Ivan Toney says Bruno Fernandes "obviously hasn't seen" the Saudi Pro League, with the Manchester United captain snubbing a lucrative transfer offer.
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Portuguese playmaker wants to stay in Europe
Toney has defended standard in the Middle East
Backing Mbeumo to be a success at Old Trafford
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Al-Hilal were reportedly prepared to pay Portuguese playmaker Fernandes £700,000-a-week if he completed a move to the Middle East, with a £100 million ($135m) fee going to United if they agreed to part with their talismanic skipper.
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Fernandes has, however, stated he wants to continue playing in Europe. He said when explaining his decision to turn down a stunning contract proposal: "I want to maintain myself at the highest level, playing in the big competitions, and I feel capable of it."
WHAT IVAN TONEY SAID
Toney made his own move from the Premier League to Saudi Arabia when leaving Brentford for Al-Ahli in the summer of 2024 and has told of Fernandes passing up the chance to join him in a division that can be unfairly written off: "That's his decision. He maybe thinks it's different to me.
"He obviously hasn't seen the league. The standard is high. I always say this, people always judge it on not seeing it, you know? And you have to see it first hand to have your own opinion. If people went there and went to some games, they'd soon realise. I know it's a good standard. You would never knock it once you've been there. It is tough."
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DID YOU KNOW?
As he prepares to remain at Old Trafford, Fernandes may soon be joined by Toney’s former Brentford team-mate Bryan Mbeumo. The England striker said of another big-money deal that United are reportedly lining up: "He scores goals, he knows where to put the ball for other players. He's got a similar penalty technique [to me]. He is a top, top player and he deserves to play for top, top clubs."
da cassino online： A luta doFluminenseem encontrar atalhos para desbancar o Volta Redonda passa por encontrar variações no meio de campo. Após a atuação abaixo da média na derrota por 2 a 1, no último domingo (12), o técnico Fernando Diniz procura outra forma de surpreender o adversário no Maracanã e se credenciar na decisão do Carioca.
Ao entrarem em campo no Raulino de Oliveira, os meias Lima e Gabriel Pirani tornaram o Tricolor das Laranjeiras mais impetuoso. Em vez da postura engessada e bem marcada pelo Voltaço, a equipe aumentou sua criação e levou perigo em jogadas pelos lados e em bolas alçadas.
+ Veja os próximos jogos do Campeonato Carioca
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da aposte e ganhe： Com boa pontaria, Lima foi o responsável por cobrar o escanteio que culminou no gol de Nino. O camisa 45 mostra-se um jogador combativo e que arrisca finalizações, cruzamentos e que dá nova dinâmica ao meio.
Pirani havia se mostrado decisivo na vitória por 2 a 1 sobre o Flamengo, que deu aos tricolores a Taça Guanabara. Abnegado, o meia sinalizou que tem capacidade de aliar velocidade à qualidade na troca de passes, fator crucial para que os comandados de Fernando Diniz consigam lutar até o fim pela vaga na decisão do Campeonato Carioca.
Cientes de que travarão uma disputa acirrada, Lima e Gabriel Pirani tentam surgir nesta reta final como uma “cartada” de Fernando Diniz para surpreender o Volta Redonda.
“This is how pitches need to be,” he said of Pallekele where Sri Lanka notched up consecutive 300-plus totals
Madushka Balasuriya12-Feb-2024Two matches down and two matches the team batting first has scored over 300. This isn’t common in Sri Lanka, and for it to happen in consecutive games is even rarer – in fact, there have been only 10 instances across 358 ODIs in Sri Lanka, prior to this series, where two consecutive games have seen a score of 300 or more.In terms of games where 350 or more runs have been scored by the team batting first, Sri Lanka’s 381 in the first ODI was the first such score since 2018 – in total there have been just nine such scores on Lankan soil, and only four of those belong to Sri Lanka.By contrast, last year’s World Cup alone saw 13 totals of 350-plus – there were 24 such totals in every other World Cup combined. Suffice to say, this is clear indicator in which direction the game is heading, at least in terms of what batters are increasingly capable of.Related
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And now, finally, Sri Lanka seems to be catching up – or at least that’s the hope, after the first two high-scoring surfaces offered up at Pallekele.”After we came back from the World Cup, the first thing we spoke about was the pitches,” said Charith Asalanka, whose 74-ball 97* had played a large part in their 155-run win in the second ODI.”We were generally used to pitches where scoring more than 300 was a challenge. But if we take the pitches we’ve played on [in] this series so far, those concerns seem to have been addressed to a large extent.”And indeed they have. While the surfaces in Colombo for last month’s series against Zimbabwe were still of the slower variety, the home crowds in Pallekele have been witness to rare high-scoring affairs. And after Afghanistan’s stirring chase in the first ODI – where they fell short by 42 runs, but still managed to record their highest ever ODI total – they might have been in line for another on Sunday night but were denied by a collapse of epic proportions in which they went from 128 for 1 to 153 all out.That was down to a disciplined effort by the Sri Lankan bowlers, who stuck to their plans of keeping things tight, letting the required rate rise, and then picking up wickets when Afghanistan were forced to accelerate. And Asalanka is acutely aware that bowling more on such pitches is a boon not just for their batters, but for the bowlers as well.”Even today, they [Afghanistan] were in a good place in terms of their batting but as they were trying to accelerate I think we bowled well to get them out. But this is how pitches need to be, because when we go to play international tournament[s] we’re generally going to get wickets where you need to score more than 300.”So to be able to do that we need to have practised in our home conditions. If we do more of that then it’s going to be easier for us to compete in ICC tournaments. More than that I think even our bowlers are starting to learn how to bowl on good batting wickets.”
da winzada777： Arsenal’s Premier League tussle with rivals Chelsea certainly isn’t one that will live long in the memory, with Mikel Merino’s inventive, first-half header proving the difference in what was a tetchy affair at the Emirates.
da jogodeouro： That rather lifeless meeting pitted two injury-hit teams against each other, although it was arguably only the Gunners who looked intent on securing victory, with the visitors rather resigned to their fate.
The Blues were without Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, among others, although the hosts were without the likes of Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz, as Merino maintained his role as a makeshift centre-forward.
To the Spaniard’s credit, he has taken to that role in respectable fashion of late having also scored against PSV Eindhoven, alongside his brace against Leicester City, with Enzo Maresca perhaps in need of his own novel solution in the absence of Jackson.
Mikel Arteta must then be delighted to have seen his experiment pay off, although fielding the former Real Sociedad man in that attacking berth will likely be a short-term venture. A new centre-forward is a must this summer…
The latest on Arsenal's search for a striker
Not since the summer of 2022 have the Gunners forked out for a new number nine, albeit with even Gabriel Jesus not exactly an orthodox striker, having largely featured on the flanks during his time at Manchester City.
Arsenal’s top PL scorer by season (since 2015)
Season
Player
PL goals
2024/25*
Kai Havertz
9
2023/24
Bukayo Saka
16
2022/23
Martin Odegaard & Gabriel Martinelli
15
2021/22
Bukayo Saka
11
2020/21
Alexandre Lacazette
13
2019/20
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
22
2018/19
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
22
2017/18
Alexandre Lacazette
14
2016/17
Alexis Sanchez
24
2015/16
Olivier Giroud
16
Stats via Transfermarkt
Havertz, meanwhile, was initially signed to replace Granitz Xhaka in a left-sided number eight berth, and while he has scored 29 goals since for the north London side, that desire for a more prolific attacking figurehead has not abated.
Indeed, as reported by Football Insider, Arsenal are believed to be interested in signing Inter sensation, Marcus Thuram, this summer, having moved ahead of title rivals Liverpool in pursuit of the Frenchman.
Transfer Focus
As per the report, the in-demand striker is believed to have a £71m release clause in his current contract which can be activated at the end of the season, albeit with the Serie A leaders currently trying to negotiate a new deal with the 27-year-old.
The Gunners would have to rival Chelsea and Liverpool for his signature, with the Reds seemingly viewing Thuram as a perfect replacement for Darwin Nunez, who could leave Anfield if a suitable offer arrives – according to the piece.
Whether Arteta and co can win that fight remains to be seen, although if the former Borussia Monchengladbach marksman does end up at the Emirates, he could represent the centre-forward solution that the club have been craving.
Arsenal could land the next Thierry Henry
Dipping into the Italian market has been a fruitful venture in the past for the Gunners, having notably plucked Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp from AC Milan and Inter, respectively, prior to the golden Arsene Wenger era.
That interest in recruiting from Serie A was also on show with the signing of the club’s all-time top scorer, Thierry Henry, with the legendary World Cup winner arriving from Juventus in 1999. The rest, as they say, is history.
While replicating the talents of arguably the Premier League’s greatest-ever player, as crowned by fans previously, is almost an impossible task, Thuram has shown qualities that parallel his compatriot.
Inter Milan'sMarcusThuramand Alessandro Bastoni
The likeness between the pair was notably highlighted by Wenger, with the iconic Gunners boss stating in the past that one player who “reminds” him of Henry is Thuram, amid the striker’s fine form at Gladbach.
After scoring 44 goals in 134 games during his time with the Bundesliga side, the Parma-born forward has been a revelation since his free transfer switch to Milan in 2023, scoring 31 goals in 84 games for his current side, while registering 12 assists.
A player capable of operating through the middle or off the left, much like Henry, Thuram has scored 16 times in 38 games this season for Simone Inzaghi’s side, showcasing just why talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “an absolute beast” of a striker in the past.
With Thuram also interestingly noted as a statistically similar player to another leading Arsenal target, Alexander Isak, in relation to centre-forwards in Europe’s top five leagues, all the signs point to a summer move proving a successful one for the Gunners.
French international strikerThierryHenrysmiles with manager Arsene Wenger
Having waited so long to get a new number nine in the door, there could be worse decisions than settling on Henry 2.0 – as long as Liverpool don’t get there first, that is.
Saved by Merino: Arteta must axe 5/10 Arsenal flop after Chelsea display
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The Atletico Madrid star invited the NBA legend to attend the club's upcoming CWC matches at the Rose Bowl
Griezmann hopes to connect with basketball idolAtleti face PSG, Seattle Sounders, and Botafogo in groupGriezmann's NBA fandom includes social media interactionsGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
Antoine Griezmann has reached out to NBA superstar LeBron James with an invitation to attend Atlético Madrid's FIFA Club World Cup matches in the United States this summer. The French international, a well-known basketball enthusiast, expressed hope that James might attend one of Atlético's three group stage matches at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
“Well, maybe,” Griezmann said in an interview with Sports Illustrated about the Club World Cup. “We’re playing two games in Los Angeles, at the Rose Bowl. He might come; he’s certainly invited, and we’d like to welcome him to one of our training sessions. Why not?”
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Griezmann spoke about his love for American sports but asserted that he’ll in Los Angeles to play in the CWC and his focus is solely on that, and helping Atletico Madrid do their best.
“Yes, I’ve been to Los Angeles once or twice. As you know, I’m a big fan of the NBA and the NFL, I’m new to baseball. So, for me, it’s going to be cool to be able to play there," he said. "That said, I’m not going there as a tourist, I really want to play, to win, and to do well. It’s about enjoying the occasion, and hopefully we can have a great tournament. And yes, to be honest, playing there is going to be nice.”
The 2018 World Cup winner further talked about the Club World Cup and admitted that he’s honored by the fact that Atletico Madrid was picked to play in the first iteration of the tournament.
“What excites me most about this FIFA Club World Cup is that it’ll be the first. So it’s an honor for me and the club to be a part of it. Ultimately, we’re looking forward to going to the United States and playing our first match, which will be against PSG,” he added.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup represents a major expansion of the tournament, with 32 clubs from around the world competing across the United States. Atlético Madrid's schedule presents a unique challenge, facing teams from three different confederations: Paris Saint-Germain (UEFA) on June 15 at the Rose Bowl, Seattle Sounders (CONCACAF) at Lumen Field on June 19, and Botafogo (CONMEBOL) back at the Rose Bowl on June 23.
AFPWHAT’S NEXT?
Atlético Madrid will continue their preparations for the Club World Cup while completing their domestic season. The face Girona away from home in their final game of the regular season on May 24.
Leeds United supporters will be hoping that the club can secure a return to the Premier League over the next couple of months with just 14 Championship games remaining in 2024/25.
The Whites are currently in their second season at this level after missing out on promotion last time around in the cruellest way possible – the play-off final.
However, Daniel Farke has done a superb job of leading the club to the summit of the table in recent weeks, with their 14-game unbeaten run in the league undoubtedly aiding their cause.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkeapplauds fans
If they were to secure a return to England’s top flight, the German would have to do what many teams have failed to do over the last couple of seasons and avoid an immediate return back down the ladder.
Should they secure promotion, the hierarchy would have to provide the manager with the resources to be a success once more, learning from their previous mistakes of signing players not at the level required.
Leeds United’s transfers in 2022/23
Leeds’ last season in the Premier League was a challenge from the get-go, losing Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha to Manchester City and Barcelona respectively – with the pair two of their star players at Elland Road the season.
Subsequent funds were spent across the team to provide depth in all areas, with full-back Rasmus Kristensen joining the club from RB Salzburg.
Leeds defender Rasmus Kristensen.
The Dane made 26 appearances during his only season as a first-team member in Yorkshire to date, leaving on multiple loan spells after relegation at the end of the season.
He was just one of nine senior additions during the course of the aforementioned campaign, but he and his teammates were unable to prevent the club from dropping back into the Championship at the end of the season.
One of the signings joined in January, offering a last-ditch attempt to turn around the dismal form, but was subsequently unable to – thriving away from Elland Road in the last couple of seasons.
The Leeds player who’s similar to a £92m talent
Weston McKennie arrived at Leeds on loan from Juventus in January 2023, looking to add the needed quality to the midfield department to fight off any lingering relegation threats.
Weston McKennie for Leeds United
The American would make 20 appearances but was unable to prevent the inevitable, leaving the Whites at the end of the season and moving back to Serie A, forcing himself back into the first-team picture in Turin.
The 26-year-old has now featured 64 times in the last two campaigns for the Italian giants, registering 18 combined goals and assists, with his latest strike coming in the Champions League against PSV last night.
As a result of his displays, McKennie has since been ranked as a similar player to Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard – highlighting how much he’s developed away from Yorkshire after his temporary stint with the Whites.
The Norwegian, who’s valued at £92m by Transfermarkt, has been a key member of Mikel Arteta’s side in recent times but has been unable to produce better stats than the former loanee who’s bettered the midfielder in various key areas.
Games played
18
16
Goals & assists
5
5
Shot-on-target accuracy
56%
30%
Pass accuracy
85%
83%
Tackles won
1.3
1.1
Blocks made
0.8
0.3
Take-ons completed
55%
47%
Aerials won
1
0.4
The Juve star has registered the same amount of goal contributions in the league, whilst posting a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, outperforming the former Real Madrid star who’s more of an attacking option.
McKennie has also completed more of his attempted passes and won more tackles per 90, showcasing his excellent box-to-box playstyle, finally starting to fulfil his potential after his spell at Leeds.
Leeds United midfielder Weston McKennie
It’s bonkers to see such a quick progression after his short spell in Yorkshire, with the American undoubtedly one of the leading talents within Juventus’ current squad under Thiago Motta.
Outperforming Odegaard is no mean feat given his own form in recent times, with it being great to see a former Whites player thrive after a difficult period in his professional career following relegation in 2022/23.
Saved by James & Solomon: Farke must axe Leeds dud who lost possession 15x
Leeds United took a huge leap towards Championship promotion with a huge 4-0 win last night.
Harry Kane has been urged to move to MLS instead of securing a Premier League return should the striker leave Bayern Munich.
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Kane thriving in Germany with Bayern
Linked with Premier League return
Striker told MLS is the place to be
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Kane has been in remarkable goalscoring form since joining Bayern from Tottenham in 2023, scoring 36 goals in just 43 games this season alone. Nevertheless, the 31-year-old continues to be linked with a move back to the Premier League.
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However, the Bayern star has been told that the English top-flight may not be the best place for him as German football correspondent Sab Stafford-Bloor feels MLS would be a better destination for the well-known NFL fan.
WHAT WAS SAID
"This is just my feeling, but I think MLS is an interesting future direction for Kane just because of his fondness for American culture, but also American sports culture, which is pretty well-known," Stafford-Bloor told the podcast. "I think that's one to look out for. If you're Harry Kane and you've suffered quite a lot of physical punishment over the years — everybody knows about his ankles and the amount of injuries he's suffered — is the Premier League the right place for you as you approach your mid-thirties? I would say no if you want to have the longest career possible."
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WHAT NEXT FOR KANE?
The former Spurs star has over two years left on his contract at the German giants and with the Bundesliga title almost secured, he will be looking to add more trophies to his collection with Vincent Kompany's team next season.
Manchester City have wasted no time in filling the famous No.10 shirt, handing it to French prodigy Rayan Cherki in the wake of Jack Grealish’s departure to Everton. The 21-year-old arrived from Lyon just before the FIFA Club World Cup in a deal worth €36 million (£30.5m), with further add-ons potentially inflating the fee.
Cherki takes City’s iconic No.10 shirtGrealish heads to Everton on loanGuardiola eyes fresh start for new season at MolineuxFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Cherki’s move is being billed as a long-term masterstroke, with City seeing him as a creative spark to help bridge the gap left by the exits of club icon Kevin De Bruyne and now Grealish. Known for his silky close control and ability to glide past defenders, the youngster has been on City’s radar since emerging as a standout talent in Ligue 1.
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Last season, Cherki notched the joint-highest number of assists (11) in the French top flight and was one of only two non-Paris Saint-Germain players to earn a place in the Ligue 1 Team of the Season. Soon, after his unveiling, he hinted at his preferred playing position, which aligns with his jersey number, "I prefer to play No.10, but right now I just want to play. Where I am on the pitch is not important; I just want to be on the pitch and help the team to win. I am ready.”
DID YOU KNOW?
While Cherki’s arrival marks a new chapter, Grealish’s loan move to Everton marks the end of a turbulent period at City. The England international, signed for a British-record fee in 2021, has struggled for consistency under Guardiola and saw his minutes dwindle last season.
Now heading to Merseyside on a season-long loan, Grealish will work under David Moyes in what could be a career-defining stint. Everton have secured an option to make the deal permanent next summer for around £50 million ($67m), a figure that could tempt City to cut ties for good if the 29-year-old flourishes.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?
Pep Guardiola’s men will begin their Premier League campaign on Saturday with a trip to Molineux to face Wolves. After an underwhelming season, as per City's high standards, they will look to dethrone Liverpool from the perch and reclaim domestic dominance.
Bashir, Hartley, Tongue, Turner and Cook among notable inclusions for tour in new year
ESPNcricinfo staff18-Dec-2024
Rocky Flintoff made his Under-19 Test debut in the summer•ECB via Getty Images
Rocky Flintoff has been handed an official call-up to the England Lions squad for next month’s tour of Australia, where his fortunes will once again be overseen by his father, Andrew.Flintoff, 16, was a last-minute addition to the Lions’ trip to South Africa earlier this month – his father’s maiden tour as head coach – where he featured in the one-off tour match against a CSA Invitational XI in Cape Town, making 4 from three balls in his only innings.His inclusion continues a startling rise, which began with his precocious displays for Lancashire 2nd XI in April, continued through his multi-format debuts for England’s Under-19 teams against Sri Lanka in July, and culminated in his first professional contract with Lancashire in August and subsequent first-class debut.Now he has been included in a Lions tour that could offer several pointers for the senior squad’s challenge in next year’s Ashes, not least for the incumbent Test spinner, Shoaib Bashir, for whom this will be an opportunity to fine-tune his game in Australian conditions.Bashir, 21, was himself fast-tracked by England for the tour of India in January, and has played in 15 of England’s 17 Tests in 2024. He will travel under the tutelage of Graeme Swann, the offspinner who played a key role in England’s last Ashes win in Australia in 2010-11, and will have the opportunity to play in three competitive fixtures in Brisbane and Sydney, culminating in an unofficial Test against Australia A. Lancashire’s left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, who featured in all five Tests in India but has not been picked since, will also make the trip.Brendon McCullum, England’s head coach, had flagged the likelihood of Bashir’s inclusion in the Lions back in October, with the sense emerging from his recent displays in Pakistan and New Zealand, where he took 17 wickets at 50.58 in six Tests, that his game has not progressed quite as quickly as England had hoped.Shoaib Bashir could play a key role in next winter’s Ashes•Getty Images
“For Bash, the opportunity to be able to get some experience in those conditions could be really vital for us,” McCullum said in October, at the conclusion of the Pakistan tour. “That’s the beauty of the Lions programme, you have the opportunity to get some cricket into guys. With Freddie there as well now and in charge of the Lions, he’s got a very similar view on the game to what I’ve got, so there’ll be consistency of message and that’s something that we’ve got to look at.”Among the fast bowlers, Josh Tongue is a notable inclusion. He made two Test appearances at Lord’s in 2023, where he impressed with his sharp pace and ability to generate steep bounce from a good length, but has been sidelined by injury for long periods, including a setback that ruled him out of a possible white-ball debut in the Caribbean in November.He has been handed a call-up alongside John Turner, another quick bowler who is capable of 90mph pace, and Essex’s Sam Cook – one of the most prolific bowlers in county cricket, but whose opportunities had previously been limited by James Anderson’s presence in the England set-up.Related
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Steady Bashir helps put positive spin on England's day
Josh Hull, the 20-year-old Leicestershire left-armer who made a surprise Test debut against Sri Lanka in September, has not been included in the main squad but will travel to Australia as he continues his rehabilitation from a quad injury.Among the batters, Alex Davies is rewarded for a strong season with Warwickshire, for whom he made four centuries in his maiden year as captain, while Somerset’s wicketkeeper-batter James Rew is also included.England Men’s Performance Director, Ed Barney, said: “We have rewarded players who have proven themselves at this level and those with significant potential. Matches and tours of Australia are always important and we relish the opportunity to test ourselves against quality opposition. This tour allows us to evaluate performances, refine preparation and continue working with some of the best emerging talent in the country.”I’m also delighted to see Josh Tongue returning to competitive cricket. Josh has had a challenging time with injuries but is progressing well and will benefit from this tour as he steps up his preparation. We hope this marks the start of a prosperous and impactful return to cricket for him in 2025.”Squad: Sonny Baker (Hampshire), Shoaib Bashir (Somerset), Pat Brown (Derbyshire), James Coles (Sussex), Sam Cook (Essex), Alex Davies (Warwickshire), Rocky Flintoff (Lancashire), Tom Hartley (Lancashire), Tom Lawes (Surrey), Freddie McCann (Nottinghamshire), Ben McKinney (Durham), James Rew (Somerset), Hamza Shaikh (Warwickshire), Mitch Stanley (Lancashire), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire), John Turner (Hampshire).Fixtures: Jan 14-17 – CA XI vs Lions, Shaw Park (Brisbane), Jan 22-25 – CA XI vs Lions, Allan Border Field (Brisbane), Jan 30-Feb 2, Australia A vs England Lions, Cricket Central (Sydney).
Ellyse Perry, who recently suffered a hip injury, could be a doubtful starter for RCB
S Sudarshanan13-Feb-20254:05
Mandhana: WPL has taught me a lot, not just captaincy
Who’s playing
Gujarat Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, February 14, 2025, 7.30pm IST
What to expect: Mandhana vs Gardner
No bowler has dismissed Smriti Mandhana more often than Ashleigh Gardner in Women’s T20s or in ODIs. With Gardner assuming the captaincy of Giants, she could look to bring herself on early against the RCB captain. With Mandhana in sublime form, it could be an interesting contest.Two of Giants’ four wins across two seasons of the WPL have come against RCB, including their first-ever victory.Related
RCB's title defence hit by player unavailability, injuries
Can new captain Gardner change Giants' fortunes?
How the WPL is changing life for young Indian women
Vastrakar, Sobhana ruled out of WPL with injuries
Team news and likely XIs: Mooney’s opening partner, Perry’s fitness in focus
The choice of Beth Mooney’s opening partner could pose a headache for Giants. Given Deandra Dottin commands a place in the XI, only one of Laura Wolvaardt and Phoebe Litchfield might find a place in the XI.Gujarat Giants (probable): 1 Beth Mooney (wk), 2 Laura Wolvaardt, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Deandra Dottin, 5 Dayalan Hemalatha, 6 Ashleigh Gardner (capt), 7 Simran Shaikh, 8 Sayali Satghare, 8 Meghna Singh, 9 Tanuja Kanwar, 10 Kashvee Gautam, 11 Shabnam Shakil/Mannat Kashyap.Ellyse Perry is heading into WPL 2025 on the back of suffering a hip injury during the Women’s Ashes Test in Melbourne. She could take the No. 4 spot in the absence of Sophie Devine. If Perry does not pull up well for the opening game, RCB could go with Georgia Wareham at No. 4 and play Charlie Dean as well. The injury to Asha Sobhana, a sure-starter who has been ruled out of the tournament, adds to the selection complications for them.1:43
With their acrimonious equation from WPL 2023 behind them, Deandra Dottin could be key to Giants’ success. She made a successful return to internationals just ahead of the Women’s T20 World Cup last year, where she was West Indies’ leading run-scorer while picking up five wickets at an economy rate of 5.42. In the home T20Is against Bangladesh, Dottin scored 110 in three games at a strike rate of 203.70. Having played ODIs against India at the Kotambi Stadium, Dottin would have an idea of what to expect, and Giants would want her to step up with the ball too, especially at the death.4:32
RCB will have it tough against well-rounded Giants
Very few Indian players in the WPL can do what Richa Ghosh can – finish matches as a power-hitter. With RCB battling player-unavailability and fitness issues, Ghosh will be a vital cog in that middle order. She showed good hitting form in the home season against West Indies and Ireland. RCB relied on her prowess last year to win the title. She is third in the list of most sixes in the WPL; expect her to move up as the season progresses. How she does could well decide how the defending champions start their campaign.
Key stats
Ashleigh Gardner is Giants’ leading run-scorer (324) as well as wicket-taker (17)
Giants have had eight opening pairs in the two years, the most in the WPL.
Giants have hit 43 sixes in the WPL, the fewest among all teams.
RCB have two bowlers in their squad with T20I hat-tricks – Ekta Bisht and Heather Graham.