Tag Futebol

Heather Knight’s unbeaten half-century steered England to a 17-run victory and a 3-0 sweep of the T20I series against West Indies.Knight arrived at the crease with England 21 for 2 batting first for the first time in the series after being sent in by West Indies captain Hayley Matthews.She batted with superb placement and timing to reach an unbeaten 66 off 47 balls with seven fours and a six, but she pulled up with a tight right hamstring late in her innings was replaced in the field by substitute Tammy Beaumont.Nat Sciver-Brunt, Knight’s successor as captain, was England’s next best with 37 in the first test of their batting all series, having chased down 147 and 82 in the first two games for the loss of just two wickets and one respectively.Matthews led the way for her side with the ball and latterly the bat, just as she had done in the first match, scoring a century in a losing cause at Canterbury. Her three wickets for 32 in four overs helps contain England while Jahzara Claxton, on debut, was also excellent with 1 for 15 from her four overs.Matthews’ 71 off 54 balls kept her side in pursuit of 145 in a match briefly interrupted by rain but, as has been a theme of the tour, no one from her side could match her.Lauren Bell struck with the first ball of the innings•ECB via Getty Images

England’s opening stumbleDanni Wyatt-Hodge was bowled off the first ball of the innings for the second match in a row and third consecutive time by Zaida James. It took her tally for the series to just 17 at 8.50 and compounds a disappointing start to the international season after being dropped for the ODI leg of West Indies’ visit which follows from Friday in Derby.In contrast, Sophia Dunkley had entered the match with an unbeaten scores of 81 and 24 to her name, but Matthews made it two-down for England when Dunkley’s attempted cut resulted in an edge behind and the hosts ended the powerplay on 24 for 2, their lowest for the series by a long shot.Knight’s knock comes at a costSciver-Brunt and Knight settled into a rhythm, Knight’s superb reverse-sweep off Matthews racing away for four followed by two more boundaries from Sciver-Brunt, who advanced down the pitch to despatch Afy Fletcher over mid-off and three balls later timed one perfectly through the leg side.Sciver-Brunt survived on 36 when she skied a Matthews delivery over the covers but a back-pedalling Fletcher couldn’t hold on. Knight slog-swept the next ball for six and, when Sciver-Brunt holed out two balls later, it fell to her predecessor to marshal the innings.She did so beautifully as Amy Jones, required to bat for the first time all series at No.5, chimed in with four fours on her way to a 17-ball 22 although she couldn’t convert her start, flummoxed by the flight of a Matthews delivery which clattered into her stumps.Alice Capsey fell cheaply in her only chance of West Indies’ visit, having been overlooked for the ODIs, giving Claxton her maiden international wicket when she chipped straight to Realeanna Grimmond at deep extra cover.Knight brought up her eighth T20I fifty with a reverse-paddle for four off Ashmini Munisar and a wristy shot over short third off Aaliyah Alleyne also flew to the boundary. At that point Knight was in obvious pain, down on her haunches taking deep breaths between facing and clearly hobbling between the wickets. But she punched through it to face the final ball of the innings, going inside-out over the covers to find the boundary once more.WI trip up earlyLike Wyatt-Hodge, Qiana Joseph fell early to the same bowler for the third consecutive time when she was bowled first ball by a Lauren Bell inswinger.A four and a six in two balls off Charlie Dean suggested Matthews was in similar mood to last Wednesday when her unbeaten 100 off 67 balls came in a losing cause. Amid the constant threat of rain, she kept her side in touch while Dean saw three chances go begging off her bowling in the 11th over.In echoes of the infamous T20 World Cup meeting between these sides, Sciver-Brunt put down a straightforward chance off Grimmond – on 12 at the time – at midwicket, Dean couldn’t hold a return catch and Jones failed to gather a faint outside edge behind the stumps.Hayley Matthews notched a 41-ball fifty•PA Photos/Getty Images

Matthews leads once moreWest Indies and England fans alike gasped when Matthews flicked an Em Arlott delivery off her pads towards deep midwicket, where Wyatt-Hodge did well to parry the ball back inside the rope to save a boundary, but Matthews ran two to raise her half-century.Matthews followed that immediately with a one-bounce four over mid-on and she struck back-to-back boundaries off Sarah Glenn so that she was on 66 by the time the rain finally set in to force the players from the field for about 25 minuntes.Linsey Smith claimed two wickets in as many deliveries during the first complete over after the resumption: Shabika Gajnabi bowled for a run-a-ball 14 and Claxton held at midwicket by Sciver-Brunt. Alleyne survived the hat-trick ball but the momentum had swun firmly in England’s favour with West Indies needing 32 runs off the last three overs. When Matthews launched the next ball down Arlott’s throat at long-on to give Bell her second wicket, it was all over, Bell closing with an economical 2 for 11 from four overs.

Big picture: Rajasthan Royals are running out of chances

One team is fine-tuning, the other is still mixing and matching. One team can’t win at home, the other can’t seem to win at all.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) remain winless at home in IPL 2025 – a curious blemish in a promising campaign. Unbeaten on the road and sitting comfortably in the top four, their struggle for a ‘W’ at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is a riddle they must solve quickly because two of their next three games, including Thursday’s against Rajasthan Royals (RR), are at home.Related

• Rahul Dravid: RR can't afford many more mistakes

• Patidar urges RCB batters to focus on shot selection to break home jinx

• Poor catching – repeat offenders, biggest beneficiaries

• Kohli on RCB's success – 'We got the team that we wanted'

• Teams face up to home truths in first half of IPL 2025

The latest visitors to Bengaluru might be the best opponents for RCB at this stage. RR are on a four-match losing streak, and are stinging from back-to-back heartbreaks – twice failing to score nine runs in the final over, against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). To compound matters, they are without regular captain Sanju Samson, and Riyan Parag, standing in as leader, hasn’t looked the same force with the bat that he did last season.While RCB’s home form has been poor, their unbeaten run on the road speaks of a team that’s found balance and belief – settled players who know their roles. They also know “The Chinnaswamy deserves some wins as well”. RR, in contrast, are still tinkering. Questions about their combination continue to linger; their batting often lacks depth despite the Impact Player rule; a misfiring middle order has too often left them chasing games they have controlled up to a point.They will want to get things right with their playoffs chances fading fast. RCB would hope that doesn’t happen just yet.

Form guide

Royal Challengers Bengaluru WLWLW
Rajasthan Royals LLLLW27:55

Gut feel or analytics? How tactical decisions are made during T20s

In the spotlight: Phil Salt and Riyan Parag

When Jofra Archer and Phil Salt last crossed paths in Jaipur, it was a fiery duel. Archer laid the trap – short, sharp and relentless – and Salt, ever the aggressor, took the bait more than once and took Archer down. Since then, Salt has twice fallen in the first over to the short ball, both times to Arshdeep Singh. As round two with Archer looms, the question lingers: will Salt back himself to go for it despite those two reversals against Arshdeep?Returning from shoulder surgery and rehab, Riyan Parag hasn’t been in anywhere near the form he exhibited during a breakout IPL 2024. And he has had more than just that to wrestle with: captaincy duties in half of RR’s matches so far have added another layer of weight. His 39 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) nearly saw RR home, but his dismissal with 19 needed off 12 proved costly in a crushing loss. With six games to go and playoffs hopes hanging by a thread, Parag must find that spark again – not just for himself, but for a team in need of a lift.

Team news and likely XIIs

RCB are unlikely to change their combination, barring last-minute niggles or injuries.Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 1 Phil Salt, 2 Virat Kohli, 3 Devdutt Padikkal, 4 Rajat Patidar (capt), 5 Jitesh Sharma (wk), 6 Romario Shepherd, 7 Tim David, 8 Krunal Pandya, 9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 10 Josh Hazlewood, 11 Yash Dayal, 12 Suyash Sharma.Samson hasn’t travelled with the squad to Bengaluru as he nurses a side strain. With the ball, Sandeep Sharma has been off-colour in the last two games. He conceded 19 in a momentum-turning final over against DC and then went for 55 in four overs in their game against LSG. If RR want to look past him, there’s Akash Madhwal waiting in the wings.Rajasthan Royals: 1 Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Nitish Rana, 4 Riyan Parag (capt), 5 Dhruv Jurel (wk), 6 Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Shubham Dubey, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Maheesh Theekshana, 11 Tushar Deshpande, 12 Sandeep Sharma/Akash Madhwal.

The big question

Pitch and conditions

The skies over Bengaluru have cleared, and the city has experienced harsh sun most days. The ground staff has covered the Chinnaswamy pitch with two layers of hessian over the past two days, shielding it like a secret. Conditions here this season have been a bit like 2017, when a drainage overhaul brought slow surfaces and low-scoring games. All told, both camps arrive armed with deep local intel, and in RR’s corner is head coach Rahul Dravid, a man who knows this ground as well as anyone. Now, it’s a question of who can read the signs best.1:01

Rayudu: Suryavanshi has a lot of talent

Stats and trivia

• RCB’s spinners have struggled at home, picking up just one wicket in 15 overs at an average of 144 and an economy of 9.6. Away, they have been far more effective, claiming 15 wickets at 35.1 with an economy of 8.5.
• Virat Kohli has hit unbeaten half-centuries in each of RCB’s three successful chases this season, living up to his chase-master reputation.
• RCB are the only team who have gone at an economy rate of under eight in the powerplay this season.
• RR’s economy rate of 12.5 in overs 17-20 is the second-worst of all teams this season.
• Archer has single-handedly owned RR’s powerplay while bowling, picking up six wickets in 17 overs at an economy rate of 8.2. The others have picked up three wickets in 31 overs.
• After a slow start to the season – 34 runs in his first three games – Yashasvi Jaiswal offers hope for RR, having hit four quick half-centuries in his last five innings.

Newcastle United have finally found their reinforcements to spearhead their attack, having signed both Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, but they looked at another target who was desperate to leave his club on deadline day.

Newcastle United's striker situation in focus

The transfer window eventually drew to a close on Monday night after months of drama, capped off by Alexander Isak joining Liverpool after not being involved for the Magpies during their opening Premier League fixtures.

His absence from Saturday’s goalless draw away to Leeds United led to fans making their voices heard surrounding his absence, though after Fabrizio Romano cleared up some details on how much his late transfer to Anfield is worth, fans may feel a little more positive about the ordeal.

He stated: “Alexander Isak arrives in Liverpool to sign a six year deal valid until June 2031. The deal will cost £125m to Liverpool as Newcastle will get £130m — including solidarity payment.”

Searching for his replacement, Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen was on the Magpies’ radar despite seeing several bids for the Norway star turned down. Vitor Pereira was said to have demanded £65 million for his star man.

In the end, Yoane Wissa joined Newcastle for a fee worth around £55 million, bringing the curtain down on a long search for an Isak replacement.

Ultimately, the Geordies were linked with a multitude of strikers to replace Isak and whittled down a long list before coming to a conclusion on who would arrive at St James’ Park.

While Newcastle fans rejoice at Wissa and Woltemade’s arrival, their window could well have been different if eleventh hour events didn’t move things in an alternative direction.

Nicolas Jackson was Newcastle's Wissa alternative

According to The Sun, Newcastle were in talks to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson if they could not agree a deal with Brentford for Wissa. Incredibly, the Senegal forward refused to come back to Chelsea when called back to cover Liam Delap’s injury, and ended up forcing through his loan move to Bayern Munich at the 11th hour.

Marc Guiu has been recalled to Chelsea to take Jackson’s place instead, allowing him to move to Germany on loan with a buy obligation.

Tonali upgrade: Newcastle preparing bid for "world-class" £61m star

Newcastle are looking to make a late signing before the transfer window slams shut.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Aug 31, 2025

The Magpies had multiple plates spinning, but the 24-year-old was deemed to be near the top of their wishlist and for a price of £60 million. Labelled “fantastic” by Joe Cole, Jackson registered 13 goals and six assists in 37 appearances across all competitions last term, though Newcastle opted to conclude a deal for Wissa, who retained a superior record of 20 strikes in 39 outings.

After months of chaotic action on the market, Howe will feel happy with the options at his disposal in light of losing Isak to Liverpool.

Retiring a shirt number in football is relatively rare compared to other sports, but there have been instances where multiple clubs have dedicated specific numbers to players who have represented them in the past.

Liverpool have become the latest side to do just that, following the extremely sad news of Diogo Jota’s passing. The Portuguese forward wore the number 20 shirt at Anfield and will be the last to do so for the Reds after those at Anfield honoured him by retiring the jersey.

Other clubs have immortalised their former players by hanging up shirt numbers.

10 Jude Bellingham Birmingham City – shirt number 22

Birmingham City knew they had a talent on their hands when they decided to retire Jude Bellingham’s number 22 shirt when he left St Andrew’s in 2020.

Now known as one of the best midfielders in the world for Real Madrid, Bellingham was just 17 years of age when he swapped Birmingham for Borussia Dortmund.

Some saw it as an interesting decision by the Blues, but as time goes on, you can see why they decided to do just that.

9 Bobby Moore West Ham – shirt number 6

The only Englishman to lift the World Cup, Bobby Moore is a Three Lions legend and at club level, is immortalised by West Ham.

The centre-back made more than 600 appearances for the Hammers over a 16-year period, helping the Irons win the FA Cup and UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.

Moore was only 51 years of age when he passed away in 1993, and 15 years later, West Ham decided to retire his number 6 shirt in honour of their greatest ever defender.

8 Dylan Tombides West Ham – shirt number 38

Alongside retiring the number 6 shirt for Moore, West Ham also took the decision to hang up the number 38 shirt in memory of Dylan Tombides.

The Australian forward progressed through the Hammers’ academy and made one senior appearance for the Irons in 2012 after overcoming testicular cancer a few months before. However, tragically, Tombides’ cancer returned and metastasised to his liver, with the youngster passing away in April 2014.

7 Marc-Vivien Foe Manchester City – shirt number 23

During the 2002/03 season, Marc-Vivien Foe impressed on loan at Manchester City from Lyon and was subsequently selected to play for Cameroon in the Confederations Cup.

The midfielder helped his nation to the semi-finals but collapsed against Colombia in the second half and was rushed to hospital. Foe would pass away shortly after reaching hospital, with an autopsy showing a heart-related issue for his death.

City, who were managed by Kevin Keegan at the time, quickly acted and announced they would retire Foe’s number 23 shirt in his memory.

6 Matija Sarkic Millwall – shirt number 20

In the summer of 2024 at the age of just 26, Millwall goalkeeper Matija Sarkic suddenly passed away from heart failure.

A Montenegro international, Sarkic made the permanent move to The Den in 2023 from Wolves after loan spells at Shrewsbury Town, Birmingham City and Stoke City.

He made a big impact in a short space of time with Millwall, who retired his number 20 and also introduced the “Matija Sarkic Award” for the season’s best save.

5 Joe Thompson Rochdale – shirt number 15

Joe Thompson has rightly been recognised as a Rochdale legend, after making more than 200 appearances for the club across three spells.

The midfielder scored an iconic goal in 2018 which meant Dale avoided relegation from League One and retired a year later. Thompson was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in 2024 and died a year later at the age of just 36.

Rochdale were quick to retire their number 15 shirt in honour of their former star, calling him “an incredible person who had a positive impact on everyone”.

4 Billy Kee Accrington Stanley – shirt number 29

Billy Kee represented numerous Football League clubs during his career, but it was with Accrington Stanley where he is best known after scoring 83 goals in more than 200 appearances.

However, at the beginning of 2020 at the age of 30, Kee decided to retire from football after seeking treatment for depression, anxiety and bulimia.

Accrington Stanley and Kee agreed to terminate his contract, with the club dedicating the number 29 to their former forward.

3 Ray Jones QPR – shirt number 31

Queens Park Rangers retired their number 31 shirt in 2007 following the passing of highly-rated teenager Ray Jones, who died in a car crash.

Jones, who was just 18, had already made more than 30 Championship appearances for the R’s and had a promising career ahead of him before the tragic incident.

2 Jack Lester Chesterfield – shirt number 14

Jack Lester was scoring as frequently as Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres in his first season as a Chesterfield player, and he has rightly gone down as a club legend after six free-scoring years with the club.

The forward helped the Spireites win League Two and the Football League Trophy during his time at the SMH Group Stadium, resulting in the club retiring the number 14 shirt in 2013 in his honour. Lester couldn’t stay away, though, and returned as manager four years later.

1 Diogo Jota Liverpool – shirt number 20

Most recently, Diogo Jota’s passing in the summer of 2025 stunned the footballing world. Just a week after getting married, Jota and his brother Andre Silva were involved in a fatal car crash during the off-season.

The Portugal forward helped the Reds win the Premier League title just months before his death, with the Reds dedicating the number 20 shirt to Jota forever.

Barcelona stars Pedri and Robert Lewandowski will join Real Madrid players in skipping the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris on Monday. The Barca duo, along with team-mates Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, have been nominated for the Golden Ball while manager Hansi Flick is in contention to win the best coach's award after guiding the Catalan giants to three titles in his maiden season.

Pedri and Lewandowski achieved success last season

Both Pedri and Lewandowski had tremendous outings with Barcelona and the duo played a pivotal role in the Catalan club's three trophy wins, including the La Liga title triumph. Lewandowski was the team's highest scorer with 42 goals to his name across all competitions. 

AdvertisementAFPBarcelona duo to skip Ballon d'Or ceremony

According to , Pedri and Lewandowski have decided not to travel to Paris on Monday for the Ballon d'Or ceremony as they do not consider themselves front-runners to win the Golden Ball. Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal and their Brazilian star Raphinha are contesting with Paris Saint-Germain's Ousmane Dembele for the top award. further reports that Pedri has informed the Catalan side that he is prioritising rest over the ceremony to maintain fitness amid a hectic schedule. 

Barcelona women's stars in contention for Ballon d’Or Feminin

Other than the Barcelona men's star, several players from their women's team are nominated for the Ballon d'Or Feminin award. The list includes Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Caroline Graham Hansen, Patri Guijarro, Ewa Pajor, Claudia Pina, Vicky Lopez and Cata Coll.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyMbappe to skip Paris ceremony

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe will join Pedri and Lewandowski in skipping the ceremony, as he had earlier confirmed that he would watch it on television and is backing compatriot Dembele to win the ultimate prize.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Russell Martin wants to make further additions to his first-team squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.

The Light Blues are in Champions League action against Panathinaikos tonight, as they look to progress through to the next round of qualifying, after they won 2-0 in the first leg.

Work is still going on behind the scenes to improve the squad, though, despite the season having already got underway, as the Gers attempt to bolster their options in the wide areas.

Rangers are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign right-sided attacker Oliver Antman from Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles, in a move that could set them back £5m.

The Scottish Premiership giants are also reportedly close to securing a deal to bring England U19 forward Mikey Moore to Ibrox on loan from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

Rangers would add to Martin’s options on the flanks if they can get both of these deals over the line in the coming days, hopefully before the league opener against Motherwell on Saturday.

What Moore and Antman could bring to Rangers

Both players are exciting wingers who could provide creative flair at the top end of the pitch if they are able to show the best of their abilities in Scotland this season.

Moore, who has only played 21 times for Tottenham to date, is relatively untested at senior level, though, and it remains to be seen if he can make the step up to be a key player on a regular basis in the first-team at Rangers, as he has yet to prove himself.

However, the 17-year-old talent did produce 19 goals and 13 assists in 24 matches for Spurs at U19 level before he made his first-team breakthrough, which shows that the potential is there for him to deliver goals and assists if he can hit the ground running at Ibrox.

Antman, on the other hand, would be joining the Scottish giants off the back of an impressive campaign with Go Ahead Eagles in the Eredivisie last season, as he showcased his ability to create high-quality chances for his teammates at an exceptional rate.

Starts

28

Goals

6

Key passes per game

1.6

Big chances created

16

xA

6.54

Assists

15

As you can see in the table above, the Finland international created a whopping 16 ‘big chances’ in 28 starts in the Dutch top-flight, which suggests that he could be a fantastic addition to the Rangers squad.

This is because no Rangers midfielder, winger, or forward created more than 11 ‘big chances’ in the Premiership last term, which suggests that Antman could come in as Martin’s chief creative threat.

Both players could provide a threat at the top end of the pitch, notably as creators, and that is why the club’s latest transfer target would love both of them.

Rangers in the race to sign new striker

According to Croatian news outlet Germanijak, Rangers are still in the race to secure a deal for Westerlo centre-forward Matija Frigan this summer.

The report claims that the Gers are lining up a move for the Croatian number nine after his proposed transfer to English Championship side Hull City was put into doubt by a transfer ban for the Tigers.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It adds that Spanish side Elche and Premier League team Sunderland are also interested in signing the 22-year-old striker, which shows that there is plenty of competition for his signature.

The outlet states that Westerlo are looking for a fee in the region of £7m in order to allow the forward to move on this summer, whilst Elche are said to be looking at a deal worth around £5.1m.

This gap in valuation between what Elche want to pay and how much the Pro League team are asking for could leave the door open for Rangers to swoop for him in the coming weeks.

Why Rangers should sign Matijia Frigan

The Light Blues should swoop to sign the 22-year-old attacker because he is a talented young forward who could love to play with Antman and Moore at Ibrox this season.

As aforementioned, Moore and Antman are both creative wide players who could provide the striker playing ahead of them with plenty of opportunities to find the back of the net, which is why Frigan could be delighted at the prospect of being in the same side as them.

The left-footed forward’s form for Westerlo in the last 12 months or so suggests that he could come in as an effective forward who could thrive alongside the wing wizards.

Since the start of the 2024/25 campaign, Frigan has scored 14 goals from 14.26 xG in the Pro League, which shows that he is about on par with where he should be for the chances that have been created for him.

The Croatian forward, who was hailed as “complete” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has the finishing powers to potentially make the most of Antman and Moore’s creativity, whilst he may also come in as a big upgrade on Cyriel Dessers by offering a physical presence in the number nine position.

Appearances

35

39

Ground duels won

42

74

Aerial duels won

28

51

Ground duel success rate

34%

43%

Aerial duel success rate

31%

36%

Fouls won

21

35

Fouls committed

32

31

As you can see in the table above, Frigan is far more likely to win physical duels with defenders, on the ground and in the air, which could make him more reliable for Martin than the Nigeria international is.

Therefore, there are technical and physical reasons why the Gers should splash out £7m to bring the Westerlo star to Ibrox before the end of the summer transfer window, as he could be an upgrade on Dessers as well as a great foil for Antman and Moore to play with.

At the age of 22, Frigan would also come in as a young player with the potential to grow and develop during his time in Glasgow, which could make him an excellent long-term signing for the club as well.

Overall, the £7m-rated star is an effective centre-forward who could thrive off the creativity that Rangers are currently looking to add to their squad and could be a very shrewd addition this summer.

The new Amad: Rangers target set to have medical this week before signing

Rangers are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign a starlet who could be Amad Diallo 2.0.

ByDan Emery Jul 29, 2025

South Africa’s openers put on 64, a middle order led by Marizanne Kapp crashed 70 off the last eight overs, and South Africa motored to 166 for 5, the highest total of the tournament.Scotland’s reply was in tatters in the first seven overs. They lost both openers for single figures, captain Kathryn Bryce was out inside the powerplay, before Alisa Lister and Priyanaz Chaterji departed soon after. They were soon 45 for 6 at the start of the ninth over, and continued to collapse, sliding eventually to 86 all out in the 18th.South Africa’s left-arm spinners were the prime destroyers. Chloe Tryon was the first to strike, dismissing the Bryce sisters – Katherine and Sarah – caught-and-bowled in successive overs. Nonkululeko Mlaba was a menace through the middle overs, as she has been all tournament, and collected the game’s best figures of 3 for 12 from her four overs, with Nadine de Klerk also getting two wickets in addition to Tryon. Thus, the 80-run victory pushed South Africa to the top of Group B, their net run rate rising to 1.317.

Wolvaardt, Brits start strong

For the second time in three matches, South Africa’s openers were outstanding in the early going (they’d also put on an unbeaten 119 together against West Indies). Laura Wolvaardt had given an early chance, slapping a full toss straight to Katherine Fraser at mid-off, only to be dropped on 2.She took full toll of the mistake, hitting three fours and a six off the next 13 balls she faced. With Tazmin Brits also joining the boundary-frenzy in the sixth over, South Africa sped to 60 for no loss by the end of the powerplay.Tazmin Brits scored quickly at the top•ICC/Getty Images

Kapp marshals the middle order

Kapp arrived at the start of the 12th over, and quickly began to dominate. Her first two boundaries came from drives through cover, and then long-off against legspinner Abtaha Maqsood. Then she settled into a rhythm of singles to the leg side, with the occasional lapped sweep with the short fine leg inside the circle. Kapp holed out against the bowling of Kathryn Bryce in the 18th over, but she had cracked 43 off 24 balls – the best knock of the game.

Scotland’s top order fails

While a target of 167 was always going to be incredibly challenging, Scotland will be displeased with how meekly their top order fell. The Bryce sisters both provided leading edges to the bowler, and Saskia Horley gave a simple catch to extra cover. That exposed the middle order to South Africa’s in-form bowler Mlaba, whose first wicket came from a beautifully-flighted delivery to Alisa Lister, who was beaten in the air and walked past the ball.Scotland were 34 for 3 by the end of the powerplay, and had soon sunk to 39 for 5 and 56 for 7, with a big defeat all but assured.

South Africa’s players top the charts

Only South Africa and Scotland have played three matches so far, but key players seem to be finding form for South Africa, as they head towards the bigger matches to come. Lead among these is Mlaba, who even bowled Darcey Carter around the legs for her second wicket, and bowled 19 dot balls from her 24 deliveries. She has a tournament-high eight wickets, with an economy rate of 5.25.Wolvaardt, meanwhile, is the tournament’s highest run-scorer, with 141 runs at an average of 70.50, and a strike rate of 116.52.

The Vitality County Championship Second Division match between Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire was abandoned owing to concerns from the umpires over player safety on a hybrid pitch.Umpires Chris Watts and Sue Redfern called a halt early on in the final session after Northants batters Ricardo Vasconcelos and Rob Keogh had been struck blows on the hand by Gloucestershire paceman Ajeet Singh Dale and retired hurt.Northants were 116 for 2 in reply to Gloucestershire’s 125 when the contest was abandoned at 5pm, the umpires consulting with both captains before leading the players from the pitch and then holding a consultation with groundstaff to explain their decision.Watts and Redfern then talked with match referee Jason Swift before contacting ECB pitch inspectors at Lord’s to seek advice. The decision was then taken to abandon the match.Gloucestershire scored in excess of 500 runs on a neighbouring pitch against Leicestershire earlier in the week, but were unceremoniously shot out in just 36.1 overs on this occasion. The county deployed a hybrid pitch for their home Championship match against Middlesex in May without any issues arising. But this was an altogether different set of circumstances, with Vasconcelos being taken to hospital with a suspected broken finger.When Keogh was struck during the final session, the umpires, concerned for the safety of the batters, made their intervention. Northants will collect 11 points for a draw, including three bowling bonus points, but Gloucestershire will receive none. It remains to be seen whether or not the county will face any further sanction but the matter has been passed to the Cricket Regulator for investigation.The umpires issued a brief statement, which read: “The match has been abandoned because there was a foreseeable risk to the batters. In the opinion of the umpires, it would be unreasonable to continue.”Gloucestershire declined to speak to the media at the close of play, and later issued a statement in anticipation of further action.”Whilst we acknowledge that this is not something anyone would have wanted to happen, we need to see, understand and discuss the match referee’s report before making further comment on the decision,” the club wrote. “We expect there will be an ECB investigation and we will of course assist them at all stages of that investigation.”Justin Broad had reason to feel aggrieved, having produced a career-best bowling performance to put the skids under Gloucestershire. In the absence of pace spearheads Ben Sanderson and Jack White, both rested ahead of next week’s Vitality Blast quarter-final against Somerset, batting all-rounder Broad was handed the new ball and returned startling figures of 7 for 33 in 15.1 overs with seven maidens.Of the Gloucestershire batters, only Ollie Price managed to cope with exaggerated nip and seam off the pitch, top-scoring with 52 and staging a stand of 60 for the fifth wicket with Graeme van Buuren, whose dismissal for 40 sparked a collapse which saw the home side lose their last six wickets for 22 runs in 11.1 overs.Despite having to field a weakened attack, Procter did not hesitate to bowl first on a green-tinged surface and it proved an exceedingly good toss to win, Gloucestershire losing openers Cameron Bancroft and Ben Charlesworth inside six overs as Broad and his captain made the new ball talk.Although Broad boasted just 11 wickets at 43 apiece in 13 previous first-class matches, he looked the part when persuading a length ball to straighten up and clip the top of Bancroft’s off stump. Having scored a maiden double hundred in his last innings, Charlesworth was brought down to earth with a bump when pushing tentatively at an angled delivery from Procter and offering a straightforward catch to second slip.Procter struck again in his next over, Miles Hammond swishing at a ball outside off stump and nicking to second slip as Gloucestershire slipped to 16 for 3. Unlike Hammond, the in-form James Bracey could not be held accountable for his dismissal, the Championship’s leading run scorer being unfortunately run out when Dom Leach diverted an Ollie Price drive onto the stumps with the batter at the non-striker’s end backing up.Price and van Buuren enjoyed better fortune against the change bowlers, the latter taking on Gus Miller with a top-edged hook that went for six and then twice pulling Leach to the mid-wicket boundary to afford the innings momentum.But van Buuren flirted with danger and was twice dropped on 25 and 30 before pursuing a wide delivery and feathering a catch to second slip to gift Broad his second wicket. The South African’s dismissal for a run-a-ball 40 with the score on 93 sparked a calamitous collapse, Tom Price falling lbw to Broad in the final over before lunch, which was taken with the hosts on 113 for 6. Gloucestershire’s slide continued unchecked after the interval, Zafar Gohar shouldering arms to a straight one from Broad, who then pinned Ollie Price lbw for an 85-ball 52 to register his maiden five-wicket haul.Broad then accounted for tailenders Dom Goodman and Zaman Akhter in quick succession on his way to achieving the best figures of any Northants bowler in matches at Bristol since George Thompson took 8 for 14 in 1910.Batting continued to be a hazardous affair when Northants replied. Prithvi Shaw and Vasconcelos staged an opening partnership of 50 in 11.1 overs, only for the latter to then edge a catch behind off Singh Dale. Vasconcelos advanced his score to 21 before retiring hurt, after which Procter and Keogh added an unbeaten 49 for the third wicket.

Glasgow Rangers are in talks to sign a new “highly-rated” player after manager Russell Martin gave the green light to an Ibrox transfer.

Rangers want more defenders as Aarons moves to Ibrox

The Gers will be looking to win just their second Scottish Premiership title in 15 years in Martin’s first season at Ibrox, and the 49ers Enterprises appear willing to back the new boss in the transfer window.

After already securing the services of midfielder Lyall Cameron from Dundee, Rangers swopped to sign Max Aarons on loan from Bournemouth, with a transfer officially announced on Wednesday.

The right-back spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Valencia and will now link up with Martin who knows Aarons from his time at Norwich City.

Talking after signing Aarons, Martin said: “Max is a player who I have always kept a keen eye on since he was emerging through the youth ranks while I was coming to the end of my time at Norwich as a player. He is a wonderfully talented player who is hungry to develop, improve and help deliver success for his side.

“We are pleased to bring him on board for this season, and I believe he will be a fantastic addition to the squad.”

After Aarons: Rangers open talks to sign £1m star who could be Kent 2.0

After signing Max Aarons, Rangers are in talks to repeat their Ryan Kent trick at Ibrox.

ByBen Gray Jun 25, 2025

Alongside the 25-year-old, Rangers also want to sign a new centre-back, with the future of Robin Propper up in the air. There have been claims the Gers have even accepted an offer from FC Twente for the Dutchman after only joining 12 months ago.

Leicester City’s Conor Coady has been linked with moving to Glasgow as Rangers’ centre-back signing, however, a new name has entered the frame.

Rangers in talks for Peterborough defender Fernandez

According to reports from Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, Rangers have opened talks to sign 23-year-old centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez.

It is added that Martin has ‘given the green light’ to a deal, with the 6ft 4 defender making 42 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring five times.

Fernandez is under contract until 2027 and was wanted by Norwich in the January window, but it looks as if Rangers are the side making moves in the summer.

Games

61

Goals

7

Yellow cards

8

Red cards

2

Trophies

2

Rangers have also been after Peterborough star Kwame Poku, who is out of contract at the end of the month, but it looks as if the winger may move elsewhere and not Glasgow.

Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony hailed Fernandez as a “colossus” last season, while also calling him the club’s “best defender”.

O’Rourke has also called Fernandez “highly-rated”, and it looks as if a deal could be one to watch following the journalist’s update.

Having already announced the arrival of young Spaniard Antonio Cordero, Newcastle United have reportedly pushed on with their summer plans by lodging their first enquiries to sign Anthony Elanga and a striker worth as much as £70m.

Newcastle pushing to sign Elanga

With Bryan Mbeumo set to choose Manchester United over a move to St James’ Park, Newcastle’s search for a winger has reportedly taken them to Nottingham Forest and Elanga.

The Swede enjoyed his best Premier League season yet to become the latest in a long line of Old Trafford regrets. Now, he could be on his way to Tyneside as Newcastle flex their newfound Champions League status.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Elanga

Gordon

Murphy

Minutes

2,501

2,434

2,360

Goals

6

6

8

Assists

11

5

12

Completed take-ons

25

38

35

In what would spark the battle of the Anthonys in Tyneside, Elanga looks likely to come out on top to secure a starting place in Eddie Howe’s side ahead of Gordon next season, should he complete a summer switch.

Given how they impressed in their own right last season, Nottingham Forest won’t want to lose one of their key men without a fight this summer.

Both Evangelos Marinakis and Nuno Espirito Santo will be desperate to ensure that last season was no flash in the pan and keeping hold of Elanga would go a long way towards achieving.

Related £50m star so close to joining Newcastle his club are lining up replacement

The Magpies are reportedly closing in on a statement signing…

Posts 1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 8, 2025

Whether PIF’s financial power will prove too strong is the big question. After PSR limits forced them to sit out of the last two windows, the rich owners are now ready to spend big again on both Elanga and another Premier League star.

Back in the Champions League with money to spend, the Saudi owners are certainly not messing around in this summer’s transfer window.

Newcastle lodge first Joao Pedro "enquiry"

According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle have now made their first “enquiry” to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, having already done the same for Elanga.

A deal not expected to come cheap amid reports that the Seagulls value the Brazilian at as much as £70m, Pedro will undoubtedly be one to watch in the coming weeks.

Ever since Fabian Hurzeler decided to drop Pedro for disciplinary reasons at the back end of last season, a Brighton departure has looked on the cards for Pedro. The former Watford man endured a mixed campaign, truth be told, and one that was ultimately full of frustration.

Despite scoring just ten goals in all competitions and eventually being dropped by Hurzeler, there remains impressive interest in the former Watford man who still found himself at the centre of praise last season.

With Newcastle now lurking, Pedro may not even need to win over club legend Alan Shearer if he completes a move this summer. The record Premier League goalscorer took the time to describe the Brighton star as “superb” back in November.