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Also: why did the Capitals leave out Axar Patel, their most economical bowler this season?

Karthik Krishnaswamy31-Oct-2020Why did Mumbai leave out Hardik Pandya and pick Jayant Yadav?Before Saturday’s game, the Mumbai Indians were already guaranteed a playoffs spot, and their net run rate was good enough to all but ensure they’d finish in the top two as well. Given that, the packed schedule, the weather conditions in the UAE, and the fact that Hardik came into the tournament after undergoing back surgery, it made sense for Mumbai to rest him.Hardik’s workload has reduced following his surgery and he hasn’t bowled at all this season. By picking Jayant Yadav, Mumbai gave themselves a genuine sixth bowling option for the first time this season. They probably picked the offspin-bowling allrounder specifically to bowl to the left-hand batsmen in the Delhi Capitals line-up: Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Shimron Hetmyer and – Mumbai might have assumed before the match – Axar Patel.Why did the Capitals leave out Axar?Axar has had an excellent season for the Capitals. He has taken eight wickets in 11 matches while conceding just 6.13 per over – no one in the Capitals squad has a better economy rate – and he has also made a couple of key contributions with the bat, most vitally his unbeaten 21 off five balls, including three last-over sixes, which won a tight game against the Chennai Super Kings.But in matches against teams with a lot of left-hand batsmen in their line-up, the Capitals have been reluctant to use the left-arm spin of Axar. Against the Rajasthan Royals in Sharjah, he only bowled one over during Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 12.1 over stay at the crease, and only two overs in all. More recently, he only bowled one over altogether against the Kolkata Knight Riders, who had at least one left-hand batsman at the crease throughout their innings.With Mumbai’s line-up including Quinton de Kock, Ishan Kishan, Saurabh Tiwary and Krunal Pandya, the Capitals preferred Praveen Dubey, a wristspinner unknown to the opposition, to Axar.Why did Mumbai bowl three overs of spin within the powerplay?In 12 matches before this one, Mumbai had only bowled 11 overs of spin within the powerplay – in the same number of games, the Royal Challengers Bangalore had bowled 21 overs of spin, and the Capitals 18 overs.On Saturday, however, half of Mumbai’s overs in the powerplay were delivered by the spinners. This, again, was down to match-ups. Dhawan’s dismissal in the first over of the match brought two right-hand batsmen together, and Mumbai promptly brought on Krunal Pandya to bowl his left-arm spin to them, in the second over. Trent Boult struck again in the third over, bringing the left-handed Rishabh Pant to the crease, and Yadav came on in the fourth over to target him.The right-handed Shreyas Iyer was on strike, though, and the same was the case when Yadav continued his spell in the sixth over. In using Yadav, Mumbai were also perhaps throwing a challenge to Iyer, who is capable of hitting big sixes against spin, and offspin in particular. With the Capitals two down early, they were asking him if he wanted to chance his arm against Yadav, and against the long boundaries in Dubai. Iyer hit one six off Yadav in the eighth over, but only scored 14 off 11 balls against him overall, partly because of his own caution stemming from the match situation, and partly because of Yadav’s tight control over his line and length.Why did Bumrah bowl his third over so early?A stuttering Capitals innings suffered a major blow when Jasprit Bumrah dismissed Marcus Stoinis and Rishabh Pant in the 12th over. The Capitals were 63 for 5 at that stage, and Bumrah had two overs left to bowl.Jasprit Bumrah and Quinton de Kock celebrate as Rishabh Pant walks back for another low score•BCCINormally, Mumbai would have reserved both those overs for the death, but given the Capitals’ situation, and also given how much seam movement Bumrah had generated through that 12th over – he had ended it by beating Harshal Patel’s outside edge twice in a row – they bowled his third over at the earliest possible moment, giving him the 14th over. They were hoping he could get another wicket, and ensure that the Capitals’ last really threatening pair – Shimron Hetmyer and Harshal – didn’t build a partnership that could hurt Mumbai. They got their wish, as Bumrah trapped Harshal lbw off the last ball of the over – a review would have saved him, with ball-tracking suggesting the ball would have missed the top of the stumps, but Pant had already used up the Capitals’ review.Should Mumbai continue opening with Kishan even when Rohit returns?Since his move to the top of the order to fill in for Rohit Sharma’s injury-enforced absence, Ishan Kishan has scored 68*, 37, 25 and 72* in four innings, at a strike rate of 145.32. Those are stunning numbers, and Mumbai might be tempted to continue with Kishan in this role even when Sharma returns. A middle-order role wouldn’t be new to Sharma – he has only opened in 43 of his 157 innings for Mumbai, though he has not batted in the middle order for them since May 2018.Whichever way they go, it won’t be an easy choice to make. Sharma averages 33.63 while opening for Mumbai, and has a strike rate of 130.27. Elsewhere, he averages 31.07 and strikes at 130.66.

تحدث مراسل نادي ليفربول، آدم باتل، عبر شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية عن التصريحات النارية التي أدلى بها النجم المصري محمد صلاح، ضد الإدارة والمدرب آرني سلوت بسبب وضعه الراهن.

ويعاني محمد صلاح من التهميش حيث قرر المدرب آرني سلوت إجلاسه على دكة البدلاء، في المباريات الثلاث الماضية، ولم يلعب إلا شوطًا واحدًا طوال تلك اللقاءات.

ولم يعد محمد صلاح قادرًا على تحمل ما يحدث معه حيث خرج إلى وسائل الإعلام وأدلى بتصريحات هجومية صريحة ضد إدارة ليفربول وآرني سلوت، أمس.

وعن ذلك، قال آدم باتل، مراسل ليفربول عبر شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية: “إذا كان محمد صلاح قد خاض مباراته الأخيرة مع ليفربول، فسيُخلد الملك المصري كأسطورة من أساطير النادي، منذ انضمامه مقابل 34 مليون جنيه إسترليني من روما عام 2016، سجل اللاعب البالغ من العمر 33 عامًا 188 هدفًا في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز وحده”.

وأضاف: “فقط آلان شيرر (260)، وهاري كين (213)، وواين روني (208) يتفوقون على محمد صلاح في عدد الأهداف البالغ 190 هدفًا في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حيث سجل هدفين مع تشيلسي خلال فترة وجوده هناك في موسم 2013-2014، كما اختير كأفضل لاعب في الدوري الإنجليزي من رابطة اللاعبين المحترفين للموسم الماضي بعد تسجيله 29 هدفًا و18 تمريرة حاسمة في طريقه إلى الحذاء الذهبي ولقب الدوري مع ليفربول”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. تقارير: ليفربول يحدد مدربًا مؤقتًا لخلافة سلوت.. ومرشح دائم مفاجئ

وواصل: “لكن خلفية ذلك الموسم كانت قصة عقده، حيث كان من المقرر أن ينتهي عقده الذي وقّعه عام 2022، ليصبح اللاعب الأعلى أجرًا في تاريخ ليفربول، في صيف 2025، وفي أبريل الماضي وقع عقدًا جديدًا لمدة عامين، منهيًا بذلك شائعات رحيله مجانًا، لكن إنتاجيته كانت أقل هذا الموسم، حيث لم يسجل سوى خمسة أهداف في 19 مباراة”.

واسترسل: “بعد أن بدأ أساسيًا 53 مباراة متتالية في الدوري الإنجليزي مع ليفربول، جلس محمد صلاح على مقاعد البدلاء في آخر ثلاث مباريات تحت قيادة آرني سلوت، حيث لا يزال مدرب الريدز يصفه بأنه محترف من الطراز الرفيع، ويصر على أن صلاح كان لديه رد فعل تجاه ما يحدث معه كأي لاعب محترف”.

وأوضح: “مع ذلك، فإن اختيار محمد صلاح التوقف والتحدث في المنطقة المختلطة مع الصحفيين في ملعب إيلاند رود له دلالة، من الواضح أنه كان لديه ما يقوله، فمن غير المعتاد أن يتوقف صلاح في تلك المنطقة، لقد فعل ذلك بعد فوز ليفربول على ساوثهامبتون في نوفمبر من العام الماضي، حيث ظهر وصرح بأنه “ربما يكون خارج النادي أكثر منه داخلًا”، بعد كشفه أن ليفربول لم يعرض عليه عقدًا جديدًا بعد”.

واعترف: “في ذلك الوقت، صُدم زملاؤه برؤيته يبحث عن الصحفيين، وسيشعرون بالشيء نفسه بعد تصريحاته الاستثنائية الأخيرة، ومع ذلك، ما لم يجد صلاح مخرجًا من الجلوس على مقاعد البدلاء، يبدو أن نهاية مأساوية لأسطورة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ستحدث”.

واختتم: “في نهاية الأسبوع المقبل، سيغادر محمد صلاح للمشاركة في كأس الأمم الإفريقية، والسؤال المطروح الآن هو: هل سيعود في يناير كلاعب في ليفربول”.

The baseball world was shocked on Sunday when the Boston Red Sox traded Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants. It also led to an awkward opening to ESPN's .

Karl Ravech opened the broadcast announcing the blockbuster trade. Part of the package going to Boston in exchange for Devers included starting pitcher Kyle Harrison, who happened to be scheduled to take the mound for San Francisco's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Obviously, those plans were nixed.

Here's the intro:

Just 30 minutes before the game started, the Giants traded their pitcher for the evening. Like the rest of us, thecrew was taken aback by the development.

Devers is an elite hitter, so this is a major move for the Giants and the Red Sox. San Francisco now has a big lefthanded bat in the middle of its lineup, while Boston is getting rid of a guy who was at odds with management.

It was his 50th home Test, but the first one Ravindra Jadeja was playing without his long-time spin partner R Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last December. It was an unusual experience, but it made no difference as far as the impact Jadeja was able to make on the match. He scored an unbeaten 104, his sixth Test hundred, and took four second-innings wickets as India wrapped up victory over West Indies by an innings and 140 runs inside eight sessions in Ahmedabad.Among the factors behind India winning so commandingly was the strength of their spin attack even without Ashwin, with Jadeja bowling alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar, and with Axar Patel on the bench.”Obviously we do miss him,” Jadeja said after the Test, when asked how Ashwin’s absence felt. “Ash has contributed so much to Indian cricket, been a match-winner for so many years.”I was playing a [Test] match in India without Ash for the first time, so sometimes I did find myself thinking, yeah, Ash will come on and bowl, and then realising he isn’t there. But Kuldeep and Washy have already played so many matches, and we can’t call them youngsters, but it was a different combination.”In the future you will ask, Jaddu isn’t here, and someone else will be there. This is inevitable, and it will keep happening, but it feels good to contribute to the team.”Related

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• Gill: 'No complaints, was a near-perfect game for us'

Jadeja’s performance in Ahmedabad left him tantalisingly close to the double of 4000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket. He needs only 10 runs to become the fourth member of that particular club, and membership to an even more exclusive club — 5000 runs and 400 wickets, which presently only includes Kapil Dev — could also be within reach.”You’re putting pressure on me now,” Jadeja joked when asked about this. “I’ll have to start thinking about how to score 1000 more runs and take 60-70 more wickets.”At this stage I’m enjoying my cricket. I’m not thinking about records or milestones. I’m just working on my fitness and enjoying my cricket. Whenever I’m at home I always work on my fitness so that I just continue doing what I’ve been doing [for] so many years, so that’s about it.”At 36, Ravindra Jadeja is still sprightly on the field•Associated Press

The century in Ahmedabad extended a sensational 2025 with the bat for Jadeja. So far this year, he has scored 659 runs in seven Tests at an average of 82.37, with two hundreds and five fifties, with 516 of those runs coming in a series of remarkable consistency in England, which included a stretch of eight innings with six 50-plus scores.”I’ve worked on my batting — I’ve made some changes both mentally and skill-wise,” Jadeja said. “I used to have a different mindset before, in my batting, but I’ve made a few changes now.”Part of this, he said, came from regularly batting up the order. Since the start of 2023, he has batted 22 times at Nos. 5 and 6 in 40 innings.”If you get the chance to bat up the order, you definitely bat with a different mindset,” he said. “I’ve batted at No. 8 and 9 in Test matches before, and that comes with a different mindset, and if you bat with that mindset you can end up playing a loose shot and getting out.”I’ve also batted at No. 5 and 6, and that comes with a different mindset. You are aware of the responsibility you have to build partnerships with whichever batsman you are batting with. That has definitely made a difference.At 36, Jadeja is showing no perceptible signs of slowing down; he prowls the outfield as athletically as ever, and he has been largely injury-free since getting through a frustrating period in 2021-23 when injuries repeatedly kept him away from action.”Injuries can happen anytime,” he said. “There is no guarantee, and no precautions you can take [against them]. If you’re giving your 100% on the ground, you could have to dive anytime or put in an effort for a catch or a run-out.”Luckily, by god’s grace, I haven’t been injured that much and I work a lot on my fitness. I don’t put up a lot of videos of what all I do on social media, but I do it. And it has been making a difference on the ground, and it feels good that I’m able to give my 100% at this age, and it doesn’t feel like my fitness level is going down, so it puts me in a good frame of mind.”On being asked to expand on his fitness routines and whether that included monitoring his sleep cycles, Jadeja burst into laughter. “I keep it simple,” he said. “Not 8-9 hours, sometimes I sleep for longer too, and if I’m [enjoying my evening] I might sleep less too. But on a serious note, when matches are approaching, I know when to start my training, when to change my food intake. I have a very good idea of my body and what it needs and in what state it is in at any time.”

Abhishek Sharma continued his magnificent tournament, following up his 39-ball 74 against Pakistan with a 37-ball 75, but Bangladesh still held India to a total of 168 for 6 after sending them in.India’s innings followed a pattern not unlike Pakistan’s against their bowlers on Sunday: a strong start followed by a dramatic slowdown when the ball became older and harder to time. India scored 95 runs in overs 4-11, when Abhishek ran rampant, and just 73 runs in the 12 overs either side of that stretch.Bangladesh made things difficult for Abhishek and Shubman Gill with new-ball swing in the first three overs, and then by varying their pace and using the grip on offer when the ball got old. In between, Abhishek played an incandescent innings, hitting five sixes to jump up to joint No. 7 on India’s all-time T20I six-hitting charts. He has now hit 58 sixes in just 21 innings; Suresh Raina, with whom he drew level, hit 58 in 66 innings.It’s a different sport now, and Abhishek lives on its cutting edge, and Bangladesh seemed to have no answers when he was cutting their bowling to ribbons. They could, however, have dismissed him for 7 off 8 in the third over, had the wicketkeeper held on to an edge off Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who came into an XI with as many as four changes and bowled brilliantly with the new ball, swinging it prodigiously while also hitting the deck hard.The wicketkeeper who shelled that chance – and Bangladesh’s captain on the night – was Jaker Ali, standing in for Litton Das who was ruled out with a side strain.That miss seemed to be costing Bangladesh dearly when India were 112 for 2 at the start of the 12th over. But a brilliant bit of fielding from Rishad Hossain – diving to his left to stop a dab from Suryakumar Yadav and springing up, ready to throw, in one motion – sent Abhishek back, run out, and changed the complexion of the game. India only scored 56 runs across their last nine overs. Hardik Pandya – who was out off the last ball of the innings for 38 off 29, did the bulk of the scoring.Their slide looked worse for coming against the backdrop of batting-order changes that didn’t come off on the day. India promoted Shivam Dube to No. 3, and sent in Hardik, Tilak Varma and Axar Patel above Sanju Samson, who did not get to bat at all.With batting usually a little easier in the second innings in Dubai, Bangladesh have a genuine chance of tripping India up and firming up their hopes of getting into Sunday’s final.

Sunderland have a habit of finding gems in the transfer market and could now look to sign another Moroccan star following their summer capture of Chemsdine Talbi.

The Black Cats have been the surprise package of the Premier League campaign, and the example they have set is up there with the best newly-promoted sides to enter the top-flight.

Regis Le Bris has been a breath of fresh air against the elite in English football, and his side maintained their unbeaten home record in some style on Saturday evening, claiming a dramatic last-gasp draw against Arsenal courtesy of Brian Brobbey.

Sparking scenes of jubilation at the Stadium of Light, the Frenchman’s post-match interview paid tribute to his players and supporters as they battled until the end against one of Europe’s in-form clubs.

He told Match of the Day: “The lads worked hard to the end. They believed it was possible to change the dynamic. It was a tough game, as we expected. They are probably one of the best teams in Europe. We struggled, but we still believed it was possible to score one more goal. Our fans helped a lot. We showed before that it was possible, so now we have this faith, this belief that until the final whistle, anything is possible.”

Admittedly, it would be difficult to imagine a better start for Sunderland in their long-awaited return to the Premier League. Granit Xhaka’s leadership in midfield has offered an excellent base to build from, while figures such as Dan Ballard, Wilson Isidor and Enzo Le Fee have led the charge.

Whether from the start or off the bench, the Black Cats have a healthy balance to their squad and will be keen to bolster the ranks in January, something that could see them enter an untapped market for a player who retains considerable potential.

Sunderland bid for Moroccan talent Hossam Essadak

According to AfricaFoot, Sunderland have submitted an official offer for Union Touarga Sport midfielder Hossam Essadak after his leading role in Morocco claiming glory at the recent Under-20 World Cup in Chile.

Leading his side all the way to the final and collecting the trophy from Gianni Infantino, the 20-year-old is also wanted by Scottish Premiership champions Celtic, and there could be scope for a transfer battle between two of British football’s notable clubs for his services.

Should he opt for Sunderland, Essadak may follow similar footsteps to those of compatriot Chemsdine Talbi, albeit he would likely be viewed as one for the future in the North East.

Amid growing speculation over the prodigious star, scouts from both the Black Cats and Celtic are set to watch him in action before the January window.

Either way, Essadak has two attractive options to pick from after a run of four goals and four assists in 35 appearances for Union Touarga Sport. Wydad Casablanca and RS Berkane have also expressed their interest, but he is likely to be sold to a European counterpart.

Manchester City are constantly on the lookout for top talent and could now be set to pursue another exciting star who could arrive at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City looking to build Premier League title challenge

Despite Arsenal’s bold start to the season, Premier League fans would be naive to rule out the notion of Pep Guardiola taking his side to another title, and their tendency to kick on once the second period of the campaign kicks off will linger in the memory of their rivals.

Ultimately, January will be a decisive month as clubs look to recruit the missing pieces of their respective jigsaws to make the difference. Last year, the likes of Omar Marmoush were brought in to aid a top-four finish, and few would bet against another few shrewd additions to sharpen up their bid for silverware.

Peaks and troughs will happen between now and that point, meaning signings are needed to pick up the slack, and Manchester City are reportedly making enquiries to sign FC Koln winger Said El Mana, deemed to be one of Europe’s most direct wingers at this moment in time.

Guardiola is also personally keen on a move for Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand, though his side will need to fight off competition from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur for the Denmark international.

Bernardo Silva and company have delivered countlessly over the years, though they will one day need to move on, leaving the Citizens with work to do in identifying long-term successors across key positions.

While that won’t be easy, their recruitment team are up there with the best around, and they may now be plotting a dramatic 2026 move for a star who could be a future dime at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City plot Lennart Karl move after scouting mission

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester City are plotting a potential move for Bayern Munich sensation Lennart Karl after sending scouts to watch him in action for the German giants.

The 17-year-old has shot to prominence and could command a transfer fee of just under £70 million, albeit Arsenal and Chelsea are also keeping close tabs on his situation.

Making 11 appearances this season, he has scored twice and delivered an assist against Hoffenheim and he appears to be thriving under the stewardship of Vincent Kompany, with Fotmob showing he has completed four dribbles so far in the German top-flight.

Earlier this year, Karl signed a new contract until the summer of 2028, meaning Bayern have leverage over his situation and could utilise their position to block any incoming offers.

With the summer looking the most likely time for a bidding war, the notion of ‘serious approaches’ from England could begin to take place, leaving the youngster with a huge decision in weighing up where best to continue his development.

Ultimately, his choice may boil down to game time. Manchester City are a breeding ground for elite talent, but they face stiff competition to push this one over the line.

Lisandro Martinez is back in Manchester United training after eight months on the sidelines following a serious knee injury but Ruben Amorim has warned the defender not to rush his return to action. The Argentine centre-back was keen to face Nottingham Forest this weekend, yet Amorim has confirmed he will not feature as the Red Devils continue to manage his recovery carefully.

Martinez returns to training after eight months injured

Manchester United received a major fitness boost this week as Martinez returned to first-team training for the first time since February. The Argentine defender has been out of action for eight months following an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury sustained in the 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. After undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation programme at Carrington, the 26-year-old was finally spotted back on the training pitch with his teammates on Wednesday.

Despite his visible excitement to return, Martinez will not be part of the travelling squad to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Amorim revealed in his pre-match press conference that the centre-back had pleaded to be included, but was told “no” as the Red Devils continue to prioritise his long-term fitness. Martinez’s recovery marks a key milestone for the club’s defensive unit, which has been stretched at times since last season, but Amorim is adamant that the process cannot be rushed.

The Reds are currently enjoying a fine run of form, with recent victories over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton propelling them up the Premier League table. A win at The City Ground could momentarily take Amorim’s side up to second place, but the United boss remains focused on easing Martinez back into action gradually to avoid any setbacks.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAmorim denies Martinez's pleas for Forest squad inclusion

Asked about Martinez’s potential inclusion for the Forest clash, Amorim made it clear that he had to step in and slow things down: “He wants to go to this one [Forest], he isn’t going to this one. He’s going to need time.” The Portuguese coach added: “He has started training with us. Slowly, he is going to get better.”

Amorim also highlighted the importance of Martinez’s influence around the squad, even while working his way back to full fitness: “It’s really good. He gives us that edge in every training session, that is also really good for us. The rest of the guys we have one day. I don’t know about Harry Maguire, the rest are fit.”

The World Cup-winning defender has been out since February and underwent surgery earlier this year, making Amorim’s conservative approach both expected and necessary.

Martinez still a ways away from full playing fitness

Martinez’s long-awaited return to training marks a key moment in his United journey. Since joining from Ajax in 2022, the Argentine has become a fan favourite for his passion, defensive aggression and leadership qualities. He has made 91 appearances for the club, contributing three goals and helping United to lift both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup under Erik ten Hag.

The 26-year-old’s absence since February was deeply felt across the backline, as United often struggled with defensive consistency. During his time on the sidelines, the team Red Devils through several centre-back pairings, with Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro, each taking turns to anchor the defence. Martinez’s return to full fitness promises to restore a level of composure and aggression that United have occasionally lacked, but Amorim is acutely aware that returning too quickly could risk aggravating his knee injury.

His rehabilitation at Carrington has been a long but steady process. After surgery on his ACL, Martinez spent months in individual recovery before gradually rejoining team drills. United’s medical team and Amorim’s staff have kept a close eye on his progress, and while his return to training has been hailed as a “significant step,” full match fitness is still some distance away.

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GettyMartinez facing a lot of competition for starting spot

Manchester United face a crucial run of fixtures heading into November, with Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest followed by a visit to Tottenham Hotspur before the international break. While fans may be eager to see Martinez back in competitive action, Amorim’s stance suggests the centre-back’s return could come only after the break. That timeline would give the Argentine ample time to build sharpness and reintegrate fully into matchday training routines.

The competition for defensive spots is fierce, with Maguire rediscovering form and De Ligt providing valuable depth— meaning Martinez will need to prove his readiness before reclaiming a starting berth.

Trinity Rodman is set to return to the U.S. women's national team as Emma Hayes has named a 26-player squad for the upcoming three-match October window. The U.S. will take on Portugal twice, and also play New Zealand during the window. With the call-up, Rodman returns to the USWNT for the first time since April after dealing with back issues.

Getty ImagesA closer look at the squad

Rodman, the Washington Spirit star, has battled a recurring back injury much of the year. That kept Rodman out from April to August, but the winger is seemingly back to her best, having netted four goals in her last six NWSL games.

Rodman isn't the only player returning to the fold, as Lindsey Heaps, Lily Yohannes, Emily Fox, Catarina Macario and Phallon Tullis-Joyce are all back in the team after being rested during the last FIFA window.

The squad features just one first-time call-up: San Diego Wave defender Kennedy Wesley, who has been capped by the U.S. up to the U23 level. The roster does still feature some newer faces, though, with Jordyn Bugg, Lilly Reale and Sam Meza all returning after making their debuts during the last international window.

Jaedyn Shaw, meanwhile, is back with the group after recently playing with the U.S. U23s. Among the regulars also in the team are Sam Coffey and Rose Lavelle in the midfield, defender Emily Sonnett and Yazmeen Ryan, Emma Sears, Alyssa Thompson and Ally Sentnor in attack. Those missing from the squad include Naomi Girma, Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe squad in full

GOALKEEPERS: Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Phallon Tullis- Joyce (Manchester United)

DEFENDERS: Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave)

MIDFIELDERS: Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Sam Meza (Seattle Reign FC), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes)

FORWARDS: Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC)

Getty Images SportWorld Cup build begins

“We are extremely excited to get back together with the team,” Hayes said. “There has been a big gap from July until now and we’ve watched many club games. Now, it’s time to start the build towards qualifying for the 2027 World Cup. We want to maximize every minute we have together, push the players, and keep the momentum going. These three fantastic games ahead of us will help us do that.”

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The U.S. will start the window against Portugal on Oct. 23 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania before facing the same opponent three days later in East Hartford, Connecticut. They'll then wrap up the window against New Zealand on Oct. 29 in Kansas City.

The first two games will be special for a pair of USWNT legends, as Alex Morgan will be honored ahead of the match in Pennsylvania and Alyssa Naeher will be recognized ahead of the second in her home state of Connecticut.

Led by Daniyal, all six Zalmi bowlers got among the wickets to skittle Sultans for 108

Danyal Rasool05-May-2025Peshawar Zalmi needed to win of their next two games to set up what is likely a virtual quarterfinal with Lahore Qalandars. Fortunately for them, their task was about as straightforward as it gets. Beating Multan Sultans has not taken much of an effort for most sides this season, and they didn’t need to overexert. Ahmed Daniyal led a bowling effort which saw six bowlers among the wickets as the Sultans folded for 108, before Saim Ayub saw them cruise to victory with 7 overs to go.The Sultans had little to play for, but were playing in front of a home crowd as they chose to bat first. But Zalmi started sharply, and Sultans couldn’t break free early on in the Powerplay. Yasir Khan tried to lap Saim Ayub’s first ball, and never had the pace to clear fine leg, while an equally stuttering start from Mohammad Rizwan ended when Ahmed Daniyal caught him brilliantly at square leg.The tone of the game never really shifted. This wasn’t a contest of ups and downs, or even mild changes in momentum, so much as a steady, inexorable descent for Multan. Tayyab Tahir and Shai Hope put up a 26-run partnership, though the asking rate rarely threatened to exceed six, and it would only be followed by a somewhat predictable collapse.Tahir hooked one to Mitchell Owen at square leg for Daniyal’s first wicket before Ashton Turned was bowled round his legs by Maaz Sadaqat. Four wickets fell for six runs as the Sultans slumped to 66 for six, and it was only the odd slog from Shai Hope – and latterly Mohammad Hasnain – that helped the Sultans stumble past 100.There was little jeopardy in the chase, even if Owen holed out in the first over. Saim Ayub made sure of that when a pair of back-to-back sixes off Ubai kickstarted an over that conceded 22. There was brief consolation for Shahid Aziz after the Powerplay when he got one to tail in that cleaned up the Zalmi captain Babar Azam for another disappointing innings, and a slower ball which drew Ayub into holing out one run shy of a half-century, but they were a footnotes in a humbling defeat.Max Bryant, who has been involved only in a limited capacity this season, helped himself to a six and a four off Faisal Akram, before capitalising on Sultans dependably poor fielding when a chance was shelled at slip. The game would fittingly finish with a flourish from Bryant, the hapless Ubaid Shah tonked for three boundaries on the trot to seal a win that drives the Sultans further into the dirt. Zalmi’s hopes of remaining the only team never to miss out on a playoff spot remains alive.