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Australia beat South Africa by 59 runs and have set up a knockout clash with India, a team they had already beaten in the group stages of the Women’s World Cup

The Report by Annesha Ghosh15-Jul-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsEllyse Perry was at the forefront of another Australian victory•ICC/Getty Images

Prior to Saturday’s match, South Africa had never won against Australia in 13 completed ODIs. The closest they had come was in November 2016, when they managed a tie one of the five games of the series. Another had yielded a loss off the penultimate ball. That South Africa were able to bring some of that grit into their last league fixture this World Cup was largely down to legspinner Sune Luus’ fifth five-wicket haul that restricted Australia to 269, and 18-year old Laura Wolvaardt’s solid 71 that they could not capitalise on. South Africa fell 59 runs short in Taunton, allowing the defending champions to turn their attention to a semi-final clash with India on July 20.Ellyse Perry was chiefly responsible for things turning out the way they did as she combined a 58-ball 59 with figures of 2 for 47. She ran Trisha Chetty out for 37 with a sharp throw from deep midwicket, and then removed Luus and Ayabonga Khaka off successive deliveries in the 39th over to clear Australia’s path to victory.Australia’s spinners – Jess Jonassen, Asheligh Gardner and Kristen Beams – had done most of the damage, returning combined figures of 3 for 99 off 30 overs. While left-armer Jonassen took out opener Lizelle Lee in the sixth over of the chase, before adding van Niekerk to her tally of 2 for 40, Gardner and Kristen Beams ensured pressure was kept up from the other end as well.In the absence of Meg Lanning, sidelined for a second time in the tournament with a shoulder injury, stand-in captain Rachael Haynes compounded South Africa’s dismissing Mignon du Preez with her first ball in over four years. Haynes, who had last brandished her left-arm medium pace in the 2013 World Cup, also against the same opponents, dealt the more telling blow to South Africa’s innings in her next over, toppling Wolvaardt on 71. The teenaged opener backed up two half-centuries and two not-outs from five preceding games with a knock full of substance, but she just couldn’t do it alone.That South Africa were able to bring up 100 in under 22 overs was, in part, due to Australia’s sloppy fielding inside the circle. While Perry let an innocuous Wolvaardt drive, off Schutt, roll for four in the third over, Schutt dropped Chetty on 1 off Perry in the eighth, before Haynes joined in the comedy with a dive right over the ball at mid-off. Wolvaardt’s departure, however, robbed the innings of the fluency and worse, triggered a collapse as South Africa lost five wickets for 17 runs. It was only Shabnim Ismail’s 26 off 41 balls that yanked the total from 165 for 8 to 201.Australia could have enjoyed a larger margin of victory if they had been able to capitalise on a 114-run opening stand. But neither of Beth Mooney nor Nicole Bolton could press on to convert their half-centuries beyond 53 and 79 respectively. And even Perry, who struck a fifth-successive fifty – a record in World Cup cricket – was sent back just as she seemed set to dominate. Considering little was going South Africa’s way initially – by the 21st over, Dane van Niekerk had brought on a seventh bowler – Australia’s batsmen would have wanted to make a stronger statement.There was a mitigating factor though – the legspin of Luus. She got rid of Bolton and Elyse Villani in successive deliveries, and then denied Australia the firepower they needed in the slog overs by dismissing Perry in the 40th. She made sure South Africa were feeling good going into the mid-innings break. They just couldn’t hold on to the feeling long enough.

Three figure partnerships for the sixth wicket, between Kieran Powell and Shane Dowrich, and the seventh, between Dowrich and Shimron Hetmyer, saved the West Indies from potential embarrassment

ECB Reporters Network02-Sep-2017Shimron Hetmyer enjoyed some time in the middle•Sarah Ansell / StringerThree figure partnerships for the sixth wicket, between Kieran Powell and Shane Dowrich, and the seventh, between Dowrich and Shimron Hetmyer, saved the West Indies from potential embarrassment after the tourists had been reduced to 64 for 5 by Leicestershire.The runs were well timed from both a team and personal point of view as both Powell, who made 82, and Dowrich, who made an unbeaten 108, having been among the few West Indies batting failures in their remarkable victory over England in the second Test at Headingley last week.Hetmyer, however, was playing just his third innings of the tour, and in scoring an unbeaten 128, played with freedom and real style against the old ball as Leicestershire’s attack tired in the evening session.The 20-year-old Guyanan hit five sixes and 12 fours in going to a run-a-ball century, and having played three Tests earlier this year, all against Pakistan, may have put himself into the frame for a fourth cap at Lord’s.It was not a flawless innings – Gavin Griffiths failed to hold a very catchable caught and bowled opportunity when Hetmyer was on 39, and he went to 99 with an inside edge of fast bowler Zak Chappell that Harry Swindells touched with his glove diving to his right behind the stumps – but he has certainly given the West Indies selectors something to think about.Dowrich, who made a first innings duck and was not out without facing a ball at Headingley, hit 16 boundaries in his 176 ball innings.Opener Powell, who scored 5 and 23 at Leeds, had scored 82 off 153 balls when he was unluckily caught behind down the leg-side off left-arm seamer Dieter Klein. He rode his luck at times, notably when twice edging Chappell through the slips, but he also hit some fine shots, including hooking Chappell for the six with which he brought up his half-century.In terms of preparation for next week’s final Test, it had been a far from ideal morning for the tourists.Kraigg Brathwaite had made just 2 when he was trapped leg before on the crease by a quick, in-swinging delivery from Klein, and Kyle Hope quickly followed, also leg before, falling over to the off-side as he attempted to defend a well pitched-up ball from Chappell.Shai Hope, scorer of centuries in both innings at Headingly, played several high-class off-side drives as he and Powell added 48 for the third wicket, but having gone to 28 off just 32 balls, Hope played loosely at a straight delivery from Richard Jones and was bowled off the inside edge.Roston Chase became the third leg before victim of the morning when he was dismissed by Gavin Griffiths, and Jermaine Blackwood drove airily at his second delivery to give Rob Sayer a straightforward catch at extra cover off Griffiths.

ScorecardFile photo – Partex captain Irfan Sukkur was one of only three batsmen to reach double figures•BCB

Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity confirmed their stay in next season’s Dhaka Premier League with an eight-wicket win over Partex Sporting Club in the first relegation play-off game at the Fatullah Cricket Stadium. Khelaghar moved to eight points, meaning both Victoria Sporting Club and Partex, who are on two points each, were relegated to the Dhaka First Division Cricket League. The remaining relegation playoffs will now be formalities.Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam took six wickets for just 18 runs from his 9.1 overs as Partex were shot out for just 73 runs in 25.1 overs. Tanvir’s figures were the best by a bowler in this year’s DPL, which also saw Rubel Hossain, Taijul Islam, Abu Hider and Arafat Sunny take six-wicket hauls.Only three batsmen – captain Irfan Sukkur, Jubair Ahmed and Nuruzzaman Masum – reached double figures for Partex who had elected to bat. Khelaghar only needed three batsmen to reach double-figures as they completed the second-shortest chase in Bangladesh’s List A history; Robiul Islam Robi’s 34 led the chase which they completed in 15.1 overs, with 209 balls to spare.

Arsenal are set to make another bid for Jurrien Timber, and the player is keen to move to the Emirates, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What's the latest on Arsenal and Timber?

Mikel Arteta is keen to sign the Ajax defender to add another option to the right side of his backline. The 22-year-old has played at both centre-back and right-back in his career, and will add quality depth following Arsenal's collapse after injuries to William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Arsenal reportedly are close to agreeing personal terms with the Dutch international, and have already had a bid knocked back, but seem confident that they will land their target.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano claimed that Timber is excited for the move, and that a new offer is being prepared.

"To close in on Arsenal situation, they will bid again also for Jurrien Timber, Arsenal are preparing a new proposal," he stated.

"They want to bid again, they want to reach an agreement with Ajax, they already have an agreement with the player [approval]. Timber considers the Arsenal project perfect for his idea and [he's] really excited."

Where could Timber play for Arsenal?

Given that both William Saliba and Ben White were outstanding for Arsenal last season, it will be a big ask for Timber to arrive as an immediate starter ahead of either established defender.

However, Arsenal's defensive vulnerabilities were shown when Rob Holding had to take Saliba's place following his long-term injury, and this was arguably the main reason for their collapse in the title race.

The Gunners conceded 13 goals in six games with Holding in the starting XI, a rate of 2.16 per game, compared to 30 in the 32 matches without him, a rate of 0.93 per game, and this significant difference is an area of weakness that needs addressing this summer.

Between White, Tomiyasu, Saliba and Timber, minutes on the right-side can be shared around, which will be particularly important as Arsenal return to the Champions League, and extra rotation may be necessary.

Timber ranks near the top of his peers for his ability on the ball as per FBref, and this could prove crucial in both defensive positions as he aims to cover one of Saliba or White.

At 22, the Ajax vice-captain will be a signing who can make an impact in the long-term, and he could prove to be a vital option within the squad as Arsenal aim to challenge Manchester City for the title again.

Titans held their nerve and secured a two-wicket win in the Sunfoil series match against Dolphins in Pietermaritzburg

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Feb-2017

Titans overcame an uninterrupted spell from offspinning allrounder Prenelan Subrayen, which read 15.4 -6-35-5, and a batting collapse to scramble to a two-wicket win in a small chase of 91 against Dolphins in Pietermaritzburg. The result handed Titans 17.96 points and lifted them to the top of the points table.Subrayen struck in his second over, having opener Aiden Markram caught behind for 5. Grant Mokoena, Dean Elgar, captain Henry Davids and Jonathan Vandiar all departed in a space of six overs to leave Titans reeling at 35 for 5 in 15.5 overs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen followed his 195 in Titans’ first innings with 35 off 52 balls to briefly ease the nerves, before he was the seventh Titans batsman to be dismissed with the side 12 runs away from the target. Two overs later, Malusi Siboto became Subrayen’s fifth wicket, but Shaun von Berg and Junior Dala held on to complete a tense win.Klaasen stood out in Titans’ first innings too – scoring his seventh first-class hundred and nearly converting it into a double-hundred. He struck 23 fours and two sixes during his 195 off 353 balls. Von Berg pitched in with a half-century to help Titans to a 102-run first-innings lead after Dolphins, who had opted to bat, squandered a solid platform to be dismissed for 301 in the last over of the first day.The top three – Divan van Wyk, Senuran Muthusamy, Vaughn van Jaarsveld – all hit fifties, but 171 for 1, Dolphins crashed to 301 all out.In Dolphins’ second innings, it was the top order that collapsed. Davids accounted for the top three and when von Berg had Khaya Zondo lbw for a duck, Dolphins were 21 for 4 in 10.2 overs.Sibonelo Makhanya and Daryn Smit led the salvage job with a 94-run stand, but von Berg wrapped up the tail to finish with a match haul of six wickets. Dolphins were bowled out for 192 in 61.3 overs, setting Titans a target of 91.Von Berg then held his nerve with the bat – staying unbeaten on 1 along with Dala – to tip a thriller Titans’ way. Dolphins managed only 6.02 points and slipped from second to fourth.

Newcastle United are willing to pay the £80m fee that Real Madrid initially paid AS Monaco last year in order to sign Aurelien Tchouameni this summer, according to reports in Spain.

Newcastle United – are they signing Aurélien Tchouaméni?

Even though reports suggest that the Magpies are willing to pay a hefty fee for Tchouameni, Defensa Central have also suggested that the Spanish giants are not willing to sell the former Monaco man this summer.

Of course, there is still a lot of the summer transfer window to go, however, and a lot can change.

Such is Newcastle's spending power, if the move did become realistic, then the Magpies have the ability to make their move.

Eddie Howe has also been linked with a long-standing pursuit of James Maddison this summer.

Aurélien Tchouaméni would be Newcastle's biggest signing yet

The fact that Newcastle are even being linked with a move for Tchouameni shows just how far they've come in such a short space of time. Better yet, it could be said that they're more than capable of landing such a player.

The Magpies turned heads by splashing out on Alexander Isak back in January, but a move for the Real Madrid man would result in a reaction of jealousy from rivals and awe from the on-watching fans.

After the recent arrival of Jude Bellingham, too, Tchouameni may just begin to worry about his place at the Santiago Bernabeu, having played 2120 minutes in LaLiga last season – the equivalent of 23 games.

Add in the presence of the England international and the Frenchman may just struggle for game time. potentially opening the door for a shock move to St James' Park.

He could be Newcastle's answer to Declan Rice, who looks more and more likely to join Arsenal this summer, according to reports, with Newcastle known to have held an interest in recent months.

As per FBref, when compared, the Real Madrid man has a better pass completion rate, as well as more tackles and interceptions, won per 90 than the West Ham United midfielder.

With Champions League experience under his belt, too, Tchouameni represents the perfect option for clubs all around Europe at just 23-years-old.

His rise to the top has attracted praise from players of a similar calibre, with Paul Pogba speaking about his France teammate back in 2021, telling Ouest France (via the Daily Mail):

"It was a pleasure to play next to him. He brings a lot of energy. A lot of energy, extraordinary technical and physical quality.

"We wish him to play lots of matches and that I am always at his side."

It would be a landmark day for Newcastle if they did manage to sign Tchouameni, who journalist Lucas Navarrete once hailed as a "ball-recovering machine", that's for sure.

This would also be the moment that Howe's side pull up a chair at Europe's forcer expanding top table, where they would sit alongside the likes of Manchester City and co, especially with the Premier League runners-up closing in on a deal for Rice.

Although Real Madrid are currently unwilling to sell the French star, there's a long summer ahead, and anything could yet happen.

Russell Domingo has been given the safety of a contract extension until the end of South Africa’s England tour next August

Firdose Moonda26-Oct-20161:44

Firdose: Domingo gets another crack at an ICC event

From having his position as head coach under scrutiny seven months ago, Russell Domingo has now been given the safety of a contract extension until the end of South Africa’s England tour next August. Domingo, whose contract was due to expire at the end of April 2017, will be in charge for the next 13 Test matches and the Champions Trophy in June 2017. Team manager Mohammed Moosajee has been given the same extension.”As part of the domestic cricket review, we are currently evaluating the entire coaching framework in South Africa and the Board believed the best approach at present was to extend the tenure of Mr Domingo until the end of the England tour in 2017,” Haroon Lorgat, the CSA CEO said.”Naturally the performances of the Proteas was a key factor in the Board’s unanimous decision. The recent 1-0 Sunfoil Test Series win against New Zealand and the impressive 5-0 win in the Momentum ODI Series against world champions Australia, resulting in us being the first nation to achieve a clean sweep against them, were noted. In addition, the excellent Proteas discipline and the positive culture throughout the coaching team, the player leadership group and the rest of the players were viewed as exemplary.”The domestic review is separate from the abandoned but soon-to-be resurrected national team review, which was due to take place after South Africa’s World T20 exit. Former national rugby captain Francois Pienaar was the highest-profile person on the four-man panel that was due to begin work in May. When they failed to agree terms with CSA, the committee disbanded and the review was abandoned. However, another process is now underway, which will review the performances of all national teams, which is unconnected from the domestic review that was concluded earlier in the year.Among the domestic review’s recommendations was the formation of an eight-team T20 premier league to revamp the format in the country but, if that suggestion is implemented, it will only happen in the 2017-18 season. It was not known that Domingo’s position was also part of the domestic review panel’s scope; however, there was a pressing need for certainty over Domingo’s future because of the timing of the Champions Trophy.If Domingo’s contract was not going to be renewed at the end of April, South Africa’s new coach would not have enjoyed any game time with the team ahead of the ICC event in England. South Africa do not have any fixtures scheduled between the end of March, when they tour New Zealand, and the England tour in May. As a result, a decision on Domingo had to be made at the earliest opportunity and after South Africa failed to make the final of the Caribbean triangular tournament in June, it was being speculated his time was up.However, Domingo enjoyed the support of Test and ODI captain AB de Villiers and was given the chance to redeem himself in the home series against New Zealand and Australia. A team culture camp preceded those series in which South Africa plotted what they call a new path.Stand-in captain Faf du Plessis also revealed that the coaching staff had been a major part of the discussions over changing the direction and credited them with South Africa’s turnaround. Although they have only climbed to No. 5 on the Test rankings from slumping to No.7 at the end of last summer, they are up to No. 2 in ODIs and have managed that without de Villiers, who is out injured. Importantly, Domingo has embraced the transformation targets and South Africa have unearthed some depth, which has seen them get back on track and earned Domingo a contract extension.

Aston Villa ended their 2022/23 campaign in a successful fashion as they finished seventh in the Premier League and secured Europa Conference League football.

Unai Emery has led the club to European football in his first season at the helm, despite not being in charge for the entire year, and now has his first summer transfer window to tinker with his squad.

Last month, Football Insider reported that the Villans are keen on a deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips and are not dissuaded by the player's public intention to remain at The Etihad.

This suggests that the latest report from The Telegraph, which claims that Newcastle are frustrated in their efforts to sign the England ace due to his commitment to Pep Guardiola's side, does not change anything for Villa and their own pursuit.

Would Kalvin Phillips be a success at Aston Villa?

The enforcer, who joined City from Leeds United for £45m last year, could be a big success for the Villans as his form for Leeds in the past suggests that there is a big upgrade on current star Boubacar Kamara that could be unearthed.

Phillips, who ex-England boss Steve McClaren hailed as a "destroyer", only started 20 Premier League matches in the last two seasons combined for City and the Whites but his first campaign in the top flight with his boyhood club showcased his ability at that level.

In 2020/21, the Englishman averaged a hugely impressive Sofascore rating of 7.21 across 29 appearances, made 4.2 tackles and interceptions and 1.2 key passes per game. The midfield battler displayed his quality in and out of possession as he regularly cut out opposition attacks whilst also being able to create chances for his teammates in the final third.

These statistics suggest that the potential is there for Phillips to be a big upgrade on Kamara, who averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.79 and made 3.2 tackles and interceptions and 0.3 key passes per game for the Villans in the Premier League this season.

The City man also averaged more progressive passes per 90 in 20/21 (5.08) than the Frenchman this season (4.25) suggesting that he has the ability to progress the ball more often to get his team into better positions to attack the other team.

Emery has also proven that he has the coaching ability to get the best out of players who were previously out of sorts, with his work with Ollie Watkins this term fine evidence.

The striker had scored just two goals in 14 Premier League matches prior to the World Cup break but went on to score 13 goals and provide three assists in 23 games after the tournament under the Spaniard's management.

This suggests that the ex-Arsenal tactician could repeat a similar trick with Phillips and get him back to his best in the middle of the park.

If Villa sign the Manchester City midfielder and are able to help him rediscover his form then he could be a huge upgrade on Kamara.

Arsenal are preparing an offer for Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners are reportedly eyeing a new winger in the upcoming window, and it has recently been reported they are pushing to sign Barcelona's Raphinha, with sporting director Edu Gaspar making constant calls to pursue a deal for the Brazilian.

Another wide option is Bayer Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby, having missed out on the Frenchman in the January transfer window, and he could be available for around £65m this summer, at which point a move is a more realistic possibility.

Journalist Dean Jones has hinted Mikel Arteta could go back in for Pedro Neto, with Football Insider's Pete O'Rourke also claiming they are plotting a surprise move for the Wolverhampton Wanderers ace.

There will also be an option available to Arsenal on a free transfer, with Football Insider now reporting they are preparing an offer for Zaha, who is keen to challenge himself elsewhere at the season, despite holding contract talks with Palace.

The Gunners are not the only Premier League club vying for the 30-year-old's signature, however, with Chelsea said to be interested, while there are also suitors from abroad, and Marseille could make a move.

The Ivory Coast international has been a long-term target for the north London club, having had big-money approaches turned down in the past, and they are ready to reignite their interest, now he is available for free.

Should Arsenal sign Wilfried Zaha?

Arsenal will, on the whole, be happy with this season, given that they are back in the Champions League next season, although they will be a little disappointed about some of their results in recent weeks, which have given Manchester City the advantage in the title race.

It could be argued that one of Arteta's issues in recent weeks has been a lack of squad depth, with Rob Holding being criticised after coming in for William Saliba, while there is also a lack of backup options for Bukayo Saka.

With Reiss Nelson being linked with a potential move away, Zaha could be a fantastic replacement, given that he has proven himself at Premier League level over a number of years, hitting double figures for goals in the previous three seasons.

Hailed as "phenomenal" by Arteta, the £130k-per-week Palace star has earned a chance to prove himself at a club like Arsenal, and it is a very low-risk move for the Gunners, given his availability on a free transfer, so he could be an open goal signing.

Liverpool could pull off a huge signing this summer by forging ahead with a move for electric Napoli phenom Piotr Zielinski, who has been excellent this season.

What's the latest on Piotr Zielinski to Liverpool?

According to Polish outlet Meczyki (via reports in Spain), Liverpool are 'seriously considering' a move for Zielinski as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to reshape his centre.

The 28-year-old playmaker has been of previous attention to the Reds, with Udinese turning down a bid of £11.7m from the Merseyside club in the early phases of Klopp's reign.

While Liverpool do hold interest, it is unlikely that the Serie A champions would be willing to part with such an instrumental member of their title-winning exploits, however, the player's contract is set for expiry in 2024, which could force Napoli into cashing in on their £23m-rated asset while they can.

Should Liverpool sign Piotr Zielinski?

The argument that Liverpool have been somewhat over-reliant on creativity from the flanks during Klopp's tenure certainly wouldn't be a baseless claim.

Indeed, marauding full-backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have collectively chalked up a whopping 134 assists for the Anfield outfit, both making their debuts under Klopp's wing, with the German gaffer's system demanding a more consummately industrious midfield.

Zielinski, however, could rewrite the script; the £110k-per-week machine has been a faultless presence for his outfit this term, hailed as a "baller" by The Athletic's Patrick Boyland, scoring seven goals and providing ten assists from 40 matches as the Little Donkeys secured their first Scudetto since 1989/90.

The distinguished Poland international, with 80 caps, is one of Europe's superlative creative forces, with FBref ranking him among the top 11% of midfielders for rate of goals, the top 1% for rate of assists and shot-creating actions and the top 18% for progressive carries per 90, with the site likening him to the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Martin Odegaard and Luka Modric.

He is the all-encompassing midfielder Liverpool need to return to the top, having fallen by the wayside this term and scrambling to qualify for the Champions League, fifth with three matches to play.

His former boss, Carlo Ancelotti, furthered the argument that he is one of Europe's leading midfielders after waxing lyrical over his laudable scope.

He said: “Zielinski is a complete midfielder, he played in all positions with me. He is dynamic and skilled with the ball.”

Should Klopp succeed with a bid, the 5 foot 10 gem could forge a deadly partnership with the Reds' rising star Curtis Jones, who has impressed with his recent performances from the centre.

Liverpool are currently rising on a six-match win streak in the Premier League, unbeaten in eight, with eight of Jones' nine starts in the top-flight this term coming during this period, with one analyst & scout hailing him as the "complete #8".

With Jones ranking among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's big five leagues for pass completion, as well as the top 8% for progressive carries, he can mirror Zielinski's impact and perhaps drive the ball further up-field with the regularity that will allow the Napoli maestro to find pockets to wreak havoc.

Liverpool must swoop, Napoli's blistering seasonal success is evidence enough that the Pole's acquisition would be a resounding triumph, and with Klopp holding a longtime admiration, he has clearly done his homework.