With the frantic transfer window now over and done with, and the opening set of Premier League fixtures finished, Sunderland will appreciate this downtime for the international break.

Indeed, Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats have headed into this mini break with a promising two top-flight victories already picked up, as the whole host of new signings gifted to the Frenchman over a lengthy summer largely impressed.

Therefore, a moment of rest could do the Wearside outfit the world of good, ahead of the fixtures coming thick and fast again, with a trip to Crystal Palace awaiting them next weekend.

Brian Brobbey will no doubt be clamouring for some action at Selhurst Park, having sealed a deadline day move from Ajax to the Stadium of Light to bolster the Black Cats up top, and steal the limelight momentarily as another statement buy at the £21.6m mark.

Brobbey & Diarra: Sunderland's standout summer purchases

In a window that saw Sunderland regularly splash cash excessively, deadline day was no exception for the ambitious Premier League new boys.

Brobbey would go down as the Black Cats’ second most costly purchase of the summer, with pressure now on the Dutchman’s shoulders to live up to the hype that once saw him be dubbed a “goal machine” by scout Jacek Kulig.

From 284 career appearances both in the senior side at the Johan Cruyff Arena and on the youth pitches, the lively 23-year-old has a ridiculous 141 strikes next to his name, with Marc Guiu’s surprise return to Chelsea in the final few days of the window not hurting so much after the late capture of Brobbey was unveiled.

He wasn’t the most expensive capture, however, with that crown being handed to Habib Diarra far earlier in the summer, when he broke Sunderland’s transfer record at the £30m region.

The ex-RC Strasbourg ace has since featured in all four of Sunderland’s competitive games so far this season, with a calm 83% pass accuracy averaged in the Premier League.

Diarra will be hoping he can pick up goals and assists for fun soon, as he grows more used to the testing environment of the English top-flight.

On top of that, one of the Senegal international’s new teammates in the middle will also be praying for more first-team opportunities to come his way, as he staggeringly boasts an even heftier price tag than both the expensive 21-year-old and Brobbey.

Sunderland star looking to outshine Brobbey & Diarra

Le Bris will have plenty of selection headaches to contend with over the course of the season, off the back of a mammoth 15 fresh signings entering the swollen Sunderland ranks this summer.

With the arrival of the £30m-rated Diarra to the building, it has seen the likes of Chris Rigg struggle for gametime early on this campaign, despite the 18-year-old being heralded as a presence that will “obviously play in the Premier League” by commentator Ian Darke last year, after consistently shining bright for Le Bris and Co in their hunt for promotion glory.

Having made his senior debut at just 15, the wide-eyed Rigg has always punched above his weight and shown that he belongs in the taxing environments sprung onto him, with four goals and one assist coming his way last season to help his side achieve promotion.

Unfortunately, with the wide array of talent at Le Bris’ disposal now, the teenage sensation has only been limited to one meagre minute of Premier League action to date.

However, Sunderland will still be very aware of how much a prized asset Rigg is, having tied him down to a new contract until 2030 recently, amid previous interest in his services from the likes of Manchester United.

Even Real Madrid are allegedly keeping a close eye on the 18-year-old, with the big bucks needing to be splashed to obtain such a “phenomenal” talent, as he has been lauded by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Games played

106

Goals scored

10

Assists

5

Positions played

7

Value

£40m

While Black Cats fans far and wide will no doubt bask in the number of standout signings their side has made this summer, they will gain even more joy from Rigg’s sharp rise from academy prospect to first-team regular, with the England U19 international now rumoured to be valued around the £40m mark.

That’s amazingly more than Brobbey’s £21.6m valuation, on top of trumping Diarra’s much-talked-about £30m price by £10m.

For the Wearside outfit’s sake, they will hope they don’t fall victim to another Jobe Bellingham-style sale anytime soon, though, with Rigg surely only getting better at his hometown club if more minutes are afforded to him across the 35-game league marathon to follow.

Sunderland's most expensive signings of all time

Who is the Black Cats’ record addition?

ByCharlie Smith Sep 5, 2025

Manchester City have now exploded into the race for a “generational” £70m Premier League star, with Pep Guardiola said to be a big fan.

Man City looking to sign another new midfielder

Man City made major improvements to their midfield during the summer transfer window, with Tijjani Reijnders hitting the ground running at the Etihad Stadium, picking up a goal and an assist in the opening game against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Sporting director Hugo Viana has also praised the Dutchman since his arrival, saying: “Manchester City in the past have had great midfielders like Gundo and Kevin.

“They were doing really well but unfortunately, they left but they are still club legends, and it is not easy to replace them, but I think Tijjani will be a really important player for the club for the next years.”

Man City racing Real Madrid and Arsenal for "jewel", same agent as Trafford

Pep Guardiola’s side are set to battle some of Europe’s top clubs for a rising star.

ByDominic Lund Sep 17, 2025

After returning to City for one season, İlkay Gündoğan has since joined Galatasaray, which means there could be space in the squad for Guardiola to bring in another central midfielder, and a shock move could now be on the cards.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Man City have now exploded into the race for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who is yet to start a game for the Red Devils this season, which has left him frustrated.

Guardiola is personally a big fan of Mainoo, viewing the young central midfielder as one of England’s brightest prospects, and there is a feeling the 20-year-old’s ability to dictate play could make him a perfect fit at City.

The Man United maestro has a market value of around £70m, given his vast potential, with the youngster’s future uncertain ahead of the January transfer window, amid interest from Guardiola’s side, alongside Chelsea and Newcastle United.

"Generational" Mainoo would be statement signing for City

It is difficult to envisage the United academy graduate crossing the Manchester divide, but the report makes it clear he is growing unsettled at Old Trafford, having been keen to go out on loan during the January transfer window.

City know all too well just how talented the midfielder is, given his performance in the 2024 FA Cup final, scoring the second goal in the Red Devils’ surprise 2-1 victory at Wembley, and receiving the Man of the Match award as a result.

The starlet has also received high praise from former teammate Rasmus Hojlund, who is now on loan at Napoli, with the striker describing him as a “generational” talent.

As such, Mainoo would be a statement signing for Manchester City, but it seems very unlikely that United would be willing to sanction the midfielder moving to their bitter rivals.

Skipper’s unbeaten 97 followed Derbyshire losing their last six wickets for 80

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay19-Apr-2025

Northamptonshire skipper Luke Procter led from the front as his team fought back on the second day of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two match against Derbyshire at Derby.Procter made an unbeaten 97 and shared an opening stand of 143 with Ricardo Vasconcelos who passed 50 for the first time this season, scoring 82 off 117 balls, as the visitors closed on 236 for 3 in reply to Derbyshire’s 307.Procter also finished with figures of 3 for 61 with Justin Broad claiming 4 for 60 as Derbyshire lost their last six wickets for 80 runs, including Brooke Guest who top scored with 91.Northamptonshire’s bowlers had something to prove after a below par performance on the first day and they delivered a much improved display in terms of control and discipline.Guest had played a counter-attacking innings which had disturbed the bowler’s lines and he resumed with a crisp straight drive down the ground against Liam Guthrie to move into the nineties.But Guthrie had the last word when Guest went to drive a widish ball and dragged it into his stumps to give the visitors the early breakthrough they needed.When Broad replaced Guthrie, he found some inswing to trap Anuj Dal in front and then beat Martin Andersson’s loose drive to reduce Derbyshire to 267 for 7.Zak Chappell edged a forcing stroke behind to give Broad his third victim of the morning and Derbyshire were in danger of falling below 300 when Luis Reece was caught down the legside aiming to pull Guthrie.Blair Tickner secured a second bonus point when he pulled Dom Leech to the ropes before Procter took the new ball and had Jack Morley caught behind.It was a good session for the visitors who dominated the afternoon with Vasconcelos and Procter batting through to tea. Vasconcelos was close to being lbw to Tickner early in his innings but after a sketchy start, a glorious on drive off the New Zealand paceman showed his confidence and touch was returning.As well as he and Procter batted, it was not a good session for Derbyshire’s bowlers who failed to maintain the consistent lines to build pressure. An off drive off Andersson brought Vasconcelos his 10th four and took him to 50 before he whipped Reece to the midwicket boundary to bring up the 100 stand which came from 135 balls.Procter completed his half-century after tea and when Wayne Madsen could not cling on to a fierce chance at second slip off Tickner when Vasconcelos was on 76, it threatened to be expensive.It certainly looked that way when the opener pulled the next delivery for four but when Tickner tempted him with a wide-ish ball, he slashed it to gully where Andersson made no mistake.Vasconcelos knew he had thrown away the chance of a hundred and had to drag himself from the crease but he and Procter had given their team a good platform to build on.Procter was building another partnership with George Bartlett until Chappell got enough lift off a length to have the latter caught behind and James Sales never got going, playing across a full ball from Reece.Derbyshire were much better in an extended final session but Procter and Rob Keogh reduced the arrears to 71 before bad light ended play.

Crucial rearguard puts nominal target beyond visitors’ reach on final day at Trent Bridge

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay14-Apr-2025Jack Haynes, the 24-year old batter who moved to Nottinghamshire last season, not only surpassed a previous best of 77 for the county, posted in his maiden innings a year and eight days, but continued to a crucial first century to add to the five he had made for Worcestershire.After three men had gone in the day’s first seven overs to leave his side just 222 ahead at 242 for 8, his final career-best 142, following a key 77-run recovery stand with Brett Hutton, secured the draw in the Rothesay County Championship first division against Essex at Trent Bridge.By the time Haynes’s hundred arrived, after eleven balls on 99 with the last man now in, the lead was 320 and 60 overs remained but Notts declined to declare and, when eventually all out for 385 after a delayed lunch, the nominal Essex target became 366 at seven per over.Though Nottinghamshire relaxed their bid for breakthroughs only in the last over, there never seemed the remotest chance they might induce panic as Paul Walter reached 41 and his captain Tom Westley a brisk 28 for Essex’s unbroken second-wicket before the umpires pulled stumps at 5pm.The frantic start first thing thus proved the falsest of dawns for the visitors who had seized their own trio of wickets in the opening 30 minutes only to be thwarted for 24.2 overs by the ninth-wicket pair as No 10 Hutton solidly bedded in.The new ball was available after six overs in the day but by then Shane Snater had already removed both nightwatchman Farhan Ahmed and Lyndon James, each caught behind for one, dangling the bat.A stupendous catch from Noah Thain, diving at mid-wicket to hold on inches above the grass as Fergus O’Neill middled a sweet clip off his pads, left Notts in deep peril with effectively 86 overs still to come.But wicket-taker Jamie Porter and partner Sam Cook proved far less threatening with the new ball than at any stage in the match hitherto and it was not until the last scheduled over before lunch that Hutton finally fell, heaving a catch to the boundary off Matt Critchley for 38.With the last pair together the interval was delayed and Haynes, now 94, was joined by Dillon Pennington. After several agonising attempts to pierce the infield on 99, he at last drove a four and broke into jubilant celebrations of a first hundred in sixteen games for Notts after his five seasons at Worcester.By lunch, with Essex now spreading the field far and wide to give Haynes singles he refused, the lead was 355 with 56 overs remaining. But Notts opted to bat on in the afternoon until Haynes hammered Thain down the ground and was held at long-on by Jordan Cox who threw the ball up, skipped over the rope and nipped back to complete the catch. In a final stand of 66 from ten overs, Haynes made 48 to Pennington’s unbeaten 13.When Essex batted again at 2.20pm, Pennington, taking the new ball, soon had Charles Allison missed at second slip on seven but later pulled up in his fifth over to leave the field with an apparent side strain. But Hutton, hero with the bat earlier, had Allison lbw to end his third championship innings for 27 in the third and last dismissal of the 65 final overs.

Kingsley Coman has once again been called up by France boss Didier Deschamps for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches this month after the winger left Bayern Munich in the summer to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr. The 29-year-old has defended the coach's decision to keep him in the squad, claiming he is just as good as he was when called up as an injury replacement in September.

Deschamps trusts Coman despite leaving Europe

Deschamps has called up the former Bayern Munich winger for France's upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Azerbaijan and Iceland. This call is no coincidence. Despite his summer transfer to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Coman remains a valuable player for the coach of Les Bleus. The Parisian-born player, now a teammate of Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Joao Felix, is enjoying this continuity while firmly defending his career choice.

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'You don't lose your qualities' – Coman responds to criticism

Faced with doubts about his departure from European football, Coman was keen to clarify his position. In an interview with , the 29-year-old winger responded candidly:"I played in Europe for 10 years and I've only been there for a month. You don't lose your skills. I'm the same player I was at Bayern. I'm not going to lose my level in a year either (laughs). I'm always ready to help the national team. I'm sure I can maintain my level. I'm going to continue to want to be the best player I can be. And I still have my knowledge of the top level."

These words reflect the confidence of a player who is convinced that the change of league does not call into question his ambitions or his place in the national team.

Coman brings the wealth of experience with him

With 59 caps and eight goals for France, Coman has played in major competitions but has never established himself as an undisputed starter. His transfer to the Saudi Pro League therefore raised questions. Some observers feared that he would gradually drift away from the rigours of top-level European football.

But for Coman, such criticism is no longer important: "I've learned to ignore what everyone else thinks."

He goes on to defend the growing standard of the Saudi league: "What I see is that we have a good squad and that we would be competitive in Europe. I'm not going to lose my rhythm: I play a lot more there than I did at Bayern last season. Between playing 20 minutes at Bayern and playing every game, which is better? People think it's easy, but between the league four years ago and today, it's much more competitive."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPComan aims remain indispensable to Les Bleus

Since joining Al-Nassr this summer, Coman has quickly settled in, delivering strong performances alongside stars like Ronaldo. In just nine appearances across all competitions, he has tallied three goals and five assists – a promising start after an inconsistent spell at Bayern Munich, where injuries and competition limited his impact.

Now enjoying regular minutes in Riyadh, Coman is regaining confidence and form, proving he can still influence games at the highest level. His resurgence hasn’t gone unnoticed by Deschamps, who continues to prioritise performance when selecting his squad. With the 2026 World Cup qualifiers underway, Coman aims to solidify his place in the national team and dispel doubts about his move to Saudi Arabia. 

MatériaMais Notícias

Camisa 10 da Seleção Brasileira, Marta não é titular na Copa do Mundo Feminina. Aos 37 anos, esta deve ser a última Copa do Mundo da jogadora. A sua ‘não titularidade’ pode ser explicada por alguns motivos. Recentemente, Marta se recuperou de uma lesão no joelho e ficou cerca de onze meses sem jogar. Voltou a ativa somente em fevereiro deste ano, nos amistosos disputados.

RelacionadasCopa do Mundo FemininaVai ser feriado nos dias de jogos da Seleção Brasileira Feminina durante a Copa do Mundo?Copa do Mundo Feminina23/07/2023Copa do Mundo FemininaSeleção Brasileira Feminina: veja lista de jogadoras convocadas para a Copa do Mundo 2023Copa do Mundo Feminina19/07/2023Copa do Mundo FemininaQuando a Seleção Brasileira estreia na Copa do Mundo Feminina? Saiba dia e horárioCopa do Mundo Feminina22/07/2023

Mas não para por aí. Para o ataque brasileiro, a treinadora Pia Sundhage selecionou: Andressa Alves (Roma), Geyse (Barcelona), Nycole (Benfica), Bia Zaneratto (Palmeiras), Debinha (Kansas City Current), Gabi Nunes (Madrid CFF) e Marta (Orlando Pride). Com exceção de Marta, maior jogadora da história da Amarelinha, as demais atletas apresentam características específicas que agradam a comandante: velocidade e, principalmente, polivalência, ou seja, são capazes de atuar em mais de uma posição.

Torça pela nossa Seleção Feminina com camisas a partir de R$ 29,90

Após a convocação, Pia também falou sobre esta questão envolvendo a titularidade da Marta. De acordo com as palavras da treinadora, já foi posto em dúvida a presença da jogadora no elenco titular.

– Parece música para os meus ouvidos quando uma jogadora fala sobre outras. A Marta é uma rainha. Estar perto dela é maravilhoso. Ela tem muita energia e no passe final é uma das melhores. Estar perto dela e ter a chance de treiná-la, é ótimo. Se ela estará no time titular, não sei. Mas terá o nosso apoio – explicou.

Marta é a maior artilheira das histórias da Copa do Mundo – tanto pelo futebol masculino quanto feminino. Ao todo, são 17 gols, marcados nos torneios de 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 e 2019.

Former Glasgow Rangers manager Barry Ferguson has hinted at knowing who the problematic players are for Russell Martin at Ibrox currently, as he battles to save his job.

A must-win game for Russell Martin at Rangers

The Gers trade Scottish Premiership commitments for Scottish League Cup action on Saturday evening, with Hibernian making the trip to Ibrox for a quarter-final clash.

For Martin, it feels like a must-win game, with the 39-year-old under enormous pressure after a disastrous start to his time in charge of Rangers, not yet winning a league game.

Recent reports have suggested that the Englishman is safe as manager for now, but it surely can’t take many more bad results before a big decision is made by the board.

Potential replacements are already being mentioned, including Davide Ancelotti, who was one of the front-runners to come in during the summer, but Martin has spoken positively ahead of the Hibs match.

“We have the chance to be in the semi-final, and a step forward towards silverware. I want to see a team that plays with the togetherness and intensity I see at training.

“Very rarely do you arrive at a club when there is not a problem. At every club we have been at, there are tough moments, but the potential is huge for the group if we work through the difficult moments together.”

Ferguson makes Rangers dressing room claim

Writing for The Daily Record [via The Glasgow Times], Ferguson hinted at knowing who could be the problem players at Rangers for Martin, but didn’t want to go as far as naming names.

There is arguably a feeling that Martin has lost members of the dressing room, and when that happens, the writing can often be on the wall for a manager.

The Nicolas Raskin situation has stood out in that respect, with the midfielder being frozen out by the Gers boss until now, and it could be that he is one of the players Ferguson is referring to. Then again, he was a key man when the Scot was in charge, and is now back in the squad.

Related Rangers eyeing Ibrox move for ex-La Liga coach to replace Russell Martin

They’re already planning for life without Martin…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Sep 18, 2025

Either way, Rangers simply must win this weekend, with a Scottish League Cup exit potentially the final nail in the coffin for Martin at Ibrox.

Bayern Munich are reportedly planning to hold one final round of talks with Dayot Upamecano as pressure mounts over the French defender's unresolved contract situation. With negotiations stalling over salary demands and signing fees, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Real Madrid are monitoring developments closely – raising the prospect of another Bayern star walking away for free.

• Bayern to hold crucial extension talks with Upamecano

  Bayern Munich are set for one more crucial meeting with Upamecano’s representatives to finalise terms on a new long-term deal. The 26-year-old, who has been revitalised under Vincent Kompany, remains happy at the club but has yet to agree to Bayern’s financial proposal. His camp is pushing for a salary increase closer to €15 million per year (£13m) and a signing bonus that would align his earnings with team-mate Alphonso Davies.

  Upamecano’s current contract, which runs until 2026, has become a flashpoint for Bayern’s wage structure, as several top performers demand parity following recent renewals. Negotiations have been ongoing since early autumn, with sporting director Max Eberl leading efforts to secure an agreement, but progress has slowed in recent weeks. According to Fabrizio Romano, Bayern still "have the ball in their court," but failure to meet financial expectations could see Upamecano explore other options in 2025.

  If no extension is agreed soon, the Frenchman will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with foreign clubs as early as January. Florian Plettenberg reports that Upamecano is unwilling to make concessions in talks, creating uncertainty within Bayern’s hierarchy. For a player who made 38 appearances last season and remains central to Kompany’s plans, losing him for free would represent a significant blow.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Upamecano has numerous suitors lining up

  Under Kompany, Upamecano has rediscovered his best form, becoming an integral part of Bayern’s high-possession defensive setup. His pace, composure on the ball, and improved positioning have made him a natural fit for the Belgian coach’s philosophy. Statistically, he ranks among Der Rekordmeister’s top five in completed passes and leads the team in successful tackles per 90 minutes.

  Yet despite his resurgence, uncertainty around his contract has opened the door for rivals. Liverpool are closely monitoring the situation, especially as Ibrahima Konate approaches the final year of his deal, while Real Madrid continue to explore defensive reinforcements ahead of 2026. Manchester United, meanwhile, see Upamecano as a potential long-term solution in central defence, with the player’s physical profile and European experience matching their recruitment needs.

• Bayern fear ripple effects if Upamecano demands met

  Upamecano’s case has become symbolic of Bayern’s evolving wage dynamics, as more players seek to align their contracts with the club’s top earners. Reports suggest the French defender earns around €10 million annually – significantly below the €15 million mark enjoyed by Davies following his recent renewal. His entourage believes parity is justified given Upamecano’s importance to Kompany’s system and his standing among Europe’s best centre-backs.

  The negotiations also reflect Bayern Munich’s broader push to secure stability after a turbulent 18 months marked by managerial changes and key exits. Sporting director Eberl has prioritised renewals for foundational players like Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala, but Upamecano’s demands have proven the most complex. Bayern remain reluctant to exceed their internal wage ceiling, fearing that doing so could trigger a ripple effect of renewed salary demands across the squad.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Bayern to hold new talks before winter break

  Bayern Munich’s next meeting with Upamecano’s agents is expected to take place before the winter break, with both parties eager for clarity. If no agreement is reached, Bayern may be forced to consider a sale in the summer to avoid losing him for free – a scenario the club is desperate to avoid. Much will depend on whether Bayern choose to improve their offer or maintain their financial stance.

يواجه ريال مدريد غريمه التقليدي برشلونة، اليوم الأحد، في قمة منتظرة ببطولة الدوري الإسباني للدرجة الأولى على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”.

ويريد ريال مدريد استغلال عامل الأرض والجمهور، إذ تلعب مباراة الكلاسيكو اليوم لحساب قمة الجولة العاشرة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني.

ويحتل ريال مدريد صدارة الدوري الإسباني برصيد 24 نقطة، عقب مرور 9 جولات على بداية المسابقة، في حين يتواجد برشلونة في المركز الثاني برصيد 22 نقطة وبفارق نقطتين عن المرينجي.

اقرأ أيضًا.. موعد الكلاسيكو اليوم بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة في الدوري الإسباني

وتعتبر حالة الفريقين متقاربة للغاية في الوقت الحالي، إذ لم يصل ريال مدريد إلى أفضل شكل له خلال هذا الموسم، بينما يعاني برشلونة كثيرًا من الإصابات، حيث تأكد غياب رافينها عن المباراة لعدم تعافيه من إصابته. معلقين مباراة ريال مدريد وبرشلونة اليوم في كلاسيكو الدوري الإسباني

يقوم بالتعليق على مباراة الكلاسيكو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة الجزائري المخضرم، حفيظ دراجي، حيث ستنقل المواجهة على مجموعة قنوات “بي إن سبورتس”.

وتبدأ مباراة الكلاسيكو بين ريال مدريد وبرشلونة في تمام الساعة السادسة والربع مساء اليوم بتوقيت القاهرة والمملكة العربية السعودية، وفي تمام الساعة السابعة والربع مساءً بتوقيت الإمارات.

Aiden Markram kicked a stuttering Lucknow Super Giants innings into high gears, helping them recover from 54 for 3 in the eighth over to post 180 after opting to bat against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur.Markram top-scored with 66, combining superbly with Ayush Badoni, who made a 33-ball half-century. Having not started in the bat-first XI, Badoni was pressed into action as an Impact Sub for Mitchell Marsh when LSG felt they needed some stability, before David Miller and Abdul Samad were unleashed the death.Badoni’s entry in the ninth over meant LSG couldn’t unveil pace sensation Mayank Yadav for his first game. Yadav, who broke through last year after clocking speeds regularly in excess of 150 clicks, had just returned from an extensive rehab for multiple injuries.Badoni, though, didn’t disappoint. Having earned a lbw reprieve through an umpire’s call in the 10th over on 7, he picked up pace in the 11th over when he hit Sandeep Sharma for back-to-back fours. At the other end, Markram sensationally countered Wanindu Hasaranga first, hitting him for back-to-back sixes, and then taking the attack to Maheesh Theekshana.The pair put on 76 off just 49 balls when Markram holed out to long-off, having hit five fours and three sixes in his 45-ball knock. Hasaranga ended the evening with figures of 4-0-31-2.His first wicket was arguably his biggest, of Rishabh Pant after he struggled to manoeuver the ball, eventually put out of his misery when he was caught behind trying to reverse-sweep a googly. Pant made 3 off 9.LSG’s start was scratchy as Jofra Archer, bowling full-tilt and hitting the deck with venom, had Mitchell Marsh top edge a pull to Shimron Hetmyer in the 3rd over. Nicholas Pooran was reprieved on 6 when Shubham Dubey put down a skier at square leg off Archer, but fell after adding just 5 when he was completely flummoxed by Sandeep Sharma’s slower ball.Sandeep’s finish would be as eventful, except he was at the receiving end of Samad’s sensational final-overs onslaught (he made 30 off 10). Samad showed why he was held back, pummelling four sixes in a final over that went for 27 to give LSG momentum at the break.