All posts by h716a5.icu

This is the earliest they have ever gone out of the competition, triggered by defeats to USA and India

Danyal Rasool14-Jun-2024Pakistan have been eliminated from the T20 World Cup 2024 after inclement weather in Lauderhill meant points were split between Ireland and USA. USA have qualified for the Super Eight alongside India from Group A, also sealing their berth in the 2026 T20 World Cup.For Pakistan, though, a torrid tournament culminated in a hasty exit under gloomy skies that epitomised the grim nature of their World Cup campaign. They arrived in the USA with no warm-up games scheduled, and most of their practice sessions were cancelled due to rain. Their unfamiliarity was punished by the home team in their opening fixture as USA pipped them in the Super Over, before Pakistan fell apart chasing 120 against India, losing by six runs.Related

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That left them depending on other results, most significantly the outcome of this particular game in Lauderhill between USA and Ireland. An Irish win would have kept Pakistan alive, with any other outcome giving USA an unassailable lead over Pakistan in the points tally.Pakistan’s only win so far has been a seven-wicket triumph over Canada. They still have one game left as they play Ireland – who were also eliminated as a result of this washout – on Sunday.However, this does not mean they will have to play the qualifiers to secure a place at the next T20 World Cup, with their current T20I ranking – seventh – sufficient to guarantee a spot at the tournament in 2026, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.This is the earliest Pakistan have ever been knocked out of a T20 World Cup, having played just three games before their fate was sealed. They also suffered group-stage eliminations in 2014 and 2016, but reached at least the semi-finals on every other occasion. No side has reached more finals than Pakistan (England are joint-top with three), and Pakistan won the title in 2009.

This is set to be just the start of an influx of Celtic signings this summer.

On Friday, Benjamin Nygren was unveiled as a Celtic player, arriving from Nordsjælland for a reported fee of £1.3m.

He is the Hoops’ third recruit of the summer so far, after Kieran Tierney and Ross Doohan, but many more will follow, with Brendan Rodgers actually pushing to sign another winger, who might actually be a bigger talent than Nygren.

Celtic's search for new wingers

It could be all change in terms of Celtic’s wide attackers this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

First, Jota will be sidelined until at least Christmas, after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at Tannadice in April.

Meantime, Nicolas Kühn seems likely to leave the club during this window, given that RB Leipzig and Como are both currently battling for his signature, with reports outlining that the German is available for around £15m.

So, the arrival of Nygren alone is unlikely to be enough, hence why, according to a report by Dutch outlet Gazet van Antwerpen, via the Daily Record, Celtic’s ‘main focus’ is Michel-Ange Balikwisha of Royal Antwerp.

They claim that the Belgian club have ‘lowered their asking price’ from around £5m to around £4.5m, with Antwerp ‘in need of a financial boost’.

The 24-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract at Bosuilstadion, while the Reds also failed to qualify for Europe next season, defeated 2-1 in a play-off by Royal Charleroi back in May, leaving them far from in a strong negotiating position.

So, could Balikwisha become the eighth Belgian to play for Celtic, joining current midfielder Arne Engels, while following in the footsteps of the likes of Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, Charly Musonda, Dedryck Boyata, Jason Denayer and Joos Valgaeren?

How Michel-Ange Balikwisha would improve Celtic

Balikwisha has actually just endured a pretty miserable year or so due to injury, first requiring knee surgery in January 2024, which actually scuppered his potential move to Glasgow back then, before seeing a miserly 149 minutes of action this season, before 9 March, due to a thigh issue.

Nevertheless, he did start each of Antwerp’s final ten Jupiler Pro League fixtures to end the campaign, scoring four goals, and has been a pivotal figure for the Reds in the past.

Back in 2022/23, just 21 at the time, Balikwisha scored ten goals in all competitions as Antwerp won their first Belgian top-flight title since 1957, also picking up the Coupe de Belgique, the youngster on target during the final victory over Mechelen, before netting again against the same opposition in the Supercoupe de Belgique victory a few months later.

On top of this, Antwerp then qualified for the Champions League group stages for the very first time too, with Balikwisha bagging the clincher during the play-off round victory over AEK Athens, before also scoring when Shakhtar Donetsk visited during the group phase themselves.

So, it is clear that the Belgian wide attacker possesses plenty of high-level experience, but let’s assess how he compares to, potential, future teammate Nygren.

Appearances

44

32

Minutes

3,437

2,751

Goals

10

16

Assists

8

4

Shots on target %

38.2%

48.8%

Crosses

157

31

Big chances created

7

6

Take-on success %

54.65%

56.8%

Average Sofascore Rating

7.56

7.42

As already alluded to, the season before last was used for Balikwisha’s statistics, given that he barely featured during the most recent campaign due to injury.

What the table outlines is that these two wingers are actually, stylistically, very different, with Nygren much more of a goal threat, hence why he scored more goals and registered a higher number of his shots on target.

Balikwisha, on the other hand, is a creator from wide, accumulating more assists and big chances created, as well as an exponentially greater number of crosses, which is possibly the most telling statistic.

Analyst Will Glavin agrees with this, describing the Belgian as “creative, direct​​​​​​​ and technically sharp”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout notes that he operates best as an “inside forward”, highlighting his “pace, dribbling and finishing” as his strengths.

Elsewhere, analyst Ben Mattinson labels him “two-footed” and “capable of beating a defender either way”.

Thus, it is clear that Balikwisha is a high-quality talent that Celtic should do everything in their power to secure this summer.

When compared to Nygren, he is proven at Jupiler Pro League level which, according to Global Football Rankings, is the eighth-strongest division in the world, while the Danish Superligaen is a little bit lower at 13th.

Similarly, the Belgian boasts Champions League experience, something Nygren does not possess, having played in the Conference League, but no higher in terms of UEFA club competitions.

Thus, fitness permitting of course, this all suggests Balikwisha would be more likely to come in and have an immediate impact.

​​​​​​​

Dream Kuhn replacement: Celtic weighing up bid to sign "electric" £12m star

With Nicolas Kühn seemingly set to leave Celtic this summer, could Brendan Rodgers sign an “absolutely electric” replacement?

ByBen Gray Jun 27, 2025

Crystal Palace could make an approach for a defender imminently, as they are very interested in securing his signature, according to reporter Gianluca Di Marzio.

Palace looking to bolster defensive options

There is still a great deal of doubt over Marc Guehi’s future at Selhurst Park, with Newcastle United and Liverpool set to battle it out for the centre-back, who has made it clear he is unwilling to sign a new deal, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Romano said: “Also, I can tell you that Marc Guehi is not going to sign a new contract at Crystal Palace. It’s a big opportunity for Palace to sell the player this summer and not to lose him on a free in 2026; and for Liverpool there’s a chance to attack the situation and get the player for a good transfer fee.”

As such, Oliver Glasner is looking to bring in a replacement for his captain, and there is a great deal of interest in Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande, with a £47m deal for the 21-year-old believed to be in the works.

Not only is a new centre-back of interest, but the Eagles are also looking to bolster their options at left-back, with Borna Sosa now believed to be on the verge of arriving from Ajax, having been given permission to move to Selhurst Park.

According to Di Marzio (via Sport Witness), Crystal Palace are very interested in signing Davide Calabria too, with the right-back now a free agent after his AC Milan contract expired at the end of June.

Palace could make a move for Calabria very soon, with the defender available on a free transfer, as there could be heavy competition for his signature – Celta Vigo, Real Betis and Mallorca are also named as potential suitors.

Crystal Palace now line up £27m swoop for "terrific" defender and "monster"

The Eagles are looking at making a double signing, having scouted two players at the U21 European Championships.

ByDominic Lund Jul 2, 2025 Calabria could be solid signing for Crystal Palace

While the report states the right-back received criticism during the latter stages of his Milan career, he is said to have played a key role in Bologna’s surprise Coppa Italia triumph, which secured the Serie A side qualification for the Europa League.

Not only that, but the Italian has put in some impressive displays for Milan in the past, perhaps most notably receiving praise from Zach Lowy for the job he did nullifying Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during the Georgian forward’s time with Napoli.

Having also chalked up a combined 36 appearances in the Champions League and Europa League, Calabria’s experience could be of great use to a Palace side hoping to embark on a European adventure next season.

The former Australia quick started his career with the state and has been holding the role in an interim capacity

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Aug-2024Ryan Harris has been named South Australia’s new men’s head coach, filling the role vacated by Jason Gillespie’s departure earlier this year.Harris, who began his playing career with the state, has been leading the men’s programme in an interim capacity over the last few months while the role was recruited for and will take over full-time immediately as pre-season ramps up.Related

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It has yet to be confirmed who will become Adelaide Strikers’ BBL head coach (Gillespie held both positions) but it’s understood splitting the job has become increasingly likely. Tim Paine has previously confirmed his interest in the Strikers’ role should that be the case.”I’m thrilled and honoured to be appointed Head Coach of South Australia where I began my first-class playing journey more than 20 years ago,” Harris said. “Having worked closely with the team last summer and during our current pre-season training, I know what this squad is capable of and can’t wait to get started and build on the positive steps we saw last year.”Under new captain Nathan McSweeney, there is a real sense of self-belief among the group and we’ll be working hard to ensure we hit the ground running with the new season rapidly approaching.”South Australia finished fifth in the Sheffield Shield last season after a fourth place in 2022-23 which followed five consecutive wooden spoons. They were bottom in the Marsh Cup after reaching the final the previous season.There is a chance they will see more of internationals Travis Head and Alex Carey early in the Sheffield Shield window during October.After retiring, Harris moved into coaching with the Australia men’s under-19 team at the 2018 and 2020 World Cups and has also worked in the IPL with Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals. He also had stints as a consultant with the men’s team while Justin Langer was coach.In 2021 he was appointed Queensland Cricket’s pathway manager. He applied to be head coach of Australia Women when Matthew Mott left, having had a short-term stint as bowling coach on a tour of New Zealand in 2021, but was overlooked before returning to South Australia to be their bowling coach.

Newcastle United are beginning to motor this summer and could now be in the running to sign one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen, according to a report.

Newcastle United look to follow up Anthony Elanga's arrival

Eddie Howe has taken a measured approach this window and had to bide his time in the hunt for a big-money signing to follow Antonio Cordero’s arrival in the North East.

However, Anthony Elanga is now officially a Newcastle player after joining on a long-term deal from Nottingham Forest in a transfer said to be worth around £55 million.

Signalling his intention to hit the ground running at St James’ Park, he stated: “I’m ready to put on this black and white top to really fight for this team and give everything for the passionate fanbase that lives and breathes football.

“I had an amazing two years at Nottingham Forest, they really helped me to become the player I am today, but I’m really happy to be here now. The club won a trophy last season and are building something unique, something special that I really want to be part of.”

Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike is also on Newcastle’s radar and could represent a statement piece of business at the club. Meanwhile, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins could be a left-field solution to strengthen their forward line.

A new Tonali: Newcastle likely to see £34m bid accepted for "monster" CM

Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign a former Premier League star this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 13, 2025

Missing out on Joao Pedro to Chelsea will have come as a body blow in the North East. However, with Champions League football on the table, there is far more in the way of optimism than pessimism on Tyneside.

Now, Newcastle are said to have been contacted over the availability of another exciting marksman who could answer the call to fill one of their striking berths.

Newcastle contacted by Benjamin Sesko's agent

According to TBR, Newcastle have been contacted over RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko’s availability by his agent, and Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester United are also being kept in the loop regarding his future.

Arsenal had been heavily linked with a swoop for the Slovenia international earlier this summer, but it looks as if Viktor Gyokeres will move to the Emirates Stadium instead, and there are indications from Sesko’s camp of a willingness to move to England.

Hugo Ekitike in senior football

Benjamin Sesko in senior football

Appearances – 150

Appearances – 251

Goals – 50

Goals – 106

Sesko, who has an asking price of £78m, could now be eager to try his hand at the English top-flight and is on the market after missing out on a move to the Gunners, but the scenario of him staying in Germany for another season hasn’t been discounted.

Should Newcastle accelerate their hunt for a new striker, being able to bring in someone who has claimed a wealth of senior experience despite only being 22 years of age would be a statement of intent ahead of their return to the Champions League.

Former opener also feels “home advantage in Australia has been taken away quite a lot”, particularly under lights

Vishal Dikshit21-Aug-2024Former Australia batter Matthew Hayden believes Australia’s home advantage “has been taken away quite a lot” in recent years, and that runs are going to come at a “premium” in the forthcoming five-match Test series between Australia and India to be played from November 2024 to January 2025.As for the nature of pitches at the five venues – Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney – Hayden said on the sidelines of the CEAT cricket rating awards that “three [Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne] out of five are drop-in wickets”.”One is a day-night Test match [in Adelaide] – the second Test match,” he said. “Again, once you get those overhead conditions under that twilight zone, they can be really difficult [to bat on]. I would go as far as to say that the home advantage in Australia has been taken away quite a lot, simply on the basis that if you get the wrong side of a certain session, be that you’re 4 for 130, at twilight you can be 8 for 150.Related

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“So there’s no chance to naturally dominate a game. It’s quite even the whole time, so it’s a very different type of cricket, because you don’t have those traditional surfaces.”Australia have not only lost their last two home series against India, thus losing their grip on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for ten years now, but also saw their fortress in Brisbane breached twice in three years: the defeat to India in January 2021 followed by one against a much lower-ranked West Indies in January earlier this year, which resulted in a 1-1 drawn series.That slim, eight-run loss to West Indies was also Australia’s first in a day-night Test after 11 straight victories.Expecting the upcoming contest against India to be an “unbelievable and historic series” between the top-two-ranked Test teams in the world, Hayden couldn’t pick a favourite for the series, unlike his former captain Ricky Ponting, who has pipped Australia to win 3-1.”Those two, coming now to the later pages of their career, will be keen to dominate” – Matthew Hayden on Virat Kohli and Steven Smith•BCCI”You look at the line-ups, and it’s hard to really tell who’s got the edge,” Hayden said. “I sense that it’s going to be runs that are going to be the point of difference. So the best need to stand up in this series; runs are going to be at a premium. And I also feel like the structure of the tournament being from the west to the east is a bit of the unique way that the Australian landscape of cricket is going to be played out. It’s usually the other way around. It’s going to be a great summer.”For runs, a lot of eyes will be on the experienced Virat Kohli and Steven Smith – the leading run-scorers in Tests for their teams among active players, and also prolific scorers against the teams they’re going to face soon. While Kohli averages 47.48 against Australia and 54.08 in Australia, Smith averages an even better 65.87 against India.”I’m sure those two players, coming now to the later pages of their cricket career, will be very keen to dominate the landscape through the summer,” Hayden said. “That’s their nature: they do it in very different ways, [and] very different styles, but certainly, they really are the keys to the Australian summer.”

“His strokeplay is superb. His ability, in particular, to hit on the up through the covers is phenomenal. [But] that’ll also have its vulnerabilities. I’m looking forward to seeing how he adjusts on bouncy tracks”Matthew Hayden on Yashasvi Jaiswal

Hayden also pointed out the kind of challenge India’s batters will have to face in Australian conditions because of the steeper bounce and the size of the grounds across the country. When asked about the kind of impact a young and promising batter like Yashasvi Jaiswal could make, as was pointed out by Nathan Lyon recently, Hayden said Jaiswal had “superb” strokeplay, but that he’ll be challenged by three “world-class speedsters”.”I think he’s a package,” Hayden said of Jaiswal. “Yes, his strokeplay is superb. His ability, in particular, to hit on the up through the covers is phenomenal. [But] that’ll also have its vulnerabilities. I’m looking forward to seeing how he adjusts on bouncy tracks. We did notice a few times in the IPL that he’s a very hard hitter of the ball – [with the] pull shots in particular.”But that’ll be challenged by three world-class speedsters, assuming they’re all fit, and on much bigger grounds as well – grounds where it has to almost be the perfect contact for that ball to sail over for six. You can get caught easily, three-quarters of the way in the fence. So they have little adjustments that world-class players like Jaiswal will make for sure.”

After Brentford turned down their latest offer to sign Yoane Wissa, Newcastle United have now reportedly set their sights on another Premier League rival.

Newcastle walk away from Wissa deal

It has been a miserable summer for the Magpies. From early frustration in pursuit of Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo to Liverpool’s swoop to sign Hugo Ekitike and the unraveling Alexander Isak saga, to say not much has gone to plan would be an understatement.

Now, Brentford have seemingly made things worse. After missing out on Ekitike, Newcastle reportedly turned towards Wissa in hope of finally landing a top target.

The forward left the Bees’ pre-season camp amid the rumours and things looked to be heading in the right direction. As has been the case all throughout this summer, however, things have now reportedly changed.

According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, Brentford have now closed the door on selling Wissa for anything less than £50m+ after Newcastle raised their bid to over the £30m-mark. As a result, the Magpies – for now – have walked away.

Wissa, meanwhile, has reportedly refused to train amid disappointment over Brentford’s stance and the pact that they’ve broken which should have allowed him to leave for £26m this summer.

Whether the forward can be persuaded to return to training remains to be seen. Of course, if the situation stays unresolved, then it will be interesting to see if Newcastle return with another attempt to sign the 28-year-old.

More prolific than Sesko: Newcastle targeting move for £87m "monster"

Newcastle are looking to bring in another striker or two this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 27, 2025

For Eddie Howe, the saga represents yet more frustration after he admitted that it’s been a difficult summer in pursuit of targets.

He told reporters: “I wish I could give you clarity, and some kind of guarantee that this or that is going to happen, but I can’t. My wish was for us to do our business early, and we certainly tried, but it wasn’t to be.”

Frustrated or not, Newcastle have now reportedly returned to the drawing board and shifted their focus towards yet another striker option.

Newcastle now eyeing Watkins move

Following the Wissa bombshell, those at St James’ Park reportedly have another option in mind. According to The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, PIF and Newcastle are now eyeing a summer swoop to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa.

As the stats highlight, Newcastle’s backline are already well aware of Watkins’ quality and have been on the end of it five times in nine games over the years. As alternative options for Wissa go or even replacements for Isak, the England man certainly wouldn’t be a bad option.

Full of praise for his star striker last season, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery told reporters: “He’s amazing. Because he’s a really hard worker and his commitment to work every day is amazing.

“When he is scoring goals, it’s the main objective he can have. Where he is assisting as well, he’s contributing to help the team. But even when he’s not doing both, he’s working for the team. Defensively, the commitment was always high. He is in the press to the opponent.”

New Zealand’s lower middle order put up a fight, but couldn’t avoid an innings defeat

Andrew Fidel Fernando29-Sep-2024New Zealand battled on day four, with overnight batters Glenn Phillips, and Tom Blundell completing half centuries, before Mitchell Santner struck 67, batting partly in the company of the tail. But this fight only served to throw into relief their abysmal 88 in the first innings, rather than provide any serious hope of avoiding even an innings defeat.In the end, having played out 40.4 overs on day four, they lost their final wicket – Santner – still 154 runs behind Sri Lanka. The hosts had only batted once.For Sri Lanka, it was their third Test win in a row. With four matches to go in their World Test Championship cycle, they are now in the hunt for one of those final two spots, though they must hope for other results to go their way too, to have a better chance.Sri Lanka will be buoyed too by the six-wicket haul achieved by debutant offspinner Nishan Peiris, even if he was expensive as New Zealand’s batters went hard at him. He finished with figures of 9 for 203 in the match, having taken 6 for 170 in the second dig.Peiris dismissed each of the three half-centurions on day four. Blundell was out on the third over of the morning, when he missed a reverse sweep (he was trying his second one in a row, having nailed the first for four), and been struck in front of the stumps. Later, Phillips attempted to launch Peiris over the straight boundary, but found Dimuth Karunaratne at long on. After lunch, Peiris had Santner stumped when the batter had allowed his back foot to slide out of the crease – the last New Zealand wicket to fall.In between, Prabath Jayasuriya had bowled both Tim Southee and Ajaz Patel, the latter with a vicious one that leapt back at Ajaz from the rough. He himself finished with 9 for 181 from the game.Phillips and Santner were New Zealand’s best day four batters, however. Phillips’ main strategy was to get on the back foot as often as possible, and play off the surface. This frequently worked – allowing him to pounce on even slightly short deliveries, while forcing bowlers to go fuller to him, presenting scoring opportunities down the ground. He completed his fifty off 66 balls, and would go on to be involved in a 64-run seventh-wicket stand with Santner, to follow the 95-run stand he’d shared with Blundell.Santner, meanwhile, was not quite as proactive as Phillips, but found the offside productive. Occasionally, he would dance down the track and look to hit Peiris in particular down the ground. He collected two sixes and a four this way, and completed his half century soon after lunch, off the 97th ball he faced. He was out off the third delivery Sri Lanka bowled with their second new ball.

He said the move will help him “look after my family in the best way possible”

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Oct-2024South Africa left-arm wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi has opted out of his national contract with CSA, effective immediately. By becoming a free agent, he will now be able to participate more freely in T20 leagues across the world, without being beholden to South African obligations. Shamsi remains available for South Africa, and is expected to be part of their white-ball squads at major tournaments.”I have decided to opt out of my central contract in order to be more flexible during the domestic season, allowing me to explore all opportunities available and look after my family in the best way possible,” he said in a CSA statement. “This will not impact my ability or motivation to play for the Proteas in any way and I will always be available to play for my country whenever I am needed. It has always been my dream to bring the World Cup home to South Africa, and no franchise league will ever be more important than playing for my country.”Shamsi last played for South Africa in the T20 World Cup final against India in June, and has not been part of their ongoing tour of the UAE, which includes series against Afghanistan and Ireland. South Africa rested several senior players for the trip, and have used the matches to deepen the player pool.One of the reasons why Shamsi has opted out of his national contract might have to do with the CSA pulling him out of the PSL in Pakistan earlier this year in order to play for Titans in the CSA T20 Challenge, South Africa’s domestic T20 competition, at home. As a result, Shamsi could play in only the first four out of Karachi Kings’ ten league games, and he lost out on his match fee for the remaining six matches.Another potential ground for Shamsi letting go of his CSA deal could centre around him being made to fly back home during the CPL this year. As per Shamsi’s contract, he had to attend the CSA awards night, although he wasn’t a winner of any of the honours. However, CSA have always historically expected that contracted players attend the awards, even if it meant leaving overseas assignments midway.

Fly for 3 days to get to Joburg

Awards function in Joburg for a day

Fly for another 3 days right away to get back to where I came from

Great!

— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) September 4, 2024