Category Uncategorized

This will be Netherlands’ first bilateral series in the country

Mohammad Isam04-Aug-2025Netherlands will play their first bilateral series in Bangladesh when they arrive in the country later this month for three T20Is. The series will give Bangladesh some competitive cricket leading up to the Asia Cup, which begins on September 9.Netherlands will land in Dhaka on August 26 before heading to Sylhet, where they will train for three days before the first T20I on August 30. The second and third T20Is are also in Sylhet, on September 1 and 3. All three matches will start at 6.00pm local time.The BCB arranged the Netherlands series after India postponed their tour to Bangladesh, which was to feature three ODIs and three T20Is from August 17 to 31. It had left Bangladesh with a month of no international cricket before the Asia Cup. Initially, the BCB were also in talks with the Nepal board.Netherlands have played in Bangladesh once before, in the 2014 T20 World Cup where they won a memorable game against Ireland to confirm their progress to the main round.Bangladesh and Netherlands have played only five T20Is against each other, with Bangladesh winning four of them. In 2012, Netherlands had hosted Bangladesh for two T20Is, their only bilateral series against them before the upcoming tour.

Was the pitch a bit too much in favour of Bangladesh’s spinners? Possibly, but that’s to be expected with ODI World Cup qualification on the line

Mohammad Isam19-Oct-2025

Home conditions typically translate to home advantage in cricket. And teams sometimes take different, even extreme, measures to ensure their strength gets support from the pitches. There is often a tacit association between the home team’s decision-makers and the curators too. But the relationship cannot be too obvious. Visiting teams are aware of what awaits them.Bangladesh are no different as hosts. On Saturday, they beat West Indies in the first ODI by 74 runs. It is a bit of a turnaround after their 3-0 bashing at the hands of Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi last week. The win also came on the back of abuse and harassment when the team returned from the UAE on Wednesday.The first ODI was played on a rather dark-looking pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Usually, a dark surface in this part of the world suggests the ball is most likely to stick on the surface, which allows spinners to get the ball to break more. It has been a few years since this colour has been seen here – a layer of cut grass usually gives it a grey-green look.Related

Rage against the pitch – it's Bangladesh vs West Indies vs the surface in series decider

Bangladesh target 2-0 while West Indies look for batting lift

Rishad's six-for wrecks WI as Bangladesh take 1-0 lead

Bangladesh nowadays have a strong pace-bowling unit, but the team management often resorts to spin-favouring pitches. In this case, not unusual if you have just lost 3-0 to Afghanistan. It has been Bangladesh’s go-to home strategy particularly since 2016. It is a bit of a shortcut to success, though visiting spinners like Rashid Khan, Nathan Lyon, Sajid Khan and Rahkeem Cornwall have also been match-winners here.On Saturday, spin accounted for 11 of the 20 wickets to fall. Rishad Hossain picked up career-best figures of 6 for 35, becoming only the second legspinner to take the opposition’s first five wickets in an ODI. The fast bowlers took eight wickets.But what does winning with this sort of tailored home advantage mean?Among the plethora of pitch-related questions at the post-match press conference, one seemed to bother Rishad, the Player of the Match. He was asked if he preferred a six-for on a pitch that helped him, or fewer wickets on a “sporting track”. In this case, only 340 runs were scored across two innings.Rishad referred to “a Guyana pitch”, which he said was worse than the one in Dhaka on Saturday. He was probably referreing to the surfaces used during the West Indies-Bangladesh ODI series in 2022. “The [Dhaka] wicket was same for both teams,” he said, meaning it didn’t change character during the course of the match. “We have encountered an even worse pitch in Guyana. We adjusted to those conditions. It was the same condition for both sides.”To an earlier query on the pitch, Rishad had said the Bangladesh batters had had a better plan to tackle the conditions than their West Indian counterparts. “Our batters could read the wicket better. They figured out that if they start slowly, they can finish well with wickets in hand,” he said. “I think they were just carrying out their plans to the best of their ability.”The pitch debate overshadowed Rishad’s impressive all-round show. He struck a breezy 13-ball 26 with two sixes, which took Bangladesh close to the 200-run mark before he fell in the 49th over. Those were two of only three sixes in the innings. Then, with the ball, he sparked a collapse from 79 for 1 to 133 all out.Rishad Hossain finished with career-best figures of 6 for 35•AFP/Getty Images

“I stuck to my process. I had to adjust in the first couple of overs, but then I could make up quickly,” he said. “I always try to contribute in all three departments. I believe that Allah will always find me a way to do always something for the team.”I always try to contribute something extra with the bat for the team. I think if my contribution takes the team from 180 to 210 or 215, that’s great. I am aware of what the team is looking from me as a batter.”Bangladesh are trying to get back on track in ODIs after an impressive recovery in T20Is in 2025. Good results in ODIs are necessary to ensure automatic qualification to the 2027 ODI World Cup. For that, on this evidence, home pitches in bilateral series will be prepared according to their strengths.True, Bangladesh’s fast bowlers are also match-winners. Truer surfaces will also help the batters stay in touch with playing on livelier pitches for series elsewhere. For now, though, this is an ODI series at the Shere Bangla National Stadium that Bangladesh need to win. The batters have to rein themselves in, and the fast bowlers may feel redundant. The spinners will be licking their lips.

It's fair to say that not even Arsenal fans were convinced by the club's decision to pay Chelsea £50 million for Noni Madueke during the summer transfer window – but it's starting to look like a masterstroke, with the winger having produced another stellar performance on the game's grandest stage in Wednesday's Champions League win over Club Brugge.

Just a few weeks after opening his account for the Gunners in the 3-1 defeat of Bayern Munich, Madueke helped himself to a double in a 3-0 victory in Belgium – thus becoming the first player to ever score his first three goals for the north Londoners in the European Cup.

His first effort was a stunner, too, with Madueke showing terrific strength to hold off one challenger and barge past another before rifling a shot into the back of the Brugge net via the underside of the crossbar. The England international's second strike was far more straightforward, as he was completely unmarked and only two yards out when he got his head on the end of a delightful cross from Martin Zubimendi.

Perhaps inspired by what Madueke was producing on the opposite flank, Gabriel Martinelli decided to leave his stamp on the game with a stunning strike of his own after a fortuitous break of the ball on the left wing and, in truth, the visitors could have added even more goals during the closing stages of what proved an ultimately facile win.

GOAL rates all of the Arsenal players on show at the Jan Breydel Stadium as the Gunners made it six wins from six games in this season's Champions League…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (7/10):

One second-half save wasn't particularly convincing but the Spaniard will be delighted with his latest shut-out, as he was called into action a lot more than usual.

Ben White (6/10):

Always looking to get forward, particularly in the first half, and also played his part in Arsenal keeping a commendable clean sheet against a dangerous counter-attacking team.

Christian Norgaard (6/10):

With Arsenal shorn of the services of several players, Arteta opted to deploy the Dane as a centre-back in Belgium and while he picked up a booking for a tactical foul, the defensive midfield did well for the most part.

Piero Hincapie (7/10):

A solid showing from the Ecuadorian, who defended well and also twice went close to scoring before being brought off midway through the second half.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (5/10):

Carlos Forbs caused the England international all sorts of problems during the first half but he looked a lot more comfortable after the break.

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Martin Odegaard (6/10):

Very bright early on and nearly scored at one point but the Norwegian was once again quietly efficient rather than overtly influential before his 71st-minute withdrawal.

Martin Zubimendi (8/10):

Another dynamic display from one of Arsenal's best players so far this season. The Basque got through plenty of work in midfield, kept the ball moving and also contributed two assists, the second of which was a cross from the left wing that was just begging to be converted.

Mikel Merino (5/10):

An unusually underwhelming outing from the Spaniard, who surprisingly offered little in attack and was relatively poor in possession. 

Getty Images SportAttack

Noni Madueke (8/10):

Starting ahead of Bukayo Saka, Madueke broke the deadlock with a sensational solo strike that his compatriot would have been proud of – before showing good goalscoring instincts to get on the end of Zubimendi's cross. Those of us who doubted his worth to Arsenal are being made to eat our words!

Viktor Gyokeres (4/10):

A painfully ineffective performance from the expensive Swedish striker, who never looked like scoring and touched the ball just 12 times before being hauled off just after the hour mark.

Gabriel Martinelli (8/10):

An absolute livewire down the left wing, the Brazilian tormented his marker throughout and capped a dynamic display with a stunning right-footed strike into the top corner. Fair to say that Martinelli is back to his best.

AFPSubs & Manager

Riccardo Calafiori (6/10):

Replaced Hincapie with half an hour to go and slotted seamlessly into the back four.

Gabriel Jesus (6/10):

Made his long-awaited return to action and looked lively, hitting the bar with a thumping late strike. Gyokeres has competition for the central striking berth!

Ethan Nwaneri (6/10):

Brought on with less than 20 minutes to go and saw a couple of good efforts saved in injury time.

Bukayo Saka (5/10):

Part of a double substitution with Nwaneri but didn't make that much of an impact.

Marli Salmon (N/A):

The 16-year-old came on for White in the 81st minute to make his first appearance at senior level.

Mikel Arteta (8/10):

Made excellent use of arguably the strongest squad in Europe, as Arsenal maintained their perfect record in this season's Champions League by sweeping aside a team that had previously held Barcelona to a 3-3 draw.

تحدث كلاوديو جيرالديس مدرب سيلتا فيجو، بعد الفوز على ريال مدريد، بثنائية نظيفة، خلال اللقاء الذي جمع بين الفريقين في الدوري الاسباني لكرة القدم.

وقال جيرالديس في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ماركا”: “دافعنا بشكل جيد وكنا محظوظين بالفوز في برنابيو، إذا سنحت لهم فرص للتعادل أو الفوز”.

وأضاف: “بشكل عام لعبنا مباراة جيدة للغاية باستثناء الطرد الذي لم يعجبني أداء الفريق بعده”.

وحول ضغط ريال مدريد علق مدرب سيلتا فيجو: “عندما كانوا نشيطين، كان من الصعب جدًا مواجهة ما قاموا به والخروج بالكرة، لأنهم سريعون جدًا وفريق قوي بدنيًا وعندما تجبرهم على التكتل، يعانون أكثر وهذا ما كنا نهدف إليه”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ماركا تكشف كواليس الفوضى أمام سيلتا فيجو.. فينيسيوس يتنبأ بقرار الحكم وطرد ثالث في ريال مدريد

وواصل مشيدًا بمهاجم سيلتا فيجو بورخا إيجلسياس: “إنه ذكي جدًا في قراءة المباراة وضغطه، يضيف كثير من التنظيم على الهجوم والدفاع بجانب موهبته، كان رائعًا ضد خصوم أقوياء مثل ميليتاو وروديجر في مواقف واحد لواحد”.

وسئل مدرب سيلتا فيجو عن تشابي ألونسو: “إنه مدرب رائع ومحاط بأشخاص ممتازين في جهازه الفني، لديه فريق استثنائي، لقد عانى من سوء حظ كبير بسبب الإصابات في خط الدفاع، مدريد لديه مدرب رائع وأتمنى له كل التوفيق، علينا أن نتحلى بالصبر معه”.

Both the semi-finals and the final have reserve days, which could come into play given the forecasts in Navi Mumbai and Guwahati

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Oct-2025

England have set up a Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final clash against South Africa in Guwahati on Wednesday, while defending champions Australia will meet hosts India at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium on Thursday. The semi-finals line-up is a repeat of the 2017 edition of the tournament.Australia finished the league stage of the competition undefeated – the only team with no losses at this World Cup – with six wins from seven games. They topped the points table with 13 points following their latest victory against South Africa in Indore on Saturday. South Africa, meanwhile, are second with ten points, having registered five wins and two losses.With nine points from six matches, England – currently placed third – can move up to second if they beat New Zealand. India have won three and lost as many games in six matches, with one fixture remaining against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai. Both matches are scheduled for Sunday.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

As far as the weather is concerned, showers are expected in Guwahati on the day of the first semi-final. In Navi Mumbai, too, conditions are likely to be cloudy, with a thunderstorm forecast in the evening, followed by a few late showers. The semi-finals and the final – scheduled for November 2 in Navi Mumbai – will have reserve days, which will be used to continue the incomplete match from the scheduled days. However, “every effort will be made to complete the match on the scheduled day with any necessary reduction in overs,” and only if the match does not produce a result on the scheduled day, despite reduction in overs, will it continue into the reserve day.The ICC’s playing conditions also cited two examples that if the match starts as a full 50-over game on the scheduled day and, say, a rain interruption at 19 overs reduces it to 46 overs per side. But if no further play takes place after the reduction of overs on that day, the action will resume on the reserve day for a full 50-over match. But in case the overs are reduced to 46 per side because of rain and play does resume on the scheduled day for a truncated match, and rain arrives again to abandon play for the rest of the scheduled day, the reserve day will resume the match for a truncated game, 46 overs, subject to further reduction if there is more rain.In case of a no-result in either semi-final, the team that finished higher on the points table will progress into the final. If no result is possible in the final, the trophy will be shared.Australia have met India three times in Women’s World Cup knockout games, winning twice and losing once. England have defeated South Africa twice in knockout matches in 50-over World Cups.

Two coaches detail the LSG bowler’s transformation from unremarkable offspinner to un-pickable man of mystery

Hemant Brar11-Apr-20251:17

What makes Digvesh Rathi such a tricky bowler?

“Hard work, it is said, beats talent, and Digvesh Rathi is a prime example of it.” That’s Sachin Shukla, Rathi’s coach at the Dronacharya Cricket Academy in Delhi.Rathi, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) mystery spinner, has caught everyone’s attention at IPL 2025 with his frugal bowling and extravagant celebrations. In five matches, he has picked up seven wickets at an economy rate of 7.75 and has been penalised twice for his “notebook” celebration. His long hair and a Sunil Narine-inspired run-up further add to his persona.Shukla, though, has known Rathi from a time before he had fancy celebrations, long hair, or mystery spin.Related

• Narine-clone Rathi just 'loves bowling' and is being rewarded for it

• Rathi gets penalised again for his 'notebook' celebration

• Rathi dismisses idol Narine with his first ball

“Digvesh bowled offspin with a typical offspinner’s action when he first came to our academy around 2017,” Shukla tells ESPNcricinfo. “He was 17 then and, in his very first year, took 40-odd wickets in 14 matches for our club Delhi Blues.”He is a completely different bowler now. He hides the ball behind his back in his run-up and bowls at a much quicker pace. His carrom ball is very difficult to pick as he uses a similar grip for his googly as well. That’s how he bowled Naman Dhir in the Mumbai Indians game.”Even though Rathi had not played any age-group cricket previously, he was shortlisted for Delhi’s Under-19 side. But there were many more talented players in that group and he failed to make the cut.Shukla remembers the day the squad was announced. “He came to me around noon, visibly upset and emotional. I asked him what had happened. He replied, ‘ [I couldn’t make it].’ When a boy from a middle-class family chooses this field, he is putting his everything at stake. Because in many cases, the whole family is dependent on you. And when you don’t get selected despite your best efforts, only you know how hard it hits.”Rathi was a net bowler for Delhi Capitals during IPL 2022 and 2023•Digvesh RathiAnother setback followed soon. Rathi fractured his right collarbone while fielding in a match. Rathi doubled down and worked harder. He also realised it was not easy to stand out as an offspinner. So, around 2020, he decided to add some mystery to his bowling.Rathi was always a Narine fan. He used to use Narine’s photo as his profile picture on Facebook and WhatsApp. Now he began emulating his bowling style too. When Covid-19 brought cricket to a halt, Rathi worked on his fitness.”People had many excuses during Covid but not Rathi,” Shukla says. “He set up a small gym on his terrace. He was already fit and got even fitter. Once cricket resumed, he would bowl for long hours in the nets.”After the match against Mi in Lucknow, LSG head coach Justin Langer spoke about Rathi’s love for bowling: “If he could bowl for 16 hours a day, he would bowl for 16 hours a day.”

“I have come across many passionate players, but the hard work Digvesh put into becoming a mystery spinner was of a different level. He would bowl non-stop for six-seven hours on a single wicket”Sachin Shukla, Rathi’s coach

Shukla witnessed this before anyone else. “I have come across many passionate players, but the hard work Digvesh put into becoming a mystery spinner was of a different level,” he says. “He would bowl non-stop for six-seven hours at a single stump. At times, the wicketkeeper would say he was tired. But Digvesh was never tired. It’s the same even now.”Those long hours in the nets helped Rathi develop his carrom ball, googly and seam-up delivery. It also improved his accuracy, which is the bedrock of his bowling.The rewards came on cue. For IPL 2022 and 2023, Delhi Capitals (DC) picked him as a net bowler. Last year, he was with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the same role and got to learn from his idol Narine. In between, he got a chance to play for Delhi when the BCCI made the CK Nayudu Trophy an Under-25 rather than Under-23 tournament. During this time, he also picked up the signature celebrations of Wanindu Hasaranga and Kesrick Williams.Rathi was now waiting for a bigger platform to showcase his talent. That came in the form of the 2024 Delhi Premier League, where he was picked by South Delhi Superstarz. But that brought its own set of challenges.Rathi brings out the notebook celebration after dismissing Naman Dhir•BCCI”He had never bowled with a Kookaburra ball,” Sarandeep Singh, the former India offspinner and team director at South Delhi Superstarz, says. “Apart from that, he was bowling too fast. We advised him to slow down a bit, especially against a new batter, so that he could get more turn.”We told him, ‘You are a wicket-taker. Even if you get hit for two sixes in an over, you should go for wickets. We don’t expect economical overs from you.'”Rathi levelled up quickly and emerged as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the DPL with 14 scalps from ten games at an economy rate of 7.82. After the tournament, Sarandeep, who was named the coach of Delhi’s domestic team two weeks later, asked Rathi to “keep practising the same way.”Two months later, Rathi was selected for Delhi’s senior team at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He was a back-up for Suyash Sharma and got to play only two games, against Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. His combined figures in those matches were 7-2-19-3.

“He [Rathi] is very disciplined, likes to be with himself, trains well and bowls to his heart’s content. [No show-off]. It’s rare to come across such kids these days, especially in Delhi”Sarandeep Singh

But even before that, LSG had picked him at the mega auction for IPL 2025. He has since become their go-to spinner, outperforming India legspinner Ravi Bishnoi, whom the franchise had retained between seasons. Of the 120 balls Rathi has bowled so far, 44 have been dots. Among spinners, only Varun Chakravarthy, another idol of Rathi, has bowled more dots this season (49 out of 114). And Rathi has been hit for just three sixes, the fewest among all bowlers who have bowled at least 15 overs.”I spoke to Rathi recently,” Sarandeep says, “and told him that it’s his hard work that has brought him till here, and he must keep at it. Because right now not many have seen him, his variations. Once everyone knows what he is doing, then the real test will begin.”He is not someone who has come via the Under-19, Under-23, Ranji Trophy route. Till last year, he was playing in corporate leagues. Suddenly, the DPL happened. Then he made his debut for Delhi and now he is playing in the IPL. So the more he bowls, the more he will learn about his bowling.”I think he is on the right track. He is very disciplined, likes to be with himself, trains well, and bowls to his heart’s content. [No show-off]. It’s rare to come across such kids these days, especially in Delhi.”

Meeting your idol in front of your squad be like… pic.twitter.com/9UeoAGxpxr

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) April 6, 2025