Eoin Morgan and Jason Roy are among 11 England players to have signed on for CSA’s new T20 league, joining – as ESPNcricinfo reported last week – Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali. English representation is the largest among the direct overseas signings the league has made so far. With 10 players, including Niroshan Dickwella, Sri Lanka is next. English players will also be the best paid. The likes of Buttler and Livingstone can expect to earn US$ 500,000 each to play in the league in January and February next year, while Moeen will be paid $400,000.Related

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On Wednesday, CSA announced that it had signed over 30 marquee names for the league, without identifying them. But ESPNcricinfo has a list of the players signed up.As expected, there are no Pakistan players on the list. There have been suggestions that they would not be picked because franchises are owned by IPL owners – where Pakistani players have, in effect, been barred. But a league official, while clarifying that the league doesn’t get involved in selections, said Pakistan’s schedule constraints, where they have home series and then the PSL this year, have played a part in their non-availability.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The list also shows the salaries these players will receive, ranging from $30,000 all the way up to $500,000. That ceiling means that this league is now jostling with the UAE-based ILT20 for the title of cricket’s second-most lucrative league behind the IPL. The two leagues are competing for the world’s best players and a window in the calendar; the ILT20 has been offering up to $450,000 to top players.Though it is not yet public, the overall purse for each of the six franchises is expected to be $2 million. But $250,000 will be considered the maximum salary in that purse: any player above that will be paid the full amount but over $250,000 will be considered a marketing cost. In Buttler’s case, for example, $250,000 will be his salary as far as the purse is concerned but he will be paid $500,000 – the remaining $250,000 will be part of the league’s marketing cost.Each of the six franchises will have 17-man squads, in which up to five players – three overseas but no two from the same country, one South Africa international player and one uncapped South African player – will be pre-signed. An auction for the remaining spots will be held in the next few weeks. The league is likely to allow four international players in XI, with no other requirements such as transformation targets.As all franchises in the league are owned by IPL owners, it is likely that there will be an alignment between players who play in the IPL for a franchise, and the corresponding franchise in CSA’s league. It is believed, for instance, that Buttler has signed with the Paarl franchise owned by Rajasthan Royals, Holder has signed with the Durban franchise owned by Lucknow Super Giants and Theekshana has signed with the Super Kings-owned Johannesburg franchise.

Christian Pulisic could be set to witness the departures of Theo Hernandez and Fikayo Tomori as AC Milan plan for new signings in the summer.

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• Pulisic to lose two key team-mates
• Milan set to offload Hernandez and Tomori
• Serie A club wants to fund new summer signings

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  USMNT star Pulisic could be set to lose two key team-mates this summer, with a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport claiming that AC Milan are planning to offload left-back Hernandez and centre-back Tomori in order to fund a squad overhaul. The Serie A giants are not convinced of the defensive duo's performances this season and believe their time at the San Siro has come to an end.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Hernandez, whose contract expires in 2026, is set to enter the final year of his deal, and without an extension, the Rossoneri may be forced to sell this summer to avoid losing him for nothing. Milan, who once sought €50m-€60m for the Frenchman, may now accept offers in the range of €30m (£25.6m/$32.7m).

  Meanwhile, Tomori’s future is uncertain. Despite being under contract until 2027, he has seen limited action and has been linked with a Premier League return. Juventus reportedly made an offer in January for a €30m package.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report from Gazzetta further mentioned that Milan are also open to selling other players like Yunus Musah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Samuel Chukwueze, and Emerson Royal if suitable offers arrive. On the other hand, Milan hope to cash in on buy-options for the on-loan Pierre Kalulu and Ismael Bennacer, at Juventus and Marseille, respectively, while Alexis Saelemaekers could be sold after a successful loan at Roma.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AC MILAN?

  After managing a draw against Fiorentina in their previous fixture, Sergio Conceicao's troops will face Udinese in their upcoming Serie A clash on Friday, April 11. Milan are currently ninth in the table and are likely to miss out on a Champions League spot for the 2025-26 season.

Newcastle United have been flying high over the past few months, building a nine-match winning run across all competitions that has restored hopes of Champions League qualification and put Eddie Howe on the brink of a second Carabao Cup final in three years.

Of course, Bournemouth thrashed United at St. James’ Park last weekend to sour the mood somewhat, but this is still an immensely talented team with a devastating frontline.

It’s an attack that lacks a certain something, though. Anthony Gordon is electric on the front; Alexander Isak is lethal as the focal frontman.

The 29-year-old Jacob Murphy’s assiduous approach to his right-wing duties have earned him praise this season, but with Miguel Almiron set to re-sign for Atlanta United in the MLS, a long-term option on the right is needed to complete the pack.

Newcastle plotting move for PL talent

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are plotting a move for Southampton winger Tyler Dibling, though they face competition from Premier League rivals such as West Ham United.

Saints are stuck at the pit of the division and are unwilling to lose one of their biggest threats at the mid-point, effectively erasing any chance of mounting an unlikely ascent back above the dotted line.

Southampton have slapped a rather intimidating £55m price tag on their prized possession, but with the beleaguered club destined for an instant return to the Championship after a dismal campaign, their bargaining power will be greatly diminished.

Imagine Tyler Dibling & Alexander Isak

Dibling is only 18, but he’s skyrocketed to prominence this season, featuring regularly for Southampton and scoring two top-flight goals. Analyst Ben Mattinson has remarked that he would be “ideal for Newcastle” – let’s have a look at why.

Southampton have been terrible this season but Dibling has been the brightest of shining lights, ranking among the top 4% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for successful take-ons (2.05) per 90, as per FBref, perfectly illustrating his fleet-footed style.

Further, Dibling has yet to miss a big chance in the Premier League, scoring twice, while completing 81% of his passes and averaging 1.1 tackles and 4.5 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore.

This bespeaks a prodigious technical ability and willingness to get stuck in that would see the 18-year-old mirror certain industrious aspects of Murphy’s style of play while honing his own prolificness.

Right wing

9

1

0

Attacking midfield

5

1

2

Centre-forward

4

2

0

Positionally dynamic and improving with each passing matchweek, Dibling could be the perfect partner for Isak, who has scored 17 goals from 22 matches for the Toon this term, hailed by Sky Sport’s Jamie Carragher as “the best striker in the Premier League.”

Isak’s prowess derives from a core talent for impressing across different roles. He is the complete number nine. In fact, no striker in the Premier League this season has created more big chances than the Swede’s nine.

The former Borussia Dortmund man also averages 1.6 dribbles per game, dropping deep to influence build-up play and driving forward with vim and vigour.

This multi-faceted approach is exactly why Dibling would thrive alongside him, with both players protean in their threat and able to bounce off each other, mixing it up to confuse opponents.

The dynamic centre-forward has already struck a top-class partnership with Gordon and Murphy, and with Dibling placed into the mix to add some new-found pace and boyish avidity, it could be the dimension that Howe’s project needs to go to the next level for many years to come.

Newcastle star is wanted by Arsenal and it could be as bad as losing Isak

Newcastle’s best players are being targetted by Europe’s elite.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 24, 2025

Manchester United are in desperate need of action within the first-team squad, whether that be with incomings or outgoings before the end of the month.

Ruben Amorim has been on the hunt for a new striker in recent weeks but is yet to agree a deal for a new talisman to follow in the footsteps of Viktor Gyokeres after his time under the 39-year-old at Sporting CP.

Randal Kolo Muani has been the player most linked with a move to Old Trafford since the opening of the window, but no deal has yet to be agreed for the French international.

Outgoings are also to be expected as the new boss looks to make his own mark on the playing squad, potentially offloading some of Erik ten Hag’s signings who have failed to impress.

The same can’t be said for one pair, who have undoubtedly been the shining lights of Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford during his first few months at the helm.

The star men for United since Amorim arrived

Amad Diallo was a player brought back into the fold following Amorim’s appointment after being left out in the cold by former boss Ten Hag – often only utilised as an impact player.

However, the Ivorian has become a regular starter in recent weeks, taking full advantage of his increased game time, subsequently starring at the top end of the pitch for the Red Devils.

The 22-year-old has registered three goals and five assists in his last 12 outings, with his most crucial striker undoubtedly coming in the Manchester derby, scoring the winning goal against Pep Guardiola’s side.

As for Bruno Fernandes, he was a key member of the Dutchman’s side during his own tenure in the North West, but has taken his performances to the next level after the arrival of his compatriot.

United’s captain has made the same number of appearances as Amad, registering one fewer goal contribution – notching seven, including the strike in the last outing against Arsenal in their FA Cup triumph.

However, one other player looks set for the exit door after failing to replicate the aforementioned stats in taking their game to the next level under the new management.

The player who Man Utd need to sell in January

Marcus Rashford is one player who is almost certain to leave his boyhood club in the next few weeks, after seemingly not being a part of Amorim’s plans at Old Trafford.

The Englishman hasn’t featured since the victory over Viktoria Plzen back at the start of December, a real surprise given his run of three goals in just two league matches after the arrival of Amorim.

He’s since been touted with moves to Borussia Dortmund, West Ham United and Napoli, but still looks most likely to swap Manchester for Milan – with AC Milan currently the favourites for his signature.

However, Rashford shouldn’t be the only one to depart the Theatre of Dreams this month, with the hierarchy desperately needing to get Brazilian midfielder Casemiro off the wage bill.

The 32-year-old cost the club £70m back in the summer of 2022, but has been a disaster of a signing, only making six appearances since the new boss took charge.

His performance against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup was his last, looking way too slow for the demands of a top-level talent, often being out ran and bypassed in the middle of the park.

Casemiro certainly isn’t worthy of a first-team role at Old Trafford, nor is he deserving of his bonkers pay packet, which sees him pocket a remarkable £350k-per-week.

1

Casemiro

£350,000

£18,200,000

=2

Bruno Fernandes

£300,000

£15,600,000

=2

Marcus Rashford

£300,000

£15,600,000

4

Mason Mount

£250,000

£13,000,000

5

Antony

£200,000

£10,400,000

6

Matthijs de Ligt

£195,000

£10,140,000

Such a figure sees him earn more than Fernandes, with the current Red Devils skipper earning £300k-per-week, alongside wantaway teammate, Rashford.

Given the club’s current cost-cutting operation, Casemiro – who The Athletic have reported that United would like to shift from the wage bill – should be the first player facing the chop, especially considering he earns the most out of any player in the current squad.

If the club are to land any new stars this month, it’s crucial that current players are offloaded to free up funds, with the Brazilian desperately needing to be moved on to prevent any further losses.

He's better than Kolo Muani: Man Utd plot £30m move for "the new Gyokeres"

Manchester United appear to be making a move for a striker just like Viktor Gyokeres.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 14, 2025

The injury is likely to keep the allrounder out of action for three weeks

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Aug-2022

A groin injury has cut short Krunal Pandya’s stint with Warwickshire. The allrounder, who was signed by the county team for the Royal London One-Day Cup, is due to return to India on Monday evening.Krunal picked up the injury while scoring 37 during Warwickshire’s match against Nottinghamshire on August 17. He didn’t come out to field during the second innings of the match, and also missed Warwickshire’s next two games against Middlesex and Durham.Related

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Consultation with doctors has revealed that the injury is likely to keep Krunal out of action for three weeks, leaving him unavailable for the knockout stages should Warwickshire reach them.”It’s frustrating to lose Krunal for the remainder of the tournament, but he leaves the club with our very best wishes,” Warwickshire’s director of cricket Paul Farbrace said in a statement issued by the county. “Krunal was an excellent role model around the group and I’m sure the younger members of the squad will have learnt a lot from him on and off the pitch.”Due to the short turnaround, we won’t be signing a replacement, however, I’m incredibly excited to see our squad build on Sunday’s excellent win over Durham.”Krunal played five Royal London Cup matches for Warwickshire this season, scoring 134 runs at an average of 33.50, including an 82-ball 74 in the tied game against Surrey at The Oval. He picked up nine wickets at 25.00 with his left-arm spin, including successive three-fors against Sussex and Leicestershire.Warwickshire currently sit in fifth place in Group A of the Royal London Cup, with nine points from seven games, just one point behind the four teams currently ahead of them.Krunal was one of two Indian players signed by Warwickshire this season, the other being fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who has been roped in for the closing stages of the County Championship Division 1 season.The 31-year-old Krunal, who plays for Lucknow Supergiants in the IPL, is hoping to revive his international career, having last played for India during a tour of Sri Lanka in July 2021. He has played five ODIs and 19 T20Is so far.

With the January transfer window creeping closer and closer to the deadline, Arsenal are now reportedly facing the threat of losing one of Mikel Arteta’s most versatile players.

Arsenal transfer news

Still six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have also played a game less, Arsenal have just over a week to turn towards the transfer window in an attempt to bridge that gap.

On that front, several names have been mentioned in recent weeks with Benjamin Sesko once again among those. The RB Leipzig forward is once again enjoying an excellent season in the Bundesliga whilst Arsenal’s attack has looked blunter than ever with Kai Havertz often asked to lead the line. He’s not the only forward target who’s threatened to steal the headlines, however.

The Gunners have also been linked with Newcastle United star Alexander Isak in what would certainly sharpen their frontline. The Swede has been the main man yet again for Eddie Howe – scoring 19 goals in all competitions so far this season.

Before those at The Emirates can even think about splashing the cash though, they may need to clear out any remaining deadwood in Arteta’s side, including one versatile ace.

He completed only 43% passes: 5/10 Arsenal man proved KSE have to spend

Arsenal sealed a big win away at Wolves despite going down to ten men.

ByMatt Dawson Jan 25, 2025

According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Atletico Madrid are now in “serious talks” to sign Oleksandr Zinchenko from Arsenal, who value their defender at €20m (£17m) plus add-ons this month.

The La Liga and Champions League giants are reportedly open to a permanent deal or loan move with an obligation to buy whilst Zinchenko, himself, is keen to leave Arsenal.

Alas, with injuries coming thick and fast in North London, it must be said that showing the door to such a versatile player may well be a decision that Arsenal live to regret.

Arsenal should keep "perfectionist" Zinchenko this month

Whilst a summer departure is one that would suit all parties, Arsenal cannot afford to show Zinchenko the door as early as this month as injuries continue to pile up at The Emirates. With Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu especially struggling for availability, selling one of the only other left-back options that Arteta has within his squad would not be an intelligent move from the Gunners.

Arteta was previously full of praise for the former Manchester City defender when he arrived at Arsenal in 2022, telling the club website as relayed by Goal: “First of all, his mentality. He’s used to winning – winning is the only thing and winning in the right way.

“He’s a perfectionist and a really demanding boy, I know him so well, and after that he brings qualities that we didn’t have in the squad. He gives us a different option to play within the role in different spaces, and I’m really happy to have him.”

أدلى كيفين دي بروين، نجم فريق مانشستر سيتي، بتصريحات مطولة في نهاية مباراته الأخيرة مع السكاي بلو في ملعب “الاتحاد” مساء أمس الثلاثاء.

وخاض مانشستر سيتي مباراة في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي ضد نظيره بورنموث، في الجولة السابعة والثلاثين من الدوري الإنجليزي.

وحقق مانشستر سيتي فوزًا بثلاثة أهداف لهدف، ليقترب خطوة نحو التأهل إلى دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وكانت تلك المباراة بمثابة حفل وداع لـ دي بروين كونها الأخيرة على ملعب “الاتحاد” للبلجيكي الذي سيرحل عن النادي نهاية الموسم الحالي.

وقال دي بروين، في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “شعوري بعد خوض مباراتي الأخيرة على ذلك الملعب غريب بعض الشيء، لا أعرف، كان من المذهل قضاء 10 سنوات هنا، كانت رحلة لا تُصدق، إنه ضغط هائل، لا أعرف”.

وأضاف: “أريد إسعاد الناس ولعب كرة قدم هجومية، أريد الإبداع وهذا ما أفعله في الملعب، أريد أن أستمتع، أعتقد أننا استمتعنا كثيرًا على مدار السنوات العشر، أحيانًا تفوز وأحيانًا تخسر”.

وواصل: “كان من دواعي سروري العمل الجاد وتقديم شيء لهذا النادي، مما جعله أفضل بكثير مما كان عليه من قبل، أنا فخور جدًا”.

وعن فرصته الضائعة للتسجيل في مباراة الأمس، بعد تمريرة من عمر مرموش، قال: “إنه أمر مروع، لا أعذار، سيكون ابني قاسيًا معي اليوم”.

كيف أضعتها يا دي بروين؟ 😱
كرة على طبق من ذهب من مرموش لكنه يسددها على العارضة #الدوري_الإنجليزي #مانشستر_سيتي_بورنموث #مرموش pic.twitter.com/QTbJNuCbKI — beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) May 20, 2025

وفيما يخص لحظته المفضلة مع مانشستر سيتي، قال: “أعتقد أن الحياة والمسيرة المهنية رحلة، مررنا بالكثير من التقلبات وعليك أن تتجاوز كل لحظة وتستمتع بها، استمتعت بكل لحظة وتعلمت من اللحظات السيئة، لقد كان الأمر مذهلاً”.

وشدد: “مانشستر هو موطني، مانشستر هو المكان الذي وُلد فيه هؤلاء الصغار (أطفاله الثلاثة)، جئت إلى هنا مع زوجتي ميشيل لأبقى هنا لفترة طويلة، لم أتوقع أن أبقى هنا لعشر سنوات، فزنا بكل شيء بفضل ما حققناه كنادٍ، مشجعين وزملائنا، لقد نجحنا في زيادة حجم المدينة والنادي، والآن سيسيطرون على المشهد”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ردود أفعال جماهير مانشستر سيتي على أداء مرموش أمام بورنموث: منحنا ما كنا نفتقده ويستحق جائزة بوشكاش

واعترف: “سيفوز هذا الفريق في المستقبل، معي أو بدوني، وسيدعمه جميع سكان المدينة، جماهيرهم، كما فعلوا معي خلال السنوات العشر الماضية، سيحقق هذا الفريق النجاح بلا شك”.

وأكد: “لقد دفعني الجميع بقوة داخل النادي وخارجه لأكون أفضل نسخة من نفسي، وهؤلاء الشباب جعلوني أفضل مما كنت عليه سابقًا، إنه لشرف لي أن ألعب مع هؤلاء الشباب، لقد كونت العديد من الصداقات مستمرة مدى الحياة، سنعود قريبًا بالتأكيد”.

واسترسل: “كانت الجماهير ودودة للغاية منذ البداية، أن يكون الملعب ممتلئًا تقريبًا لدعمي أنا وعائلتي يعبر عن كل شيء، من يستطيع أن يجعل 50 ألف شخصًا ينتظرون وداعه؟ إنه أمر لا يوصف، وشكرًا جزيلاً لكم”.

وعن بناء تمثال له خارج ملعب الاتحاد، قال: “هذا يعني أنني سأظل دائمًا جزءًا من هذا النادي، أنا دائمًا أمثل جزءًا صغيرًا منه، وكلما عدت مع هؤلاء اللاعبين ومع عائلتي وأصدقائي، سأتمكن من رؤية نفسي واقفًا حول الملعب، سأظل هنا دائمًا”.

واستدرك: “نحن نتفهم إلى أين وصل النادي وماذا يعني للكثيرين، معًا نجحنا في بناء مستقبل باهر لكم يا رفاق، أعلم أننا عانينا من عام صعب بعض الشئ، ولكن أعتقد أن الفريق يستحق كل الدعم، هذا الفريق سيعود العام المقبل سعيًا للفوز بالألقاب، هم يستحقون دعم الجماهير”.

واختتم: “أعتقد أنه بعد عشر سنوات، حان الوقت لأتحدث قليلًا، وحان وقت الوداع، سأعود، لكننا نحبكم، نراكم قريبًا”.

Both teams will be hurting from their early exit in the tournament, with little but pride and game time to be accrued on Thursday

Shashank Kishore07-Sep-2022 Big Picture
It’s a dead game as far as the tournament goes but try telling that to India and Afghanistan – both hurting after a series of heartbreaking losses. Now, before they hop on an early flight home, there’s pride and some game time to accrue as they build towards the T20 World Cup.Surely neither side would’ve thought this game would decide who finishes last in the Super 4s. So much for the general assumption and hype surrounding India vs Pakistan and their “three-match series.”The clash will be particularly tough for Afghanistan for obvious reasons. Physically, the heat and humidity would’ve taken its toll on the players because they will have to turn up fresh less than 18 hours after their potboiler against Pakistan in Sharjah. That isn’t all. There’s also a matter of trying to lift themselves mentally and emotionally after Wednesday’s heartbreak.Related

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As such, international cricket can be demanding, but their scheduling, in these oppressive conditions, has been anything but kind. But it’s likely Afghanistan, who’ve seen far worse in life and otherwise, will turn up and try to give India a run for their money.It shouldn’t be lost on anyone that victory by no means is a formality for India. They will still have to turn up and fight for every run, every wicket. It’s a reality check for them even as they grapple with selection challenges and template changes looking ahead to the World Cup. Against a world-class spin attack that can challenge the best in the world, this will be another big test.Afghanistan have twice lost games they have been in control of and will have another opportunity to fight jangling nerves to close out games. It’s just a question of trying to go a step further. Either way, expect an engaging contest with no clear favourite for this one. Form guide
India: LLWWW (win-loss in last five games, most recent first)
Afghanistan: WLWWLIn the spotlightBhuvneshwar Kumar has had two poor outings, especially in the death overs. He’s been tasked with the tough penultimate overs, both against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They’ve costed 19 and 14 respectively. This meant young Arshdeep Singh had six to defend off the final over in both games. Bhuvneshwar will be hoping this slight dip is momentary, for India have the returning Jasprit Bumrah, Harshal Patel, and possibly Deepak Chahar, waiting to have a crack at opponents in Australia. Among them, it’s Bhuvneshwar’s tussle with Chahar that is like-for-like, given they’re both swing bowlers. Bhuvneshwar has the backing of Rohit Sharma and the team management, but there’s nothing like a good performance under your belt to make the world better again.Mujeeb Ur Rahman seemed to have lost a bit of his sting and X-factor due to form and injury concerns, leading to his T20 stocks taking a dip. But solid performances so far in the Asia Cup have helped him return as one of Afghanistan’s premier spinners alongside Rashid Khan in their first XI. He has so far picked up seven wickets in four games at an economy of 5.12 in the tournament. He’s been so good that Afghanistan have had to keep out Qais Ahmed, because they also have a third spin option in captain Mohammad Nabi. Mujeeb and Afghanistan will hope this surge continues leading into Australia.Pitch and conditions
Surfaces are slowly losing sheen, and it’s becoming more helpful for the bowlers, especially if they’re prepared to dig it in. However, the same surfaces seem to get just a tad quicker at night, making it easy for the chasing team despite the absence of dew. Only two of the 19 games have been won by the team batting first since January 2020 here. That’s quite a damming statistic for the team losing the toss, because captains invariably choose to bowl first. Weather-wise, it’ll continue to remain hot and muggy, although the temperatures have dipped just a touch in the evening. From early 40s, we’re down to the late 30s (Celsius) at night.Team news
Deepak Chahar was officially drafted into the squad on the eve of the game, replacing the ill Avesh Khan. Chahar has been a regular feature at training, and bowled full-tilt prior to the start of the Sri Lanka game. They could also bring in Dinesh Karthik and Axar Patel for Rishabh Pant Deepak Hooda.India (probable): 1 KL Rahul, 2 Rohit Sharma (capt), 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Suryakumar Yadav, 5 Hardik Pandya, 6 Dinesh Karthik (wk), 7 Axar Patel, 8 Deepak Chahar, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 R Ashwin/Yuzvendra Chahal, 11 Arshdeep SinghAfghanistan will have a tough call, depending on how the players pull up following their game against Pakistan.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Hazratullah Zazai, 2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 3 Ibrahim Zadran, 4 Najibullah Zadran, 5 Mohammad Nabi (capt), 6 Karim Janat, 7 Rashid Khan, 8 Azmatullah Omarzai, 9 Naveen-ul-Haq, 10 Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, 11 Fazalhaq Farooqi.Stats and trivia
Prior to Wednesday’s game, Rashid had picked up only 13 wickets in 13 T20Is played this year. However, he’s been economical, conceding 6.26 runs per over. In the last 10 T20Is where India batted first, they have won on each of the six occasions where they’ve made 185 or more. They’ve failed to defend in three of the four games where they’ve fallen short of this score. Indian pacers have picked up only three wickets in the powerplay overs in this Asia Cup, averaging 58.66 at an economy rate of 8.06.

Bayern Munich took another big step towards the Bundesliga title with a thumping 4-0 win at relegation-threatened Heidenheim.

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Bayern thump Heidenheim 4-0Kane, Laimer, Coman & Kimmich scoreGo nine points clear at top of BundesligaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE

After being knocked out of the Champions League by Inter Milan in midweek, Bayern appeared to take their anger out on third-from-bottom Heidenheim on Saturday at Voith-Arena.

Harry Kane scored his 24th Bundesliga goal of the season, to hit another landmark, when his strike from the edge of the area nestled in the corner in the 13th minute.

Serge Gnabry beautifully set up Konrad Laimer to run through on goal with a first-time pass, and the right-back duly delivered with his side's second seven minutes later.

Heidenheim goalkeeper Kevin Muller was having to work overtime to keep Bayern at bay, and despite making good saves from Michael Olise and Raphael Guerreiro, Kingsley Coman made it 3-0 from a very tight angle in the 36th minute.

The hosts barely laid a glove on the Bavarians and 11 minutes after the break it was 4-0 when Joshua Kimmich's composed finish proved too much for Muller.

Bayern stopper Jonas Urbig was a virtual spectator but managed to pull off a brilliant save to keep out Sirlord Conteh's goal-bound effort.

Vincent Kompany's side cruised to victory and opened up a nine-point lead at the top of the table with just four games remaining, although Bayer Leverkusen can cut that back to six if they beat St. Pauli on Sunday.

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While he could have had a hat-trick, his general play, ability to fashion chances, and his well-taken goal made up a very respectable display from England captain Kane. His goals are helping the German giants inch closer to another Bundesliga title, which would be his first-ever trophy.

THE BIG LOSER

Heidenheim as a whole put in a meek display in front of their own fans. They were completely outclassed by Bayern but they seemed to make it easier and get in their own way on Saturday afternoon. They are still in deep trouble ahead of the final few games of the season.

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Bayern round off April with a home Bundesliga clash against high-flying Mainz next Saturday.

The extent of a hamstring injury picked up by Brazilian legend Neymar has been revealed, with the Santos star set for a spell on the sidelines.

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• Neymar picks up new injury
• Learns how long he will be out
• Brazilian has struggled to stay fit

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Neymar hobbled out of Thursday's 2-0 victory over Atletico Mineiro, the latest injury setback for a player who has struggled to stay fit consistently for some time. An report has revealed the club believe he will be out of action for four to six weeks.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Neymar suffered an ACL injury in October 2023 while playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, having also suffered a series of issues with Paris Saint-Germain previously. Another hamstring injury last year saw his contract with the Saudi club ripped up, though it is reported by that this new problem does not affect the same muscle.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The injury occurred on what was the Brazilian's 100th appearance for Santos, cutting short an evening of celebration. Neymar wore a shirt with 100 on his back rather than 10, but was subbed off after 34 minutes.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

  It is early days in the Brazilian Serie A campaign, with Santos aiming to re-establish themselves at the highest level in their first season back after a shock relegation in 2023. They have taken four points from their first four games and Neymar will hope for a swift return so that he can contribute towards the majority of the season.