هاجم محمد عمارة، لاعب الأهلي السابق، سياسات الجهاز الفني لـ منتخب مصر خلال الفترة الأخيرة، منتقدًا ما وصفه بتغيّر سلوك بعض اللاعبين في مسألة الانضمام للمعسكرات.
وقال محمد عمارة في تصريحات عبر برنامج “اللعيب” على قناة “mbc masr”: “لقد مثّلنا جميعًا المنتخبات الوطنية ونعرف جيدًا كيف نتحدث عن منتخب مصر إن ارتداء قميص المنتخب شرف لا يُضاهى لأي لاعب، سواء كان يلعب في الأهلي أو الزمالك، جميعنا حلمنا بذلك منذ الصغر بارتداء هذا القميص”.
وتابع: “في الحقيقة، أرى أن الفترة الأخيرة شهدت ظاهرة غريبة غير معتادة؛ فبعض اللاعبين باتوا ينتقون المباريات أو المعسكرات، تجد لاعباً يُقرر أن يكون حاضرًا أو غير حاضر، وهذا الأمر جديد علينا في منتخب مصر، ولم نعتد عليه من قبل”.
وأضاف: “البطولة تُقام في المغرب، ولكننا ذهبنا من قبل إلى بوركينا فاسو عام 1998 ولم نكن نجد حتى زجاجة الماء، ورغم ذلك تحمّلنا وفزنا بالبطولة وعدنا أبطالًا بعد 13 عامًا من غياب التتويج”.
طالع أيضًا | محمد عمارة يوجه رسالة نارية لـ حسام حسن: لا يصح ما قلته.. ولا بد أن تعرف متى تصمت
وأردف: “سواء أُقيمت البطولة في إفريقيا أو دولة عربية أو في مصر، فهي تظل بطولة مجمعة وكبيرة يشاهدها معظم العالم، إن لم يكن كله، بطولة تحظى باهتمام كبير مثل كأس العالم للأندية أو بطولة أوروبا أو أي بطولة قارية كبرى”.
وواصل: “في الحقيقة، لا يعجبني نهج المنتخب مؤخرًا في التعامل مع اللاعبين. فلا يوجد لاعب أكبر من منتخب مصر؛ أي لاعب يرتدي قميص المنتخب يظل أصغر من اسم منتخب مصر”.
وأشار: “أما عن تصريحات الكابتن حسام حسن الأخيرة، فبرأيي جانبها الصواب، حسام صديقي وأخي وبيننا علاقة قوية، ولكنني أعاتبه على أنه كان ينبغي بعد المباراتين الوديتين أن يخرج ليقول للناس: لقد خضت مباراتين وديتين، واستفدت منهما، ورأيت بعض الأمور التي سأعمل عليها، وتعرفت على مستوى بعض اللاعبين”.
واختتم: “يا كابتن حسام، لستَ مطالبًا بأن تخرج لتبرر أي شيء لأحد. أنت لست مضطرًا لتبرير شيء، أمامك بطولة مهمة للغاية، كأس الأمم الإفريقية، والتي ستواجه فيها منتخبات قوية مثل المغرب والجزائر والسنغال وغيرها.. أنت ذاهب لمواجهة كبار القارة”.
O Palmeiras está bem próximo de enfim voltar ao Allianz Parque após mais de um mês e meio sem saber o que é atuar na sua arena, por conta da reforma da grama sintética que precisou ser feita no local.
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➡️ Tudo sobre o Verdão agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! Palmeiras
Nesta quarta-feira (13), a Real Arenas, empresa que administra o Allianz Parque, soltou uma nota para a imprensa afirmando que todos estão trabalhando incansavelmente para que o Palmeiras retorne o mais rápido possível para o estádio, inclusive a Soccer Grass já instalou dez toneladas de cortiça no gramado da arena e a previsão é de que a reforma esteja totalmente concluída em mais 48 horas.
Desta forma, o Palmeiras já teria o gramado pronto para testes, treinos e liberação da Federação Paulista de Futebol já neste sábado (16), e poderia fazer a semifinal do Paulistão no Allianz Parque, mas para isso precisa passar pela Ponte Preta neste final de semana.
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+ Richard Rios descarta favoritismo do Palmeiras no Paulistão!
Confira a nota da Real Arenas na íntegra:
A Real Arenas informa que toda a cortiça necessária para a conclusão do gramado do Allianz Parque se encontra em Viracopos desde o dia 01/03 e que na tarde de hoje foi liberado um dos três carretos importados. Os outros dois serão nacionalizados até quinta (14/03) à noite pelas autoridades alfandegárias.
A empresa salienta que está trabalhando diuturnamente para que o Palmeiras possa voltar a mandar seus jogos no Allianz Parque o mais rápido possível e que não poupou esforços financeiros e de recursos humanos para solucionar definitivamente o problema.
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A fornecedora Soccer Grass já instalou dez toneladas de cortiça na arena, e a previsão é que reforma esteja totalmente concluída em mais 48 horas.
Desta forma, o gramado estará pronto para os devidos testes dos jogadores do Palmeiras e pela Federação Paulista de Futebol para a liberação de disputa de partidas oficiais já na sexta-feira (15/03).
Foram importadas de Portugal 22 toneladas de cortiça, transportadas em uma operação que contou com sete aviões, para que o gramado da arena volte a ter o padrão de excelência a que os jogadores do Palmeiras e seus adversários estão acostumados.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared a positive injury update ahead of his side’s Premier League clash at Burnley on Saturday.
The Gunners head to Turf Moor this weekend as England’s side to beat, aiming to extend their impressive unbeaten streak in all competitions since losing to Liverpool in the early stages of the season.
Arsenal’s unbeaten run in all competitions since defeat to Liverpool
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest
Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-1 Man City
Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal
Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham
Fulham 0-1 Arsenal
Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid
Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace
Arsenal 2-0 Brighton
Arteta’s side have firmly established themselves as one of the most balanced and well-organized teams in Europe, boasting the best defensive record on the continent while continuing to pose a real threat going forward.
Defensively, Arsenal’s numbers are simply exceptional.
Across all competitions, they have conceded just three goals — a defensive record matched by no other top club in Europe’s major leagues — and they could be on to break an all-time Premier League record currently held by José Mourinho’s Chelsea of the 2004/2005 season.
Least goals conceded in a Premier League campaign
Team
Season
Conceded
PL finish
Chelsea
2004-05
15
1st
Arsenal
1998-99
17
2nd
Chelsea
2005-06
22
1st
Man United
2007-08
22
1st
Liverpool
2018-19
22
2nd
Man City
2018-19
23
1st
Chelsea
2006-07
24
2nd
via ESPN
This remarkable solidity stems from a well-drilled backline featuring William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, who have quickly restored the Emirates Stadium’s reputation as a fortress.
With David Raya between the sticks making crucial saves, reinforcing his standing as one of the best goalkeepers in world football, opponents simply cannot break them down right now.
They’ve also become a nightmare from set pieces. Under Arteta’s coaching, and following the arrival of Gabriel Heinze as part of his staff, the league leaders tower above everyone when it comes to set-piece goals — scoring 11 times from corners and free-kicks so far.
This style has attracted some criticism, with Arsenal quite near the bottom of the pile for Premier League goals from open play, but supporters won’t care one bit if they carry on this superb run of form.
Their standing has been made all the more impressive considering a bunch of big-name first teamers are currently sidelined through injury.
William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli joined the Arsenal treatment table recently, missing their 2-0 win over Brighton in the Carabao Cup midweek.
Saliba was out for a brief period at the very start of 25/26 too, with summer signing Cristhian Mosquera performing excellently in his absence.
The young Spaniard appears set for an extended run in the team once again after Arteta’s latest update on Saliba, but there’s some good news sprinkled in there too.
Mikel Arteta shares positive Arsenal injury update pre-Burnley
While Saliba and Martinelli are both still absent with no timeframe put on their return, Arteta shares a positive update on the conditions of club captain Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, when asked if the trio could all be available for Arsenal’s North London derby clash against Tottenham in November, the response was ecstatic with Arteta expecting them back “very soon”.
Reports this week suggested that Madueke is making a “faster-than-expected” recovery at Arsenal and is closing in on a return.
Insider HandOfArsenal also stated earlier this month that Havertz is blowing away Arsenal staff and is on track to return ahead of schedule.
Odegaard’s return can’t come soon enough, with the Norwegian suffering terribly bad luck with injuries this term as he looks to put his fitness woes behind him and provide Arsenal with that extra cutting edge in the final third.
The former Real Madrid star suffered a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee against West Ham just before the last international break, and estimates claim his comeback is booked for November.
Arsenal in preliminary talks to sign £44m PSG star who Arteta "dreams" of getting
With the BBL set to explore privatisation, Smith says SA20 will look to continue to “dominate” in the southern hemisphere
Firdose Moonda18-Aug-2025
The SA20 has IPL ownership across all six franchises•SA20
The SA20 organisers believe they have established enough of a foothold not to be threatened by the BBL’s aim to become the second-biggest league in the world after the IPL, according to commissioner Graeme Smith.The SA20, which will begin its fourth season on Boxing Day this year and has IPL ownership across all six franchises, has the second-highest salary cap after the IPL of R41 million (US$2.31 million). By that measure, it could be regarded as the next-best league in the global game and with a marquee auction scheduled for September 9, Smith explained they plan to stay that way.”When we started we were built up against the ILT20 and Big Bash and we set ourselves big ambitions upfront,” Smith told ESPNcricinfo ahead of the closing of player registration for the auction. “In the southern hemisphere window we want to dominate and we want to be the biggest league outside the IPL. Three years in, we’ve set the standard. Every decision we make is around making sure that we uphold those standards. I expect there will be a top number of leagues that will elevate themselves in a calendar cycle and that will be the priority for players, investors and fans. Our ambitions are to remain right at the top of that alongside IPL.Related
CA exploring BBL investment 'unashamedly' to be second behind IPL
BBL privatisation and later start among recommendations
SA20: Markram heads to the auction ahead of 2026 season
Smith’s comments come less than two weeks after CA CEO Todd Greenberg told that his board would “unashamedly” chase second spot by exploring privatisation. “It’s going to be very hard to chase the IPL, given the scale of cricket in India, but unashamedly, we want to run a league that comes second. And to do that we’re going to need to make sure that player availability and player salaries are commensurate with everything else that goes on around the world, and there’s one thing you need for that, you need money, you need investment. We’d be naive if we weren’t asking ourselves these questions and making sure we’ve got an eye on what’s next,” Greenberg said.The BBL’s move to seek private investment will make it the last of the established leagues to look for funding outside of board structures. The Hundred is the most recent to make the same moves, with deals for six out of their eight teams finalised ahead of next season. While happenings in the Hundred do not affect the SA20 because it is played in a different window, the BBL clashes with the SA20, which could mean a clash over status and crucially, player availability.Again, Smith had reason to be bullish. While the BBL is played at the same time as Australia’s international summer and so does not have Test players fully available, all South Africa’s national and domestically contracted players will prioritise the SA20, even if at the expense of international games. South Africa sent an understrength Test side to New Zealand last year, as an example of this policy in action. At the time, it drew criticism, but with South Africa going on to win the World Test Championship final, Smith sees it as proof that formats can co-exist if the planning is right.”Everyone was worried that we were going to destroy Test cricket but we’ve seen our national team go on a few years later to win the World Test Championship final. We’ve all played our role in the ecosystem,” he said. “We’ve been part of bringing gravitas back to South African cricket, seeing new fans come back to the game and new energy.”Graeme Smith expects a strong England presence in the upcoming SA20 season too•Sportzpics
At the same time, the SA20 also attracts internationals from other countries and last year had several English Test players, who had the winter off, join the tournament. This season, with the Ashes on, could be different but Smith still anticipates a strong contingent.”In the first two seasons we saw a lot of the England white-ball players come through and then with the FTP ebbing and flowing every year that changes,” he said. “So this year with the Ashes, we see some of those white ball players come back and maybe the Test players won’t form part of this season. The Ashes finishes on the ninth (of January, 2026). I don’t know if some of their players will form part of replacement lists but we’ve seen the likes of a Jos Butler come back into the tournament this year as an example.”Buttler, who played for Paarl Royals in the first two seasons, has been pre-signed by Durban’s Super Giants for the fourth season. Each franchise was allowed a maximum of six retentions or pre-signed players ahead of the new season. Of the 36 spots available, only a third (13) have been filled by South African players which Smith believes will create a lively auction. “I expected a lot more top South African players to pre-sign and that didn’t happen,” he said. “From our perspective it’s set up a very exciting auction with a very big purse.”The fourth season of the SA20 will be played over the festive period as South Africa do not host any home Tests this summer. Matches will not be played on any of the new drop-in pitches which are planned for the 2027 ODI World Cup but Smith hopes the lack of cricket this season will result in surfaces with a bit more life in them compared to last year, when they showed signs of wear.”The pitches last year didn’t play as well as we would have liked and it’s something that’s being worked on in terms of revamping stadiums and facilities ahead of the World Cup,” he said. “We’re working closely with Cricket South Africa in terms of improving the quality of stadiums, lights and pitches. Everything is a big work in progress behind the scenes.”The SA20 auction will take place in Johannesburg on September 9. Player registration for the auction closes on Monday, August 18.
They might have dropped points last time out, but Arsenal are flying this season.
They sit four points clear atop the Premier League table and second in the Champions League, with four wins and four clean sheets in as many games.
One of the stars of the Gunners’ impressive campaign so far has been Declan Rice, who has been as crucial going forward as he has been in keeping those clean sheets.
Therefore, fans should be delighted about reports linking them with another top-quality international who’d be a Rice-type signing.
Arsenal target Rice-Type signing
The transfer window is still over a month away, but Arsenal are starting to be linked with some exciting players again.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
For example, stories are once again touting Real Madrid’s Rodrygo for a move to the Emirates following a disappointing start to the season.
A cheaper, lesser-known, but nonetheless exciting wide option the Gunners have been linked with is Lyon’s Malick Fofana, who has been catching the attention of some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
However, while either attacker would be an exciting addition to the team, neither could be described as particularly Rice-esque, unlike Elliot Anderson.
Yes, according to reports from Spain, Arsenal are one of several clubs interested in the Nottingham Forest star.
In fact, the report has revealed that North Londoners are set to enter the bidding war for the England international, who has a price tag of between £100m and £120m.
It could therefore be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Anderson’s immense ability, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as it would be a Rice-type signing.
Why Elliot Anderson would be a Rice repeat for Arsenal
Now, there are obviously some differences between Rice and Anderson, from their playstyles to career paths, but were the latter to join Arsenal, there would be many parallels with the former’s move as well.
For example, it would be another example of the Gunners going out and spending north of £100m on a top-quality central midfielder from a non ‘big six’ Premier League team.
Moreover, like the former West Ham United captain was at the time of his move, the Forest ace is now an established and vitally important player for England.
In fact, ahead of his side’s win over Serbia, Thomas Tuchel described the 23-year-old as a “key player” for the Three Lions and “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.”
The fact that he is such an incredible central midfielder is another obvious trait he shares with the Gunners’ number 41, as is his versatility.
For example, since moving to the City Ground, the former Newcastle United gem has made 25 appearances in central midfield, 20 in defensive midfield, five in left midfield and three in attacking midfield.
In other words, like the former Hammers star, the “world-class” ace, as dubbed by one commentator, could play wherever Arteta wanted him to in the middle of the park, and as a result, form relationships with a host of Arsenal players.
Finally, on top of also taking corners, the Whitley Bay-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has some incredible underlying numbers to his name, proving that the comparisons to Rice are fully justified.
According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for ball recoveries, the top 3% for tackles in the defensive third, the top 4% for carries into the penalty area, the top 7% for successful take-ons and more, all per 90.
Anderson’s Scout Report
Statistics
Per 90
Percentile
Ball Recoveries
7.42
Top 1%
Dribbles Challenged
3.32
Top 2%
SCA (Defensive Action)
0.16
Top 3%
Tackles (Def 3rd)
1.61
Top 3%
Carries into Penalty Area
0.70
Top 4%
Fouls Drawn
2.14
Top 6%
Outswinging Corner Kicks
1.18
Top 7%
Successful Take-Ons
1.21
Top 7%
Penalty Kicks Made
0.03
Top 9%
GCA (Defensive Action)
0.03
Top 10%
Tackles
2.89
Top 11%
SCA (Take-On)
0.16
Top 12%
Corner Kicks
1.96
Top 13%
SCA (Fouls Drawn)
0.16
Top 13%
Tackles Won
1.61
Top 13%
Dribblers Tackled
1.39
Top 13%
Crosses
3.35
Top 14%
SCA (Dead-ball Pass)
0.64
Top 14%
Penalty Kicks Won
0.03
Top 15%
All Stats via FBref
Ultimately, while it would cost a king’s ransom, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Anderson, as he’s an excellent player and could have a Rice-type impact on the team.
Arsenal lost 'one of the world's best', now he's outperforming Saka & Eze
The incredible international is now playing better than Arsenal’s Eze and Saka.
عبر خالد النبريصي مهاجم منتخب فلسطين، عن سعادته بفوز منتخب بلاده على منتخب قطر في بطولة كأس العرب.
وفاز منتخب فلسطين على منتخب قطر بهدف دون رد، في الجولة الاولى من دور المجموعات من بطولة كأس العرب قطر 2025.
طالع.. إيهاب أبو جزر: فوز فلسطين على قطر تاريخي.. ونهديه لشهدائنا وجرحانا
وقال خالد النبريصي في تصريحات على فناة دبي الرياضية: “الحمد لله على الفوز، نبارك لشعبنا، شعبنا الصامد فلسطين، رحم الله شهداءنا، الفوز طالع من القلب للشعب الفلسطيني، فعلاً يستحقون هذه الفرحة، عانوا كثيرًا، والحمد لله قدمنا مباراة جيدة، مباراة تكتيكية بتعليمات الجهاز الفني”.
وأضاف: “واجهنا منتخب قطر الصاعد لـ كأس العالم، وكان يجب علينا التحلي بالصبر، وهذا هو سبب المكسب اليوم، الحمد لله قدرنا نكون صابرين وربنا أكرمنا في النهاية”.
بينما أكد عميد صوافطة لاعب المنتخب الفلسطيني على قناة أبو ظبي الرياضية: “الفوز على قطر شعور لا يوصف، الفوز بثلاث نقاط أمام بطل كأس آسيا، وبعد هذا الفوز الذي نهديه لكل جماهيرنا الفلسطينية طموحنا أكيد يكبر، والمباراة القادمة أمام المنتخب التونسي ستكون صعبة ونطمح لحصد ثلاث نقاط”.
وتابع: “في البداية جئنا إلى هنا ليس فقط للمشاركة، جئنا بطموح كبير، المجموعة صعبة لكن فلسطين منتخب قوي ومنتخب حاضر بإذن الله”.
Sunderland have now made a decision on Granit Xhaka’s future, amid interest from Juventus ahead of the January transfer window.
The Black Cats have surpassed all expectations so far this season, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table after collecting 19 points from their opening 11 games, and Regis Le Bris & co deserve major credit for the work they did in the transfer window.
It was a summer of change for the Championship play-off final winners, bringing in new additions all over the pitch, including at centre-forward, with Brian Brobbey getting off the mark courtesy of a dramatic late equaliser against Arsenal before the international break.
However, arguably Le Bris’ best addition has been Xhaka, with the central midfielder’s importance underlined by the fact he has played every minute in the Premier League so far this season, receiving plaudits from former defender Micky Gray after impressing against West Ham United.
Gray described the Swiss maestro as “absolutely incredible”, before going on to add: “You could see him trying to speak to everybody and calm everybody down. And when the ball came to his feet, he wasn’t rushing his passes. He was slowing everything down. So that experience is absolutely huge.”
Juventus eyeing January move for Sunderland star Granit Xhaka
As such, it will come as no surprise to learn that the 33-year-old is attracting attention ahead of the January transfer window, with a report from TuttoSport (via Sport Witness), revealing Juventus are now eyeing a shock winter transfer.
The 142-time Switzerland international’s agents are said to be seeking a move, given that their client has made a fantastic start to the campaign, with the report bizarrely also claiming the Black Cats are willing to sanction a January move if he asks to leave.
Sunderland have done extremely well to be competing at the top end of the Premier League table, and they are already nearly half-way to the magic 40-point mark, but they are not out of the woods just yet, so it would, of course, be a mistake to cash-in this winter.
The Basel-born midfielder has contributed one goal and three assists in the Premier League this term, with Wayne Rooney suggesting he could be the signing of the season, given his experience and leadership qualities.
The former Arsenal man has also impressed at international level during the current break, scoring a penalty and making a number of other key contributions as Switzerland ran out emphatic 4-1 winners against Sweden on Saturday.
Granit Xhaka’s statistics against Sweden
Number completed
Accurate passes
65/77 (84%)
Ground duels (won)
4 (3)
Aerials duels (won)
2 (2)
Accurate long balls
5
In all honesty, it was a major coup for Sunderland to even sign Xhaka in the first place, and given that he remains under contract until 2028, there is no need to cash-in this January or in the summer.
Sunderland "diamond" could be Regis Le Bris' captain after Granit Xhaka Move over Xhaka: Sunderland "diamond" is Regis Le Bris' future captain
Regis Le Bris has a future Sunderland captain on his hands in this battling star.
Athapaththu took three wickets and there was one run-out in the 50th over as Bangladesh lost five wickets in their last nine balls
Madushka Balasuriya20-Oct-2025
Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images
A tournament lacking in genuine tight finishes has now produced two in two days, as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka played out a low-scoring thriller in Navi Mumbai. But in truth this game should have never got to that stage, as Bangladesh nursed their chase of 203 only to stumble at the last and fall to a seven-run defeat. The result means, Bangladesh are eliminated from semi-final contention, while Sri Lanka live to fight another day.This was a chase that Sri Lanka were behind for around 48 overs, but in a tantalising final dash they picked up five wickets and gave away two runs off the final nine deliveries, as Bangladesh were unable to close out a game that they had controlled for large parts.Madara pulled up
Sri Lanka’s Malki Madara has been reprimanded for breaching Level 1 of the ICC’s code of conduct during the match against Bangladesh on Monday. Madara was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the code, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an international match.” The incident in question took place in the 11th over of Bangladesh’s innings when Madara, after dismissing Fargana Hoque, celebrated “excessively in close proximity to the batter”. In addition, one demerit point has been added to Madara’s disciplinary record – it was her first offence in a 24-month period.
The final scorecard will read that Chamari Athapaththu picked up figures of 4 for 42, but three of those came in a game-stealing final over, where Bangladesh lost four wickets off the first four deliveries – a run-out in the middle ensuring it wasn’t an Athapaththu hat-trick.Up until then Nigar Sultana had anchored the chase, if not expertly then at least safely. Her 77 off 98 came mostly as part of two major partnerships – the first 82 off 120 with Sharmin Akhter and the second 50 off 58 with Shorna Akter – during which Sri Lanka were like passengers aboard a rudderless ship, just merely on for the ride.To stick with the analogy, this was not a ship moving particularly swiftly. With a pretty chaseable target of 203 on the board, Bangladesh were guilty of being overly cautious – perhaps bearing in mind their poor batting efforts earlier in the tournament – as they inched along.On a pitch, not offering much for the many spinners they picked, Sri Lanka were resigned to simply keeping things tight, unable to really impose themselves on the game with the ball until the dying moments when everything seemed to happen all at once.Hasini Perera scored her first ODI half-century•Getty Images
Earlier however, it was Sri Lanka who had been slowed to a crawl, after a stunning mid-innings collapse had halted them. Hasini Perera struck a maiden international fifty in her 143rd match, a shining light (85 off 99) in and otherwise disjointed batting effort and was one of only three batters – Athapaththu (46) and Nilakshika Silva (37) the other two – to reach double-digits.Both Athapaththu and Hasini brought up milestones – 4000 and 1000 ODI runs, respectively – during their knock as well, while Hasini was eventually named Player of the Match.Shorna once more proved decisive – despite only being introduced at the halfway point of the innings – as she picked up figures of 3 for 27, including the crucial wickets of both Hasini and Nilakshika. The rest of the wickets were spread out, with only Ritu Moni going wicketless.Bangladesh were sloppy in the field, missing several chances, including run-outs and stumpings, but they were also spot on with their reviews. Despite this, Sri Lanka had at several points been on the up – in control, even. There was the 72-run stand between Athapaththu and Hasini after the fall of that first wicket, which had Sri Lanka romping along at nearly run-a-ball.Related
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On a wicket with few demons, Athapaththu’s 46 off 43 included six fours and two sixes. For the most part she looked unfazed by what Bangladesh threw at her so when she was trapped lbw by one that snuck past her forward defence, it was against the run of play.After this point Sri Lanka were both unfortunate and architects of their own demise. A fledgling partnership of 15 between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini was brought to an end after the former called for a non-existent second run and found herself a metre short.If that was self-inflicted, the next wicket was pure unadulterated bad luck. Kavisha Dilhari chopped an attempted cut into the ground, as the ball promptly bounced past the stumps, struck keeper Sultana, and bobbled on to the stumps. Bangladesh went about their business after this, the fielders even getting back into their positions, but the third umpire was alert and used the Smart Replay system in effect at this tournament to inform the on-field umpires of a possible stumping.And as it turned out, Dilhari’s back foot had momentarily lifted off the ground as she searched for balance. It was in that moment the bails had lit up – a fitting tribute to the Diwali celebrations around the stadium.As Bangladesh celebrated wildly, Sri Lanka had suddenly stumbled from 72 for 1 to 100 for 4, a worrying blip with them being a batter light after replacing allrounder Piumi Wathsala with seamer Udeshika Prabodani. Thankfully for the Lankans, in Hasini and Nilakshika they had the exact counterattacking pair the occasion called for.Shorna Akter ran through Sri Lanka’s middle order•ICC/Getty Images
Together they strung a 74-run stand off just 75 deliveries. It was a period in which batting seemed the easiest, with both players finding boundaries with regularity. If there was one criticism – and this would be one across Sri Lanka’s innings – it would be their lack of strike rotation.Despite the pair hitting nine boundaries (including three sixes) across their partnership lasting a shade over 12 overs, they were unable to usher in a run rate above six an over. This was a problem that would plague Bangladesh’s innings as well, later on.Perhaps it was their awareness of the lack of batting to follow that kept them in check, but it was unusual to see so many tossed up deliveries of spin dead-batted away. As it transpired, Nilakshika’s innings came to an end prematurely, as she shanked an on-side heave off Shorna to short third.This wicket proved to be a catalyst for Sri Lanka’s most devastating collapse, losing their next three wickets for just eight runs – Shorna getting two of them.From then on, Sri Lanka’s innings slowed to a trickle as they sought to bat time, before eventually being bowled out with eight deliveries remaining. Their final 103 balls saw 28 runs scored and six wickets fall, a feat somehow surpassed by Bangladesh.
India have also run Australia close in some high-stakes T20 clashes in recent years but to take them down in ODIs will require a sustained top-level performance
Vishal Dikshit11-Oct-20251:14
Rana: India’s batting ‘not a major concern’
Big picture: The most-awaited clashBatting collapses and low totals on slow pitches, catches put down, questionable umpiring decisions, mostly one-sided matches…if there is a contest the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 needed to kick it alive and make it a blockbuster spectacle, it’s India vs Australia. Australia clean-swept the Women’s Ashes earlier this year, winning all seven games across formats. India have won all 12 of their ODIs against Pakistan. As a result, the face-off between India and Australia has the makings of an epic on the biggest stage.All 15,087 tickets have been sold out for India vs Australia – obviously scheduled for a Sunday – and the ACA-VDCA Stadium’s near-26,000 capacity is set to break the record for the highest attendance at an ICC women’s T20I or ODI World Cup league match, current held by the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, which had a crowd of 22,843 in the opening game of this World Cup.As the competition nears its halfway stage, India have a lot at stake. While both teams have stumbled their way to Visakhapatnam after collapses in all their respective games, it cost India two points when their five bowling options and the batting-friendly conditions couldn’t put the brakes on South Africa and Nadine de Klerk.India’s concerns don’t stop at their five bowlers though; their top five, especially the senior trio of Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues, is yet to fire, the fielding hasn’t been as good as it can be and their batters have been perishing to left-arm spinners more than anyone else this tournament, with 12 dismissals in three innings.The washout against Sri Lanka aside, Australia also collapsed in their two outings, but even 128 for 5 and 76 for 7 weren’t enough to keep them down, as Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney reminded us of their depth and quality with their centuries. In their recent bilateral series against India, they did however get bowled out for 190 in the second game, and the high-scoring decider also gave a glimpse of how oppositions could create chances against the world champions.India have also run Australia close in some high-stakes T20 clashes in recent years – the Commonwealth Games 2022 final, the 2023 T20 World Cup semi-final and last year’s T20 World Cup league match. But to take Australia down in ODIs will require a sustained top-level performance from India, which they haven’t come close to so far.Form guideIndia LWWLW (last five completed games, most recent first) Australia WWWLWIn the spotlight: Tahlia McGrath and Harmanpreet KaurYou wouldn’t normally expect a big score from a No. 7 now and then but Australia have collapsed in three of their last four outings, which have given Tahlia McGrath the overs to go out and chip in with notable contributions. When Australia were reeling against New Zealand and Pakistan, she walked out in the 22nd and 16th over respectively but chipped catches to midwicket and extra cover for 26 and a 20-ball 5 which might put some pressure on her. “I’m hoping I don’t have to play much of a role with the bat…” she had joked before their opening game in Indore and even though Australia wouldn’t want another collapse, McGrath will hope more runs come off her bat soon.All eyes will be on Harmanpreet Kaur during the match against Australia•Getty Images
There won’t be as many eyes on anyone as there will be on Harmanpreet Kaur on Sunday. The wrecker-in-chief of the historic 2017 semi-final, which made India – and perhaps other teams – believe that Australia are also mortal in World Cups, that too in knockouts, will be itching to get a big one against the world champions after her 9, 19 and 21 in this campaign so far. Even in the bilaterals recently, she scored over 20 just once in three outings, although that came soon after her seventh ODI century, in England. A sell-out crowd in Visakhapatnam will keep their fingers crossed that there’s another big score coming on Sunday.Team news: Will Molineux return to Australia’s XI?The batting conditions in Visakhapatnam and the loss to South Africa will make India wonder if they need to bolster their attack of five bowlers. But they will need to drop a batter for that and their batting has been stuttering anyway, which makes the solution far from straightforward.India (probable): 1 Smriti Mandhana, 2 Pratika Rawal, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5 Jemimah Rodrigues, 6 Deepti Sharma, 7 Richa Ghosh (wk), 8 Amanjot Kaur, 9 Sneh Rana, 10 Kranti Gaud, 11 Shree CharaniWill Australia bring back Sophie Molineux?•Getty Images
Australia would have kept their eyes on how India lost wickets to left-arm spinners every game and will be tempted to bring in Sophie Molineux for that reason after she missed their last match, against Pakistan.Australia (probable): 1 Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), 2 Phoebe Litchfield, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Beth Mooney, 5 Annabel Sutherland, 6 Ashleigh Gardner, 7 Tahila McGrath, 8 Georgia Wareham/Sophie Molineux, 9 Kim Garth, 10 Alana King, 11 Megan SchuttPitch and conditionsVisakhapatnam offered runs, swing in the afternoon and under lights, and turn as well as the game progressed between India and South Africa. That match was delayed by an hour because of rain, but there is none in forecast for Sunday. The maximum temperature is set to be around 32 degrees, albeit with plenty of humidity like it has been at most venues this World Cup. There was dew in the evening in India’s game against South Africa here, which could affect the teams’ decision at the toss.Stats and trivia Even though Mandhana has been scratchy against swing in the World Cup so far, it will be interesting to see if Australia bring on Ashleigh Gardner in the powerplay. Out of the nine times Gardner has removed Madhana in T20s, eight have been in the powerplay. But in ODIs, Mandhana has fallen to Gardner just twice in the powerplay in 57 balls. Overall, Mandhana has scored 148 runs off 132 balls off Gardner in ODIs, and been dismissed five times The new-ball contest of Gaud vs Healy is one to watch out for. Gaud, just 10 ODIs old, has dismissed Healy three times in 35 balls while conceding 39 runs for an average of just 13 Mandhana needs just 58 more runs to 5000 in ODIs Mooney needs another 93 runs to reach the 3000 mark in ODIs Deepti Sharma is three away from 150 wickets in ODIsQuotes”We’ve seen Australia’s style for many years; they always play aggressively. But our plans are also clear. Whatever we’ve discussed in our meetings, we’ve made our strategies, and we hope to give a positive start tomorrow.” “Yeah, I think that’s what makes this World Cup so unique, is that you don’t get an opportunity to settle.”
Southampton interim manager Tonda Eckert will be in the dugout for the next three Championship matches before a decision is made on his future at the club.
Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas added that the German tactician is bidding to land the role on a full-time basis, which makes these next three games an important audition for him.
He has already won his first two games in charge of the club, beating QPR 2-1 and Sheffield Wednesday 3-1, after stepping in because of Will Still’s departure.
Why Southampton need an upgrade on Will Still
The Saints need to find a manager who can be an upgrade on their previous head coach, as obvious as it sounds, because his track record before coming to St. Mary’s did not suggest that he was an obvious candidate.
Of course, finishing in midtable with two different Ligue 1 clubs as a 33-year-old head coach is impressive, given that it is one of the best leagues in Europe, but each manager has different skills that suit certain environments.
Southampton, from the outside looking in, appeared to need a leader who could galvanise the club after such a dismal relegation from the Premier League, whilst also having the coaching outlook required to mount a promotion push.
Will Still’s managerial career at league level
Season (league)
Games
Points (league position)
25/26 (Championship)
13
12 (21st)
24/25 (Ligue 1)
34
52 (8th)
23/24 (Ligue 1)
31
40 (11th)
22/23 (Ligue 1)
28
43 (11th)
20/21 (Pro League)
13
17 (9th)
17/18 (Challenger Pro League)
9
22 (3rd)
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Still, aside from nine games as an interim years before his first major job, had never been in an environment where he was expected to win consistently and be at the top of the table.
That lack of alignment between coaching and expectation may have been a contributing factor to Southampton ending up in 21st place in the table, with the benefit of hindsight.
Now, in what may be a controversial suggestion, Sport Republic could replace Eckert and find an upgrade on Still by returning to Russell Martin to hire him as their next manager.
Why Southampton should hire Russell Martin
It was reported earlier this month that the former Rangers boss still has admirers in the boardroom at St. Mary’s and it has been claimed that some first-team players and staff are open to his return, suggesting that he could be an option in their managerial search.
Like him or loathe him, Martin is a good communicator and can lead a group when there is buy-in and potential for positive momentum with results, which may not have worked out at Premier League level, or at Rangers.
The 39-year-old tactician’s style of play was described as “successful” and a “joy to watch” by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. Whilst they may have been untrue in the Premier League, it was certainly the case in the Championship, which is where Southampton are now.
Russell Martin’s attacking style of play
23/24 Championship
Southampton
League rank
Pass accuracy
87.7%
1st
Passes into the penalty area
594
1st
Progressive passes
2556
1st
Shot-creating actions
1255
1st
xG
79.8
2nd
Points per game
1.89
4th
Stats via FBref
When the Saints were promoted under Martin in the 2023/24 campaign, his team were incredible offensively, as shown in the table, above, as they went on to win the play-offs.
This shows that the ex-Swansea boss has the relevant experience required to take on the job at hand, as Southampton look to get promoted back to the top-flight, because he has been there and done it, which was not the case for Still in the summer.
There are major question marks over his Premier League capabability, due to one win in 16 matches last season in the division, which is why it would be interesting to see if he would consider a deal until the end of the season.
Bringing Martin in on a short-term deal until the end of this season to see if he can spark a reaction out of the players and use his experience to guide the team towards the play-offs, before a longer-term appointment is made with the Premier League in mind, could be a shrewd way to go about it.
Southampton face 'complex' Tonda Eckert visa issues as permission granted