Nathan Smith came in for Henry, the highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far
ESPNcricinfo staff09-Mar-20251:27
Southee: Henry not playing the final a ‘massive loss’ for New Zealand
Matt Henry was ruled out of the Champions Trophy final against India because of the shoulder injury he picked up in the semi-final, against South Africa, on March 5 in Lahore. Nathan Smith was brought in as Henry’s replacement in the New Zealand XI.Doubts about Henry’s availability for the final emerged on Friday when Gary Stead, the New Zealand coach, said, “We’ve had some scans and stuff done on him, and we’re going to give him every chance to be playing in this match. [But it’s] still a little bit unknown at this stage.”Henry bowled and fielded in the New Zealand training sessions on match eve, raising his team’s hopes. But, on the morning on the match, when Henry was out on the ground with the rest of the team, he turned his arm over just a few times, grimacing each time, and walked out.Related
New ball or old, Henry will make things happen
Henry, the highest wicket-taker in the Champions Trophy leading up to the final with ten strikes, had hurt his shoulder while taking the catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen. He left the field but returned to bowl two overs late in the match. He was also seen diving in the field after he came back.Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand captain, had been optimistic about Henry’s availability soon after the match against South Africa, and Stead had also sounded a positive note, saying, “I guess the positive thing from our perspective is he got back out there to bowl.”Henry had been crucial to New Zealand’s run to the final. In the only match they lost in the first round, against India – also their opponents in the final – Henry returned a five-for. That match was also played in Dubai, like the final.New Zealand opted to field allrounder Smith in Henry’s place even though they had the option of a fast bowler in Jacob Duffy. Smith played one game in the Champions Trophy, the tournament opener in Karachi against Pakistan, where he didn’t get a chance to bat and picked up one wicket in two overs with the ball as New Zealand won by 60 runs.
Manchester City are looking to cement themselves as the team to beat in the Premier League and they could go some way to doing that if they are able to tempt their latest transfer target to the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester City react to Champions League league phase draw
In an eventful week, the Champions League league phase draw is now complete and Manchester City now know who they will face for a place in the knockout rounds of the competition.
From the eight sides they will take on, ties against Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli are the standouts, though the Citizens have landed a favourable run off games on paper and will feel confident they can progress.
Man City’s Champions League opponents
Real Madrid (A)
Borussia Dortmund (H)
Bayer Leverkusen (H)
Villarreal (A)
Napoli (H)
Bodo/Glimt (A)
Galatasaray (H)
AS Monaco (A)
Fixture dates TBC
Speaking after the draw, Pep Guardiola expressed his delight at being able to welcome former Manchester City heroes Kevin De Bruyne and Leroy Sane back to the Etihad Stadium.
He stated: “I’m really pleased he (Kevin De Bruyne) will come back here and of course, we have to beat the teams Napoli and Galatasaray (with Leroy Sane), nice to welcome him back. I’m sure the people will give a great welcome to them, they deserve it.”
Nevertheless, attention turns to their clash against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend alongside transfer activity, and the Citizens are plotting move to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Real Madrid.
Admittedly, that may come down the line in January, though it shows that Guardiola’s ambition is through the roof as his side look to get back to dominating English football. Fermin Lopez could also move to the Etihad from Barcelona, and they are lining up another significant play for one of the world’s finest stars amid growing uncertainty over his future at a global superpower.
Man City lining up record Vinicius Junior bid
According to reports in Spain, Manchester City are lining up a £130 million bid to sign Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, given he has two years on his contract left in the Spanish capital.
The Brazil international is at loggerheads with Los Blancos over an extension and Guardiola is ready to swoop in, given his pace and ability to burn past defenders in one-on-one situations.
Man City could bid for £276k-p/w star who called the Etihad "incredible"
The Blues are lining up a shock move for a player Pep Guardiola has praised in the past…
ByDominic Lund Aug 28, 2025
Similar to their pursuit of Alexander-Arnold, the Citizens may wait until 2026 to move for the winger, who has been nominated for the 2025 Balon D’Or and has previously been labelled “quality” by scout Jacek Kulig.
Starting the campaign with a bang, Vinicius registered a goal and an assist in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Real Oviedo last weekend, but his situation is growing slightly more uncertain as the weeks go by.
Manchester City are no stranger to a statement signing, and manging to push a deal over the line for someone of such a high pedigree would be guaranteed to make global headlines.
Ashwani’s 4 for 24 was the best figures by an Indian on IPL debut, as MI extended their record against KKR at Wankhede to 10-2
Alagappan Muthu31-Mar-20251:36
Aaron: ‘Skiddy’ Ashwani quicker than batters expected
Mumbai Indians (MI) got on the IPL 2025 board in IPL 2025 with an eight-wicket victory over defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which took their record against those opponents at Wankhede Stadium to 10-2. The win was set up by the most unlikely source: a fast bowler named Ashwani Kumar picked up the best figures by an Indian on IPL debut – 4 for 24 – to knock KKR over for 116.Debutant Ashwani’s dream dayAshwani is 23 years old. He had played only four T20s before this. Naturally, he was nervous when he was told he would be playing this game. He didn’t eat lunch. It’s possible he may never do so on any match day given how well this one went and how superstitious cricketers can be. Ashwani picked up a wicket with his first ball, and it was the opposition captain Ajinkya Rahane. Over the course of a dream day, he took down Rinku Singh and Andre Russell as well. This league does not present any higher quality of wickets.The most impressive thing about Ashwani was how hard he was to line up. He has an orthodox bowling action. His speeds were largely in the early to mid 130kph. Those are the kind of bowlers that get smashed around in the IPL. But try as they might, KKR were not able to do it.Ashwani came to prominence because of his performances in the Sher-E-Punjab T20 trophy last year, when he displayed an affinity for the death overs. Ashwani didn’t really bowl in that phase of the innings against KKR, but did show why he could find success in high-pressure situations. It was his control of length.Trent Boult struck in the first over for the 30th time in the IPL•Associated PressRinku tried to take him down, but one ball after using his feet and hitting him for four, he was caught on the deep-point boundary. Ashwani pulled his length back to surprise the batter. Russell tried to take him down, but one ball after clearing his front leg and smacking him through the line, he was beaten by a bouncer and then bowled by a 140kph pitched-up delivery that surprised the batter, again. Ashwani was innately aware of when to vary his lengths and was able to do so even when high-quality batters were attacking him and putting him under pressure.Boult continues romance with the first overAshwani tripling his career tally of T20 wickets – from two to six – over the course of one evening relegated everything else to the side. But he was merely exploiting a lovely platform set by two high-quality new-ball bowlers.Trent Boult once again showed off the freakish ability he has to take wickets in the first over. For the 30th time in the IPL, he provided his team with a perfect start, rearranging Sunil Narine’s stumps. From the other end, Deepak Chahar took away Quinton de Kock’s strengths – hitting balls at the stumps over square leg – by keeping his lines wide and having him caught at mid-off.KKR continued to attack, conscious that the Wankhede Stadium is a chase-friendly venue. Despite those early wickets, they indulged in eight aggressive responses in the first four overs. Some worked. Some didn’t. This is T20 cricket in the modern age. There is very little holding back. Rinku could have. He fell playing a big shot right after finding the boundary, even though KKR only had Russell and Ramandeep Singh as recognised batters with nearly half the innings left to play.3:07
Does Rohit have a technique issue?
Rickelton comes goodRyan Rickelton was beaten by each of the first four balls he faced. His first four came off an inside edge, first six off a top edge, and all of a sudden, it really did look like T20 cricket was flipping hard. A pitch that was supposed to be a belter – because of the pace and bounce on offer – was being harnessed by the fast bowlers on both sides to telling effect.But with only 117 to chase, Rickelton could bide his time, and when his opportunity came – Harshit Rana trying too hard to pick up wickets and giving away a slower-ball on the half-volley – he nailed a straight drive and never looked back. Rickelton brought up fifty with a six off Narine, and was at the other end when Suryakumar Yadav brought up victory with a six. Rohit Sharma, though, had another failure, falling for 13. The worries around his batting form continue.
Santiago Giménez has yet to score in Serie A after six appearances for AC Milan, with his lone goal coming in the Coppa Italia. Still, manager Massimiliano Allegri insists the Mexico striker has his full trust, praising Giménez’s importance to Milan’s structure and work rate after Sunday’s goalless draw with Juventus.
Getty Images Sport'He gives us structure'
AC Milan were forced to settle for a draw against Juventus on Sunday, ending their four-game winning streak in Serie A. couldn’t capitalize on their strong form and dropped to third place after six rounds after previously being on the top of the league.
Giménez led the line once again for Milan, logging just over an hour before being replaced by Rafael Leão. Despite the striker's scoreless streak extending to another match, Allegri couldn’t have been clearer about how much he values the Mexican's contribution.
“Santiago is a fundamental piece of this team,” Allegri said after the match. “He gives us structure – the way he connects play, holds up the ball, and presses from the front is vital. The goals will come, but what he brings goes well beyond statistics.”
AdvertisementGetty Images SportStill searching for a goal
While the goals haven’t flowed as many fans expected, Giménez’s professionalism has earned him the trust of both his teammates and Allegri. Since arriving from Feyenoord, the 24-year-old has tallied seven goals in 27 appearances, numbers that don’t fully capture his influence on the pitch.
“Giménez played really well today,” Allegri added. “He worked hard, created spaces, and even forced a penalty. I took him off thinking Leão could give us a different spark, but Santi didn’t deserve to come out.”
Getty Images SportMilan in strong form
Gimenez was reportedly close to leaving Milan on deadline day this summer, yet decided to stay and fight for his place. That decision seems to be paying off – Milan have won five of their last six games in all competitions.
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Getty Images SportNext stop: International duty
Giménez now turns his focus to the national team, having been included in Javier Aguirre’s Mexico squad for the October friendlies against Colombia and Ecuador. With Raúl Jiménez unavailable due to injury, the Milan striker could lead the attack for – another opportunity to show why his club manager calls him “fundamental.”
Burnley have joined other English clubs in eyeing a move for a free agent who has scored at Turf Moor already.
Parker wants more flexibility from Burnley
The Clarets face a daunting task when they return from the international break this weekend, hosting Premier League champions Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
It promises to be a stern test for Burnley, and speaking ahead of the game, manager Scott Parker has discussed the need for his side to be more “flexible” in their approach.
“I think it’s just trying to be practical in certain moments, what the game demands of you, what you have in your squad, what that demands of you, really. So, of course, I’d love to…like we all would, you’d love to be sitting here playing a certain way of football and free-flowing, scoring loads of goals, defending and stuff like that. But at times, as a coach, you need to be flexible.
“You need to understand the dynamics of what you have and certainly the competition you’re going up against and how best to try and get results. And that’s fundamentally what I did last year, to be honest with you. Of course, it was a different competition and it was flipped in terms of we had extra bits of quality in certain moments.”
Now, Burnley have been linked with a move for a former Liverpool player as they look to provide the boss with more high level experience.
Burnley eyeing Premier League champion Oxlade-Chamberlain
According to a fresh claim from The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, Burnley are “on alert” regarding a potential move for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on a free transfer. The 32-year-old is no longer a Besiktas player, having brought an end to his time in Turkey, and a return to England could now be on the cards soon. Everton, Leeds United, Brentford and Rangers are among the clubs credited with interest, too.
Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a shrewd addition for Burnley, bringing in a Champions League and Premier League winner who has proven himself at the highest level for much of his career, whether it be for Liverpool, Arsenal or England.
His versatility could be a real asset for Parker, with the Englishman able to shine in deeper or attacking midfield roles, as well as out wide, and if the move doesn’t work, the fact that it is a free transfer takes away the risk element.
At 32, Oxlade-Chamberlain isn’t getting any younger, but he still has plenty to offer if he can stay fit under the right manager, with Jurgen Klopp describing him as “super” in the past.
Champions League (Liverpool)
2019
Premier League (Liverpool)
2020
Club World Cup (Liverpool)
2019
FA Cup (Liverpool)
2022
FA Cup (Arsenal)
2017
FA Cup (Arsenal)
2015
FA Cup (Arsenal)
2014
EFL Cup (Liverpool)
2022
UEFA Super Cup (Liverpool)
2019
Turkish Cup (Besiktas)
2024
He will surely be hungry to prove himself back in England, and should Burnley pip some bigger clubs to his signature, it could be a real coup for them.
This summer was always going to be massive for Tottenham Hotspur after their Europa League triumph – but it was unclear who would be the man to take the club forward.
Ange Postecoglou was ultimately dismissed by the Lilywhites hierarchy, resulting in Thomas Frank being selected as the manager to build on the European success.
In an attempt to hit the ground running, he was handed funds by the board to make the changes he desired to the first-team squad to push the side back up the Premier League table.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match
He targeted a move for striker Yoane Wissa, a player whom he had at Brentford, subsequently wanting a reunion with his former centre-forward in North London.
Talks were held between the two parties, but the difference in price tag provided a stumbling block for the DR Congo international, who netted 19 times in England’s top-flight last season.
The 29-year-old would join Newcastle United in a £55m transfer, with Frank turning to Randal Kolo Muani to try and replicate the levels of one former player with the Lilywhites.
Harry Kane’s record at Tottenham Hotspur
Clinical goalscorers are extremely hard to come by in the modern game, but Spurs had one in their ranks for many years, in the form of Englishman Harry Kane.
The striker came through the youth ranks in North London, going on to find the net over 30 times in 50% of the seasons he spent as a first-team regular under various different managers.
The 32-year-old ended his decade-long spell at the club on 280 goals, with such a tally making him their highest-ever goalscorer, surpassing the record previously held by the late Jimmy Greaves.
However, the hierarchy have had the task of trying to replace the talisman over the last couple of years, after allowing him to depart in a £82m transfer to join Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023.
The likes of Dominic Solanke and Richarlison have both tried to fill the void over the last couple of years, but none have been able to nail down the position as their own, nor match the levels produced by the fan-favourite.
Kolo Muani will be the next to try and fill the void, but Frank may have been able to rely upon one other talent had the hierarchy decided against offloading him.
The former Spurs player who has outscored Kane
As previously mentioned, new boss Frank has been able to rely upon Wissa at Brentford in recent years – often having the calibre of player needed for success in the Premier League.
At present, Brazilian forward Richarlison has so far been his chosen option at the top end of the pitch – with the 28-year-old already finding the back of the key twice under his guidance.
The work completed in the transfer market highlights that the Dane desperately wanted a new number nine to aid his chances of success after taking the reins in North London.
However, the 51-year-old could have relied upon youngster Troy Parrott had the board not sold him to Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar for just £6.7m back in the summer of 2024.
The Irish international joined the Lilywhites at the age of 15, spending five years in North London – but only made four senior appearances – before being sent on various loan spells.
Unsuccessful stints at Preston, Ipswich and Millwall saw his career stagnate, before a loan move to Excelsior saw him burst into life after scoring 17 times in just 32 outings.
Parrott’s permanent move to AZ last summer has seen him reach new levels in his career, netting 20 times in 47 outings across all competitions last season – including four in the Europa League.
The 23-year-old has already started the new campaign in tremendous fashion, scoring 10 goals in just seven outings – further showcasing his incredible goalscoring nouse.
Such a record is higher than that of Lilywhites legend Kane, who’s only managed to find the back of the net nine times in his nine outings across multiple tournaments.
Appearances
30
Starts
28
Minutes
2191
Goals
14
Assists
2
Shot on target accuracy
49%
Goal Involvements per match
0.53
Minutes per goal involvement
136
Parrott has now scored 30 times in just 54 outings for the Dutch outfit, a record that has taken his market value to nearly double what he was sold for, with Transfermarkt valuing the youngster at £12m.
It’s safe to say Spurs made a huge mistake in allowing the centre-forward to depart the club last year, with their loss now undoubtedly Az Alkmaar’s gain.
Frank will likely be gutted with the decision, missing out on the opportunity to work with another talented centre-forward – just as he did with Wissa during his time in charge at the Bees.
Nuno's "incredible" Spurs signing could now become their own Gibbs-White
Tottenham Hotspur have conducted shrewd business in landing one first-team star.
In the other match, Diana Baig set up Pakistan’s win against Ireland
Firdose Moonda09-Apr-2025Scotland pulled off the first upset of the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers by denying Hayley Matthews, who single-handedly kept West Indies in the game despite leaving the field twice with severe cramps, and beating the side by 11 runs.Matthews became only the fourth player to take four wickets and score a century in an ODI but West Indies’ over-reliance on her cost them. She took four of the first five Scotland wickets and forced herself to return to the crease twice – once off a stretcher to keep batting when West Indies were nine wickets down – but it was not enough. Scotland were the side that rallied around Sarah Bryce’s 55 (off 56 balls) and her 82-run fifth wicket stand with Megan McColl and then their spinners. Offpinners Katherine Fraser and Darcy Carter and legspinner Abtaha Maqsood took six wickets between them to defend 244 and get their first points on the board.Temperatures were close to 40 degrees Celcius with humidity at around 60% and conditions took their toll across both games in Lahore. West Indies used cooling collars made of ice packs during drinks breaks, Scotland took shelter under umbrellas and Ireland’s Gaby Lewis received treatment on field three times for cramps during her 96 minutes of batting against hosts Pakistan.Related
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Six teams, two World Cup spots on offer, many intrigues
World Cup qualifiers 'a different kind of pressure', says Orla Prendergast
West Indies chose to bowl first on a green top at the LCCA Ground but Scotland were up to the task. Abbi Aitken-Drummond and Carter put on 48 inside 12 overs, in an innings laced with three boundaries each. Matthews brought herself on in the 12th over and had Aitken-Drummond and Kathryn Bryce caught behind in successive overs and Carter dismissed in her third and suddenly, Scotland were 69 for 3. When Chinelle Henry’s direct hit ran out Ailsa Lister West Indies finally looked like they had another player on the field and could run through Scotland.Sarah Bryce held the innings together but when she edged to slip, Scotland went into freefall. They lost 6 for 62 and were bowled out in 45 overs, as both Aaliyah Alleynne and Karishma Ramharack took two wickets each.The chase started poorly when Qiana Joseph gifted a caught-and-bowled to Carter. Zaida James was in at No.3 in the second over. She batted slowly but carefully and shared a 113-run stand with Matthews, which put West Indies well on track. They were 120 for 2 in the 27th over when James tried to hit Chloe Abel over fine leg but found the fielder at 45 and then chaos ensued.West Indies lost Shemaine Campbell, Stafanie Taylor and Henry in the space of 23 deliveries and of those, Taylor’s run-out was key but the required run-rate still manageable. West Indies needed 53 runs off 72 balls and Matthews was still batting, but only just.When Shabika Gajnabi was caught behind, Mathews was on 95 and hobbling. Cherry-Ann Fraser was out in the next over and it was clear Matthews was forcing herself to keep going but couldn’t. She left the field. Afy Fletcher lasted six balls and was dismissed for duck so Matthews came back on and hit four off the next ball she faced. She was on 99 and running out of partners. She fell to the ground wailing and then was stretchered off the field.Ramharack gave Fraser another caught and bowled to leave West Indies nine down when Matthews rolled herself off the stretcher and returned to bat. She brought a century and kept West Indies in the hunt but Alleynne couldn’t stay with her. She was out lbw in the 47th over, with West Indies 11 runs short. They have a day’s break before playing Ireland on Friday.File photo: Diana Baig picked up four wickets•Getty ImagesIn the day’s other match, hosts Pakistan had their bowlers, led by senior seamer Diana Baig, to thank for securing them a 38 run win over Ireland. Pakistan trudged through their innings to score 217 and Ireland were bossing the chase on 96 for 1 in side 24 overs. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu took three wickets in four overs to leave Ireland’s middle-order exposed before Baig took care of the tail. She finished with figures of 4 for 35 in her first appearance for the team since their opening match of last year’s T20 World Cup and got Pakistan’s campaign off to a winning start.Ireland will have the same amount of recovery time – physically and emotionally – after believing they had done enough against Pakistan. Jane Maguire removed Gull Feroza early and Sidra Amin found run-scoring tough which meant the dot ball mounted up. Muneeba Ali tried to keep the scoreboard moving but Pakistan were 79 for 1 after 20 overs and going nowhere. Sidra was on 29 off 61 balls. Muneeba fell trying to get things going and was replaced by Aliya Riaz.Aliya showed more initiative and was scoring at a run-a-ball when Amin finally got to 50 off 110 balls and was then dismissed at the end of the 36th over. Pakistan were 153 for 3 after 36 overs and a score over 200 looked some distance away. Natalia Pervaiz came in ahead of captain Fatima Sana but was runmout for 12, by which time Aliya was also dismissed. Pakistan did not have the batters for a last ten-over push and lost 6 wickets for 42 runs from Aliya’s dismissal. They were bowled out with an over to spare for 217.That total didn’t look enough despite Baig’s new-ball breakthrough. She had Sarah Forbes given out lbw in the ninth over but a 69-run second wicket stand between Lewis and Amy Hunter started to take the game away. Ireland were 96 for 1 when Sandhu trapped Lewis on the back pad and dragged Pakistan into the game. Both Hunter and Delany played on, leaving Ireland 119 for 4 and Pakistan had the opportunity to burst through.Sadia Iqbal got rid of Leah Paul before Baig was brought back and removed Christina Coulter Reilly, Louise Little and Arelen Kelley in three overs. Cara Murray’s run-out confirmed Pakistan’s win. They will take on Scotland on Friday.
Free-scoring Man City striker Erling Haaland has revealed he’s feeling the pressure from rivals Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe in the race to be Europe’s top goalscorer. Haaland bagged another against Brentford to take his total for the season to nine, but accepts the battle to win the top prize will be fierce.
Haaland's continues scoring run
Man City secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Brentford in the Premier League, with Haaland’s early goal proving to be the difference between the two sides. The Norway striker opened the scoring in the ninth minute, demonstrating his strength to power past the Brentford defence and fire a low shot past Caoimhin Kelleher. This was Haaland's ninth Premier League goal of the season and his 18th in 11 games for club and country, set up by Josko Gvardiol's left-footed pass over the top. City dominated the first half, creating several chances, Phil Foden came close to extending the lead, curling a shot just wide after being set up by Tijjani Reijnders and Reijnders himself was denied by an excellent save from Kelleher.
Unfortunately for City, midfielder Rodri was forced off due to injury in the 21st minute, another worrying setback for the Spaniard, who had only recently returned from a long rehabilitation period for an ACL injury. Brentford showed signs of life in the second half, with Igor Thiago having their best chance but was denied by a superb save from Gianluigi Donnarumma. Despite Brentford's increased pressure, City defended stoutly to hold on to their slender lead and secure the three points. This victory marks City boss Pep Guardiola's 250th Premier League win, a milestone achieved in a record 349 games and the result lifts City to fifth in the Premier League table, three points behind leaders Arsenal, heading into the international break. Brentford remain in 16th.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportKane and Mbappe in his sights
On the race for the European Golden Boot and battling Kane, Haaland said: "Don't forget Mbappe as well, he had a great start as well. They're doing amazing, so I need to keep up. I have never felt better than I do now. It is about preparation, getting ready for the games. You can be physically ready but you need to be mentally ready. With a kid it makes me even better because I disconnect more than ever – I don't think about football at all. When you are young you think of this and that and maybe worry about things but when I get home I relax even more. I think I need to give a shout-out to my son. This for me, this goal is top. This was one of my better goals for me because of the whole thing."
Race for top spot
As it stands, Haaland (11th), Kane (7th) and Mbappe (13th) are some way down the scoring chart, but that’s due to many of the leagues being out of sync – where some divisions have played 20+ games, many are still in single digits. And there’s a weighting system, so the tougher the league you play in, the more your goals are worth, so there's no doubt the trio playing in Germany, England and Spain will occupy the top spots come next May. And you can check the latest table here.
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AFPWhat comes next?
Kane has started the 25/26 season in prolific form for Bayern, continuing his impressive scoring rate from previous seasons. He’s bagged 11 goals so far in the league and recently achieved the milestone of becoming the fastest player to reach 100 goals for a club in Europe's top five leagues, doing so in just 104 games. Meanwhile, Mbappé is top scorer in LaLiga with nine goals and leads the Champions League with five goals after Matchday 2. He also recently surpassed Thierry Henry to become France's second-highest scorer of all time.
New Zealand opener Bates scores unbeaten 93, Eagles bowled out for 177
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay23-Apr-2025A four-wicket haul for fledgling seamer Phoebe Turner was followed by a brilliant a unbeaten 93 for New Zealander Suzie Bates as dominant Durham brushed aside Essex by nine wickets at the Banks Homes Riverside in their Metro Bank One-Day Cup women’s competition opener.Turner, 21, was the standout bowler with 4 for 33 from eight overs as Essex, inserted, were bowled out for 177 inside 48 overs. Fellow seamer Grace Thompson also impressed with two wickets on her professional debut, while experienced leg-spinner Katie Levick struck three times.Essex recovered from 65 for 5 in the 20th over, with Jodie Grewcock contributing 31 and Sophia Smale 40. They shared a sixth-wicket 53, but it wasn’t enough in front of a 600-strong crowd at the start of the professional era of women’s cricket in the North East.Related
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Tough choices and taking chances, Katie Levick relishes Durham debut
Opener Bates is Durham’s first ever professional women’s overseas signing, and she led a composed chase with 14 fours in 103 balls. She shared a superb unbroken 173 with second-wicket partner and captain Hollie Armitage, who scored 64 off 87 balls. A five-point victory was sealed in the 33rd over.Turner was the leading wicket-taker in last season’s 50-over regional competition, striking 23 times for Northern Diamonds. She and Thompson – a tall 17-year-old rookie – set the tone as the Eagles slipped into early trouble.Thompson struck with the new ball when she trapped Jo Gardner lbw before Turner angled one across visiting captain Grace Scrivens and had the left-hander caught behind for 19, making it 46 for 2 in the 12th over.Turner then had Cordelia Griffith caught behind by England squad wicketkeeper Bess Heath, who claimed two catches and two stumpings. The same bowler had Lissy Macleod caught and bowled off a skied top-edge.In between, Abi Glen took a superb catch diving to her left at first slip to help Thompson remove Flo Miller as Essex slipped to five down.The half-century stand between Grewcock and Smale, under the Riverside floodlights, was accumulative.Levick removed both Grewcock and Smale stumped, leaving the Eagles 145 for 7 in the 42nd over.Levick then ousted Amara Carr for 21 and, courtesy of a catch at short third, helped Turner get Eva Gray as the tail was mopped up with 2.3 overs remaining.Levick and Thompson finished with 3 for 28 and 2 for 34 from their respective 10-over spells.Run-scoring on this pitch wasn’t completely trouble-free, and Kate Coppack’s seam trapped Emma Marlow lbw in the second over of Durham’s chase.But in 37-year-old Bates, a veteran of 348 all-format international appearances, and Armitage, Durham had the perfect combination to steer their ship.They calmed any early nerves early in their near 31-over alliance before becoming more expansive to extinguish Essex’s hopes.Durham reached 100 for 1 after 22 overs, by which stage a home victory was almost certain.Bates was strong on both sides of the wicket and reached her fifty off 68 balls moments later. Armitage then followed her to the same milestone off 75 to cap off the bonus-point success.
Serge Gnabry's superb performance in Germany's 4-0 win over Luxembourg has sparked high praise from coach Julian Nagelsmann, who lauded the winger's 'feistiness' and work rate as a crucial role model for 'top players.' The German coach declared the display Gnabry's best international game in a long time, noting his hunger both offensively and defensively.
Serge Gnabry shines as Germany tops table
Germany delivered a dominant display in their 4-0 win over Luxembourg in World Cup qualifying, comfortably controlling the match after an early red card for Luxembourg put them down to 10 men. Gnabry was particularly impressive, not only scoring early in the second half but also contributing with energetic pressing and off-the-ball work. After the game Nagelsmann praised Gnabry’s performance, stating he was “very good” both offensively and defensively and showed the hunger the team needs going forward.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportNagelsmann praises Gnabry's best game in a long time
The German coach was delighted by Gnabry's commitment in the game and commended the Bayern Munich player for feistiness both in front of the goal and at the back while also labelling it as one of his best performances in a long time.
"He was one of those role models when it came to greed. If the top players who are positioned in attack and have played for a huge club for years also display this feistiness at the back, then every player from a smaller club will do the same. He played his best international game in a long time," Nagelsmann said.
Gnabry's resurgence and Bayern's unbeaten run
Bayern have enjoyed a scintillating start to the 2025-26 season, remaining unbeaten in the Bundesliga and all competitions under Vincent Kompany. Gnabry has emerged as one of their standout performers, registering three goals and three assists in just the opening six league matches while consistently impressing on the left wing with high work-rate and attacking intent. After two turbulent, injury-hit campaigns, Gnabry is experiencing a resurgence and is widely considered to be enjoying his best season at Bayern, thriving in both form and confidence.
Speaking on his form after the Luxembourg game, the winger said: "Goals and assists always help you develop a certain ease. You don't constantly think about whether you have to do this or that in order to play in the next game. And that's why things are going so well right now."
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AFPGermany top of the table but challenge looms
Germany, Northern Ireland, and Slovakia are currently locked atop Group A with six points each, though Nagelsmann's team hold the lead based on goal difference. With many qualifying games still remaining, Germany must maintain their high motivation and focus to successfully book their place in the World Cup. Their next critical challenge comes against Northern Ireland on October 13.