliant. Savour the moment! #T20WorldCup https://t.co/DT4PF6ebSz

— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) March 8, 2020

Yes team!!!!
Congratulations!#WorldCupFinal #WT20WC

— Jason Gillespie (@dizzy259) March 8, 2020

Today is #IWD2020. We'd like to start by saluting everyone at the #T20WorldCup.
The aim was to #FilltheMCG. 90,000 people, watching women's sport. It looks AMAZING. pic.twitter.com/69gWQMjIZN

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) March 8, 2020

So proud of how Melbourne showcases sporting events. @mcg looked a picture. Katy Perry was awesome. And both Teams will never forget such a big day for International Women’s cricket!
Congrats to all involved. Women’s cricket has arrived now. https://t.co/YTDUoj5a4m

— Dean Jones AM (@ProfDeano) March 8, 2020

An amazing night at the G. A record 86,174 there to watch Meg Lanning and the Aussies bringing home a fifth women’s title on Int’l womens day. Congrats to Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney on stunning performances. Commiserations to India, have no doubt that @narendramodi is proud.

— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) March 8, 2020

Congratulations @AusWomenCricket on winning the #T20WorldCup To the @BCCIWomen team,we all are very proud of your achievement. Really enjoyed the way you all played throughout the tournament. Good luck for your future matches.

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 8, 2020

India’s unbeaten run in the tournament came to an end in the final.

Our girls gave their everything, just had one bad day but it was so wonderful to see the way in which they played barring today .Wishing them better luck next time. Congratulations to Australia on winning the #T20WorldCup

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 8, 2020

Gutted by the result today . Nonetheless the girls have had a wonderful #T20WorldCup campaign . I congratulate the T20 captain @ImHarmanpreet and the girls. Well done . Request everyone to continue supporting women’s cricket . Only great things are in store.

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) March 8, 2020

India lost only one game in the tournament. So did Australia. Both teams lost to each other. India beat Aus in the tournament opener. Australia beat India in the finals. Such is life…. #WT20WC #AusvInd

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 8, 2020

Till a few years ago, nobody could have imagined that a billion eyes would be glued to Women’s Cricket World Cup

Cups will come & go, but today is a victory for each & every INDIAN GIRL who dared to defy odds & societal barriers! #SheInspiresUs

Congrats to Australia!

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 8, 2020

Proud of all the efforts put in by the Indian Women's Cricket Team throughout their #T20WorldCup campaign. I'm confident that you girls will bounce back stronger than ever. @BCCIWomen

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) March 8, 2020

I know how tough it is to be so close to that World Cup & not win it. But chin up, girls! It’s not about the result, but about the generation you’ve inspired. You had a campaign you can be very proud of!
Also congratulations Australia, a much deserved win.#INDvsAUS #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/5ekr5Y9yvS

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 8, 2020

Alyssa Healy set the tone in the final with a 30-ball fifty – a record in a World Cup final – en route to a 39-ball 75. In the stands at the MCG was her husband Mitchell Starc, who had played in the 2015 World Cup final at the MCG .

Instead of being overawed by the expectation of a home World Cup final at a packed MCG, Australia have thrived on it. Healy calmed the nerves early. India looked intimidated unfortunately. They will learn from it one hopes.

— Ian bishop (@irbishi) March 8, 2020

Imagining Alyssa Healy and Mitchell Starc chatting over their cornflakes.

"Oh hey, remember when you dominated a World Cup Final at the MCG, winning it for Australia before the opposition caught breath?"

"Yeah. Remember when you did too?"

"Yeah. More toast?"#T20WorldCup

— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) March 8, 2020

One of the finest knocks that I’ve seen in a World Cup Final. Men and Women included. Top class. Alyssa Healy #AusvInd #WT20WC

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 8, 2020