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After a damp couple of days that resulted in four games getting washed out, the National T20 Cup got back on track with a pair of thrilling last-over chases on Thursday

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Nov-2017After a damp couple of days that resulted in four games getting washed out, the National T20 Cup got back on track with a pair of thrilling last-over chases on Thursday. And it was Peshawar and Rawalpindi that ended on the right side of the results, each securing their maiden win of the competition, beating Islamabad and FATA respectively.Peshawar were the first to collect their maiden points, refusing to let Islamabad’s batsmen settle in the day’s first game, a low-scoring affair. Inevitably, the pressure of the run rate got to Islamabad and they lost wickets regularly to crumble to 128 all out in 19.2 overs. Each of Peshawar’s bowlers boasted excellent figures, four of them taking two wickets apiece, and only two of them conceding over seven an over. Sohail Khan was the best among them, with 2 for 23 in four overs.Peshawar rode on Israrullah’s quick half-century at No. 3 to cruise through most of their chase, but late wickets made the game more nervous than it should have been. Mohammad Irfan was foremost in keeping Islamabad’s hopes alive, snaring 2 for 9 in four overs. It took a last-over six from Sohail Khan to settle the nerves, and seal the win.In the day’s second game, Rawalpindi captain Umar Amin’s half-century helped his side overhaul Federally Administered Tribal Areas’ total of 160 with six wickets in hand. Khushdil Shah (50) and Mukhtar Ahmed (42) scored the bulk of FATA’s runs. Only experienced internationals Sohail Tanvir and Shadab Khan were able to maintain respectable figures, conceding 20 and 15 runs respectively in their allotment of four overs.Rawalpindi got off to a blazing start with Nasir Nawaz’s 29-ball 42 proving suitable support to Amin, but they fell away during the middle overs. By the time Amin departed, his side needed 33 to win with 17 balls remaining. It took cameos from Mohammad Nawaz and Tanvir to seal victory with just a ball to spare, each contributing an unbeaten 21 to the cause. Ahmad Jamal, who sent down the last over, was taken apart for two sixes and a four by Tanvir, ending with figures of 3.5-0-53-1.With all teams having played three games each, Faisalabad remain the only undefeated side, their two wins – one game was washed out – keeping them on top of the table.

Celtic are currently top of the SPFL standings and they are looking to continue adding to their current squad. Transfer insider Dean Jones weighed in on the future of a Premier League winger who has been linked with the Scottish outfit.

Will Celtic land their man?

Celtic have enjoyed two wins from two thus far this season, with Kyogo Furuhashi and Matt O’Riley regularly amongst the goals.

A 4-2 win at Celtic Park against Ross County was followed by their trip to Aberdeen where they won 3-1 at Pittodrie.

They may have six points to their name, but the Scottish giants aren’t about to rest on their laurels, with Glasgow rivals Rangers keen to hunt them down and win the league title themselves.

Once again, the Bhoys have targeted the continent of Asia, bringing in two South Korea internationals and Tomoki Iwata of Japan – a trio of signings that cost just under £4m.

The latest name being linked with a move to Celtic is an English Premier League star. Daniel Podence of Wolves is being considered by Brendan Rodgers in his second stint at the helm of the defending champions, as reported by Mail Sport.

Podence was not in the matchday squad for Wolves’ first game of the season as they were defeated by Manchester United, while he also missed out this weekend's clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.

This would appear to indicate Wolves boss Gary O’Neil signalling that the Portuguese forward is indeed on the way out at Molineux.

What has Dean Jones said about Celtic and Podence?

Transfer insider Dean Jones recently spoke to GIVEMESPORT and revealed all the important information about the links between Daniel Podence and Celtic.

He said: "Daniel Podence just needs a new lease of life and Celtic would be perfect for him – he would absolutely thrive there. I think this is a move that works well for everyone.

"Wolves continue to look at ways to raise funds, and it's far better to have a player like this heading out than some others that have been mooted that are likely to play more of an active role across a season and actually define how things go.

"Podence is such a lovely, creative player at his best, and I think he could be used in various ways across Celtic's attacking line. I did wonder if Celtic would be put off by the valuation, but it seems to be moving forward so far.

"Very soon, we will hit the stage where serious negotiations can determine whether this happens."

What is the latest Celtic transfer news?

Podence isn’t the only Premier League winger being linked with making the journey up north, as Ryan Fraser is himself out of favour at Newcastle United.

The diminutive Scotsman is edging ever closer to the door at St James' Park and Celtic could be the club for Fraser upon a possible Toon exit.

At the other end of the field, a defender from Ligue 1 is a rumoured target for former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers.

Journalist Emmanuel Merceron has reported the Hoops’ interest in Nantes left-back Quentin Merlin, and whilst an official approach has not yet been made, a saga could be upon us.

Chris Tremain and Jon Holland took five wickets between them to leave New South Wales at 5 for 125 after Glenn Maxwell’s 278 had pushed Victoria to a mammoth 9 for 562

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Nov-2017Getty ImagesWith a mammoth first-innings score behind them, Victoria seamer Chris Tremain and left-arm spinner Jon Holland took five wickets between them to leave New South Wales reeling at 5 for 125 on the second day of the Sheffield Shield match in Sydney. Victoria ended the day with a lead of 437 after Glenn Maxwell, batting overnight on 213, pushed his score to 278 and propelled Victoria to 9 for 562.Batting in the same aggressive manner as he had done on the opening day, Maxwell went about compiling the eighth highest knock by a Victoria batsman in the Sheffield Shield. He added nine fours and a six to his overnight tally of boundaries, before falling to Steve O’Keefe for 278 off 318 balls, having batted for nearly eight hours.”He probably just understands it’s a bit more than flashy periods of brilliance and actual runs are far more important,” Maxwell’s team-mate Cameron White said. “It’s great to see that he’s churning them out consistently. Throw that big knock in, it’s what selectors want to see and we as Victoria need him to do. It’s good to see.”Maxwell was Victoria’s fourth wicket, with the score on 478. New South Wales pushed back with a few quick wickets but Tremain’s handy 45 not out ensured Victoria surged past 550.Tremain then returned with the ball to undo a good start by the New South Wales openers, Daniel Hughes and Nic Maddinson. The pair had added 75 before Tremain dismissed them in consecutive overs and Holland capitalised on this opening to dismiss the next three batsmen cheaply. New South Wales lost five wickets for 50, and need another 288 runs to avoid the possibility of a follow-on.

Mustafizur Rahman suffered an ankle twist during training on Saturday, ruling him out of the first ODI in Kimberley on Sunday

Mohammad Isam14-Oct-2017Mustafizur Rahman suffered an ankle twist during training on Saturday, ruling him out of the first ODI in Kimberley on Sunday. Bangladesh manager Minhajul Abedin said that Mustafizur could be out for the rest of the tour.”Mustafizur twisted his ankle during the warm-up before training,” Minhajul, Bangladesh’s chief selector and team manager for this tour, told the . “He won’t play tomorrow.”We can’t tell yet if he will be available for the rest of the series. We’ll know more after we go to Cape Town [for the second ODI in Paarl], we haven’t done a scan yet.”The incident reportedly took place while playing football ahead of a training session in Kimberley.Bangladesh have suffered a difficult tour so far, after big defeats in the Test series, with Mustafizur one of the bright spots in an otherwise abysmal bowling performance. They do, however, have Mashrafe Mortaza and Shakib Al Hasan back for the ODIs.

Goalkeeper David Raya has a slightly awkward tattoo that may raise some eyebrows as he edges closer to a summer transfer to Arsenal.

What's the latest on David Raya to Arsenal?

Despite already having Aaron Ramsdale as the club's number one shot-stopper – and only giving him a new contract back in May that runs until 2026, with the option of a further year – the Gunners are closing in on a deal for an alternative option between the sticks.

Indeed, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the latest news is that Brentford's Raya has "completed" the main part of medical tests at London Colney and so is set to officially sign shortly.

In terms of the financials, it's expected that the Spaniard will join for an initial £3m loan fee with the option of making the switch permanent for a further £27m next summer (via The Athletic).

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

This seems like pretty good business for Mikel Arteta and co, especially as they have been forced to ask fast in the market with backup goalkeeper Matt Turner heading to Nottingham Forest for a reported £10m transfer fee this week.

Interestingly, however, Raya has a tattoo which actually references a game he once played against Arsenal, and it may not go down well with many fans.

What is David Raya's tattoo?

As you can see in the image below, on the back of his neck, the goalkeeper has been inked to reference his Premier League debut.

The tattoo is of a date – "13-08-21" – the 13th of August 2021. Unfortunately for Arsenal, this happened to be the day they famously travelled to take on newly promoted Brentford on the opening day of the Premier League and were soundly beaten 2-0 with Raya keeping a clean sheet.

The Gunners were hit by a series of positive Covid tests shortly before kick-off with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Willian and Alex Runarsson all ruled out of the game at the last moment, leaving manager Arteta surprised as to why the game was postponed.

The Bees took full advantage, however, in what turned out to be a miserable night for the North London outfit. BBC journalist Phil McNulty summed it up in his match report, writing: "Brentford celebrated their return to the top tier after a 74-year absence with a memorable, magnificent victory over woeful Arsenal as they opened their Premier League campaign in style."

Seeing as this was the first time Raya had played in the English top flight, and his team won so convincingly, you can see why he would want to commemorate the event with a tattoo.

However, this was a real low point during the Arteta reign, so Arsenal fans and players alike won't want to be reminded of it whenever the camera pans to show their new goalkeeper.

Still, so long as the 27-year-old can put in some strong performances for the club – potentially even taking the number one shirt from Ramsdale – then this small issue will likely be forgotten.

For now, it will certainly be interesting to see how often Raya plays over the course of the season with Arteta having two first-team quality goalkeepers to pick from every week.

West Ham United have tabled their first official bid for Ajax star Edson Alvarez and he is "ready to fly" for a medical, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Who will West Ham sign?

David Moyes hasn't enjoyed the best transfer window of his Hammers career, as his side remain the only Premier League club not to confirm a single signing so far.

There have even been reports of a difference in opinion between West Ham's head coach and new technical director Tim Steidten, as both men apparently dither over who to sign before September 1.

West Ham, after selling star Declan Rice for a club-record £105 million to Arsenal, must now reinvest that money on squad upgrades and quickly as we enter the final phase of this window.

Gianluca Scamacca, despite having spent just one year at the club, has joined Atalanta in a deal worth over £20 million – meaning Moyes and co have plenty to spend.

Moyes, speaking to the press in late July, claimed his side have made "several offers" for players and remains optimistic he can get a few over the line.

“Because of the shortness of the summer and being in Australia. it’s meant the time has been limited, but I’m sure we’ll get down to work and do what we have to do,” Moyes told Sky Sports.

“The club have made several offers for players, we’re out on the market, we’re quite active, and hopefully some of them will come off in the future.”

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Alvarez, who has been targeted to reinforce the West Ham midfield, has already agreed personal terms to join Moyes' side and he could well be the closest to being done.

That was according to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, who has now shared another update on the 25-year-old's potential switch to the London Stadium.

As per the reliable transfer journalist, West Ham have now sent their first official bid to Ajax for the player, and Alvarez is "ready to fly" for a medical if both clubs can agree a fee.

"Understand West Ham have just sent first official bid for Édson Álvarez," wrote Romano on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Package around £30m. Follows exclusive story yesterday on personal terms agreed. Negotiations continue between with Ajax. Édson, ready to fly for medical any moment."

The Mexico international, who featured at last year's 2022 World Cup in Qatar, played 31 games for Ajax in the Eredivisie last term – scoring three goals and assisting three others.

How good is Edson Alvarez?

The North American ace was a mainstay for Ajax over 2022/2023 and ranked among their best-performing players, whilst averaging their second-highest rate of tackles per 90 (WhoScored).

Alvarez, who completed a brilliant 88.9% of his passes last season, also won more aerial duels per 90 than any other Ajax player – highlighting what exceptional cover he can be in the middle of the park.

Members of the media have called the player a "monster" in midfield for Mexico over these past few seasons and it's certainly possible Alvarez could help to fill the void left by Rice.

Alex Hughes celebrated his county cap with an imperious century as Derbyshire dominated the second day of their Specsavers’ County Championship game against Gloucestershire

ECB Reporters Network26-Sep-2017Alex Hughes celebrated his county cap with an imperious century as Derbyshire dominated the second day of their Specsavers’ County Championship game against Gloucestershire at the Brightside Ground, Bristol.It had been something of an anti-climax last week when Hughes, 26 later this week, was awarded his cap on the second day of the washed-out championship game against Kent at Chesterfield. However, he wasted little time in further confirming his quality this week. Not only did he post his career best first-class score, but he featured heavily in a 233-run stand for the third wicket with fellow centurion Wayne Madsen.When bad light brought about an early finish, Gloucestershire were 47 for 1, in response to Derbyshire’s impressive 460 all out.The pair had come together on a rain-affected first day, at 74 for 2, and took Derbyshire to 307 for 3, in mid-afternoon on day two. Madsen, who in terms of first-class runs scored has endured his worst season since arriving at Derbyshire in 2009, made up for lost time with his 25th first-class hundred, whilst Hughes continued to prosper on a day dominated by the batsmen.The visitors made excellent progress throughout the day with Madsen, who resumed on 24 not out, reaching fifty off 81 balls and his hundred off 175 deliveries with 17 fours. His innings also took him through 10,000 first-class runs, of which all but 1,308 of them have come in Derbyshire colours.Gloucestershire had one or two opportunities to prise the pair apart during the first session, but a dropped catch at first slip when Hughes was on 11 and a missed run out opportunity with Madsen on 52, were to prove costly.Derbyshire, having received the luck their positive approach fully deserved, looked in total control thereafter. Hughes, whose fifty came up off 119 balls, brought up his fourth first-class century and second against Gloucestershire in as many seasons, off 204 balls with 15 fours. It was an outstanding contribution, albeit on a wicket with precious few demons.Gloucestershire eventually made the breakthrough between lunch and tea, when Josh Shaw had Madsen caught behind. Medium pacer Benny Howell picked up his side’s fourth wicket when he bowled Matt Critchley and Gary Wilson followed to Matt Taylor as Derbyshire reached 355 for 5.By then, however, the damage had been done and although Hughes was finally out in the post tea session for 142, the visitors, providing they bowl well on days three and four, had laid the foundations of a potentially match-winning total. Harry Podmore and Harvey Hosein added 70 for the seventh wicket and Gloucestershire, for whom Matt Taylor and Tom Smith helped themselves to three wickets apiece, were left to respond with the bat. By the close, they were still 413 runs adrift with nine wickets in hand after Hardus Viljoen trapped Chris Dent lbw.

With speculation still swirling regarding Harry Kane's future at Tottenham Hotspur, chairman Daniel Levy could be eyeing a dream successor to the England skipper in the form of Paris Saint-Germain contract rebel, Kylian Mbappe.

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

As per various reports, Levy may be forced to cash in on Kane this summer rather than run the risk of letting the 29-year-old leave for nothing in a year's time, with Mbappe seemingly facing a similar situation at the Parc des Princes, as the Ligue 1 giants will also not entertain a free transfer exit for the Frenchman next summer, if he does not commit his future to the club.

According to French outlet, L'Equipe, Spurs could look to pounce on the uncertainty surrounding the 24-year-old's current situation, with the north Londoners said to be among the clubs who have 'taken information' from PSG chief, Nasser al-Khelaïfi in recent days.

The belief is that the likes of Tottenham – as well as their rival suitors – see a 'possibility' of taking the former Monaco man on loan for the upcoming campaign, with Ange Postecoglou's ready to lodge an 'important' bid in order convince his current side to agree to that temporary exit.

This comes amid claims that Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have lodged a mammoth £260m bid for the forward, despite the 70-cap superstar being valued at closer to €126m (£108m), according to Football Transfers.

Could Mbappe replace Kane at Tottenham?

For many, attempting to replace Kane either this summer or the next appears something of an impossible task, with the Premier League side set to be forced to fill the void of a player who is their all-time record scorer, having also netted 30 league goals last season to finish second in the scoring charts behind Erling Haaland (36).

If there was a man to plug the gap, however, it would seemingly be Mbappe, with the "crazy" talent – as described by Arsenal icon, Thierry Henry – having arguably been more clinical than the Englishman in recent times.

While the latter man has 280 goals in 453 games in all competitions for Spurs to date with a goal-to-game ratio of 0.61, his PSG counterpart has bagged 212 goals in just 260 games for his current side, resulting in a superior goal-to-game ratio of 0.81.

Equally, despite Kane's heroics last season – as he netted 32 goals and provided five assists in 49 games in all competitions – the Walthamstow native which still edged by Mbappe, with the World Cup-winning hotshot contributing 41 goals and ten assists in just 43 appearances across all fronts.

In the Champions League, for instance, Mbappe netted seven goals in only eight outings despite seeing his side crash out at the last 16 stage, while the Englishman only bagged one goal in eight appearances as his side were also dumped out in the first knockout round.

While it remains to be seen if the younger man could emulate his goalscoring feats in the Premier League, on the evidence of his career so far, the 5 foot 10 machine has certainly proven himself to be particularly lethal in front of goal, performing at a level that even Kane seemingly can't get close to.

Regard as arguably "the best" in the world at present – according to pundit Rio Ferdinand – Mbappe's arrival at N17 could provide Postecoglou with a new, devastating attacking figurehead.

With India needing eight runs to win, Sri Lanka fans, clearly displeased with their team’s show, began to throw plastic bottles into the ground causing a 35-minute disruption

Andrew Fidel Fernando27-Aug-20173:52

Maharoof: Crowd behavior unacceptable

Bottle-flinging fans in Pallekele caused a 35-minute disruption, and prompted the intervention of riot police, in the closing stages of India’s six-wicket victory on Sunday. In the 44th over of India’s innings, plastic bottles began to be thrown from the two grass embankments that flank the ground – many of these projectiles made their way on to the playing area. Ground staff were seen clearing the bottles, but more continued to be flung, thereby forcing the Sri Lanka fielders to move to the centre of the field in order to avoid being hit.At one stage, there was doubt as to whether the match could even be concluded, because the bottle-throwing persisted for so long. Having spent about 20 idle minutes near the pitch – MS Dhoni even finding time for a nap – players eventually shook hands and made their way off the field. Later, however, after the embankments were cleared of spectators, match referee Andy Pycroft decided the match could continue. India required only seven further deliveries to close out the game.This is the second crowd-related incident in Sri Lanka in the space of two years. In 2015, a fight between two groups of fans had broken out in the stands at Khettarama, and had subsequently degenerated into stone-throwing. That incident had also caused a disruption of play, though on that occasion, no projectiles had been thrown towards the players.Earlier in the month, fans in Dambulla had also held up the team bus in order to voice their displeasure after the first ODI. That incident, however, had not been marked by any violence.

Billy Godleman struck his best Twenty20 score to keep Derbyshire near the top of North Group with a victory at New Road

ECB Reporters Network19-Jul-2017
ScorecardFile photo: Billy Godleman reached new T20 heights•Getty ImagesExperienced Derbyshire duo of skipper Billy Godleman and Wayne Madsen powered Derbyshire Falcons to a third win in four Natwest T20 Blast matches to leave Worcestershire Rapids still searching for their first success of the campaign.The Rapids had posted a challenging looking target of 187 thanks to the efforts of Joe Clarke, Ross Whiteley and Ben Cox. But the Falcons made light work of their task and achieved a seven wicket win with 10 balls to spare once Godleman and Madsen joined forces and added 93 in 10 overs for the third wicket.Godleman achieved his career best score in T20 cricket and his 70 came off just 42 balls and contained two sixes and seven fours. It was his first half century for Derbyshire in the short format and he also surpassed his previous best of 69 for Middlesex.Madsen finished unbeaten on 58 from 35 deliveries with nine fours to add to his tidy spell with the ball.Falcons skipper Gary Wilson said: “At half-time I thought it would be a tough chase. They potentially did have enough runs.”But credit to Billy and Wayne with the way they played. I knew Wayne was a good player but probably didn’t realise how good he was until I played with him. He has been unbelievable so far in this T20 competition and it was great to see Billy strike the ball the way he did.”Worcestershire have lost their opening three T20 Blast matches – all at New Road – and already are facing an uphill battle if they are to maintain hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals.The Rapids were put into bat under murky skies and Daryl Mitchell, who has become their highest ever T20 scorer, holed out to wide mid on in Madsen’s opening over.Joe Clarke reeled off a series of impressive strokes, mixing power with delicate ramp and scoop shots, in making 42 off only 18 balls with seven fours and a six. The England Lions batsman was eventually bowled by a Hardus Viljoen full-toss as the Rapids reached 63 for 2 by the end of the powerplay.Madsen and Imran Tahir then slowed the run rate and Brett D’Oliveira was trapped lbw by the former attempting a reverse sweep.Tahir claimed his 199th victim in domestic T20 cricket when Mitchell Santner was caught behind but his last over cost 16 runs and the Rapids regained momentum via Ben Cox and Ross Whiteley.Whiteley produced typically big hitting against his former club but he had an escape on 23 when Derbyshire debutant Callum Brodrick spilled a straightforward chance at deep mid wicket off Henry. To add salt into the wound for Academy product Brodrick, the ball trickled from his grasp and to the boundary.Whiteley eventually fell in the final over from Henry to deep extra cover after making 39 off 28 balls with two sixes and two fours. But Cox continued his recent good form in making 40 not out and John Hastings pulled and straight drove Henry’s last two deliveries for six.Derbyshire openers Godleman and Matt Critchley gave their side a hurricane start and plundered 57 from the opening four overs. Worcestershire skipper Joe Leach conceded 28 runs in two overs and spinner George Rhodes was taken for 19 in his initial over.Jack Shantry, who passed a fitness test on an ankle injury, had Critchley (31 off 16 balls) safely pouched at deep mid wicket.Then the introduction into the attack of Santner quickly paid dividends as Luis Reece was caught at long on.New Zealand spinner Santner bowled two typically tight overs and scoring was not so straightforward with the pace taken off the ball.The Falcons 100 came up in the 11th over and Madsen wrestled the initiative back with the Falcons by striking three fours in a third over from Santner which cost 15 runs.Madsen had a let-off on 36 as Leach at mid off spilled a chance off Ed Barnard. Godleman was stumped by Cox off Santner, who finished with 2 for 27 from his four overs, but by then only 18 were needed for victory.