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Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea will be looking to reach another cup semi-final this weekend when they take on Leicester City at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

The Blues come into the encounter off the back of a valuable 3-2 victory against Newcastle United on Monday night, with Chelsea moving within a point of the Magpies after the win.

Multiple players impressed during the encounter, with the likes of Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández the two stand-out players for Poch's side.

Despite the two impressing from the start, one player made a great impact after his substitution onto the pitch, with today's cup tie a brilliant opportunity for him to carry on his good form.

Why Raheem Sterling could make way against Leicester

Raheem Sterling started the encounter against Newcastle, but he was replaced after 71 minutes after another disappointing display for the Blues.

During his time on the pitch, the 29-year-old only managed 15 touches, whilst completing just seven passes – the lowest of any outfield player who started the match.

Chelsea players with the fewest passes v Newcastle

Player

Passes

Raheem Sterling

7

Nicolas Jackson

10

Cole Palmer

20

Malo Gusto

33

Marc Cucurella

33

Stats via FotMob

The winger managed three shots during his display, one of which was a big chance missed which could've secured the three points for the Blues long before the winning goal.

Sterling's below-par performance didn't stop there, with the attacker failing to win any of his six duels whilst being dribbled past three times by the opposition.

The winger has been satisfactory at best in recent weeks, with the former Manchester City man failing to live up to the £45m price tag the club paid for him just a couple of years ago.

His latest performance has given Pochettino a decision to make ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final – especially after the man who replaced Sterling found himself on the scoresheet.

The man to replace Sterling

After replacing Sterling in the 71st minute, 23-year-old Mykhailo Mudryk scored what turned out to be the winning goal for Pochettino's side – his first Premier League goal since the end of December.

In his 19-minute cameo, the Ukrainian only made two fewer passes than Sterling, but boasted a much better duel win percentage, winning all four of his ground battles.

The "phenomenal" winger, as dubbed by former Chelsea player Pat Nevin, has struggled for form after his £89m move during January 2023 with Monday's goal only one of six in his 46 appearances for the Blues.

However, his brilliant display off the bench earlier in the week could be the springboard he needs to be a hit at Stamford Bridge. It's clear the £100k-per-week star has been lacking in confidence since his arrival, with the youngster needing time to find his feet at his new home.

He deserves a start after his cameo against Eddie Howe's side, with the Ukrainian having a huge opportunity to be at the heart of another successful outing for the Blues which would result in another Wembley trip and move Pochettino's side one step closer to another cup final.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após empatar pela 5ª rodada na Libertadores e avançar às oitavas do torneio, o Flamengo virou a chave e iniciou a preparação para a final do Carioca. A torcida, idem. Nas primeiras horas da manhã desta quinta-feira, torcedores rubro-negros foram ao Maracanã e montaram o mosaico nas arquibancadas para o decisivo duelo diante do Fluminense, a ser realizado neste sábado.

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O mosaico da vez tem a frase: “Conte comigo”. Além disso, há uma parte do escudo oficial do remo e também a parte superior do uniforme 1 de jogo.

O perfil oficial do Maracanã compartilhou a imagem, assim como o Rubro-Negro, e postou os seguintes dizeres em suas redes sociais:

-Mais um lindo mosaico do Flamengo por aqui! Sábado tem decisão! #FlaFlu433.

+ Fla classificado! Veja a tabela completa da Libertadores

Flamengo e Fluminense empataram no confronto de ida em 1 a 1. A finalíssima será realizada neste sábado, às 21h05, no Maracanã, e será apitada por Bruno Arleu de Araújo (Fifa). O LANCE! transmite em Tempo Real.

وصلت بعثة الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، إلى القاهرة، منذ قليل، قادمة من الإمارات، وذلك بعد التتويج ببطولة كأس السوبر المصري على حساب الزمالك.

وفاز الأهلي على الزمالك بركلات الترجيح 7-6، بعد انتهاء اللقاء في وقته الأصلي والإضافي بالتعادل السلبي، ليتوج ببطولة كأس السوبر.

ونشرت الصفحة الرسمية للنادي الأهلي، على “فيس بوك” فيديو وصور من وصول بعثة الأهلي إلى القاهرة، معلقة “أبطال السوبر في القاهرة”.

ويعد لقب السوبر المصري، هو رقم 15 في تاريخ النادي الأهلي، حيث يعد الأهلي الأكثر تتويجًا ببطولة كأس السوبر المصري.

طالع | الخطيب يهنئ لاعبي الأهلي والجهاز الفني والإداري والطبي بالتتويج بـ كأس السوبر المصري

يذكر أن النادي الأهلي كان قد تخطى فريق سيراميكا كليوباترا في دور نصف النهائي بهدفين لهدف، من بطولة كأس السوبر المصري.

تجدر الإشارة إلى أنه من المقرر أن يستعد الأهلي إلى مباراة مرتقبة وقوية أمام العين الإماراتي، يوم الثلاثاء 29 أكتوبر، في دور ربع النهائي من بطولة كأس إنتركونتينتال.

As the next ten games represent a make-or-break moment for Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of the Premier League's top four, it will not be good news for the Spurs faithful to hear that one of their star players is currently representing his national team despite sustaining an injury.

Spurs' season plagued by injury crisis

If Spurs do fall short of Champions League football this term, it will likely leave fans wondering what could've been if so many of their stars had not fallen victim to injury.

Related It's time for Spurs to cash in on their £70k-p/w Pochettino signing

The Spurs ace has struggled to adapt to the Premier League since joining in 2019.

Posts ByTom Lever Mar 25, 2024

Whilst the last few weeks have seen key players James Maddison and Son Heung-min return from their respective knocks, there are a number of Spurs' important players still in the treatment room, with the second issue of the season for breakout star Micky van de Ven particularly frustrating.

Spurs' current injury list

Return Dates (via Premier Injuries)

Ryan Sessegnon

03/06/2024

Fraser Forster

27/04/2024

Micky van de Ven

30/03/2024

Manor Solomon

13/04/2024

With further injuries the last thing Ange Postecoglou needs, the news of a Spurs star continuing to represent his country despite suffering a knock could make for uncomfortable reading for the Australian.

Bentancur to play through broken toe for Uruguay

As first reported by Sport Witness, Rodrigo Bentancur has revealed that he has been playing with a fractured toe for the last few weeks after sustaining the injury in Spurs training.

Speaking to the media after Uruguay's 1-1 draw with the Basque national side over the weekend, the 26-year-old said: “I broke it two or three weeks ago, but I’m still playing the same. I broke my phalanx. I had to stop for three or four weeks for it to knit up, and it was impossible. It was before the game against Crystal Palace in training, but here I go, recovering. Once I warm up, I forget”.

Bentancur is expected to take part in his nation's second fixture of the international break despite the ongoing issue, a friendly against Ivory Coast in France on Tuesday evening.

Since arriving in North London in January 2022, Bentancur has struggled with injury, missing a number of crucial games during his time at Spurs. The worst of these issues saw the Uruguayan miss around eight months of action after the midfielder ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee during Spurs' damaging 4-1 defeat to Leicester City back in February 2022.

The 26-year-old managed to return from this setback in October 2023, but only managed a four-game run in the Spurs side before suffering a torn ankle ligament during November's loss to Aston Villa. Missing much of the festive period, Bentancur returned to the team in the new year, but has struggled at times owing to his prolonged period on the sidelines.

Despite his issues, Bentancur is still a part of Marcelo Bielsa's Uruguay side, with the midfielder set to play again on Tuesday night when they take on the Ivory Coast in a friendly match. With Bielsa's brand of 'murderball' well known to English fans from his time with Leeds United, it is unlikely that Bentancur will be able to take it easy during his next game.

With the Lilywhites involved in the close race for the top four, the last thing that the Spurs faithful would want to see would be one of their key players miss even more games due to injury.

Captain praises middle-order resilience as England are overwhelmed in first Test

George Dobell at Mount Maunganui25-Nov-2019

Kane Williamson hailed a “special” performance from his side’s middle-order as New Zealand completed a “unique” innings victory over England.Williamson, the New Zealand captain, was particularly gratified by the result as it came after England had won a hugely important toss and took first advantage of a pitch that, at the time, offered few dangers for batsmen. It also came in contrast to many of New Zealand’s victories, which tend to be set up by their seamers on green surfaces over the first couple of days.But despite conceding what appeared, at the time, a respectful first-innings total of 353 and then slipping to 127 for 4 in reply, New Zealand’s middle-order batted so well – and for so long – that BJ Watling produced the second-longest innings (in terms of balls faced) in history by a Test keeper, Mitchell Santner produced the 10th-longest innings (in terms of balls faced) from a No. 8 in Test history and New Zealand recorded their highest Test score against England. As a result, England were left to contend with a fifth-day deteriorating pitch, and failed to do so.”To lose the toss and be 350 behind in the first innings required something special,” Williamson said. “And it was something special for 200 overs to get us into a position which gave us a chance.”To get 600 gave us that opportunity to bowl last on that wicket, so a huge amount of credit goes to the way the middle-order built those partnerships. BJ Watling with 200 and Mitch Santner with his first Test hundred were incredibly valuable and hugely required. Colin de Grandhomme batted well, too.”The pitch started to deteriorate which is what you want to see in Test cricket. But when you do see that you want to have won the toss. This is certainly right up there in terms of a tough, grinding Test victory.”A key difference between the sides, Williamson felt, was the conversion of the batsmen. While England had three men register half-centuries, none of them were able to go and register the big century that might have defined the game. New Zealand, by comparison, converted two of their four fifties to hundreds, with Watling completing a career-best 205.”Scores of 50 and 60 weren’t enough to turn the momentum from England’s first innings,” Williamson said. “It did require something large and for a long period of time and that’s what those guys did. It was a brilliant effort against a very strong England bowling attack.”It was outstanding to see that middle, lower-order apply themselves like that. BJ Watling is such a tough competitor and just cares about getting the team into a position to win cricket games. It goes a long way to him applying himself for near on 500 balls, which is an amazing effort. A lot of people wish they could bat 500 balls, including myself.”It was a brilliant, brilliant performance and it took a huge amount of hard work scoring at two-and-a-half an over for the most part so it wasn’t free flowing. For BJ and Mitch to keep soaking up that pressure was outstanding and something that is clearly very hard to do for everybody.”New Zealand are now unbeaten in their last 10 home Tests – a run that goes back to March 2017 – and have won seven of them. Five of those victories – including their last three Tests – have been by an innings while the others have been crushing margins of 423 runs (against Sri Lanka) and 240 runs (against West Indies). Whichever way you look at it, that is an outstanding record.To make New Zealand’s success all the more admirable, it was achieved, on the final day, without much input from Trent Boult. He was able to contribute just one over before rib pain forced him off the pitch. He will have an MRI scan on Tuesday and must be considered a severe doubt for the second Test. Williamson, too, spent time off the field having experienced pain in his hip region but he insisted it was nothing too serious.”A lot was taken out of both teams in this Test,” Williamson said. “It was a really tough effort for long periods. But we have that squad of 15 and all the guys will meet up in Hamilton and we will have to assess the fitness of everybody.” There is probably a good chance Lockie Ferguson will make his Test debut.ALSO READ: Joe Root must shake off rookie captain vibe if England are to progressYou can be certain that Neil Wagner will want to be involved. He came into this match with a few question marks over his selection ahead of Ferguson, but proved his worth with another wholehearted performance that ended with a five-wicket haul in the second innings. It left Williamson both grateful for the effort put in by his bowlers and thankful for the batting of Watling and co. which gave Wagner and Tim Southee time to recover from their bowling stints in England’s first innings.”Our really good first-innings batting allowed the guys to put their feet up,” he said. “That was really important because they put in a lot of overs in that first innings. For the guys to freshen up proved really important without Trent as a resource.”We knew if you could hit the wicket hard you would get some variable bounce. We saw the wicket deteriorate and, when you’re bowling for a Test win there’s a little bit more in the tank. They were outstanding.”In some respects it was quite a unique performance for New Zealand because we’re generally looking to bowl first because the wickets are so green. Often a lot of damage is done in the first couple of days then it becomes a different match.”But this was the opposite. Both teams were looking to bat and the wicket aged quite considerably. So it was a fantastic surface for a result and something unique for us in New Zealand.”

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras estreia, nesta quinta-feira (03), na Copa do Brasil. Defendendo o título da competição, o Verdão entrará em campo pela terceira fase, algo que não acontece desde 2015, quando o clube conquistou o título nacional pela terceira vez na sua história.

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Há seis anos, na campanha do Tri, o Alviverde estreou na primeira fase do torneio, goleando, por 4 a 1, o Vitória da Conquista. Na sequência, disputou dois jogos contra o Sampaio Corrêa, se classificando com um placar agregado de 6 a 2, e contra o Asa, embate mais difícil, mas que acabou com a vitória palestrina após Gabriel Jesus anotar o seu primeiro gol como profissional.

Desde então, o Maior Campeão Nacional nunca mais disputou uma partida antes das oitavas na Copa do Brasil. Isto ocorreu devido ao regulamento, que previa a entrada dos times classificados para a Libertadores apenas nesta fase da competição.

Em 2021, porém, o torneio sofreu uma alteração importante. Apesar de muitas críticas ao calendário, a CBF optou por retirar uma fase do torneio e, com isso, os clubes que, anteriormente, jogariam apenas nas oitavas estreiam, nesta temporada, na terceira fase, disputando dois jogos a mais que em outros anos.

Com isso, o Palmeiras enfrenta, nesta quinta-feira (03), o CRB, às 21h30 (horário de Brasília), no estádio Rei Pelé, pela Copa do Brasil.

continua após a publicidade

رد مصدر بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، على اعتراض بعض الأندية المصرية على الأداء التحكيمي في مبارياتها، وتطالب الجبلاية بتعيين حكام اجانب.

وقال المصدر لـ”بطولات”: “باب الجبلاية مفتوح أمام الاستعانة بحكام أجانب لأي من الفرق التي تطلب ذلك لمبارياتها”.

وأضاف: “على كل نادي يرغب في الاستعانة بحكام أجانب أن يخطر اتحاد الكرة بذلك قبل 10 أيام من المباراة على الأقل، ويسدد 40 ألف دولار في خزينة الجبلاية”.

طالع أيضاً.. الأهلي يطالب اتحاد الكرة بسرعة تولي خبير أجنبي منظومة التحكيم

يذكر أن الأهلي قد طالب اتحاد الكرة في بيان رسمي اليوم، بسرعة إسناد إدارة لجنة الحكام إلى خبير أجنبي، بسبب ما تم الاتفاق عليه في الاجتماع الذي جرى يوم 18 سبتمبر الماضي مع الأندية.

ويتولى لجنة الحكام في الوقت الحالي، محمد فاروق، ومعه إبراهيم نور الدين مسؤولًا عن التطوير في اللجنة.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Atlético-MG venceu o São Paulo neste domingo, por 1 a 0, no Mineirão e manteve o tabu de 30 anos sem perder para o Tricolor no estádio. O volante Jair, no começo da primeira etapa, marcou o gol da vitória do Galo, que chegou ao seu segundo triunfo seguido na competição e soma seis pontos. Enquanto isso, o São Paulo segue sem vencer nesta edição do torneio, com apenas um ponto conquistado.

GALERIA
Real Madrid define futuro de Vinicius Jr., Marcelo pode ir à Premier League e Barça e City preparam trocas… Veja o Mercado do fim de semana!

Agora, os dois times voltam a campo ainda neste meio de semana. O São Paulo enfrenta a Chapecoense, na quarta-feira (16), às 19h, no Morumbi, enquanto o Atlético-MG pega o Internacional, também na quarta-feira, às 19h, no Beira-Rio.

VEJA A TABELA E SIMULE OS RESULTADOS DO BRASILEIRÃO

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JOGO COMEÇA COM VOLPI SALVANDO O SÃO PAULO
A partida iniciou com o Atlético-MG buscando mais o ataque e assustando a defesa são-paulina. Logo com dois minutos,Keno fez um cruzamento da esquerda, Hyoran até saiu do chão, mas não alcançou a bola na primeira chegada do Galo na partida.

Seis minutos depois, Volpi trabalhou.Hulk puxou contra-ataque e abriu para Keno na esquerda. O atacante finalizou, mas o goleiro são-paulino fechou bem o ângulo e defendeu com as pernas, salvando o São Paulo de levar o primeiro gol.

GALO É MELHOR NA PARTIDA E ABRE O PLACAR
Os minutos seguiram e o São Paulo não conseguia levar perigo. Gabriel Sara tentou fazer de fora da área, mas a bola passou por cima do gol do goleiro Everson. Assim, o Atlético-MG tomava conta do jogo e não demorou para abrir o placar no Mineirão.

Aos 16 minutos, Hulk fez linda jogada pelo meio, invadiu a área e tocou para Hyoran na direita. O meia cruzou rasteiro para a pequena área. Jair, por trás de Miranda, entrou livre para empurrar para o fundo do gol e marcar para a equipe mineira.

JOGO DÁ UMA ACALMADA E MIRANDA SAI MACHUCADO
Depois do gol do Atlético-MG, as duas equipes ficaram muito presas a marcação e não conseguiam criar chances para marcar. Rigoni e Hyoran tentaram, mas sem sucesso.

Um lance que deixou a torcida do São Paulo preocupada aconteceu aos 36 minutos. Miranda dividiu uma bola no meio-campo e na sequência pediu substituição, sentindo uma lesão na coxa esquerda. Igor Vinicius entrou em seu lugar.

SÃO PAULO QUASE MARCA ANTES DO INTERVALO
Antes do final da primeira etapa, o São Paulo chegou com perigo. Gabriel Sara recebeu na direita, cruzou fechado, e Réver tentou cortar, quase jogando contra o próprio gol. Everson fez grande defesa.

SEGUNDO TEMPO INICIA MOVIMENTADO
Na volta após o intervalo, a equipe do São Paulo buscou mais o ataque e quase chegou ao gol de empate aos sete minutos. Reinaldo cruzou, Pablo foi travado e rolou para Luciano. No entanto, Arana travou o camisa onze na hora do chute dentro da área.

No minuto seguinte, o Atlético-MG puxou bom contra-ataque com Nacho Fernández, que tocou para Allan. O volante bateu de fora da área, mas a bola foi por cima do gol de Volpi.

RIGONI ASSUSTA A META DO ATLÉTICO-MG
​O jogo passava e o São Paulo tentava o gol de empate, sendo melhor que o Galo na partida. Com 14 minutos,Rigoni arriscou de fora, a bola desviou na zaga e saiu em escanteio, raspando a trave do goleiro Everson.

Conforme o tempo passava, nem São Paulo e nem o Atlético-MG conseguiram assustar as metas adversárias. O jogo ficou muito equilibrado no meio-campo, com diversos erros de passes e tomadas de decisões.

GALO TEM MAIS DUAS CHANCES DE MARCAR
Enquanto o São Paulo não conseguia assustar o Atlético-MG, o Galo tentava ampliar. Aos 36, Mariano tentou cruzar e quase colocou a bola dentro da meta de Volpi, que espalmou.

Já aos 44,Echaporã cruzou, Nathan ajeitou, mas Marrony não aproveitou. Na sequência, Hulk roubou a bola, e Arana finalizou fraco para o gol.

Fim de jogo e tabu mantido. O São Paulo não vence o Atlético-MG fora de casa desde 2016 e não ganha no Mineirão desde 1991.

ATLÉTICO-MG 1 X 0 SÃO PAULO
Local: Estádio do Mineirão, em Belo Horizonte (MG)
Data/Horário: 13 de junho de 2021 (domingo), às 16h (de Brasília)
Arbitro: Anderson Daronco (RS)
Assistentes: Rafael da Silva Alves (RS) e Michel Stanislau (RS)
VAR: Andre da Silva Bittencourt (RS)
Gols:Jair(17’/1ºT) (1-0)
Cartões amarelos:Bruno Alves (SAO)
Cartões vermelhos:
​
ATLÉTICO-MG
​Everson; Guga (Mariano, aos 36’/2ºT), Igor Rabello, Réver e Arana; Allan e Jair (Nathan, aos 35’/2ºT); Hyoran (Marrony, aos 30’/2ºT), Nacho e Keno (Echaporã, aos 30’/2ºT); Hulk. Técnico: Cuca.

SÃO PAULO
Volpi; Bruno Alves, Miranda (Igor Vinicius,aos 40’/1ºT) e Léo; Rigoni, Rodrigo Nestor (Igor Gomes, aos 30’/2ºT), Liziero, Gabriel Sara (Galeano, aos 13’/2ºT) e Reinaldo; Luciano (Eder, aos 30’/2ºT) e Pablo (Rojas, aos 13’/2ºT). Técnico: Hernán Crespo

Arsenal have joined the race to sign one of the best midfielders in world football, according to a report this week.

Gunners set for summer revamp

Though they are currently deep in a title race, it is expected to be another busy summer for Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar in north London. A striker is undoubtedly their priority after seeing Gabriel Jesus miss a large part of the season through injury, but they also require cover for William Saliba and Gabriel, both of whom have been a key part of this season's Premier League success to date, playing almost every minute available as a partnership.

Related Edu sends Arsenal chief to see "serious talent", his new scout loves him

The Gunners could make a move this summer after several scouting trips.

Posts ByBen Browning Apr 2, 2024

An alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right wing would be smart too; the Englishman has been nursing an injury for some time and was forced to withdraw from international duty as a result last month.

But midfield could see the biggest revamp. Mohamed Elneny is set to leave the club when his contract expires, while Jorginho's contract also runs out, though there is talk of the Italian being offered an extension.

Meanwhile, Thomas Partey has been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in the past and, a free agent in 2025, could be cashed in on this summer instead.

Arsenal's options in defensive midfield

Player

Contract expiry

Thomas Partey

2025

Declan Rice

2028

Mohamed Elneny

2024

Jorginho

2024

With that in mind, central midfield may be a priority for the Gunners, and reports suggest they may have found their man.

"Mentality monster" on the way?

That player in question is none other than 29-year-old German star Joshua Kimmich, who is out of contract in 12 months time and could be cashed in on by German giants Bayern Munich for the same reason Arsenal may sell Partey.

The diminutive midfielder has long been linked with a move away from Bavaria, and reports earlier in the season named Arsenal as one of five clubs that he'd be willing to join were he to depart. Now, it appears the feeling is mutual. As per Football Transfers, Arsenal have 'approached' Bayern for Kimmich, though they have been warned Bayern 'will refuse' to discuss a move for their midfielder until the end of the season.

The Gunners are keen to find cover for both right back and central midfield, and deployed Partey in that role earlier in the season. With vast experience in both positions, Kimmich could be the perfect option for the hybrid position Mikel Arteta is seeking, though his massive £320,000 per week wages at the Allianz Arena could prove a major obstacle.

Kimmich has been singled out for high praise by Bayern coaches, and former boss Hansi Flick was particularly keen on the German.

“Joshua Kimmich is an absolute professional, a mentality monster,” he revealed in 2021. “He’s always in the game, he never gives up. He’s one who always pushes but of course has enormous quality on the ball.”

Arsenal will of course get the chance to watch Kimmich up close in the coming weeks as they face Bayern in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Should they get their way, he may become a mainstay at the Emirates Stadium, rather than just a visitor.

Opener goes one better than in Barbados as West Indies seal first home series win since 2014

The Report by Alan Gardner12-Jan-2020

West Indies wrapped up a 3-0 series whitewash of Ireland, led to their target by another ruthless display of batting from Evin Lewis, to confirm the strides made under Phil Simmons’ guidance in his second spell as coach. This was West Indies’ second 3-0 win in a matter of months, victory over Afghanistan by the same score on neutral ground in India ending a five-year series drought in ODIs; success against Ireland was their first at home since beating Bangladesh back in 2014.Set a modest target on a pitch that had begun to play increasingly true after a damp start in Grenada had encouraged Kieron Pollard to bowl first, West Indies cruised to victory with more than 10 overs to spare, after a third rain delay had cut their requirement to 197 from 47. As well as the performance of Lewis, who recorded his third ODI ton, there were career-best figures for legspinner Hayden Walsh and an impressive showing from young quick Oshane Thomas for Pollard to savour.Having come so close to an upset in the second ODI, which was decided by one wicket with one ball remaining in Barbados on Thursday, Ireland could not rouse themselves to the same levels after a short trip across to the Windward Islands. Andy Balbirnie led from the front with 71, but he found little support throughout the innings and a total of 203 looked some way under par on a ground that saw an aggregate of 807 runs scored in the last ODI played here.Ireland needed early wickets, and athough they managed two during the initial Powerplay, Lewis quickly located the groove that saw him finish on 99 not out in the first match of the series, having narrowly failed to win the game with the six needed for his hundred. This time he was in no mood to fall short. Three times he cleared the ropes early on, to go along with several crisp fours, as West Indies reached 58 for 2 after 10 overs, Lewis having scored 46 of them.Barry McCarthy struck in his third over, pinning Shai Hope lbw – Lewis’ apparent support for the wasted review perhaps his only bad decision – and Simi Singh had Sunil Ambris caught behind trying to cut for another single-figure score, but Ireland’s bowlers had been left with too much to do. Brandon King stroked three of his first nine balls to the boundary and looked in formidable touch, helping Lewis add 75 in just 13.3 overs.With King showing flashes of the CPL form that led to his debut late last year, Lewis was happy to tick over, adding 12 singles from 25 balls before tucking into McCarthy again – a period of 6-dot-4-6 dispelling any notion that the opener was becalmed. And while King edged a cut against Andy McBrine in the following over, Lewis and Nicholas Pooran guided the chase either side of the showers.Lewis brought up three figures in an ODI for the first time since 2017 from his 96th delivery, pulling Craig Young for four with nine runs needed, but fell to the next ball as he tried to finish the match. Romario Shepherd was promoted up the order, only to hole out off McBrine, before Pooran’s fierce pull sealed the result.A sign of West Indies’ strength, albeit against the No. 11-ranked side in ODIs, came in the changes made for this game. Shimron Hetmyer was left out after making two single-figures scores in Barbados (but only five innings since smashing 137 from 106 against India in Chennai), though Ambris could not take advantage of the chance at No. 3; Sheldon Cottrell, West Indies’ most-successful bowler over the last 12 months, was also rested, allowing a run out for the towering Thomas.It was Thomas, 22 years old and capable of bowling 145kph, who undermined Ireland’s attempts to battle through against the new ball. He removed the openers, Paul Stirling and James McCollum, with both discomfited by his pace and splice-jarring lengths. Stirling started with twos from his first two balls but could only manage one more run from his next 21, before edging a skittish pull behind, while McCollum played tidily enough for 20 but was snagged by Lewis in the covers after driving without getting forward.Balbirnie held the innings together with his ninth ODI half-century, but Ireland struggled to build partnerships and his dismissal in the 38th over left them without a recognised batsmen going into the death. Walsh’s initial spell had seen him take 1 for 25 from five overs, but he switched ends and produced figures of 5-0-11-3, which included the wicket of Balbirnie, caught slicing to point, just when Ireland were looking to kick on. Only some impish hitting from McBrine, whose 22-ball 25 from No. 9 was Ireland’s second top score, got them above 200.Two rain delays did not overly help Ireland’s cause, with Roston Chase striking twice during an unbroken spell – although a brace of slog-swept sixes from Balbirnie dented his final analysis. William Porterfield was pinned lbw in Chase’s second over, struck low on the front pad trying to sweep, and although Kevin O’Brien drove his first and fourth balls crisply for four, a similar lofted shot saw him pick out deep extra cover.A deceptively flighted googly was the undoing of Lorcan Tucker, as Walsh found his range and some turn to beat the inside edge, the ball shivering off stump with just enough force to dislodge the bail. That left Ireland on Nelson with half the team back in the dressing room, and although they hopped along gamely they didn’t have a leg to stand on by the end.