The Queensland quick claimed eight wickets in his two outings against West Indies

AAP07-Feb-2024Australia’s one-sided ODI series sweep against the West Indies may have unleashed the country’s pace bowler of the future. Xavier Bartlett, 25, picked up man-of-the-series honours in his debut for the nation, finishing with the staggering figures of 8 for 38 across his two outings in the 3-0 whitewash.Building on a BBL campaign where he led the competition’s wicket-taking and helped the Brisbane Heat win the title, Bartlett’s sky-rocketing stocks could see him on the fringes of Test selection in the near future.Related

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Much like fellow paceman Lance Morris has been with the Test side to deputise for Australia’s front-line quicks, ODI captain Steven Smith believed Bartlett could be in line for similar treatment soon.”It’s possible, there’s plenty of options out there,” he said. “We’re certainly not short of fast bowlers at the moment, you throw [Michael] Neser in there, [Scott] Boland, obviously he’s been around a lot, Jhye Richardson, he’s played a bit and he’s quality as well.”Smith was glowing in his praise of Bartlett, who tore apart the West Indies and took 4 for 21 as Australia rolled them for just 86 at Manuka Oval on Tuesday.”I remember facing him probably five or six years ago in the Gabba nets before a Test match…I thought ‘jeez, this guy presents a beautiful seam’, which you don’t often see,” Smith said. “I just remembered that randomly, and then seeing him come out in this series and bowl the way he did was outstanding.”He presented that seam I spoke about, swung it and got the rewards so it looks like he’s got a bright future.”Batting starlet Jake Fraser-McGurk also enjoyed his first run in the national team, flashing his considerable potential making 41 off 18 balls in Australia’s easy chase.”It was exciting, wasn’t it? When he hits them, they certainly stay hit,” Smith said. “He’s certainly not short of confidence and it’s cool to see someone come in and at the age of 21, just play with such freedom and no fear at all.”It’s cool to watch and I’m sure he’s gonna have some learnings along the way and things like that. But the way he’s playing right now, it’s exciting for everyone to watch.”

MatériaMais Notícias

da marjack bet： Após duelos em competições continentais, Goiás e Corinthians voltam suas forças para o Brasileirão, onde as duas equipes se enfrentam neste domingo (23), às 19h, na Serrinha, em duelo válido pela segunda rodada.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansFábio Santos explica estilo de Cuca e coloca duelo contra o Goiás como crucial para moral do CorinthiansCorinthians22/04/2023CorinthiansCuca ganha reforço no ataque do Corinthians, mas terá que improvisar na defesa; veja provável timeCorinthians22/04/2023Lance! BizPatrocinadores do Corinthians optam pelo silêncio após chegada de Cuca; apenas um se posicionaLance! Biz22/04/2023

da imperador bet： + Fernando Lázaro tem noite desastrosa e leva a pior nota em derrota do Corinthians

O Timão vem de um momento conturbado na temporada. Fernando Lázaro deixou o comando técnico do clube e voltou a ser auxiliar após a derrota contra o Argentinos Juniors, pela Libertadores. A direção não demorou e contratou Cuca, dividindo parte da torcida pelacondenação em um caso de violência sexual na Suíça ocorrido em 1987, ao lado de outros três jogadores quando ele atuava pelo Grêmio.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o Timão!

Para sua estreia, Cuca não poderá contar com o lateral Fagner, que teve diagnosticado um edema no músculo posterior da coxa esquerda, além de Rafael Ramos, Caetano e Renato Augusto. Porém, o centroavante Júnior Moraes volta a ser relacionado após dez jogos de ausência. Em sua coletiva de apresentação, o treinador deixou claro que irá utilizar força máxima no domingo.

Já o Esmeraldino empatou com o Universitario-PER no meio da semana, pela Sul-Americana, e foi derrotado pelo Athletico-PR na estreia do Brasileirão.

O técnico interino Émerson Avila não poderá contar comDiego Gonçalves, lesionado, mas poderá utilizar o zagueiro Lucas Halter, desfalque na primeira rodada por força de contrato, já que pertence ao Furacão.

+ Veja tabela e a situação do Timão no Brasileirão

GOIÁS X CORINTHIANS
Local: Serrinha, em Goiânia (GO)
Data e hora: 23/4/2023, às 19h (de Brasília)
Árbitro:Bruno Arleu de Araujo-RJ (FIFA)
Assistentes:Rodrigo Figueiredo Henrique Correa-RJ (FIFA) eThiago Henrique Neto Correa Farinha
Quarto árbitro:Eduardo Tomaz de Aquino Valadao-GO
VAR:Rafael Traci-SC
Onde assistir: Premiere e em tempo real no LANCE!

GOIÁS
Tadeu; Maguinho, Lucas Halter, Bruno Melo e Sander; Zé Ricardo, Dieguinho e Morelli; Palacios, Matheus Peixoto e Vinícius. Técnico:Émerson Avila

DESFALQUES:Diego Gonçalves (lesionado)

PENDURADOS:Nenhum

CORINTHIANS: Cássio; Du Queiroz, Bruno Méndez, Gil e Fábio Santos; Roni, Giuliano, Fausto Vera e Matheus Araújo (Adson ou Maycon); Róger Guedes e Yuri Alberto. Técnico: Cuca.

DESFALQUES:Fagner (edema no músculo posterior da coxa esquerda); Caetano (transição), Rafael Ramos (trabalhos de fortalecimento) e Renato Augusto (em recuperação após cirurgia no joelho direito)

PENDURADOS: Nenhum

continua após a publicidade

A big summer awaits for Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side.

Having not replaced Kyōgo Furuhashi in January, the Hoops will be targeting a new centre-forward, while Kieran Tierney’s return will create much fanfare, replacing the outgoing Greg Taylor at left-back.

In the meantime, ahead of a huge Champions League play-off tie in August, Rodgers will also be looking to bolster his midfield options, so have the club identified their number on target?

Celtic's 'ideal successor to Callum McGregor'

It’s safe to say that Rodgers and Co have been winning plaudits for their recruitment, and it’s clear to see why. The return of a fan favourite in Jota got supporters off their seats and the same will occur when Tierney puts pen to paper in the summer. He was, after all, a bit of a legend during his first stint at Parkhead.

So, what’s next for the Celts?

Transfer Focus

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

Well, as reported by Football Insider, Celtic have ‘identified’ midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj as Callum McGregor’s ‘ideal successor’, adding that current club Augsburg may be willing to sell for as little as £3m, considering he is out of contract in 2026.

A further report from Sky Sports Germany suggests that the Premiership outfit are ‘monitoring’ his situation in Germany, with Besiktas and Hoffenheim also interested in his services.

Rexhbecaj played alongside Celtic’s record-signing Arne Engles 38 times in Bavaria, with the 27-year-old having made 84 appearances for the Fuggerstädter in total, previously spending time at fellow-Bundesliga clubs Wolfsburg, Köln and Bochum.

In an interview with FIFA’s official site, Rexhbecaj stated he is “happy at Augsburg”, adding that “I’ve got the sense that I’m here for the long haul”, but with his contract running down, could the German club decide to sell?

How Elvis Rexhbeçaj would improve Celtic

Rexhbecaj’s performances for Augsburg this season have been described as ‘fantastic’ by local media, deployed in numerous different midfield positions by manager Jess Thorup, but predominantly playing as a defensive anchor.

So, let’s analyse his Bundesliga statistics.

Elvis Rexhbeçaj Bundesliga statistics (24/25)
Statistics	Elvis Rexhbeçaj	Bundesliga rank
Appearances	21	163rd
Minutes	1,632	117th
Pass completion %	70.1%	210th
Key passes	13	128th
Touches	794	165th
Tackles	25	125th
Tackles won	18	90th
% of dribblers tackled	42.4%	143rd
Blocks	36	26th
Interceptions	16	95th
Ball recoveries	79	83rd
Yellow cards	8	5th
All statistics courtesy of FBref.com

As the table outlines, Rexhbeçaj’s statistics don’t exactly leap off the page, as he is pretty solid, if unspectacular, when it comes to passing as well as all of the defensive metrics, namely ball recoveries, interceptions, blocks and tackles.

Nevertheless, considering that Dominik Schneider of FussballTransfers reports that Parma, Beşiktaş and numerous EFL Championship clubs are all also ‘interested’ in signing him and the fact that FBRef compares him to Newcastle’s £55m man Sandro Tonali, he must be doing something right.

So, could he be the perfect McGregor deputy, perhaps even the captain’s long-term successor?

Last month’s Glasgow derby defeat to Rangers at Parkhead hammered home McGregor’s importance to this Celtic team, with Rodgers himself admitting afterwards that there’s “no doubt” his team missed the skipper, struggling to cope without the “tactical balance” he provides.

Kieran Devlin of the Athletic labeled McGregor Celtic’s ‘most important player’, and the Hoops’ lack of midfield control without him highlighted why.

So, let’s see how McGregor and Rexhbeçaj compare.

McGregor vs Rexhbeçaj 2024/25 comparison
Statistics	McGregor	Rexhbeçaj
Appearances	45	25
Minutes	3,850	1,907
Goals	9	2
Assists	2	1
Chances created	25	13
Passing accuracy %	91.69%	77.61%
Through-balls	11	4
Duels Contested	170	163
% of ground duels won	48.32%	50.71%
% of aerials duels won	45.45%	34.78%
Tackles	34	25
Interceptions	24	16
Ball recoveries	210	79
Touches per 90	81.11	47.76
Statistics courtesy of Squawka

As the table outlines, McGregor comes out on top for pretty much every metric this season, % of ground duels won the sole exception, albeit there are stylistic similarities between the pair.

It’s also worth taking into account that Rexhbeçaj is playing at a considerably higher level; according to Global Football Rankings, the Bundesliga is the third strongest league in the world, while the Scottish Premiership ranks 43rd.

What is clear is that Celtic require midfield reinforcements so if Rexhbecaj is available at a cut-price this summer, he could be a useful addition.

Celtic ace left for £600k, now he's similar to a future Ballon d'Or winner

The player Celtic lost for just £600k is now similar to a star who has been tipped to win the Ballon d’Or.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 1, 2025

Time in middle for South East Stars is best remedy for out-of-favour batter, says Gareth Breese

Andrew Miller15-May-2024

Sophia Dunkley has been in flying form for South East Stars after her England omission•Surrey CCC/Getty Images

Sophia Dunkley will have to wait in line for a return to international action, according to England Women’s assistant coach Gareth Breese, despite an impressive return to form for South East Stars in the opening rounds of the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.Dunkley, who is currently leading the tournament run-charts with 293 at 97.66 in five innings, including a century against Northern Diamonds last week, was dropped from the England set-up for the ongoing series against Pakistan after a desperate run of scores on this winter’s multi-format tours of India and New Zealand.In her absence – as well as that of Nat Sciver-Brunt, who is available once again after a minor medical procedure – England’s rejigged top-order endured a torrid start to the summer, collapsing to 11 for 4 in the first T20I at Edgbaston, before a strong middle-order fightback, led by the senior pairing of Heather Knight and Amy Jones, set their side up for a comfortable 53-run victory.Breese, however, insisted that England’s incumbents – including Dunkley’s nominal replacement Maia Bouchier, the stand-out player of the winter just gone – would be afforded the time and space required to grow into their roles, in much the same way that Dunkley herself will now be left to find her form, away from the spotlight, ahead of the final push towards this winter’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh.”As batters, it’s one shot, one mistake and you might be back in a pavilion,” Breese said, ahead of Friday’s second match in Northampton. “It’s not an ideal situation to be 11 for 4, but one thing about the set-up here is that we back the girls. After one blip, we’re not just going to make an absolute U-turn on them.”It was the first game, a few people were a bit rusty, we didn’t get off to the start we wanted. Having the experience of Heather and Amy Jones coming in at that stage was brilliant in terms of setting up the recovery. But I’m sure the girls will have learned from seeing the Pakistani attack and will use that experience in a positive frame to go into the next game.”Dunkley, however, remains an integral part of the wider England set-up, as shown by her involvement in a red-ball training session at Loughborough on Tuesday. Breese, who is also her head coach at Welsh Fire, said this was part of a wider effort by the management to “touch base” when it was convenient for those players on the fringes, thereby leaving them more space to find form in their regional set-ups.”What we don’t want to do is bring girls all across the country for three hours, just for a session,” he said. “Every time a player leaves us, we try to support them as much as we can when they’re fairly close to us, while giving them an opportunity to get some more time in the middle. And it’s working exactly how we would want it to work.England’s top order (including Freya Kemp, above) endured a dramatic collapse in the first T20I•Getty Images

“Dunks has been working closely with her batting coach Alex Gidman, and she was in for a session with us yesterday, so she’s still in and around the fold. She’s gone back to doing what she’s done over the years, in terms of to getting herself selected, and that’s scoring runs. That’s all you can ask when you are out of favour, you let the runs do the talking, and I think she’s still in a really good place.”Any player who’s played for a while goes through ups and downs. And if they say they haven’t, then you don’t know how truthful they are in sharing.”In addition to the forthcoming ODI series against Pakistan, England have three ODIs and five T20Is coming up against New Zealand in June and July in which to finalise their World Cup plans. And while that does not, on the face of it, offer a huge amount of opportunities for out-of-favour players to make their case, Breese insisted that offering continuity to the squad incumbents was not remotely the same thing presenting a closed shop for selection.Related

Dunkley confirms return to form but Stars fall just short of record chase

England missing Sciver-Brunt for T20I opener with Pakistan

England survive top-order implosion as Sarah Glenn derails Pakistan's victory hopes

Amy Jones rides the emotions to deliver dream 100th match

“We’ve seen people that have been selected from just outside our contracted group, and that’s what you want,” he said. “If you can have competition for places, then you’re pushing the girls who are contracted to be better. And that’s a really good environment to be in.”What you don’t want is a clear-cut 15, because if it’s too easy to select them, you probably haven’t got the girls in the right place.”The ultimate difference between the sides in the first T20I came in the bowling, particularly England’s three-prong spin attack. Sarah Glenn – back in the team after suffering concussion in New Zealand – led the line with four wickets, while Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean contributed a wicket apiece. All three bowlers are now in the top five of the ICC’s T20I rankings, with Ecclestone remaining at the top of the pile – a fact that augurs well with favourable conditions looming in Bangladesh.As the team’s spin coach, however, Breese said he wasn’t about to let the players rest on any laurels, describing himself as a bit of a “grumpy dad” when it comes to demanding ever higher standards.”It’s a real credit to the girls for the work they’ve put in over the last few years, to get the recognition in the standings,” he said. “I’m happy with where they are but sometimes, like a bit of a grumpy dad, I keep trying to push them to be better.”I almost don’t try and get flattered by the ratings. I just want to keep improving and then that will happen as a by-product of that. But the three girls complement each other really well, and they also contribute with the bat, which allows you to play all three in the same T20 team.”But I think all of them can get better. Even though Soph’s been top of the rankings, you’ve seen her grow into one of our best death bowlers. Deano has been a real wicket-taker for us, and Glenny’s been stunning since she came in. I’ve been lucky enough to know her since she was on the academy, and her character is probably her stand-out trait. That reflects in how consistent she is with the ball.”

da wazamba： Tottenham Hotspur face Nottingham Forest tonight, looking to build on their tremendous victory in the Europa League against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night.

da bet nacional： Ange Postecoglou’s side booked their place in the semi-finals, setting up a clash with Norwegian outfit Bodo Glimt, with the majority of their attention on such a fixture.

However, the Lilywhites will look to end their Premier League campaign on a high, in what has been a hugely disappointing one by their usual high standards.

They have the opportunity to dent Forest’s ambitions of securing a Champions League place, led by former boss Nuno Espírito Santo, who was sacked in North London after just 17 games in all competitions.

If Ange’s side are to claim all three points this evening, he will have to drop one player who’s failed to deliver when handed the opportunity from the start in recent weeks.

Why Ange should drop Johnson against Nottingham Forest

Welsh winger Brennan Johnson has failed to match his early-season form, which saw him register a goal in six consecutive games across all competitions.

The 23-year-old has only found the back of the net twice since the end of February, with his showing against Frankfurt in midweek certainly one to forget despite the victory.

He featured for 85 minutes of the contest, completing just 69% of the passes he attempted, whilst winning just two of the six duels he entered – often being dominated in the final third.

His total of just 22 touches, an average of one every 3.8 minutes, showcased his lack of impact when on the ball, needing to be replaced as a result of his poor showing.

With little to nothing left to play for other than pride in the league, Ange could take the clash with the Reds to experiment with his first-team, potentially handing a rare start to one other first-team member.

The player who Ange must start against Nottingham Forest

Injuries have massively plagued Ange throughout the majority of this season, hugely preventing any chance of rising up the table – having to often utilise players out of position.

The likes of Archie Gray and Ben Davies have often had to fill the void at the heart of the defence, with numerous forwards missing, leaving Johnson with very little competition in the process.

Wilson Odobert is just one player who’s spent an extended period on the sidelines throughout 2024/25, restricting him from making an impact after his £25m move from Burnley last summer.

The Frenchman has only featured in 14 games across all competitions, most of which have come from the substitutes bench, but it hasn’t prevented him from making a huge impact.

In one of his most recent starts for the Lilywhites, he scored twice in the Europa League triumph over AZ Alkmaar – only making one start since his impressive showing nearly six weeks ago.

Whilst he was an unused substitute in the win on Thursday night, it could be an opportunity for Postecoglou to shuffle his pack and hand the 20-year-old just his sixth league start.

He’s completed 1.8 dribbles per 90 in the league to date, whilst also registering the same amount of efforts on goal, having the attacking threat to add to the front line.

Wilson Odobert’s PL stats for Spurs (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

10

Minutes played

448

Pass accuracy

86%

Successful dribbles

1.8

Shots taken

1.8

Duels won

4.3

Touches in opposition box

5.8

Stats via FotMob

Odobert, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by Jacob Horsfall, has the drive and threat with the ball at his feet that could cause the opposition backline no end of trouble tonight.

It’s the perfect opportunity for the youngster to impress, potentially staking his claim for a starting role in the Europa League, having a massive part to play in their quest for a first trophy since 2008.

Related Spurs have found their modern Mousa Dembele in Ange's "serious player"

Mousa Dembélé is one of Tottenham’s best players of modern times, but is a current Spurs star showing sign of replicating the brilliant Belgian?

Posts 2 ByBen Gray Apr 20, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur “would like to sign” a “sensational” forward, who has now expressed his desire to leave his current club this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Spurs pursuing a forward

In truth, Tottenham may feel the need to strengthen in a number of positions in the summer transfer window, after what has been a disastrous Premier League campaign, but they appear to be particularly keen on strengthening their attacking options.

West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus has recently been revealed as a potential target, with Spurs joining Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Nassr in the race for the Ghanaian winger, who has an asking price of £74m.

A new striker is also of interest to the Lilywhites, given that Dominic Solanke and Richarlison haven’t exactly been prolific when fully-fit, and they have now held talks with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, after the Englishman’s impressive breakout campaign.

52-year-old spotted at Spurs after Levy talks as pundit tips appointment

The Lilywhites chairman has sat down with him recently.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 12, 2025

Delap is expected to leave Ipswich this summer, with his side almost certain to be relegated from the Premier League, and one of Europe’s big-name wingers could also be on the move, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

In a recent update on X, Plettenberg revealed Coman has now “internally expressed his desire to leave” Bayern Munich this summer, which has led to interest from Saudi Arabia, with multiple clubs now planning to hold talks over a deal.

Following the winger’s transfer request, Tottenham have also been named as potential suitors, but his high salary could be a stumbling block, which means they currently remain in a “waiting position”.

Arsenal could also provide competition for the 28-year-old’s signature, with a move to the Emirates Stadium viewed as “the most concrete option” in England, indicating they are currently ahead of their north London rivals in the race.

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Nottingham Forest (h)

April 21st

Liverpool (a)

April 27th

West Ham United (a)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (h)

May 10th

Aston Villa (a)

May 18th

"Sensational" Coman has track record of success

Tottenham still have a chance to make this season a success, should they prevail in the Europa League, however, they are at serious risk of missing out on yet another trophy.

As such, it could make sense to pursue new players with a track record of success this summer, and the Bayern Munich winger certainly fits the bill in that regard, having won 10 league titles, as well as the Champions League in 2020.

The Frenchman has also proven himself as a reliable source of goals and assists during his time with Bayern, having picked up 138 goal contributions in 329 appearances for the German club.

Previous reports have revealed that Coman could be available for a fee of £38m this summer, and having also been lauded as “sensational” by members of the media, there are plenty of indications he could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham.

Manchester United are now ready to send a “big” offer to sign a teenager who is also being eyed by Chelsea, according to a new report.

Bruno calls to repay fan support after dismal season

It was another weekend to forget for the Red Devils, as they suffered their 14th defeat of the Premier League season against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon. It was a game that had nothing on it for United and everything on it for the Magpies, and that showed, as Ruben Amorim made changes before a ball was kicked.

Worse than Bayindir: 4/10 Man Utd flop should be nowhere near Amorim's XI

Manchester United were battered by Newcastle United on Sunday evening.

ByMatt Dawson Apr 13, 2025

Despite the game being over with 20 minutes left to play, United supporters continued to sing from the famous sky-high St James’ away end, and manager and captain Bruno Fernandes feels it is time they reward the support that has been shown to them.

“There’s not much to assess; we lost the game. In the first half we did good, in the second half we couldn’t keep up the way we wanted to play.

“We know that it’s been a tough season; nothing to add to that. Our position in the table is not where this club belongs, but unfortunately we are not getting the results. We need to look forward, as we have a big game coming up; we need to clear our heads and go for it.

“We are in this position because we have not been consistent in the performances we put out. We lack being more fearless, being more brave. Today this was not the case because we ended up conceding goals by trying to be brave.

“It’s easy to criticise because this club has never suffered like this, so it’s normal. You have to be aware you play for United, and criticism will be there. Our fans have been there all season during bad moments; today they were there at the end trying to cheer us up. It’s time we give something back.”

Man Utd now "ready" to send "big" offer for £75m ace

As Fernandes focuses on what remains of this season, the Red Devils leadership are looking ahead to the transfer market already. According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, relayed by Sport Witness, Man United are “ready” to make a “big investment” and sign Kenan Yildiz from Juventus.

The report states that while Juventus want to keep hold of Yildiz and the winger is happy in Turin, a sale may happen this summer if the Italian giants do not qualify for the Champions League. This opens the door for United, who are ready to make a move and sign the Turkey international but don’t state how much they are willing to spend.

However, the Red Devils are not alone in their pursuit of the exciting attacker, as Chelsea and Manchester City are also willing to make offers to secure a transfer.

Apps

76

Goals

12

Assists

6

Since joining Juventus’ academy in July 2023, Yildiz’s market value has continued to climb and climb. In July 2023, Yildiz was valued at one million euros; that rose to 10 million euros in January 2024 and now sits all the way at 45 million euros – Yildiz’s market value has risen by 4,500% over the year and a half he’s been at the club.

It’s even been reported that he could cost much more than that, with a figure of £75 million being mentioned in the Italian press.

Big Picture: A celebration of talent

Raging debates about the need for a tournament like the WPL feel all too recent.They said there wasn’t enough talent depth to split into enough teams to form a league and captivate audiences. On Friday evening, 25,000 fans packed into the Arun Jaitley Stadium to witness Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator.On Sunday, the same crowd will turn fanatical in their support for Delhi Capitals, who will have a second shot at WPL glory. Last year, they let nerves get the better of them against Mumbai. Things may turn out differently this time with a stadium full of people cheering them on.Related

• How Minnu Mani overcame adversity to make her mark in the WPL

• 'She's a real fighter' – Nitschke praises Jonassen's response to axing

• New and improved Shafali has brought method to her madness

• Perry: 'We're lucky to play in front of such big and fanatical crowds'

• Innovative Rodrigues makes it count with boundary-laden half-century

Capitals have got here on the back of a dominating run in the group stage. Twice in two seasons now, they’ve made the finals directly by topping the pool. RCB’s journey has been bumpy. Having opened with two wins, they suffered a mid-season slump, before putting it past the defending champions twice to make it here.Not surprisingly, the history of both these sides, in the IPL, has been brought up quite a bit. Capitals and RCB have part of that tournament since 2008 but neither of them have won anything – Capitals have made only one final previously, RCB three. So this much is for sure: one of them will be making space for a first trophy.Both teams have invested heavily in their scouting system. Asha Sobhana’s nerveless final over on Friday night to dethrone Mumbai was a ringing endorsement of this. At 33, it’s possible she would have been a mere footnote in several domestic scorecards if not for an opportunity at the WPL.Capitals have identified a core group of young Indian players to drive them forward. Arundhati Reddy and Radha Yadav, who hadn’t been in the conversation as far as the Indian team goes, are part of this. Compelling performances here, a byproduct of fierce backing from Meg Lanning and the coaching staff. Now, a national call-up won’t seem so surprising.Shafali Verma’s chats with Lanning about becoming ruthless and consistent and adding new gears to her game are bound to have a ripple effect. Minnu Mani’s smile and Lanning’s embrace after she spun one past Ash Gardner’s defence told you of how a team culture that empowers young players to discover themselves and grow as individuals has already reaped dividends.2:51

Lanning: Mandhana is starting to get the ins and outs captaincy

Shreyanka Patil, a find of WPL 2023, has come on leaps and bounds from there. She fought through a hairline fracture, resisting the idea of rest to prevent aggravating her injury to play Friday’s Eliminator and delivered a clutch performance.Stories of hope, inspiration and glory will once again play out on Sunday evening on the biggest stage of them all. And it will culminate in the WPL having a new winner. It feels fitting.

Form guide

Delhi Capitals: WWLWW (Last five games)
Royal Challengers Bangalore: WWLLW

In the spotlight: Asha Sobhana and Jemimah Rodrigues

Twice this season, Asha Sobhana has helped RCB complete a sensational last-over defence. She defended 10 runs in the opener against UP Warriorz. Against Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator, she defended 11. That she has been preferred ahead of regulars like Renuka Singh reflects the confidence Smriti Mandhana has in her. At 33, Asha is not a newbie, but her exploits could put her in contention to be in India’s T20 World Cup squad in Bangladesh later this year.After a slow start, Jemimah Rodrigues has hit form towards the business end. She has scored 38*, 58, 17 and 69* in her last four innings. Unlike last year, where she was largely an accumulator, Rodrigues has added a robust power game to help finish off innings. This versatility gives her a massive edge in India’s World Cup plans.5:43

Rodrigues: I’ve learnt from Kohli how to hit sixes while hitting in the gaps

Likely XIs

Delhi Capitals: 1 Meg Lanning (capt), 2 Shafali Verma, 3 Alice Capsey, 4 Jemimah Rodrigues, 5 Jess Jonassen, 6 Marizanne Kapp, 7 Minnu Mani, 8 Taniya Bhatia (wk), 9 Radha Yadav, 10 Arundhati Reddy, 11 Shikha PandeyRCB: 1 Smriti Mandhana (capt), 2 Sophie Devine, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Disha Kasat/S Meghana, 5 Richa Ghosh (wk), 6 Sophie Molineux, 7 Georgia Wareham, 8 Shreyanka Patil, 9 Renuka Singh, 10 Asha Sobhana, 11 Shradda Pokharkar/Ekta Bisht

Pitch and conditions: Something for the bowlers

A fresh pitch, right in the centre, will be used. Delhi has ensured decent bounce and carry for seamers, while the absence of dew has helped spinners also have a say. Toss hasn’t been as big a factor, with teams happy to bat first, like RCB did in the Eliminator.

Stats and trivia: RCB have never beaten Capitals

• Ellyse Perry’s 6 for 15 in the final league game against Mumbai are the best figures in WPL’s short history.
• Lanning has never been out in single digits in 17 WPL innings. But two of her lowest scores have come against RCB.
• Marizanne Kapp’s economy rate of 6.50 is the best among those who’ve bowled at least 15 overs this season. Out of the five T20 finals she has played since 2021, Kapp was Player of the Match in the Hundred in 2021, WBBL 2021 and Hundred 2022.
• Seven out of ten matches in the Delhi leg of this WPL have been won by the side batting first.
• Shafali’s 17 sixes are the most by a batter so far this season. Mandhana is next best with 10.
• RCB have never beaten Capitals in four attempts so far.
  

  Quotes

  “We were just thinking we’re only two seasons into this, so let’s not take too much stress about what has happened over the last 15 years or correlating with similarities [to the men’s team].”
  “It is a nightmare having a 40-meter boundary on one side. That is one thing I haven’t necessarily enjoyed as a captain. There’s so much more power and strength in the game now that people are clearing the ropes pretty easily.”
  

بدأ الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك استعداداته لمواجهة الجونة المقبلة في مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

حرص يانيك فيريرا، المدير الفني، على إلقاء محاضرة بالفيديو على اللاعبين قبل انطلاق المران، استعرض خلالها أبرز الملاحظات الفنية من مباراة الإسماعيلي الأخيرة، والتي انتهت بفوز الزمالك بهدفين دون رد.

ووجه المدرب التهنئة للاعبين على الأداء والانتصار، مطالبًا بضرورة مواصلة التركيز وحصد النقاط للحفاظ على صدارة الدوري.

طالع.. خاص | مادورا البرتغالي يتقدم بشكوى لـ فيفا ضد الزمالك بسبب شيكو بانزا

وشرح فيريرا خلال المحاضرة بعض الجوانب الخططية التي سيتم تنفيذها خلال التدريبات استعدادًا للجونة.

وحصل البرازيلي خوان ألفينا بيزيرا على راحة من المران، بعد وفاة جدته أمس، إلى جانب غيابه عن المباراة المقبلة بسبب الإيقاف لتراكم البطاقات الصفراء، وذلك بناءً على موافقة الجهاز الفني.

كما خضع اللاعبون الذين شاركوا أساسيين أمام الإسماعيلي لبرنامج تدريبات استشفائية وتأهيلية تحت إشراف مدرب الأحمال راؤول لوبيز، لتجهيزهم بدنيًا بأفضل صورة قبل لقاء الجونة.

وشارك أحمد ربيع، لاعب الوسط ، في جزء من المران الجماعي بعد تماثله للشفاء من إصابة العضلة الضامة التي أبعدته عن الفريق في الفترة الماضية.

ويحتل الزمالك، المركز الأول في جدول ترتيب مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز برصيد نقطة جمعها من 5 انتصارات وتعادل وخسارة.

After lengthy talks, Guadalajara have struck a deal with FC Juárez to bring back the young defender.

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Campillo is Chivas’s third signing, joining Efraín Álvarez and Richard LedezmaThe club acquired 50 percent of his registration rights from Juárez

Made 52 appearances for FC Juárez

Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Chivas are finalizing their third addition ahead of the Apertura 2025, with defender Diego Campillo making his return to the club following a deal reached with FC Juárez. Campillo arrived in Guadalajara on Friday and shared a few words with the press.

“I’m happy to be back. It feels like home again, and I’m excited for what lies ahead," he said.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

According to ESPN, Chivas acquired 50 percent of Campillo’s rights from Juárez, regaining full ownership of the defender. As part of the agreement, a couple of players from Chivas’ roster were included in the transaction.

Campillo, a product of Chivas's youth academy, never made his Liga MX debut during his first stint with the club. He rose through the ranks and helped Tapatío win the Clausura 2023 in the Liga de Expansión before joining Juárez, where he made 52 appearances and scored three goals.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Campillo is now expected to undergo physical and medical evaluations before officially signing with the team. If cleared, he could join first-team training either ahead of weekend friendlies in Zacatecas or later at the club’s facilities in Guadalajara.

The defender joins Efraín Álvarez and Richard Ledezma as the third signing in Chivas’s ongoing squad rebuild for the upcoming campaign.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CHIVAS?

Chivas have stayed busy with three friendlies so far. This Friday, they’ll take part in a quadrangular tournament, facing Santos Laguna and then playing either the final or the third-place match on Sunday. The other bracket features Cruz Azul and a Liga de Expansión side. Next, they meet Fernando Gago’s Necaxa on July 5 in a friendly before their official return on July 19 against León in Matchday 2 – since their original opener vs Tigres was rescheduled due to renovations at Akron Stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup.