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A round-up of the Momentum One Day Cup matches played on February 26, 2017

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Feb-2017

Cape Cobras climbed from the bottom of the table to the top half with a slim three-wicket against Dolphins in Pietermaritzburg. Their second win of the tournament was led by an all-round performance from Rory Kleinveldt who took 4 for 48 and struck a four and six when they needed 10 from the last over.Chasing 257, Cobras’ opening stand of 63 between Richard Levi (52 off 35) and Omphile Ramela (62 off 90) set the tone before Robbie Frylinck removed Levi and Stiaan van Zyl fell for 8 off 26 balls. Their troubles increased when left-arm spinner Kyle Nipper struck twice and Ramela retired hurt on 60 between those two wickets. Dane Vilas steered them past 200 but lost more partners as Frylink accounted for Ramela once he returned. At 221 for 7 and needing 36 off 32 balls, Kleinveldt joined Vilas and struck a six in the 48th over before his last-over strikes. Kleinveldt finished on 26 off 15 and Vilas on 47 off 58.Dolphins’ decision to bat looked useful when their openers Vaughn van Jaarsveld (54 off 52) and Morne van Wyk put on 90 in under 15 overs. Once Dane Piedt struck, van Wyk went on to score a century but didn’t get substantial support at the other end. The other batsmen struggled to score briskly and van Wyk’s 111 off 127 helped them to 256 for 8 but it was not enough.File photo – Henry Davids followed his 163 in the previous match with a brisk 63•LatinContent/Getty Images

Titans moved one place up to the top of the table with a resounding 109-run win in Centurion where they bowled Lions out for 159 while defending 268.Put in to bat, Titans didn’t see huge partnerships but useful contributions from several batsmen. They stuttered in parts – once when opener Henry Davids fell for 63 off 70 in the 21st over and the second time when they slipped from 156 for 4 to 156 for 6 in the 30th over. However, an unbeaten and run-a-ball 61 from Albie Morkel, at No. 7, helped them survive the 50 overs and cross the 250 mark. Beuran Hendricks finished with 3 for 41 and Bjorn Fortuin with 2 for 46.Titans quicks Eldred Hawken and Junior Dala joined forces to trouble Lions’ top and middle order. They sent the top five batsmen back by the time Lions could score 52 in 13 overs. From there on, the lower order only stretched the score past 100 and then 150, Fortuin the top-scorer with 34, but figures of 8-1-40-3 from Hawken and 6-0-21-3 from Dala meant Lions could not put up much of a fight.

Everton have been linked to a winger ahead of the summer transfer window, as Sean Dyche looks to make significant improvements in the break.

The Toffees confirmed their stay in the Premier League on the final day, as relief poured from Goodison Park after a challenging season both on and off the pitch.

The club have many things to improve on this summer, however, Dyche could add attacking strength to his inherited squad by signing a player already known on Merseyside.

What’s the latest on Ryan Kent to Everton?

Last week, it was reported that Rangers winger Ryan Kent could be on the move to Everton this summer, as a host of clubs around Europe keep their eyes peeled on the Englishman’s next move.

As reported by Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Kent is of interest to the Toffees, who alongside Bologna, Fenerbahce and Udinese could battle for the free agent this window.

The Liverpool academy ace spent five years at Ibrox, with his contract expiring this summer and opting against extending his stay.

What could Ryan Kent bring to Everton?

The Oldham-born forward could be a strong option for Dyche in a bid to improve Everton’s goal-scoring form, with the club being the league’s second-lowest scorers this season.

Hailed as “dangerous” by former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, the 26-year-old is an explosive outlet to have on the left flank, as told by his colourful career in Glasgow.

As per Transfermarkt, in a five-year stay the Englishman contributed to 90 goals, scoring 33 himself and assisting 57, showcasing his abilities in the final third whether it be as the finisher or creator.

Operating primarily as a left-forward, the experienced attacker has a playing style bearing many similarities to Dwight McNeil and could challenge or even provide an upgrade for the Blues forward.

While McNeil possesses a dazzling left foot, Kent is a right-footed wide player who enjoys to cut inside, posing a threat on both flanks.

As per FBref, the Rangers ace comes out on top of the Everton man in a range of attributes key to playing as a threatening forward, as highlighted by their statistics over the past year.

Kent averages 2.84 progressive carries per 90, with McNeil recording just shy of the 26-year-old with 2.74 per 90, with results similar in terms of successful take-ons, with the Everton ace coming just behind with 1.95 to the £18k-per-week gem’s 2.13 per 90.

The former Liverpool youngster is a more competent passer of the ball than McNeil, as revealed by Sofascore, with Kent averaging a pass accuracy of 89% this season to the Goodison forward's 76%.

Whether Dyche opts to deploy the winger as competition or as a partner in an attacking reshuffle this summer, it will be interesting to see how the future of the Englishman plays out, with a potential return to Merseyside on the cards.

Dale Steyn has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test bowlers’ rankings

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Aug-20161:03

Personal records don’t bother me – Steyn

Dale Steyn has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test bowlers’ rankings after picking up match figures of 8 for 99 in South Africa’s 204-run win over New Zealand in Centurion. Steyn went up two places in the rankings, leapfrogging R Ashwin and James Anderson, to become No. 1 for the first time since December 2015, when he suffered a shoulder injury during the Durban Test against England.Top five Test bowlers

Dale Steyn (South Africa)

James Anderson (England)

R Ashwin (India)

Stuart Broad (England)

Rangana Herath (Sri Lanka)

The other two members of South Africa’s pace attack in Centurion also climbed the rankings, with Vernon Philander going from 13th to 11th, and Kagiso Rabada from 30th to 27th. Faf du Plessis, who scored a century in South Africa’s first innings, jumped from 33rd to 24th in the Test batsmen’s rankings.South Africa’s 1-0 series win, meanwhile, lifted them from seventh to fifth in the team rankings, which meant they swapped places with New Zealand, who now sit a place below sixth-placed Sri Lanka.

Manchester United let a two-goal advantage slip through their fingers as Sevilla fought back to claim a 2-2 draw which will ensured the Andalusians headed back to Spain in much a better mood than their English counterparts.

Erik ten Hag’s side looked like they were on the way to a fairly comfortable victory as Marcel Sabitzer scored twice in the opening 30 minutes and the score stayed like this until the final ten minutes. Two moments of madness cost United the victory, as Tyrell Malacia and then Harry Maguire scored own goals, meaning the Red Devils have a much tougher task next week than what was anticipated at half-time.

The Austrian midfielder certainly justified his selection as he netted United’s two goals along with making three clearances and succeeding with one dribble attempt during his time on the pitch.

It was another starter who significantly impressed for the Old Trafford side against Sevilla however, as Antony put in a wonderful attacking display that he can hopefully replicate over the next few weeks.

How did Antony perform for Manchester United against Sevilla?

The winger has endured a Jekyll and Hyde campaign so far during 2022/2023, enjoying some fabulous performances such as scoring a crucial goal in the 4-1 win over Real Betis last month, while also having a couple of shockers in the process, most notably in the 7-0 drubbing to Liverpool.

His potential appears limitless, yet in order to take his game to the next level, he will have to massively improve his consistency.

The former Ajax winger enjoyed a solid performance against the La Liga side last night and Statman Dave claimed the player enjoyed an “entertaining battle” with Sevilla left-back Marcos Acuna.

Statistically, Antony was United’s second-best performer across the starting XI with a Sofascore rating of 7.4/10 and this is the kind of performance Ten Hag will be expecting every week.

During his 81 minutes on the pitch, he took 49 touches and delivered one accurate cross, while he also succeeded with four of his six dribble attempts, suggesting he was in the mood to attack the opposition fullback.

The 23-year-old caused Sevilla all sorts of problems by taking four shots throughout the tie, and he also hit the woodwork, coming so close to being rewarded for his hard work. The Brazilian won half of his duels, made a tackle and interception whilst he also chipped in with two clearances, proving that he can also help out defensively and Ten Hag should be pleased with his display.

If the winger delivers another performance like this next week, then he could spearhead United’s progress into the semi-finals of the Europa League and continue their quest for continental glory.

Promotion and relegation could be introduced into Test cricket as early as 2019, if ICC chief executive David Richardson has his way

George Dobell01-Jun-2016Promotion and relegation could be introduced into Test cricket as early as 2019, if ICC chief executive David Richardson has his way. Richardson admitted that Test cricket required added “meaning and context” if it is to survive and revealed that the ICC hopes to unveil plans for the introduction of two divisions and, potentially, a number of new Test nations within the next few weeks.Speaking to promote the 2017 Champions Trophy, Richardson also confirmed an intention to stage an extra World T20 tournament in 2018. The event would, he said, involve “a minimum of 16 teams” and be staged in either South Africa, Sri Lanka or the UAE. The final decision over the event’s go-ahead will be made by the ICC’s broadcasting partner, Star.But it was the plans to reinvigorate Test cricket that were the most eye-catching and radical. Accepting the diminishing returns of current bilateral series, Richardson offered the prospect of Test status to the likes of Nepal, Ireland and Afghanistan, but warned more established nations – notably West Indies – that they could find themselves playing Division Two cricket if they are unable to improve their red-ball form.”There’s a general realisation now that, if we’re going to keep Test cricket going well into the future, we can’t just say it’s going to survive on its own,” Richardson said. “Unless we can give some meaning to these series beyond the rankings and a trophy, then interest in Test cricket will continue to waver. The same applies if we allow uncompetitive Test cricket to take place too often.”If we really want Test cricket to survive, we can’t have the number of Test teams diminishing. We have to create a proper competition structure which provides promotion and relegation and opportunities to get to the top.”A number of member countries are finding that they’re not getting as much from their TV rights for bilateral cricket and they see the need to change and introduce some meaningful context.”The beauty of leagues is that, in theory, you will have a more competitive competition and teams playing each other that are of a more equal standard.”They will all be striving for something. There’s something at stake. They will be thinking ‘We could end up in the Intercontinental Cup if we’re not careful here.’ Hopefully that will inspire performance and make the matches more competitive.”While the details of the plan remain open to debate – Richardson hopes they will be agreed by the end of this month – there is a favoured option, involving the introduction of a top division of seven teams and a second division of five teams. It is likely that the plan would see one team promoted and relegated in each two-year cycle, though it remains possible that a second team could be promoted if the ICC embraced a play-off model with the sixth team in Division One playing the second team in Division Two.Richardson hopes that each qualifying Test series would consist of a minimum of three Tests, though he acknowledged that the growth of domestic T20 leagues might render that impractical. The Ashes series would still consist of five games, with every Test carrying ranking points but the overall number of points in the series not exceeding those available in a three-Test series.”The feeling is that if you want to sustain interest in a competition, you probably can’t go longer than two years with it,” Richardson said. “If you had a top division of seven teams, you’d have six tours – three home, three away – over a two-year period. It works well mathematically.”We could probably make it work in 2019 because hopefully whatever we implement will be better than the current arrangement. It’s the sooner the better as far as we’re concerned. We might need to have some negotiations with broadcasters who have deals in place, but they might be willing to change. This is a marvellous opportunity for the game.”There are two catalysts to the changing mood of an ICC board who, only a few months ago, appeared to have little concern for any interests beyond their own. The first is the election of the new chairman, Shashank Manohar, who seems genuinely committed to growing cricket as a global game and running the ICC as a governing body for the good of all 105 members rather than a favoured few.The second is the diminishing financial value of bilateral series to the Full Member boards, which has allowed Manohar fertile ground on which to plant his ideas.The combination has offered the prospect of unprecedented opportunities for Associate nations in the next few years.Ireland and Afghanistan have ambitions to play Test cricket•ICC/Saleem Sanghati”The new chairman has gone out of his way to reverse the sense that the ‘Big Three’ are in control,” Richardson said. “There is a bigger desire to regard the ICC as an organisation with 105 members, not just 10 Full Members who are a select, secluded club with no one else allowed in. We want to be more encompassing and allow opportunities for Associate Members to graduate.”We have 105 members at the moment and we want 105 members to be able to play T20 internationals. Obviously not all against each other at the same time but everybody should want to play the T20 format and it will appeal to all of our members. Then the better ones, the top 30 to 35, would graduate to the 50-over game and be involved in global competitions catering to approximately that number of teams.”And then Test cricket is towards the other end of the spectrum, where the top 18 teams perhaps are playing a multi-day format of the game, be it the Intercontinental Cup or part of a Test league.”Countries that you never thought would have ambitions to play multi-day cricket actually have got the potential. Countries like Nepal, Afghanistan and Ireland are keen. But Ireland and Nepal aren’t getting any opportunities. Zimbabwe hardly play. West Indies are focusing more on T20 cricket. Creating a competition and a financial model that underpins it, it will allow them the resources to fund a team and provide incentives for their players to be available to play Test cricket for them.”Richardson also suggested that membership rules could be changed, to decouple Test status and Full Membership.”We’re reviewing the criteria for Full Membership, which will enable countries like Ireland and Afghanistan to become Full Members. But we don’t want to link it to Test cricket. The competition structure is set separate to membership status. It’s about voting or funding opportunities.”As the ICC’s original broadcast deal did not include plans for a global tournament in 2018, it will have to gain permission from its broadcast partner, Star, before confirming the World T20 for 2018.”We’re having discussions now with broadcasters about having a second World T20 in a four-year cycle,” Richardson said. “If they agree – and the board agrees – it would be in 2018 and the venue needs to be decided. The broadcasting agreement says we can’t hold another event without them agreeing to it. So they will have a say in where the event will be held.”The broadcasters obviously want the matches to be played at times which are good for the broadcast market in India. But it probably won’t be India as we’ve just been there. And the timing issue rules out West Indies, Australia and New Zealand. We’re currently unable to play in Pakistan, so that leaves Sri Lanka, South Africa or the UAE as the only options probably. It is too early for America.”It also emerged that England, the hosts of the 2017 Champions Trophy and the 2019 World Cup, retain hopes of hosting a possible World T20 in 2022, and the World Cup qualifiers in 2018. Those qualifiers are currently scheduled to be played in Bangladesh but if Bangladesh qualify automatically – they are currently ranked seventh and on target to do so – it is likely the qualifiers would be moved to the country where the main tournament will be played the following year.

Everton's financial concerns will have major effects on the club if they are to be relegated this season amid the construction of their new stadium.

What's the latest in Everton's believed FFP breach?

On Friday, Everton were told of the news they were being passed on to an independent commission amid their alleged breach of the Financial Fair Play regulations.

The breach in question covers the 2021/2022 campaign where complaints were lodged by Leeds United and Burnley over Everton's financial state.

Rules state Premier League clubs are able to make losses of up to £105m across a three-year period, however, between 2018 and 2021, the Toffees recorded a staggering £370m loss.

And with the prospect of points deductions and relegation looming over the club, insider Graeme Bailey has suggested it could prove disastrous for the club amid their new stadium development:

"Yeah, it's a bit of a mess. I'm being told, you know, if Everton go down, there could be some serious, serious ramifications.

"There's serious issues at Everton. There really is, they're in a lot of debt. This stadium is costing a lot of money. And they will finish it, there's no suggestion they won't finish it or anything.

"But if they're playing in that stadium in the Championship, who knows? Who knows? I don't want to speculate about administration or whatever. But I'm told if Everton goes down, there's a lot of pain to follow that."

What could this mean for Everton?

Everton have plans to grow their club with a new stadium offering a significantly increased capacity of over 52,000 which will provide them with an increase in matchday revenue.

However, relegation will mean the club would see their revenue decrease dramatically with the Premier League the place to be for financial reasons.

The difference in playing in the Championship instead of the top flight is believed to be worth in the hundreds of millions.

Everton's owners are said to be on the hunt for some new investment to help push the club forward, however, if the Toffees are to go down then their attractiveness to potential investors will likely diminish.

Relegation to the Championship could see some of their big players depart which will likely have an effect on their ability to bounce straight back to the top flight.

And when the club are needing to start the repayments on their new shiny home, Championship revenue is the last thing the club needs for one season never mind multiple.

The Toffees have been able to pull themselves out of the relegation zone for the time being with Sean Dyche at the helm, however, it is still incredibly tight.

Only two points separate them from the drop zone and only three points from the side rock bottom of the Premier League table, Southampton.

And given it is so tight, the prospect of a potential points deduction will be a real concern for the Blues with that potentially sealing their faith in the second tier of English football.

Journalist Charles Watts has expressed his disappointment at Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka after he suffered “brain freeze” and missed the chance to score a great goal this weekend.

What’s the latest on Granit Xhaka and Arsenal?

The Gunners cruised to a routine away win the Premier League on Sunday afternoon as they put three goals past Fulham inside one half to keep their lead at the very top of the division.

Indeed, Gabriel Magalhaes opened the scoring with a fine header before Gabriel Martinelli doubled Arsenal’s lead and then Martin Odegaard made it 3-0 before the break, and that was how things finished at the final whistle.

However, Mikel Arteta and his men could have won the game by a much greater margin and Xhaka could have got his name on the score sheet when a slick passing move saw Leandro Trossard tee him up with only Bernd Leno to beat.

However, Xhaka failed to cap off the brilliant attack as he lost composure and saw the ball simply hit his toe and roll into the goalkeeper's arms.

While speaking about it on his YouTube channel, Watts expressed his dismay, saying (2:19): "Such a shame Granit Xhaka didn't score that shot, just seemed to have a bit of a brain freeze when he went through.

"He didn't know if he should take a touch, or you shoot first time, and in the end kind of didn't either and the chance had gone. It would have been such a good goal, it's a real shame he didn't finish that off but a really fabulous performance from Arsenal.”

Has Xhaka scored more goals this season for Arsenal?

Xhaka has actually been able to deliver a lot more in an attacking sense this season. For instance, he has three league goals to his name this term which is as many as he had in the past three seasons combined.

On top of that, he also has five assists which is two more than the three yellow cards he has picked up in 27 games – proving just how his game has been adapted to play higher up the pitch and be more of a creator than a destroyer of late.

Even still, he hasn’t scored in 2023 so far and his potential rust in front of the net was on full display against Fulham as he just lacked that little bit of composure to finish what could have been one of the goals of the season.

يستعد فريق ريال مدريد لخوض مباراته الأخيرة في عام 2024 غدًا ضد إشبيلية على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد وإشبيلية مساء الأحد ضمن منافسات الجولة الثامنة عشر للدوري الإسباني.

وقبل المواجهة الصعبة ضد إشبيلية، كشف المدرب كارلو أنشيلوتي عن قائمة اللاعبين الذين سيكونون متاحين تحت تصرفه للمباراة.

وسيغيب البرازيلي فينيسيوس جونيور عن المباراة بسبب الإيقاف لتراكم البطاقات.

في غضون ذلك، عاد الظهير الأيسر فيرلاند ميندي إلى قائمة الفريق بعد تعافيه من إصابة عضلية تعرض لها قبل أسبوعين ضد جيرونا.

كما أكد أنشيلوتي، يستمر غياب ديفيد ألابا ولن يكون جاهزًا إلا في يناير، وبالتالي، فهو ليس في قائمة الفريق، إلى جانب النجمين المصابين إيدير ميليتاو وداني كارفاخال.

ويتواجد الشاب راؤول أسينسيو مرة أخرى ضمن القائمة وقد يشارك أساسيا غدا أو يستمر أنشيلوتي في الاعتماد على تشواميني في مركز قلب الدفاع. تشكيل ريال مدريد المتوقع أمام إشبيلية

حراسة المرمى: تيبو كورتوا.

خط الدفاع: لوكاس فاسكيز، تشواميني، أنطونيو روديجر، فران جارسيا.

خط الوسط: فالفيردي، كامافينجا، بيلينجهام.

خط الهجوم: رودريجو، كيليان مبابي، إبراهيم دياز.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا.

Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder and club icon Carlton Palmer has given his verdict on what he thinks about two of the Owls' summer signings.

When Sunderland got promoted from League One in 2022, they entered the Championship with one of the strongest squads in the league – Black Cats’ sporting director Kristjaan Speakman managed to recruit the likes of Édouard Michut, Daniel Ballard and Amad Diallo, who would help the side finish in the playoffs.

Sheffield Wednesday on the other hand hasn’t managed to recruit as well as their new league rivals since their promotion to the Championship and losing manager Darren Moore only makes their fight for survival much harder.

Former Watford boss Xisco Muñoz was appointed as Moore’s successor, however, the Spaniard is struggling to guide his side to points.

The Owls currently sit 23rd in the Championship with their only point coming in a lacklustre 0-0 draw to Yorkshire rivals Leeds United.

And Palmer hasn't been too impressed by the deadline-day acquisitions of Jeff Hendrick and John Buckley…

What has Carlton Palmer said about Wednesday's transfer business?

Speaking to FootballLeagueWorld this week, Palmer said:

"Sheffield Wednesday needed to bring in some Championship experienced players into their squad, so on deadline day, they secured the services of John Buckley.

“It was believed that Buckley was the subject of a £3 million pound bid from Swansea on a permanent deal, but Buckley rejected the move to stay up north.

"Buckley has fallen down the pecking order at Blackburn starting only 21 games last season, but at 23, has played over 100 Championship games, so is a useful acquisition."

Palmer then turned his attention to Hendrick. The former Leeds United midfielder added:

"Hendrick is 31, is experienced, and has a lot of Championship experience.

"He spent last season out on loan at Reading playing 45 league games. Although they were relegated, that was due to the six-point deduction. So, [Hendrick is] another useful acquisition.

"Both are not top-drawer signings but useful additions to the squad."

Who have Sheffield Wednesday signed this season?

Wednesday’s deadline day business may save them from relegation as they managed to get a few additions through the door. One signing that the three-time FA Cup winners signed was Irish midfielder Hendrick from Newcastle United.

The 31-year-old had seen his minutes vanish at Newcastle United as the Magpies invested heavily in their midfield with the Dublin-born midfielder being nowhere near the quality of £55m rated Sandro Tonali or £42.7m Bruno Guimarães.

Name of signing Former club Price as per Transfermarkt Djeidi Gassama PSG 850k Pol Valentín Sporting Gijón 250k Juan Delgado Paços de Ferreira Free Di'Shon Bernard Manchester United Free Anthony Musaba Monaco Free Ashley Fletcher Watford Loan Devis Vásquez AC Milan Loan Mohamed Diaby Portimonense Loan Jeff Hendrick Newcastle United Loan John Buckley Blackburn Rovers Loan Bambo Diaby Preston North End N/A Reece James Blackpool N/A The £1.2m valued midfielder played three times for Newcastle in the 2021/22 season and was later shipped off to Reading the next year. During his time at the Royals, Hendrick played 45 times in the Championship scoring four and assisting once as his side were relegated.The Owls also reinforced on deadline day with 23-year-old John Buckley arriving on loan from Blackburn Rovers.Like Hendrick, Buckley also plays in the centre of the park and has already played 130 times for the Riversiders despite his relatively young age. Last season, the hard-working midfielder averaged 0.43 yellow cards a game (seven in total), so Muñoz may want to have a chat with his new signing about being less aggressive when defending.Whether Palmer is right in his assessment remains to be seen, but after the international break, the Spaniard will be hoping the arrival of these two midfielders will help change their fortunes on the pitch or they will face an instant return to the doldrums of League One.

Courtney Walsh has been named Bangladesh’s interim head coach for the Nidahas Trophy as the BCB is yet to narrow in on a replacement for Chandika Hathurusingha.Walsh joined the Bangladesh coaching group in September 2016 as a bowling coach on a three-year deal. He is currently the senior-most coach in the group and was an obvious candidate.Meanwhile, Khaled Mahmud will no longer be a part of the support staff. Formerly the technical director, he is now expected to return as team manager. The former Bangladesh captain made public his displeasure at the function of the team earlier this month, calling the environment “dirty.””Since I will be going to Sri Lanka, a lot of the directors also will come with me. I personally feel that [Khaled Mahmud] Sujon should go as team manager,” said BCB president Nazmul Hassan. “We still haven’t talked to him about it. We have finalized on the other roles like we have also decided to give the batting duties to someone which we will announce on Tuesday.”Hassan is also likely to have a more hands-on involvement in the team’s affair. “I didn’t bother about playing XI selection in the last series. I left it to everyone else, including players and management,” he said. “This time we have made a squad after considering who will play in the playing XI. So since there is a final decision being taken, there is obviously a direct involvement.”