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“If you look at this tournament, there have been many ups and downs. So, more than us as a team, the pressure is on the Test-playing nation”

Vishal Dikshit11-Jun-2024The number of upsets – Associate teams beating Full Members – and close finishes in the T20 World Cup 2024 have made Nepal captain Rohit Paudel confident that they can beat an under-pressure Sri Lanka in Lauderhill, Florida, on June 11. It will be the second game for Nepal but a more crucial fixture for Sri Lanka, who are on the brink of elimination after losing their first two matches.”Yeah, absolutely,” Paudel replied when asked about his hopes of beating Sri Lanka. “If you see in this World Cup, you’ll see that the Associate team is beating Test-playing countries. So, it is a motivation for all of us, especially moving forward to tomorrow’s game. So as a team, we believe that we are going to win tomorrow and the way we have been preparing for the last couple of months and the way we have been playing cricket for the last one and a half years, I think the belief is always there in the team and we are looking forward to tomorrow’s game.”We want to go tomorrow and showcase our talent in front of the world.”Related

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The two results that will boost Nepal’s confidence will be USA beating Pakistan and Canada prevailing over Ireland, both results from Group A. Even apart from those, Papua New Guinea gave West Indies a scare early in the tournament and Netherlands nearly pulled off another victory against South Africa in a World Cup. Afghanistan beating New Zealand may not count as an “upset” anymore, but the margin of 84 runs against a much higher-ranked team would have defied many expectations.Paudel said his team would also draw confidence from the fact that it hasn’t been a high-scoring tournament so far and barring the opening game between USA and Canada, venues in the USA have been fairly low scoring. While New York has seen the lowest scores among the three USA grounds, Dallas has also produced scores of 106, 159 and 124 for the teams batting first, after Canada scored 194 in the tournament opener.Rohit Paudel hopes Nepal continue the trend of upsets against Sri Lanka, who have lost two out of two in this T20 World Cup•Getty Images

“Scoring runs is becoming harder due to drop-in pitches and conditions,” he said. “The conditions in New York and Dallas are different from that in Florida. Florida has hosted the India-West Indies game previously. So, I think the conditions then and now are different and in the two-three days we practiced, the wickets looked good. If we respect the conditions and present our skills, we can beat any team. The team believes that. We are very confident for tomorrow.”If you look at this tournament, there have been many ups and downs. So, the team believes, and more than us, as a team, the pressure is on the Test-playing nation. We will utilise the pressure, create the pressure and we want to win the game tomorrow. So, if we do the basic things right, I think we are ahead.”Sri Lanka might have had a tough start to the World Cup with their first two clashes against Full Member sides – South Africa and Bangladesh – and even winning their last two league games may not be enough to make the Super Eight.”I think team Sri Lanka is under more pressure than us,” Paudel said. “And if you look at the conditions in the USA, there are lots of dot balls being played. Yesterday, India scored only 119 [against Pakistan]. I think overall, if you look at the conditions, whoever scores 140 is successful, and I think that’s the winning score if you look at the games. So, there are dot balls in these conditions. Whoever gets a start, they have to utilise it. Plus, like yesterday’s game, batsmen were scoring 30-40, but they were still not able to utilise the start. So, it’s a little difficult for new batsmen to play. I think as a batsman, whoever starts, we have to capitalise and get the team to win. And as a team, I think we still have that belief. The first game didn’t go as we thought, but still, as a team, we believe that we will win the next game. We are looking forward to it. We are very excited.”Lauderhill has played host to 15 completed T20Is in the past, the last of which was in August 2023, when the teams batting first – India and West Indies – had scored 178 and 165 but the teams chasing had won on both occasions. Sri Lanka had played two T20Is on this ground back in 2010 but also featured in the two warm-up games there before this World Cup, in which they first lost to Netherlands and then defended 163 against Ireland.When asked what could be a big threat from Sri Lanka, Paudel said they will have to “tackle” their spinners carefully, who have the exposure of playing “all over the world”.Nepal will get a spin boost themselves with the addition of their star legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who has arrived in the West Indies and is set to play their last two league games against South Africa and Bangladesh in St Vincent. He will miss the game against Sri Lanka, for which Nepal will have 14 players available, because he was denied a US visa twice last month and was a late addition to the Nepal squad for only two games, unless they make it to the Super Eight.

PNG’s bowlers gave some hope after they folded for their lowest T20I score ever, but Uganda held their nerve in the end

Mohammad Isam05-Jun-2024A hard-fought three-wicket win on a challenging pitch gave Uganda their maiden win at the T20 World Cup. They beat Papua New Guinea (PNG) in a low-scoring game in Guyana where both teams vied for their first win in the competition. PNG’s batting crumbled to 77 all out after being put to bat, before Uganda, themselves in trouble at 26 for 5, reached home in the 19th over.Riazat Ali Shah, one of Uganda’s rising stars, used a low backlift in his careful 33 off 56 to shepherd them through the tricky chase, falling just three runs shy of Uganda’s target. PNG were left to rue their poor batting, but they also conceded 15 wides, the second-biggest contribution on the scorecard.But the story of the evening was Uganda’s bowling in the first innings, set up by the pair of 43-year old Frank Nsubuga and 21-year old Juma Miyagi.Both vindicated their inclusion in this game with superb spells. Nsubuga bowled the most economical spell (minimum four overs) in T20 World Cup history, with figures of 4-2-4-2. He also became only the second bowler to bowl 20 dot balls in a T20 World Cup game, after Ajantha Mendis in 2012.

Ugandan pace rocks PNG

Alpesh Ramjani gave Uganda a wicket on the second ball when left-hand batter Assad Vala played back to the left-arm spinner, who angled the ball from around the wicket and on to the stumps. Miyagi and Cosmas Kyewuta then kept PNG on the back foot with their pace.Left-hand batter Sese Bau couldn’t clear Miyagi over mid-off where Roger Mukasa took a tumbling catch going backwards. Kyewuta then got the big one when Tony Ura, PNG’s highest run-scorer in T20Is, also holed out to Mukasa. Lega Siaka was run out for 12 in the seventh over, trying to take a second run as he felt under pressure playing out dots against the two fast bowlers.

Nsubuga on target

When Nsubuga slid one through Charles Amini’s leg stump in the 11th over, he became the second-oldest bowler to take a wicket in the T20 World Cup. Nsubuga then had Hiri Hiri lbw although on first view it looked like the batter had come too far down the wicket. The review, though, went in Uganda’s favour.Ramjani’s second wicket came when he also trapped Kiplin Doriga lbw for 12. Captain Brian Masaba then got into the act with a topspinner that went through Chad Soper’s defences. Miyagi and Kyewuta took the last two wickets, as PNG were bowled out with five balls to spare.Frank Nsubuga, 43, bowled back-to-back wicket maidens•ICC via Getty Images

Nao hits back

Alei Nao gave PNG an identical start to PNG when he removed Mukasa in the first over for a second straight duck. Norman Vanua then removed Robinson Obuya who holed out to mid-on where Vala didn’t have to move to complete the catch.Nao then had Simon Ssesazi lbw in the third over as PNG slipped to a perilous 6 for 3. Ramjani then struck a nice boundary through the off side as he and Riazat tried to get Uganda out of trouble. Soper, though, got the seam-up delivery to scissor through Ramjani in the sixth over. When PNG captain Vala had Dinesh Nakrani caught and bowled, PNG were on the ascendancy.

Riazat’s calmness prevails

When Uganda were 35 for 5, Amini dropped Riazat when he was on 8. It was a simple chance at point after Riazat had played a false shot, but it turned out to be the turning point in Uganda’s chase. Riazat registered his only boundary in the 11th over when he struck a nice cover drive against Vala.He added 35 runs for the sixth wicket with Miyagi, but the latter was run out after a mix-up in the 14th over. Riazat kept calm despite the dismissal, though PNG also kept helping Uganda. Bau dropped Kenneth Waiswa on 4, although Riazat finally fell in the 18th over. John Kariko took a good catch at deep third, though it was a little too late for PNG.

That is the the third-highest tally ever recorded in a calendar year, behind only Kumar Sangakkara and Ricky Ponting

Bharath Seervi05-Dec-2017610- Runs scored by Virat Kohli in this Test series, the most by an Indian in a three-match Test series and the fourth-highest overall. The record for this is held by Graham Gooch, who made 752 runs against India in 1990. Against Sri Lanka, only Brian Lara, with 688 runs in 2001-02, has done better than Kohli.3- Players who have scored more than 600 runs in a series batting five or fewer innings. They are Kohli, Don Bradman (806 against South Africa in 1931-32) and Mohammad Yousuf (665 against West Indies in 2006-07) The previous highest tally for an India batsman in a series playing five or fewer innings is 526 by Vinoo Mankad against New Zealand in 1955-56.293- Runs for Kohli in this Test – 243 in first innings and 50 in the second. This is the most made by an India captain in a Test match. He eclipsed Gavaskar’s 289 (107 & 182*) against West Indies at Eden Gardens in 1978-79. Kohli is the seventh captain to score a double-century and a fifty in the same Test and the first since Ricky Ponting, against Pakistan in Hobart in 2009-10.

3- Times that Kohli has aggregated 600-plus runs a Test series, which is a new record for India as he went past Sunil Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid, who have done it twice each. Kohli scored 692 runs in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2014-15 (four Tests) and 655 against England last season (five Tests) before doing it again in this three-match series against Sri Lanka. Bradman, having scored 600-plus in six series, is the only player ahead of Kohli in this regard, whereas Neil Harvey, Garry Sobers and Lara have also had three such series.2- Batsmen to aggregate more than Kohli’s 610 runs in a series after starting off with a duck. They are Jacques Kallis 625 runs against England in 2004-05 and Michael Vaughan 615 runs against India in 2002. Kohli bagged a duck in the first innings of this series and followed it up with scores of 104*, 213, 243 and 50.ESPNcricinfo Ltd2818- Runs for Kohli across all formats in international cricket in 2017 – the third-highest tally ever recorded in a calendar year. The list is topped by Kumar Sangakkara with 2868 in 2014 and Ponting’s 2833 in 2005. With Kohli being rested from ODIs and T20Is against Sri Lanka, this is his final match of 2017.

Sri Lanka stole to their target for the second time this tour, scoring the winning runs off the last ball to deny a tenacious Zimbabwe defence of a modest target. A top-edged four off the bat of No. 9 Dushmantha Chameera and a chip into the legside outfield were the final acts of a chase in which Sri Lanka had struggled to stay afloat.Angelo Mathews, playing his first T20I in almost three years, had produced the most substantial Sri Lankan innings, making 46 off 38 to take the game deep. Dasun Shanaka was not out on 26 off 18, having also struck important boundaries.Their work overtook Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza’s outstanding all-round efforts. Raza had first made 62 off 42 with the bat, then claimed 3 for 13 with the ball – both the most runs, and best figures in the game. But just as they had been pipped at the finish in the second ODI, earlier on tour, Zimbabwe were left visibly dejected again.The final overThe experienced pair of Mathews and Shanaka had come together at the end of the 14th over, with 61 to get off 36 balls, and no recognised batters to come. As such they had batted sagely, picking off boundaries and keeping the requirement manageable, with well-calculated boundaries.When it came to the final over, bowled by Blessing Muzarabani who had been economical thus far, Sri Lanka needed 12. Mathews went deep in his crease and clattered Muzarabani down the ground for a one-bounce four first ball – the bowler punished for missing his yorker. Then, expecting Muzarabani to go short, Mathews stayed on his back foot and played a delectable late cut that bisected the keeper and short third for another four.Sri Lanka only required six off four now, but Muzarabani would bowl a dot ball, and then have Mathews hole out to deep midwicket, trying to hit the game-winning six.Some of what happened next was pure luck. Muzarabani went at Chameera’s body, and the ball took a top edge and sailed over the wicketkeeper as the batter swiped at it. Last ball, a fullish one, Chameera chipped towards deep midwicket, and the batters scampered the last two.Sikandar Raza had a great game with bat and ball•SLC

Raza rocks it with the bat…Raza arrived at the crease just after the powerplay, took a few balls to get settled, then began to open his shoulders. Three fours – all square of the wicket – off Chameera in the ninth over, was his first serious statement. He was then methodical during a 45-run third-wicket stand with Sean Williams while the spinners operated (he was just 31 off 27 balls at one stage), before adopting a more aggressive mode again once Williams departed. He slog-swept Wanindu Hasaranga over the deep midwicket boundary, smoked Nuwan Thushara down the ground to get past 50, and reaped 31 runs off the last 15 balls he faced.…and with the ballWith Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza, and Blessing Muzarabani all having claimed a wicket in the powerplay, Sri Lanka were already reeling when Raza came on to bowl. He then delivered an excellent spell that decked the rest of the top order. He clipped the top of Sadeera Samarawickrama’s off stump with a sharp offbreak first ball, before in his final over, having Charith Asalanka caught off a leading edge, then sending a skidding offbreak into the stumps of Wanindu Hasaranga. He’d conceded only a single boundary in his four overs.Sri Lanka’s spinners keep a lid on Zimbabwe’s scoringThough Zimbabwe lost two powerplay wickets, the Raza-Williams partnership had delivered them to a decent position in the middle overs. Maheesh Theekshana – who had taken those powerplay wickets – conceded only 11 in his last two overs. New captain Wanindu Hasaranga took 2 for 19 himself, and finished with excellent figures of 2 for 19, bowling entirely through the middle.Sri Lanka’s excellent ground fielding also helped rein the scoring in.

Setting their sights on summer reinforcement, Manchester United have now reportedly opened talks to sign a talented young forward who’s valued as high as £55m.

Man Utd set sights on future star

The Red Devils were beginning to enjoy a slight turnaround on the pitch just before the international break, earning a point against Arsenal, before battling past Real Sociedad in the Europa League and thrashing Leicester City. The argument could even be made that it was their best week under Ruben Amorim, only for the international break to arrive at a frustrating time.

However, what the break has given those at Old Trafford a chance to do is turn their attention towards the summer transfer window. It simply must be a busy one for INEOS as they look to rebuild Amorim’s side in his vision and that has already seen several rumours come thick and fast.

The likes of Xavi Simons have particularly threatened to steal the headlines this week and whilst there’s little doubt that the Dutchman would be a perfect candidate to play in one of the two No.10 roles, the Red Devils may find it difficult to attract his signature without European football.

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Instead, they’ve reportedly turned towards a rising star. According to GiveMeSport, Manchester United have now opened talks to sign Tyler Dibling from Southampton this summer, making their first approach for the 19-year-old star.

In a season to forget for the Saints, Dibling provided a rare bright spark before injury disrupted his break-out campaign. Now, even amid a frustrating spell on the sidelines, it looks as though he’ll get the chance to stay put in the Premier League courtesy of United.

Dibling’s signature won’t come cheap, however, given that Southampton were demanding as much as £55m for his signature in January. And even if relegation sees that valuation dip, potential suitors could still be left paying a hefty fee.

"Creative" Dibling destroyed Diogo Dalot

Of course, Manchester United are already well aware of Dibling’s talent – as is Diogo Dalot. The full-back found himself on the receiving end of the winger’s sharp dribbling to concede a penalty against Southampton earlier this season. Ultimately, it was a game that the Red Devils won after Cameron Archer missed the resulting penalty, but Dibling certainly left a lasting impression.

Described as the “definition of a creative winger” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Dibling is a talent who needs to be playing Premier League football and he’d get exactly that by swapping Southampton for Manchester United.

Joining one of England’s biggest clubs in doing so, the teenager could yet play a large part in awakening a sleeping giant.

Given the volume of spending over the last couple of years, cuts have been made behind the scenes and to the playing squad of Manchester United over recent months.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has wasted no time in trimming costs to avoid any financial issues at Old Trafford, with numerous players leaving the North West throughout the campaign to generate funds and clear the wage bill.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka departed in a £15m deal to join West Ham United in the summer, ending his five-year stint with the Red Devils after joining from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2019.

However, his move has enabled the 27-year-old to recapture his best form away from the North West, notching two goals and two assists in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

He’s not the only former United player to depart this season and impress away from the club, with huge regrets undoubtedly over a decision to allow him to depart given his rise to stardom elsewhere.

Scott McTominay’s stats for Napoli in 2024/25

Back in August last year, United decided to sell midfielder Scott McTominay to Italian side Napoli, leaving the side after seven years in the first-team and recruiting a £25m fee in the process.

The Scottish international made over 250 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring on 29 occasions, catching the eye with his box-crashing ability, often producing numerous key goals.

However, his move to Naples has allowed the 28-year-old to take his game to the next level, registering seven goals and two assists in his first 28 appearances for the Italian giants.

Antonio Conte’s side currently sit in second place, just three points off leaders Inter Milan, with McTominay playing a key role in their chances of claiming the Scudetto at the end of the season.

Given his goalscoring run in Serie A, Ruben Amorim must wish the previous management team had kept hold of the Scottish international, but he could unleash his own version of the star in the near future.

The player who could be Amorim’s own McTominay

Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi have been just two of the United youngsters who have been the beneficiaries of the ongoing injury issues at Old Trafford, making the jump into the first-team.

Their positive performances have certainly opened the doors for other youngsters to follow suit in the near future, looking to cement their place in Amorim’s squad.

One player who’s more than deserving of the opportunity is midfielder Zach Baumann, who could follow in the footsteps of McTominay with the 18-year-old possessing a very similar skillset to the Scottish international.

The Ukrainian youngster has developed rapidly over the last couple of years, earning himself a professional contract at Old Trafford, highlighting his impressive displays at various youth levels.

This season alone, the “superb” Baumann, as dubbed by one analyst, the teenager has registered 11 appearances in all competitions, including one in the UEFA Youth League.

U18 Premier League

7

1

1

Premier League 2

2

0

0

UEFA Youth League

1

0

0

FA Youth Cup

1

0

0

Total:

11

1

1

He’s capable of operating in either an attacking or defensive midfield role, similar to that of McTominay, but he’s also showcased his ability to be in key positions in the final third, allowing him to find the back of the net.

Baumann has been a regular in the U18 side, notching two goal contributions in his seven appearances, helping the Red Devils youngsters sit second, just a couple of points off rivals Manchester City.

Given the sale of McTominay in the summer, the first team have been desperate for a player of a similar profile to replace him, offering that added threat in the final third despite mainly being a box-to-box option.

Baumann may only be 18, but should he continue on his current trajectory, he could easily force himself into Amorim’s plans, potentially saving the club millions in the years ahead.

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Rasmus Hojlund’s eyes must have lit up as the ball fell his way, with the struggling Manchester United striker seemingly having a clear run on David Raya’s goal, as Sunday’s Premier League tussle headed into the closing stages.

An on-fire and on-form centre-forward may well have converted without hesitation, but now on a run of 20 games without a goal, Hojlund dallied, allowing Declan Rice the chance to produce what was an expertly timed tackle.

Having also been denied by Gabriel after meeting Toby Collyer’s cross at the near post, it proved to be another luckless outing for the 22-year-old Dane, with his Premier League tally remaining at just two goals for the season – level with centre-back colleague, Matthijs de Ligt.

Signed for a mammoth initial fee of £64m – more than Newcastle United and Manchester City spent on Alexander Isak (£63m) and Erling Haaland (£51.2m), for context – Hojlund really is enduring a dismal campaign, having shown signs of life in 2023/24 after finishing as the club’s top scorer.

The former Atalanta man is still young enough to come good at Old Trafford, although it would appear that INEOS are already seeking new striking targets for the summer…

Man Utd's pursuit of Mateta

Recent days have been rife with talk surrounding United’s interest in Crystal Palace hero, Jean-Philippe Mateta, with French outlet L’Equipe reporting that negotiations have already been held regarding a £40m move for the 27-year-old.

The former Mainz marksman – who arrived at Selhurst Park back in January 2022 – has been something of a revelation for the Eagles in recent times, having ended last season with 16 Premier League goals to his name.

Despite a slow start to the current campaign, after scoring just four times in the top flight before the turn of the year, Mateta has hit fire in recent months, taking his tally to 12 league goals to date.

That respectable haul includes a crucial brace in the 2-0 win for Oliver Glasner’s side against the Red Devils at Old Trafford, with his overall record against United standing at three goals from just seven meetings.

It is then no surprise that the 6 foot 4 machine has caught the attention of those at the Theatre of Dreams, although he is certainly not the only striker that INEOS are keeping tabs on.

Man Utd's search for a striker

As reported by GIVEMESPORT, the Palace talisman is a ‘surprise name’ who has ‘shot up their list of considerations’ ahead of the summer window, with Ruben Amorim in need of a ready-made solution, despite the initial preference for a younger signing.

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The report does go on to state, however, that United’s ‘dream’ target would actually be Nigerian superstar, Victor Osimhen, with the Napoli man currently out on loan at Turkish side, Galatasaray.

As per the piece, the issue is that acquiring the 26-year-old looks ‘increasingly difficult’ due to potential demands over a wage and fee for the player, while United’s inability to qualify for Europe could also prove a stumbling block.

With a Europa League triumph still tentatively on the cards, however, that situation could be altered, with Osimhen representing the perfect upgrade on both Hojlund and Mateta.

Man Utd's dream upgrade on Hojlund & Mateta

Man United’s current number nine, Hojlund, has scored just seven goals in all competitions this season, while his positional ‘rival’, Joshua Zirkzee, has only netted six times since signing from Bologna, albeit having typically operated in a number ten berth of late.

The need for an attacking figurehead truly is stark, hence why bringing a talent like Osimhen into the fold would be a dream solution. As Statman Dave has stated, the one-time Lille ace is the “best striker on the market, by some distance”.

While the in-demand forward is operating outside of Europe’s top five leagues this season, he has been in red-hot form once again, scoring 23 goals in only 29 outings for the Istanbul side thus far – as many as Hojlund has scored in total in 80 games for United.

Player

Club

Games (all comps)

Goals

Zirkzee (2023/24)

Bologna

37

12

Hojlund (2022/23)

Atalanta/Sturm Graz

42

16

Cavani (2019/20)

PSG

22

7

Lukaku (2016/17)

Everton

39

26

Ibrahimovic (2015/16)

PSG

51

50

Martial (2014/15)

Monaco

48

12

Van Persie (2011/12)

Arsenal

48

37

76 in 133 for Napoli. 18 in 38 for Lille. 20 in 36 for Belgian side Charleroi. This is a man who has delivered the goods wherever he has been, aside from a brief goalless stint with Wolfsburg. As for Mateta, the Frenchman had scored just 27 goals in 71 games for Mainz, prior to joining the Eagles.

Yes, Osimhen boasts no prior Premier League experience, but it would be hard to bet against him delivering should he make the move to Manchester.

Described as a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Lagos native is a true centre-forward in every sense of the forward, as shown by the fact that he ranks in the top 1% among his European peers for touches inside the attacking penalty area per 90, across the last 365 days.

Not just a poacher supreme, Osimhen is also a “beast in the air” and boasts “insane movement” – according to Mattinson – thus possessing all the attributes to make him a perfect fit in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

Reportedly available for roughly £62m this summer, the Napoli outcast does appear reasonably priced considering his remarkable scoring rate in his career so far, with it perhaps time for United to truly land a striker who is at the peak of their powers.

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Cheteshwar Pujara’s undefeated 106 formed the backbone of Sussex’s innings

ECB Reporters Network06-Aug-2023Tom Taylor blasted 42 off just 23 balls to lead Northamptonshire to their first Metro Bank One-Day Cup victory in a gripping encounter against Sussex Sharks at Wantage Road.Taylor came together with Justin Broad with the Steelbacks in real trouble on 173 for 7, still needing 70 to win in just 7.2 overs.But Taylor, fresh from a maiden List A century against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham on Friday, took advantage of a largely inexperienced bowling attack, smashing three sixes and three fours. Together with Broad (22), the pair knocked off the runs required from just 36 balls with an over to spare.Needing 14 runs to win off the last two overs, Taylor swung a huge six off Ari Karvelas before Broad hit another maximum to clinch victory.Earlier Cheteshwar Pujara’s patient, classy undefeated 106 (119 balls) was the backbone of Sussex’s innings. Against a disciplined Steelbacks attack in conditions favouring the bowlers, Pujara was content to play the long game, scoring at close to a run a ball and keeping risk to a minimum. He collected just three boundaries in his first 79 runs, before pressing the accelerator with two sixes in the closing overs to take him into three figures as the Sharks closed on 240 for 7.Northamptonshire’s Jack White had struck in successive overs to remove both Sharks openers cheaply before Pujara and James Coles rebuilt in a stand of 50 off 50 balls.Steelbacks skipper Lewis McManus’ bowling changes made impacts at key moments to peg back the visitors’ momentum, but the lower order kept Pujara company, taking the offensive option as Sussex’s innings ended with a flourish.With rain reducing the match to 45 overs a side, Northamptonshire’s revised target was 243, but despite a stand of 57 between Ricardo Vasconcelos and Sam Whiteman and a spirited 36 from McManus, the Steelbacks looked down and out before Taylor and Broad came together.White had accounted for Sussex skipper Tom Haines early, caught at point and Tom Alsop who drove loosely to slip, leaving them 21 for 2 in the eighth over. Joined by Coles, Pujara largely played the anchor role, putting away the bad balls, favouring the cut shot when the bowlers strayed in line but also using his feet to drive into the gaps.Coles was more attacking, hitting four boundaries before departing in Rob Keogh’s opening over when the spinner got one to turn back and trap him lbw.Tom Clark’s brief stay ended when Keogh tossed one up tempting him to come down the track. Keeper McManus fumbled the ball initially, but still had time to whip off the bails with the batter well out of his ground.Seam brough the last three wickets. White struck almost immediately in a fresh spell when Fynn Hudson-Prentice drilled the ball straight to mid-on. Oli Carter went on the offensive, but Procter’s new spell did the trick when the batter attempted a wild swing and was trapped lbw.After the rain break, Jack Carson took on Procter, hooking and clattering him through midwicket before he top-edged to backward point as the all-rounder got his revenge. Pujara though finished with a flourish, carving one square for six and hitting down the ground for another maximum.Prithvi Shaw started Northamptonshire’s chase positively, taking consecutive boundaries off each of Karvelas’ opening overs, but after a brisk 26, he chopped a Brad Currie delivery onto his stumps. Currie then had Emilio Gay adjudged caught behind off a ball which looked to have hit the thigh pad.Whiteman hit consecutive boundaries but was missed at slip early in his innings. He played the hook to good effect and took the Steelbacks to three figures with a sweetly-timed sweep off Carson. He failed to repeat the shot though and could only top-edge the next ball.Vasconcelos played some inventive shots mixed with conventional strokeplay. He punched through cover for four to get off the mark and drove sweetly as the Steelbacks ended the powerplay on 51 for 2. He took on Carson’s offbreaks, pulling through midwicket and punching down the ground but gave the spinner his second scalp when he chipped straight to mid-on. Northamptonshire quickly lost another wicket when Procter chopped on to Hudson-Prentice to leave them reeling at 115 for 5.Keogh, dropped at slip before scoring, shared a busy stand of 44 with McManus before he played on to one from Coles. McManus fell shortly after when he chipped Henry Crocombe high to midwicket. That though brought Taylor and Broad together and a memorable victory.

Phil Parkinson has revealed that Wrexham are already in transfer “talks”, with hints being dropped at shopping in the Premier League market.

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Red Dragons preparing for the ChampionshipBusy summer on the cards in North WalesContact already made with those on wish listFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Dragons are, courtesy of a historic run that has delivered three successive promotions, just one step away from reaching the top-flight. Plans are being drawn up for life in the Championship.

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Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney continue to chase the dream and will – with further investment being invited – help to make the funds available that allow Parkinson to further bolster his ranks.

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Recruitment discussions have been held before and after promotion parties in Las Vegas and Dubai, with Wrexham looking to move quickly in a bid to get bodies on board before a pre-season trip to Australia and New Zealand is enjoyed.

GettyWHAT PHIL PARKINSON SAID

Parkinson has said of getting that ball rolling: “When the dust settles on a season, you have got to look at the squad going forward. We have been able to sit down as staff and assess what we feel we are going to need going forward. We are just in the normal process for this stage of the summer.

“We have had talks with players but at this stage, it is about assessing the market and what is out there, and making sure clubs are aware of our interest in certain players, and agents know what positions we feel we need to look to strengthen. As the summer goes on, hopefully we get the best players to make us a competitive squad for next season.”

England boss Thomas Tuchel is facing a dilemma with his Three Lions squad ahead of this summer's revamped Club World Cup.

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England face Andorra and SenegalTuchel has Three Lions squad dilemmaClub World Cup fast approachingFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

England face Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7 in Barcelona before a friendly against Sevilla in Nottingham three days later. But with the Club World Cup starting on June 14, manager Tuchel has some thinking to do about his team selection.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE EXPLANATION

There are a host of England internationals who play for Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid that are set to compete in the inaugural Club World Cup. According to BBC Sport, teams competing in the FIFA event want the Football Association to release players after the Andorra match but the report claims Tuchel wants to keep his squad together for the Senegal friendly, too.

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The report adds that the FA will hold more meetings when its stance regarding Club World Cup players will be confirmed. Tuchel and the FA's decision over releasing some of their top stars could impact as many as 12 players, including Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, Bayern Munich's Harry Kane, Chelsea's Cole Palmer, and more.

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

The Club World Cup begins in just over a month in the United States and it remains to be seen if there will be a club versus country row, so to speak.