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Given the circumstances – a turning pitch and very little support – he played a very calculated innings

Sidharth Monga06-Nov-20201:21

Gautam Gambhir: You want someone like Kane Williamson in such tricky chases

Twenty20 cricket will probably evolve to a form one day where many sides will look like Mumbai Indians. A side whose batsmen will never let the bowlers get on top. Many sides will one day have enough efficient power hitters to just keep going. In the here and now, though, we have sides in the IPL reaching the playoffs with no back-up for their two or three big hopes. Once the game gets down to them, it is either AB de Villiers or bust. Or Kane Williamson or bust. That is why they can’t play with the freedom of a Suryakumar Yadav or an Ishan Kishan.Add to it memories of two blown chases. Against these same opponents, in their first match of this IPL, Williamson’s side sat pretty at 121 for 2 chasing 164. They lost by 10 runs. On another night, chasing just 127, they lost by 12 runs to Kings XI Punjab.Add to it the pressure of a knockout. Not just any knockout, but a knockout that you have entered on the back of three wins in three must-win matches against the three top sides in the tournament. Add to it an injury to one of your few good batsmen. Add to it a dodgy DRS call to send back the other.Most importantly, add to it a slow pitch with appreciable turn and four international spinners in the opposition. The choke is well and truly on. Williamson is part of that choke, crawling and spluttering. When he was joined by Jason Holder, the last 49 balls had brought just 24 runs and three wickets.There are two ways of dealing with such a situation: counterattack and break the back of the chase, which is 65 off 49 now or absorb the pressure and be calculating. If you are Mumbai, you probably take the first option, knowing there is Kieron Pollard and Hardik Pandya behind you to do the job. You probably don’t even let it get to this stage. If you are Williamson and the Sunrisers, though, you know you are not winning this before the 19th or the 20th over.Kane Williamson drives down the ground•BCCIWilliamson’s biggest enemy was the conditions and the big boundaries. Any attempt to hit a boundary had to be precise and to a ball was that either too short or too full. Anything else was not an option. And while the format takes its time to evolve, Williamson is the best man conceivable for these calculations.Before he got to the fast bowlers, Williamson only just tried to hit two boundaries. The spinners were not giving him anything short so he had to wait for something too full so he could attack it before it could misbehave. It is easy to say perhaps live time that pressure got too much and Williamson took two calculated risks, but go back and look at the pitch maps. When he first slog-swept Washington Sundar for a six with the requirement 59 off 38, it was the only full ball of the over. So all that while when pushing singles down the ground, Williamson had been on the prowl, waiting to launch into an error in length. And this ball was not that full either, just fuller than the usual Sundar cluster that you see. One half error, and he jumped onto it.With Yuzvendra Chahal, whom Williamson slog-swept for the second six, it was a matter of line. This was the last ball of Chahal’s spell – his figures 3.5-0-18-1 till then and with 41 still required off 25 – and this is the most leg-side he ever got to Williamson. Everything else had been off, off and middle, but this one allowed him to open the front leg up. Just the two attempted big shots, both nailed, and Sunrisers needed just nine an over with pace on the ball in the last four overs.Even then Williamson didn’t take any extravagant risks. He drove Shivam Dube along the ground, and then looked to repeat the delicate late-cut he played off another slow medium bowler, Andile Phehlukwayo, in the World Cup match at Edgbaston. In a way these are similar chases. The pitch was slow, the bowlers were making it tough, and you couldn’t trust a new batsman to get going immediately. He finally managed that dab and that boundary off the pacier Navdeep Saini.Given the resources, this was a perfectly paced chase for a side used to messing these chases up. If the future will have place for Williamson or not, if Williamson will adapt enough to fit himself in the future or not, here and now is the time to revel in the efficiency and the calm of Williamson, without whom Sunrisers probably would have been out of the tournament.

Newcastle United are always on the lookout for exciting talent to bolster their ranks and could now be set to press ahead in their pursuit of a star loved by Lionel Messi.

Newcastle appoint Ross Wilson as Director of Football

After the international break is over, the Magpies face a trip to face Brighton & Hove Albion on the South Coast as the Premier League gets back underway following a two-week hiatus.

On the news front, Ross Wilson’s appointment as Newcastle’s new Director of Football has signalled another interesting move from PIF as they look to assemble a side capable of competing with the elite of the English game.

Opening up on conversations he has held with Eddie Howe, he told Sky Sports: “This is such a special club, and I fully understand the passion, ambition and expectations of our incredible supporters, as well as the ambition and desire of our ownership to keep developing and building an even stronger Newcastle United.

“My conversations with ownership have been extremely positive, and I’ve also been in regular contact with Eddie Howe and David Hopkinson. The trust, cohesion and alignment we’re building already feels strong, and we believe that being united as a team will be so important as we continue to move the club forward together.”

Looking to make an early mark, Wilson could look to bring Brentford striker Igor Thiago to Newcastle after his impressive early showings at the Bees this season. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if Keith Andrews will cooperate after losing Yoane Wissa to the Magpies.

With his feet now under the table, Wilson is now eyeing an exciting winger who could soon be on his way to Tyneside if recent developments are to evolve.

Newcastle keen on Spain international Ansu Fati

According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are keen to sign Spain international Ansu Fati, who is on loan at AS Monaco from parent club Barcelona.

Scoring six times in his first five matches at the Ligue 1 outfit, he could be captured permanently by Les Monégasques for around £9.5 million in the summer. Meanwhile, Barcelona have the chance to buy him back for a fee in the region of £24.5 million.

Worse than Barnes: Newcastle flop is on borrowed time after Wilson arrival

This Newcastle United flop is surely on borrowed time under Ross Wilson.

By
Dan Emery

Oct 12, 2025

Crystal Palace and Everton are also keen on his services and it is easy to see why, given he has already created five chances this term in the French top-flight, per Fotmob.

Praised by Lionel Messi for his rise to prominence, Fati may have had to take the long way around after falling out of favour at Barcelona, but he now seems to have rediscovered his mojo and appears well on his way to stardom.

Newcastle are on a similar upward trajectory, creating a merging of paths that could be positive for everyone at St James’ Park.

Nottingham Forest have now reportedly joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign an in-form Serie A striker in the January transfer window.

Dyche "disappointed" by VAR call

On a night that saw Nottingham Forest edge past Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers courtesy of Jesus’ second-half effort, it was VAR that stole the biggest headlines. Once again, the technology was at the centre of the controversy after Dan Ndoye was adjudged to have been interfering with play in an offside position for what many believed to be Jesus’ initial opener.

It’s the type of call which has split opinions in recent weeks and the type that Sean Dyche didn’t understand – telling reporters at full-time: “Well, I’m the only manager who ever mentions why they (referees) go over to the screen. It’s funny how it goes against us, that was interesting.

“Managers in the old days could lose a job on a bad decision. At least now it gives you a better chance of everyone, in theory, having similar decisions. There’s always going to be tough decisions, even with VAR.

“Tonight I’m bound to say he (Dan Ndoye) doesn’t impede anyone. He doesn’t. He just stands still. He’s not trying to deflect it in or anything like that.

“I’m bound to say I’m disappointed in it. I don’t think the keeper would have saved it. But you never know, these keepers are so agile. He’s a good keeper as well, so he might have. But I’m bound to say that I’m aggrieved.”

Nottingham Forest now keen on £117k-a-week UCL defender who may replace Murillo

The Tricky Trees are looking at signing a new centre-back in the January transfer window, amid doubts over Murillo’s future.

ByDominic Lund Dec 2, 2025

Eventually, the decision did not prove costly as Forest picked up three points for the fourth time in their last five games in all competitions – highlighting Dyche’s impact.

Evangelos Marinakis will be most relieved that his managerial call is finally working out after already sacking Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou earlier this season. The Greek owner, with relegation fears eased, now has the chance to strengthen Dyche’s side in January.

Nottingham Forest racing to sign Pellegrino

As reported by Calcio Mercato and relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are now battling to sign Mateo Pellegrino from Serie A side Parma in 2026. The Tricky Trees are joined by Tottenham and West Ham United in the race, but could yet get one over on the two London clubs.

With Jesus still finding consistency and Chris Wood yet to match last season’s outstanding form, Dyche could certainly do with a player of Pellegrino’s talent.

The Parma striker has enjoyed an impressive campaign so far and is reportedly unlikely to come cheap if Forest want to make their move in the January transfer window.

Minutes

579

1,100

Goals

1

4

Assists

0

0

Expected Goals

2.3

1.9

It’s easy to see why Premier League sides are interested in Pellegrino. Compared to Jesus, the 6’3 forward has outperformed his expected goals by just over two and is on course for an impressive Serie A season.

Nottingham Forest now eyeing £15m Europa League midfielder after Anderson update

New South Wales batter Nic Maddinson underwent surgery and nine weeks of chemotherapy over the winter after discovering a tumour in March

Alex Malcolm17-Oct-2025New South Wales batter Nic Maddinson has revealed that he has been in a battle with testicular cancer after finding a lump earlier this year.Maddinson, 33, has played three Tests and six T20Is for Australia, but had been absent from the New South Wales set-up in the early part of the season. He revealed he had been diagnosed in April and has only just resumed full training after undergoing surgery and nine weeks of chemotherapy.The left-hand batter played his last match for New South Wales in early March but was dropped for the final Sheffield Shield match of the 2024-25 season. Having felt rundown with what he thought was a virus, he mentioned to New South Wales doctor John Orchard in his post-season review that he had felt a lump.Scans revealed a tumour and he had surgery immediately to remove it. But further tests seven weeks later showed the cancer had spread.

“I was taking types of steroids to manage side effects, but they would keep me up at night”Nic Maddinson

“Once I found out I had to have chemo, that was pretty hard to deal with,” Maddinson told the . “It had spread to parts of my abdominal lymph nodes and lung. That was a bit where it was pretty daunting.”Maddinson’s wife Bianca was also pregnant with their second child when he began chemotherapy and had to quit her job as a dentist to look after their toddler son while Maddinson underwent treatment.”By the second or third week, I lost all my hair. I was feeling pretty average,” Maddinson said. “I was taking types of steroids to manage side effects, but they would keep me up at night. I’d be at the hospital from about 11am to 4pm. Then a sleep. Then I’d force myself to have dinner. I’d sleep until about 1am, but sometimes I’d then be awake until 6am. I found that difficult. I was super drained and felt like I had to sleep 24/7.”I felt guilty. I couldn’t do anything around the house.”Maddinson told very few of his team-mates, with his close friend Adam Zampa being one exception.

“My recent tests were all good, and I can go about getting back into cricket, which I love”Nic Maddinson

He completed his chemotherapy on July 14. Ten days later, he had his first hit in the nets. He had to wait another two months before he was cleared to resume full training.”Eight weeks after my last chemo round, I got good news. The treatment had worked,” Maddinson said. “My recent tests were all good, and I can go about getting back into cricket, which I love.”He is continuing to build up his fitness but is likely to be available to play Sydney premier cricket and possibly second XI for New South Wales in the coming weeks with an eye to possibly returning to the Shield team in November.”I would still love to play Test cricket again, but I’m more realistic,” Maddinson said. “The older you get, the less likely it is to happen.”I had a really good opportunity last year and I just didn’t really grab it. I’m just really excited to try and play cricket again. I was dropped at the end of last year, so I’m not expecting to be straight back in the side.”The most important thing would be to say I am available. That would be a nice day.”Nic Maddinson has played three Tests for Australia•Getty ImagesFollowing the birth of his second son Wilder, he is grateful to be healthy again and has urged others to get checked it they feel something abnormal.”When I found out I needed chemo, it hit me hard because I almost didn’t go,” Maddinson said. “I thought it would go away. To know that I caught it probably as early as I could have, and it still spread into other parts of my body, that was scary.”I just think it’s so important if you have anything you’re worried about, get it checked out.”It feels silly to not tell my story. If one person reads it and gets checked, I’ll be happy. I grew up in the country and a lot of people fob it off. It’s a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude. Get the stuff checked out, it can make all the difference.”

The Houston Astros will have a familiar face on the mound for Sunday's tilt against the Chicago White Sox, as veteran right-hander Lance McCullers will be starting for the first time in three years.

Injuries have derailed McCullers's career, having kept him out of game action since the 2022 season, when he last made a regular-season start on October 3 of that year. He started three games in the postseason during Houston's run to a World Series title, but has since been sidelined after undergoing surgery to remove a bone spur and repair his right flexor tendon in 2023. A setback in his recovery ended his 2024 season, and he's now finally ready to return to game action.

In his last full season back in 2021, McCullers made 28 starts and pitched 162 1/3 innings while recording a 3.16 ERA with 185 strikeouts. An All-Star in 2017, McCullers will hope to recapture some of the success he experienced earlier in his career.

Having missed the previous two seasons, McCullers admitted that the mental toll of missing so much action had impacted him, and he had even experienced doubts about his ability to get back to the mound, especially considering he'd also previously undergone Tommy John surgery.

"Well, I don't think quitting would be the word. Yeah, I definitely felt at times that my body wasn't going to be able to handle the necessary volume to get back to this point. I've had Tommy John, and sometimes guys, if they do come back, don’t come back very long. I was very successful after my first one and had another one with a full flexor. It’s been a long road for me," McCullers said in late April, via Leah Vann of Chron.

He's finally set to return to action, and he'll be hoping to put on a worthy display on the mound against the White Sox on Sunday.

MatériaMais Notícias

O presidente Augusto Melo se reuniu com o técnico Mano Menezes na sexta-feira (8), e o Corinthians começou a traçar o planejamento de reforços para 2024. Com o mercado cada vez mais aquecido, o Lance! traz atualizações sobre Viña, Soltedo, Gabigol e outros nomes especulados no Timão.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

GABIGOL

Em baixa no Flamengo, Gabigol é o grande sonho de Augusto Melo. O novo mandatário chegou a dizer que o centroavante é “a cara” do Corinthians, mas a nova diretoria trata a chegada do camisa 10 como sonho e não abriu negociações com o clube carioca e o staff do atleta. Gabigol possui vínculo com o Rubro-Negro até dezembro de 2024, mas as partes encaminharam uma renovação dezembro de 2028.

Com dificuldades financeiras, o Timão sabe que negociar com o Flamengo é difícil, e o clube alvinegro não descarta envolver jogadores no negócio.

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SOTELDO

Soteldo também despertou o interesse do presidente Augusto Melo. O jogador é bem avaliado pela comissão técnica, mas o Corinthians se mostrou preocupado com o comportamento extracampo do venezuelano e não deve formalizar proposta ao Santos.

Soteldo cometeu atos de indisciplina quando a equipe era treinada por Paulo Turra, e o atleta chegou a ser afastado do clube.

MATÍAS VIÑA

Mesmo com a chegada de Hugo, do Goiás, o Corinthians vai contratar mais um lateral-esquerdo, e Matías Viña foi oferecido ao Timão, que agrada ao técnico Mano Menezes. O uruguaio está emprestado pela Roma ao Sassuolo, da Itália, até junho de 2024.

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Para tirá-lo do Palmeiras, a Roma investiu 13 milhões de euros (R$ 80 milhões na época), e a diretoria do Timão não está disposta a fazer um alto investimento pelo lateral-esquerdo uruguaio.

+ Veja como ficou a tabela do Brasileirão após a última rodada

ROBERT RENAN

As conversas entre Corinthians e Zenit pelo empréstimo de Robert Renan estão estagnadas. O Timão deseja repatriar o zagueiro formado no Terrão até o final de 2024, enquanto o clube russo deseja cedê-lo apenas até o meio da próxima temporada.

O Timão entende não valer a pena ter Robert Renan no elenco por apenas seis meses pois o Paulistão seria a única competição na qual o zagueiro jogaria de forma completa pelo Alvinegro.

RANIELE

A diretoria alvinegra sugeriu a contratação do volante Raniele ao técnico Mano Menezes, que aprovou o atleta do Cuiabá. O Corinthians sondou a situação do volante de 26 anos e deve abrir conversas com o Dourado nos próximos dias.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha has said that his team will stick to their fearless approach, especially if the conditions in Bangladesh favour them as the two teams prepare to face each other in a three-match T20I series.Except the conditions in Dhaka aren’t always conducive to run-scoring. The average first-innings score in night T20Is in the last ten games is less than 125. Those include the 2021 series against New Zealand and Australia, where raging turners were employed to aid the Bangladesh spinners. It played out perfectly as Bangladesh won the series 4-1 (against Australia) and 3-2 (against New Zealand). The current Bangladesh T20I captain though would prefer a move away from such made-to-order surfaces.”I agree that the (2021 series) had an adverse effect on our batters,” Litton Das said. “Even I could have built up a career as a bowler in those pitches. It was a tough time for the batters although Bangladesh won both series. I don’t think there will be a repeat this time. I saw a good wicket. It will be an even game.”Related

• Hesson slams 'unacceptable' Mirpur pitch

• Bangladesh carry momentum into contest against bogey team Pakistan

• Bangladesh name unchanged squad for T20Is against Pakistan

• Mahedi was Litton's 'first name in the line-up' for Colombo T20I

• Shadab, Rauf to miss Pakistan's T20I tour of Bangladesh

Pakistan had beaten Bangladesh 3-0 in a T20I series in May and June. After having piled up 200-plus totals while batting first in the first two games, Pakistan successfully chased 197 with nearly three overs to spare in the third game.Head coach Mike Hesson and captain Agha are trying to get the team to follow the modern trend of trying to get as many runs as possible in the first six overs.”We have changed the way we play, and that’s how we want to play,” Agha said. “But assessing the conditions is always going to be key. We will see what the conditions are and how we want to play. If the conditions allow us to play that way, we will play, and if the conditions don’t allow us to play that way, we will try to do what the conditions are allowing us. Our goal is to score above par, like 10-15 runs, and when we are batting above par and then when we are bowling, to make sure we will restrict the teams less than over par.Litton Das hits out at the nets•AFP/Getty Images

“T20 is changing every single year, every six months, to be honest. We have the players now who will play the way we want. We want to play aggressive cricket, and with that, anyone can play that kind of cricket and can come into the team. But yeah, the players we have right now, they are very good, and very exciting.”While Pakistan skipped training on the eve of the T20I series opener, Bangladesh held an optional session from late afternoon. Litton Das took a long hard look at the pitch for Sunday’s opening T20I and had a lengthy discussion with curator Gamini Silva. At his press conference, Litton said he expected sporting pitches.”Mirpur isn’t always bad for batters,” he said. “It was just troubling for batters in two particular series (against Australia and New Zealand in 2021). The ball spins here, there’s help for pacers. But there’s also runs being scored. I think it’s a sporting wicket.”Litton had earlier expressed his concerns about the conditions in Dhaka after the third T20I in Sri Lanka last week. “I don’t know how the Mirpur wicket is going to be behave, for the Pakistan series,” he had said. “I think it is raining in Dhaka every day, so wicket can be difficult for batting in such conditions. Batters may fail there, but we won’t be too disappointed. We will keep trying to give our 100%.”During the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) however, the Shere Bangla National Stadium produced good batting surfaces. Teams batting first in the last 10 night games managed a few scores in the region of 190-200. Litton said that it also has to do with the winter dew and poorer bowling attacks in the BPL.”I can see two factors in this regard,” Litton said. “There is always a chance of dew in one innings in the BPL. It makes batting easier. I also don’t think there are exactly five quality bowlers in a BPL bowling attack. We can target one or two bowlers. The international level is definitely different. We will face at least five good bowlers. I think even if this match is not high scoring, it will be an exciting match.”

Still pushing to find their next manager, Rangers have now reportedly held talks with another candidate who Pep Guardiola once praised as “incredible”.

Latest on Rangers' manager search

It’s been a search full of twists and turns, but one that is ultimately still going. Rangers remain without a manager and will return to action against Dundee United with former defender Steven Smith in the dugout on a temporary basis.

Between now and then, those at Ibrox will be desperate to fill their vacancy and get their project back on track, but they’ve already been rejected by lead candidate Steven Gerrard and watched on as Danny Rohl pulled out of the race to take them back to the drawing board.

Now, it seems as though Kevin Muscat has emerged to become the new favourite for the job. The 49ers are reportedly advancing talks to hire the Shanghai Port manager, despite rumours that he may only arrive once the Chinese Super League season comes to an end on November 22.

Already 11 points behind unexpected leaders Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, some will be questioning whether Rangers can afford to play the waiting game for Muscat or whether they should be looking elsewhere.

"Brilliant" former assistant to Hansi Flick wants to be Rangers manager – report

He’s eager to get going…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 15, 2025

The former Ibrox player has won everywhere he’s been as a manager and has been on the Gers’ radar in the past before they hired Philippe Clement, but the current circumstances are far from ideal.

There could also be further twists to the tale if Rangers fail to hire Muscat, and that’s where a former Premier League manager could come in.

Rangers hold talks with Solskjaer

According to Sky Sports, the 49ers and Rangers have now held talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about the vacant position at Ibrox. Having already made initial contact with the former Manchester United manager, the Gers have now taken one step further to open talks ahead of potentially welcoming him to Scotland.

Amid the chaos of their managerial search, Solskjaer stands out as one of the strongest candidates. He’s managed at the highest level of European football with his 4-2-3-1 system and was only recently in the dugout at Besiktas. Whilst some will be quick to remember how his time at Old Trafford ended, it’s worth noting that he initially transformed the Red Devils.

His start to life at United sparked Rio Ferdinand’s infamous call that for Solskjaer to be handed an instant contract from his caretaker position and it also drew praise from Guardiola.

A free agent who has experience at the very top, Solskjaer is certainly someone for Rangers to seriously consider.

Manchester City are eyeing a move to sign a certain "Brazilian Erling Haaland" with a £87 million ($117m) release clause as Pep Guardiola's side look to the future. His name is Wendeson Wanderley Santos de Melo, better known simply as Dell. Just 17, the striker from Bahia is already being whispered about as Brazil’s next superstar, but he has plenty of time to reach his potential.

City’s next big thing: A Brazilian wonderkid lighting up the future

The buzz around Dell is growing in Brazil. After making his senior debut earlier this year, still only 16, Dell has gone from local prodigy to global prospect in the blink of an eye. Those who’ve seen Dell play appear to believe that he’s got the cold-blooded finishing instincts of Haaland, but with a Brazilian flair. During the 2023 season, in Bahia's academy, he smashed home 40 goals in 34 matches for the Under-17 side, before following that up with another 12 goals in 21 games the following year. His heroics helped Bahia capture their first Baianao Championships and turned him into a cult figure overnight. It wasn’t long before the locals gave him his now-famous nickname, “The Haaland of Sertão”, a nod to his ruthless efficiency in front of goal and his roots in Brazil’s rugged northwestern region.

AdvertisementFrom national hero to global phenom

Dell’s lethal finishing earned him a place in Brazil’s youth national setup, and he repaid that faith in style. At the U15 South America Championship, he bagged four goals and two assists, picking up the Golden Boot. Then, earlier this year, he fired Brazil to victory in the U17 edition of the same tournament, underlining his ability to perform when the stakes are sky-high. Next stop? The U17 World Cup in Qatar this November, where Dell is expected to be one of the main attractions. Scouts from across Europe will be in attendance, but City already have an inside track. Bahia aren’t naïve about the gem they’re sitting on. The club recently moved fast to lock Dell down with a professional deal until 2027, including a jaw-dropping £87 million ($117m) release clause, a figure that speaks volumes about how highly he’s rated. Behind the scenes, Dell is represented by Giuliano Bertolucci, one of Brazil’s most influential agents and a man known for delivering his clients to Europe’s elite. And for City, the road is smoother than most, their owners, the City Football Group, hold a 90 per cent stake in Bahia, making any future negotiations far more straightforward. 

Already dreaming of the Etihad

In an interview with Dell made his ambitions crystal clear.

"Every player dreams of playing at a high level in Europe," he said. “I have this dream of playing for a club like Manchester City, which for me is the best club in the world. But I believe things will happen naturally. Before that, I want to play here at Bahia, win titles, become an idol, and then go on to forge my path in Europe. Who knows, maybe win titles and become an idol at Manchester City too.”

While comparisons to Haaland have become impossible to avoid, Dell takes them in stride.

"Haaland is an inspiration to many. He’s a guy whose videos I enjoy watching, both outside and inside the box," he said. “I think my movements are similar to his. I have a few other role models, but besides Haaland, a striker I like and have always followed since the youth academy is [Al-Hilal striker] Marcos Leonardo, who came through Santos. I enjoy watching him play.”

So while Haaland himself remains City’s undroppable hero, Dell could be shaping up to become his heir in the years to come.

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GOAL/GettyMadrid plotting: The other side of the story

But while City plan for their future, another European powerhouse is busy scheming. Over in Spain, Real Madrid are preparing for a seismic shake-up. Reports claim the club could cash in on Vinicius Jr for a staggering €250 million (£217m/$290m) if he doesn’t sign their new contract offer. And if that bombshell move happens, Madrid president Florentino Pérez already knows who he wants next, Haaland himself. The Spanish giants have been tracking the Norwegian goal machine since his Borussia Dortmund days.

Brevis will join CSK for INR 2.2 crore

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Apr-2025

Dewald Brevis has previously played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL•BCCI

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have signed South African batter Dewald Brevis as replacement for the injured Gurjapneet Singh for the remainder of IPL 2025. Brevis will join CSK for INR 2.2 crore.Brevis, who has played 81 T20s and has 1787 runs with a highest score of 162, played two T20Is for South Africa in 2023. He has prior experience of playing in the IPL having represented Mumbai Indians in 2022 and 2024. Earlier this year, he helped MI Cape Town win their first SA20 title with an 18-ball 38 in the final. He was the sixth-highest run-getter (230 at a strike rate of 184) in that tournament. Brevis’ ability to hit the ball hard and access unusual areas in the field have caught the eye of franchise owners in other parts of the world too. He’s played the CPL and represents the MI franchise in Major League Cricket in the USA.Brevis, who entered the IPL 2025 auction in November at a base price of INR 75 lakh and went unsold, has been in good form in the last few months. He finished as the second-highest run-getter in South Africa’s one-day and first-class tournaments. Although he is early in his career, the 21-year-old was tapped for big things, not least because of an uncanny resemblance to AB de Villiers when he’s at the crease. Brevis was even nicknamed ‘Baby AB’.Gurjapneet, the Tamil Nadu seamer who was bought by CSK at the auction for INR 2.2 crore, did not get a game this season.CSK are currently at the bottom of the points table with just two wins in seven games. Earlier, their regular captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was ruled out of the season with an elbow injury, with MS Dhoni taking over.