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Lionel Messi acknowledged that Inter Miami’s defensive lapses proved costly in their 2024 MLS first-round playoff loss to Atlanta United. Reflecting on that setback, the Miami superstar said the team has made progress under first-year head coach Javier Mascherano, as Miami opened the 2025 MLS playoffs with victory over Nashville SC.

• AFP
  

  'We must be better'

  Messi said the issues that impacted Miami in last year’s upset loss to Atlanta were tied to an "irregular" defense.

  "There were moments where the team competed at a very high level, but it's also true that we were irregular, defensively, where we conceded a lot of goals, and that's something we still are lacking," he told Apple TV on Wednesday. "We must be better in that area if we really want to win the MLS Cup."

  The Herons shipped six goals across the two-game series against Atlanta, only scoring four.

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  Miami showed defensive improvement against Nashville at home in game 1 last week at Chase Stadium, but they did concede a goal to Hany Mukhtar in the dying minutes. Messi noted that improvement, saying, "I think this season, like last year, we've grown a lot."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Adjusting to MLS playoffs

  Unlike Europe, where Messi spent 19 years, the MLS Cup isn't decided by league play. The playoffs determine the champion. Messi admitted he's getting used to that reality, which is otherwise common across American sports. 

  "I think the playoffs are a completely different competition, where the games are different," he said. "The teams are much more careful and attentive to every detail as with any given situation you can be knocked out. But obviously we're prepared to fight and try to win it, what we all want."

  In four MLS postseason appearances, Messi has three goals and two assists. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  All eyes on MLS Cup

  Messi says Miami have what it takes to win MLS Cup.

  "Yes, obviously yes, we can. It's not going to be easy," he said. "We have the experience from last year when we finished first in the regular season and then got knocked out in the first round."

After Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were knocked out of IPL 2025 playoff contention by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Monday, Tom Moody on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out pointed out that LSG could not build a bowling unit after spending heavily on Rishabh Pant (INR 27 crore) at the auction and retaining Nicholas Pooran for a hefty sum (INR 21 crore).”The expense on Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran, those two players, makes it very hard to build a very strong bowling unit,” Moody said. “Because you just don’t have the funds to compete at the auction table.”In an ideal world, it’s great to have Pooran, [David] Miller, [Mitchell] Marsh, Pant… all these are impactful batters but at the end of the day you need to bowl. You’ve got to be able to have an impactful bowling unit in powerplays. Be adaptable in the middle overs and take wicket and squeeze the opposition. And in the back-end of the innings, you need people to close the game under pressure – take wickets, bowl those really challenging overs when the opposition is going hell-for-leather against you. And I just don’t think they’ve got any of that.”Related

• Pant points to 'gaps' created by injuries after LSG's playoff hopes end

• Abhishek's 18-ball fifty knocks LSG out of playoffs race

In their bowling unit, left-arm pacer Mohsin Khan missed the entire season, while Mayank Yadav, who was retained by LSG, was mostly on the sidelines. Avesh Khan and Akash Deep also struggled with fitness issues, which resulted in their below-par performances while Mohsin’s replacement Shardul Thakur also tapered off after a promising start.Abhinav Mukund echoed Moody’s thoughts but also thought LSG may have erred by getting “really emotional” with their picks, especially when selecting Mayank and Ravi Bishnoi.”Avesh is a tick, but Akash has played a handful of games in the IPL,” Abhinav said. “He’s primary a red-ball bowler known in this country for his red-ball skills. And over and above that, you’ve invested in Mayank Yadav. A lot of teams get emotional about their picks, they get really emotional like ‘we’ve found him, we need to have him, we need to ensure that he’s here.’ That’s the same with Bishnoi.However despite the underwhelming bowling returns, the performance of Digvesh Rathi – the only LSG bowler to have featured in all 12 games and was also their best bowler with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 8.18 – was a positive.”But why I say they’ve gotten lucky [is] because they’ve got two players who’ve gone under the radar for them,” Abhinav added. “Which was one retention in Ayush Badoni, who’s had a very decent season, and the other is one guy who has played just two games for his state side, which is Digvesh Rathi, who has turned out to be exceptional at [INR] 30 lakhs. And then you’ve invested in another 30 lakhs bowler in Prince Yadav, who hasn’t done too badly for that kind of price.While Bishnoi was a sure starter in the XI before LSG kickstarted their campaign this time, he did not have the kind of impact that LSG expected out of him. Bishnoi played 11 matches and picked up nine wickets at an economy of 10.83.”He’s become too predictable,” Abhinav explained. “He doesn’t have a variation other than the googly, he definitely needs to work on his speeds and he needs to understand how to get out of an over once he starts getting hit.”

The PSL may have taken a day off, but it didn’t stop the league from producing another blowout. The in-form James Vince led the way for Karachi Kings, his easy elegance producing 70 off 47 balls to bail his side out of a tricky position three quarters of the way into the innings. It was complemented by an excellent bowling and fielding performance in the face of limp resistance from Quetta Gladiators. The ageless Mohammad Nabi was the architect of the Gladiators’ woes, conceding just seven in four overs for two wickets. Gladiators had lost their first five wickets for 57 and trudged on till the end as Karachi wrapped up a 56-run triumph.Kings opted to bat, and, as has been the trend this tournament, flew out of the blocks with David Warner and Tim Seifert. In four of the first five overs, Kings found at least two boundaries in a free-flowing start, in spite of Gladiators running through the bowling options in an attempt to find a way to apply the brakes. Back-to-back fours by Seifert off 33-year-old legspinner Ali Majid, who was making his PSL debut, brought up Kings’ fifty in the fifth over.But Kings lost their way as the end of the powerplay neared. Abrar Ahmed beat Warner in the flight four balls before Saud Shakeel cleaned Seifert up, and as Kings stuttered, Gladiators squeezed. The next four overs produced just 18 as Shakeel’s men dominated the middle overs, and by the end of the 14th, the momentum had switched around completely, with Kings having managed 108 for 4.James Vince’s half-century boosted Karachi Kings•PCB

However, the PSL’s penchant for producing big runs at the death in the first innings held firm. Vince, the only one batting with any fluency at this point, went after Faheem Ashraf, who has been routinely expensive this tournament. As Gladiators’ discipline faltered, Vince and Nabi made hay, smashing 67 in the final six to end with a total they felt was defendable.They need not have worried at all. Seven balls into their defence, Kings began to cut through their opponents. Mir Hamza responded to a Finn Allen six with a slower ball he toe-ended to Nabi, while Hasan Nawaz fell to an excellent catch at slip by Khushdil Shah.It never really got better for them despite a cameo from Kusal Mendis as a dart from Nabi brought about his departure. It was the Afghan’s first over, and he would have sunk his sword deep into the Gladiators by the time he had be done with his fourth. The ever-dangerous Rilee Rossouw departed trying to deposit him over the rope, and when he sent down his last delivery, Gladiators were teetering on the brink at 53 for 6 at the halfway stage.Opener Shakeel hung around ineffectually, never making a realistic attempt to go after the target. He clipped it around as Mohammad Amir had some success with a few swings; it was telling that by the time Aamer Jamal cleaned Amir up, he had hit a 16-ball 30 from No. 9 while Shakeel, who faced the innings’ first ball, had managed 29 off 35.Shakeel would remain undefeated till the end of an innings that hobbled along till the final delivery as Gladiators ended on 119 for 9. However, the same could not be said of the team he leads, which fell to its second successive heavy defeat.

Rangers’ centre-forward options at Ibrox are set to undergo a mass overhaul during the final few days of this transfer window.

On Friday, Hamza Igamane’s departure was made official, joining Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille for £10.4m, leaving under a bit of a black cloud, having refused to come off the bench during last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with St Mirren, at least according to under-fire manager Russell Martin.

Meantime, Cyriel Dessers has been heavily linked with a move away all throughout the summer, with AEK Athens the club who’ve shown the strongest interest.

For now, the Nigerian remains a Rangers player, but he is a doubt ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm derby at Ibrox, so Danilo is expected to lead the line against Celtic.

However, ahead of that game, could the Light Blues sign not one but two new centre-forwards?

Rangers' search for new strikers

As has been widely reported, Rangers are set to sign striker Bojan Miovski from Girona for around £2.6m, potentially rising to £4.2m.

The North Macedonian international underwent a medical in France on Friday, with the Gers attempting to get the paperwork finalised in time so that he would be eligible to feature in Sunday’s Glasgow derby.

Miovski will be a familiar face to all Scottish football fans, having scored 44 goals across two seasons at Aberdeen, four of which came against Rangers, only on target against Livingston more frequently, but he is now tasked with scoring goals in light blue.

However, Miovski is not the only centre-forward on his way to Glasgow’s south side.

That’s because, as reported by Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, Rangers are in the “final stages of completing a deal” to sign Everton striker Youssef Chermiti, adding that a deal is now virtually agreed.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The Portuguese under-21 international will move to Ibrox on a season-long loan, seemingly set to swap Merseyside for Glasgow imminently.

What Youssef Chermiti will bring to Rangers

After coming through Sporting CP’s academy, Chermiti made just 22 appearances for the Lions’ first team, scoring three goals, but this was enough to convince Everton to pay £15m to secure his signature.

However, this move has not paid off so far, with the striker making just 24 appearances for the Toffees, of which only two have been starts, these coming against Brentford in the Premier League in April 2024, and at Doncaster in the EFL Cup soon after his arrival, hooked at half time in Yorkshire with the side 1-0 down.

This might explain why Chermiti is yet to score a single goal for the Blues, having seen just 295 minutes on the field since moving to Merseyside over two years ago.

Thus, he is certainly looking to relaunch his career north of the border.

Analyst Kai Watson labels Chermiti a “proper big man” centre-forward, adding that, despite being 192 cms (6 ft 4 in), he is a “good dribbler”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout asserts that he is a “superb prospect”

Given his lack of game time at Goodison, this signing is certainly a risk, mitigated by the fact it’s only a loan move, but could the Portuguese youngster replicate the success of Rangers’ best loan signing of recent times?

Ryan Kent also arrived at Ibrox on loan from Merseyside, joining from Liverpool in 2018, so successful during that season that they made him the club’s most-expensive signing of modern times, paying £7.5m to make the move permanent.

Before this however, as the table below documents, Kent had shown little sign that he was going to become a high-level performer.

Liverpool

1

Zero & zero

Coventry

17

1 & 1

Barnsley

47

3 & 3

Freiburg

6

Zero & zero

Bristol City

11

Zero & 2

As the table documents, before arriving at Rangers, in 82 senior appearances, Kent had scored just four goals and registered only six assists, ultimately accumulating 33 goals and 56 assists during his time at Ibrox.

Thus, there is certainly a recent precedent for a player arriving in Glasgow on loan and exploding in front of goal, something Chermiti will be hoping to replicate.

He could revive Raskin: Rangers in the race to sign "versatile" £1m talent

After both Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomandé were left on the bench in Brugge, are Rangers about to sign a “versatile” midfielder valued at £1m?

ByBen Gray Aug 29, 2025

Aston Villa had a quiet start to the window but it appears to be ramping up in the final few weeks. The club was at risk of breaching the Premier League’s PSR rules, but with the impending sale of Jacob Ramsey to Newcastle, they have more freedom to spend.

Unai Emery has already brought in Nice forward Evann Guessand for around £30 million – the boss seems to have been a major contributing factor in the 24 year-old’s decision to come to Birmingham, as in one of his first interviews as a Villa player, he spoke of their relationship.

Villa are looking to quickly follow up this signing with another forward who has already spent some time with the club.

Villa working to bring back Asensio

With the sale of Jacob Ramsey almost complete, Aston Villa have started the process of bringing Marco Asensio back to the club (Sky Sports). Asensio joined Villa on loan from PSG from January until the end of the 24/25 season, but until now, there have been no official moves to make the signing permanent.

Negotiations are already proceeding well, with an agreement in place with the player to sign a three-year contract with all other personal terms having been agreed. On the club front, PSG has already informed Asensio that they are open to selling him in the event that a satisfactory offer is received.

Later this week, Villa are expected to place their first official bid with PSG, with a figure of £17.2 million including bonuses being their asking price.

Asensio to build on his fantastic first impression

From the moment Asensio joined Villa last season, he seemed to buy into Emery’s vision and the club’s project. In February, he held an interview with Sky: “Happy to join the project, be with my teammates and staff, and grateful to be able to give a lot of joy to the fans as well. I want to be able to help us achieve the goals that we have, collectively, as a team and a club.”

His teammates also took a liking to him, with Matty Cash calling him a “Mentality Monster”. His teammates would also have loved his creativity, as he featured in the top 25% of players for chances created per 90 minutes.

As a well-regarded figure, both in the dressing room and global football, who already has a good relationship with the club and the manager, resigning Asensio on a three-year deal for less than £20 million feels like a no-brainer for Villa.

Will Aston Villa soon make their maiden first-team signing of the summer?

So far, teenager Yasin Özcan has arrived from Kasımpaşa for a reported fee of around £5.8m, albeit he was immediately loaned out to Anderlecht, while veteran goalkeeper Marco Bizot and 19-year-old winger Zépiqueno Redmond have both joined on free transfers.

Thus, right now, ahead of their Premier League opener against Newcastle United, Unai Emery will not have any high-profile new signings to showcase, but could that be about to change?

Aston Villa transfer news latest

Speaking on the Guardian Football Weekly podcast, Dan Bardell notes that Aston Villa have so far been unable to spend money in this summer window due to their lack of PSR headroom, but forecasts that they will be active and “opportunistic” in the coming weeks, having to date kept their powder dry.

This was exactly the strategy that saw the Claret and Blue Army land both Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio on loan in January, but the pair will need replacing, with the Englishman having joined Barcelona, while it appears unlikely that the Spaniard will return to Villa Park either.

Thus, as they target attacking reinforcements, with Alan Nixon revealing on his Patreon that Aston Villa had joined the race to sign Evann Guessand, and were willing to outbid Crystal Palace, who have long been viewed as the front-runners to secure the Ivorian’s signature.

That has since been followed up by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that the Midlands has reached a “verbal agreement” with Nice, having lodged a bid of around €30m (£26m), plus add-ons.

That comes after it was previously noted that the forward was valued at around £22m by the Ligue 1 outfit.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

So, Guessand looks set to become just the second player from Côte d’Ivoire to call Villa Park home. Jonathan Kodjia is the first, and so far only, in case you were wondering!

What Evann Guessand would bring to Aston Villa

Guessand, who is still only 24 years old, joined Nice at the age of 15, but only became an outstanding figure in les Aiglons’ first-team as recently as last season.

He spent time out on loan at Lausanne-Sport in Switzerland and then Nantes in Ligue 1, scoring five goals for la Maison Jaune, most notably bagging a stoppage-time winner against Olympiacos in the Europa League, sparking wild scenes of celebration at Stade de la Beaujoire.

He has returned to Nice for the last two seasons, very much a key figure for his boyhood club, scoring six goals in Ligue 1 in 2023/24, before bagging 12 during the most recent campaign, firing Franck Haise’s side to a top four finish and possible Champions League qualification; they face Benfica in the first leg of a qualifier this week.

The table below emphasises Guessand’s impressive form in Ligue 1 last season.

The table outlines that Guessand is an all-round attacker, ranked highly when it comes to both goals and assists, but also chances created and dribbling, overperforming his expected goals figure by almost three, underlining his clinical edge.

Alex Barker of The Athletic is certainly a fan, labelling him a “real physical handful” as well as being an “agile” forward who is capable of creating “high-quality chances” too, concluding that his ability to do it all makes him “Bruno Fernandes-esque”.

Venkatanarayanan of Total Football Analysis agrees, noting that he is a ‘good dribbler’, which is surprising given that he is 6 ft 2 in (188 cm).

Meantime, Mohamed Fathall of Breaking the Lines states that he thrives when able to ‘support a central striker’, adding that he is ‘constantly looking to take on defenders’, using his ‘intelligent movement’ to get into goal-scoring positions.

Well, this makes him the ideal strike partner for Ollie Watkins who, as documented by Ahmed Walid of The Athletic, only truly started scoring goals with impressive regularity at Aston Villa after Emery had coached him to remain within the width of the penalty area.

Watkins has reached double figures for goals in each of his five Premier League campaigns, although such consistency could be maintained if fed by the Fernandes-esque talents of Guessand, considering he created 12 ‘big chances’ in Ligue 1 last term, as per Sofascore.

For context, Manchester United’s skipper was only just ahead with 16 ‘big chances’ created in the Premier League.

With Villa’s number 11 thus able to pounce on regular, quality service, Guessand and Watkins could form a deadly attacking partnership, as Villa target a top five finish and Europa League glory in the season ahead.

Emery's own Benteke: Aston Villa eyeing deal for "terrifying" £51m ace

Unai Emery could soon have his own Christian Benteke at Aston Villa if this signing is secured.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 4, 2025

Arsenal are now preparing a £69m offer for a “world-class” forward, who could be in line to join alongside Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, according to a report.

Berta keen to strengthen Arsenal attack

Andrea Berta’s first summer transfer window as sporting director has been very impressive, with the Italian securing deals for the likes of Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke and Christian Norgaard, but the Gunners are still lacking a top striker.

Despite links to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko earlier in the window, it is now apparent that Gyokeres is Mikel Arteta’s top target, and a breakthrough is expected soon, with the manager keen to get a deal done before Wednesday’s friendly against AC Milan.

This comes over a week after Arsenal reached an agreement in principle to sign the Sweden international, although recent claims suggest Man Utd could look to hijack the Gunners’ move for Gyokeres.

Having already strengthened in wide areas, Gyokeres could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Arteta, with the manager aiming to finally win the Premier League title next season.

He's like Saka & Saliba: Arsenal set to complete move to sign "elite" star

Arsenal are closing in on their latest new signing this weekend.

By
Matt Dawson

Jul 20, 2025

However, despite the addition of Madueke, the north Londoners remain keen on adding another winger to their ranks, and an opening bid is now in the works.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Arsenal are now preparing a €80m (£69m) offer for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, with Arteta viewing the forward as the ideal option to strengthen the left-wing area.

However, it remains to be seen whether the Gunners are able to tempt Madrid into a sale, given that the Spanish side value the Brazilian at €100m (£87m), and they are in a strong negotiating position, as there are still three years remaining on his contract.

There could also be rival interest from Liverpool, with Arne Slot’s side also expressing an interest in the 24-year-old, although they are yet to make any formal moves of their own.

The player himself is said to be open to testing himself outside Spain, indicating a move to the Emirates Stadium could appeal to the Real Madrid ace.

"World-class" Rodrygo could be Martinelli upgrade

Lauded as “world-class” by former teammate Luka Modric, the Madrid forward featured regularly throughout the 2024-25 campaign, during which time he showcased his ability to score goals and set up his teammates on a regular basis.

As such, the Brazil international could be an upgrade on international teammate Gabriel Martinelli, who has arguably failed to kick on since a very impressive 2022-23 season, picking up just eight Premier League assists across the past two seasons.

The former Santos man also scored a remarkable solo goal against Atletico Madrid in the 2022-23 campaign, once again showcasing his dribbling ability.

At the very least, Rodrygo would provide strong competition for Martinelli’s starting spot, and strength in depth is exactly what Arsenal need if they are to compete for major honours next season.

Tottenham are being threatened with legal action by Nottingham Forest for their conduct over a potential deal for playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, and while Spurs are still hopeful they can strike a deal, it is wise for chairman Daniel Levy to weigh up alternatives.

Tottenham hold talks with £166k-a-week star as Yves Bissouma told to leave

The Mali international is facing his final summer in north London.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 18, 2025

Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media sources claim that Gibbs-White to Spurs is still on, and the north Londoners are optimistic of concluding a deal for the England international soon amid a “tense” situation.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Gibbs-White was on the verge of joining Spurs midway through July, with a medical scheduled around nine days ago and Levy poised to trigger his £60 million release clause.

However, Forest then blocked his move to N17, citing what they deem to be an ‘unlawful’ approach for Gibbs-White with confidentiality around his clause allegedly breached and the Lilywhites accused of tapping up the player.

“Spurs have received communication asking them to cease contact with Gibbs-White,” said journalist Ben Jacobs.

“Forest declined to comment, but sources say the club believe Spurs tapped up Gibbs-White and could challenge the manner in which the £60m clause was learned of. The Premier League will now investigate leading to the deal being delayed.”

While there is still an expectation that Forest will eventually be powerless to stop Gibbs-White’s move to Tottenham from going through, the length of this delay is still unknown, and Levy won’t want to spend too much time on this as pre-season gets underway.

Thomas Frank has already led Tottenham out for a friendly against Reading, and they’ll take on Luton Town next Saturday before a tour of Asia. Frank will ideally want as many summer deals as possible completed ahead of their UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG, and certainly before Spurs’ first Premier League game of the season at home to Burnley.

Xavi Simons begins talks over joining Tottenham via representatives

According to CaughtOffside, Spurs could now have an alternative to Gibbs-White in the form of RB Leipzig sensation Xavi Simons.

The Dutchman spent a year and a half on loan at Leipzig before signing for them permanently in January, but widespread reports indicate he’s now prepared to leave the Bundesliga side this summer – potentially for England.

It would take a minimum £56 million, plus add-ons, to prise Simons away from the Red Bull Arena before deadline day, with Arsenal and Chelsea both keen on the 22-year-old (Ben Jacobs).

However, they’re not the only London clubs who are contending for his services.

According to CaughtOffside, quoting one of their sources, Simons has “begun talks” over a potential move to Tottenham via his representatives, alongside Arsenal and Chelsea.

There is also a word of caution, though, with insiders expressing concerns over the attacking midfielder’s attitude and professionalism behind-the-scenes. Since initially joining Leipzig on a temporary deal, Simons has managed a total of 21 goals and 23 assists in 76 outings, so there is little denying his quality, but Frank and Levy may have to tread carefully here.

Gibbs-White also boasts proven Premier League experience in comparison to Simons, even if the saga surrounding his future shows no sign of ending soon as things stand.

Seamer claims four wickets alongside Douthwaite, as Ingram and Carlson build stand

ECB Reporters Network29-Aug-2024

Timm van der Gugten was the pick of the Glamorgan bowling, grabbing the first four Leicestershire wickets to fall, while Dan Douthwaite also chipped in with four wickets to justify the decision to bowl first.Leicestershire fast bowler Chris Wright made his first-class return from a drugs ban to help his side to a batting bonus point, his side recovering to 251 all out on a hybrid pitch in Cardiff.Wright, who was banned for nine months but found not to be at fault after a banned substance was contained in a fruit supplement, combined with debutant Sam Wood and Tom Scriven as the last two wickets added 75 runs.Glamorgan lost both openers early in reply, but moved onto 114 for 2 at the close with Colin Ingram, 63 not out, and Kiran Carlson, 42 not out, putting on an unbroken partnership of 87 to put their side in the driving seat.After winning the toss and inserting Leicestershire in overcast and drizzly conditions, Glamorgan would have been hoping for an early breakthrough, which was delivered from a familiar source.Van der Gugten has been the spearhead of the Glamorgan attack this season and he delivered once again, taking all three wickets to fall before the lunch break with arrow-like accuracy.He bowled opener Rishi Patel for 7 with a delivery which clipped the top of off stump, then fellow opener Ian Holland played on with one which jagged back slightly when on 13.The Dutchman returned to have a spell just before lunch and added a third, this time LBW as captain Lewis Hill did not get far enough forward to depart for 25.Ned Leonard, on loan from Somerset, should have had a wicket when Indian star Ajinkya Rahane top-edged a pull shot, but deep midwicket Douthwaite was slow coming forward and ended up spilling the low chance.It was the ever-reliable van der Gugten who brought the downfall of Rahane, finding the outside edge after lunch and helped by a sharp catch at second slip by captain Sam Northeast.After looking good, England all-rounder Rehan Ahmed gave things away when he lifted a short ball from Douthwaite straight to Billy Root on the deep square leg boundary.Then out of the blue Australian Peter Handscomb went for 46, trying to dab Douthwaite down to third man but instead just feathering a catch to wicketkeeper Chris Cooke.Then New Zealander Fraser Sheat got into the act with his first wicket in county cricket, a rather tame dismissal of Liam Trevaskis who chipped the ball to mid-on.The tame-ness was copied by Louis Kimber who also chipped the ball in the air, aiming a leg side half volley at catcher Asa Tribe off the bowling of Douthwaite.That brought Sam Wood to make his debut in confident style as he and Scriven put on a half-century partnership, Wright and Wood doing the rest to reach the first batting bonus point.Glamorgan’s innings could not have got off to a worse start, captain Sam Northeast promoting himself to open and then departing first ball of the innings, caught behind by Handscomb from the bowling of Holland.The same bowler accounted for debutant Asa Tribe, who played on for 4. Ingram and Carlson saw out the rest of the day’s play to put Glamorgan in a strong position.

South East Stars restricted their opponents to 84, knocking off their target with 29 balls to spare

ECB Reporters Network16-Jun-2024

South East Stars will fancy themselves to lift the Charlotte Edwards Cup for a second time after an emphatic five-wicket victory over erstwhile favourites The Blaze at Derby.Bryony Smith’s 2021 champions shot out the East Midlands team – runners-up last year – for just 84, a first defeat in 16 points-table matches in the competition for Kirstie Gordon’s team since they changed their name from Lightning to The Blaze two years ago.The two could meet again in next Saturday’s Final on the same ground, both having already qualified for the semi-finals, to be played on the same day.On a used pitch, left-arm seamer Alexa Stonehouse took 3 for 13, with Ryana MacDonald-Gay and spinners Dani Gregory and Tilly Corteen-Coleman claiming two wickets each, England’s Sarah Glenn top-scoring for The Blaze with 21 from 24 balls.Leg-spinner Glenn took 3 for 14 with the ball but with Emma Jones striking an unbeaten 30 from just 25 balls, the Stars were home and dry with 29 balls to spare.After skipper Gordon had opted to bat first, The Blaze innings could hardly have started less auspiciously, with three wickets lost in the first two overs and a fourth in the fifth.Corteen-Coleman, the Stars’ 16-year-old left-arm spinner, had England opener Tammy Beaumont leg before with her fourth ball, before Stonehouse hit Marie Kelly in front and had Sarah Bryce caught behind in a double-wicket maiden.Three for three became 12 for four in the fifth over as Australian international Heather Graham was bowled off an inside edge.Kathryn Bryce missed a straight one from Jones and Ella Claridge hit a Gregory full toss straight to deep midwicket, leaving The Blaze 40 for 6 just past the halfway stage, after which a mini-recovery ended with leg-spinner Gregory catching a skied leading edge to dismiss Josie Groves off her own bowling to make it 66 for 7.Glenn, playing on her home ground, stuck around long enough to drag the total into the 80s before she was bowled by Corteen-Coleman, having lost two more partners in Gordon and Lucy Higham, who both holed out to mid-on.The Blaze have a good record defending small totals, but even with leading run-getters Paige Scholfield and Sophia Dunkley missing, it never seemed likely that the Stars would miss out.They lost Smith caught at mid-on as left-armer Grace Ballinger opened with a wicket-maiden and were two down in the powerplay after Phoebe Franklin cut Glenn straight to backward point, with Aylish Cranstone caught at mid-off in the 10th.Yet they were always comfortably up with the required rate and after Jones hit Kathryn Bryce for three boundaries in the 14th over, just nine were needed in 36 balls.Glenn picked up her second wicket with a fine return catch to deny Georgia Redmayne (23) the chance to be there at the finish and a third when Alice Davidson-Richards drove to mid-off for a two-ball duck, but Jones hammered the ball back over bowler Gordon’s head to win the match with a six in the next over.