Pakistan Women qualified for the upcoming Women’s World Cup in England despite being demolished by India Women by seven wickets at Colombo’s P Sara Oval. Ekta Bisht’s career-best returns of 5 for 8 in 10 overs toppled Pakistan for 67. India required just 22.3 overs to chase down the target, with seven wickets in hand, and finished the Super Six stage as table toppers.Before Bisht, it was Shikha Pandey, the new-ball bowler, who set the tone for Pakistan’s slide after Mithali Raj decided to bowl under overcast conditions. Pandey removed the in-form Nahida Khan and Javeria Khan for single-digit scores. Pakistan were 30 for 2 after 10 overs when Bisht struck for the first time, off her very first ball, trapping Ayesha Zafar lbw for her 50th ODI scalp. Zafar had made 19.Apart from Zafar, only Bismah Maroof got into double figures before Pakistan folded in the 44th over. Bisht had ample support. Pandey took 2 for 9 from her seven overs, while spinners Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma and Devika Vaidya picked up a wicket apiece.India’s innings began in bright fashion, with a boundary off the very first ball, but they quickly stuttered with Sana Mir and Sadia Yousuf reducing them to 23 for 2. Opening batsman Deepti Sharma then steered the chase with a 42-run third-wicket stand with Kaur, who became Yousuf’s second victim when she was caught by Zafar with just three needed. Five balls later, Veda Krishnamurthy closed out the game with a four off left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu as India’s innings ended the same way it began.Sri Lanka Women also secured their spot in the World Cup after a 42-run win via the Duckworth-Lewis method in their last Super Six tie against Bangladesh Women in a rain-affected tie in Colombo. Chamari Atapattu hit 84 at the top to help Sri Lanka to 197 for 9 in their 50 overs. In reply, Bangladesh, chasing a revised target of 111, could only reach 68 for 5 in their allotted 21 overs.Atapattu walked out with Sri Lanka 39 for 1 in the 11th over and started off with a half-century stand with Hasini Perera. After Perera’s dismissal for 32, the onus fell on Atapattu to build Sri Lanka’s innings. Atapattu nearly hung around till the end of the innings, before Salma Khatun took her out in the first ball of the 49th over. Sri Lanka could only collect four runs from the 11 remaining balls as they fell short of the 200-mark.Bangaldesh used seven bowlers, six of whom were among the wickets. Khatun was the pick of the lot, striking thrice and giving away just 18 runs in nine overs.Bangladesh began poorly in the chase, with Udeshika Prabodhani and Inoka Ranaweera reducing them to 25 for 3 in the eighth over. Nigar Sultana (24) and Shaila Sharmin (21) made contributions, but a double strike from Inoshi Priyadharshani in the 15th over hurt Bangladesh and they finished well short of the target.Rain affected proceedings at the Colombo Cricket Ground too where South Africa Women came out on top by 36 runs via the Duckworth-Lewis method against Ireland Women. South Africa’s win was set up by a strong bowling performance that helped them bowl out Ireland for 166 in 49.5 overs. South Africa were 82 for 1 in 21 overs in their reply when rain stopped play. South Africa needed to be 47 for 1 at that stage, and with play never resuming, they emerged comfortable winners and secured second spot in the Super Six table.All seven of the bowlers used by South Africa chipped in with wickets as Ireland’s innings never got going. Cecilia Joyce struck 29 at the top of the order. Isobel Joyce and Gaby Lewis got off to starts with knocks of 30 and 21 respectively, but most of the rest largely failed to impress. That Ireland got to 166 was down to wicketkeeper Mary Waldron’s unbeaten 33 at No. 8, and her last-wicket partnership of 43 with Ciara Metcalfe, who contributed just 10.Lizelle Lee, Sune Luus and Dane van Niekerk took two wickets each for South Africa.Kim Garth snuffed out Lee for 14 in the third over, after which Laura Wolvaardt and Mignon du Preez got together for an unbroken second-wicket stand of 59. When the rain came down, Wolvaardt was unbeaten on 32 and du Preez was not out on 29.The four qualifying teams – India, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Pakistan – will be joined by England, Australia, New Zealand and West Indies in the World Cup which begins in June in England.

England Under-19s will be without Matt Fisher for their four-day series against India in Nagpur which starts on Monday as they take a protective attitude to a fast bowler in whom they have invested considerable expectations

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Feb-2017

England Under-19s will be without Matt Fisher for their four-day series against India in Nagpur which starts on Monday as they take a protective attitude to a fast bowler in whom they have invested considerable expectations.The Yorkshire fast bowler is still struggling with the groin problem he picked up during the one-day series in Mumbai – although England privately stress that he has not suffered a recurrence of the hamstring problems that bedevilled him last seasonFisher will stay with the Under-19 squad for another week to make the most of his first sub-continental experience as a member of England’s leadership group, while continuing to receive treatment from the medical staff. He will then return to Yorkshire to join their pre-season preparations at Headingley.Max Holden, the Middlesex batsman who has been loaned out to Northants for the start of the season, will take over the captaincy as planned for the four-day series.

Manchester City have entered the race to sign Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, according to Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the latest Man City transfer news?

Pep Guardiola and those at the Etihad have already made a start on their summer business by bringing in Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. The midfielder looks likely to fill the void left by Ilkay Gundogan, who is set to join Barcelona when his City contract officially expires at the end of the month.

Kovacic may not be the only Croatia international to make the move to the treble winners, though, with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol reportedly a top target in defence and personal terms already agreed.

Another midfielder to join Kovacic could also be in the works, and after City pulled out of the race to sign Declan Rice from West Ham, it appears as if Veiga is a target despite Liverpool leading the race for his services. Recent reports have claimed those at Anfield are 'well ahead of any club' in the race for Veiga, although 'many twists and turns could still take place', and it looks as if that could come from Manchester.

According to Romano in the last 48 hours, City are now in the race and informed when it comes to a possible deal for Veiga, who has a release clause set at €40m (£34.5m).

“Manchester City have entered the race for Spanish talent Gabri Veiga after pulling out of Declan Rice deal.

“He’s one of the options now being considered at the club. Liverpool and Chelsea remain interested but City also informed now. Release clause: €40m.”

Who is Gabri Veiga?

Veiga, who has been hailed as a "very electric player" by Romano, is 21 years of age and is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in attacking and defensive midfield roles.

The Spaniard has progressed through Celta Vigo’s academy and has gone on to make 55 senior appearances for his current employers – 40 of which came during the 2022/23 season. Veiga has scored 11 times and has registered four assists with Celta Vigo and has seen his Transfermarkt valuation rocket to a career-high €30m.

As per FBref, Veiga already ranks in the 99th percentile for goals and assists for midfielders and the 98th percentile for successful take-ons that lead to a goal, showing his ability in the final third.

He looks to be a real star in the making, and by the looks of it, City could look to capitalise over the coming weeks, potentially making him the club’s second midfield addition of the summer to rival the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and co.

Manchester United are expected to make a bid for Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana, but it could be postponed until next week, according to reports from Italy.

Has David de Gea left Man United?

De Gea's contract with Man United expired on 30th June, and Football Insider reports that the 32-year-old is set to walk away from the club as he has little desire to play second fiddle to a new arrival, with Erik ten Hag identifying multiple targets.

Big names such as Diogo Costa and Thibaut Courtois have been linked in the past, while the lesser-known Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow has also emerged as an option, with reports indicating he could be brought in alongside Onana.

Fabrizio Romano reports the Red Devils have already held a meeting with the Inter goalkeeper's agent ahead of a potential summer move, though there may be a short delay before an official bid is lodged if the latest update is to be believed.

According to reports from Italy (via Sport Witness), Inter are waiting for Man United to make their official bid for the Cameroon international, but there is a belief that it could be some time before it arrives.

The Serie A club have made it very clear they must receive €60m (£52m) if they are to sell their goalkeeper, but that figure is difficult for United to reach straight away.

Ten Hag has been "promised" that the 27-year-old will be brought in this summer, and there is a willingness to get the deal done.

Are Man United signing Andre Onana?

Man United have recently received a boost in their pursuit of the Cameroonian, as Fabrizio Romano has reported he is "open" to a move to Old Trafford this summer, and he could be a real upgrade on De Gea.

Ten Hag's current goalkeeper has often struggled with the ball at his feet, ranking in just the 30th percentile for average touches per 90 in the past year, while Onana places in the 89th percentile.

In stark contrast to De Gea, the former Ajax man is "remarkable with the ball", and is "equally comfortable using the ball with his right foot or his left foot" according to Eurosport's Alessandro Brunetti.

Hailed as a "superstar" by members of the media, Onana is exactly the sort of modern-day goalkeeper that could help take Man United to the next level, and they should come to the table with an opening offer next week.

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves was unsure whether or not to move to Saudi Arabia, according to Dean Jones.

What's the latest on Ruben Neves?

After years of speculation linking Neves with a move away from Molineux, the time has finally come for the 26-year-old to make his long-awaited switch.

However, his dreams of playing for Barcelona or Manchester United have been put firmly to rest, with the Portuguese instead swapping Wolves for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

The midfielder became one of the younger players to make the move to Asia this summer, finalising a transfer worth £47m, and subsequently giving up on his dream to play under Xavi at Camp Nou.

According to journalist Dean Jones, Neves was sceptical over a move to the Saudi Pro League, and the 41-cap international would have much preferred a destination closer to home.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Jones said: "I know that Ruben Neves was really umming and ahing over whether to actually go through with that [move to Al Hilal]. Like, it's not an easy decision to make on a personal level.

"Financially, it's obviously tough to turn down. But I think in a dream world, Ruben Neves would have gone to Barcelona or another even club in the Premier League. The problem with Ruben Neves is he was never anyone's absolute priority to get through the door, and that's why he's ended up there."

Neves was wanted by Barcelona, but the Spanish side's financial situation would have made a transfer problematic, while their priority target Ilkay Gundogan has since joined on a free transfer.

Julen Lopetegui will have to fill the hole left behind by Neves next season and how the manager reinvests the £47m will be pivotal in how Wanderers perform.

What's the latest Saudi Arabia transfer news?

Cristiano Ronaldo's high-profile move to Al-Nassr started the ball rolling, but few expected what was to come in terms of the sheer volume of players arriving in the country.

Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly have all made the switch, while dozens of others from Europe's top leagues are expected to follow.

Some of the latest links involve Marcelo Brozovic, who could be joining Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, while former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino appears to be on his way to Al-Ahli.

Celtic's 24-year-old winger Jota also appears to be on his way to Al-Ittihad, showing, much like Neves, that it isn't just more senior players making the switch.

كشف قيس عطية رئيس جهاز كرة اليد في نادي الترجي التونسي حقيقة التقارير التي تربط لاعب كرة اليد في صفوف النادي حازم باشا بالانتقال لصفوف الأهلي المصري.

وكانت أنباء صحفية ربطت في الساعات الماضية الأهلي بالحصول على خدمات اللاعب الدولي التونسي حازم باشا على سبيل الإعارة للمشاركة مع الفريق في كأس السوبر الإفريقي.

وقال قيس عطية في تصريحات خاصة لـ”بطولات”: “لا توجد أي صحة لما يتردد في مصر بشأن تعاقد الأهلي مع لاعب الترجي التونسي حازم باشا، الموضوع لم يطرح نهائيًا”.

وأكمل: “لاعبو الترجي لم يسبق لهم النجاح في صفوف الأهلي”.

طالع | نتائج قرعة كأس الكؤوس الإفريقية لكرة اليد.. صدام ناري للزمالك والأهلي مع منافسين جزائريين

ومن المقرر أن تقام بطولة كأس الكؤوس الإفريقية خلال الفترة من 18 إلى 27 أبريل، بمدينة وهران الجزائرية.

كما يلعب الأهلي في بطولة كأس السوبر الإفريقي لكرة اليد يومي 14 و15 أبريل المقبل بمشاركة الزمالك وسبورتنج من مصر وجي اس كي من الكونغو.

If Chelsea are looking for a big-name signing to truly kick-start Mauricio Pochettino's tenure as head coach, they do not come much bigger than Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar.

According to The Athletic, that is a possibility as PSG are open to getting the big-earning forward – on wages of £933k a week at the Parc des Princes, according to Capology – off their books this summer.

Is PSG superstar Neymar a realistic target for Chelsea?

Six years on from becoming the most expensive footballer in history when joining from Barcelona for a fee of €222m (£198m), Neymar's time in the French capital may finally be up.

The report suggests Chelsea hold an interest in the Brazil international, and the transfer is now a lot more feasible due to the Blues getting a number of their own big earners off the books early in the transfer window.

PSG would ideally still like to recoup some of the mammoth fee they splashed out on Neymar, but with the forward having two years of his contract to run, it is suggested removing his reported £48.5m annual salary off their books is also appealing.

Can Neymar still do a job in the Premier League?

This is not the first time Neymar has been linked with a move to the Premier League – or indeed Chelsea – with Manchester United said to also be showing an interest this summer.

There is no doubt that the samba star is not as highly regarded as he once was, not helped by a period of stagnation at PSG despite an influx of the world's greatest players, including Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe.

However, on the basis of last season, the £49m-rated Neymar is still as good as any player in the world in a number of areas. Indeed, he ranks in the top 1% of all forwards across Europe's top five leagues last season for chances created, as per The Analyst, while nobody can better him for touches of the ball.

Neymar is also in the top 5% for goals scored, netting 13 of them last season and assisting 11 more in 20 Ligue 1 outings. Many will point to the quality of the French top flight, but Neymar has scored regularly now in both LaLiga and Ligue 1.

It is a goalscorer Chelsea desperately crave, and in Neymar they would be signing a player who has scored 359 times in 584 career appearances for Santos, Barcelona and PSG.

As Brazil colleague at the time David Luiz put it previously, Neymar is a "phenomenon" – a status that he continues to justify based on the statistics alone, even if he has his many doubters.

With Christopher Nkunku having already arrived from RB Leipzig this summer, Chelsea could find his ideal partner in Neymar. Nkunku is himself a goalscorer (top 4% in Europe's top five leagues last season), and would surely thrive off the creativity that the Brazilian brings.

While there is no dispelling the fact Neymar struggles in certain defensive metrics, he ranks higher than expected for possession won – in the top 32% of forwards across Europe's elite divisions.

Interestingly, as per The Analyst, the two players most like Nkunku right now are Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who formed one of the Premier League's all-time great attacks alongside Roberto Firmino.

Neymar, meanwhile, is very alike Vinicius Junior in terms of their statistical profiles, and his compatriot did not exactly struggle to form a strong partnership with Karim Benzema at Real Madrid.

For all the talk that Neymar will take balance away from a team, there is just as much evidence to suggest he and Nkunku could tear up the Premier League in a double transfer that would seriously ignite Pochettino's tenure.

Tottenham Hotspur have two new names on their centre-back shortlist, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Which new names have been added?

Ange Postecoglou has his work cut out to get Tottenham's defence in order next season, with just one summer to fix a porous backline.

That will likely mean making some additions to his squad, while possibly moving on some of those who were culpable for last season's disastrous defensive displays.

One name that has been continually mentioned in recent days is Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba, who could be available for as little as £26m, although, speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Romano suggested a fee closer to £50m.

Romano added later in the podcast that Tapsoba is not the only player Spurs appreciate, with two new names being added to the growing centre-back shortlist.

He stated: "I can tell you there are two more names in the list. Two more who I think, I will say one more name because I'm still checking with my sources, but I think tomorrow I will call one more name for Tottenham. So, I still need to do some checks."

"But there is interest in two more players, it is not only Tapsoba – Tapsoba is one of them. Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham is a player they discussed, but in this moment, from what I understand, is not a priority."

He added: "Tottenham are not in concrete negotiations for Tosin. He is a player they like in terms of being informed and the conditions of the deal, but they are not advancing on anything for Tosin, and then we will see for these other options. So, Tapsoba priority, but it is not only Tapsoba."

Due to only having one year left on his contract and having rejected an extension, it is thought Adarabioyo could be available for as little as £13m this window. The 25-year-old had an average 6.89 Premier League rating on Sofascore, adapting well to life in England's top tier.

A cut-price deal for the former Manchester City youngster could be an astute piece of business from Postecoglou and save money for investment in other areas of the team.

Who is the other centre-back?

Romano is yet to reveal who the other centre-back is since releasing the podcast episode, but the day before had linked Tottenham with Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, so it is possible that the Dutchman is the other defender on the list.

The 22-year-old is currently playing for the Netherlands at the U21 European Championship and has been impressive at the tournament so far.

The left-footed, 6ft3 centre-back has attracted interest from Liverpool as well this summer, and has already spoken about his desire to play at a higher level.

While speaking with HITC (via the Mirror), he said: "Of course, I read everything. I have good contact with my agent, so I know what’s going on. I’ll see where it will lead. Hopefully, (a big transfer after the Euros) would be nice. The Premier League? Maybe, yes."

With Van de Ven ready to make the step-up, Spurs would be foolish not to establish the parameters of a potential deal with Wolfsburg.

Chelsea are set to hold a fresh round of discussions regarding a deal to sign Flamengo star Matheus Franca, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

Following Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival, the boss has wasted no time in starting to create his new-look squad by having a mass clearout which has seen the confirmed departures of Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, N’Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko.

RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku and Villarreal’s Nicolas Jackson have come in as senior recruits in the opposite direction, as per Transfermarkt.

Franca, who is primarily an attacking midfielder, has worked his way up through the ranks at the Maracana Stadium to become a regular feature of Jorge Sampaoli’s first-team, having made 53 senior appearances since entering the fold back in January 2022.

The Brazilian’s impressive performances in his homeland appear to have caught the eye of the Blues hierarchy after The Daily Mail reported that they are exploring a deal for the 19-year-old, who has also previously attracted interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle United, West Ham and Crystal Palace.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that the teenager is “keen on the move” to Stamford Bridge, and having been made aware of this, negotiations are expected to take place in the coming days to try and reach an agreement for his transfer.

Are Chelsea signing Franca?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Chelsea and Flamengo have organised discussions to see if they can find a middle ground on a switch for Franca. He wrote:

“Chelsea have scheduled new round of talks for Franca with Flamengo. Matheus, being negotiated for €20m fee while Flamengo want at least €25m (£21m). #CFC. Can confirm again Angelo Gabriel plan to fly to London this week then sign 6 year deal at Chelsea. €15m fee to Santos.”

Would Franca be a good signing?

Chelsea will recognise that Franca being just 19 years of age means he’d be a signing more so for the long-term future of the club, but he also looks more than ready to be involved with the first-team, so should he put pen to paper he would be a wonderfully exciting acquisition for Pochettino.

The Rio De Janeiro native, who’s sponsored by Nike, has posted 14 goal contributions (11 goals and three assists) in 58 appearances throughout his career so far and is a constant threat in the final third, ranking in the 97th percentile for most shots by players in his position and the 96th percentile for number of attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area.

Flamengo’s “sensation”, as lauded by journalist Aaron Stokes, also has the ability to play in six various positions across the pitch, including everywhere across the frontline alongside his usual role in the centre of the park, so he would provide the boss with plenty of versatility.

Finally, Franca may only be a teenager but he’s already got a taste of success with two senior trophies to his name and there’s no doubt that he’s hungry for more, which is a goal that he could achieve should he decide to link up with the squad in SW6.

Australia pacer Shaun Tait has announced his retirement from cricket at the age of 34

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Mar-20170:44

Quick Facts – Shaun Tait

Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait has announced his retirement from cricket at the age of 34. Tait called time on a 15-year career at the competitive level, with his last match coming for the Hobart Hurricanes against the Sydney Thunder in the 2016-17 Big Bash League.Tait, whose last appearance for Australia came in a T20 international against India in Sydney early last year – after a call-up to international cricket after five years – played three Tests, 35 ODIs and 21 T20Is for Australia.”I honestly wanted to play a couple more years, whether it was over in the UK or here,” Tait told . “I knew it was going to be difficult getting older to compete with the young blokes. I’m 34 years old and I suppose when you’re not contributing on the field as much as you’d like to, it’s time to finish up.”Tait made his international debut against England in Nottingham during the 2005 Ashes, where his pace, bounce and swing earned him three wickets in England’s first innings. While he played just two more Tests, his ODI career had a few highlights, including the 2007 World Cup, where Tait played an integral role in Australia’s triumph, snaring 23 wickets in 11 matches to finish joint-second on the tournament charts. In all, Tait ended his ODI career with 62 wickets at 23.56. His strike rate of 27.20 is the second-best among Australia bowlers with at least 50 ODI wickets, behind Mitchell Starc.Tait was recognised as one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, and clocked 161.1 kmph against England in 2010, which is among the fastest balls ever bowled in international cricket. The downside of his brutal pace, however, was a career strewn with injuries.Tait called time on his first-class career in 2009 and his ODI career in 2011, after Australia’s World Cup quarter-final exit. He enjoyed some success as a T20 specialist, playing in leagues around the world. However, his latest Big Bash season was marred by dwindling form. Tait missed parts of the tournament due to an elbow problem that has troubled him for over a decade. And in the four matches he played, he conceded runs at 12.48 an over.”I didn’t know it was going to be as difficult as it was this year [with the Hurricanes],” Tait said. “Pretty much getting left out of the side or not being able to play because of my elbow, either way there’s no point going on with it. I knew during the Big Bash that I was going to finish up. The elbow has pretty much gone off a cliff now, it’s done and dusted.”It would have been nice to play another year maybe, but there’s no point getting more surgery and play when I’m 35 when I’m probably not up to it anymore. If I was still performing really well, I’d probably do it [have surgery and keep playing]. But I just wasn’t. The game’s getting quicker and better and I’m getting slower and a bit older. It’s that simple.”Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said: “In his prime, Shaun was the world’s fastest bowlers. It was incredibly exciting to watch him full flight bursting through the defences of the game’s best batsmen. Unfortunately, injuries restricted Shaun at certain stages and he certainly didn’t play as much as he would have liked.”Tait said he was not leaving cricket entirely behind, but would like to remain involved in some capacity. “It’s emotional, there’s no doubt about that,” he said. “The first time when you know you’re going to retire, you look back to when you first started. It seems like it was yesterday, but it has been 15 years now. It’s probably a cliché that a lot of guys say, but just being with the lads [is what I’ll miss the most]. Being with your team-mates, having a beer with your team-mates in the change rooms, going away on a trip somewhere to wherever it might be.”You don’t want to be away from home all the time, but sometimes it’s nice to go to India or the UK for a tournament. That’s always one of the perks of cricket, travelling to these parts of the world, which I’ll miss a bit. I don’t want to close cricket off, that’s for sure. It’d be nice to continue on in cricket somehow.”