Big picture – Both sides looking for a spark

Someone find a power pylon, a generator… even a car battery would do. Attach the wires to Sri Lanka’s Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign. Two games (and one washout) in, it desperately needs to be shocked to life. Although they are playing at home, this World Cup schedule was always going to be a challenge – they were playing the teams they have struggled most against in their first three games. And so far, only that point from the washout against Australia is keeping some sort of hope alive.New Zealand have had a rough start to the tournament too, thumped by Australia in their opener, before South Africa strode past them with relative ease. But they do, more recently, have that win against Bangladesh to hold them over. Their campaign doesn’t quite need the defibrillator as badly as Sri Lanka do. But a loss in Colombo on Tuesday be a major blow to their hopes of qualifying for the semi-final, with South Africa and England now rolling into serious form, while Australia and India have more-or-less played like the tournament favourites they were expected to be.The problem for New Zealand, is that Sri Lanka have beaten them in their most-recent ODI series in Sri Lanka – a three-match series in Galle in 2023, which Sri Lanka won 2-1. The problem for Sri Lanka, is that both those ODI victories had been founded on truly epic performances from Chamari Athapaththu, with the 140 not out off 80 balls in the conversation for being her best innings ever.In any case, New Zealand’s batting – however lacklustre by their own standards – is in significantly better shape this tournament than Sri Lanka’s has been. All three New Zealand innings have produced totals between 225 and 240. Against England on Saturday, Sri Lanka nosedived to 164 at this very venue.New Zealand meanwhile, are fresh from rolling Bangladesh over for 127. That performance was more a result of their seamers – Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu taking three apiece – where it is spin that usually decides matches at Khettarama. Legspinner Amelia Kerr has five wickets in the tournament, but may need a little more support from the other spinners than she has had so far, if New Zealand are to make a statement on Tuesday.

Form guide

Sri Lanka LLLLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
New Zealand WLLWW2:14

Green: ‘Halliday has many options against spin’

In the spotlight – Amelia Kerr and Hasini Perera

Sri Lanka will be extremely wary of Amelia Kerr’s bowling, given she averages 24.62 in Asia. But this tournament is yet to see the best of Kerr the batter, and perhaps their stop in Sri Lanka is the place to change that. She has played only three innings on the island – in that 2023 series. But she did hit a 108 off 106 balls in the only match of that series that New Zealand won. It’s not as if she’s been especially bereft of form, having made some starts at No. 3 this World Cup. But each of those innings has been slightly laboured. Kerr firing at first-drop would make New Zealand a much more daunting opposition towards the end of this tournament.Sri Lanka batter Hasini Perera has attracted a little bit of criticism over the past week or so. While Sri Lanka’s top order fails, she has been an easy target, partly because of her long-term record. After 53 ODI innings, Hasini has a high score of 46. She has, this year, been asked to sacrifice her preferences for the team, however. Sri Lanka see Vishmi Gunaratne as an investment in the future, and have sent her down to No. 4, where, it is hoped, she will have a greater chance of success in this development phase of this career. And Hasini, who averages a respectable 33 at No. 4, has been asked to open. She top-scored for Sri Lanka in the loss to England, so clearly she is not out of her depth at the top of the order. But she needs a good score – a fifty ideally – to fend the critics off.

Pitch and conditions – More rain (perhaps). More spin (for sure)

Colombo’s weather continues to be as it has been in the last two weeks – humid, hot, with frequent showers rolling through. Expect the track to take good turn again, as it did on Saturday.Dewmi Vihanga’s spot in the XI could be in focus•ICC/Getty Images

Team news – Spotlight on Sri Lanka’s attack

Sri Lanka will think about Dewmi Vihanga’s place in the XI. She offers offspin and some hitting with the bat, which is why Sri Lanka picked her against England ahead of another seamer. But she does also tend to be a liability in the field. Seamer Malki Madara, who impressed in the tri-series earlier in the year, also waits in the squad.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Hasini Perera, 2 Chamari Athapaththu (capt), 3 Harshith Samarawickrama, 4 Vishmi Gunaratne, 5 Kavisha Dihari, 6 Nilakshika Silva, 7 Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), 8 Dewmi Vihanga/Malki Madara/Achini Kulasuriya, 9 Sugandika Kumari, 10 Udeshika Prabodhani, 11 Inoka RanaweeraNew Zealand may retain their winning XI.New Zealand (possible): 1 Suzie Bates, 2 Georgia Plimmer, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Gaze (wk), 8 Jess Kerr, 9 Rosemary Mair, 10 Lea Tahuhu, 11 Eden Carson

Stats and trivia

• New Zealand had never lost an ODI against Sri Lanka, until they lost twice in one series in 2023. Their overall record is 13 wins to those two losses. They won by big margins against Sri Lanka this year as well, but those two games had been played in New Zealand
• Amelia Kerr enjoys bowling in Asia, but her batting in the continent has not been quite as strong – she averages 36.37 in Asia, down from her overall average of 41.18
• Inoka Ranaweera has been Sri Lanka’s best bowler by a distance in their first two completed matches. So far this tournament, she has seven wickets at an average of 11.29

Quotes

“In this tournament so far we’ve seen wickets falling early in just about every ground pretty much. It’s about trying to build big partnerships up top.”New Zealand allrounder Maddy Green on the way the batting in this World Cup has tended to go so far.“Even though Hasini has played short innings, we think those are good innings. And sometimes no one has played better.We know what she is capable of.”Sri Lanka coach Rumesh Ratnayake on Hasini Perera.

Former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has revealed that he abandoned a near-completed move to Manchester City to sign for Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal back in 2008. The Frenchman, who spent nearly a decade at Old Trafford and won five Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson, says he was "halfway through his medical" at City when the opportunity to join Wenger emerged, prompting him to walk away from negotiations altogether.

Silvestre lifts the lid on his Arsenal transfer

Silvestre’s reputation in English football was built at Manchester United, where he arrived in September 1999 from Internazionale and went on to clock up 249 Premier League appearances. Over nine years in Manchester, he collected a haul of major honours, including the Champions League, the FA Cup and five league titles. His final season at United, however, was derailed by a significant knee ligament injury, which kept him out for much of the campaign. He returned to action in April but found himself facing uncertainty, with one year remaining on his contract and limited clarity about how he would fit into the United squad. At 31, Silvestre was drawing attention from several clubs. Paris Saint-Germain were keen. Bordeaux made enquiries. City were deep in negotiations and, according to Silvestre, had already reached a provisional agreement with him. Sunderland were also in talks. But everything changed when Arsene Wenger made his interest known.

AdvertisementAFPWenger's phone call changed everything

Silvestre, speaking to , recounted the extraordinary moment his transfer took a sharp detour. 

"I almost signed for Manchester City in 2008, believe it or not," he said. "I was halfway through my medical in Manchester and was very close to finalising a move to the club. However, Arsene Wenger reached out to me through a friend to try and get me to sign for Arsenal during the medical."

Within 24 hours, he had apologised to City officials and travelled to London to complete a two-year contract at the Emirates. He added: "I couldn’t turn that offer down, and I signed for the club the very next day!"

Wenger said at that time: "We have a strong squad, but a young squad and Mikael's versatility, experience and calibre will provide the extra depth we need to reinforce our challenge for honours. His defensive adaptability will serve us well, and it's a big plus that Mikael has top-level experience and a great understanding of football in the Premier League."

Silvestre's split allegiance between United & Arsenal

Earlier in 2025, Silvestre looked back fondly on his time in north London, acknowledging the warmth he received from Arsenal supporters and the respect he gained within the club. But he does not disguise where his heart lies.

During an interview on last year, he said: "When you have been travelling as much as I did, you still look back and support the clubs you played for. But, as you know, nine years at United is a long time in one career. If you asked me to pick, it would be more United, but I had a great time at Arsenal."

However, given the current circumstances at United, he revealed that he would now prefer a transfer to north London. "I would go to Arsenal right now. I am not a patient guy!" he laughed. 

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AFPSilvestre has elite company in a small club

Arsenal’s acquisition of Silvestre for a reported fee of around £750,000 was one of the most surprising moves of the 2008 summer window. United’s long history of avoiding direct transfers to rival clubs made the signing almost unthinkable at the time. The last player to make the same journey had been Brian Kidd in 1974. He belongs to a surprisingly small and illustrious group of footballers who have worn both Arsenal and United colours. Alexis Sanchez is perhaps the most famous modern example, with his blockbuster move to Old Trafford. Robin van Persie made the opposite journey, leaving Arsenal for United in 2012 and famously firing Ferguson’s side to the league title. Danny Welbeck, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Andy Cole also crossed the divide at various points, each with differing levels of success.

MatériaMais Notícias

O início da partida entre São Paulo e Vitória, válida pela quinta rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro, foi marcado por polêmicas envolvendo o VAR. Antes dos cinco minutos de partida, o zagueiro Wagner Leonardo se envolveu em uma disputada com Calleri na área.

continua após a publicidade

➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! São Paulo

Após revisão, o árbitro da partida decidiu por expulsar o jogador do Leão, que passou a atuar com dez atletas em campo.

Nas redes sociais, torcedores do Vitória criticaram a atitude de Wagner, que teria acertado uma cotovelada no atacante adversário. Os são-paulinos, por sua vez, comemoram a decisão da equipe de arbitragem. Confira alguns comentários a seguir.

Tudo sobre

Campeonato BrasileiroFutebol NacionalSão PauloVitória

Jahanara Alam, who has not played international cricket since December 2024, claimed that the Bangladesh women’s captain “beats up” her team-mates

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Nov-2025

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has said it “strongly refutes” allegations of physical abuse made by fast bowler Jahanara Alam against the current national women’s team captain Nigar Sultana.Alam, who has not played international cricket since December 2024, claimed that Sultana “beat up” her team-mates in an interview with Bangladesh newspaper .”The BCB categorically and strongly refutes these allegations, which are baseless, fabricated and devoid of any truth,” the board said in a statement. “The Board finds it unfortunate that such derogatory and scandalous claims have been made at a time when the Bangladesh Women’s Team is showing commendable progress and unity on the international stage.”The Board believes that the timing and nature of these comments are deliberate, ill-intentioned and seemingly aimed at undermining the spirit and confidence of a team that continues to represent the country with pride. It is deeply disappointing that an individual who currently has no involvement or relevance in the plans of Bangladesh cricket has chosen to make such misleading statements in public.””The BCB wishes to make it clear that it has complete trust and confidence in the Women’s National Team’s leadership, players and management. The Board has found no evidence to support any of the claims made and stands firmly behind the team and its personnel.”Bangladesh had finished seventh out of eight teams in the recent Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Their only victory came against Pakistan but they ran England, South Africa and Sri Lanka close.

The Atlanta Braves have had a horrendous week that has seen them lose two games in the ninth inning and two more games in the 10th inning. In one of those losses they coughed up a six-run lead in the ninth inning, giving up seven runs to the Diamondbacks to lose 11-10.

Their latest devastating loss came Saturday in San Francisco. The Braves had a 2-1 leading going into the bottom of the ninth but shortly after Heliot Ramos got on with a single, Matt Chapman stepped to the plate and blasted a 1-1 pitch into the left field stands for a walk-off home run.

Braves announcer Brandon Gaudin had the saddest call of the homer as he immediately knew that the game was over.

"Deep to left… oh my," Gaudin said as the ball sailed through the air. "At the wall, it’s gone. The Giants win it 3-2 and Atlanta drops another one."

You can hear that call in the tweet below the very enthusiastic one by the Giants' broadcast.

The Braves are 2-8 in their last 10 games and stand at 27-36 heading into Sunday's series finale with the Giants.

Aaron Judge is so good at baseball that sometimes outfielders don't even have to move after he makes contact.

That's what happened in the top of the eighth inning of the New York Yankees' game against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night, when Judge stepped up to the plate as the leadoff hitter in a tie game.

Mariners pitcher Carlos Vargas left a hanging slider in the zone and Judge demolished the ball to left center field for a towering, 444-foot home run. The 117.7 MPH blast was the hardest hit ball at T-Mobile Park in the Statcast era.

There was so little doubt that the ball was a home run that Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena didn't even move a muscle in the outfield.

Arozarena simply watched the ball fly.

Judge's dinger not only gave the Yankees a 3-2 lead, but it also broke a tie with the Arizona Diamondbacks' Corbin Carroll and the Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber for the MLB lead in home runs (15).

Manchester City are firmly in the Premier League title race and could bring a high-profile star to the Etihad Stadium in January after Pep Guardiola hatched a plan to land his signature.

Manchester City move on after seeing off Leeds United

Truthfully, Manchester City didn’t put on their best display against Leeds United. However, they will be delighted by the end result as Phil Foden’s classy winner prevented back-to-back defeats after losing out at Newcastle United.

Title races are never straightforward and always require steel in the face of uncertainty, albeit Guardiola reserved special praise for the scorer of the Citizens’ crowning strike as they kept on track in pursuit of the top-flight crown.

“It’s not the first time we saw that. A thousand, thousand, million times he’s done it. The quality, shooting, strong. Like his goal against West Ham to win the Premier League. Phil has to be around the box. Shoot or pass. His finishing is so quick. Phil is doing a really good season.”

Back-to-back blanks in front of goal for Erling Haaland may be a sign that more needs to be done in the way of recruiting someone to plug the gaps at the top end of the field. Still, Omar Marmoush is likely to be given more opportunities as the season continues to unfold.

Keeping pace at the top will require investment in January, especially given the Citizens’ rivals are likely to strengthen after a bruising festive period, which is set to stretch everyone’s squad to the limit.

Finding solutions when certain sources of goals dry up will be the challenge for all title contenders, not just Manchester City, but they could be the ones set to benefit early on in the January window if the Sky Blues can wrap up an exciting deal.

Elliot Anderson is one of their main targets but there are other irons in the fire.

Man City keen to activate Antoine Semenyo's release clause

According to The Times, Manchester City are exploring a move for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

They are considering activating the winger’s £65m release clause on New Year’s Day, potentially beating other suitors to sign the Ghana international.

Although not set in stone, there is a feeling at the club that bringing in the Cherries attacker could be the difference in their hunt for the Premier League title, an opinion that many will share after his flying start to the campaign.

Dubbed “talented” by Jamie Redknapp, Semenyo has also created 15 chances and completed 21 dribbles on Premier League duty, per Fotmob, showcasing his appeal to suitors keen to tempt him away from the South Coast.

Now, it will be over to City officials as they aim to convince Semenyo that moving to Manchester is the best course of action for his career. On the face of it, playing a part in a title chase could be an appealing prospect.

Alongside Anderson: Man City open talks to sign "top-drawer" £70m star

The Citizens are in the market for attacking reinforcements and have now identified a Premier League star.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Nov 30, 2025

Manchester City are now considering a move for a new forward who Pep Guardiola called “extraordinary”, and they have identified him as a priority target.

Man City eyeing new forward amid overreliance on Erling Haaland

Man City are the joint-highest scorers in the Premier League this season, having netted 24 times, but to say they are reliant on Erling Haaland would be an understatement, with the Norwegian scoring 14 of those, finding the back of the net every 74 minutes on average.

No other City player has scored more than once in the league, and Guardiola called on his other attacking players to step up after the 2-0 victory against Everton last month, saying: “He [Haaland] could have scored four or five at the end. He’s our key man,”

“At the same time, we cannot do good things with just Erling. Our wingers, attacking midfielders and the other players have to make a step up.”

However, Maxime Esteve technically still remains the Blues’ second-highest scorer in the league this term, having scored two own goals in Burnley’s 5-1 thrashing at the Etihad Stadium, so it is no surprise a new forward is now being targeted.

According to a report from Spain, Man City are now considering a move for AFC Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, amid concerns they are overreliant on Haaland, with the Ghanaian forward set to be available for a fee of £65m during the January transfer window.

Semenyo has now been identified as a priority target by City, given the fantastic start he has made to the Premier League season, although there could be competition for the 25-year-old’s signature from reigning champions Liverpool.

Talks could ‘accelerate soon’, with the Blues clearly keen on signing the versatile attacker, who is capable of playing on the wing, as a target man, or even as a second striker.

Man City preparing £158m+ bid for star who wants to work under Guardiola

The Citizens are keen to make new signings and could now look to acquire one of Europe’s most prominent attackers.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 24, 2025 "Extraordinary" Semenyo could boost City's title chances

In fairness, Jeremy Doku has stepped up to the plate in recent times, most notably scoring and winning a penalty in the 3-0 victory against Liverpool last month.

However, none of City’s attackers have been anywhere near as consistent as Haaland, so it would make sense to bring in a new forward this January, and Guardiola has made it clear he is a big fan of the Bournemouth star.

The Ghana international made a flying start to the campaign, meaning he is currently the joint-fourth highest goalscorer in the Premier League.

Top scorers in the Premier League

Club

Goals

Erling Haaland

Manchester City

14

Igor Thiago

Brentford

9

Danny Welbeck

Brighton

7

Antoine Semenyo

AFC Bournemouth

6

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Crystal Palace

6

With Haaland clearly in need of additional support in attack, Semenyo could be a fantastic signing for Man City, as they look to hunt down Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now registered their interest in signing Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Garcia on loan in the January transfer window, alongside a whole host of rival Premier League clubs.

Fosun would’ve been hoping Rob Edwards could breathe new life into a Wolves side that have massively disappointed so far this season, but the manager was on the receiving end of a defeat in his first match in charge, with Crystal Palace emerging as 2-0 winners at Molineux on Saturday.

Edwards’ side actually looked better from an attacking point of view, recording an xG of 1.79, compared to 1.27 from the Eagles, but they were unable to take their chances, with both Jhon Arias and Ladislav Krejci squandering big opportunities.

Things are looking bleak for the Old Gold, who are still searching for their first win of the Premier League season, and now sit nine points from safety, given that they have the worst attacking and defensive records in the top flight, scoring seven and conceding 27.

As such, if the Wanderers are to stand any chance of avoiding the drop, they may need to make major improvements at both ends of the pitch in the upcoming transfer window, and they have now made an approach for a new centre-forward.

Wolves make approach to sign Gonzalo Garcia on loan

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, in a report for Football Insider, Wolves are one of a number of clubs in the race for Real Madrid forward Garcia this January, although it remains to be seen whether they will be willing to sanction a departure.

The Spanish side are concerned about a lack of attacking depth, which means they may not be willing to let the 21-year-old leave, despite several English sides queuing up to get a deal done, with O’Rourke saying: “If Real Madrid are willing to loan him out, I’m sure it’s more than just Leeds will be interested in him. I believe Brighton, Villa and Wolves have all registered interest.

“A lot will depend on Real Madrid. If there’s any injuries to their forwards then it might mean there’s no chance that Garcia goes out and loan.”

Hailed as a “goal machine” in the media, the youngster clearly has a lot of potential, having starred for Madrid at the Club World Cup in the summer, bagging four goals and an assist in six outings out in the USA.

Wolves are in dire need of a fresh injection of quality in attack, having failed to score in four out of their last five Premier League games, with Jorgen Strand Larsen failing to impress, finding the back of the net just once in 10 top-flight outings.

As such, a move for Garcia would make sense, but it will be strange if the Real Madrid ace is willing to move to a club in huge danger of relegation, given that there is likely to be plenty of other options on the table.

Wolves prioritising move for ex-Man City target as Edwards' first signing Related Wolves now prioritising move for ex-Man City target as Edwards' first signing

The Midlands side are ready to back their new manager.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Nov 22, 2025

كشف الدنماركي ييس توروب المدير الفني لفريق الأهلي، عن اللاعبين البدلاء أمام الجيش الملكي، في دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا. 

ويلتقي الأهلي مع الجيش الملكي المغربي، في تمام الساعة التاسعة من مساء اليوم بتوقيت القاهرة، على ملعب مولاي الحسن بالرباط، في الجولة الثانية من دور المجموعات من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا. 

طالع.. مجموعة الأهلي | التعادل السلبي يحسم مباراة شبيبة القبائل ويانج أفريكانز

ويقع الأهلي في المجموعة الثانية من مجموعات أبطال إفريقيا رفقة الجيش الملكي المغربي وشبية القبائل الجزائري ويانج أفريكانز التنزاني. 

وكان الأهلي قد فاز في المباراة الماضية على شبيبة القبائل الجزائري برباعية مقابل هدف، يوم السبت الماضي على ملعب القاهرة الدولي. 

وشهدت دكة بدلاء الأهلي تواجد إمام عاشور، رغم تسجيله هدفًا في المباراة الماضية أمام شبيبة القبائل، ولكن المدرب فضل تواجده على دكة البدلاء بسبب ابتعاده في الفترة الماضية بسبب إصابته بفيروس A. بدلاء الأهلي أمام الجيش الملكي في دوري أبطال إفريقيا 

محمد سيحا – أحمد رمضان بيكهام – أشرف داري – كريم فؤاد – محمد شكري – أحمد رضا – محمد علي بن رمضان – إمام عاشور – طاهر محمد طاهر – حمزة عبد الكريم.