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Canada tightened control on an eventful third day against Afghanistan in Sharjah, setting them a mammoth target of 494

Cricinfo staff22-Feb-2010
Scorecard
Canada tightened control on an eventful third day against Afghanistan in Sharjah, setting them a mammoth target of 494. Canada’s bowlers will hope to replicate their effort, as they bowled out Afghanistan for 264 to secure a first-innings lead of 202. Opting to not impose the follow-on, Canada returned to bat to extend their advantage and declared at 191 for 4, scoring in quick time to leave themselves with more than a day to bowl out the opposition.Afghanistan would have expected more from their batsman, especially as they promised a far better display. Shabir Noori, the opener, had remained unbeaten on 46 at stumps on the second day, but added just 14 more on the third. The case was similar for the rest of the top and middle order; the first eight batsmen reached double-figures, but, appallingly, only one, Noori, managed to convert that into a half-century. Mohammad Nabi remained unbeaten on 48, but couldn’t draw much support from the lower order as the innings folded for 264. Offspinner Nitish Kumar grabbed three for 58, and was backed up by Umar Bhatti and Sandeep Jyoti who bagged two each.Canada needed quick runs once they decided against the follow-on, and opener Trevin Bastiampillai gave them a sound start, making 73 off 93 and striking six boundaries. Jyoti and Ramesh David then put on a brisk half-century stand in under eight overs to stretch Canada’s lead to 493. Their bowlers did take a shot at Afghanistan, but the openers ensured there was no damage, reaching 40 without loss at stumps. The task tomorrow, however, remains stiff.

Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has responded to rumours that a return to Barcelona could be on the cards.

Portuguese transfer insider Pedro Almeida claimed earlier this month that Thiago could follow Dani Alves back to the Camp Nou.

New Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has apparently held talks with president Joan Laporta about bringing him back.

What did Thiago have to say about these rumours?

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with FC Porto on Wednesday night, Thiago insisted that he ‘didn’t care’ about this speculation and was ‘focused on the duty I have with my team’.

Fabrizio Romano relayed his comments and added that, while the Spaniard is considered a ‘magnificent player’ at Barcelona, they have not made a formal approach ‘in the last months’.

Thiago has made over 30 appearances for the Reds since he joined from FC Bayern in 2020.

Manager Jurgen Klopp labelled him ‘world-class’ earlier this autumn and promised that there was ‘more to come’.

Here’s how a selection of fans reacted to Romano’s tweet.

These Liverpool fans want Thiago to stay

“YES”

Credit: @finnilias

“He’s. Not. For. Sale. Fabrizio. Tell Barça exactly that”

Credit: @JackieMaphosa

“If he leaves, I riot”

Credit: @Dane99_

“Good because I never ever want him to leave”

Credit: @OdeToTheReds

“The days of Barca stealing our players is over, I’m afraid”

Credit: @jianc14

“Lol they thought they could get Thiago”

Credit: @ketbination

“Good, he’s staying”

Credit: @Baileylfc19

In other news, fans were excited by this star’s tweet.

A round-up of the sixth day’s games at the Under-19 World Cup

Cricinfo staff20-Jan-2010It was heartbreak for Bangladesh in Palmerston North, as Pakistan staged a spectacular comeback to snatch a penultimate-ball victory from the jaws of defeat. Chasing 251 to maintain their 100% record and top Group D, Pakistan seemed to be going down when they lost their sixth wicket at 199, with 21 balls to go. But Mohammad Waqas who came in at number eight had other ideas, smashing two sixes and three fours in his 14-ball 34 that turned the match on its head in less than 15 manic minutes. The win put Bangladesh out of the tournament, while West Indies qualified at their expense to the quarters.The day had begun well for Bangladesh, whose decision to bat was vindicated by a strong batting show. Openers Anamul Haque and Amit Majumder laid the foundation with a steady stand of 92 in 23.1 overs. Anamul carried on his good form in the series, before he fell for 55. Mominul Haque kept the Bangladesh flag flying in the middle overs and set them up for a strong finish, which was provided by captain Mahmudul Hasan who slammed 63 at close to run-a-ball. Shabbir Rahman upped the ante with Hasan, striking two sixes and two fours in his 34. Alauddin Babu who came in for the last ball of the innings smote a six to take his side to 250.Pakistan employed a watchful approach to their chase, with Babar Azam and Ahmed Shehzad cutting out the risks in their steady 104-run opening stand, before Shehzad fell for 52. When Rameez Aziz fell at 113 in the 32nd over, Mahmudul Hasan had choked the innings of all momentum and Pakistan were in desperate need of a move-on. Azam provided the impetus in the company of his captain Azeem Ghummam, adding 60 in 56 balls. Bangladesh then hit back hard, removing both batsmen without addition to the score. Pakistan faltered further, losing two more wickets as their victory-hopes dimmed. But Waqas played out a script of his own, with a dramatic twist in the end.”We thought we might be losing the game,” said Pakistan captain Azeem Ghumman. “But Waqas kept telling me that he was confident that he could score the runs. It was incredible – it turned from the impossible to the possible. Waqas really played well, the guy was confident and he showed it. It was the best debut by anyone.”Last-over thrillers seemed to be the order of the day, as Australia and South Africa played out another nail-biter at Queenstown Events Centre. Australia’s decision to bat first ran into rough weather when they lost Tom Beaton cheaply to Graham Hume. Mitchell Marsh made light of the loss to give his side a good start, with a stroke-filled 26 before Hume struck timber for the second time in the day. That was the last success for South Africa for over 25 overs as Alex Keath and Jason Floros added 127 runs to set the platform for a sizeable score. Keath was more circumspect in his approach, hitting 64 off 97 balls before he was dismissed, while Floros reached 96 off the same number of deliveries. He was denied a well-deserved hundred by Hume who finished with fine figures of 3 for 35. Tim Armstrong hustled 48 with three sixes to take his side to 276.South Africa’s chase was led by Dominic Hendricks, who got them off to a flier in the company of Josh Richards, as they added 65 in lesser than ten overs. Stephan Smith kept up the momentum with Hendricks after Richards’ dismissal, as South Africa seemed to be on course. Despite two quick wickets, Hendricks joined hands with Malcolm Nofal to add 49 and reclaim ascendancy. Kane Richardson and Keath kept the fight going for Australia, as wickets fell at regular intervals. Hendricks dismissal, four short of a hundred, sparked some panic in the South African ranks. Cody Chetty and Kirk Wernars fell within the space of two runs, with the target still 54 runs away. With the run-rate under reasonable control, Dale Deeb, Jerry Nqolo and Hume played sensible hands to take their side home with two balls to spare. The result of the match was of little consequence, with both sides already having booked their places in the last eight.The winning captain Josh Richards was relieved to end on the winning side, despite the match being only of academic interest from a qualification point of view.. “It was close – Australia batted pretty well,” he said. “I think in the batting we had it pretty much wrapped up with only four or five down, but then we had a few soft dismissals so it was closer than it should have been. The guys batted well today – it was good that they managed to bring it through even under pressure.”Meanwhile, in another contest between the best two teams in a group, New Zealand emerged comfortable victors as they beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets at Village Green. The hosts took the first spot on the group’s points table, thanks largely to an impressive bowling effort from fast bowler Logan van Beek and offspinner Tim Johnston, who grabbed three wickets each. Sri Lanka’s failure to measure up to the bowling was underlined by the fact that just three batsmen managed to reach double-figures. Rumesh Buddika contributed 39 and Kithuruwan Vithanage chipped in with 35 to lend some stability to the innings after a poor start. Their dismissals triggered another collapse but a fighting 69 from Dhanushka Gunathilleke, who struck six fours and two sixes in his counterattack and added 59 for the last wicket, pushed the score up to a more respectable 195.But the effort proved terribly inadequate, for New Zealand’s batsmen chased down the target with ease. Opener Harry Boam struck a patient 85 and was aided with some aggression at the other end from Jimmy Neesham (47), who ensured the scoring rate didn’t dip. The hosts notched up their win in the 44th over to qualify for the knockout phase with plenty of confidence behind their backs. Sri Lanka, having finished second with two wins in three games, have also gone through.Man of the match Boam was happy with his match-winning performance. “I found it a little bit tough early on and during the middle Sri Lanka bowled really well, but I had a bit of freedom later on and that was pleasing. Overall I was thrilled I stuck to my game plan when it got a bit tough, and didn’t throw my wicket away when it was a bit slow. Today was a real test for us so it was nice to win and keep the momentum going.”

Group A

Teams Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR

England U19 2 20 0 0 4 +2.479 India U19 2 2 0 00 4 +2.346 Afghan U19 31 2 0 0 2 -0.877 HK U19 3 0 3 00 0 -2.095

Group B

Teams Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR

S Africa U19 3 3 0 00 6 +0.801 Aust U19 32 1 0 0 4 +2.093 Ireland U19 3 1 2 00 2 -1.480 USA U19 30 3 0 0 0 -1.448

Group C

Teams Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR

NZ U19 33 0 0 0 6 +2.242 S Lanka U19 3 2 1 00 4 +1.165 Canada U19 31 2 0 0 2 -1.870 Zimbabwe U19 3 0 3 00 0 -1.302

Group D

Teams Mat Won Lost Tied N/R Pts Net RR

Pakistan U19 3 3 0 00 6 +1.452 W Indies U19 32 1 0 0 4 +0.235 B’desh U19 3 1 2 00 2 +0.685 PNG U19 30 3 0 0 0 -2.643

Newcastle United transfer target Adrien Rabiot has commented on speculation over his future at Juventus…

What’s the talk?

The Magpies are reportedly looking into a deal to sign the French international, with the Italian giants said to be keen on cashing in on him in January. Juventus are reportedly wanting a fee in the region of £8.5m for his services.

However, Rabiot appears keen to remain at the Serie A club as he reaffirmed his loyalty following France’s win over Kazakhstan.

He told TeleFoot, via the Express: “I’m happy in Turin. I see my future at Juventus, of course!”

Gutting

Newcastle fans will surely be gutted by this statement from Rabiot as it suggests that he is not interested in leaving Juventus in the upcoming transfer window. Instead of a non-committal ‘wait and see’ answer, the midfielder was pretty clear in saying that he sees his future with the Italian club and that could leave fas concerned that he will not be arriving at St. James’ Park any time soon.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/check-out-the-latest-newcastle-howe-ter-stegen” title= “Read the latest Newcastle news!”]

Rabiot is an experienced player at the top level and could be a terrific signing for Eddie Howe. The 26-year-old has racked up well over 250 appearances playing for Juventus, PSG, and France over the years, recently scoring his first goal for his country.

Last season, he averaged a WhoScored rating of 6.90 in the Serie A for Juventus as he played 34 games, producing four goals and two assists from the holding midfield role. Across his career, he has averaged 3.3 tackles and interceptions per game, showing that he is adept at winning the ball back for his side despite playing in dominant teams.

This suggests that he could be a fine fit for the Newcastle squad, as he could win possession back in his own half and allow the likes of Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson to work their magic in the final third without defensive constraints.

Therefore, fans will surely be disappointed with his comments as they appear to dampen any chance Newcastle have to sign him. He may still be forced to make a decision if Juventus attempt to push him out of the door, but he could make the situation more complicated if he refuses to leave – ending the possibility of him playing in a Magpies shirt this season.

AND in other news, Was worth £14.4m, now £8.1m: NUFC endure howler over gem compared to “Philippe Albert”…

On the verge of becoming the first batsman in history to score three triple centuries, Virender Sehwag was the star of India’s class act with the bat on the second day at the Brabourne Stadium

Cricinfo staff03-Dec-2009Virender Sehwag is on the verge of becoming the first person ever to score three triple-centuries in Test cricket but he said after the day’s play, which he ended on 284, that the 200-mark was the first thing on his mind, having got out on 131 in the previous Test in Kanpur. “I missed a big one in the last Test, so I didn’t want to miss out this time,” Sehwag said.Sehwag made light work of the bounce and turn on the second day, as he reached his double-century with four boundaries in one over from seamer Nuwan Kulasekara after tea. “I play each ball on its merit and try to hit only the bad balls,” he said. “That’s the key to my batting.”He asserted India’s supermacy by notching up two double-century partnerships during the run-feast but said the track might offer turn later, offering India a chance to win the series 2-0 and top the ICC Test rankings.”The wicket played much easier today than it did yesterday,” Sehwag said. “The pitch was damp on the first day and so it was seaming and spinning. But it played quite well today. There will again be spin for the bowlers to exploit on the last two days.”Offspinner Muttiah Muralitharan, might not have been at his best this series, with five wickets at 103.00 in the three matches so far, and Sehwag clearly outfoxed the world’s leading Test wicket-taker today. “Murali is always a big challenge to face, so rather than wait for him to dominate, I wanted to dominate him,” said Sehwag. “That’s what I tried to do today.”His fellow opener M Vijay, with whom Sehwag added 221 for the opening wicket, said it was a delight to watch his partner. “It was an amazing innings and it was great watching from the other end,” Vijay said.”I’ve learnt a lot batting with him in just this one innings and I enjoyed it thoroughly. With him around, you really don’t have to bother about the scoring rate.”

Jerome Taylor has declared that Australia look beatable ahead of the first Test starting at the Gabba on Thursday, despite West Indies’ disappointing performance in their tour match last week

Cricinfo staff23-Nov-2009Jerome Taylor has declared that Australia look beatable ahead of the first Test starting at the Gabba on Thursday, despite West Indies’ disappointing performance in their tour match last week. The visitors failed to dismiss Queensland, who declared at 7 for 617, in the warm-up game but Taylor believes the pressure will be firmly on Australia.Ricky Ponting’s men hold the Frank Worrell Trophy after beating West Indies 2-0 in the Caribbean last year, although the series was more closely contested than the scoreline suggested. Australia’s best players during that series included Brett Lee, Andrew Symonds and Stuart Clark, none of whom will be part of the rematch at the Gabba.”Australia have a lot of firepower but they are looking like they are beatable,” Taylor told AAP. “We are conditioned in our minds to go out and put up a good fight and to take it to the Australians. The pressure should not be on us. If we’re the underdogs we’re not expected to win but we will be going out there to put up a big show.”As the tour match demonstrated, the difficulty for West Indies will be taking 20 wickets. The squad does not feature Fidel Edwards, who was the best of West Indies’ fast men against Australia last year, and it will be up to Taylor, who did not play against Queensland, to spearhead an inexperienced attack.”I can’t wait to get on the deck,” Taylor said. “As a fast bowler, that’s my thing, that’s my job and I want to get into action. If there is any life in the wicket it’s a plus for us because back home in the Caribbean we are accustomed to very flat and low wickets.”As well as being boosted by Taylor’s inclusion, the tourists will have the major bonus of their captain Chris Gayle returning in time for the series opener. Gayle flew home to Jamaica last week to be with his ill mother but is expected to be at the toss with Ponting on Thursday.”He is a great player for us and should we have gone down the line of losing him for this Test, it would have been a great loss,” Taylor said. “It’s nice to know he is on his way back. Personally for me it’s great because we are both from Jamaica and I work with him a lot and he is a boost to the players.”

Noel Whelan says Everton could benefit from bringing a re-energised Ross Barkley back to Goodison Park. 

The lowdown

TEAMtalk reported last week that the Blues were keen on signing Barkley on loan in January.

This comes as Chelsea consider whether to sanction a mid-season move for the 27-year-old.

Newcastle United were said to be ‘leading the chase’, with Leeds United also in the running.

Barkley, who spent last season at Aston Villa, has made eight appearances for Chelsea in all competitions this term.

Thomas Tuchel selected him in the starting line-up for the draw with Burnley prior to the international break.

Barkley apparently earns £5million a year at Stamford Bridge, which equates to about £95,000 per week.

The latest

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan said he could envisage Barkley donning the Toffees’ shirt once again.

He’s impressed by the desire Barkley has shown in his outings for Chelsea of late and feels he could rediscover his best form at Everton.

“I think that would be a good signing and I can see it happening,” he said.

“We’re seeing a different Ross Barkley right now to the one we saw at Aston Villa last season – he’s got his mojo back.

“He’s got that hunger; he wants to impress when he comes off the bench at Chelsea – he’s pressing and hustling the opposition really well.

“He’s also capable of getting into that final third and causing teams problems in there, as well.

“I was disappointed with his performances at Aston Villa, he had a real opportunity to make the grade there and step into that Grealish-shaped hole this season.

“He’s not hit the heights of his potential, but he could get back to his best back at Everton.”

The verdict

Barkley played 179 games in his first spell at Everton, scoring 27 goals and providing 28 assists (via Transfermarkt).

But the manner of exit in January 2018 upset some supporters, and so a return would probably generate a mixed reaction.

Indeed, it wouldn’t be hard to imagine Goodison turning on Barkley fairly quickly if his form dipped.

Perhaps it’s better for both parties to consider that chapter closed.

In other news, fans loved this man’s comments.

After four consecutive defeats, England finally opened their account on tour with a five-wicket win in Fatullah

Cricinfo staff31-Oct-2009
ScorecardAfter four consecutive defeats, England Under-19 finally opened their account on the tour of Bangladesh with a five-wicket victory in Fatullah. David Payne, the left-arm seamer, set up the win with a four-wicket haul to keep Bangladesh down to 196 before James Vince led the chase with a half-century.The hosts chose to bat but failed to post a challenging score. The offspinner Azeem Rafiq kept them in check with 3 for 36 off his ten overs. Bangladesh didn’t succeed in putting together big partnerships and their most productive stand was 55 for the third wicket between Nurul Hasan and Tasamul Haque. The captain Mahmudul Hasan top scored with 48 and his innings had only one boundary. Payne cleaned up the tail to finish with 4 for 56.England had no real problems in the chase, with the first two wickets adding 93. Vince made 71, hitting 11 fours, before he was dismissed in the 30th over, bowled by Saikat Ali. Bangladesh then hit back when Shaker Ahmed struck twice in an over to reduce the visitors to 130 for 5. However, Ateeq Javid and Michael Bates hit unbeaten 30s to guide their side home.

Everton have received some positive injury news regarding the recovery of key midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure this week.

What’s the word?

The influential 28-year-old had been in fine form in the opening weeks of the current campaign until he picked up a foot problem in the 1-0 defeat against West Ham United on 17 September.

Originally, reports suggested Doucoure could be sidelined for up to seven weeks due to the stress damage in his metatarsal, but reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Doucoure could be back in action much sooner.

He tweeted: “Abdoulaye Doucouré injury update. Everton midfielder will be back earlier than expected: he’s preparing his comeback in four/four and half weeks, after the international break. #EFC Finally some good news for Rafa Benitez.”

Everton fans will be buzzing

With star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines and centre-back Yerry Mina also incurring his own fitness worries, news that Doucoure will be available earlier than anticipated will have the Everton fans buzzing with excitement.

The box-to-box dynamo had been one of the Merseyside outfit’s standout performers of 2021/22 before his injury, bagging two goals and providing four assists in his eight Premier League appearances – a superior contribution to the entirety of the previous campaign in 21 games fewer.

And his absence from Everton’s starting XI was clearly missed last time out. Although his replacement in the middle of the park Tom Davies opened the scoring after just three minutes, Doucoure’s former side Watford dished out a 5-2 thrashing to his current employers.

Therefore, news of his positive progress will be warmly welcomed by Rafa Benitez and the Goodison Park faithful as they go in search of a top-six finish in the Premier League – something that is more than possible with the side sat only three points off the top-four.

Having Doucoure back sooner will bolster their chances of achieving that and that should leave everyone concerned with the club absolutely delighted.

And, in other news…Everton receive boost in pursuit of “quality” £22.5m-rated gem, Rafa will be buzzing

A source from Newcastle United has revealed that the new owners are now interested in bringing in Rafa Benitez as their new manager.

The Lowdown: Bruce out?

According to 90min, the new owners at St. James’ Park are now ready to put in place a brand new management team following their takeover, which is set to see Steve Bruce leave the North East ‘within weeks, if not sooner’.

It means that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are now on a manager hunt, and a new one could well be appointed as early as before their game at home to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday 17th October.

The Latest: Benitez move

Speaking to Football Insider, a Tyneside source has now revealed that one of the first things that the new owners want to do is ascertain Benitez’s interest, in what would be a stunning appointment given that he was a fan favourite once before but only just took the job at Everton in the summer.

The Verdict: Ambitious

Hailed as a ‘proven winner’ by majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri upon his appointment at the Blues, a return for Benitez to the Magpies should appease a lot of the Toon Army.

They still idolise him after bringing them straight back up from the EFL Championship as champions and then finishing in the top half of the table in their first season back in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).

However, it would be a very ambitious move, as the Spaniard is still only just settling in at the Toffees, and has started off well there, currently sitting in fifth spot in the top-flight table.

Also, the consortium may want to try out someone new to mark the new era, with plenty of other candidates, including England boss Gareth Southgate, now being linked with the job.

In other news, find out what ‘big boost’ NUFC have now received here!