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In the five games so far, the team chasing has won all games so tomorrow’s contest offers a chance for the team batting first to get sufficient practice in case they are put in again in the final

The Preview by Kanishkaa Balachandran06-Jun-2010Match FactsJune 7, 2010
Start time 0900 (0700 GMT)Zimbabwe will have to find an answer to Sri Lanka’s spinners•Associated PressThe Big PictureIndia’s inept showing in the tri-series is the main reason why the final league match tomorrow, between the hosts and Sri Lanka, is a dead rubber. What was billed to be an evenly-matched tournament, with India and Sri Lanka sending under-strength teams, has turned into a contest between just two teams. Zimbabwe’s twin victories against India upset all predictions and hence put enormous pressure on India in their final match on Saturday to not only beat Sri Lanka but by a comfortable margin to keep their chances alive. But the Sri Lankans, led by Dinesh Chandimal, oozed class and were the deserved winners. The finalists were already decided and the penultimate game is now a dress rehearsal for the final.In the five games so far, the team chasing has won all games so tomorrow’s contest offers a chance for the team batting first to get sufficient practice in case they are put in again in the final. Zimbabwe struggled against the Sri Lankan spinners in their previous game, which was a very one-sided encounter. If they can work on that area, then the two remaining games should promise to be more competitive. If they could upset India, there’s no reason why Zimbabwe can’t do the same against Sri Lanka.Form guide (most recent first)Zimbabwe: WLWLL
Sri Lanka: WWLWLWatch out for…Since his record-breaking unbeaten 194 against Bangladesh last year, Charles Coventry has scored just one fifty. Although it’s too much to expect a repeat performance, the best he can do is show more consistency in the middle order, and prove that his blinder of a knock was no fluke. His cameo 32 was crucial in Zimbabwe’s shock win against India in the first match, but in the next two games, he scored just 11 and 20.Sri Lanka’s biggest gain against India on Saturday was Dinesh Chandimal.The wicketkeeper-batsman was initially selected for the World Twenty20 as an attacking T20 batsman, but though he didn’t make much of an impact in the Caribbean, he made the chase of 269 look ridiculously simple, smashing 111. He impressed with his shot selection, footwork and aggressive bent of mind. He looked at ease against pace and spin, and the towering sixes underlined his worth as a promising batsman.Team newsSri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan said after Saturday’s game that they will look to experiment before the final and try out some of the players in the bench. Batsman Lahiru Thirimanne hasn’t played a game yet so there’s an opportunity for him. One of the seamers can also be rested, in order to give Dilhara Fernando a game. Sri Lanka (possible) 1 Upul Tharanga, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt.), 3 Dinesh Chandimal, 4 Jeewan Mendis, 5 Chamara Kapugedera, 6 Thilan Samaraweera / Lahiru Thirimanne, 7 Thissara Perera, 8 Suraj Randiv, 9 Nuwan Kulasekara, 10 Thilan Thushara / Dilhara Fernando, 11 Ajantha MendisZimbabwe’s Ed Rainsford hasn’t got a game yet. He could replace one of the spinners.Zimbabwe (possible) 1 Hamilton Masakadza, 2 Brendan Taylor (wk) 3 Charles Coventry, 4 Greg Lamb, 5 Craig Ervine, 6 Tatenda Taibu, 7 Elton Chigumbura (capt), 8 Andy Blignaut, 9 Graeme Cremer, 10 Prosper Utseya/Ed Rainsford, 11 Ray Price.Stats and trivia Of his 75 wickets, Ajantha Mendis has 18 of those in Zimbabwe alone. Zimbabwe last beat Sri Lanka in an ODI back in April 2003, in Sharjah.Quotes”I’m very impressed with Dinesh Chandimal’s positive intent. I’ve always backed the youngsters to play their natural game.”

West Indies cricket continues to lurch from crisis to crisis and each time there is a glimmer of light they find a way to hit new depths

Andrew McGlashan29-Apr-2010OverviewDwayne Bravo can win matches with any of the three disciplines and West Indies need him to fire•Brooks La Touche Photography and DigicelCricketWest Indies cricket continues to lurch from crisis to crisis and each time there is a glimmer of light they find a way to hit new depths. Ottis Gibson has returned home to take on the demanding role of trying to instil some fight and spirit back into the team and at least the recent one-day series victory against Zimbabwe reversed a depressing run of results. In truth, though, a revival has rarely felt further away.However, a quick-fire Twenty20 tournament could provide the kick that is desperately needed. Throw in home advantage and, hopefully, some passionate support from the locals and it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that they could last the distance – at least until the semi-finals. Any tournament is better the longer the hosts can maintain a challenge and it only takes a couple of innings from Chris Gayle – whose form is a barometer for the rest of his side – and suddenly the belief will begin to return.In the broader picture it is vital that this tournament is a success for the Caribbean after the debacle of the 2007 World Cup. The organisers have promised a more sympathetic handling of the event than three years back, by embracing the local culture, but nothing would help more than seeing Gayle lead his team out in the final. It’s a long shot, but not impossible.Twenty20 pedigreeThey reached the semi-final stage in England last year – dispatching Australia and the hosts on their way – while Gayle still holds the record for the highest individual score in World Twenty20 tournaments with his 117 in the opening game of the first event in South Africa. Of late their form has been less impressive with an embarrassing defeat against Zimbabwe in Trinidad when they limped to 79 for 7 chasing 106 on a turgid surface. The opening match against Ireland is a potential banana skin, but they have a good record against England in Twenty20 having beaten them in last year’s tournament.Strengths and weaknessesWest Indies are not short on batsmen who can clear the boundary. Brett Lee is still waiting for Gayle’s strike from last year to come down somewhere near The Oval, while Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard are also fearsome strikers of the ball. One area of concern will be the pace-bowling department which is still without Fidel Edwards while Jerome Taylor is nursing his way back from injury. There is also the fear that if things start to go wrong they can unravel very quickly. In a short tournament like this you can be gone before it’s barely started.Key menOf course it’s difficult to look past Chris Gayle because the team responds to their captain but Dwayne Bravo, despite a pretty woeful IPL where he scored 61 runs in eight innings and claimed four wickets at 57 for Mumbai Indians, is a wonderful cricketer and is the embodiment of the spirit that the team so desperately needs. He will want to reconfirm his credentials and should rise to the big occasion. Often outstanding at the death with the ball, he is among the finest fielders on the world.X-factorSulieman Benn doesn’t come across as the most natural of Twenty20 cricketers; he isn’t the best of fielders and can’t offer much with the bat but with the ball he could be a vital weapon if the pitches remain slow. Don’t be surprised if he takes the new ball, as he did against Zimbabwe when he finished with the extraordinary figures of 4 for 6.Vital statsGayle’s Twenty20 international strike-rate is a more-than-handy 144.92 and he has struck 25 sixes in 14 inningsKemar Roach’s IPL didn’t quite go to plan. He played two matches, bowled eight overs and went for 80 runs. The faster they come, the faster they go.

Match facts

Monday, February 8
Start time 12.00 (23.00 GMT)Andy McKay was one of two New Zealand players to make promising debuts in the first ODI•Getty Images

Big Picture

Bangladesh cricket fans looking for good news over the past week have had to follow the South Asian Games, where their Under-21 team won gold in a tournament also containing the likes of Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The senior team in New Zealand, though, has been abject in the two matches so far and were thrashed in the only Twenty20 and the first ODI in Napier.For New Zealand, Monday’s match presents a chance to complete a quick series victory. With several of their key players injured, the contests against Bangladesh are a good opportunity to test their bench strength, and Daniel Vettori will be satisfied with the performance of both the players they blooded in Napier – Peter Ingram making a steady 69 and Andy McKay nipping out two top-order batsmen. Perhaps the biggest gain from that victory was Jacob Oram showing that he had not lost his lethal hitting ability, something which has not been on view too often of late.The only redeeming features for Bangladesh were a robust opening stand between Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes, and young Shaiful Islam’s performance – four wickets, including giving away only four runs in a double-wicket over in the middle of Oram’s blitzkreig. However, unless the Bangladesh middle order gets its act together, their hunt for a maiden victory in any format in New Zealand is likely to be extended.

Form guide (most recent first)

New Zealand WWWLL
Bangladesh LLLLL

Watch out for

At 25, Ross Taylor is already New Zealand’s most important batsman in the middle order. He was in stunning form in the domestic Twenty20 tournament in January, leading the run-charts and rounding it off with a 30-ball 80 to hand Central Districts the title. Bangladesh have already had a taste of how dangerous he can be when he slammed a couple of sixes on his way to a quick 51 in the first ODI.Tamim Iqbal is becoming an increasingly influential batsman for Bangladesh. A naturally aggressive player, he has worked hard on tempering his attacking stroke play. Another aspect of his batting that has improved is the way he deal with spinners, using an effective sweep shot to blunt them. With Mohammad Ashraful and Shakib Al Hasan not in the greatest of touch, Tamim has added responsibility at the top of the order.

Team news

The only decision for New Zealand is whether they want to bring in Ian Butler for one of the three quick bowlers who played on Friday. If they do, Tim Southee could be the one who sits out.New Zealand: (probable) 1 Brendon McCullum (wk), 2 Peter Ingram, 3 Martin Guptill, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 James Franklin, 6 Neil Broom, 7 Jacob Oram, 8 Daniel Vettori, 9 Tim Southee/Ian Butler, 10 Daryl Tuffey, 11 Andy McKay.
Bangladesh have named their playing XI. Mohammad Ashraful, despite a lean run, keeps his place but Raqibul Hasan has been dropped for Aftab Ahmed. Rubel Hossain has earned a starting spot ahead of Nazmul Hossain.Bangladesh: 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Imrul Kayes, 3 Mohammad Ashraful, 4 Aftab Ahmed,5 Shakib Al Hasan (capt), 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 8 Naeem Islam, 9 Shahadat Hossain, 10 Shafiul Islam, 11 Rubel Hossain.

Quotes

“Oram has been a bit frustrated with results but [on Friday] we saw a guy who, if we can get him back to where he was 12-18 months ago, is going to be a big help to this side.”
Mark Greatbatch, New Zealand coach, emphasises what an important player Jacob Oram can be to the one-day outfit.

Many Everton fans have criticised the performance of Mason Holgate in their 3-2 loss at home to Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League this afternoon.

The defender was part of a back five whose defending was truly shocking at times, as they conceded three goals at Goodison Park to the Seagulls, which ultimately led to their ninth league defeat of the season.

Holgate had a poor game by his standards, losing out on two of his duels and only managing to make one clearance, interception and tackle (SofaScore).

The 25-year-old was particularly guilty of giving the ball away far too often throughout the match, 22 times in total, the joint-second most out of any player on the pitch (SofaScore).

Everton fans slam Holgate

These Everton fans slammed Holgate’s performance on Twitter, with one Toffees supporter even going as far as to claim that he was a ‘liability’ today:

“Rafa is a clown who hasn’t got a clue. Holgate and Kenny both shocking. Gordon can’t take corners. Kean looks terrified”

Credit: @paddymedic22

“Anthony Gordon is Everton’s standout player. Keane and Holgate are dreadful.”

Credit: @henrymcdonald

“Never thought I’d hate anyone in an Everton shirt more than Iwobi… Holgate is making me reconsider”

Credit: @PHarky83

“Holgate is no better. Liability. Ball watcher.”

Credit: @AdrianDodds5

“Holgate terrifies me every time he touches the ball”

Credit: @efcdylan_

“Especially Holgate, pains me watching him”

Credit: @aaronga33594931

In other news, many Evertonians were raging over this news prior to kick-off

With 2021 quickly winding down, it’s time to look back on what has been a very impressive year indeed for West Ham United.

David Moyes’ side produced a superb Premier League campaign last season to break up the so-called ‘big-six’ and finished in a Europa League spot, ahead of the likes of London rivals Arsenal and Spurs.

The Hammers have since followed that up with an equally impressive start to the current season, establishing themselves as contenders once again for a European place – this time perhaps for a chance in the Champions League.

However this season ends, West Ham fans will no doubt look back fondly on the entirety of 2021, and here on FFC, we’ve decided to create a bumper quiz for the most passionate of supporters to sink their teeth into.

With 15 questions to answer, can you somehow manage to get 100% and prove that you’re a REAL West Ham fan?!

Have a go below!

Rangers maintained their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table thanks to a comfortable 2-0 victory at Ibrox on Wednesday evening.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side consolidated their four point cushion over nearest rivals Celtic thanks to goals from Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent against St Johnstone, and while the two goal-scorers will rightly get the headlines, James Tavernier surely had his manager purring too.

Given a bit more freedom to go forward and join the attack like he’s done so effectively in years prior, the right-back looked far more dangerous than he has been in recent games.

As per Sofascore, he had a whopping 102 touches of the ball (only Glen Kamara and Connor Goldson had more), while he also provided three key passes and attempted 12 crosses – those latter stats ranking him joint-third and top among his teammates.

That’s also not to mention the fact he also looked assured defensively too, however, winning 86% of his duels on the night, and making a team-high five tackles too.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for Football Scotland, Euan Robertson gave him a seven, saying: “Afforded more attacking licence than in recent weeks and produced a controlled performance.”

If Tavernier can match the kind of goals and assists he usually produces from those wide areas like he has done in previous seasons, Van Bronckhorst will feel very confident at the kind of potent attack his Rangers side could be.

In his previous three games in the Scottish Premiership, the 30-year-old had managed no goals or assists whatsoever, which is quite the drought for someone so involved as him – to put that into context, the previous five games before that little run saw him notch two goals and an incredible eight assists.

His performance against St Johnstone looked like Tavernier nearing his best, and his manager would no doubt have been delighted.

Meanwhile, this Rangers star has been a revelation…

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur ‘insider’ and club source John Wenham has made a claim involving in-form youngster Dilan Markanday.

The Lowdown: Markanday shining…

Over 2021/22, it’s safe to say that the 20-year-old forward has been in sublime form for Tottenham’s Under-23s.

Indeed, Markanday has been a constant threat for Wayne Burnett’s side this season, notching an incredible 10 goals and two assists in 10 Premier League 2 outings (Transfermarkt).

This academy run prompted Spurs to give him his first senior nod recently, with the player debuting against Vitesse in the Europa Conference League in late October.

Markanday’s form has prompted talks of another new deal after he put pen to paper on a contract extension earlier this year, one which keeps him at Spurs until the end of this season.

Sharing what he knows, Wenham has now made a claim on the starlet’s situation as things stand.

The Latest: Exit talks ‘ongoing’…

As per the insider, speaking to Football Insider, Spurs want to extend Markanday’s deal before potentially sending him out on loan in January, with those talks apparently ‘ongoing’ behind the scenes.

“There will certainly be loan enquiries in January,” Wenham explained.

“Actually, I’m told those talks are ongoing. Tottenham just want to extend that contract before he goes.

“I think if he doesn’t play between now and January, he will 100% leave in January.

“I’m certain League One clubs will already be asking about taking him on loan in January. That would be great for his development. I just want him to be playing.

“I would rather that was in the leagues instead of just in our Under 23 setup. He’s at that stage where he needs proper competitive football on a regular basis.”

The Verdict: Next stage…,

Like Wenham, we believe that a potential loan to England’s third tier could be just what Markanday needs in the next stage of his development as a Spurs player.

Having already dazzled at academy level, as evident by his rip-roaring form, the 20-year-old could now do with more senior experience whilst trying to replicate his fellow N17 graduates.

Troy Parrott has been shining on a temporary spell at MK Dons so far this season (90min), while defender J’Neil Bennett has been a regular at Crewe, starting nine League one matches while getting on the scoresheet and providing one assist (Transfermarkt).

If Markanday can go out on loan and replicate the young duo’s performances, Tottenham could be about to nurture yet another promising talent.

In other news: Spurs now close to signing ‘monster’ as Conte seeks to solve severe problem, find out more here.

كشف خالد لطيف أمين صندوق نادي الزمالك، عن وعد مرتضى منصور رئيس القلعة البيضاء للاعبين، بعد مواجهة الهلال السعودي في كأس سوبر لوسيل.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الزمالك مع الهلال السعودي، يوم الجمعة المُقبل الموافق 9 من سبتمبر، على ملعب استاد لوسيل، والذي سيشهد مباراة نهائي كأس العالم 2022.

وقال لطيف في تصريحات عبر الموقع الرسمي لنادي الزمالك: “مباراة الهلال صعبة، ولكني أثق في الله وقدرات اللاعبين والجهاز الفني”.

طالع أيضًا | أحمد مرتضى: جماهير الزمالك سيكون لهم مفعول السحر أمام الهلال. وجلسة رئيس النادي كانت مؤثرة

وتابع: “جوسفالدو فيريرا المدير الفني للزمالك، يُجيد اللعب تحت الضغوط، ويعرف كيف يُدير مثل هذه المباريات”.

وأضاف: “لقاء المستشار مرتضي منصور مع اللاعبين كان له مفعول السحر وحافز كبير ووعدهم بأداء مناسك العمرة بعد اللقاء”.

واختتم حديثه: “الجمهور المصري الزملكاوي في قطر سيكون له دور مؤثر ونتمنى أن نعود بالكأس إن شاء الله”.

West Bromwich Albion have lodged a complaint to FIFA regarding an unpaid transfer fee.

What’s the latest?

In a recent report for the Express & Star, Joseph Masi revealed that West Brom are yet to receive the full transfer fee for the £2.5m sale of centre-back Ahmed Hegazi, who joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad Jeddah this summer.

Masi added that, despite it being unknown exactly how much of the fee remains outstanding, Al-Ittihad have disputed the figure, something which has led to the Baggies raising the issue with FIFA in order to find a resolution.

Finally, it is said that West Brom hope to receive an answer from the governing body this week, which could lead to Valerien Ismael receiving an injection of cash ahead of the January transfer window.

Fans will be buzzing

The situation surrounding Hegazi’s unpaid transfer fee is obviously far from ideal for West Brom, but should FIFA decree that Al-Ittihad owe them a significant fee for the defender, and this fee is paid ahead of the winter market, there would appear to be a rather significant silver lining for Ismael.

Indeed, with the 46-year-old recently stating that he is already working towards a number of deals in January, the potential of receiving a substantial amount of money prior to the transfer window’s opening would undoubtedly come as a major boost for the Frenchman, who would certainly welcome an injection of cash in order to rejuvenate his squad.

With West Brom already involved in what looks to be a fiercely-contested race for a top two finish this season, the possibility of having slightly more money to spend this winter could well make all the difference in the Championship standings come next May, while the potential of bringing in a fresh face or two is also sure to have The Hawthorns faithful buzzing.

In other news: Valerien Ismael must unleash “vocal” 18 y/o colossus, he could save West Brom millions

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans were left unimpressed with the performance of Said Benrahma against Tottenham Hotspur this afternoon. 

David Moyes’ men were looking to improve on their recent Premier League home record and took on London rivals Spurs in one of their most highly-anticipated derbies of the season.

Fresh off the back of an impressive midweek win over Genk in the Europa League group stage, taking full control of that contest and placing one foot into the last 16, today’s encounter came as a totally different beast.

The match was on a knife edge for the most part until Aaron Cresswell’s corner midway through the second half fell to Michail Antonio, who made no mistake and opened the scoring for 1-0.

One man who certainly didn’t impress some supporters with his display during the contest, though, was Benrahma – who has been handed more of a chance by Moyes this season compared to last.

Some Irons supporters felt that he has failed to truly grasp his chance, with the Algerian struggling to really make his mark on a consistent basis at the London Stadium today. As per SofaScore, he finished the match as West Ham’s lowest-rated starter and was hauled off by Moyes 10 minutes from full-time, having lost seven of his nine duels, completed just one of his five attempted dribbles and given the ball away 12 times.

He often cut an “anonymous” figure against Spurs and couldn’t really stamp his authority or creativity on the game, so it’s little wonder why some supporters feel he underperformed. One angry Irons fan even fumed that the Algerian was “playing for Tottenham”.

Check out some of the fans’ verdicts on the 26-year-old below.

West Ham fans slam Benrahma…

“Benrahma dropping a 0/10”

Credit: @whumako

“I actually forgot Benrahma was playing for large parts of that half, non existent”

Credit: @poshboyh

“Benrahma playing for Tottenham so far”

Credit: @lolololword

“Benrahma shocking so far”

Credit: @seann_mears

“we need to get Benrahma involved, anonymous so far”

Credit: @SteveFairchil18

“Benrahma needs to liven up”

Credit: @Irons_Stuff

“Benrahma very quiet today”

Credit: @scott161

“what happened to Benrahma”

Credit: @kubaWHU

In other news: ‘Incredible’, ‘Bargain’…Pundit thrilled as West Ham allegedly eye ‘very, very good signing’…find out more here.