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Punjab Kings completed the double over Chennai Super Kings, closing out a tight game for a fourth win that moves them back to within touching distance of the top four. Shikhar Dhawan scored a stately, unbeaten 88 from 59 balls to anchor Kings’ rethought approach to setting a target, and although Ambati Rayudu kept Super Kings in the hunt until the closing overs, his 39-ball 78 was not enough to avert a sixth defeat from eight games.On the same pitch that Lucknow Super Giants had successfully defended 168 against Mumbai Indians the previous evening, Kings’ total of 187 for 4 always looked too much of an ask. Each of the three previous results at the Wankhede had gone the way of the team batting first, and although Ravindra Jadeja and Super Kings’ preference was to chase, a lack of contributions at the top of the order again undermined their chances.Super Kings had looked to be heading for a much heavier defeat, only for Rayudu’s innings, which included 13 boundaries, to repeatedly jangle the nerves of Mayank Agarwal and his men. Sandeep Sharma was collared for 23 in the 15th over, and with MS Dhoni waiting in the wings, and coming off the back of a vintage display of finishing in his previous outing, Super Kings could not be ruled out going into the final stretch.But Rayudu was visibly tiring and when he was cleaned up by Kagiso Rabada in the 18th, CSK were left needing 35 off 13 – an equation which became 27 off the last over, to be bowled by Rishi Dhawan. Dhoni smashed the first one into the crowd to threaten a reprise, and a wide from the next ball left Rishi feeling the heat. But a well-executed yorker was followed up by Dhoni holing out to deep midwicket and Punjab fans could breathe again.Kings change gears
The Kings’ approach to the first half of the tournament was to try and batter the opposition senseless from the off. They attacked throughout, but were bedeviled by wickets falling at an equal rate. Those tactics resulted in a few eye-catching wins and several costly implosions – none more so than in their last outing, when they were dismissed for 115 and lost to Delhi Capitals by nine wickets with 57 balls to spare.Here, after being inserted for the seventh time in a row, they took a more traditional approach, throttling back at the top and then opening up with wickets in hand. A score of 37 for 1 at the end of the powerplay gave Kings their slowest start to an innings this season, but Shikhar and the recalled Bhanuka Rajapaksa – the Sri Lankan back in the side for the first time since victory over Super Kings at the Brabourne three weeks ago – settled into a steady stand that provided the foundation for an imposing total.Rajapaksa needed some luck, dropped twice before reaching double-figures, but he made good on it to help Kings register their first century partnership of the campaign. The pair hit just six boundaries – one of which should have resulted Rajapaksa being caught at deep midwicket – in the first half of the innings, as Kings reached 72 for 1. But just as Super Giants did from an identical score in Sunday night’s game at the Wankhede, they effectively raised the tempo through the second ten.Shikhar lights the way
A tickled single in the second over of the match made Shikhar, playing his 200th IPL match, only the second man after Virat Kohli to score 6000 runs in the competition. By the time he had moved into the 60s, smashing back-to-back boundaries down the ground off Dwayne Bravo in the 16th over, Shikhar had notched more than 1000 of them against Super Kings alone. This was his ninth 50-plus score, and eventually enough to sink the Yellow Submarine.Shikhar’s approach set the template for his side, as he ticked along at just above a run-a-ball for the first half of the innings. A slog-swept six against Maheesh Theekshana and a driven four off Dwaine Pretorius were his only boundaries until he tucked into Mukesh Choudhary in the 12th, rattling off a pair of cuts that beat the cover sweeper on both sides, and then flicking four more off the pads through the ring with fine leg up. A 37-ball fifty kept Kings on course and, when Rajapaksa fell in the 18th over, Shikhar handed over the strike to Liam Livingstone, whose seven-ball cameo included taking Pretorius for 4-6-6.Ambati Rayudu’s valiant half-century could not save Super Kings from yet another defeat•PTI

Super Kings’ lack-of-powerplay
Super Kings have had problems getting their innings off to good starts all season, and once again they shipped early wickets in the chase. Sandeep was one of three changes to the Kings XI, as they sought greater batting depth at the expense of two genuine bowlers – Vaibhav Arora and Nathan Ellis; Sandeep had gone wicketless in his only previous appearance, the season opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore, but he struck with his fifth ball on this occasion, Robin Uthappa splicing a pull to midwicket.Mitchell Santner was again asked to perform the Moeen Ali role at No. 3, but he struggled along to 9 off 15 balls – four of which came via thick outside edge past the keeper – and was the second wicket to fall, in the sixth over, as Arshdeep Singh plucked out his leg stump. That dismissal meant Super Kings’ batting average in the powerplay for this season had dipped to 20.50 – the lowest of the ten teams. Their position in the match then got worse in the following over, as Rishi Dhawan, making his first IPL appearance since 2016, found a way through Shivam Dube to leave them three down and off the pace.Rayudu resurrects chase
With the fall of Ruturaj Gaikwad, Super Kings were 89 for 4 in the 13th over and seemingly well out of contention, only for Rayudu to unleash a display of clean hitting on the way to his first fifty of the season. Six times he launched the ball into the stands, including a brutal sequence of three in a row off Sandeep during an over that brought Super Kings back to within range. But with the asking rate down to 47 off the last four, Arshdeep delivered an excellent over of wide yorkers that cost just six runs, and Rabada’s dismissal of Rayudu meant there was too much to do – even for Dhoni.

Six Pakistan players were in action for their counties this week. Here’s how they got on

Osman Samiuddin18-Apr-2022The second round of the 2022 County Championship concluded on Sunday, with another strong showing from the Pakistan representatives. Here we take a look at how they got on.Division OneMohammad Abbas
As good as Hampshire looked in the first round against Somerset, so they looked ordinary in the second; an innings win followed by an innings defeat. Mohammad Abbas took six cheap wickets in that win; he took zero in this defeat. He was still very Abbas though, tidy as ever (economy rate of 2.16) and forever probing around those areas batters feel least comfortable with. There were chances, one edge falling short of slip – an Abbas leitmotif – and another that went through second slip’s hand, but no tangible reward.Hasan Ali
If anyone of Pakistan’s vast contingent in county cricket needs a bit of a reset and a refresh, it is Hasan Ali. For most of 2021, he was second only to Shaheen Afridi as Pakistan’s best bowler. But since the T20 World Cup – and admittedly mostly in white-ball cricket – he has seemed out of sorts. An injury picked up in the PSL, allied to a range of flat pitches, meant he was quiet in the Tests against Australia and immediately questions began to surface about his position in the side. Hasan has always been a bowler of streaks: irresistible when he’s on a good one, ordinary when he’s on a bad one. Match figures of 5 for 94 in a 10-wicket thumping of Kent is a good sign for the county, and a better sign for his country. Most pleasing will be reports that his in-dipper was in good working order: he is a different bowler when he’s getting the ball to move about. The bonus is that he may come out of it having learnt something from the maestro himself, Jimmy Anderson. He’s keen to, not least the wobble-seam (a nice full circle that one, given Anderson picked it up watching Mohammad Asif in 2010).Haris Rauf
Of all Pakistani hook-ups with county cricket, none is more intriguing than Haris Rauf at Yorkshire, and that’s not even considering the off-field significance of a Pakistani Muslim player at Headingley. Rauf is due to play six first-class games, which means that if he plays them all, he will have played more first-class games this season for Yorkshire than in his entire career before arriving here. And though he was part of Pakistan’s Test squad against Australia, this is really the first time he’s going to be seen as a long-form bowler. First impressions? It’s going to be a ride. He was quick through the game on a slow surface in Bristol – the quickest in the game, hitting James Bracey twice with bouncers. He was expensive too, going at over five an over in the first innings and 3.55 in the second. Three wickets in each innings played a part in a six-wicket win, but he was also box-office viewing. On the first day, as Rauf’s radar struggled against Gloucestershire’s left-handers, he also bowled one over in which there were two dropped catches off successive balls and two wickets off successive balls. A sign of his freshness in this format: he bowled 27 overs in the second innings, the most he has ever bowled in a first-class innings and only the second time he’s bowled more than 20.Zafar Gohar
Zafar Gohar’s game began by getting stumped for a duck in the first innings, jumping out to Dom Bess, and ended by going at over six an over as Yorkshire chased 211 to win. In the middle, though, the least high-profile of Pakistan’s contingent did what he so often does: contribute. He was the most economical of Gloucestershire’s attack in the first innings, before partnering with Bracey in the second and putting on 104 for the sixth wicket. That helped Gloucestershire set Yorkshire a decent – but not, alas, impregnable – target.Division TwoShan Masood
Shan Masood is the leading first-class run-getter in England after two rounds of the County Championship: now there’s a thing. Masood added to an encouraging start at Derbyshire with the first double-hundred of his career against Sussex. It was against a weakened attack – Steven Finn apart, the rest of the frontline bowlers (two pacers and a left-arm spinner) had played 23 first-class games between them before this one, with a combined age of 57. But first-class runs are first-class runs and tellingly, for what it says about Masood’s recent form, they came at a good clip: at lunch, he was 74 off 88 and at close he was unbeaten on 201, still striking at over 74. He remains in Pakistan’s Test plans but the more runs he scores here, the more likely that he will, before the year is out, be back in Pakistan’s Test XI.Mohammad Rizwan
Serious question: is there a better cricketer in the world right now than Mohammad Rizwan? Probably, but not that many and not by much. Which is why Sussex will be one of the better-followed teams (outside of England) this season. In acquiring both Rizwan and Cheteshwar Pujara, they’ve pulled off somewhat of a coup. There’ll be plenty of focus on an Indian and Pakistani in the same side county side, a bit of a throwback to the 70s county circuit when Bishen Bedi and Mushtaq Mohammad turned out for Northants together. Rizwan was unspectacular on debut, 22 and four catches – Pujara, meanwhile, ground out a match-saving double-hundred – but it’s inconceivable that he won’t have greater impact as the season continues.And the non-combatants …Naseem Shah sat out this round of games, with Gloucestershire saying they were managing a “minor shoulder injury”. Azhar Ali will next be in action at home to Sussex on Thursday, with Worcestershire not in action this week. And Shaheen Shah Afridi is likely to make his Middlesex debut in the same round of games, when they take on Glamorgan in Cardiff.

Mohamed Salah revealed the name of the team-mate he would love to take a post-match selfie with after the Carabao Cup final.

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• Salah picks team-mate to click post-match selfie
• Unlikely to stand alongside goalkeeper Alisson
• Liverpool and Newcastle locks horns in Carabao Cup final

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Salah has made a habit of clicking a selfie with a team-mate, who scored in a particular game for the Reds, and then posting the photograph on Instagram. He has done this on multiple occasions in the 2024-25 campaign, and the ritual has gained popularity among Liverpool fans.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Merseyside club is gearing up to win its first trophy of the current campaign as they take on Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. Ahead of the all-important game, Salah has already decided the colleague he would select to take a post-match selfie with.

• WHAT MOHAMED SALAH SAID

  Speaking to , the 32-year-old said: "I would say Virg… [Virgil van Dijk]. Robbo [Andy Robertson] doesn’t score much! Alisson [Becker] is really tricky! I always love to see Dominik [Szoboszlai] but I would say Virgil. Hopefully one day [for Robertson].

  "I just did it after three or four games and just kept going. I asked someone in the media at the club, he is very close to me and he told me it’s a good idea so just try it, and it’s working well."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  After playing in the Carabao Cup final, Arne Slot's side will be back in action after the international break as they take on Everton in the Merseyside derby at Anfield on April 2.

Newcastle United are reportedly planning to hold contract talks with Alexander Isak to fend off potential suitors like Liverpool, Arsenal and PSG.

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Isak is in demand across EuropeHas a contract until 2028 with the MagpiesNewcastle might ignite extension talks in the summerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Swedish forward has emerged as one of the most sought-after strikers in European football, and the Magpies are eager to secure his long-term future at St. James’ Park. Although Isak is already tied to the club until 2028, Newcastle’s hierarchy is aware that his current salary of £140,000 per week is significantly lower than what other elite forwards earn across England and Europe.

AdvertisementGOAL THE BIGGER PICTURE

On Tuesday, Newcastle revealed a 28 per cent increase in turnover to £320 million, but their spending power remains restricted due to the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Hence, despite the financial boost, they cannot afford to match the astronomical wages that Isak might command at a club with greater financial resources. So far, there have been no discussions about improving his contract, but with the summer transfer window approaching, speculation about his future is only expected to intensify.

WHAT NEWCASTLE CHIEF EXECUTIVE SAID

When asked whether Newcastle could offer Isak a new deal reflecting his rising status, the club's chief executive Darren Eales, was caught in a spot of bother.

“We’re going to be clear, he has multi years left [on his deal],” Eales told . “So all of these things, we will have the discussions in terms of a new deal, just like we did, whether it’s Joelinton, Bruno or Anthony Gordon. That’s something that we will approach in the summer.”

On the growing transfer links surrounding Isak, Eales admitted that it was frustrating but inevitable. “It is part and parcel of the world we live in. The reality is that all of our players are under long-term deals. They’re committed to the club, so from that perspective, we’re not looking to move any player on. It would be crazy for us to consider it [selling stars].

“If we chose to renew contracts of players and keep key players here, that means there is going to be an impact in terms of what you have available elsewhere, but Eddie [Howe, the head coach] knows that and understands the financial parameters we have here.”

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DID YOU KNOW?

For Isak, the Champions League remains a priority, as he has only made six appearances in Europe’s premier club competition. If Newcastle fail to qualify for next season’s tournament, the 26-year-old forward may be reluctant to extend his stay.

Arne Slot's side were forced to hold on in the second half at Anfield, but just about did enough to earn victory

Liverpool re-established their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table as goals from Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah secured a nervy 2-1 win for the Reds over Wolves on Sunday.

The Reds took control early on as Diaz got on the end of Salah's deflected cross and managed to bundle the ball home with his stomach for his first goal of 2025. The Colombian then drew goalkeeper Jose Sa into a foul inside the penalty area, with Salah on hand to convert from the spot and open up a two-goal lead before half-time.

It looked likely to be a straightforward afternoon for Arne Slot's side at that point, but Wolves emerged with more attacking intent after the break, and after Alexis Mac Allister blocked a close-range effort from Matheus Cunha, Alisson Becker had to be on his toes to deny Marshall Munetsi.

At the other end, Salah had a goal ruled out for offside while VAR rescinded a penalty that Diogo Jota thought he had won, and eventually Liverpool were made to pay for not putting the game away as Cunha curled a 20-yard effort into the bottom corner.

The hosts struggled to create chances of their own in response, and substitute Jarell Quansah had to produce a superb block to keep Munetsi from scoring a late equaliser. In the end, however, there was to be no repeat of Wednesday's night's dramatic draw at Everton as the leaders held out for victory.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Alisson Becker (7/10):

  Superb one-on-one save denied Munetsi early in the second half and showed good handling throughout. Had no chance with Cunha's curled finish.

  Trent Alexander-Arnold (4/10):

  Passing was sloppy from kick-off while he struggled defensively when Ait-Nouri came forward. Looked rusty after a couple of weeks on the sidelines, and was replaced just past the hour mark.

  Ibrahima Konate (5/10):

  Snuffed out a couple of early attacks, but slightly fortunate to avoid a red card after two clumsy challenges resulted in just the solitary booking. Substituted at the break so as to avoid him being sent off.

  Virgil van Dijk (8/10):

  Seemed to be three steps ahead of everyone else on the pitch as he put in a dominant display. Cut out counter-attacks, blocked crosses and won plenty of duels around his penalty area.

  Andrew Robertson (6/10):

  Posed an attacking threat, as per, but still doesn't always convince defensively.

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  Midfield

  Ryan Gravenberch (5/10):

  A presence in midfield, but couldn't have his usual influence on proceedings. Sold himself too easily for Cunha's strike.

  Alexis Mac Allister (8/10):

  Played his part in both Liverpool goals with fine passes forward, and kept the hosts ticking over in possession. Also made a superb block to deny Cunha immediately after half-time.

  Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):

  Worked tirelessly in midfield, but only showed glimpses of his quality when in possession.

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  Attack

  Mohamed Salah (7/10):

  Got his goal from the penalty spot and played his part on laying on the opener, but a lot of what he tried didn't quite come off. Still ended up being the match-winner, though.

  Diogo Jota (7/10):

  Never gave his former club a moment's peace. Superb touch and turn led to the opening goal and went close on a couple of occasions. Disappointing dive to try and win a penalty the only mark against him.

  Luis Diaz (8/10):

  Looked far more comfortable coming off the left than he has centrally in recent weeks, and though his goal came with some fortune, he showed good energy to bundle the ball home. Also won the penalty before being sacrificed for Endo's solidity in the final 20 minutes.

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  Subs & Manager

  Jarell Quansah (7/10):

  On at half-time and needed some time to get up to speed. Eventually found his bearings before a superb block denied Munetsi late on.

  Conor Bradley (6/10):

  Combined well with Salah down the right after replacing Alexander-Arnold.

  Darwin Nunez (5/10):

  Struggled to have much impact despite being given almost 30 minutes on the pitch.

  Wataru Endo (6/10):

  Did give away a couple of fouls in dangerous areas, but Wolves were far less threatening after he was introduced for the final 20 minutes.

  Arne Slot (6/10):

  Even if it was enforced by Gakpo's injury, moving Diaz out to the left certainly paid off. However, the way his team allowed Wolves to get back into the game will be a concern, even if his substitutions did eventually stem the tide somewhat.

Netherlands suffer 7 for 12 collapse from winning position while Francisca Chipare rescued Zimbabwe in a thriller against USA

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Nov-2021

Sornnarin Tippoch’s 69 and 1 for 35 and Nattaya Boochatham’s 5 for 26 proved pivotal in Thailand’s historic 16-run DLS-decided Group B win over Bangladesh in the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. This was their second one-day victory over a team with ODI status, the first one having come earlier in the tournament, over Zimbabwe.