Anya Shrubsole retires from international cricket

Hero of England’s 2017 World Cup triumph will continue to play domestically

Valkerie Baynes14-Apr-2022

Anya Shrubsole celebrates a wicket•Getty Images

Anya Shrubsole has announced her retirement from international cricket, calling time on her career at the top level after 14 years.Shrubsole, the hero of England’s 2017 World Cup triumph, was awarded an MBE after bowling her side to a famous and dramatic victory with a record 6 for 46 in the final against India at Lord’s. Aged 30, she is a two-time Women’s World Cup champion and two-time Ashes winner.Having started her domestic career for Somerset, she played 173 games for her country across all formats, claiming 227 wickets. She is fourth on the list of England’s ODI wicket-takers, and is England’s current top T20I wicket-taker.She will continue to play domestic cricket in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, Charlotte Edwards Cup and the Hundred.”I feel immensely privileged to have been able to represent my country for the past 14 years,” Shrubsole said. “To have been involved in women’s cricket at a time of such growth has been an honour but it has become clear to me that it is moving forward faster than I can keep up with, so it is time for me to step away.”Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be lucky enough to play for England for so long, I’d have been happy with one game. There have been many ups and downs along the way but it was all worth it to be able to lift the ICC Women’s World Cup at Lord’s in 2017.”There have been so many people who have supported me along the way and I want to thank them all for everything they have done, but most of all I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my family. They have been with me every step of the way and I simply couldn’t have done it without them.”Shrubsole captained her country once, and in 2018 became the first woman ever to appear on the front cover of the .After a 2021 home international season curtailed by injury, Shrubsole was part of England’s Ashes campaign in Australia at the start of this year, and her last appearance for England was during the 2022 Women’s World Cup final in New Zealand, when she took 3 for 46 and was the last batter out in a 71-run defeat at the hands of Australia on April 3.Clare Connor, ECB managing director of women’s cricket, described Shrubsole as “the most tremendous servant to English cricket, and to women’s cricket specifically”.”For 14 years she has given everything for the team so it is fitting that her reasons for retiring are so selfless,” Connor added. “In her last game for England – the ICC Women’s World Cup final in Christchurch – Anya was the team’s stand-out performer with the ball, just as she was on that magical day at Lord’s in 2017 when England Women lifted the World Cup.”Her longevity, skill and impact with the new and old ball are testament to her work ethic and commitment over so many years. Aside from her genius with the ball, Anya was the perfect team-mate – selfless, dedicated, thoughtful and kind. She has already dedicated 14 years to England Women’s cricket and I know that she will continue to have a huge impact on the game post-playing.”Anya loves the game as much as anyone I’ve ever met and we look forward to retaining her expertise and passion as she embarks on her next chapter.”

Villani and Manix-Geeves hundreds take Tasmania to maiden title

Spinners Amy Smith and Molly Strano pulled South Australia back from a strong position

AAP27-Mar-2022

Tasmania celebrate their WNCL title•Getty Images

Tasmania 1 for 245 (Villani 111*, Manix-Geeves 104*) beat South Australia 8 for 242 (Webb 88, Dooley 66, Smith 3-33, Strano 3-39) by nine wicketsTasmania won their maiden WNCL title, with Elyse Villani guiding them to a dominant nine-wicket win over South Australia.Overlooked for Australia’s 50-over World Cup squad in New Zealand, Villani scored an unbeaten 111 in Sunday’s final while Emma Manix-Geeves also hit her maiden century with an unbeaten 104.It came as the pair turned the Blundstone Arena decider on its head, coming to the wicket 1 for 40 in pursuit of 8 for 242 before reaching the target with 14 balls to spare.Perennial battlers in their first 10 years, Tasmania had only finished outside of the bottom two twice before last year.But with a squad that included Villani, Molly Strano, Sarah Coyte, Naomi Stalenberg and Rachel Priest, they became the dominant team of this summer’s competition.The final loomed as their biggest challenge, with South Australia in control at 2 for 208 in the 45th over after they won the toss and batted first.But when 17-year-old legspinner Amy Smith bowled Josie Dooley for 66 and ended a 113-run stand with Courtney Webb (88), Tasmania were able to claw their way back into the decider.Strano also took 3 for 39 in a tight spell late, while Smith finished with 3 for 33.Then it was Villani and Manix-Geeves’ time to shine. The 21-year-old Manix-Geeves drove nicely through the covers, hitting eight boundaries in her 133-ball knock.Villani was dominant through the offside, cutting and working the ball behind square.She won the match in that fashion, cutting Brooke Harris to the boundary to spark large celebrations.The win denied South Australia their second title, after lifting the trophy previously in 2015-16 when they ended New South Wales’ long run of 10 titles.

القيعي يرد على ميدو: كنت ترغب في الانضمام لـ الأهلي.. ورفضناك لهذا السبب

فتح عدلي القيعي، رئيس لجنة التعاقدات الأسبق بالنادي الأهلي، النار على أحمد حسام ميدو، مهاجم الزمالك ومنتخب مصر المعتزل وعضو اللجنة الفنية الحالي في القلعة البيضاء، بعدما تحدث الأخير في وسائل الإعلام عن بعض ملفات الأهلي.

وفي تصريحاته عبر قناة النادي الأهلي ببرنامج “ملك وكتابة”، تحدث القيعي عن ميدو قائلًا:”يا أستاذ ميدو، أنت نفسك كنت ترغب في الانضمام إلى الأهلي، فلا تُجبرنا على الحديث والكشف عن التفاصيل”.

“كفاك مغامرة وإنزل لأرض الواقع”.. عدلي القيعي ينتقد كولر ويكشف أخطاء مدرب الأهلي

وأضاف: “وهذا سواء عندما كنت ناشئًا أو في وقت لاحق حين أصبحت لاعبًا كبيرًا، طُرِح اسمك للانضمام إلى الأهلي، لكن الأمر لم يُكتَب له الاكتمال”. 

وأوضح القيعي أن سبب عدم انضمام ميدو للأهلي لم يكن فنيًا، بل كان بسبب شخصيته، مؤكدًا: “عندما طُرِح اسمك، قوبل بتحفّظ شديد، ليس لأسباب تتعلق بالمستوى الفني، ولكن لأنك كنت قد وصلت إلى مرحلة يصعب فيها أن يُديرك أحد، لقد استعصيت حتى على المدربين الأجانب في الخارج”.

وواصل: “ميدو لعب بجوار نجوم كبار مثل ديدييه دروجبا وزلاتان إبراهيموفيتش، انظر أين وصل كل منهما؟ وأين انتهى به الحال؟ منذ اليوم الأول، كانت شخصية ميدو طاغية على موهبته، لا أحد كان قادرًا على التحكم به، رأسه هي التي تديره، وليس العكس”.

واختتم: “أنا أحب ميدو، لأنه شخص واضح وصريح، وأقدّر الشخصيات التي لا تُخفي نواياها، لكن المشكلة أنه في بعض اللحظات ينسى ما قاله، أو يطلق تصريحات متناقضة مع الواقع”.

Cesinha projeta jogo contra o Grêmio e destaca força do Ypiranga em casa

MatériaMais Notícias

Uma das boas opções do Ypiranga para a decisão do Campeonato Gaúcho contra o Grêmio, o meia Cesinha vive a expectativa de conquistar o seu primeiro Gauchão. Motivado, o ex-atleta do Botafogo falou a respeito da partida de ida da final, neste sábado, em Erechim.

– É um confronto histórico para o Ypiranga, temos consciência disso. O que alcançamos na quarta (vaga na final) foi muito especial, mas desejamos mais. Nosso objetivo é tornar o clube pela primeira vez campeão do estado e para isso será fundamental derrotar o Grêmio amanhã – declarou.

E o histórico do Ypiranga em seu estádio na competição dá razões para Cesinha e seus companheiros ficarem otimistas. Nas sete partidas que disputou em Erechim no Gauchão, o time do interior ganhou todas. O jovem jogador valoriza os dados.

– Isso evidencia o quanto somos fortes em casa. Buscamos sempre vencer, atuamos com intensidade e esse estilo vem surtindo bons resultados. Vamos buscar mais um triunfo amanhã – finalizou.

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Cup final king, Arsenal’s enemy: Didier Drogba’s 7 best goals for Chelsea

Didier Drogba is widely regarded as Chelsea’s greatest-ever striker.

During eight seasons at Stamford Bridge between 2004 and 2012, the Ivorian scored a total of 164 goals – a figure that makes him the Blues’ fourth-highest scorer of all time and their second-highest scorer of the 21st century, behind only Frank Lampard.

From bullet headers to tap-ins, long-range belters to free-kicks, Drogba could do it all, while his propensity for finding the net in cup finals remains unmatched.

He scored an astonishing nine goals in nine finals for the west London club, including three winners in FA Cup finals.

The top 10 FA Cup finals of all time – ranked

Some finals fail to live up to the billing, but sometimes the magic of the FA Cup shines through.

1 ByAlex Caple May 25, 2024

“At his best, he was unplayable,” former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher once said of Drogba, while ex-Barcelona defender Gerard Pique previously called him “one of the best strikers I have seen”.

Here are what we think are Drogba’s best Chelsea goals, taking into account factors such as quality and importance.

7 Bolton v Chelsea, January 2011 Net-buster begins Reebok rout

Chelsea thrashed Bolton Wanderers 4-0 when the two sides met at the Reebok Stadium in the 2010/11 Premier League season thanks to goals from Drogba, Florent Malouda, Ramires and former Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka.

Drogba’s goal was the pick of the bunch. After receiving the ball about 40 yards out with plenty of options ahead of him, rather than use them like most would, the Ivorian chose to take a couple of touches and belt the ball towards goal himself.

Usually, such efforts would end up in Row Z, but not Drogba’s. Before Bolton ‘keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen knew it, the ball had flashed between his gloves and into the back of his net.

6 Chelsea v Manchester United, May 2007 Drogba scores winner in first final at new Wembley

Drogba’s extra-time strike against Manchester United in the 2007 FA Cup final was his first of four in FA Cup finals.

After 116 minutes without a goal at the new Wembley, the Ivorian played a neat one-two with Frank Lampard on the edge of United’s box before gently lobbing the ball over the onrushing Edwin van der Sar.

The goal was enough to clinch the trophy for the Blues for the first time in seven years. Drogba again found the target in the 2009, 2010 and 2012 FA Cup finals, all of which Chelsea won.

The 10 Best FA Cup final goals of all time

Some players leave their best strikes until it really matters…

1 ByBarney Lane Nov 1, 2024 5 Arsenal v Chelsea, November 2009 Brilliant Drogba brace sinks Arsenal one more

No club feared Drogba like Arsenal. During his career at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea star hit a whopping 13 goals in just 15 games against the Gunners – more than he managed against any other team.

Two of his best goals against the north Londoners came in a 3-0 win for the Blues in November 2009 at the Emirates Stadium.

His first was an expertly guided effort into the top corner from a low cross by Ashley Cole, while his second was a thunderous free-kick that he struck with his in-step and ended up in the side netting. Which was better? We’ll let you decide.

4 Chelsea v Portsmouth, May 2010 Drogba scores again in FA Cup final

Drogba’s goal against Portsmouth in the 2010 FA Cup final at Wembley was almost a carbon copy of his free-kick against Arsenal from the previous year, but with added importance.

Scored again with the in-step of his right foot – a free-kick technique which became his trademark during his latter years at Chelsea – the goal was not only enough to secure a 1-0 victory for the Blues in the final, it also ensured the club won their first-ever domestic double, having secured the Premier League the previous weekend.

“It’s a fantastic day for us, for the club, and for me as well, because [it’s] the first time as a professional I achieved the double,” he said after the game.

“It’s amazing, you know. It’s difficult to find the words to describe how I feel right now.”

3 Everton v Chelsea, December 2006 Blues bag two screamers in comeback win

Chelsea had to come from behind twice to beat Everton 3-2 at Goodison Park in late 2006.

Mikel Arteta had put the hosts in front from the spot, but the Blues levelled through a Tim Howard own-goal shortly after the break. Defender Joseph Yobo then restored Everton’s lead, which David Moyes’ side held until the 81st minute when Frank Lampard hit a dipping screamer from just outside the box.

Six minutes later, Drogba broke Everton hearts, and one-upped Lampard with a superb strike of his own, firing home a thumping half-volley from 35 yards out to secure all three points for Jose Mourinho’s team.

2 Chelsea v Liverpool, September 2006 Drogba's turn and shot stuns flat-footed Reina

Drogba scored the only goal as Chelsea beat Liverpool 1-0 at Stamford Bridge early in the 2006/07 season, and boy, was it one for the history books.

Receiving the ball on the edge of the Liverpool box with his back to goal, the Chelsea striker chested the ball down, turned swiftly, and slammed it towards goal on the half-volley with his supposedly weaker left foot.

Reds ‘keeper Pepe Reina could only watch on in disbelief as the ball nestled in the side of his net and Drogba reeled away in celebration, also looking slightly surprised at what exactly he’d just done.

Drogba told the Premier League’s official website in 2016 that the goal was his favourite from his time in the English top flight.

1 Bayern Munich v Chelsea, May 2012 Drogba breaks Bayern hearts – twice

Drogba’s late goal against Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final is the most important in the club’s history.

Trailing the German giants 1-0 in the 88th minute, the Chelsea striker leapt above everybody in the box to head in from Juan Mata’s corner at the near post in emphatic fashion.

After extra-time ended without a winner, the game then went to a penalty shootout, where Drogba stepped up to slot home the winning spot-kick and bag the Blues their first Champions League trophy. It doesn’t get any better than that.

No Aaronson, "explosive" star in: Leeds predicted XI & team news vs Oxford

Leeds United are back in action in the Championship once again this afternoon as they prepare to welcome Gary Rowett’s Oxford United to Elland Road.

Des Beckingham left the newly-promoted side earlier this month and they are now heading to West Yorkshire for Rowett’s first match in charge.

The Whites will be looking to take advantage of that, whilst also being wary that they could play with added motivation to impress the new boss, to bounce back to winning ways after they were held to a 1-1 draw last time out.

A stoppage-time own goal from Jack Whatmaugh salvaged a point for Leeds against Preston North End at Deepdale last weekend, after they went 1-0 down to a strike from Brad Potts in the first half.

It was a result that has left them second in the table and three points behind Sheffield United in first place, which means that they are well in the race to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League.

The Whites now come up against an Oxford United side that they will not be familiar with, as it has been over 12 years since they last clashed with them.

Leeds United's last clash with Oxford United

Their last meeting came in the League Cup in August 2012 and ended in a 3-0 win for Leeds, who were managed by veteran EFL boss Neil Warnock at the time.

Given that the game was over 12 years ago, the Whites team looked incredibly different to the one that is likely to come up against Oxford this afternoon at Elland Road.

However, it may not look entirely different because Sam Byram, who started against Preston last weekend, started the match on the right of a midfield four.

Position

Leeds XI vs Oxford (2012)

GK

Jamie Ashdown

RB

Tom Lees

CB

Patrick Kisnorbo

CB

Jason Pearce

LB

Adam Drury

RM

Sam Byram

CM

Michael Brown

CM

Rodolph Austin

LM

Aidan White

ST

Andy Gray

ST

El-Hadji Diouf

Line-up via ESPN

As you can see in the XI above, the Leeds academy graduate played in midfield in Warnock’s 4-4-2 system, with Tom Lees and veteran Adam Drury preferred ahead of him in the full-back positions.

Rodolph Austin opened the scoring in the first-half for the Whites before Byram got himself on the scoresheet by lobbing the ball over the goalkeeper from close range, and Lees made sure of the win with a second-half header.

Will the English defender start back-to-back games for Leeds against Oxford 12 years apart, though? Well, the injury issues ahead of this clash suggest that he will.

Latest Leeds United injury news

In his pre-match press conference, Daniel Farke revealed that Junior Firpo and Ilia Gruev remain out injured with their hamstring and knee issues respectively, which means that they will not be available for selection.

Firpo is the only natural left-footed left-back in the squad and his absence from the starting line-up means that the German head coach does not have many other options.

Max Wober, a left-footed centre-back, has operated at left-back at times this season but the Leeds boss claims that he only has a “small chance” of being fit, due to a knee injury.

max-wober-leeds-united-academy-transfer-loan-james-debayo-farke

This means that Byram could keep his place in the XI after his start against Preston last week, because Firpo and Wober could both be missing from the matchday squad.

The other headline injury news is that Pascal Struijk, who has captained the team in the absence of Ethan Ampadu, is a doubt with a hamstring injury.

He did not train for two days earlier in the week and Farke states that it is a 50/50 call as to whether or not he will be available at the back against Oxford.

Predicted Leeds line-up to face Oxford

With this injury news in mind, there could be three changes to the starting XI that line-up against Preston last weekend, starting with an alternation at centre-back.

If Struijk misses out, the armband could go back to club captain Ethan Ampadu, who has come off the bench in the last two matches since his return from a knee injury.

The Wales international played at centre-back next to Joe Rodon in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign and helped Leeds to reach the play-off final, and he could be called upon in that position should the Dutchman miss out.

In terms of any unforced changes to the side, Farke could look to shake up his attacking options after they failed to find the back of the net against Preston, needing an own goal to seal a point.

Brenden Aaronson is one player who could be ditched from the starting line-up after a disappointing showing last time out at Deepdale in the number ten role.

Vs Preston

Brenden Aaronson

Minutes

65

Key passes

0

Big chances created

0

Shots on target

0

Big chances missed

1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the USA international struggled badly at the top end of the pitch, with zero chances created and zero shots on target in 65 minutes.

He also missed the best opportunity of the first-half by blazing his effort well over the bar after Byram’s flick found him around 12 yards out, with only the goalkeeper to beat.

Football FanCast recently published an article explaining why Mateo Joseph should be unleashed in a new role as a number ten behind Joel Piroe, and the Spain U21 international could replace Aaronson in the XI as part of that against Oxford.

Another change could come on the left side of the attack after Wilfried Gnonto struggled against Preston, with zero shots on target and zero chances created in 65 minutes.

Largie Ramazani created a chance in just 25 minutes off the bench and could start for the first time since returning from injury, to offer an exciting threat down the left wing.

The Belgian whiz, who was once described as an “explosive” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, scored in his last start, against Watford, and could be given the nod this afternoon.

Leeds had a star who was "similar" to Klich & Phillips, then he left for £0

The former Leeds United star was highly-rated by Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road.

ByDan Emery Dec 18, 2024

Full predicted line-up for Leeds: Illan Meslier; Jayden Bogle, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Sam Byram; Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell; Dan James, Mateo Joseph, Largie Ramazani; Joel Piroe.

Monsoon FC marca presença em evento do Transferoom, e presidente destaca: 'Estamos trabalhando muito'

MatériaMais Notícias

A cada dia que passa o Monsoon FC mostra que vem evoluindo no mundo do futebol. O clube de Porto Alegre marcou presença em evento realizado em Madri, na Espanha, do Transferoom, plataforma que tem como foco principal o intercâmbio entre profissionais do esporte.

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Além de estreitar os laços entre agentes, jogadores e profissionais do futebol, o evento, que contou com mais de 300 clubes nesta edição, também disponibilizou estratégias de inteligência de mercado e um acesso direto a uma rede global de tomadores de decisão. O evento também contou com clubes como: Athletico Paranaense, Atlético-MG e Internacional.

+ Confira e simule a tabela do Campeonato Brasileiro

Como de costume, o clube do Rio Grande do Sul foi representado pelo seu presidente, Lucas Pires. O dirigente não só evidenciou a oportunidade de ‘networking’ cedido aos frequentadores do evento, mas também se mostrou bastante impressionado não só com a organização.

+Fluminense divulga lista de jogadores inscritos para a Copa Sul-Americana

– É uma grande honra para o Monsoon FC marcar presença no Transferoom. Somos um clube novo no Brasil, mas estamos trabalhando muito. Esse tipo de evento dá oportunidade para criar e também consolidar um vínculo maior com grandes profissionais do futebol. Esse tipo de relacionamento é vital para o desfecho de parcerias promissoras no futuro – disse.

فيديو | أرنولد يسجل هدف ليفربول الأول أمام ليستر سيتي

أحرز ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول، هدفًا في مرمى ليستر سيتي بمنافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

ويواجه ليفربول نظيره ليستر سيتي، في الجولة 33 من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، على ملعب “كينج باور”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. موريسون: محمد صلاح يُبدع في كل شيء باستثناء هز شباك ليستر سيتي

وسجل مدافع ليفربول، ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، الهدف الأول لصالح فريقه عند الدقيقة 76 من عمر الشوط الثاني.

هدف ليفربول الأول جاء بعدما تصدى القائم لرأسية محمد صلاح، ليحاول لاعبي ليستر سيتي إبعاد الكرة لكنها وصلت إلى أرنولد الذي سدد بقوة من داخل منطقة الجزاء ليحرز أول أهداف الريدز في المباراة.

وفي حال فوز ليفربول في مباراة اليوم سيرتفع رصيده إلى النقطة 79 ليعزز صدارته لترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، ويصبح على بعد 3 نقاط من حصد لقب البطولة الإنجليزية. هدف ليفربول الأول أمام ليستر سيتي بـ الدوري الإنجليزي

Harry Brook falls just shy of double-ton as Yorkshire edge towards victory

England head scout James Taylor was on hand to see young batter’s knock against Kent

ECB Reporters Network30-Apr-2022

Harry Brook fell six runs shy of a double-century•Getty Images

Harry Brook fell narrowly short of a maiden career double-century before lunch on day three as Yorkshire edged towards victory in their LV= Insurance County Championship clash with Kent at Headingley.Brook, Division One’s second-leading run-scorer behind unbeaten Kent opener Ben Compton, continued his super start to the summer by advancing from 131 overnight to 194 and taking his tally of runs to 512 in five innings this summer.Yorkshire were replying to 291, starting day three on 326 for 5 with a lead of 35, and were bowled out by mid-afternoon for a record 591 and with a lead of 280.Later in the day, Kent impressively resisted to close on 118 for 2 from 50 overs, giving them plenty of hope they can avoid a third defeat in four games to start 2022.So far, the visitors have not needed to face Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf in their second innings given he is having a minor niggle in his left side assessed by the Yorkshire medical team. And in-form Compton will be at the crease on 67 having taken his season’s tally to 534.Tongues are starting to wag regarding 23-year-old Brook’s chances of soon winning Test selection. Along with the likes of Tom Haines and Josh Bohannon, he is among a group of highly rated young batters and was watched here by James Taylor, England’s head scout.He has now scored at least fifty in every innings this summer, including another century at Gloucestershire two rounds ago, having had a memorable winter of T20 cricket which saw him make his international debut in January.Brook hit two sixes and 21 boundaries in his 265-ball innings, ended shortly before lunch when he gloved a pull at Nathan Gilchrist behind down leg. It was a tired looking shot to end his marathon 398-minute stay at the crease, and he was the third Yorkshire player to fall caught behind down leg following Adam Lyth and Dawid Malan on day two.Brook, who cut and square drove a lot of his runs, shared partnerships of 269 for the fourth wicket with Malan on day two and 151 with Dom Bess for the sixth during the third morning.Bess was also proactive on the way to 89, though sunk to his knees in disappointment when he fell short of a maiden century for the county. He was caught at slip following a loose drive at Jack Leaning’s off-spin as Yorkshire slipped to 496 for 7 early in the afternoon – a lead of 205. By that time, the maximum of five batting bonus points had been secured.Young all-rounder Matthew Revis added a belligerent 53, including three sixes. It was his maiden first-class fifty and contributed to Yorkshire’s highest first-class total against Kent. One of his sixes was slapped over cover after a ball from Leaning had slipped out of the Kent captain’s hand mid-delivery and landed wide of the cut strip.Revis was the last man out for Yorkshire, caught high at cover off the left-arm spin of George Linde, who claimed each of the last three home wickets to fall.Brilliant sunshine was replaced by an overcast sky after tea. Kent lost their first wicket beforehand when Revis had Test opener Zak Crawley caught and bowled with a low full toss for 5, the seamer hanging onto a sharp chance as the score fell to 18 for 1 in the 11th over.First-innings centurion Daniel Bell-Drummond departed for only two after tea when he drove Steve Patterson low to cover to make it 27 for 2 in the 18th.Patterson had Compton dropped behind by Harry Duke on 46, while Leaning also offered a couple of sharp chances to George Hill and Thompson on the way to 31.

Gaby Lewis leads from the front as Ireland secure upset win over South Africa

Weighty opening stand between Lewis and Paul paves way for rare Irish success

Firdose Moonda03-Jun-2022

Gaby Lewis brought up a quick half-century•Sportsfile via Getty Images

Ireland, led by the youngest captain in their history, Gaby Lewis, beat South Africa for only the second time in 11 T20I meetings to stun the fifth-ranked side and take a lead in the three-match series. Ireland are ranked 12th in T20s and their only previous victory over South Africa came in August 2016.Five South Africa and three Ireland players from that match were involved in this one, including Lewis. Together with Leah Paul, she broke her own record for Ireland’s highest opening partnership against South Africa, set Ireland up for a famous win and claimed a slice of history herself. Lewis is the first daughter of a former Ireland captain to lead the national side, after her father Alan Lewis captained the men’s team.Starting strong
Lewis and Paul took advantage of a lacklustre South African effort in the first half of their innings and raced to 83 without loss in the first 10 overs. In doing so, they also posted the highest first-wicket partnership for Ireland against South Africa, beating the 78 shared between Lewis and Clare Shillington in Ireland’s previous 2016 victory. None of the six bowlers South Africa used up to that point threatened at all, as they struggled to adjust to the slow pace of the pitch. They offered many deliveries that were too short and both Lewis and Paul were strong on the pull in response. The pair went on to share in a stand of 98, 16 short of Ireland’s highest opening stand against any team.South Africa claw back
None of South Africa’s bowlers could remove Lewis, who notched up her sixth T20I half-century, but some commitment in the field did. She was run-out at the non-striker’s end to bring an authoritative knock to a close. But it was only in the next over, when Shabnim Ismail was brought back on and used the slower ball to have Paul caught at mid-on, that South Africa were able to properly apply the brakes.Ireland were 107 for 2 after 14 overs and could only manage 36 runs off the next six overs, while also losing five wickets. Tumi Sekhukhune, whose first three overs cost 27 runs, came back well to take three wickets in her final over and ensure no one outside Ireland’s top four got into double-figures. Still, Ireland achieved their highest total against South Africa in T20Is, three runs more than their previous highest of 140 for 4 in a losing cause in 2016. Ireland strike immediately
South Africa opted to experiment with a new opening pair – Lara Goodall and Tazmin Brits – and it backfired. Offspinner Rachel Delaney was asked to open the bowling against the left-handed Goodall and had her caught behind off the first ball of South Africa’s reply, in the course of delivering a maiden first over.And then get the big wicket
South Africa held Laura Wolvaardt back to No. 4 and she provided some stability, but her attempt to add impetus to the innings in the ninth over failed. She tried to cut Cara Murray but Celeste Raack took a good catch, low at backward point, to send the Ireland players into wild celebrations.Cat-and-mouse to the end
With 48 runs needed off the last five overs, Chloe Tryon had the ideal opportunity to show off her finishing skills. She took 15 runs off the 16th over, bowled by Murray, including a casual-as-you-like six over midwicket to ease the pressure on her captain Sune Luus. But Lewis had a trump card up her sleeve. She tasked Paul, whose first two overs went for 16 runs, with bowling the 18th over. Tryon was well outside her crease when she went for a slog, missed and was bowled. Luus was South Africa’s last real chance but she was bowled by debutant Arlene Kelly in the penultimate over. South Africa needed 18 runs to win off the last over and neither Nadine de Klerk nor Ismail could get them there.