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While their start to the season might suggest otherwise, West Ham United do have some seriously talented players in their squad.

For example, the likes of Freddie Potts, Lucas Paqueta, Mateus Fernandes and El Hadji Malick Diouf are all quality options.

However, when it comes to the Hammers’ most crucial player, it’s impossible to ignore Mr West Ham himself, Jarrod Bowen.

At his best, the Englishman is a force of nature, and so fans should be excited about reports linking the club with someone who could be Bowen 2.0.

West Ham target their next Bowen

Since moving to West Ham in 2020, Bowen has made 251 appearances for West Ham.

Transfer Focus

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

In that time, he’s provided 53 assists and scored 77 goals, including what will probably be the most important he’ll ever score, the winner against Fiorentina in the Conference League Final.

There can be no doubt that the Leominster-born international has been one of the greatest transfers the club have made in the modern era, and so it’s exciting to see that they might be about to make a similar one.

At least, that is according to a recent report from Sports Boom, which claims West Ham are interested in Scott Twine.

The report goes further, revealing that the Irons are in fact plotting an £8m swoop to sign the Bristol City star as soon as January.

However, the East Londoners are unlikely to get a free hit at the Englishman, as the report has also highlighted Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers as interested parties.

With that said, even if it’s not a straightforward deal, West Ham should pursue Twine, as he could be a Bowen repeat.

Why Twine could be a Bowen repeat

Now, the first thing to point out is that, yes, Twine is primarily a midfielder and therefore plays a very different role and style compared to Bowen.

However, where he plays is not what makes this a potential repeat of the move for the 28-year-old.

Instead, one of the main similarities is that, were this deal to go through in January, it would be another example of the Hammers signing one of the most interesting English players from the Championship.

For example, in the half-season before his move to East London in 2020, the former Hull ace had racked up a monstrous tally of 17 goals and six assists in 32 games.

Appearances

17

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17

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1318′

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6

Assists

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

131.8

Now, the Bristol star hasn’t been that much of a goal threat, but considering he is a midfielder, his tally of six goals and four assists in 17 appearances is still hugely impressive.

Moreover, while it would be foolish to expect the Swindon-born ace to be as good for the Irons as their captain has been over the years, there is at least one area of the game in which he’s arguably world-class: free-kicks.

For example, four of his 11 goals over the last two years have come from them, and when you see the quality of them, it’s hard to disagree with one content creator who has dubbed him “the best free kick taker in the world.”

With that said, Bristol’s manager, Gerhard Struber, has made clear that the 26-year-old “is not only a free-kick monster; he is also a really good transition player.”

Ultimately, while he isn’t going to be as transformative as Bowen has been, Twine could be another excellent signing from the Championship for West Ham, and given his price tag, a bit of a no-brainer.

Wilson upgrade: West Ham hold talks to sign new CF who "can't stop scoring"

The inform striker could be the perfect addition to Nuno’s West Ham squad and a dream upgrade on Wilson.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 26, 2025

Sri Lanka are on the brink of elimination in the Asia Cup after sliding to their second successive defeat

Madushka Balasuriya23-Sep-20251:39

What went wrong for Sri Lanka’s batters?

An unbroken stand of 58 off 41 between Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz saved Pakistan’s blushes as they stumbled their way through a middling chase to eventually come away with a five-wicket win against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup in Abu Dhabi.Having been set a target of 134, on a ground where the average winning total batting first was 183, Pakistan collapsed from 43 for 0 in five overs to 57 for 4 in the ninth over. Not long after it was 80 for 5 in the 12th over, but Talat and Nawaz got the job done for Pakistan without any further scares.Related

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Asalanka: Sri Lanka have to 'get combinations right'

Talat finished on 32* off 30, while Nawaz struck 38* off 24, while for Sri Lanka the wickets were spread between Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera.Talat had earlier made his initial impact with the ball, in a double-wicket over, removing both Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka. It had followed a powerplay that saw Shaheen Shah Afridi pick up two wickets in the powerplay – he would end with three in total – as Sri Lanka lost their top three for the addition of 53 in the first six overs.From that point on Pakistan strangled Sri Lanka’s innings, as they only mustered 63 runs across the final ten overs. Kamindu Mendis’ 50 off 44 was the lone bright spot in an otherwise forgettable innings.The result means that Sri Lanka have lost two games, and are now dependent on Bangladesh beating India to keep their hopes of making the final alive.1:26

Aaron: Pakistan using three pacers up top made the difference

Afridi’s early impactPakistan got the best of the bowling conditions when the won the toss and elected to bowl, but it still needed to be utilised. Both Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf found big movement early on, but that did not deter the Sri Lankan batters.Kusal Mendis clipped one in the air to short midwicket first ball, but Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera both found the boundary. Afridi then accounted for Nissanka as well, with the opener edging behind an attempted heave down the ground – one he had executed efficiently just a ball prior.Kusal Perera fell in the final over of the powerplay, miscuing one off Haris Rauf to mid-on. Sri Lanka had 53 runs in the powerplay, but Pakistan kept chipping away.2:09

Chopra: Talat holding one end up was important

Talat sets up the middle-overs squeezeDespite the loss of three wickets, Sri Lanka were still looking to attack – presumably reading that conditions were more than adequate for batting. However the two dismissals as a result of this approach, perhaps bordering on reckless at points, greatly reduced Sri Lanka’s ability to post a competitive total.The first was from Asalanka, who was batting well during his 19-ball 20, but ended up top-edging a short-arm pull to deep square leg. A ball later Dasun Shanaka nicked behind. Both those wickets came in Talat’s first over, and he went onto finish with 2 for 18 in his three overs.Sri Lanka’s scoring slowed to a trickle after that point, as they scored just 34 runs between overs six and 16. During this period Abrar Ahmed trotted through four overs, giving away just eight runs while picking up the wicket of Wanindu Hasaranga.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Talat and Nawaz finish it offSahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman seemingly broke the chase with a 45-run opening stand, but when Theekshana picked up both batters in the final over of the powerplay – the latter courtesy an outstanding one-handed grab at mid-off by Hasaranga – Sri Lanka felt they had a sniff.Two Hasaranga overs later though and Pakistan had lost two more, and suddenly Sri Lanka were well and truly in it.A 23-run stand between Talat and Mohammad Haris briefly brought back some control of proceedings for Pakistan, but when Chameera burst one through Haris to peg back the middle stump, Pakistan still needed 54 more with half their side back in the dugout.Thankfully for them, Talat and Nawaz navigated the chase shrewdly, taking minimal risks to take the game deep. It was only in the death overs that they opened up, with Nawaz looking to take on Hasaranga and then finally Chameera. A trio of sixes off the latter brought the game to a rapid close.

The Red Sox will leave no stone unturned in their pivotal Game 3 matchup against the Yankees on Thursday night.

When speaking with reporters ahead of first pitch from Yankee Stadium, manager Alex Cora revealed how Boston will use its bullpen behind 23-year-old starting pitcher Connelly Early—and they're using an all-hands-on-deck strategy.

Despite Brayan Bello starting Game 2, a 3-2 loss to New York, the 26-year-old will be in Boston's bullpen and available to pitch. Additionally, relief pitcher Garrett Whitlock—who threw a season-high 47 pitches across 1 2/3 innings on Wednesday night—will also be ready to roll.

"There's guys that are feeling it, but they're ready to go," said the skipper. "Let's put it that way."

Cora also didn't fully shut down the idea of ace Garrett Crochet taking the bump if necessary: "We'll see, but probably not."

Despite a willingness to bring in just about anyone from the bullpen, however, Cora also sounds like he has confidence in Early to give them a respectable outing from the jump.

"I think we're in a good place regardless,” he said. "Hopefully he goes deep into the game and we don't have to make too many phone calls to the bullpen."

Here's a look at who Boston will start in the field behind Early:

Red Sox Lineup for Game 3 vs. Yankees

1. Jarren Duran – LF
2. Trevor Story – SS
3. Alex Bregman – 3B
4. Masataka Yoshida – DH
5. Ceddanne Rafaela – CF
6. Nathaniel Lowe – 1B
7. Carlos Narváez – C
8. Wilyer Abreu – RF
9. Romy Gonzalez – 2B

Game 3's first pitch from Yankee Stadium is set for 8:08 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN.

Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel marked his Old Trafford debut by setting a new club record after scoring the winner in an FA Youth Cup tie against Peterborough on Tuesday night. The 15-year-old has been linked with Barcelona and Arsenal and nicknamed 'Kid Messi', with many believing he has incredible potential. Meanwhile, Kai Rooney, son of legendary England striker Wayne, was left out of the squad for the third-round clash.

Gabriel stars in FA Youth Cup win and sets new record

Much is expected of Gabriel, even after only just turning 15 years of age, and the teenager wasted little time making his presence known on his first competitive appearance at United's Old Trafford home. Gabriel netted the only goal of the game in the 22nd minute with a lovely sweeping finish into the far corner, earning Darren Fletcher's side a fourth-round tie against Cambridge United or Derby County, with those two teams set to meet on Wednesday. That goal saw the hyped youngster become United's youngest-ever scorer in FA Youth Cup history and also took him to 11 strikes in 12 games this season, having recently scored a hat-trick against Liverpool's Under-18s.

AdvertisementGetty Who is JJ Gabriel?

United have produced plenty of stars through their academy during the club's glittering history and Gabriel is thought to be one who could go on to become a genuinely world-class player in the future. He has received rather flattering comparisons to Lionel Messi, Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo and attracted more praise back in August when he scored an outrageously impressive goal for United's Under-18s.

His performances have caught the eye of many teams around Europe. Barcelona are thought to be keeping track of his situation as they look to find the next Lamine Yamal, while Arsenal have also been credited with an interest. However, the Gunners' admiration of Gabriel has been labelled 'premature' in recent weeks, with the current Premier League leaders not thought to have made a formal offer as of yet.

That is good news for United, who seem to be doing everything they can to keep hold of the prodigious youngster. The Red Devils are said to have even gone as far as offering Gabriel a box at the new Old Trafford stadium, which is due to be completed by 2030. He may well hope to be making his mark in the first-team squad by that point, but United's current senior stars are already familiar with the teenager's talents as he's previously been invited to train with Ruben Amorim's cohorts during the early stages of the season.

Rooney's son Kai left out of squad

While it was all smiles for Gabriel, Kai Rooney, the son of United legend Wayne, was not included in the squad for the win over Peterborough. The teenager has been recovering from injury in recent weeks and made his return for the club's Under-16s over the weekend. Jacey Carrick, son of ex-United and England midfielder Michael, was also absent from the matchday squad.

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Getty Images SportWhat next for Gabriel?

Gabriel will continue playing youth football for United for now, with the hope of breaking into the first-team squad and making his senior debut in the future. He will, however, have to be wary of the treatment some of United's recent academy graduates have received of late.

Marcus Rashford doesn't seem to have much of a future at Old Trafford after being sent on loan to both Aston Villa and Barcelona in the last year, while the curious case of Kobbie Mainoo remains puzzling to many football fans across Europe. The 20-year-old broke into the squad under former boss Erik ten Hag and scored a memorable goal against local rivals Manchester City in the 2024 FA Cup final, but he has not made a single start in the Premier League this season.

One youngster who has been getting first-team minutes under Amorim is Ayden Heaven, who has started the Red Devils' last two Premier League matches. He was unconvincing against West Ham United, being hauled off after 45 minutes, but produced a more accomplished performance in the 4-1 thumping of Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night.

They haven’t always brought success, but West Ham United has had some incredible players represent them over the years.

For example, while it was short and sweet, Dimitri Payet’s time in the Premier League was incredible.

The Frenchman could do things with a ball that most players could only dream of, and it was easy to see glimpses of the sensational Paolo Di Canio in him.

The Italian was a livewire, but one of the most technically gifted players to don the famous claret and blue. Nuno Espírito Santo has a player with shades of him in his game, but said player is becoming an issue and should probably be sold at the end of the season.

Di Canio's West Ham career

West Ham signed Di Canio from Sheffield Wednesday in January 1999, and right from the off, there was controversy.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Fans and pundits alike questioned the club’s decision to spend £1.5m on a player with a reputation as a troublemaker and, at the time, serving an 11-match ban for pushing a referee.

However, then-manager Harry Redknapp brushed aside any criticism of the move, telling the press that he was a player who “can do things with the ball that people can only dream of.”

The veteran coach would be quickly proven correct in this assessment, as he ended that campaign with five goal involvements in just 13 appearances for the Hammers and was named OPTA player of the season.

Moreover, just over a year later, he scored that famous strike against Wimbledon that was rightly later named the Premier League’s goal of the decade.

This ability to do anything he wanted with the ball, and his old-school passionate approach, quickly made him a fan favourite at Upton Park, and his decision to stop the game when Everton keeper Paul Gerrard was injured in December 2000, despite having a clear goalscoring opportunity, earned him fans across the Premier League.

However, as gifted and entertaining as the Italian was, his habit of causing problems never went away, and in 2003 he had a public falling out with then-manager Glenn Roeder, which saw him dropped from the team for some time.

At the end of the 02/03 season, despite making it clear he wanted to remain, West Ham refused to offer Di Canio another contract, a decision many attribute to his dispute with the manager.

In all, the Rome-born star was a truly sensational footballer, but his temperament eventually saw the club get rid of him, and the same thing might now need to happen with someone in Nuno’s squad.

Nuno's new Di Canio he should sell

There are a few West Ham players who should be sold in January, or at the end of the season, such as Niclas Füllkrug, Mads Hermansen and probably Max Kilman.

However, the only player who should be moved on who can even remotely be compared to Di Canio is Lucas Paqueta.

Now, before addressing the reasons the club should cash in on him, what makes the Brazilian similar to the Italian?

Well, first and foremost, he too, is capable of making something out of nothing, or as former coach Mark Warburton put it last year, he “sees things that you just don’t see. You look at the pass for the winning goal in the European final.”

That ability was on show again in the game against Newcastle United this season, when he smashed the ball into the net from some distance out.

Moreover, as Warburton puts it, the former Lyon ace is a “mercurial” talent in the sense that he can glide past opposition defenders if he wants, or pass them out of the game when on song.

With that said, then, why on earth should the club sell him?

Well, the first reason is that, like Di Canio at his worst, he can have a bad temperament.

This was on full show against Liverpool at the weekend, when he received a second yellow card for dissent, which is a truly petulant reason to be sent off.

The second reason he should be moved on is that while he can be an exceptional player on his day, he also isn’t irreplaceable.

For example, he has scored only four goals this season, three of which have come in the Premier League, and last season he ended the campaign with a paltry tally of five goals in 36 games.

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13

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1135′

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5

4

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0

0

Ultimately, Paqueta is a great player, but with his contract running out in less than two years, his slightly underwhelming output and the fact that he can do things as silly as be sent off for dissent, West Ham may be wise to move him on at the end of the season.

West Ham set for 'big decision' over selling 'most talented player' with Nuno 'fuming'

It would be a controversial move.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 2, 2025

CA have backed the process the umpires went through although say ideally it would have happened more quickly

Andrew McGlashan07-Oct-2025Chris Green has been handed a code of conduct breach for dissent after being involved in the unusual situation of being given out and then recalled to the crease during New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield match against Western Australia at the WACA.Green was initially given out caught behind by umpire Gerard Abood as he ducked a bouncer and made it clear he was unhappy with the decision. After a lengthy period where Abood consulted with the square-leg umpire, the decision was changed.Cricket Australia has acknowledged the correct decision was ultimately made but said it should have happened more promptly. However, they said that Green’s reaction played no part in the process and that the umpires had no knowledge of replay footage which had been shown on the broadcast.”Under CA playing conditions clause 31.6, umpires are permitted to consult the other umpire to clarify points of fact so they can arrive at the correct decision,” a CA spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. “Whilst CA doesn’t encourage this in the ordinary course, there are rare occasions where it is appropriate for umpires to clarify points of fact so they can arrive at the correct decision.”CA acknowledge that the correct decision was ultimately made in this case, but would have preferred this to have occurred more promptly.”It should be noted that under no circumstances did the batter’s actions contribute to the umpire reviewing or overturning the decision and the umpire did not see a replay before the decision was reversed.”While Sheffield Shield matches are streamed in high quality, there is no third umpire for matches except in the final and replays aren’t used in making decisions.CA also said that the second time Abood raised his finger was to confirm to a player that the initial decision was out. “Further, the umpire did not give Green out twice. His second signal of out was to clarify the original decision to a participating player,” the spokesperson said. “CA also wishes to advise that Chris Green was issued a code of conduct breach for showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during a match.”Green was dismissed eight runs later on the third day when he toe-ended a pull to second slip.Speaking after the match, which NSW won by 74 runs, WA coach Adam Voges said the way Green had reacted to the initial dismissal was not good for the game.”I think the umpires make make incorrect decisions and that’s part of the game. I understand that,” he said. “I guess probably it’s just not a great look when a player remonstrates with an umpire for a period of time and then that gets overturned, and I guess the message that that sends is probably not a good one.”So if he’s been done for dissent, so be it. But I don’t have much more else because I’m not out there and don’t hear the conversations. We’ll leave it at that.”

MI now have a 17-0 record in the IPL when defending 200 or more

Sampath Bandarupalli01-May-20256 Consecutive wins for Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2025 after starting with four defeats in the first five matches. It is their joint-longest winning streak in the IPL, alongside the six they won in 2008 and 2017.3 MI’s win, by 100 runs, against Rajasthan Royals (RR) was their third victory in the IPL by 100 or more runs. Only Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have done it more often, with four such wins. MI’s win also took them to the top of the points table for the first time in the IPL since April 17, 2021. For RR, it was their second-biggest defeat by runs behind the 112-run loss against RCB in 2023.217 for 2 MI’s total against RR is the joint-highest in the IPL at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, equalling Sunrisers Hyderabad’s (SRH) 217 for 6 against RR in 2023. This is also the highest total for MI against RR in the IPL.2012 The previous instance of MI winning an IPL match in Jaipur, a ten-wicket victory. MI lost all four IPL matches against RR, which they played at this venue between 2013 and 2024.Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma set base with a century stand•Associated Press4 Batters scored 40-plus runs for MI in Jaipur. It is only the fourth instance of four batters scoring 40 or more runs in an IPL innings. Only once before each of the top four scored 40 or more in an IPL innings – Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against RR in 2011.11 Consecutive scores of 25-plus for Suryakumar Yadav in IPL 2025. It is the longest streak of 25-plus scores for any batter in the IPL, bettering Robin Uthappa’s run of ten innings in 2014.6024 Runs scored by Rohit Sharma in all T20s for MI. No player has even 4000 T20 runs for the franchise. Rohit is only the second batter to score 6000-plus runs for a team in T20s, after Virat Kohli, who has 8871 runs for RCB.ESPNcricinfo Ltd29 Balls MI took to pick up the first five RR wickets, the fewest they have needed to do so in an IPL innings. Only four times did a team lose their first five wickets in the IPL in fewer than the 29 balls.17-0 MI extend their unbeaten record while defending targets of 200 or more in the IPL. Alongside being the only team to defend all the 200-plus targets they set in the IPL, the 18-0 record of MI in all men’s T20s defending 200-plus targets is the best for any team.281.81 Strike rate of MI batters against the short of good lengths and short lengths against RR pacers on Thursday. They scored 61 runs off 22 such deliveries, with ten fours and two sixes. In return, RR batters scored only 34 off 38 balls on those lengths and lost five wickets.

Navi Mumbai showcased not just Radha’s precision and control, but also her ever-expanding mindset and skillset

Sruthi Ravindranath27-Oct-2025

Harmanpreet Kaur is delighted by fan favourite, and captain favourite, Radha Yadav•AFP/Getty Images

Radha Yadav has long been considered one of India’s best fielders, so much so that whenever a player in the XI steps off the field, she’s almost always the first one to be substituted in. At the 2025 ODI World Cup, she didn’t feature in India’s first six matches, yet appeared in nearly all of them as a substitute.When her opportunity finally arrived in India’s last league game against Bangladesh, she reminded everyone not just of her fielding prowess, but also of her craft as a left-arm spinner. Radha showcased the precision and control that have long defined her T20 reputation, the result of hard work and technical refinement during her time away from the side.Radha’s T20 credentials have never been in question. After being dropped in 2023, she forced her way back last year and has collected 35 wickets in 22 T20Is since her return. In ODIs, however, her journey has been far less straightforward.Related

Pratika Rawal injures ankle in rain-hit game against Bangladesh

Radha shines in washout between India and Bangladesh

Radha played just one game in 2021, and it wasn’t until 2024 that she earned another run, featuring in home series against South Africa and New Zealand, taking seven wickets against the latter. Yet, she was overlooked again for the tri-series earlier this year in Sri Lanka and South Africa, as India handed a debut to young left-arm spinner Shuchi Upadhyay.Offspinner Sneh Rana’s strong WPL showing and her comeback to the ODI squad in the tri-series meant competition for spin places intensified. On that tour, left-arm spinner N Shree Charani emerged as one of the standouts and complemented Rana with six wickets at an economy of 5.39.But when Upadhyay was injured, Radha found herself recalled for the England ODIs ahead of the World Cup. Her three games yielded just one wicket, and with India leaning towards a combination of two frontline spinners alongside Deepti Sharma, the team balance once again worked against Radha.During her time away from the international circuit in 2023, Radha worked extensively on her lines and release points. She moved away from bowling just stump-to-stump to operating a touch wider of off-stump. As a bowler capable of getting the ball to drift both ways, she uses her pace range – in the mid-70s kph – to vary flight, forcing indecision and mis-hits.Radha Yadav has worked extensively on her lines and release points•ICC/Getty ImagesOn the eve of the Bangladesh game, India bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi was asked about the conversations he’d had with Radha and other fringe bowlers.”The conversation between the coaching group and the players is generally the kind of mindset what they are having, the kind of areas they need to work upon, the kind of strengths that we want them to operate onto the games,” he said. “Everybody is inspiring and everybody is motivated for the World Cup.”So that doesn’t rule out that even if they are not getting a chance, they still turn up for the practice sessions and they are very keen on working on their different aspects. So, the quality of their bowling they try to work upon. So, during the practice sessions they come with a mindset that we will work, we will iron out our skills and, and probably use it into the game whenever we get an opportunity.”When India decided to experiment in the dead rubber against Bangladesh, Radha replaced Rana, joining Charani as the second left-arm spinner in the XI. It turned out to be a showcase of the progress Radha had made, this time in ODIs.Brought on after a rain break following left-hander Rubya Haider’s dismissal, Radha immediately found rhythm. Her loop and control denied Bangladesh any scoring momentum. In the 22nd over, she dismissed Sobhana Mostary – who looked the most assured of Bangladesh’s batters – with a 76 kph delivery that dipped late and invited the drive, only for Mostary to spoon it to mid-off.Radha Yadav’s direct hit removed Nigar Sultana•ICC/Getty ImagesHer next two wickets came in classic fashion: a fuller ball that went straight through Nahida Akter, followed by one that drifted in from around the wicket, drawing Rabeya Khan down the track and through the gate. She nearly had a fourth when Nishita Akter Nishi survived a close DRS call the very next ball.In between, Radha produced another of her signature moments in the field – a sharp direct hit from point that caught Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana short at the non-striker’s end.”The way Radha played today gives us another option for the next game,” Harmanpreet Kaur said at the post-match presentation.Radha’s spell reaffirmed India’s depth in spin, even if she’s unlikely to feature in the semi-final, with Rana expected to return, but her performance underscored India’s bench strength.India also rested young seamer Kranti Gaud for the Bangladesh game, bringing Amanjot Kaur back into the XI. With Radha impressing in Navi Mumbai – the venue of the semi-final – and Charani continuing to build her credentials, India have a healthy mix of combinations to consider. Whether the team management opts to field both left-arm spinners against Australia – who have just two left-handers in the top four – remains to be seen.

Wyatt-Hodge scored her fourth half-century of the season while Strano starred with five wickets

AAP01-Dec-2025Hobart Hurricanes have reinforced their standing as the team to beat in the WBBL, bolstering their grip on first spot with an 81-run demolition of Melbourne Stars on DLS method at Bellerive Oval.Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s classy 71 paced Hurricanes’ imposing 176 for 4 from 17 rain-reduced overs in the top-of-the-table blockbuster on Monday night, before Molly Strano (5 for 16) reduced Stars to a paltry 98 in response, after they were set an adjusted target of 180.Wyatt-Hodge moved past Meg Lanning to the head of the Golden Bat standings with her fourth half-century of the season, before pouching three catches.She started slowly with two off her first 11 deliveries, before blossoming in her 47-ball knock.”Sometimes you’ve just got to ride that wave and Lizzy (Lee) was smashing it at the other end, so I didn’t need to panic,” Wyatt-Hodge said.”It was just a matter of digging in, keeping the intent and staying brave. Hopefully we can keep the form up – everyone’s playing really well.”Hard-hitting South African Lizelle Lee was the early aggressor, but a 33-minute rain delay stalled her momentum and she holed out for 32 just after the resumption.Nat Sciver-Brunt (31) found Danielle Gibson in the deep, before captain Elyse Villani was run out late.Stars started horribly in reply and never recovered as their four-game winning streak came to a crashing halt, with tail-ender Sasha Moloney (31) offering the only resistance.Rhys McKenna (1) was trapped plumb in front by a hooping Nicola Carey inswinger, before Linsey Smith (2-29) captured the key scalp of Lanning (9), bowled after missing a cut shot.Smith dismissed Stars skipper Annabel Sutherland (11), before fellow spinner Molly Strano came on and bagged three wickets in her first over.Wyatt-Hodge snared a left-handed blinder at point to remove Amy Jones (19), before Marizanne Kapp (0) was caught behind and Gibson (1) holed out.Strano then picked up a fourth wicket with just her seventh ball when Kim Garth (3) offered Wyatt-Hodge another catch.The offspinner’s fifth scalp was Moloney, caught by player of the match Wyatt-Hodge.

Babar Azam scored his first hundred in international cricket after a gap of 807 days on Friday night in Rawalpindi

Sampath Bandarupalli15-Nov-202583 – Consecutive innings without a hundred in international cricket for Babar Azam before his unbeaten 102 against Sri Lanka on Friday. His previous hundred in any format for Pakistan came in August 2023, when he scored 151 against Nepal in the Asia Cup.Eighty-one of those 83 innings were while batting in the top four, the second-longest such streak for a Pakistan batter. Mohammad Rizwan didn’t score a hundred for 82 consecutive innings while batting in the top four between 2021 and 2023.20 – Hundreds for Babar in ODI cricket, the joint-highest for Pakistan alongside Saeed Anwar.ESPNcricinfo Ltd136 – Innings Babar needed to get to 20 ODI hundreds, the third-quickest to get there. Hashim Amla is the fastest with 108 innings, while Virat Kohli achieved it in 133 innings. Anwar, for the record, needed 243 innings.Babar holds the record for being the quickest to 7, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 ODI hundreds.8 – Hundreds for Babar in ODIs in Pakistan, the highest, going past Mohammad Yousuf’s tally of seven. Babar’s eight ODI hundreds at home have come in just 31 innings.Related

Babar breaks century drought to help Pakistan clinch series

Babar after century: 'You work out who your true allies are'

4 – Specialist batters with a century-less streak as long as Babar’s in men’s internationals (with a minimum of 20 innings in each format in that period). During his century drought, Babar batted 33 times in ODIs, 26 times in T20Is, and 24 times in Test cricket.Kohli also had a streak of 83 innings without a century between 2019 and 2022, while Suresh Raina went 123 straight innings without a century between 2010 and 2014. Malcolm Waller did not score a hundred in his 131 innings at the international level.Pakistan’s Umar Akmal, who was picked as a wicketkeeper occasionally, went 144 consecutive innings without a century between 2009 and 2014, while Bangladesh’s Sabbir Rahman, who was selected as an all-rounder at times, had a century-less streak of 112 innings between 2014 and 2019.40 – Number of century partnerships involving Babar in ODIs. Only one batter has been part of more century stands for Pakistan in the format – Inzamam-ul-Haq, with 41.289 – The target Pakistan chased down on Friday, the second-highest by them while losing two or fewer wickets. Their highest is 309 against India in 2008, which they won by eight wickets in Karachi.