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The drama surrounding Mithali Raj’s exclusion in the Women’s World T20 has taken another twist

Nagraj Gollapudi28-Nov-2018The drama surrounding Mithali Raj has taken another twist with head coach Ramesh Powar stating in an official report to the BCCI that the player had threatened to pull out of the Women’s World T20 and announce her retirement if she was not allowed to open. Powar has also said Raj, who is India’s ODI captain, should stop “blackmailing and pressurising” coaches and putting her interests ahead of the team’s.These revelations are part of the coach’s appraisal of India’s performance in the Caribbean, where they lost in the semi-final against England. Raj was omitted from that match, triggering the controversy. On Wednesday, Powar met BCCI CEO Rahul Johri and the board’s head of cricket operations Saba Karim before e-mailing his final report to the pair.It was as explosive as the letter Raj herself had sent to Johri and Karim earlier this week accusing the coach of “humiliating” her and threatening to “destroy” her career.His report, accessed by ESPNcricinfo, begins with these strong words: Minimum inputs in team meetings; not a single word of appreciation after finishing at the top of the table. Could not understand & adapt to team plan. Ignored her role and batted for own milestones. Lack of keeping the momentum going which was putting extra pressure on other batters. Worked really hard as a coach to address her power hitting, batting skills and running between the wickets in almost every session. In practice games she was struggling to score quickly, as wickets were low bounce & slow. Intent was missing. Could not lean and execute shots due to limited ability in skills &fitness.In his defence, Powar, who took charge as interim coach, replacing Tushar Arothe, in July, has blamed Raj for manipulating the coaching staff to suit herself at the team’s expense. “I hope Mithali Raj stops blackmailing, pressurising coaches & also stops putting her interest first than team’s,” he wrote. “I hope she will look at the bigger picture & work towards betterment of the Indian women’s cricket.”Raj is understood to be part of the group of high-profile senior players responsible for Arothe being forced to step down.

I'm deeply saddened & hurt by the aspersions cast on me. My commitment to the game & 20yrs of playing for my country.The hard work, sweat, in vain.
Today, my patriotism doubted, my skill set questioned & all the mud slinging- it's the darkest day of my life. May god give strength

— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) November 29, 2018

According to Powar, Raj issued her initial threat to retire and return home on the eve of India’s second group match, against Pakistan. She had not batted in the tournament opener, against New Zealand, during which India posted the highest total in the World T20. She had already been told she would bat in the middle order.Powar explained that Raj, predominantly an opener, had to be pushed down the order because she had struggled to score quickly in the practice games that were played on slow and low pitches. Keeping in mind that scoring against spin would be difficult, especially after the ball loses its hardness, India’s batsmen were told to capitalise on the Powerplay.India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and coach Ramesh Powar at the pre-departure press meet•Annesha GhoshAccording to Powar, Raj had agreed to the plan, which he said was “logical”. “Mithali’s lack of intent to score quickly in practice games prompted us to open with Taniya Bhatia, who always showed intent every time she batted. We used Taniya and D Hemalatha in Powerplay vs New Zealand, which got us 24 runs in 13 balls. It’s not always about individual milestones, it’s always about team strategies and executions.”But, on the eve of the Pakistan match, Powar said, he was “shell-shocked” by the information that Raj was on the verge of quitting not just the World T20 campaign, but her entire career.”Video analyst Mr Pushkar Sawant came to my room with the news that fielding coach Mr Biju George conveyed to him that Mithali is upset about not changing the batting order & not allowing her to open in Pakistan match. She has packed her bags to leave with announcement of retirement in the morning.”I was shell-shocked to understand why? Team had just beaten one of the top teams (New Zealand) and Mithali Raj a legend is still complaining about her batting position(which she agreed upon) & threatening to leave.”Powar said he was “sadden(ed) and baffle(d)” by the senior player’s attitude, which he summed up bluntly as: “for Mithali Raj she comes first and then team India”.To prevent any adverse effects on the team, Powar told the captain Harmanpreet and the vice-captain Smriti Mandhana that Raj would open on morning of Pakistan match. Simultaneously, Raj was also informed the same.”We opened with Mithali Raj due to pressure from travelling selector and Mithali’s threatening behaviour (retirement) to go back home if not given a chance to open the innings.”Chasing 134, India reached the target in the penultimate over with Raj finishing with a half-century but Powar said the late finish hurt the side’s net run-rate, which tends to be a crucial determining factor in global events.In all, Raj played out 17 dots in her 47-ball 56. Powar then gave her “one more opportunity” in the third match against Ireland to “prove her ability” as an opener and “execute the team strategies that is to bat with intent (dominance).” And Raj hit second fifty in a row to bag successive Player-of-the-Match awards. But the coach underlined the 25 dots in the 56-ball 51. “(That) added extra pressure & cost us Smriti, Jemimah’s [Rodrigues] wicket & net run-rate.”Powar pointed out that Raj “questioned” the plan to dominate at all times and that the situation between him and her proved an unnecessary distraction on the eve of the semi-final against England.Powar said Raj raised “tantrums” and created “chaos” and even told team manager Trupti Bhattacharya she “wanted to go back home as she was very upset that coach is not looking after a legend player like her.” There are several references to attitudinal issues and reluctance to participate in fielding and practice drills.Powar said that he and Bhattacharya had a telephone call with Karim, who advised them to sort out the matter “amicably”.

The England midfielder needs a strong end to the campaign to secure football's biggest individual prize even after his fast start in Spain

Back in October, as Lionel Messi collected the eighth Ballon d'Or of his illustrious career, there was a feeling that the 2024 winner was already known. Jude Bellingham had spent his first three months at Real Madrid ripping up the club's record-books, with some of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo's early numbers already eclipsed. There was a school of thought – and genuine belief to come with it – that Bellingham could find the net 40 times in his debut campaign in Madrid.

And even if he didn't hit that mark, the calibre of his performances were something to behold. He weaved through defenders at the Diego Maradona Stadium to beat Napoli. He scored twice to beat Barcelona in his first Clasico. Girona, Union Berlin and others were all taken down on the strength of Bellingham's virtuosic showings alone.

Since then, though, things have rather slowed up for the England midfielder. Goals have become fewer and farther between, while injuries and suspensions have impacted what looked set to be a record-breaking campaign.

Still, Bellingham remains the front-runner for football's biggest individual prize, and now, he has the chance to reaffirm that status. The next few months will be the ultimate test of his quality, with Euro 2024 just around the corner. First, though, he will have to prove his worth by leading Madrid past tournament-favourites Manchester City in the Champions League.

Getty ImagesBellingham's BDO case

Bellingham hit the ground running in a Madrid shirt, scoring three in his first two games. In the months that followed, he bagged winning goals, crucial assists, and also embodied the spirit of Carlo Ancelotti's revamped side. He may have been a new face, but there Bellingham was, flying into slide tackles, complaining to referees, and shouting in Spanish after finding the net.

He had heard Gareth Bale's warnings about failing to connect with the fans, and his arms-spread celebration was ubiquitous. Bellingham was Madrid, and everyone at Santiago Bernabeu seemed to know it.

For a long time, that made him the unanimous pick for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. Not only was Bellingham scoring at a better rate than anyone on the continent, he was also doing so for a European heavyweight. A 20-year-old was carrying one of the biggest clubs in the world.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesDrop in output

Bellingham remains the Golden Ball frontrunner, but things have changed. For some time, Bellingham was on pace for 40 goals and 20 assists, and was earning comparisons to Zinedine Zidane. Ancelotti cooled expectations, suggesting that perhaps 20 goals would be a more reasonable target for a player who – despite his prowess – is still very much a box-to-box midfielder.

He still has 30 goal involvements in 32 games, but his grip on La Liga's Pichichi awed for the season's top goal-scorer is loosening after Girona's Artem Dovbyk and Osasuna's Ante Budimir joined him at the top of the charts on 16 strikes each.

Bellingham's red card against Valencia in early March and the two-match suspension that followed stalled some of the momentum of his campaign, as did the dislocated shoulder and sprained ankle injuries that hit him either side of the New Year. Criticism of Bellingham's reduction in output, therefore, is difficult to manifest.

It is also worth remembering that Bellingham is still just 20, has only been in Spain for nine months, and finds himself playing an entirely new position. Still, if it's numbers that rule the Ballon d'Or conversation, then his are starting to falter slightly.

GettyCrucial weeks ahead

And in the eyes of Ballon d'Or voters, at least, this is a crucial few weeks. Recent history has shown that the trophy is essentially secured over the spring and early summer – but can also be thrown away. For all of the talk that the honour should be based off year-round success, it's impossible to ignore the fact that those who vote seem to have short memories, and use what happens at the end of campaigns, as well as in summer tournaments, to make their decisions.

Benzema's 2022 campaign, for example, was built off a Champions League run in which he single-handedly dragged Madrid to a number of memorable European wins. Luka Modric, in 2018, did largely the same, his midfield orchestration and subsequent World Cup performances for Croatia earning him the nod. Even the Lionel Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly ultimately came down to who performed more effectively in April and May when silverware is on the line.

The same, then, will go for Bellingham, whose credentials will undoubtedly – fairly or otherwise – be determined by the outcome of the next months.

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Getty ImagesToughest draw possible

Bellingham's Ballon d'Or campaign, then, arguably starts this week with the visit of Manchester City to the Bernabeu. Pep Guardiola's team aren't quite the juggernaut that won the treble last year, but they're getting close. Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne remain elite performers, while Phil Foden is enjoying the best season of his career. Throw in the usual excellence of Rodri, and total class of Bernardo Silva, and the Cityzens are just about favourites to win the Champions League again.

Bellingham will not be alone in his efforts to take City down in the quarter-finals, as Madrid have weapons all over the pitch, and a strong spine that will be able to keep the Premier League champions at bay for a time. But on the biggest nights, it's the razor-sharp edges and crucial difference-makers that ultimately count, and for Madrid, that has to be Bellingham.

He has already shown he is capable of turning in a number of signature showings, but producing a game-changing display at this stage of the Champions League, against the side who many feel will be lifting the trophy at Wembley in June, might just restore his sole claim to football's biggest individual honour.

If Madrid crash out, however, then Bellingham's absence from the final throes of club football's most popular competition will undoubtedly hurt his Ballon d'Or candidacy. Though Madrid are well on course to win La Liga, few voters are tuning in to the Spanish top-flight each week, and thus the midfielder would need to find another route to show himself on the biggest stage possible in the final months of the season.

80 teams from around the world have gathered in Bradenton, Florida to compete for a GA Championship at the U15 and U17 levels.

The 2024 MLS Generation Adidas Cup tournament has arrived, and it's set to be the most global version in its 15-year existence. Every MLS academy will be represented along with 49 different club academies from 15 countries across four continents.

In total, 80 teams, 40 in each age respective U15 and U17 age group, are set to compete at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. March 30-April 7.

Scouts from all over the world will be present to find the next hidden gems in youth soccer, while Manchester City fans will get their first televised glimpse of 'the best 14-year-old in the world' Cavan Sullivan amid reports he's signed with the Premier League giants.

Ex-Chelsea defender Filipe Luis's U17 Flamengo side will look to leave their mark, while Manchester United's U15 team features two club legends sons in its XI. And for the USMNT, the next starlet may announce his presence on the world's premier youth footballing stage.

GOAL takes a look at top prospects in the field this year, how to watch and more below…

WHAT IS THE GA CUP?

The GA Cup is one of the premier annual male youth soccer events in the world. Top prospects at the U15 and U17 level go head-to-head in a pinnacle event featuring MLS academy teams and top-tier club academy sides from around the globe.

The 2024 edition features clubs from Asia, North America, South America and Europe. Overall, 40 teams, split in to 10 groups of four, will compete in a group stage before the top-16 teams are sent into a single-elimination bracket — and then 10 group-winners and the six-best second place finishers will compete for the title. The next best-16 sides won't go home, though, as they'll compete in a consolation bracket.

Matches are played with 30-minute halves, and if the result of the regulation format ends in a draw, teams will settle the match from the spot in a penalty shootout.

AdvertisementHOW TO WATCH THE 2024 GA CUP

For the first-time ever, matches from the GA Cup will be streamed on Apple TV on MLS Season Pass. In total, 28 games, including the championship match from both the U15 and U17 age groups, will be streamed for viewers around the world.

The entire broadcast schedule can be seen below.

March 30

10 am ET | U15 | Atlanta United vs. Manchester United FC (England) | 10am ET

12 pm ET | U15 | New York Red Bulls vs. Toulouse FC (France)

2:30 pm ET | U17s | CF Montréal vs. AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands)

4:30 pm ET | U17s | Philadelphia Union vs. Atlas FC (Mexico)

March 31

10 am ET | U15 | Orlando City SC vs. Arsenal FC (England)

12 pm ET | U15 | Portland Timbers vs. Sporting CP (Portugal)

2:30 pm ET | U17s | Seattle Sounders FC vs. HNK Hajduk Split (Croatia)

4:30 pm ET | U17s | LAFC vs. River Plate (Argentina)

April 1

10 am ET | U15 | KRC Genk (Belgium) vs. FC Dallas 1

2 pm ET | U15 | Valencia CF (Spain) vs. Austin FC

2:30 pm ET | U17 | Flamengo (Brazil) vs. St. Louis CITY SC

4:30 pm ET | U17 | Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea) vs. Houston Dynamo FC

April 3

10 am ET | U15 Round of 16

12 pm ET | U15 Round of 16

2:30 pm ET | U17 Round of 16

5 pm ET | U17 Round of 16

April 4

10 am ET | U15 Quarterfinal

12 pm ET | U15 Quarterfinal

2:30 pm ET | U17 Quarterfinal

5 pm ET | U17 Quarterfinal

April 6

10 am ET | U15 Semifinal

12 pm ET | U15 Semifinal

2:30 pm ET | U17 Semifinal

5 pm ET | U17 Semifinal

April 7

10 am ET | U15 Consolation Final (Premier)

12 pm ET | U15 Championship Final

2:30 pm ET | U17 Consolation Final (Premier)

5 pm ET | U17 Championship Final

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty/GOALWHEN DOES CAVAN SULLIVAN PLAY?

After notching an assist on his professional debut with Philadelphia Union II in MLS NEXT Pro action, the 14-year-old, who is set to sign for Manchester City, will make his 2024 GA cup debut this weekend.

Sullivan will be competing with the Union U17 squad, after making the championship game with the U15 squad in 2023. The reigning champions, the Union U17s will start their title defense with Sullivan on Saturday March 30 against Liga MX side Atlas FC. Then, on Sunday, they clash with MLS side FC Cincinnati before taking on the Vancouver Whitecaps on Monday.

All three matches will kick off at 4:30 pm ET, with Saturday's match being the lone contest streamed on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.

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U15 PLAYERS TO WATCH

James Donaldson | Goalkeeper | U15 Atlanta United

A USYNT Star at the U15 level, Donaldson is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers competing at the MLS NEXT level in the U15 age group.

Jelle Driessen | Midfielder | U15 KRC Genk

Driessen is the captain of the Belgium U15 youth national team and recently signed a professional contract with the club in 2024. Regarded as one of the best domestic talents in the league, he has a big future.

Jacey Carrick | Midfielder | U15 Manchester United

Son of Man United legend Michael, he was added to the Red Devils academy in 2016 at the age of six. Consistently playing a role across all academy levels over the years, this is his first GA Cup, where he will have an opportunity to make a name for himself on an international stage.

Kai Rooney | Forward | U15 Manchester United

Son of England, Everton and Manchester United legend Wayne, Kai was added to the Red Devils academy in 2016. He is also an England youth international, with prolific scoring rates at the club level. In 2022, he scored 56 goals and had 28 assists for the Man United academy. Expectations are high for the forward this GA cup.

After the left-arm quick 3 for 20 to limit New Zealand to 153 for 7, the allrounder made an ice-cool 34 to give his side their 11th successive T20I series win

The Report by Danyal Rasool02-Nov-2018Pakistan 154 for 4 (Babar 40, Hafeez 34*, Milne 2-25) beat New Zealand 153 for 7 (Anderson 44*, Munro 44, Afridi 3-20) by six wickets
Shaheen Afridi was superb at the death•AFPA masterful chase from Pakistan helped them secure their 11th straight series win – and 11th consecutive win in a T20I chase. They might have taken it to the last over – to the final two deliveries – but make no mistake, Pakistan were in charge of it almost every step of the way. Pakistan fans have too many bitter experiences over the years, and that mental scarring meant collective sighs of relief were not heaved until Mohammad Hafeez played one of the shots of the day to lift Adam Milne over extra cover for four to seal victory. But in truth, all throughout the innings, Pakistan had paced it well enough to remain one step ahead of New Zealand, who once again showed enough to suggest this will be a fiercely competitive tour. As has been the case with every other team in the world, though, they weren’t quite good enough for this Pakistan juggernaut.New Zealand had taken the attack to Pakistan from ball one – literally. Colin Munro, who played some marvellous shots during his 28-ball 44, smashed Imad Wasim for six off the game’s first ball, and a late flurry from Corey Anderson took them to 153. That is around the outer limit of what Pakistan have been able to muster over the past few T20Is, and they needed contributions from every one of their batsmen. They were up to the task, and though a tight penultimate over gave New Zealand hope, Sarfraz Ahmed’s men had done too much too well to be denied.After opting to bat, New Zealand tried to follow the template Pakistan have patented in these conditions. Colin Munro played the Fakhar Zaman role to perfection, getting New Zealand off to a flying start and hitting Imad out of the attack. They were up to 47 for 0 in the first five overs, before the youngest player on the pitch decided enough was enough.Shaheen Shah Afridi might have been slightly fortuitous to have as many to defend as he did in the final over a couple of days ago, but there could be no complaints today. He sucked out New Zealand’s momentum with a fabulous first over, conceding just three runs and capping it with the wicket of Glen Phillips, who was never really able to get away. That over was the start of what we might as well officially start calling The Squeeze, as Pakistan drained the life out of Kane Williamson’s men in the middle overs, who managed just 40 runs off the next eight overs. Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Imad and Shaheen all played starring roles in that phase, and New Zealand were reduced to biding their time and trying to keep as many wickets in hand for a big enough finish.They won that phase of play, thanks in part to Hasan Ali slightly off the pace at the death, but Corey Anderson still needed to play a blinder to ensure his side surged past 150. Hasan came in for severe punishment, his three overs going for 43 runs, while Shaheen at the other end bowled an exceptional 18th over, allowing just one run to ensure Pakistan didn’t have an even bigger chase on their hands.Pakistan followed the pattern of play New Zealand had set in the Powerplay. Perhaps a little too closely, in fact, by the end of six overs, they were 50 for 1, exactly the same score the visitors had managed in that period. Fakhar Zaman, returning from an injury, and Babar Azam, got Pakistan off to a brisk start, scoring 11 runs from each of the first three overs. Fakhar might have gone on to play a far more match-defining innings had Kane Williamson not taken a stunner that, even by his side’s high standards, was a jaw-dropping grab. Fakhar had slapped the ball to mid-off, far enough to the left of the fielder for the opener to feel safe about the shot. But Williamson dived full length to his left, sticking one hand out. The ball stuck, and both the batsmen batsman stared in disbelief at the sensational piece of catching they had just seen.Pakistan were a bit more fluent in the middle overs, with Babar and Asif Ali rotating the strike and finding boundaries regularly enough not to see the asking rate balloon out of control. But once Babar gave his wicket away as he lost his timing, New Zealand came back into the game. Hafeez took time to settle in, while Asif’s ability to rotate the strike suddenly disappeared; it was either six or nothing. With four overs to go, he missed a straight, waist high full toss from part-timer Colin Munro. It was arguably the worst ball bowled of the match, but Asif swung wildly through thin air as the ball cannoned into his back pad bang in front of middle.The asking rate had now hit 10, and this is where Hafeez took centrestage. Two sixes in an over off Ish Sodhi – who had bowled rather well up to then, eased the pressure as Pakistan plundered 17 off the 17th over. Malik at the other end was a picture of calm, and while he made just 10 runs, six of them came via a glorious hit in the 18th over that kept Pakistan on top of the asking rate, ensuring they needed chase just 14 off the final two.That became seven off a final over to be bowled by Adam Milne. Malik tried to make quick work of it when he lofted a leg-side full toss, only to see it sail into midwicket’s lap. But Pakistan still had one experienced head out in the middle, and Hafeez, who finished unbeaten on 34 off 21, was playing too well to come away leaving the job undone.Another series won, another challenger brushed aside. 2018 might not see a World T20 competition take place, but there is little doubt who commands top billing in this format these days.

Queensland enjoyed a solid opening day against Western Australia with Charlie Hemphrey continuing his good form

Alex Malcolm03-Nov-2018A patient 89 from Test hopeful Matt Renshaw underpinned a solid opening day for Queensland against Western Australia at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.Renshaw batted for four hours and faced 215 deliveries in his first half-century of the Shield season before Matt Kelly trapped him lbw from around the wicket with a ball that appeared to keep a fraction low.The Bulls laid a strong platform after winning the toss. Renshaw and Joe Burns put on a 90-run opening stand. Burns fell one short of a half-century, caught behind attempting a cut shot off Jhye Richardson. Marnus Labuschagne fell to a similar stroke from the same bowler guiding a ball to Josh Philippe in the gully for just 11.Renshaw and Charlie Hemphrey put on 77 before the opener fell in the 68th over. Sam Heazlett made just 21, clean bowled by the part-time offspin of Will Bosisto late in the day.Hemphrey backed up his fighting 87 in last week’s draw with South Australia with another half-century. He moved to 68 not out at stumps with 10 fours and a six. Jack Wildermuth remained 16 not out. While the Warriors did not make significant inroads they did keep the scoring under three runs per over on a fairly benign surface.

A US-based private equity firm has acquired a 40% stake in Premier League promotion-chasers Ipswich Town as part of a £105m investment.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Ipswich announce £105m investmentUS-based private equity firm joinsTractor Boys eyeing Premier LeagueGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Championship club have revealed that Bright Path Sports Partners have pumped £105m ($132.3m) into the club, which will go towards infrastructure projects such as redeveloping the training ground at Playford Road. This is the latest example of a US firm investing in an English football side, with Hollywood actors and Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney a prime example of how to effectively run a club.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

This is another big step in the right direction as Ipswich – whose most famous fan may be Ed Sheeran – seek to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2002. They have a well-respected manager in Kieran McKenna at the helm, are playing an attractive brand of football, and the signs seem positive they will be backed in the way they need to financially in the years to come. Incidentally, ORG remains the majority and controlling shareholder of Ipswich with a 50% stake, with the remaining 10% made up of smaller investors such as the Three Lions Fund.

Ipswich TownWHAT THE NEW INVESTORS SAID

Sam Simon, the lead investor in the Bright Path-Ipswich investment, told the club's website: “We are excited to be making this investment in a brilliant football club. We love the history, the potential for the future, the passionate fans and the management of the Club, who are amazing people. We invest in people and this is perfect for us. We believe in investing for the future in order to give the team and management the tools to do their jobs and we’re excited to be working together.”

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WHAT NEXT?

Ipswich, who sit third in the Championship after earning automatic promotion from League One last season, return to action away to Blackburn Rovers on Friday, March 29, before hosting fourth-placed Southampton on Easter Monday.

Having already sealed the series, India will be hoping to give the likes of Rinku, Samson and Parag more time in the middle

Abhimanyu Bose29-Jul-2024Big picture: Sri Lanka’s middle-order worries In the first T20I, Sri Lanka lost nine wickets for 30 runs. In the second, they lost seven for 32. This has been the theme for the hosts so far in Charith Asalanka’s first series as Sri Lanka’s full-time T20I captain. Asalanka himself managed just scores of 0 and 14 in the two games.The top three have fired in both matches, with Sri Lanka getting to scores of 140 and 80 at the fall of the second wicket. Pathum Nissanka is the leading run-scorer in the series. Kusal Perera has a half-century, while Kusal Mendis made 45 in the first match. But beyond them, it has been a bleak showing, with Kamindu Mendis’ 26 in the second T20I the highest score from the middle and lower orders.Sri Lanka will need to find a way out of their middle-order muddle and deliver on the platform being set by their top order.India would want some of their batters like Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh and Riyan Parag to get some more time in the middle, and having sealed the series with comprehensive performances, don’t have too much else they need to address.Related

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Misfiring middle order crashlands Sri Lanka's T20I spaceship

Form guideSri Lanka LLWLL (Last five completed T20Is, most recent first)
India WWWWWIn the spotlight – Pathum Nissanka and Rishabh PantPathum Nissanka is the only batter to have gone past 100 runs in the series, and is striking at 154.16. He has been in sensational form in 2024, having scored 753 runs at a strike rate of 154.93 – well above his career strike rate of 123.90. He shone in the Lanka Premier League as well, and was the highest-scoring opener in the competition. With their wobbly middle order, the onus is on him now more than ever to keep producing big performances with the bat.After a life-threatening accident, Rishabh Pant made his return to competitive cricket in IPL 2024, and following a successful campaign, he was picked for the 2024 T20 World Cup. He made 42 off 31 in a low-scoring win over Pakistan, but failed to convert his starts after that, even as India went on to lift the title. In the first game of this series, Pant made 49 off 33, but he had a scratchy start and was dropped on 11. With Sanju Samson behind him in the pecking order, there is pressure on Pant to prove his credentials in the shortest format for India.Team newsSri Lanka are likely to play a similar XI to the one that turned out in the second game. However, one of Avishka Fernando or Dinesh Chandimal could come in for the misfiring Dasun Shanaka, who has three ducks in his last three T20Is. They brought in Ramesh Mendis for Dilshan Madushanka, with Asalanka claiming spin would get more help on a used surface, but in a rain curtailed game, Ramesh was not used at all. However, even though this match will be played on a fresh pitch, Sri Lanka are likely to continue with Ramesh, as he adds batting depth as well.Sri Lanka (probable XI): 1. Pathum Nissanka, 2. Kusal Mendis (wk), 3. Kusal Perera, 4. Kamindu Mendis, 5. Charith Asalanka (capt), 6. Dinesh Chandimal/Avishka Fernando, 7. Wanindu Hasaranga, 8. Ramesh Mendis, 9. Maheesh Theekshana, 10. Matheesha Pathirana, 11. Asitha FernandoHaving played two matches in two days, India may rest one of the fast bowlers, with Khaleel Ahmed waiting in the wings. Washington Sundar could get a game as well, if India continue with the trend of trying to give a match to every squad member on a tour if possible, which was prevalent in Rahul Dravid’s tenure. Shivam Dube also could come in, but with Hardik Pandya not a part of the ODI squad, India may just stick with him so as to not chop and change too much. There is also no news on Shubman Gill, who missed the second game with a neck spasm. With Gill also set to play in the ODIs, India could persist with Samson, who was out first ball in the second T20I.India (probable XI): 1. Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2. Sanju Samson, 3. Suryakumar Yadav (capt), 4. Rishabh Pant (wk), 5. Riyan Parag/Washington Sundar, 6. Hardik Pandya, 7. Rinku Singh, 8. Axar Patel, 9. Ravi Bishnoi, 10. Mohammed Siraj, 11. Arshdeep Singh/Khaleel AhmedRishabh Pant will be looking to make more of his opportunities in the shortest format•Associated PressPitch and conditionsAfter two matches on the same pitch, this game will be played on a fresh surface in Pallekele. In the first two matches, batting conditions were the best earlier on and got tougher as the match progressed, bringing spinners into play and encouraging changes of pace from the quicks. The new pitch is not expected to play too differently.Stats and trivia Matheesha Pathirana has dismissed Suryakumar Yadav in all three T20 innings he has bowled to him. Sri Lanka could be encouraged to introduce Pathirana to the attack earlier than usual to try and target India’s skipper. Unlike in ODIs, where Sri Lanka are Mohammed Siraj’s favourite opposition, the fast bowler has struggled against them in T20Is. He averages 39 against them in the format, as opposed to 7.68 in ODIs, and has just three wickets in four matches. His lone wicket in this series was of Pathirana, and he would look to improve his numbers on Tuesday. Wanindu Hasaranga’s 15 wickets against India are the most he has taken against any opposition. In this series, he has dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal twice, and he would be a bowler the Indians will be wary of.Quotes”The obvious thing to say is that we don’t have enough power, but that’s not true. If you look at our stats this year, we’re neck-and-neck with other teams for six-hitting. If you hit it out of the stadium or just clear the boundary, it’s still a six. More than skills, I think handling situations and sticking around in tough situations have been the problems. ”

The 18-year-old South Korea international has agreed to a new deal and a short-term loan to Europe

Phair signs new Angel City deal through 2028Subsequently loaned to Djurgårdens IFTeenager is regular South Korea internationalFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Angel City Football Club and 18-year-old forward Casey Phair agreed to a new three-year contract through 2028, locking the South Korea international into a deal to be a key member of the club's future.

As a part of her development, Phair is being loaned out to Djurgårdens IF in Sweden for six months until December 2025.

"Casey is a special young talent, with an exciting future ahead and we are very happy to extend her contract until 2028,” said ACFC Sporting Director Mark Parsons. “Casey has grown a lot this season and we now feel it is the perfect time to go and get important game minutes on loan to further develop as a professional. We look forward to having Casey return for the start of next season and having her back in our environment for many years to come."

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Phair, who joined Angel City in January 2024, has accumulated 109 minutes in six appearances for the club across all competitions. On April 18, she became the youngest player in ACFC history to make her NWSL regular season debut at 17 and 10 months.

Internationally, Phair, in 2023, became the youngest player to make a World Cup debut. She is also the first Korean-American player to be called up to the senior South Korea women's national team.

DID YOU KNOW?

In 14 appearances for the South Korea national team, Phair has scored four goals.

AFPWHAT NEXT FOR PHAIR?

Djurgårdens IF return to play for Matchday 13 of the Damallsvenskan on Aug. 10 when they take on BK Hacken in the Swedish top flight.

Rubel Hossain’s famous four-for in Adelaide in the last World Cup remains his most memorable performance. He will look to change that in England

Mohammad Isam02-Jun-20192:25

Rubel sends England packing

Rubel Hossain was all the rage four years ago. His head-spinning move from Dhaka’s central jail to the cauldron of a World Cup match occurred in a matter of weeks, and he became the hero of Bangladesh’s historic win over England, which took them to their maiden World Cup quarter-final.While the entire country danced to the tune of Rubel’s last two wickets against England that day in Adelaide, and his real-life turnaround caught the imagination of an already excitable cricket nation, the performance didn’t quite transform his life.His 4 for 53 lives on in highlights montages, but despite having over ten years’ experience in international cricket, Rubel will play a much smaller role for Bangladesh in this World Cup. In all likelihood, 22-year-old fast-bowling allrounder Mohammad Saifuddin will be preferred over Rubel in their opening game, against South Africa. Saifuddin is a more accomplished batsman and has also carved out a spot as a death bowler.ALSO READ: Bangladesh’s selection issues: Rubel or Saifuddin, or both?Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza considers Rubel a dependable bowler, mainly due to his ability with the old ball mid-innings and for being reliable in the death overs, but it’s a fact that he hasn’t lived up to his potential in international cricket. His Test bowling average is the worst among those who have bowled at least 3000 deliveries. And in ODIs, since the end of the 2015 World Cup, he has taken 46 wickets at an average of 33.23 from 36 innings.Rubel has never appeared as confident as many of his other more celebrated and successful team-mates even though he has starred in some of Bangladesh’s iconic wins – against Sri Lanka on debut in 2009, New Zealand in 2010 and 2013 (where he took a career-best six-for), and of course, the 2015 World Cup win in Adelaide.After his 6 for 26 against New Zealand, which contained a hat-trick, his captain at the time, Mushfiqur Rahim, said that it was the first time Rubel had used his head. What Mushfiqur meant was that Rubel had finally shouldered the responsibility of being a leader of the attack after four years of international cricket. Bangladesh fans will be quick to point to the lows too – when Muttiah Muralitharan smashed him in a tri-series final ten years ago; and the Nidahas T20 Trophy final, when Rubel, having bowled so well earlier in the game, and through the tournament, ran into a rampant Dinesh Karthik.”It is important to keep cool while bowling. One or two boundaries can rattle bowlers but it is necessary to think clearly and finish the over properly”•Getty Images”I consider myself a positive person, so I don’t let bad thoughts take control,” Rubel says. “After I have bowled a couple of deliveries to my liking – where the ball has pitched where I intended it to, and it goes through quickly – then I try to build a rhythm.”The Adelaide spell was a great moment in my career. In English conditions, I will keep that performance in mind. We usually go through footage before every tournament, but I will definitely review my good performances. My preparation will reflect the positivity I gain from remembering some of my best performances.”While great spells from him have been sporadic, Rubel’s main role, of bowling in the death overs, has been a constant in the Bangladesh bowling set-up. He is among the top three-wicket takers in the last five overs for Bangladesh. Rubel and Mustafizur Rahman have formed a partnership since 2018 and have done well at home against Sri Lanka as well as in the West Indies, where Bangladesh won the ODI series in July last year.”Bowling in the slog overs is getting harder,” Rubel says. “Batsmen are targeting boundaries every ball. It is important to keep my cool, read the batsman and bowl. Right execution brings success, and I am working on it in training.ALSO READ: Mohammad Isam picks Bangladesh’s all-time World Cup XI”We know that conditions in England now allow teams to reach 400 runs at times. It is important to keep cool while bowling. One or two boundaries can rattle bowlers but it is necessary to think clearly and finish the over properly. It is a batsmen’s game, so the bowlers have a battle in their hands.”Rubel won’t be a front-line option for Bangladesh in the World Cup. Over the last four years he just hasn’t bowled as well as the team’s second-most experienced pace bowler ought to have done. He will need to tap into his big-match temperament and remember that one great spell isn’t going to give him a regular place in the Bangladesh team.

Steffen, who has 30 appearances for the U.S., left the camp after picking up a knee injury and seems unlikely to feature at the Gold Cup

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USMNT GK Steffen withdraws from camp due to injuryVeteran has returned to Colorado Rapids for evaluationMatt Freese joins as replacementGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?

Zack Steffen has departed U.S. men's national team camp with a knee injury, U.S. Soccer and the Colorado Rapids announced on Wednesday.

In a statement posted on social media, the MLS side said: "Zack Steffen suffered an injury to his knee at national team camp and has returned to Colorado for further examination."

Steffen is the second goalkeeper this camp to drop out due to injury, following Columbus Crew shotstopper Patrick Schulte. With the Rapids' goalkeeper's departure, that leaves Matt Turner, Matt Freese, and Chris Brady as the three goalkeepers left in camp ahead of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

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The USMNT are playing in their final major tournament ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Gold Cup this summer, as manager Mauricio Pochettino looks to finalize his roster ahead of the competition next year that will be hosted across Mexico, Canada, and the USA.

Without Steffen available, it's expected that Turner will be the starting goalkeeper for the tournament, with Freese and Brady contending for the starting spot. Turner, who won an FA Cup with Crystal Palace this past season, only made four total appearances across all competitions for the this past season. This summer, it's expected he will move, and the 30-year-old has even hinted that he's open to a return to MLS.

DID YOU KNOW?

The USMNT last won the Gold Cup in 2021, and are looking to return to the top of the North American throne this summer.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

The U.S. take on Turkey in an international friendly on Saturday as part of their preparation for the Gold Cup. Steffen, meanwhile, is set to be evaluated upon returning to Colorado.