Scorecard and ball-by-ball details Samuels’ 48 was the game’s highest score, while Mashrafe’s wicket-less four overs went for 21 runs•Raton Gomes/BCB

Barisal Bulls opened their account in this season’s BPL with a six-wicket win over Comilla Victorians, whose fight fizzled out during a fourth-wicket stand of 49 between Mushfiqur Rahim amd Thisara Perera, which sealed the contest. Comilla, the defending champions, remain winless and would be worried by a brittle batting line-up, though bowling seems to be their strength.Set 130 to win, Barisal opener Dilshan Munaweera struck two pleasing fours before getting caught at mid-off in the fifth over but Dawid Malan quickly restored the pressure with two boundaries in the same over. Mashrafe Mortaza and Nabil Samad then bowled six overs to give away just 26 runs, increasing the required run rate from 6.87 to 8.55. It resulted in Shamsur’s laboured 26-ball 16 ending up in the hands of long-on in the 11th over.Mushfiqur broke the boundary drought with a slog-swept six in the 12th over, before Malan edged his third boundary in the following over from Sharif, though he was immediately caught off the next ball at cover for 26. With Mashrafe finishing his spell (0/21) with Barisal needing 52 off the last six overs, Mushfiqur and Thisara Perera struck boundaries off Sharif and Tanvir. They wrested back control of the game when they struck one six each off Imad, who conceded 17 runs in the 17th over.Their fourth-wicket stand ended when Mushfiqur faintly edged Tanvir to the keeper, but he got them closer to the win with his 23-ball 33. Perera eased Barisal’s nerves with two boundaries in the penultimate over, completing the win with nine balls to spare.Comilla could have slipped further from 73 for 6 in the 14th over, if it wasn’t for the 38-run seventh-wicket partnership between Marlon Samuels and Sohail Tanvir.Samuels – who came to bat after both openers fell within 3.5 overs – was involved in the run-outs of Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Imad Wasim, and saw Liton Das and Nahidul Islam fall meekly. So he had to get Comilla out of trouble. He started off the seventh-wicket stand with two fours off Al-Amin Hossain and nearly blew Thisara Perera away with a straight hit.Tanvir got into the act with a whack over midwicket for his first six. Mahedi Hasan dropped him on 13 in the 18th over, a sitter that ended up hitting him on the face, before hitting the floor. After Samuels departed for a run-a-ball 48, Tanvir struck two sixes over long-on in the last over, his unbeaten 30 off 19 balls giving Comilla the late runs that often make the difference but this time ended in futility.

Everton are in the market for a new centre-forward this summer after another disappointing season in the Premier League and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Brandon Vazquez?

According to The Athletic, Cinnicinati FC are reluctant to part ways with their star striker this summer and any deal done would likely result in snapping up the services when the MLS season ends.

As per the report, Everton and Hoffenheim are named as potential suitors for Brandon Vazquez, but with another one of their strikers (Brenner) also touted for a move away from the MLS club, the Toffees may be forced to wait until January to bring the centre-forward to Goodison Park.

Would Vazquez be worth the wait for Everton?

It is no secret that Everton found it difficult in front of goal this season due to Richarlison and Anthony Gordon's departure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin continuing to struggle with fitness problems.

The lack of consistent and reliable performers in the final third resulted in the Merseysiders getting caught up in a tight relegation scrap at the bottom of the table and tallying up the second-fewest goals (34) in the entire Premier League.

As a result, the signing of Vazquez would be a massive boost for Sean Dyche as he endeavours to improve the performances, increase goal contributions and lead Everton into a position where they can more comfortably compete.

Over 107 appearances for his current club, the 24-year-old has proven himself to be a "ruthless goal-scoring machine" in the words of journalist Chris Smith.

Indeed, the £3m-rated forward has scored 32 goals and registered 14 assists, averaging a goal contribution every 134 minutes, an output that would be a huge asset to Everton next season and could see him become the perfect Calvert-Lewin heir.

The Toffees striker has been a talisman for the team in the past and been influential when it has mattered most to the club, notably scoring 16 league goals in the 2020/21 campaign. However, over the last 18 months, his constant injury issues have massively hindered his ability to get a run of form going, finding the net just nine times since.

Dyche will surely now be desperate for more consistency in the role to ensure mistakes are not repeated in relying on the striker's return, and their top-flight status won't be compromised again next season, so Vazquez could be the perfect player to succeed the 26-year-old.

Unlike the Premier League, the MLS runs by calendar year so currently Vazquez is playing an integral role in America whilst Europe breaks until August, so it is understandable why Cincinnati would be reluctant to part ways with such a huge asset mid-season.

Having said that, Everton are at a point where they have been riding their luck in the top flight for too long and after only being saved in the final 45 minutes of the season from dropping into the Championship, waiting another six months for a striker could be detrimental.

Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian has agreed terms regarding a new contract at Anfield, according to reports.

When did Adrian join Liverpool?

The Spaniard first arrived on Merseyside from Premier League rivals West Ham United back in 2019, but with his deal set to expire at the end of the month, there’s been plenty of speculation that he could be set to leave as a free agent due to not yet signing an extension.

The Reds shot-stopper made zero appearances in the top-flight, EFL Cup and Champions League last season, with his only outing being in the Community Shield, and he even dropped down to third in Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order behind Caoimhin Kelleher.

The Irishman, however, looks like he could be on the move in a bid to find regular game time elsewhere which has prompted FSG to have a change of heart over the future of the veteran.

During a recent interview with The Athletic's James Pearce, the 36-year-old admitted that he was “really close” to finalising a fresh contract extension, though if the following update is to be believed, it sounds as if that might be something which has now been completed.

Is Adrian staying at Liverpool?

According to Football Insider, Liverpool and Adrian have both “agreed the terms” of a new contract to keep him at the club beyond the summer window. The Anfield goalkeeper has “finalised an extension” after a "breakthrough" in talks with the hierarchy, and Klopp has even personally “given the green light” for him to continue as more of a back-up to Alisson Becker.

Does Adrian deserve a new contract?

Liverpool will be aware that Adrian isn’t getting any younger, but with his experience at this level having made 139 Premier League appearances during his time under Klopp and previously at West Ham, he still provides a decent alternative to Alisson.

The Reds’ “outstanding” £60k-per-week keeper, as lauded by Sam Allardyce, has kept seven clean sheets in 26 outings since joining and has seen first hand the mentality needed between the sticks in order to compete for silverware.

The 6 foot 2 colossus knows what it takes to be successful having won six trophies over the course of his spell at the club, and with Klopp clearly ready to place his trust in him once again, Adrian is fully deserving of keeping his place on the books, albeit it's only likely to be a short-term deal that he’s being offered.

كشفت تقارير صحفية، عن بحث نادي بايرن ميونخ على لاعب في مركز الظهير الأيسر لتعويض رحيل ألفونسو ديفيز المحتمل خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية المقبلة.

ألفونسو ديفيز يقترب من الرحيل إلى ريال مدريد خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية المقبلة، ويبحث العملاق البافاري عن لاعب ليحل محله.

طالع أيضًا | جوارديولا يعلق على ارتباط تشابي ألونسو بخلافة كلوب في ليفربول

صحيفة “ديلي ميل” البريطانية، أكدت بأن أندي روبرتسون لاعب ليفربول الإنجليزي يعد هدفًا لـ بايرن ميونخ، ليحل محل ألفونسو ديفيز بعد اتفاق الأخير الشفهي مع ريال مدريد.

وأشارت التقارير إلى أن الأسكتلندي ضمن قائمة المرشحين المحتملين ليحل محل ديفيز، رغم أن بايرن ميونخ يدرك أن إبعاد روبرتسون عن أنفيلد لن يكون سهلًا، لكنه مصمم على ذلك.

وشددت التقارير على أن روبرتسون الذي انضم إلى ليفربول من هال سيتي في 2017 مقابل 8 ملايين إسترليني، من أعمدة فريق يورجن كلوب، ولعب دورًا محوريًا في نجاح النادي خلال السنوات الماضية.

روبرتسون سيبلغ 30 عامًا الشهر المقبل، ولكن على الرغم من عمره، يعتقد بايرن ميونخ أنه سيمنح الفريق توازنًا في الجبهة اليسرى، ويعتقدون أن هذا الصيف سيكون مناسبًا لمعرفة ما إذا كان الأسكتلندي منفتحًا على الرحيل أم لا.

روبرتسون شارك في أكثر من 280 مباراة مع ليفربول، وفاز بجميع الألقاب الممكنة، ولا يزال لديه عامين في عقده، لكن رحيله قد يكون محتملاً في ظل مغادرة يورجن كلوب بنهاية الموسم.

Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign an extremely in-demand player this summer, as the Blues look to strengthen under Mauricio Pochettino.

The former Tottenham Hotspur manager will officially take charge at Stamford Bridge on July 1st, as the club hope to turn their fortunes around after an abysmal Premier League season.

Pochettino must improve the painful year the Blues have endured, making improvements all over the pitch, something he is reportedly on course to do.

What’s the latest on Manuel Ugarte to Chelsea?

As reported by FootballInsider earlier this week, Chelsea are set to ‘finalise’ a deal for Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

The report states that the 22-year-old is ‘keen’ on the move, and is ‘excited’ by the project that Pochettino could bring to the club.

The youngster has a £52m release clause in place in Portugal, with the Blues set to agree on a deal for the ace who has been a topic of interest for an array of clubs.

How could Pochettino use Manuel Ugarte at Chelsea?

Pochettino has lots to improve ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, however, the experienced manager can enforce a host of stability at the club by making crucial signings this window.

As well as Ugarte, the west Londoners have been strongly linked to Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, who could be the missing piece to the puzzle in Chelsea’s midfield as the Argentinian aims to fire the Blues back where they belong.

When looking at squads that have graced Stamford Bridge over the years, not many stand as dominant as Jose Mourinho’s back-to-back Premier League-winning sides of 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons.

The midfield trio of Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien at the time was pivotal to the club’s success, with the perfect balance of strength and finesse in the engine room.

Once hailed as being “Europe’s best midfield” at the time by The Guardian’s Jon Brodkin, the dominance of the trio could be replicated by Pochettino in the prospect of signing both Ugarte and Caicedo and placing them alongside Enzo Fernandez.

The three players, similar to the legendary Chelsea trio, all maintain stellar passing rates, with Enzo ranking in the top 2% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for number of attempted passes per 90 with a monstrous 79.77, via FBref.

The Brighton machine is a superb reader of the game, as shown through his average of 1.61 interceptions per 90, as well as winning an average of 58% of his total duels with 5.9 per game, all while maintaining a pass completion rate of 88.5%.

As for Ugarte, the 22-year-old “monster” – as described by journalist Dave Hendrick – could be the Makelele of the three in sitting deep, making a gargantuan 4.63 tackles per 90 while maintaining a pass completion rate of 91.6, also per FBref.

It’s clear to see why the youngster is in demand this summer, and Pochettino could right a lot of wrongs in building a midfield around the rising star, potentially providing the Bridge with shades of Mourinho’s magnificent trio.

The ICC has begun reviewing, of its own volition, footage of Faf du Plessis shining the ball with saliva, with what appears to be a sweet in his mouth at the same time, to check for a breach of its Code of Conduct

Firdose Moonda17-Nov-20161:46

Moonda: Du Plessis incident won’t take shine off win

Faf du Plessis will find out by Sunday if he will face a charge for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct after South Africa’s stand-in captain was shown on camera shining the ball with what appeared to be a sweet in his mouth. ICC CEO David Richardson is expected to take a call over the incident, which took place during the recent Hobart Test.The footage emerged on Wednesday, the day after the conclusion of the match, which South Africa won by an innings and 80 runs to take the series. It was not reported by match officials within the stipulated 18 hours after the game. Instead, the ICC was alerted of the incident through media queries and is now reviewing it of its own volition. It has until Sunday, a stipulated five days after it began reviewing the footage, to make its decision.”The ICC has been alerted to the footage and is currently reviewing the incident from the perspective of it being a possible breach of the ICC Code of Conduct,” an ICC spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo.Although Cricket South Africa has not made an official comment on the matter, it is understood the board is confident du Plessis was acting within the laws of the game. Cricket Australia has also not commented, neither has it registered an official complaint.This is not the first time du Plessis has come under scrutiny. In 2013, five penalty runs were awarded to Pakistan, the ball changed and du Plessis fined 50% of his match fee for rubbing the ball close to the zipper of his trouser pocket during a Test in Dubai. Du Plessis pleaded guilty to the charge and match referee David Boon said he was satisfied that du Plessis’ actions were “not part of a deliberate and/or prolonged attempt to unfairly manipulate the condition of the ball”.Faf du Plessis was previously fined in 2013 for ball-tampering in a Test against Pakistan•Getty ImagesIt is also not the first time South Africa have faced allegations of tampering with the ball, by either opposition or officials. In March 2014, David Warner accused AB de Villiers of scuffing up the ball with his gloves, for which Warner was fined 15% of his match fee. After the Perth Test, Josh Hazlewood said he saw South Africa throwing the ball onto the pitch in order to try and accelerate the deterioration of one side in order to generate reverse-swing. Ahead of the Hobart Test, du Plessis maintained the ball had reversed the same for both teams and said the issue had been “blown out of proportion”. Neither incident was taken up further.Previously, in July 2014, Vernon Philander was fined 75% of his match fee after footage of him digging into the ball with his nail was made available to Jeff Crowe, the match referee in Sri Lanka. Philander accepted his penalty without contest.South Africa were originally scheduled to play a two-day pink-ball practice match over the weekend in Melbourne. Instead, that game has been altered to a one-day match on Saturday, giving them extra time off after their series win and ahead of the final Test, which starts in Adelaide from November 24.

South Africa’s convener of selectors Linda Zondi felt that domestic players needed to play more pink-ball cricket to make the transition to day-night Tests that much easier

Firdose Moonda17-Nov-2016

Linda Zondi, CSA’s convener of selectors, has suggested that South Africa should consider introducing pink-ball cricket at first-class level. This, he said, would help prepare players for the inevitable move towards more day-night Test cricket.”From a selection point of view, it only makes common sense as we move on that guys need to familiarise themselves with the process,” Zondi said. “You cannot be in a position where at the international level, you play with a particular ball but then at franchise level, where you are selecting from, the guys are not.”While Australia, India, England, Pakistan, Bangladesh and West Indies have all introduced some pink-ball matches into their domestic competitions, South Africa’s only first-class experience with it was four years ago in a match between franchise team Knights and provincial side North-West. The only member of the current South Africa squad who played in that match was Rilee Rossouw. Rossouw made 21 and 2 in the drawn game, during which issues were raised about the quality of the ball.The pink ball was used again during the group stages of the inaugural Africa T20 Cup in 2015 – a season-opening tournament played between the provincial semi-professional sides alongside a team each from Zimbabwe, Kenya and Namibia. After feedback from players, match officials and the host broadcaster, it was decided that white balls would be used for the knockout round. This year’s Africa T20 did not feature pink balls at all.South Africa have also not been tempted to experiment with it in a franchise match. It was only when they agreed to play a day-night Test on this Australia tour that their international players were exposed to the pink ball. South Africa A toured Australia in winter and sent opening batsmen Stephen Cook and Dean Elgar, middle-order man Temba Bavuma and opening bowler Vernon Philander to gain experience with the pink ball. Initially, Philander expressed concerns about the softness of the ball.He has since returned with the Test squad, who played in a pink-ball warm-up match in Adelaide before the series. There, Quinton de Kock downplayed the hype over the pink ball, saying he found it no different from any other colour ball because it was tricky to face upfront and then became easier.Kyle Abbott had similar views after the Hobart Test. “It is not that much different to a red ball, or a white ball really for us. It is either going to swing or seam,” he said. “It all depends on the surface. It might nip. Under lights it did seem to nip a bit, but we’ll just have to see when we get there because I think the conditions will be a little bit different.”The Adelaide pitch is expected to have a fair amount of grass – a means of delaying the aging of the ball – which hints at an advantage for bowlers. South Africa, though, can’t be too sure because their experience with the pink ball is limited to the matches they have played in Australia. Only Rossouw knows otherwise, although Zondi is hopeful that will change in future.”The key is that within the franchise, within our structure, sooner or later it will be an idea to also make sure all those guys where we pick from are using the pink ball,” Zondi said. “I’m not quite sure when it will happen because that’s a different pipeline in terms of the guys who are dealing with it but we hope it will happen.”While all major franchise grounds have the facilities for day-night first-class cricket, a potentially prohibitive cost will be that of turning the lights on. Electricity prices in South Africa have risen 10% in 2016 alone and most stadiums spend hundreds of thousands of Rands to use floodlights. The franchises and provinces are heavily funded by CSA so if domestic pink-ball cricket is to become a reality, the finances will need to be carefully assessed.

Liverpool are interested in signing Real Madrid phenom Federico Valverde this summer and have tested the waters with an opening offer, according to reports in Spain.

What's the latest on Federico Valverde to Liverpool?

Indeed, the report claims that after previously considering the 24-year-old indispensable, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez would now consider a transfer if his €80m (£69m) initial valuation is met.

The Uruguayan has already been subject to a €60m (£52m) offer from the Anfield side this summer, it states, and given his meteoric rise over the past several seasons, he might just be the perfect addition for the Premier League outfit.

The summer acquisition of Jude Bellingham – Real beating Liverpool in the race for the England international – has left the LaLiga giants' centre congested, and it might just be the apt moment to pounce for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp.

Could Liverpool really sign Federico Valverde?

One year ago, Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti hailed Valverde as "untouchable" after securing the LaLiga title and soon after going on to clinch the Champions League in the final against Klopp's side – where the dynamic midfielder's exquisite cross-field pass found Vinicius Jr. to glean the continental trophy.

It was an illustrious campaign that saw Valverde play 46 times, since finding the Midas touch in front of goal and scoring 12 times across all competitions this term, also supplying seven assists, as his prestigious outfit clinched the Copa del Rey, earning praise as "unbelievable" by Joe Cole.

Given James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all departing Merseyside upon the expiry of their contracts this summer, Valverde could be an upgrade of the tallest order, and given his dynamism as a central star and effective right-flanker, he could adopt Milner's mantle at the club.

The 37-year-old has been a stalwart and a consummate professional under Klopp's wing since arriving on a free transfer from Manchester City in 2015, making 332 appearances and being instrumental in securing a wealth of major honours such as, notably, the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

The £60k-per-week former England international has earned praise as "unflappable" by BBC's Garth Crooks and "unbelievable" by Klopp, and Valverde could now be the dream heir.

For all Milner's superlative leadership ability and unwavering tenacity on the pitch, he is in the twilight of his career and the younger, more robust Uruguayan would undoubtedly be an upgrade.

As per FBref, the £134k-per-week gem ranks among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of non-penalty goals, the top 16% for rate of assists, the top 16% for pass completion, the top 9% for progressive carries and the top 8% for progressive passes received per 90.

He could reignite Liverpool's centre as a new driving force, while also flourishing out wide when called upon, and Klopp must ensure that every possible avenue is explored to bring him to Anfield, where he could quite possibly be the formula to rekindle the blistering success that dwindled this term.

Jharkhand added 429 runs in the 87 overs they batted on the second day to finish on 458 for 7, 181 runs ahead of Saurashtra in Agartala. Jharkhand rode on centuries from Ishank Jaggi and Ishan Kishan, who struck his second consecutive ton.Jharkhand’s openers Anand Singh and Pratyush Singh added 42 runs in the morning before they slid from 71 for 0 to 82 for 3 in a five-over period. Saurabh Tiwary then scored an 88-ball 61, stringing together a fourth-wicket partnership of 136 with Jaggi, before being dismissed, having taken Jharkhand past 200.Jaggi reached his century soon after and joined hands with Ishan Kishan to put on 153 runs, before Jaggi retired momentarily. Kishan, who scored 273 in the previous match, scored 136 off 120 balls before being bowled by Jaydev Unadkat (2 for 87). Jharkhand lost two more wickets by stumps, ending the day with Jaggi (165*) and Ashish Kumar, who was yet to get off the mark, at the crease.In Kolkata, Vidarbha effected a Maharashtra collapse and backed it up with a strong batting performance to end the day on 141 for 1, after having collapsed for 59 on the first day.Lalit Yadav, who finished with five wickets, dismissed overnight centurion Naushad Shaikh for 127, and then Ankit Bawne, who scored 111. Shrikant Wagh took three wickets as Maharashtra were dismissed for 332, with their last seven wickets falling for just 62 runs.Vidarbha started strongly in their second essay, with openers Sanjay Ramaswamy (67) and Faiz Fazal (53*) putting on 141, before the former was dismissed in the last over of the day.In Vizianagaram, 14 wickets fell as Karnataka ended the day on 78 for 0 in their second innings, leading Rajasthan by 304 runs.The day started with Karnataka on 345 for 6 in the first innings. They added only 29 runs to be bowled out for 374, with medium-pacer TM Ul-Haq taking 5 for 82.It was then Rajasthan’s turn to collapse, as Karnataka captain Vinay Kumar , and S Aravind took four wickets each to dismiss them for 148. Siddharth Dobal top-scored with 47, but with only one significant partnership in the innings – 53 between Dobal and Rajesh Bishnoi (25) for the seventh – they folded in 54 overs with their last four falling for eight runs.KL Rahul – pushing for a Test return – remained unbeaten on 32, while his opening partner R Samarth was not out on 46 as they took Karnataka’s lead past 300.In Hyderabad, Odisha ended the second day on 150 for 2 against Assam, trailing by 151 after bowling Assam out for 301.Govinda Poddar was not out on 81, along with Subhranshu Senapati, who was batting on 34 in an unbroken partnership of 82 for the third wicket. That, after openers Sandeep Pattnaik (1) and Abhishek Yadav (26) were dismissed before tea.Earlier in the day, Assam added 77 runs to their overnight score of 224 for 5, to finish on 301. Kunal Saikia, who ended the opening day on 88, scored his maiden first-class hundred, before being the last man dismissed, for 135.

Chelsea's latest effort to try and secure a deal for Andre Onana could see them offer Inter three players in a swap deal, according to a report from Football Insider.

How good is Andre Onana?

After joining up with Inter for the 2022/23 season, he has burst onto the scene in Italy and established himself quickly as the club's first-choice shot-stopper. He featured in 24 league games for the club and conceded only 24 along the way, although it wasn't enough to help his side to the title. Instead, they had to settle for a third-place finish, although they did reach the Champions League final.

His performances inbetween the sticks have led to him emerging as one of the standout options in his position in Europe. When compared to others in goal amongst the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues for example, he ranks within the top 15% for goals against per 90 (0.95) and is within the top 12% for his save percentage too (76.4%).

With Chelsea struggling to get going in the Premier League this season, they have now turned to Onana as a potential transfer option in goal for them this summer. It seems as though they are that determined to sign him that they are even prepared to lose players to do so.

That's because according to a report from Football Insider, the Blues are prepared to offer Inter three players as part of a transfer deal. Not only would they offer the Italian side £40m but would also be willing to send Kalidou Kouliably, Romelu Lukaku and Trevoh Chalobah to Serie A.

It sees an immediate exit for Lukaku, despite the player having cost the Blues £97.5m. He struggled at Stamford Bridge and spent last season in Italy, and would make a permanent return to the Serie A side if they accept this deal.

Should Chelsea sign Onana?

The Inter man has proven that he can perform on the biggest stage, having helped lead his side to a European final and also having stood out statistically against others in his position. He is a player who has really caught the eye of many in the game recently too, with treble-winning boss Pep Guardiola labelling the goalkeeper as "exceptional" ahead of Man City's clash with Inter for example.

The 27-year-old then would certainly help keep the rest of the Chelsea defence confident with him inbetween the sticks if he did move to Stamford Bridge. Their eagerness to sign him is shown by this latest offer and the Blues will be hoping that will be enough to tempt Inter into letting the player move to England.