LAKR hardly got going in the chase, as Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad shared four wickets

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jun-2025Texas Super Kings returned to winning ways and rose to second place on the MLC 2025 points table with an all-round display that brushed Los Angeles Knight Riders aside. It was TSK’s fourth win in six games and LAKR’s fourth loss in five matches as the tournament reached the halfway mark of its league phase.The stars of the game for TSK were lower-middle-order batters Shubham Ranjane and Donovan Ferreira and left-arm spinners Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad.LAKR had started well, making good use of their decision to bowl by reducing TSK to 33 for 3 in four overs, all three taken by Shadley van Schalkwyk including the big wicket of Marcus Stoinis for a golden duck.Akeal Hosein struck twice before the Los Angeles Knight Riders batters even had time to settle down•Sportzpics for MLCOpener Smit Patel then resurrected the innings with a steady stand of 64 off 46 with Ranjane, nearly taking the score to 100 when Smit scooped Andre Russell to short fine-leg for 38 off 33. The wicket turned out to be detrimental for LAKR because there was no stopping Ferreira and Ranjane after that. Ferreira started with back-to-back fours off Ali Khan and then went after Russell with 6, 4 and 4. Van Schalkwyk then leaked sixes to both batters in his last over – which went for 23 – as the two put on 82 in just 40 balls. The stand ended in the 19th over after a big mix up led to Ferreira’s run out, and Ranjane also fell two balls later. Two more wickets fell in the last over but TSK finished on 196, which proved to be enough.The LAKR openers had hardly found their feet when Hosein struck twice in two balls, dismissing Nitish Kumar with a spectacular arm ball that swung in sharply to knock over middle stump. Unmukt Chand and Saif Badar struggled to score quickly, taking the team to 39 for 2 in the powerplay, before a cross-seam delivery from Stoinis had Badar edging behind. The asking rate had shot above 12 an over now and never came down as variations from the TSK bowlers – both spinners and fast bowlers – kept LAKR on a leash.Sherfane Rutherford struggled his way to 13 off 15 before being bowled by Noor, and even the hard-hitting Jamaican duo of Rovman Powell and Russell couldn’t turn things around. Powell hit the first six of the innings in the 15th over just before Russell was deceived by a sharp wrong’un from Noor that turned from leg stump with plenty of drift to dislodge his off stump. LAKR now needed 95 from 27 balls and never even got close.

يخوض منتخب إيطاليا مباراة هامة في مشواره بتصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026، حين يلاقي النرويج، مساء اليوم الأحد.

ويستقبل منتخب إيطاليا نظيره النرويجي، على ملعب “سان سيرو”، ضمن مباريات الجولة العاشرة لتصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

المنتخب الإيطالي يواجه تحديًا صعبًا لضمان التأهل المباشر وتجنب خوض مباريات الملحق، حيث يتواجد في المركز الثاني بمجموعته ويملك في رصيده 18 نقطة.

أما منتخب النرويج، فيتصدر المجموعة برصيد 21 نقطة، ويقترب فريق إيرلينج هالاند من حسم التأهل المباشر للمونديال.

ولكي تضمن إيطاليا التأهل المباشر، عليها الفوز بفارق 9 أهداف أمام النرويج، وهو أمر مستحيل نظريًا.

وفشلت إيطاليا في التأهل لآخر نسختين من كأس العالم، روسيا 2018 وقطر 2022، ويأمل جينارو جاتوزو في النجاح بتجاوز هذا الكابوس وإعادة إيطاليا للمسابقة المرموقة من جديد. موعد مباراة إيطاليا والنرويج اليوم

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة العاشرة إلا ربع مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الحادية عشر إلا ربع مساءً بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة إيطاليا والنرويج اليوم

تذاع المباراة عبر قناة  beIN sports HD1. معلق مباراة إيطاليا والنرويج اليوم

يعلق على المباراة، علي سعيد الكعبي.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنـــا.

Opener shared a 209-run stand with Australia A skipper Jason Sangha who also made an unbeaten 121

AAP22-Jul-2025Darwin-born Jake Weatherald sealed a happy homecoming and put his name in the conversation surrounding Australia’s opening batter conundrum for the Ashes with an imperious century for Australia A against Sri Lanka A.Starting day three of the second four-day game on 45, Tasmania’s Weatherald powered to 183 in a magnificent 275-ball innings punctuated by 16 fours and two sixes.Australia A captain Jason Sangha made an unbeaten 121, his third first-class century in his last five innings dating back to the end of the Sheffield Shield season. The pair’s 209-run third-wicket stand, after Kurtis Patterson made 59 in a 134-run second-wicket stand with Weatherald, took Australia A from 76 for 1 on resumption to a strong 379 for 3 by stumps on Tuesday, in reply to Sri Lanka A’s 485 for 6 declared.With the Darwin pitch ideal for batting, the chance of a result looks slim, with the series poised to end 0-0 after game one finished in a stalemate.Most discussion out of the match, then, may centre on Weatherald after the 30-year-old made hay on the Marrara Cricket Ground pitch to score his 13th first-class century.Coming after his 54 in his only innings in game one, the knock was a timely reminder to national selectors as they weigh top-order options for this summer’s home Ashes after a bleak tour of the West Indies for openers. Usman Khawaja has averaged 15.37 in his last eight Test innings and will turn 39 during the Ashes. The 19-year-old Sam Konstas fared even worse when recalled to partner Khawaja in the recent 3-0 Test series romp in the Caribbean, averaging 8.33 and looking well short of the finished article. Nathan McSweeney – dropped after averaging 14.40 through his first three Tests last summer against India – made 94 for Australia A last week to push his case for a possible recall, but failed on Monday in the second match, making 12.Jason Sangha brought up a century from No. 4•Cricket Australia

Into calculations for a top-of-the-order Test debut in the Ashes comes Weatherald, who opened for Australia A and raised his century on Tuesday off 146 deliveries, scoring in virtually every part of the ground.The left-hand batter is coming off the finest summer of his career, in which he topped the Sheffield Shield competition with 905 runs.His three Shield centuries – as with his effort on Tuesday – showed his capacity to push on to make a big hundred, scoring 186 against Queensland, 155 against Victoria, and 145 against New South Wales.On Tuesday, he and Patterson progressed their second-wicket partnership to 134 before Patterson was caught at point for 59 reaching for a wide delivery from paceman Asanka Manoj.Weatherald and Sangha piled on 209 for the third wicket before Weatherald was bowled by offspinner Nuwanidu Fernando.

After winning the Carabao Cup last season, ending Newcastle’s 56-year wait to win a major trophy, it looked as though the PIF project was coming to a head.

Qualification for the Champions League was then secured on the final day of the campaign and the Toon were ready to attack this transfer window with intent.

To their credit, Eddie Howe’s men haven’t been shy in the transfer window but they’ve simply been met with fierce resistance and a series of rejections.

Supporters came into this window with plenty of excitement but it’s been nothing shy of a nightmare. Their best player since Alan Shearer, Mr Isak, wants to depart and hasn’t been shy of letting his desires be known, releasing quite the angry statement on Tuesday evening ahead of the PFA awards.

Newcastle have, at least, welcomed Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale to St James’ Park, but a striker continues to elude them.

The latest on Newcastle's striker hunt

Crikey, what a summer, eh? Newcastle have missed out on a whole plethora of forwards in recent months, notably Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko who turned down the Magpies’ advances, instead signing for Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.

Transfer Focus

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

Work is currently being undertaken to bring Yoane Wissa to the north east but despite the player’s apparent desperation to make the move, Brentford are stubborn. After losing Bryan Mbeumo, Thomas Frank and skipper, Christian Norgaard already this summer, they are not keen on seeing their prized striker leave for cheap.

Newcastle are trying hard to sign him but with an alleged £60m price tag, obstacles have so far yet to be cleared.

Still, there are alternatives including the likes of Ollie Watkins, Nicolas Jackson and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand-Larsen.

Yet, according to French reporter, Julien Laurens, Sporting CP attacker Conrad Harder is also on their radar.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk podcast on Wednesday, he stated: “They’ve tried to find a replacement for him [Isak]. They like Conrad Harder at Sporting, but he is not as developed already compared to the others we mentioned already. Certainly no Premier League experience, unlike the other three [Wissa, Jackson, Larsen].”

Amid interest from Milan, reports in Italy have indicated that the Portuguese club are seeking a fee of £24m to sell this summer, although that does seem unlikely given they have already sold Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal.

Speaking of the Gunners’ new striker, Harder has already been described as “the next Viktor Gyokeres” by Scouted Football. Here’s why.

How Harder compares to Wissa and Watkins

It’s abundantly clear that Wissa is Newcastle’s leading target this month and while they would love to sign someone like Watkins too, that one feels more unlikely.

Yet, by landing a bargain deal for Harder before the transfer window slams shut on 1st September, they’d be acquiring a raw player but someone who is actually already more complete than the pair of them.

Harder had to play second fiddle to Gyokeres in Lisbon last term but he still caught the eye, with the 20-year-old scoring 13 goals and supplying ten assists across 54 appearances in all competitions. It’s worth noting that those involvements came from just 20 starts. Impressive work indeed.

The Dane does need to refine his skillset but it’s clear to see why he’s already being compared to Gyokeres. Slightly stockier, talent scout Jacek Kulig hails his “powerful finishing” and his “excellent top speed” while describing him as a “complete forward”.

So, what do the numbers say? Well, it looks favourable when comparing him to Watkins and Wissa.

It’s safe to say that the Sporting youngster isn’t as prolific as the more proven talents of Wissa and Watkins just yet.

However, in every metric besides progressive passes, the Denmark youth international has proven himself to be an incredible talent, undeniably showcasing that he’s more complete across a whole range of facets.

Harder is not just a goalscorer but he’s capable of creating goals on a regular basis, notably registering more key passes than Watkins, who actually finished as the Premier League’s leading assist maker back in 2023/24.

Furthermore, he’s capable of dribbling with the ball on a regular basis, ranking highly for progressive carrying, and he can hold the ball up well, winning far more aerial duels per 90 minutes.

Newcastle fans will be holding out for a big-money striker, particularly with Isak’s future in doubt, but they could do far worse than bringing Harder to England.

Elanga will love him: £50m Wissa alternative is now a top Newcastle target

Newcastle are looking for a new striker this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 21, 2025

يرى حازم إمام نجم الكرة المصرية السابق، أن الراحل محمد صبري لاعب الزمالك السابق، يستحق تكريمًا خاصًا به مثل إطلاق ملعب على اسمه نظرًا لقيمته وما قدمه مع الأبيض. 

وكان محمد صبري لاعب الزمالك السابق، قد توفاه الله صباح أمس الجمعة، إثر حادث آليم تعرض له بعد مروه بأزمة قلبية خلال قيادته السيارة.

طالع أيضًا.. 4 قرارات من مجلس الزمالك بشأن الراحل محمد صبري

وقال حازم إمام عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “محمد صبري يستحق كل شيء جميل، لعب ودرب في الزمالك وكان من نجومه وكباتن النادي، وعمل كإعلامي في قناة الزمالك، حق مكتسب لصبري أن يتم عمل شيء يليق به سواء شهرية أو ملعب على اسمه، هو كان لاعبًا كبيرًا ولم يحصل على حقه من الجماهير والإعلام، وكان نجم جيلنا”.

وأضاف: “أشكر طارق قنديل وسيد عبد الحفيظ ووليد سليمان الذين حضروا جنازة محمد صبري، في الكرة ننافس بعضنا ولا توجد كراهية ولا نتجاوز، في النهاية نحن عائلة واحدة”.

وتابع: “للأسف وقت الضيق والوفاة نقول هذا الكلام، وبعد يومين أو ثلاثة نعود ونتجاوز في حق بعضنا، ولو أحد طلع وقال كلمة للزمالك بعض الأهلاوية يسبونه، أتمنى الناس ترى أن الموت في أي لحظة يأتي”. 

واختتم: “إعلاميًا كنت لا تشعر بقيمة محمد صبري رغم أنه نجم كبير وكان يستحق تقديرًا أكثر من ذلك”.

Despite IPL and Hundred success, allrounder has still not heard from England since being dropped

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Aug-2025Liam Livingstone has revealed that he has not exchanged “a single word” with England’s management since he was dropped from their white-ball squads in May, and believes his versatility has worked against him in selection.Livingstone, who turned 32 this month, has not played for England in any format since their group-stage exit at the Champions Trophy in March. He has since won the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru – though had a limited role, scoring 112 runs in eight innings – and is the leading run-scorer in the men’s Hundred this season while captaining Birmingham Phoenix.It was only last year that Livingstone captained England in an ODI series in the Caribbean, but he did not feature in the white-ball squads named on Friday to face South Africa and Ireland next month. His central contract is due to expire later this year, and he told talkSPORT’s podcast on Tuesday that he is unclear where his future lies.Related

• Liam Livingstone blitz gets Birmingham Phoenix off the mark

• Livingstone leads from front to keep Birmingham Phoenix in hunt

• Sonny Baker wins first England call-up, Jacob Bethell to captain in Ireland

“Obviously I didn’t have a great series in India and Pakistan and I hold my hands up: I wasn’t good enough out there. But I probably wasn’t the only one,” Livingstone said. “I don’t know where I stand with England, to be honest. The frustrating part for me is I feel like I’ve got my best cricket ahead of me.”He said that a phone call from Brendon McCullum during the IPL telling him he had been dropped from England’s squads to face West Indies in June was his most recent contact with “any of the top four people in charge” – the others being managing director, Rob Key, national selector, Luke Wright, and captain, Harry Brook.”I absolutely love playing for England… Nothing makes me prouder than being able to represent my country. At my age now, I feel like this is where people start to really come into their prime as a batter. You look at Jos [Buttler] over the last few years and I feel like, coming into a [T20] World Cup year, I could really help an England team go a long way to winning a World Cup.”That’s probably the frustrating thing for me: I would love to help. I would love to play for England. I feel like I’m still good enough to play for England. But I haven’t had a single word since halfway through the IPL, so I don’t really know where I stand, to be honest… I probably feel like right now, I’m playing as well as I ever have done in my whole career.”Livingstone struggled during the Champions Trophy•Associated Press

England have primarily used Livingstone as a finisher in both white-ball formats, but he has generally performed better higher up the order: in T20Is, his record is far better at No. 4 than in any other role, while his best ODI innings came from No. 5 last year, when he hit a match-winning 124 not out against West Indies in Antigua.”That’s probably been one of my biggest frustrations,” he said. “Whenever I’ve gone up the order, I’ve actually done really well for England. Maybe my versatility has probably been against me a little bit: being able to come in further down the order and hit sixes from ball one is obviously not something that a lot of people can do.”I feel like I’m a batter that can go on and win games for whoever I’m playing for, not necessarily a slogger down the order that can come in and come off every now and then. I feel like I’ve got more game than that, to be honest. The more responsibility I’ve had in my career, the better I’ve done… Certainly, I feel like I’m thriving on it at the moment with the Phoenix.”Livingstone has been overtaken in the pecking order by two other spin-bowling allrounders in Will Jacks – who was not involved under Buttler’s captaincy earlier this year, but impressed under Brook’s leadership against West Indies in June – and Jacob Bethell, his Phoenix team-mate in the Hundred who will become England’s youngest captain in Ireland next month.

Former Everton striker Wayne Rooney has revealed the best teammate he has during his time as a Blues player, with Pele even watching his debut at another club.

Rooney's love for Everton

For a while, Rooney’s reputation at Everton was damaged because of his decision to join Manchester United as a teenager, having emerged as the most exciting young player in the country.

The England legend returned to Goodison Park later in his career, however, which went down well, and he has revealed in the past how much it hurt to leave the Blues first time around.

“I knew before Euro 2004 that I was getting touted to other teams because Everton needed the money. Certain individuals were going in to other clubs saying, ‘Would you take Wayne Rooney for £30 million?’. I was heartbroken. I mean, I loved the club and wanted to play for Everton but once I found that out, I was devastated.

“To be honest, I would have left at some point – of course, I would have to better myself and go and win trophies – but I was devastated. So I thought, you know what? Okay. I was getting pushed to join Chelsea because they were offering the most money but I didn’t want to go. I wanted to go to Manchester United. It was less money for Everton but that’s where I wanted to play.”

Rooney revealed "best" ever Everton teammate

Speaking to Everton’s X account in the past, Rooney revealed that Thomas Gravesen is the best player he shared a pitch with for the Blues: “I would probably say that Thomas Gravesen is the best player I’ve played with.”

Gravesen is a choice that will likely be met positively by Everton fans, with the Dane a hugely popular player during his time at Goodison.

He possessed both technical ability on the ball and tenacity out of possession, and his quality is highlighted by the fact that he earned a move to Real Madrid in 2005.

In fact, Pele was even present to watch his debut at the Santiago Bernabeu, and legendary manager Fabio Capello heaped praise on him at the time.

“He has been playing very well in front of the Madrid defence and is also very effective at helping build their attacks. He is turning into a very important player for them, as Madrid had problems in that position before he arrived. They were all over the place there. Now, with his arrival, there is more balance to the team.”

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ByAngus Sinclair Sep 19, 2025

If Gravesen were asked the same question, Rooney could easily get his vote, considering he is among the greatest English footballers of his generation, and it’s just a shame that they didn’t spend longer together at Everton.

MatériaMais Notícias

da poker： O torcedor pode comemorar a tão esperada volta aos estádios. Separados por quase dois anos, o amor, carinho e ‘corneta’ das arquibancadas está de volta ao futebol brasileiro, sendo o primeiro jogo do Palmeiras com público no Allianz Parque o confronto contra o Red Bull Bragantino, no sábado (9). Nem tudo, porém, é motivo de festa, dado que a liberação causa receio em alguns que pretender acompanhar os jogos do Verdão de perto.

Pensando nisso, o antropólogo Yuri Tambucci encontrou uma opção. Juntou algumas pessoas com as quais pretende compartilhar o Gol Norte e formou o SEPFF2, cujo nome é inspirado na máscara PFF2, recomendada contra a Covid-19. O grupo pretende ir aos confrontos do Verdão da maneira mais segura possível, utilizando equipamentos eficazes contra a Covid-19 e mantendo o distanciamento social.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFutebol NacionalPalmeiras x Red Bull Bragantino: onde assistir ao duelo pelo Brasileirão, arbitragem e escalaçõesFutebol Nacional08/10/2021PalmeirasEscalação do Palmeiras: Verdão faz trabalho posicional visando Red Bull BragantinoPalmeiras08/10/2021PalmeirasQuanto o Palmeiras pode arrecadar com público até o fim do ano? Veja a contaPalmeiras07/10/2021

da doce： Em contato com o NOSSO PALESTRA, Yuri comentou sua jornada nas arquibancadas, acompanhado o Maior Campeão Nacional há mais de uma década.

– Há mais de dez anos, estar na arquibancada faz parte da minha vida de uma forma muito intensa. É lá que gosto de estar, pra torcer e me sentir vivo. Quem vai na arquibancada não é mais palmeirense que os outros, mas entendo que tem a responsabilidade e a honra de representar cada um dos milhões de pessoas que formam o Palmeiras.

Além disso, o antropólogo explicou os motivos para a criação da SEPFF2 e como o grupo se comportará nos dias de jogos do Maior Campeão Nacional.

– Ficar longe do estádio foi uma necessidade e podemos discutir se era a hora de voltar a abrir as portas. Eu fiquei em dúvida se voltaria ou não, porque, até agora, me mantive o mais isolado possível, sem ver parentes ou amigos. E pensando na volta, as cenas de gente aglomerada, usando máscara de jeitos errados, ou nem usando, me deixaram preocupado. Cheguei à conclusão de que a única forma em que me sentiria à vontade para entrar no estádio e torcer como gosto seria me cercando de gente que tivesse a mesma preocupação. Convoquei, como brincadeira, uma torcida SEPFF2, e bastante gente se animou. Hoje estamos em um pequeno grupo de umas 15 pessoas nos articulando para assistir ao jogo juntos, usando uma boa máscara e mantendo algum distanciamento o tempo inteiro.

– Provavelmente vai ser um processo de adaptação, e vamos entender quais são as dificuldades, principalmente à medida que a lotação do estádio for crescendo. O ideal seria que os organizadores garantissem uma ocupação máxima e distribuíssem e orientassem em relação ao uso de boas máscaras. Mas como isso não deve acontecer, vamos nós mesmos nos cuidar ao máximo como for possível e esperar que mais gente entenda a importância de se proteger e proteger uns aos outros. Enquanto a pandemia estiver aí e a vacinação não avançar no ritmo que deveria, esse vai ser o jeito.

Para a partida contra o ‘Bragabull’, apenas 30% da capacidade do estádio poderá estar presente, devido às restrições do Governo do Estado de São Paulo. Para um torcedor poder comparecer ao jogo, precisa estar completamente imunizado contra a Covid-19 ou, se recebeu apenas uma dose da vacina, apresentar um teste antígeno negativo feito 24 horas antes da partida ou com teste RT-PCR negativo feito nas 48 horas anteriores ao confronto.
Com o ‘setor anti-covid’ do SEPFF2, a partida entre Palmeiras e Red Bull Bragantino será realizada no próximo sábado (9), às 21h (horário de Brasília), no Allianz Parque.

continua após a publicidade

He also backed Samson to play the finisher role, if needed

Shashank Kishore12-Sep-20252:34

Bangar: Samson deserves a slot in the top three

India vs Pakistan matches have a lot riding on them but, two days out from their first meeting at the 2025 Asia Cup, the focus appears to be squarely on the cricket. And nothing else.”For the players and for us,” India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said, “Once the BCCI says and they are aligned with the government, we are here to prepare and we are here to play. It will be a competitive game. An India-Pakistan game is always a competitive game. So, we would rather focus on that.”Ahead of India’s training session on Friday, Kotak was asked whether it can be tough to focus on cricket amid calls from certain quarters back home to boycott matches against Pakistan. India and Pakistan share a tense political relationship that has only grown more strained in recent months, with the two countries having exchanged cross-border hostilities following the Pahalgam terror attack in April.Related

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“Honestly, I don’t think so [not tough],” Kotak said. “Once we are here to play, I think players are focused on playing cricket. I personally don’t think they have anything in mind apart from playing cricket. And that’s what we focus on.”The other big point of focus was India’s batting line-up, and whether Sanju Samson can adapt to a role at No. 5 or 6, where he hasn’t had as much success as in the top order. Kotak was clear, while there was a fair degree of certainty around the openers and No. 3, that the rest of the line-up was flexible, and players were preparing themselves with this in mind.”If you look at our batting line-up, everyone is capable of going to any number and finishing the match,” Kotak explained. “Although, we have four-five aggressive players who, according to the situation, either the head coach or the captain decides where to send them. More or less everyone is prepared to bat at any number.1:48

Dube: ‘I am always prepared to bowl four overs’

“So there is nothing fixed. Everyone knows their role. So, according to the situation, they will be ready. Obviously, the openers and No. 3, we think about particular players. But after that, if required, I think all the players also now mentally and skill-wise, they are prepared to bat at any number. And I think that’s a good sign.”Kotak essentially underlined that all of Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube and Samson can finish off an innings if required. “Everyone knows their role,” he said. “One thing. Maybe we have more than one finisher. So, seriously, depending on the situation, we can go accordingly.”Because if you look at Shivam, if you look at Hardik, if you look at Axar, they all can do whatever is required depending on who is bowling, which bowler of the opposing team is left, how is the wicket. So, it is a great thing to have, where you have three [or] four guys who can go at any number.”Kotak also cleared “confusion” over the team’s workload-management policy, when asked if the prospect of playing a Test match, where he is captain, barely three days after the conclusion of the Asia Cup would impact Gill’s readiness. India host West Indies for two Tests from October 2.”I don’t know what you think about workload management. But workload management is generally done for bowlers, mainly fast bowlers,” Kotak said. “If you talk about batters, if they mentally feel that cricket is too much for them, then it is a matter of thinking. Workload is actually managed by fast bowlers. I don’t think batsmen face workload management issues.”Asked if Arshdeep Singh, India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, could sit out as he did in the opening game, Kotak said that call was made on the basis of the slow, turning conditions in Dubai. If need be, similar calls will be made again.”Everyone knows that there is no agenda,” he said. “There is no personal liking, disliking. Whatever is best for the team, the captain and head coach will decide and do that. And I don’t think there is any doubt in anybody’s mind. So, whoever is not playing, they are always trying to help the guys who are playing. And I think that’s the way the team should play.”

Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea has admitted he feared a 6-0 loss before VAR intervened in his club's dramatic 2-2 draw with Bologna in Serie A. The goalkeeper dismissed pressure as "an excuse" as La Viola remain winless in the relegation zone, relying on two late penalties to salvage a point against their 10-man opponents.

• Dramatic comeback salvages point amid protests

  Fiorentina's winless start to the 2025-26 campaign looked set to continue in disastrous fashion. Bologna, who remain fifth in the table, established a commanding lead through goals from Santiago Castro in the 25th minute and Nicolo Cambiaghi early in the second half. 

  The hosts were met with harsh protests from the Franchi crowd as the match unravelled. The turning point arrived when Bologna's Thijs Dallinga appeared to score a third goal, only for VAR to intervene and rule the goal out for an offside against Riccardo Orsolini.

  Buoyed by the reprieve, Fiorentina were awarded a penalty, which Albert Gudmundsson converted in the 74th minute. Bologna's task was made more difficult when Emil Holm received a red card in the 83rd minute. Deep into stoppage time, Fiorentina earned a second spot-kick, allowing Moise Kean to secure the equaliser after four minutes of stoppage time.

  The statistics reflected a chaotic match. Fiorentina registered 17 total shots, with six on target, while Bologna managed six shots, hitting the target three times. Possession was split evenly at 50-50.

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  De Gea admits 6-0 fear after disallowed goal

  Speaking to , De Gea confessed the panic that set in after Dallinga's disallowed goal, believing the match was lost.

  "After the 3-0, we thought we could lose 6-0, then I don't know why the goal was disallowed, but we gained confidence and almost won," De Gea stated. "The truth is, we could have easily lost, but we played a good last 25 minutes."

  The goalkeeper acknowledged the result was ultimately positive given the circumstances. "In the end, though, it's a good point because the game was almost lost, but it's true that we're struggling a bit. We all have to do a little better, and even if it's not easy for the fans, we all have to go in the same direction."

• Fiorentina 'can't be afraid' – De Gea

  During his post-match press conference, De Gea was adamant that the team's poor mentality is not a valid reason for their position in the table, rejecting the idea that pressure is affecting the squad.

  "If we're afraid to play… We're men, we play for Fiorentina: we can't feel the pressure, for me that's an excuse," he said. "We're doing badly on the pitch, some young players may feel the pressure, but this is the time to do better. We're close to getting this victory, I'm sure that when we win we'll start playing better and winning more."

  He also addressed the chaotic nature of the match's officiating, stating: "A bit of chaos… Sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don't, it's a bit strange. But this is football today and we have to accept it."

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• Goalkeeper highlights Serie A and Conference League disparity

  While Fiorentina have performed adequately in the UEFA Conference League, winning both of their games so far to go top of the table, their domestic form is dire. De Gea pointed to the significant gap in quality between the two competitions as a reason for the discrepancy.

  "The level of these two teams we faced in the Conference is lower than in Serie A," De Gea explained. "We played well in the Conference, but in the league we're not the same because it's tougher, we play against strong teams. We're struggling a lot and you can feel it in the locker room too: the only solution is to work and fight game after game.

  "Certainly no one expected this start to the season. We haven't won yet, and we're struggling. The team isn't performing well, but we have to stay positive.

  "As Kean said, we need to believe more among ourselves… We have to believe more than anyone else, raising the bar and winning games. Serie A is tough, but that's football: we have to stay united with the fans, it's very hard for them too, but we have to follow the same path."