Trent Alexander-Arnold reportedly rejected a "significant" Liverpool pay rise to stay at Anfield, with a free transfer to Real Madrid now imminent.
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Liverpool offered a bumper deal to Alexander-ArnoldEnglish full-back turned down the offerDefender keen on a fresh challenge with Real MadridFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
According to despite Liverpool’s efforts to secure his future with a lucrative package that would have placed him among the highest-earning full-backs in the world, Alexander-Arnold made up his mind to leave the Merseyside club. It is believed that the defender has already struck an agreement with Real Madrid and might even move to the Spanish capital before the Club World Cup commences in June.
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Liverpool tabled a generous contract proposal, demonstrating their desire to retain Alexander-Arnold. However, the Reds were informed earlier this year that the defender had no plans to extend his deal, which is set to expire at the end of the season. The club ultimately accepted his position and began preparing for his departure. Last month, Alexander-Arnold personally notified Slot of his intention to leave, closing the chapter on one of the club’s most successful youth-to-first-team journeys in recent history.
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Replacing a full-back with Alexander-Arnold’s unique skillset – capable of operating both as a playmaker and a defender – will be no easy task. It has been suggested that Conor Bradley is being viewed as a direct replacement of the 26-year-old, whereas Fulham star Antonee Robinson is also being monitored as a potential summer addition, although he is a left-back.
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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ALEXANDER-ARNOLD?
A product of the club’s academy, Alexander-Arnold played an instrumental role in the Reds’ recent trophy haul, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Club World Cup. Now, with just three games potentially left in a Liverpool shirt, the countdown to his farewell has begun. The Merseyside club face Arsenal at Anfield this Sunday, and that will be followed by encounters against Brighton and Crystal Palace.
Stand-in captain says India are not out to settle any scores with Sri Lanka after the Asia Cup loss last year
Vishal Dikshit02-Jan-20233:08
‘No bigger new year resolution than winning the World Cup’
Looking ahead to the 2024 World Cup and standing in as T20I captain for three games against Sri Lanka for now, Hardik Pandya’s message to his young team is clear: “go out there and express [yourself], we’re going to back you to the core.”Hardik takes over captaincy in the absence of regular leader Rohit Sharma, who will take back captaincy for the ODIs. Even though it’s not clear yet who India’s captain at the next T20 World Cup will be, Hardik assessed India’s situation in T20s by saying that there was nothing wrong with their approach in the lead-up to the tournament.India had adopted a new approach in the format when Rohit took over captaincy and Rahul Dravid became the new head coach: they started getting much quicker off the blocks in the powerplay, Rohit himself changed his approach at the top, and most of India’s batters were batting with an intent of scoring faster. Except that in Australia, the bounce and pace was not to India’s liking, and they went back to their old template of setting a base and then building on it.Related
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“You see, I think before the [T20] World Cup, I don’t think we did anything wrong,” Hardik said in Mumbai, a day before the series opener against Sri Lanka. “Our template, approach, everything was the same. Yes, in the World Cup, things did not go how we wanted. And I think our approach was not the same – what it was before the World Cup. What we have noticed and told the boys is that just go out there and express [yourself], which they will do. And it’s up to us that how we back them.”What we have said is that we’re going to back you to the core. All the players have that support from my side that I’m going to back them to the core. Who are here, these are the best cricketers in the country, that’s the reason they are here. So, I have to make them believe that, which is a fact as well. For me, it’s important that how can I make them feel that they’re the best of their business. And if I can get that thing done, and can get that confidence in them, then I don’t think that they will have any problem in international cricket. I think they will flourish and have amazing careers ahead.”Hardik echoed Rohit’s words from a year before the 2022 World Cup when he and Dravid had given their players “assurance of going out and expressing” themselves. With the next T20 World Cup only a year and a half away, Hardik did not go into the team’s plans in detail but said there was not much time to experiment for now as there are only six T20Is before IPL 2023.Watch on ESPN Player in the UK
WATCH the first India vs Sri Lanka T20I LIVE
“Obviously, the plans are set. We are looking to play in a certain way, which we will,” Hardik said without elaborating. “Before IPL only six games are there, so we don’t have much time to do a lot of things but going forward we will keep creating new plans and see which are the plans which are working for us. And going forward just make sure everyone gets ample opportunities and just that on the right time when needed just see what we need to do.”Being the hosts and 3-0 winners of the last time these two teams played a bilateral T20I series – in early 2022 in India – Hardik implied they had an upper hand in home conditions, and wasn’t looking to settle any kind of score after their loss to eventual champions Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup.”No, we’re not looking to settle anything [after the Asia Cup loss],” Hardik said with a smile. “We want to play good cricket. Yes, we will make them feel like we’re in India, don’t worry about that, I assure and promise you they will feel that they’re playing an international team and that too India in India. So from my boys and my side, we’re going to be clear. We don’t need to go and sledge them, our body language is enough for them to feel a little intimidated which we will do, I promise you.”India will field a new-look squad with Suryakumar Yadav the vice-captain in T20Is, and several senior players either unavailable or rested. Three uncapped players – Rahul Tripathi, Shivam Mavi and Mukesh Kumar – also have a chance to make their international debuts.
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe admitted that some of the club’s decisions in the January transfer window were made with PSR rules in mind.
The Magpies have to be within the profit and sustainability rules and that did not give them much wiggle room for transfers, and the manager revealed that Miguel Almiron’s move to Atlanta United on a permanent deal – with no replacement coming in – was sanctioned due to PSR reasons.
Atlanta reportedly splashed out a fee of £11m to sign the Paraguay international last month, which has left Howe a man short in the forward department.
Newcastle will now be hoping that they do not live to regret cashing in on Almiron and that his value does not rise, in the same way that they will not regret selling Allan Saint-Maximin in 2023.
How much Newcastle sold Allan Saint-Maximin for
Back in the summer of 2023, Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli swooped in to sign the French winger for a reported fee of £30m, as Howe decided to move on from the talented forward.
Market Movers
Saint-Maximin initially signed for the Magpies from Nice, when Steve Bruce was in charge, ahead of the 2019/20 campaign and enjoyed four seasons at St. James’ Park.
Bruce described the 27-year-old wizard as a player “who’d excite everybody” and Saint-Maximin went on to rack up 13 goals and 21 assists in 124 appearances in all competitions.
Newcastle United forwardAllan Saint-Maximin.
Despite his skillful nature on the pitch, the French forward did not contribute with goals and assists at an exceptional rate, and the £30m fee that the club raked in for him was worth taking.
Allan Saint-Maximin's plummeting value
The experienced forward’s declining value since his exit from St. James’ Park also shows that Newcastle hit the jackpot when they landed £30m for his services.
Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin.
Saint-Maximin only scored four goals in 30 matches during the Saudi Pro League season last term, although he did provide ten assists for his teammates.
He was then sent out on loan to Fenerbahce in Turkey for the 2024/25 campaign and the ex-Magpies star has managed three goals and four assists in 22 matches across the Super Lig and the Europa League.
June 2023
£30m (reported fee)
October 2023
£20m
December 2023
£17m
June 2024
£15m
December 2024 – present
£14m
As you can see in the table above, Saint-Maximin’s value has plummeted since his move away from St. James’ Park and currently sits at just £14m, less than half of the fee that Al-Ahli paid for him.
Newcastle United forwardAllan Saint-Maximin.
Therefore, Newcastle hit gold when they cashed in on the French attacker because his value has decreased by £16m in less than two years since his move to Saudi Arabia.
Newcastle join race to sign "amazing" striker who’s already scored at SJP
The Magpies are more than familiar with his ability…
ByTom Cunningham Feb 20, 2025
The Magpies will now be hoping that Almiron’s market value follows a similar trend, as it would mean that the decision to cash in on him for £11m was a wise one, rather than one that they will live to regret.
Leeds United could trigger the release clause of an “excellent” Premier League player, who is now likely to leave his club this summer, according to a report.
Leeds eyeing proven Premier League players
The three sides promoted from the Championship last season look like they will all be going straight back down, with Southampton sitting rock bottom, while Ipswich Town and Leicester City are currently five points from safety.
As such, you can make a case for it being more difficult than ever to make the step up back to the top flight, after dropping to the second tier, and with Leeds in a very strong position to get promoted, they are now eyeing players who have Premier League experience.
Former Chelsea man Tammy Abraham is one of the names on the list of targets in attack, while they are also considering a move for Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who has made 140 appearances in the top flight.
Leeds expected to move for "fantastic" £15m striker; he's "keen" on joining
The Whites have been tipped to make a summer move for a forward who is excited by the prospect of moving to Elland Road.
ByDominic Lund Feb 25, 2025
Walker-Peters is not the only Saints player Daniel Farke’s side have their eye on, however, with a report from The Boot Room revealing they could trigger the relegation release clause written into goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale’s contract.
Ramsdale joined Southampton from Arsenal in a £25m deal last summer, but he is now likely to leave in the summer, with relegation from the Premier League looking increasingly likely.
There may be widespread interest in the Premier League, however, with Chelsea, Brentford and Newcastle United also being named as potential suitors.
Leeds United’s upcoming Championship fixtures
Date
West Bromwich Albion (h)
March 1st
Portsmouth (a)
March 9th
Millwall (h)
March 12th
Queens Park Rangers (a)
March 15th
Swansea City (h)
March 29th
Ramsdale has been "excellent" despite Saints' struggles
It has been a season to forget for Southampton, who have collected just nine points throughout the entire campaign, but their goalkeeper cannot be blamed for his side’s struggles, having been by far the most consistent performer in the squad.
Despite the Saints falling to a 3-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth earlier this month, Joe Hart lauded the 26-year-old’s performance as “absolutely excellent”.
The same can be said about the Englishman’s display against Brighton & Hove Albion last week, receiving by far the highest SofaScore match rating in the Southampton team after making eight saves, seven of which were from inside the box.
Southampton's AaronRamsdalelooks dejected after the match
As such, although the former Arsenal man is set to have another relegation on his CV, he cannot be blamed for the Saints’ inevitable fate, and he deserves another chance in the Premier League.
There has been doubt about Illan Meslier for quite some time, with the Frenchman making some key errors this season, most notably in the 2-2 draw at Sunderland in October, and there are plenty of indications Ramsdale would be a great replacement.
CA chief says “Rashid will always be welcome in the BBL,” after the Afghanistan legspinner threatened to withdraw from the league
AAP13-Jan-2023Cricket Australia has hit back at criticism of its decision to pull out of an ODI series against Afghanistan, with chief executive Nick Hockley declaring “basic human rights is not politics”.Australia’s decision to withdraw from the three-ODI series against Afghanistan in UAE this March has been met with fierce condemnation, including a threat from Rashid Khan to pull out of the BBL.One of the tournament’s most popular players, Rashid claimed he was “strongly considering” his future in the BBL over the issue.In making the announcement on Thursday, CA cited the Taliban’s ban on university education for girls in Afghanistan. But the Afghanistan Cricket Board labelled the decision as “pathetic” and is set to complain to the ICC over Australia “prioritising political interests over the principles of fair play and sportsmanship”.Related
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It also said Australia was “undermining the integrity of the game and damaging the relationship between the two nations” and would rethink allowing players to feature in the BBL.But Hockley was adamant on Friday that CA could not be accused of putting politics above sport.”It is clearly a very challenging and sad situation. We did not take this decision lightly and consulted widely including with our government,” Hockley said. “We were hopeful of playing the series and have been in regular dialogue with the Afghanistan Cricket Board.”However announcements by the Taliban in late November and late December signalling the deterioration of basic human rights for women in Afghanistan led to our decision to withdraw from these games. Basic human rights is not politics.”Hockley also stressed his organisation had no issue with Rashid or other players such as Sydney Sixers quick Naveen-ul-Haq, who also threatened to boycott the tournament.”We acknowledge and applaud Rashid Khan’s and other Afghanistan cricketers’ comments at the time condemning the Taliban’s decision to ban women from universities. Rashid will always be welcome in the BBL.”Hockley was backed by Australian cricketers Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa over the decision. But Rashid was emphatic in his anger.”I take great pride in representing my country, and we have made great progress on the world stage,” Rashid said in a statement. “This decision from CA sets us back in that journey.”If playing vs Afghanistan is so uncomfortable for Australia, then I wouldn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable with my presence in the BBL. Therefore, I will be strongly considering my future in that competition.”In a tweet to the accounts of Cricket Australia, the BBL and ACB officials, Rashid added: “Cricket! The only hope for the country. Keep politics out of it.”If Afghan players do pull out of the BBL, it will leave a big gap to fill as players like Mohammad Nabi, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Qais Ahmad, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Izharulhaq Naveed and Naveen-ul-Haq have distinguished themselves in recent years.CA had previously cancelled an Afghanistan fixture over the Taliban government’s policies towards women, a one-off Test scheduled in November 2021.
Mason Greenwood is attracting interest from at least two Premier League sides but 'huge roadblocks' stand in the way of a return to English football.
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Greenwood starring for MarseilleKeen on Premier League returnTwo top-flight teams consider moveFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
states that two unnamed Premier League sides are weighing up an approach for Greenwood, who is said to be homesick in the French top-flight. However, campaigners insist there can be 'no redemption' for the ex-Manchester United man following the rape charges that were made against him and subsequently dropped in 2023.
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Greenwood is said to be 'pining' for a return to his native north of England, despite starring for Marseille this season, but his past may make a Premier League return to that part of the world difficult. The report adds that his previous private position about not wanting to take a step down from United will be tested and among his friends, there is a difference of opinion about whether he feels ready to go back to the Premier League. A big summer lies ahead for the attacker.
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adds that there is no chance of him adding to his solitary England cap, with the 23-year-old still attempting to switch allegiance to Steve McClaren’s Jamaica.
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Before Greenwood can think about a Premier League return, his Marseille side round off their season at home to Rennes in Ligue 1.
Jemimah Rodrigues will be her deputy, as Capitals’ campaign kicks off on March 5 at the Brabourne Stadium
Vishal Dikshit02-Mar-2023Australia captain Meg Lanning is set to lead the Delhi Capitals franchise in the inaugural edition of Women’s Premier League (WPL) that starts on March 4 in Mumbai. Lanning has won a record four T20 World Cups as captain for Australia, including the most recent one in South Africa last month having beaten the hosts in the final.Lanning, 30, arrived in Mumbai on Thursday for the WPL. She has played 132 T20Is, scoring 3405 runs with two centuries and 15 half-centuries at an average of 36.61 and strike rate of 116.37. She has led Australia in 100 T20Is, the most by any women’s player to captain a side in the format.Jemimah Rodrigues will be the vice-captain of Capitals, who begin their WPL campaign on March 5 against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Brabourne Stadium.Lanning said of her appointment: “It’s a very proud moment for me, firstly to be involved with Delhi Capitals and then to lead them. It’s about enjoying yourself, getting the best out of yourself.”WPL is a massive moment for the sport, it’s the logical next step and makes a lot of sense. Cricket in India is people’s lives and the fact that WPL is up and running, and to be involved in something like this, is amazing. It’s only going to grow in the coming years.”Lanning is the third Australia player to lead a WPL side, after Beth Mooney was named Gujarat Giants’ captain and Alyssa Healy for UP Warriorz. Mumbai Indians will be led by India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Royal Challengers by Smriti Mandhana.
Luka Modric has announced this season will be his last at Real Madrid in a heartfelt farewell from the club legend.
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Modric announces impending Madrid exitPosts emotional farewell messageWill go down as a Los Blancos legendFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The 39-year-old has taken to social media to reveal that his time with Madrid is about to come to an end after 13 years at the club. The veteran midfielder, who has made 590 appearances and scored 43 goals for the Spanish giants, said this is a time he "never wanted to come" but he will be a Madrid fan "for life".
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He wrote on Instagram: "Dear Real Madrid fans: The time has come. The time I never wanted to come, but that's football, and in life everything has a beginning and an end… On Saturday I'll play my last game at the Santiago Bernabéu. I arrived in 2012 with the hope of wearing the shirt of the best team in the world and the ambition to do great things, but I couldn't have imagined what came next. Playing for Real Madrid changed my life as a footballer and as a person. I'm proud to have been part of one of the most successful eras of the best club in history.
"I want to sincerely thank the club, especially president Florentino Pérez, my teammates, coaches, and everyone who has helped me throughout this time. over these years, I've experienced incredible moments, comebacks that seemed impossible, finals, celebrations, and magical nights at the Bernabéu… We've won everything, and I've been very happy. Very, very happy. But beyond the titles and victories, I carry the affection of all Real Madrid fans in my heart.
"I truly don't know how to explain the special connection I have with you all, and how supported, respected, and loved I have felt and continue to feel. I will never forget every ovation and all the gestures of affection you have shown me. I am leaving with a full heart. Full of pride, gratitude, and indelible memories. And although, after the Club World Cup, I will no longer wear this shirt on the pitch, I will always be a Real Madrid fan. We will meet again. Real Madrid will always be my home. For life. Hala Madrid and Nothing Else. Luka Modric."
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Madrid, who reportedly declined the chance to extend his stay, also announced that the Croatian international will leave the club at the end of their Club World Cup campaign this summer. The former Tottenham man has won 28 titles during his spell at the Spanish giants, including a combined 12 Champions Leagues and Club World Cups, four La Ligas, and two Copa del Reys. He is only one of five players in football history to have won six European Cups and is the player with the most titles in Madrid's history. Not many have done it better than Modric.
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2018 Ballon d'Or winner Modric will play his last Santiago Bernabeu game on Saturday at home to Real Sociedad in La Liga, before pulling on the famous white jersey once again from June 18 for the Club World Cup in the United States.
Glasgow Rangers delivered one of their finest away European performances in midweek as they brought a 3-1 advantage over Fenerbahçe back to Ibrox for the second leg.
It could have easily been 5-1, but Cyriel Dessers had two goals ruled out for offside. Despite this, it was a tremendous performance in Turkey.
The Ibrox side came into the game on the back of three back-to-back defeats at home for the first time since 2012. These losses to Queen’s Park, St Mirren and Motherwell saw the Gers score just a single goal.
Not much hope was given to the Glasgow side ahead of the clash against José Mourinho’s side, but fair play to Barry Ferguson as he outmanoeuvred the wily old fox tactically.
Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin ran the show from the heart of the midfield, being central to everything positive that happened for the Gers, while Leon Balogun was a rock alongside John Souttar at the back.
Even Jack Butland, who has come under some fire of late due to a series of poor displays, largely kept the home side at bay with a few good saves during the match.
It was Vaclav Cerny who shone the most for Ferguson’s side, however, yet again displaying his class on the continental stage.
Vaclav Cerny’s incredible display vs Fenerbahçe.
Prior to the clash, Cerny had scored 15 goals and grabbed seven assists in all competitions for the Gers, proving himself to be an excellent loan signing.
Dessers, Cerny
He tends to save his best football for European competition and this was the case against the Turkish side on Thursday evening.
His two goals were extremely well taken. The first was a left-footed effort following a stunning pass from Dessers, while the Czech winger raced onto a through ball by Raskin to calmly slot home the killer third goal for Rangers.
He also attempted two dribbles and delivered a cross, but his impact in the final third, always looking to get on the end of through balls in order to score and he was duly rewarded against Fenerbahçe.
There have been a few games where he has failed to contribute, but in the big matches, Cerny comes to life and proves his worth.
It is a pity the winger is only on loan, as this type of talent isn’t found too often, that’s for sure. Over the last few seasons, Rangers have had a few players on loan at the club who have shone before going onto bigger and better things.
Malik Tillman starred during the 2022/23 campaign, and now he has 15 goal contributions in all competitions for PSV Eindhoven this season.
Abdallah Sima is another one who performed well for Rangers during his loan spell last season. He shone for Brest in the Champions League earlier this season during his temporary spell with the Ligue 1 side.
Where Are They Now
Could the Light Blues have had a chance of signing him on a permanent deal, however?
Rangers already had a bigger talent than Cerny
Ahead of the 2023/24 season, Michael Beale secured the services of Sima on a loan deal from Brighton and Hove Albion and it didn’t take long for him to prove his worth.
Awkward to play against, the left-winger enjoyed plenty of success in Scotland, eventually going on to score 16 goals and registering two assists for the Gers throughout the entire season, despite missing 18 games due to an injury.
Abdallah Sima
It was a scintillating season, and who knows what the club could have achieved had he been fit for those games? This led to discussions about his future and whether it lay in Glasgow.
After the season finished and Sima returned to his parent club, Clement confirmed that he had been in contact with the player, saying: “I’ve been in touch with him, of course,” Clement says. “He’s like one of my sons. Abda loves the club. Abda loves the way of playing we had last season and his role in that. He loved his teammates and the staff.”
The “electric” star – as dubbed by captain James Tavernier – was valued at around £8m by the south coast side during the summer transfer window, which represented a stumbling block for Clement.
Goals
11
Assists
2
Shots per game
2.9
Big chances created
2
Successful dribbles per game
1.2
Key passes per game
0.8
Indeed, he ended up joining Brest on a temporary move until the end of the current season. If he did join permanently, he could have been an even bigger talent than Cerny, without a shadow of a doubt.
What Abdallah Sima has done since leaving Rangers
The left-winger has carried on the form he displayed at Rangers during his time in France. Indeed, across 32 games for the club, Sima has netted eight goals and recorded two assists in all competitions.
It was his form in the Champions League which got people talking. He scored three goals in nine appearances, which included a double against RB Salzburg in the group stage.
Averaging 1.8 shots per game and creating two big chances for his teammates in the competition suggests he wasn’t fazed by the step-up to performing in the biggest club competition in Europe.
It has been yet another successful loan move for the Senegal international. The question is, will this form convince Fabian Hurzeler at Brighton that he deserves a berth in the first-team squad next term?
Abdallah Sima
If he continues to score and perform well, the least he deserves is a chance. Rangers missed the boat last summer. He may have broken the bank, but aged just 23, Sima has plenty of years to reach his peak, which could have seen the Light Blues make a profit on him.
Cerny has stepped up and showcased his class, but a similar situation will occur when he departs this summer, especially as there are likely to be other clubs chasing his signature when the window opens in a few months.
Falling for a loan star. It’s enough to break your heart when they leave.
Better than Cerny: Former Rangers loanee on course to "become a £120m" star
Vaclav Cerny has proven himself to be Rangers’ best player in 2024/25.
RCB’s captain admits that his team was “at least 20 runs” short of a challenging total
ESPNcricinfo staff09-May-2023Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Faf du Plessis has admitted to being disappointed with the lack of runs from his team in the last five overs at the Wankhede after Mumbai Indians chased down a 200-run target on a canter.Du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell added 120 runs in just 62 deliveries for the third wicket and laid the platform for a big finish. But after Maxwell fell to Jason Behrendorff in the 13th over, Mahipal Lomror and du Plessis also followed suit in the next ten deliveries and Royal Challengers could add just 53 runs in the last 35 balls.”At least 20 [runs],” du Plessis told the broadcaster when asked how short his team were from a potentially winning score.Related
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Mumbai mow down 200 to jump from eighth to third
“I think in the context of the wickets so far this season it feels like anything under 220 with Mumbai’s powerful batting line-up, and obviously they are a strong chasing team and bat very deep,” du Plessis said. “So we were very disappointed.””I think we didn’t capitalise in those last five overs. That’s when on a wicket like this you can really do some damage. So disappointed with the last five overs and the lack of runs.”Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, praised quick bowler Akash Madhwal for his execution at the death. Bowling to Wanindu Hasaranga and Kedar Jadhav, Madhwal conceded just six runs in the final over.”He [Madhwal] was with us last year as well and we saw the skillset he brings. All we wanted to do was give him that specific role so he focuses on that and we told him this is what you have to do,” Rohit said at the post-match presentation ceremony.”I know these are tough overs to bowl but he’s quite confident. When I speak to him, the responses that I get, he is quite confident. He is a leader as well. He leads his Uttarakhand team. So he has got a lot of knowledge about how he wants to bowl, what sort of field placements he wants to have.”Rohit also said that Royal Challengers looked set for a score in the region of 220 and praised his team for reining things back in the last few overs, something which the team has struggled with this season.”It was crucial what we did there at the back end. Restricting them to less than 200 was a great effort,” Rohit said. “At one stage it was looking 220 or something like that and the way we have bowled in the last part, it could have been 220 or maybe more.”2:04
Dasgupta: Haven’t seen someone with Suryakumar’s wrist-work in modern-day cricket
Du Plessis: ‘Suryakumar makes a captain extremely grey’In the chase, Ishan Kishan got Mumbai Indians off to a blinder as he smashed his way to 42 off 21 deliveries. But Hasaranga had him caught behind and then trapped Rohit lbw in the fifth over.However, Suryakumar Yadav, with Nehal Wadhera for company, dispelled any chances of a Royal Challengers comeback with a 35-ball 83.Suryakumar hit six sixes and seven fours to help Mumbai complete the chase in 16.3 overs — the quickest that a target of 200 or more has been chased down in the IPL.”He [Suryakumar] is one of the best isn’t he? When he gets going, he’s really difficult to bowl to,” du Plessis said.”He makes a captain extremely grey because he’s got so many options. You don’t feel like you can really shut him down,” he said. “That’s why I said he is one of the greats at the moment.”