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Since the 2015 World Cup, Afghanistan have won more ODIs than Sri Lanka despite playing 22 fewer games

The Preview by Ankur Dhawan03-Jun-20193:16

Dilshan wants Mathews to bat at No. 4

Big PictureBookmakers are offering near-equal odds on the Sri Lanka-Afghanistan contest in Cardiff, and although there was no way of calling this four years ago, when Sri Lanka were contenders until being blown away by South Africa in Sydney, things are a little different now, especially after their walloping at New Zealand’s hands last week.And don’t forget what happened last year, when Afghanistan knocked Sri Lanka out of the Asia Cup.And if you stopped watching cricket after the retirements of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene and have just tuned back in, here’s another staggering statistic: Afghanistan have won more ODIs than Sri Lanka since the last World Cup, despite having played 22 fewer games.While Dimuth Karunaratne, the Sri Lanka captain, is realistic about his side’s chances in the tournament, he is hopeful they can put on a better show than they did against New Zealand. They’ll have to script a quick turnaround at a venue where they have never won a cricket match, in six attempts, and on the same pitch on which they were decimated by New Zealand.For all the progress Afghanistan have made, they haven’t really been tested against top sides that often, and a clearer idea of their standing in ODIs will emerge only at the end of this tournament. In their only match so far, they went for broke, perhaps hoping to catch Australia by surprise and get lucky, an approach likelier to succeed in T20s. Over 50 overs, they need their batsmen to exercise a little more caution, though without going into a shell, and give their bowling attack a better opportunity to showcase their skills.Form guideSri Lanka LWLLL (completed matches, most recent first)
Afghanistan LWLWLIn the spotlightRahmat Shah is Afghanistan’s leading run-scorer since the start of 2015, and at No. 3 he provides an old-school solidity. In 26 of his 52 innings during this period, he has had to come in inside the first five overs, which isn’t surprising given the gung-ho approach of some of their openers. But as often as he has been able to hold the innings together after the fall of an early wicket, he has been equally guilty of squandering starts, with 47% of his dismissals coming between the scores of 10 and 49. Afghanistan need him to become more consistent and add to his four hundreds and 14 fifties.Should Angelo Mathews have been the captain of this Sri Lanka side? Should he be batting higher up the order? He certainly needs to be getting his runs at a faster clip. For all middle-order batsmen (Nos. 4 to 7) who have played a minimum of 30 innings since 2016, Mathews has the third worst strike-rate behind Ireland’s Gary Wilson and Afghanistan’s Asghar Afghan.Rashid Khan celebrates trapping Usman Khawaja LBW•AFPTeam newsLasith Malinga has said he is fully fit and Nuwan Pradeep, who was surprisingly left out against New Zealand, bowled quite a bit in the nets on the eve of the match. Sri Lanka might consider bringing in Pradeep for Isuru Udana, whose style of bowling is more suited to drier surfaces than the one expected in Cardiff, particularly with rain around.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), 2 Lahiru Thirimanne, 3 Kusal Perera (wk), 4 Kusal Mendis, 5 Angelo Mathews, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Thisara Perera, 8 Jeevan Mendis, 9 Isuru Udana/Nuwan Pradeep, 10 Suranga Lakmal, 11 Lasith MalingaGulbadin Naib defended Mohammad Shahzad despite a duck in the tournament opener, so he should keep his place. But given the conditions at the venue, Afghanistan could consider playing an extra seamer in Aftab Alam instead of Mujeeb ur Rahman, who was taken apart by Australia. Asghar Afghan missed the Australia game with a calf strain, and it is unclear if he is fit to play.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Mohammad Shahzad (wk), 2 Hazratullah Zazai, 3 Rahmat Shah, 4 Hashmatullah Shahidi, 5 Najibullah Zadran, 6 Mohammad Nabi, 7 Gulbadin Naib (capt), 8 Rashid Khan, 9 Mujeeb-ur-Rahman/Aftab Alam , 10 Hamid Hassan, 11 Dawlat ZadranPitch and conditionsCardiff has been a good chasing ground over the years with teams batting second winning 15 of the 22 completed ODIs here. The average first-innings winning score here is 322 for 8, exemplifying the difficulty in setting totals. There’s a possibility of thunderstorms on Tuesday, which should make it even easier for captains to decide whether to bat or bowl if the statistics alone weren’t enough.Strategy puntKusal Mendis has shown a vulnerability against right-arm pace and legspin: 43 of his 54 ODI dismissals have come against those two types of bowling. He also struggles to get past the Powerplay, failing to do so 19 of the 41 times he has batted during that phase. Afghanistan should ideally target him with Hamid Hassan and Rashid Khan in tandem. Since 2015, Thisara Perara has fallen 9 out of 21 times to right-arm legspin and his strike-rate against right-arm offspin is just under 65. That suggests that Afghanistan would benefit by attacking Sri Lanka’s big-hitting allrounder with the combination of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi.Stats and trivia From 2010 to 2015, Lasith Malinga’s economy rate in the death overs was an exceptional 6.3, but since returning to the side in 2017, it’s risen to 8.3.Sri Lanka have lost all their internationals in Cardiff, five ODIs and one Test.Quotes”Players need to get confidence, we need to get mentally tough – at this point you can’t change skill. We have to play with a free mind and do our best in tomorrow’s game.”
“Sri Lanka have been struggling in one-day matches in the last one or two years, we have [an] opportunity to do well against them. If we played 50 overs in batting maybe we will beat them but they are also a good team, Sri Lanka, [so] we cannot take [it] easy. Especially for the batters, if we play 50 overs, it could be difficult for them.”

The legendary goalkeeper spoke to reporters ahead of his upcoming induction on May 4

Throughout his career, Tim Howard must have always felt the weight of expectations. At home, he was next up in a long line of legends, placed into shoes that were almost impossible to fill. Abroad, he was playing in environments that don't care where you're from or what you've done, just how you play.

Somehow, though, the American defied each and every expectation thrust upon him. He achieved things that none could have imagined. And, now, he'll have a title to prove it: Hall of Famer.

Not that he needed it, really. Howard's impact remains unquestionable. He has the years, the moments, the statistics, the memories…. Howard's legacy is secure.

So, when he gets his big Hall of Fame moment on May 4, it'll be another accolade for a superstar who earned plenty of them. This one, though, will be special. It solidifies what everyone already knew: that Howard is right there with any American who has ever played this sport.

"Chasing greatness, having a Hall of Fame career, it's scary as hell," Howard told reporters. "There are a lot of lows. There's a lot of low moments. If someone were to ask me if I could do it all over again, I wouldn't want to do it over! I know how hard it was and I wouldn't really want to have to make those sacrifices over again.

"I think I'd tell my younger self that if you work hard enough, and I truly mean work hard enough, and you're willing to sacrifice nearly everything in your life to be great, then things will turn out okay."

Ahead of his Hall of Fame induction, Howard spoke to reporters about his experiences, his legacy and his upcoming big moment…

GettyThinking about legacy

Now that it's all over, Howard can think back to his earliest days a bit more. He can think of his mom kicking a ball at him in front of a wall as he made saves with baseball gloves on his hands. He can think back to sitting in the nosebleeds at Giants Stadium to see the Marlboro Cup. He can look back at a 1990 World Cup that felt like it was played on a different planet than the one he existed in back home in New Jersey.

The American can also think back about the influence of Tony Meola, the U.S. goalkeeper who set the tone for all of those that followed. Howard has earned his place among the greats, players like Meola, Kasey Keller and Brad Friedel.

All these years later, Howard can now realize that there are plenty of other kids now kicking balls in front of walls or sitting in the last rows of stadiums for a glimpse of their heroes. And many of those kids are doing so because of him. For a generation of young players, Howard has become a role model on par with the ones he had growing up.

"When you're done playing, all you have is your legacy," Howard says. "Hopefully you're smart enough and you surround yourself with good enough people that you don't tarnish that legacy on your journey. I'm very fortunate to have that and have had monumental moments, to have had World Cups, longevity in the Premier League to where people can identify with me…I think when it really hit me was when I came home, when I came back to Denver in 2016. Just the amount of people who come up to me and say, 'I'm an Everton fan because of you' and I'm like 'God, I didn't realize I was that old!'

"But that's so cool. That's awesome. I see a lot of kids out there wearing No. 24, which is the number wore. I'm lucky I feel humbled by the fact that I was able to inspire a generation or part of a generation. I think that, when you're done and retire, that's all you got. You can't kick a ball anymore, nor do I desire to kick a ball anymore, but it's your legacy is all you have to hold on to."

AdvertisementGettySir Alex or David Moyes?

On the club level, Howard is best known for his time in the Premier League. He came up as a Metrostar and ended his career as a Colorado Rapid, but many will remember him for his run in England, for good reason.

Howard spent four years with Manchester United before starring at Everton for a decade, becoming one of the Toffees' most beloved players. Few American players have endeared themselves to a club quite like Howard did at Goodison Park, where he earned legitimate icon status.

During his time abroad, he played under legends like Sir Alex Ferguson and, throughout his Everton stretch, David Moyes. And, under them, Howard went from boy to man, both on and off the field.

"Sir Alex Ferguson was very scary," Howard began with a laugh. "I was a young kid when I went to Man Utd, 23, 24, 25, somewhere in there, so I was just a scared kid in a corner saying 'yes sir' or 'no sir'. It was a really big team with big players. My voice wasn't there to be heard. Although that's scary, you don't have much say.

"When I went to Everton, David Moyes, he heaped a lot of responsibility on my shoulders. When that happens, the tide turns. You have to have tough conversations with the manager. When the team isn't playing well or someone isn't turning up, you get the brunt of that fury. David Moyes was the scariest, but I'd run through the Gates of Hell seven days of the week for David Moyes."

Getty ImagesTHAT Belgium game

There are so few moments in sports defined by the loser. History is written by and about winners, with those on the other side often being an afterthought.

Not Howard. Not at the 2014 World Cup. Not on that day when Howard became a legitimate legendary figure in this sport's long history.

Howard's 16-save performance against Belgium remains a historic one. It's the one that earned him the nickname "Secretary of Defense" back home in the States, and the one he's remembered for most abroad, with fans all over the world remembering what may just be the greatest goalkeeping performance of all time.

"The one thing people say to me, If anyone comes up to me and says anything, whether I'm in the supermarket or the airport, which I'm in a lot, or anywhere on the street, they talk about the Belgium game," Howard says. "I think what's special to me now is that I have the opportunity to share that with hundreds, if not thousands, of fans everywhere I go. They tell me where they were, what they were doing, who they were with when they were watching the Belgium game.

There are a lot of times, and this is the crazy thing about generations, a lot of times they'll come up to me with their son or daughter and be like 'I was holding my son while watching the game!' And now and now that baby is kicking a soccer ball around and is eight or nine years old or whatever.

"It's special to have that one shining moment in that category. I have a lot of great moments, but that's one that people can cling to. so I'm very fortunate and I appreciate the fact that that has added to my legacy."

GettyThe current USMNT crop

For the first time in 30 years or so, the USMNT goalkeeper position is struggling a bit. There were so many transitions from Meola right on down to Howard. At the moment, though, American goalkeepers are struggling at the top level.

Matt Turner is stuck on the bench at Nottingham Forest. Zack Steffen has returned home to the Rapids, Howard's former club. Youngsters like Gaga Slonina and Patrick Schulte are making waves, but both still have a lot of growing to do.

Howard isn't worried, although there are concerns.

The legendary goalkeeper says that he's seen a dip in quality in goalkeeping coaching over the years, with that dip directly impacting the development of plenty of players. Between a lack of coaching and a lack of minutes, Howard says there's an easy explanation for the struggles American shot-stoppers are facing at the moment.

"I don't know if our young goalkeepers are getting pushed as hard as they need to, to that breaking point," Howard said. "It's one of the things that Kasey Keller said to me when I signed with Manchester United and it stuck with me forever. He just said that, in order to be judged as a goalkeeper, we have to play 100 games at the highest level. Right now, our young guys aren't getting those games to even be able to judge them.

"I'm not worried about the World Cup. We've got a few years to go. I like Zack and I like Matt, too. I like Matt's wherewithal and fortitude and mental toughness. Zack's talent is unmatched. I've always said about Zack that he can be the greatest USMNT goalkeeper of all time because of the physical tools that he possesses. Obviously, the ball's in his court.

"Am I worried? No, not particularly. I worry more about the team as a whole and making sure they're in the right place."

Mikel Arteta provided updates on Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard's condition ahead of crucial Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich.

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Arteta's update on Saka and Odegaard Arsenal skipper left the pitch against Aston Villa First leg against Bayern ended in a 2-2 draw WHAT HAPPENED?

The Arsenal captain had to be subbed off around the 80th-minute mark due to a leg injury in the club's 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa in the Premier League during the weekend, while Saka was found limping towards the end of the match.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Now ahead of the club's crucial second-leg encounter of their Champions League quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena, the Gunners boss opened up on the condition of the duo and whether they would be able to play on Wednesday.

WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Arteta said, "Yeah hopefully. Today we had only less than 48 hours to recover from the game. We have done very little training. We will assess them tomorrow and see how they are."

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

After facing the Bavarian giants in the midweek, the North London club will be back in action in the Premier League on Saturday as they take on Wolves in a crucial game.

Our writers debate what the USMNT will – and should – look like during the June camp, the striker spot, Gio Reyna and more.

U.S. men's national team boss Gregg Berhalter on Monday released his preliminary Copa America roster for a pair of June friendlies against Brazil and Colombia, with 27 players called into camp in advance of what will eventually be a 26-man roster for this summer's marquee event.

But questions loom.

Who slots into the XI to replace an injured Sergino Dest? Does Berhalter need to tweak his tactics and formation without his star defender? What about out-of-form stars such as Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun?

And then there's the roster itself: were the right choices made, and has anyone been snubbed?

All valid questions, and our GOAL US writers weigh in with the latest edition of…

Getty Images Who is the biggest snub from the June camp roster?

Tom Hindle: To be fair, I think Berhalter has got this mostly right. He’s kept the big guns around, and although there’s no obvious Dest replacement, Scally is a decent – if underwhelming – shout.

If anyone can feel aggrieved, it’s Auston Trusty. A Premier League center back, with 30 plus starts this season – albeit for statistically the worst defense in history – he certainly knows how to play against the best.

Respect where it's due to Miles Robinson and Cameron Carter-Vickers, but Trusty should sneak in over one of those guys. Still, as major issues go, we’re talking about fourth-string center backs.

Ryan Tolmich: There are two players that immediately come to mind: Trusty and Lennard Maloney.

Both logged big minutes in top leagues, and neither had their names called for this squad. Of the two, Trusty's slight is the toughest. Maloney has more experienced players ahead of him, while Trusty is very much part of a big battle for a centerback spot. Unfortunately for him, he was Berhalter's sixth choice in a five-horse race despite playing the most games at the highest level in the competition.

Overall, though, it's splitting hairs. The USMNT's fate won't be determined by players 23-26, even if there is plenty of reason to debate those spots.

Jacob Schneider: Someone has to be the odd one out here: Trusty has not been snubbed. Though he's a talented defender, being a part of the worst defense in Premier League history essentially puts you in a hole. Maloney, meanwhile, should be upset that Timmy Tillman has been called up ahead of him.

And the name that we have not been talking about – don't quite understand why – is Alejandro Zendejas. He's been lights-out in Mexico for Club America, arguably the most storied and talented franchise across North America.

The U.S. winger pool is deep, but things are bleak in terms of right-wing depth. With 26 players on the roster, was there really not room for someone like Zendejas in the attack?

AdvertisementGetty ImagesFolarin Balogun, Josh Sargent, Ricardo Pepi: Who do you start at striker?

TH: None of them? All of them?

Ask nine months ago, and it’s Balogun, pretty much without doubt. The dude can put the ball in the net, and banged in 20-plus in Ligue 1. Farmer’s league jokes aside, average strikers don’t accidentally hit those kinds of numbers. Today? It gets a bit more complicated, especially after Balogun's middling season.

It feels like Pepi had his moment two years ago, and hasn’t delivered since. Not quite convinced he’s all that – at least not yet. Form suggests that Sargent is the right choice, but he never made it happen in the Prem, either. On balance, you probably go with the guy who can do it at the highest level.

Pop Balogun up there, but I don’t think Sargent is too far behind.

JS: If Sargent is healthy, he's the pick. He's long been the most naturally talented striker in the U.S. pool. He has excelled in all situations for Norwich City this year, and at one point, had the most headed goals across the top-two divisions in England – even more than Erling Haaland.

Then again, you don't just casually score 20+ goals in Ligue 1. Balogun is a sensational striker, but his form is woeful, and he's lacking confidence.

Pepi is better suited to represent the U.S. at the Paris Olympic Games this summer. However, for Copa America, he will be able to provide an electric presence off the bench.

Berhalter should start the forward who can bag goals at the moment, and that's Sargent.

RT: It's conditional, isn't it?

It feels like it's between Balogun and Sargent, but the answer could be both. Sargent could be the guy against Bolivia and Panama, inferior teams that bunker down. Balogun could be the guy against Uruguay and some of the late-tournament heavy-hitters due to his pace and intelligence in making runs.

All of this depends on Sargent's health. If he's healthy, a split of the two is best for business.

Getty ImagesWithout Dest available, should Berhalter tweak his system?

TH: In theory, sure. In practice, probably not. Dest is a very good attacking full back, who has proved that he can deliver for the USMNT.

Yet he's not such a major loss that Berhalter – a manager so tactically inflexible it physically hurts – has to tear the whole thing apart. Injuries are always going to be a problem for national teams. And you can see why changes need to be made to account for missing superstars. France would have to change without Mbappe, Argentina without Messi, etc.

Not quite convinced that a pretty good full back doing his knee is worth scrapping your system. Then again, it might be fun for the manager to try something new – for once.

JS: If Joe Scally isn't your man, yes, change the system. If he is, no.

There's only one reason you'd tweak anything, and it would be to move Tim Weah to RWB in a back-five system with Antonee Robinson opposite.

It sure as hell would be fun to see, but the point of those two matches against Brazil and Colombia isn't to test things out. It's to nail everything down. The testing window was March, and that time has passed.

That said, the U.S. should tweak their front-three to move Christian Pulisic to the right side of the pitch if they do opt for a back-five. He has excelled there for Milan, and Haji Wright has more than earned a chance to start on the left with him.

RT: They're going to have to adjust, in some ways. No player can do what Dest does, which is going to change how the U.S. approaches the right-hand side. Weah's job is made easier by Dest's attacking skills and, without that, it'll all look different.
But a big formation tweak? Probably not. Berhalter has his ideas and style and, even without Dest, this is a team suited to them. No need to reinvent the wheel for one player, even if that wheel could use a bit of adjusting.

Getty ImagesWhich player needs the June camp most to impress?

TH: The logical answer here is Brendan Aaronson. A couple of years ago, it seemed he might be a crucial part of this team through 2026 and beyond.

This next month figures to be a good opportunity for him to get back on track, and show that he can compete for minutes among a squad that has approximately 56 attacking midfielders and no real wingers. But he’s probably not getting in this team.

Realistically, then, it’ll be Gio Reyna.

He didn’t get a kick at Forest, and he’s quite comfortably the most talented footballer Berhalter has at his disposal. He’s not going to be dropped altogether, but Reyna has to show he is at least sharp enough to earn a spot.

JS: There's two obvious answers: Matt Turner and Scally. The Nottingham Forest goalkeeper may truly be getting his last hoorah as the starting shotstopper at Copa America. He lost his starting spot at the club level, lost the support of their fans, and isn't even a consensus starter for the national team. With the likes of Patrick Schulte, Gaga Slonina and Diego Kochen all on the rise, Turner needs this June to cement his status.

Scally, meanwhile, has more expectations than anyone else in this camp. The assumption is he will start at right-back in place of the injured Dest, and as such, he has shoes unlike any other to fill. The Gladbach defender had a rough moment in the March international window against Jamaica, and was arguably slammed too much for it. However, it was a much-needed learning moment for the 21-year-old.

For someone who started 25 of 31 Bundesliga games for his club this season, he sure gets a lot of stick from USMNT fans. This June is his chance to respond.

RT: There's a clear answer here, and that's Scally. With Dest gone, Scally is next up and, thus far, hasn't shown he's ready. Scally is yet to have a true breakout USMNT performance, partly because his chances have been somewhat spread out.

He'll get his opportunity this summer and, if he seizes it, who knows what happens after the Copa? First, he'll need to prove that he's up for the challenge by performing against Colombia and Brazil. If he does that, he could earn Berhalter's trust and prevent any of the big tactical tweaks mentioned above.

Berhalter can also use Weston McKennie or Weah as a right-back but, the US will be better if Scally makes it so he doesn't have to.

Millwall and Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has tragically died at the age of 26.

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Sarkic fell ill in the weekWas away with Montenegro when he passedClubs, players and fans left devastatedWHAT HAPPENED?

The passing of the Championship goalkeeper has sent a shockwave across the world of football after appearing for several English clubs during his career. Sarkic fell ill while with his friends at an apartment in Budva, but attempts to save his life were unsuccessful. He was in action for his country just over a week ago against Belgium.

AdvertisementWHAT MILLWALL SAID

Millwall released a statement following the news and expressed their devastation at the incident. A post on their website read: "Millwall Football Club is completely devastated to announce that Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26. Sarkic, The Lions' number one goalkeeper, made 33 appearances for the club since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023. A Montenegro international, Matija proudly represented his country on numerous occasions."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Tributes have been pouring in from a number of Sarkic's former clubs. Birmingham City said: "Everyone at Birmingham City is shocked and saddened to learn of the news that our former goalkeeper, Matija Sarkic, has passed away at the age of 26. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and all those that knew him."

The Villa Academy page posted a heartwarming message for their ex-stopper, adding: "Difficult to put the news of this morning into words. Former Villa goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has passed away at the age of 26. Rest in peace, Mati. You and your family are in our thoughts. 💜"

Millwall's official supporters club were also saddened to hear of his death, saying: "🖤 RIP Matija Sarkic 🖤 What horrendous news to wake up to this morning that our goalkeeper Matija Sarkic has died at the young age of 26. Devastating news for his friends and family and for all of us associated with Millwall. Once a lion, always a lion 🦁"

WHAT NEXT?

The world of football will mourn the tragic loss of a top athlete and person. Millwall will be keen to pay tribute to their goalkeeper further with fans of the club when they return from the summer break.

The opener has been in terrific form in both international and domestic cricket this season

Nagraj Gollapudi10-Dec-2019An in-form Mayank Agarwal has replaced the injured Shikhar Dhawan in the India squad for ODI leg of the home series against West Indies which will follow after the ongoing T20I series. It is understood that Dhawan has not yet completely recovered from the freak knee injury he suffered in November during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which had ruled him out initially from the T20I leg of the West Indies series with Sanju Samson being named as his replacement.Agarwal is currently playing for Karnataka in the first round of Ranji Trophy against Tamil Nadu in Dindigul. He will miss at least the second round of Ranji matches starting on December 17.It will be the second time this year Agarwal has been called as a replacement to join the ODI squad. The first occurrence was during the World Cup when he replaced allrounder Vijay Shankar, who had picked a toe injury. The selectors had then explained the decision as providing top-order back-up, with Dhawan having already been ruled out and KL Rahul having suffered an injury scare.ALSO READ: When you come back and play domestic cricket in India, it challenges you – Mayank AgarwalOverall this year, in terms of numbers alone, Agarwal has been the best Indian batsman across formats across domestic and international cricket. With two double centuries and a century, he was the leading run-maker in India’s Test home season which featured five matches spread across two series involving South Africa (three Tests) and Bangladesh (two Tests).Complimenting Agarwal’s form, Indian captain Virat Kohli said that what made the Karnataka batsman stand out was his positive intent and performing to win. In a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, Agarwal agreed.Agarwal had also dominated the domestic circuit. Immediately after the South Africa Test series, he rushed to join the Karnataka squad in Bengaluru for the Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-final and final. He scored an unbeaten 47 off 33 deliveries in the semi-final against Chattisgarh and then 69* off 55 balls in the final against Tamil Nadu, thus playing a strong hand Karnataka winning the title. Days later he turned up for India C and scored 120 against India A in the one-day Deodhar Trophy.* 0900GMT The piece was updated after confirmation of Agarwal’s addition

Chamari Athapaththu explains how her side defended 12 runs off the last two overs to make the women’s Asia Cup final

Mohammad Isam13-Oct-2022Nida Dar goes down on her haunches after getting run-out off the last ball. The Sri Lanka players are running towards each other from all directions, arms aloft, screaming loud, smiling. The big screen at the Sylhet International Stadium flashes the result. Those in the stands are open-mouthed. Some have their hands on their head. Whether it happens in front of a few hundred people, or millions, there’s something unpretentious about last-ball finishes.Particularly when the contest was so tilted against the winners even just 15 minutes previously. The first ray of hope for Sri Lanka came when Sugandika Kumari removed Bismah Maroof in the 18th over. She was in two minds and missed the ball. Bowled for 42. Inoka Ranaweera was magnificent in the 19th over, picking up another wicket. Pakistan needed nine off the last six balls. And up stepped Achini Kulasuriya, slinging yorker after yorker until she made history.After the match, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu was beaming, with her deputy Oshadi Ranasinghe in tow, at the press conference. A little while before, Aliya Riaz had expressed just how sad it was to be in the Pakistan dressing room at that point. They were almost there, in the Women’s Asia Cup final, only to be denied off the last ball.Athapaththu said that Kulasuriya followed her directions word for word. It was all about denying the batters Riaz and Dar the room they needed to hit the ball over the 25-yard circle, which became doubly important because, at that moment, Sri Lanka were also dealing with an over-rate penalty. They could have only three fielders (one less than the usual four in women’s cricket) outside the circle in the last over.”After 14 years, we are in the final of the Asia Cup,” Athapaththu said. “So it’s really good for us as a team, as a nation. We are really excited today. And I’m very happy about my team’s performance today. All players doing really well today.”We planned a few things yesterday. We know Nida is a hard-hitter of Pakistan. Achini Kulasuriya is a really good, experienced bowler in our bowling line-up. I always trust her, and I know she can do it.”

#ApeKello celebrating in style

Sri Lanka qualified for the finals of the Women’s #AsiaCup2022 after winning against Pakistan by 1 run. pic.twitter.com/WXHkGcQJdd

— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) October 13, 2022