Tag Futebol

When you come to watch the ICC Trophy, it’s not just a matter of jumping in the car and heading to the ground. With six games on each day, you are spoilt for choice. Short on time after taking in the morning’s first priority, the All Blacks-Lions rugby Test, I opted today for Lisburn, a stone’s throw from Belfast, where United Arab Emirates met Bermuda.In 1986 a thousand people crammed into Wallace Park when Ian Botham blazed a century off 37 balls during the Lisburn Cricket Club’s 150-year celebrations. In the last week of July each year, Bermuda has a two-day public holiday dedicated to playing cricket and providing the ultimate party for thousands of Bermudians.Contrast today where just a handful of spectators had arrived for the first ball, and the rustle of the wind through vast belts of greenery outside the boundary provided the loudest noise, as Bermuda struggled along on a wicket doing plenty. The UAE pacemen extracted sharp seam movement in the first hour and the spinners got it turn later on.Things seemed pretty grim for Bermuda at 105 for 6 until Dean Minors, their wicketkeeper, was able to hang around with Albert Steed. When Steed was dismissed in the 45th over, with Bermuda’s total sitting uncomfortably at 158, their all-rounder Saleem Mukuddem whispered to me “this boy can hit them”.Mukuddem was referring to Lionel Cann and his assessment was not wrong. In 17 balls Cann smashed 45 courtesy of the UAE bowlers feeding his favoured cow-corner slog. The shout of “timber” from one pumped-up fan after each of Cann’s four sixes was surely something unique.All of a sudden it was game on prompting Gus Logie, Bermuda’s coach, to say at the break, “I’d rather have the runs on the board than be chasing them”. Logie’s counterpart, Abid Ali, the former Indian international, saw it differently, saying 218 was a target UAE should get and at 67 for 1 they were in control.Enter man-of-the-match Dwayne Leverock, built more like a Bermudian version of David Boon than the athletes demanded by the professional game that the teams in the ICC Trophy aspire to. Leverock lured Arshad Ali, UAE’s star batsman, out of his crease with his cunning left-arm spin to start a memorable and decisive passage of play.When Leverock wasn’t probing and having batsmen caught he was snaffling catches at slip. When he displayed skilful foot juggling skills, after his second snare, the now hundred-strong crowd looked over at the scoreboard that read a scarcely-believable 84 for 6.At another level, one where one-dayers are a dime-a-dozen, it may have been all over for UAE but this is no ordinary competition. Aside from a daily allowance these guys receive nothing for playing and can only play if they can get time off work. Playing for your country in a tournament of this significance – there’s funding from the ICC on the line for the five that qualify for the next World Cup – really means something and Fahad Usman, UAE’s No.7, typified just that.Usman put his side in with a chance of victory with an intelligent but rapid 63. Looking on, Bermuda’s injured captain Clay Smith barked words of encouragement and when he said “it’s coming baby”, he was right: Usman holed out and the Bermudian celebrations erupted.

Not a happy place at the moment© Getty Images

Surrey’s season is in freefall on the field, and now they will have to review their security arrangements after vandals broke into The Oval on Thursday night and dug up a section of the outfield. Their actions, compounded by heavy overnight rain and a broken super-sopper, meant that little play was possible on the second day of the Championship match against Middlesex.The vandals, who are believed to have climbed the perimeter wall to gain access, used a spade to dig a hole about ten feet long by one foot wide just behind the popping creases at the Vauxhall End of the ground. Bill Gordon, the groundsman, discovered the damage early on Friday and used turf from outside the boundary to effect repairs.The Oval stages several one-day internationals this summer on top of the Test against West Indies, and as a result of the incident, security is being stepped up. Until now, the only guards have been by the main entrance at the Hobbs Gate, but dogs will now be brought in to protect the playing area.

A FLAW IN THE RUN RATE CALCULATIONSThere is lack of clarity in the rules for the current world cup on how `forfeited matches’ will be scored for computing net run rate. There is a serious flaw which could seriously impact Zimbabwe’s chances of qualifying for super six which the Zimbabwe Cricket Association should take up with ICC.Currently the way Net Run Rate is being reported, for the forfeited match both the teams are credited with 0 runs and 0 overs. Hence the Net Run Rate for England (after 6 matches) is 0.82 and the Net Run Rate for Zimbabwe (after 5 matches) is 0.50.However this appears unfair because apart from an opportunity to defeat England (which is remedied by awarding full points to Zimbabwe) the forfeit also deprived Zimbabwe an opportunity to improve its run rate.ICC’s Rule in this regard is very unclear.I believe that the correct solution is to treat that score for the forfeited match as 0 runs in 50 overs for England and 0 runs in 0 overs for Zimbabwe.This is also intuitively appealing because while Zimbabwe was ready to bowl at England there were no England batters to face them and vice versa.If this method is followed then the Net Run Rate for the two teams will be -0.02 for England and +1.56 for Zimbabwe. Pakistan currently has a net run rate of 0.21.If the methodology I have suggested is followed then Zimbabwe’s task for qualification for Super Six becomes very easy, even if they were to lose to Pakistan. e.g., if Pakistan bats first and score 250 runs then Zimbabwe will need to score only 112 runs to qualify. If Zimbabwe bats first and scores 250 in 50 overs, then all Zimbabwe has to do is to ensure that Pakistan does not get to this score in less than 18 overs.Wishing Zimbabwe the very best.Sidhir Variyar (India)THOSE LUCKY BOYS IN RED!Now that’s something: Zim in the Super Sixes – again!Maybe they haven’t really earned their place, beating no other Test nation. But neither did Pakistan. And as for England . . .In contrast to the last World Cup they have no pressure now. They start from the bottom of the group. Nobody expects them to go to the semi-finals. First of all, they should beat Kenya. Realistically, Sri Lanka and New Zealand are much stronger sides, but in this World Cup you should take nothing for granted.I hope the players have learned enough about the inswinging yorker (Vaas) and Murali’s magic on the last tour to Sri Lanka. And if they can survive against a certain Mr. Bond, they might just make it.The Flowers in reasonable form, Blignaut clubbing another couple of quick fifties, the bowlers hopefully getting their radar right, and then anything is possible!It’s sad the World Cup has been influenced so much by the weather and the forfeited games. But in a way it’s great to see the rain gods haven’t forgotten Zim after all. And maybe someone up there has take a liking to players who have taken such a brave stand. How about the selectors following suit?Finally, some questions:Is Travis Friend injured? Otherwise I’d be mildly surprised the selectors picked Ervine ahead of him against Pakistan. Also, Blignaut didn’t bowl against Pak; is he injured too? On the BBC website they keep going on about Andy Flower retiring from international cricket after he allegedly signed to play in Australia. Do you have any news on that?Good luck in the Super Sixes Zim!Henrik Halbleib, Frankfurt (Germany)Reply: Travis Friend was fit, but the selectors preferred Sean Ervine, who has plenty of potential but hasn’t yet lived up to it. Andy Flower refuses to comment on his future plans.THE SUPER SIXESWell, Zim are through to the Super Sixes and unfortunately I cannot feel sorry for England for missing out. They had numerous chances to play in Harare and in the end it has come back to bite them. I was cheering every drop of rain that came down in Bulawayo on Tuesday.Although it is a very very slim chance of Zim progressing any further, the pressure should be off the boys now and they should be able to play the entertaining and attacking cricket which we all know they are capable of. It is a great effort for Zimbabwe to make the Super Sixes of the last two World Cups and they have definitely showed up a few of the other so-called better nations.Go, Zim and Andy Flower during his last few games for Zim, hopefully his international career will end in a fairytale.Michael Shepherd (Australia)

New Zealand cricket fans could be in for a bonanza of viewing this year as SKY Television lines up its busiest year yet.New Zealand’s games in Sri Lanka’s Coca-Cola Cup starting next Wednesday will be screened live here while the three-Test series and three One-Day Internationals against Pakistan in September and October will also be screened live.The series of three Tests and the Australia-South Africa-New Zealand tri-series will be screened, as usual, in November, December and January.But the big bonus for cricket coverage is that nine rounds of the domestic one day competition, previously the Shell Cup, could be screened throughout January.The Bangladesh and England tours will be screened in fully while women’s cricket will also have a slice of the cake.Last year’s CricInfo Women’s World Cup final when New Zealand beat Australia in the last over was the highest ranking sports event for a December that SKY has had.In order to maintain a connection with the women’s game, the three-match series of One-Day Internationals between Australia and New Zealand will be screened in March next year.The games are to be played at Lincoln University, the venue for the World Cup, and there is a chance that one match, possibly the third, will be played at Jade Stadium under lights.There is also the chance that live coverage will be provided of New Zealand’s end of season tour to the West Indies. Negotiations are continuing on achieving that.SKY Sport’s channel manager Jeremy Hill said: “We are investigating coverage from the West Indies, we would love to have that.”He confirmed that negotiations were continuing with a free-to-air partner for cricket coverage this year.TV3 had free-to-air access last summer but its deal was for only one year with SKY.

Liverpool have now submitted a mega offer to sign a key upgrade on Ibrahima Konate in 2026, according to recent reports.

Arne Slot makes "impossible" Premier League title claim

Whilst much of the focus has been on Alexander Isak’s injury this week, Arne Slot turned his attention back towards Liverpool’s struggles on the pitch ahead of the Reds’ clash with bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

The Dutchman admitted his frustration about Liverpool’s set-piece record, claiming that it’s “impossible” for his side to retain their Premier League record amid their current struggles.

Related Liverpool keen on signing £100m "warrior" to upgrade on Mac Allister

Liverpool are getting ready to make a series of changes in the transfer market in 2026.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

He told reporters: “I know the importance of it, it gets more and more, and that’s why we are so annoyed by our current record. It’s a big frustration we are where we are this season because when we were halfway through last season (when they won the league) we had not conceded one set-piece (goal).

“It’s impossible to be top-four, top-five with our set-piece balance, let alone winning the league. We are the only team in the top end of the table that has a negative set-piece balance (Manchester City are in fact on minus-one according to official data supplier Opta) – not only are we negative, we are minus-eight and still on equal points with fourth.

“But if we are minus-eight – Chelsea is I think plus-eight (actually plus-four) and Arsenal and United are very high (scoring 10 apiece) and if you look at that you could say how special it is we have as many points as we have if you have that set-piece balance. We all know why because in open chances created we are number one in the league.”

It’s a glaring issue for those at Anfield and particularly for Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk. Both have had their struggles this season, especially the Frenchman, and recent rumours suggest that Liverpool are ready to act.

Liverpool launch mega offer to sign Marc Guehi

According to reports in Spain, as relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool have now launched a mega offer to sign Guehi in 2026 ahead of Barcelona. They have joined Bayern Munich in making a bid, and are said to be prepared to offer the player a significant salary.

Whether that bid is in an attempt to welcome the Crystal Palace star in January or on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer remains to be seen, however.

The England international came within hours of joining Liverpool in the summer, only for Palace to pull the plug late on. Now, months later, they could finally get their man.

PL stats 25/26

Guehi

Konate

Minutes

1,440

1,426

Progressive Passes

80

64

Tackles Won

18

15

Ball Recoveries

62

50

As Liverpool contemplate Konate’s own contract situation, Guehi once again stands out as an impressive target. Not only would he replace Konate, he’d be an upgrade on the former RB Leipzig man. Whilst Konate has struggled, Guehi has thrived for Crystal Palace this season.

Subscribe to our newsletter for Liverpool transfer insight Discover deeper transfer insight by subscribing to the newsletter, with in-depth analysis of Liverpool’s defensive targets, contract context and transfer race dynamics so you can track how signings like Marc Guehi could matter. Subscribe Subscribe to our newsletter for Liverpool transfer insight Discover deeper transfer insight by subscribing to the newsletter, with in-depth analysis of Liverpool’s defensive targets, contract context and transfer race dynamics so you can track how signings like Marc Guehi could matter.

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Dubbed “fantastic” by Palace boss Oliver Glasner last year, Liverpool have seemingly acted quickly in an attempt to win the race for Guehi’s arrival, but they won’t be alone if he runs his contract down in South London.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were out

	Prasanna Jayawardene snaps up Ramnaresh Sarwan on the rebound © DigicelCricket.com/Brooks La Touche Photography

Sri Lanka’s two leading bowlers weren’t at their menacing on day three best but backed up by a large total, they combined efficiently to leave West Indies 269 for 9 and needing eight runs to avoid the follow-on. Their backs against the wall, West Indies struggled on a batsman-friendly surface with an energetic 80 from Ramnaresh Sarwan the mainstay of their reply, surrounded by a series of decent starts that were wasted. Sarwan’s dismissal handed Sri Lanka the momentum that almost drifted away during the second session and though the last-wicket pair held out for another morning, Sri Lanka remained on top.The day began with Devon Smith and Marlon Samuels playing loose shots against Thilan Thushara. The nature of the track required a patient innings and that’s precisely how he played. Sarwan scored heavily on the domestic circuit leading into this Test and a busy approach at the crease allowed him to pick up runs on either side of the square.This came off well against Muttiah Muralitharan, whom Sarwan paddled and cut with fluency on a pitch akin to what would have been served up in Sri Lanka. His feet moved well against Murali – adeptly smothering the spin – and even with three or four fielders around the bat, Sarwan swept the ball into the gaps. His 27th fifty came up with one such shot. Sarwan averaged over 50 when West Indies toured Sri Lanka last and he was instrumental in a series win at home in 2003. His first international innings in ten months was a class act. Unfortunately for West Indies their middle order didn’t have such tenacity.Shivnarine Chanderpaul proved an immovable object in England last summer and scored two half-centuries in his last Test but fell at 99 for 4 just when he appeared to have set up shop. Looking to work Murali to the onside in the 41st over he failed to get close enough to the ball and drove straight to short cover.Dwayne Bravo was dropped by Mahela Jayawardene at slip on the stroke of lunch – he misread an excellent doosra and the fielder spilled a sitter – but Murali had his man on the resumption. Stuck deep in his crease and trying to turn a quicker one fine Bravo was a dead duck in front of middle and leg.Murali immediately crowded Ryan Hinds, who began with a runner owing to a hamstring pull, with five men around the bat. It was his first time facing Murali – his last Test was in 2005 – and, despite a limited repertoire, Hinds was unruffled during his laborious 32.

	Shivnarine Chanderpaul sweeps for four © DigicelCricket.com/Brooks La Touche Photography

A watchful sixth-wicket partnership of 53 between Sarwan and Hinds had begun to work over the damage of four wickets but the crafty Chaminda Vaas struck a half hour before tea to wrest back the initiative. It took Vaas five overs to tempt Sarwan into an injudicious shot and when he finally did, Prasanna Jayawardene – standing up to the stumps – made no mistake with an excellent one-handed take. Muralitharan broke through immediately after tea as Hinds feathered a thin edge through to the wicketkeeper. Keeping to Muralitharan appeared so smooth thanks to Jayawardene’s deft glovework and his fourth catch was well appreciated by his team-mates.At this stage West Indies needed 84 to avoid the follow-on. Mahela Jayawardene delayed the new ball to give Muralitharan a crack at the lower order but it didn’t work. Denesh Ramdin and the debutant Sulieman Benn got the measure of the slow bowlers, adding 43 frustrating runs, before the change of ball did the trick. It took just one delivery from Vaas to dismiss Ramdin, who couldn’t resist chasing a wide one. Like Hinds, Ramdin had made himself a start but failed to press on; it was the story of West Indies’ day.Benn, a useful lower-order batsman for Barbados, struck the first six of the match and muscled a couple fours during an enterprising 28. Some confusion with Jerome Taylor saw him run out but a good last-wicket stand of 17 in nine overs denied Sri Lanka any further success. The follow-on is within striking distance but salvaging this Test remains another matter.