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Pakistan’s T20I captain feels they played the same way in the last two series – against New Zealand and Bangladesh – for contrasting results

Danyal Rasool02-Jun-2025A lot has changed between Pakistan’s last T20I series and this one. That took place in New Zealand in the wake of a disastrous home Champions Trophy campaign, while this one, against Bangladesh, happened at home on the other side of PSL 2025. Pakistan have a new coaching staff, and produced a markedly different result – a 3-0 rout of Bangladesh as opposed to a 4-1 reverse in New Zealand.What satisfies Salman Agha, though, is that Pakistan’s style of play, he feels, did not change. Their commitment to reduce the role anchors play in a batting innings continued, and a number of young players called up for that New Zealand series played starring roles in this one. The ephemeral nature of any game style or philosophy in Pakistan – often dictated by one or two bad results – means this stylistic continuation across these two series is notable in itself.For Salman, the man at the helm for both tours, it is also non-negotiable. “As long as I’m captain this is how we’ll play,” he said after Pakistan’s seven-wicket win in the third T20I. “I think this is the way to play cricket going forward; that’s how the world is playing. You need to put the bowlers and batters under pressure. In New Zealand, this is what we tried to follow, but conditions didn’t allow it. But the boys who went there learned a way to be fearless without being careless. That is something we’ve balanced perfectly this series.”Related

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That balance is notoriously difficult to define, let alone achieve; Shane Warne’s famous exhortation to “tee off (not recklessly)” perhaps crystallises the extent to which the final outcome dictates how this approach is ultimately viewed. For Pakistan, it is perhaps the performances of Mohammad Haris across these games which appear to suggest they ended up on the right side of that balance. After a pair of early wickets in the first games, Haris began slowly, scoring seven runs in his first eight balls before adopting that fearless approach Salman mentioned; he would smash 24 in his next nine, and Pakistan ended up scoring over 200.In the next two games, with no such pressure at the outset, Haris would target the bowlers from the get-go, culminating in that memorable unbeaten 46-ball 107 to seal the whitewash. For a player often criticised for rash strokeplay and an inability to build an innings that lasts longer than a handful of deliveries, this series showcased the potential of Pakistan’s new approach applied properly.”Haris gets accused of not using his brain during T20 innings,” Salman said. “In this series, when we were 5 for 2 [in the first game], he took calculated risks, and the same today. I think Haris, Saim [Ayub] and Hasan [Nawaz] are players I’d like to turn into matchwinners in my captaincy. These players can perform wonders for Pakistan cricket.”While Salman promised “the door is not closed for anybody” in his T20 set-up, the message of who is being moved on from is fairly unmistakeable. Pakistan have long tried – and ultimately failed – to shut the door on Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam’s days, as Pakistan’s primary T20 openers feted for their consistency but slated for their conservatism. Even in the recent past, their place at the top was justified due to an absence of players who could construct innings if they fell too early. These three games might not have been against an elite T20 side, but early wickets did not sound alarm bells for Pakistan’s innings as they have in the past, with Salman keen to take encouragement from it.”I’m very happy with this team and the environment we’re creating,” he said. “I think the team has begun to move in [the right] direction. If conditions change, we’ll respect it. Modern-day cricket doesn’t mean disrespecting conditions. For me, modern cricket is beating par by about 10-15 runs – both with bat and ball – so you make it easier for the bowlers or the batters. Whatever the conditions, we’ll follow what we feel the par score is and then try to beat it.Salman Agha said that Pakistan’s batting order, apart from the top three, is flexible•PCB”Openers’ positions don’t change. Haris is a player at No. 3 for us because he’s a keeper and we like to give him a little rest after that. Hasan is a middle-order hitter, and my number with him is interchangeable. The top three are set, and the rest is situation dependent. I was going to play at No. 4, but we saw we hadn’t lost more than one wicket after 10 overs. And we’ve seen how dangerous Hasan is against spin in the PSL and this series. So we keep the batting order flexible and expect players to be ready to come in.”Salman is well aware of how quickly positions of power within Pakistan cricket can be undermined, but for now, he speaks with the authority and stature of a Pakistan captain who has the breathing space to look beyond just the next game or series. With Mike Hesson, his coach at Islamabad United in the PSL, now Pakistan’s white-ball coach, there is a sense the team and the management are on the same page, with the board having given them license to pursue a fresh start however they choose.”I’m very happy. The young boys performed,” Salman said. “The result doesn’t matter for me, what matters is how we play cricket. We need to play cricket the way we played these games, and to entertain people. If we put the opposition under pressure, we’ll win more games than not.”There’s a year to go for the T20 World Cup, so you can’t say it’ll be the same players. But I think the core will be the same because I’d like to give these boys as much of a chance as possible. We’d like to have a playing XI for the World Cup ready with players who have experience of playing in this team. This is a young side with 25-30 matches to go. But the core is the same.”

After a concerning drop-off in form in September saw Chelsea lose in quick succession to Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Brighton and Hove Albion, Enzo Maresca’s men started October off with a much-needed bang when getting the better of Liverpool 2-1 in stoppage time.

Of course, the international break then stopped them in their tracks, but the Italian will hope the winning streak can be kept up with a trip to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League up next, which is then swiftly followed by a Champions League home tie versus Ajax.

Maresca’s hero last time out against Arne Slot’s Reds was breakout sensation Estevao, who scored his first-ever top-flight goal when breaking Merseyside hearts in the 2-1 success.

The Brazilian really is the flavour of the month when it comes to Chelsea’s whole host of exciting prospects.

However, while the ex-Palmeiras wonderkid looks surely set for more first-team minutes, other youngsters in West London might be fearful that they won’t be handed the same chances moving forward in the shadow of the South American.

The Chelsea youngsters hoping to follow in Estevao's footsteps

Estevao must have sensed that he’d finally announced himself to his adoring Stamford Bridge masses when he calmly tucked away that goal at the death last time out, having been branded as “world-class” by scout Jacek Kulig before he even set foot on English soil.

While the 18-year-old continues to live up to his hype, there are several young players wondering what they must do to get game time.

One of those is Marc Guiu who has had a rather strange season to date, initially loaned out to Sunderland but recalled when Liam Delap got injured and Nicolas Jackson headed to Bayern Munich.

However, he will now be worried he’s becoming a forgotten figure at Cobham, with the Spaniard only being handed 29 minutes of Premier League action so far in 2025/26, despite powering home a lethal six strikes last campaign in the Conference League.

Likewise, summer signing Jorrel Hato will also be worried that his thunder has been stolen as a promising purchase for the future by the electric number 41, with the Dutch defender costing a bumper £38.5m to land from Ajax.

Even though he was purchased for a considerable amount, he is yet to become a regular under Maresca, with Hato unfortunately being on the receiving end of a 3-1 defeat to the Seagulls when handed just his second league start of the campaign.

Another up-and-coming talent that has slipped out of memory with Estevao’s emergence on the scene is loanee Facundo Buonanotte, who has just a 45-minute run-out to shout about in the Premier League himself.

The attacker signed on loan in the summer and was initially excluded from Chelsea’s Champions League squad, such was his value in the team.

He may well feel as though he’s already on borrowed time at the Bridge, but he’s not the only one.

Chelsea's next Hudson-Odoi is on borrowed time

Away from Estevao bursting onto the senior scene, Maresca also possesses the likes of new signings Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens down the left wing, meaning there is very little wiggle room for any more left wingers to impress.

This could mean Tyrique George has to walk away from Stamford Bridge in the near future.

Once described as a “young Hudson-Odoi” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, he was close to joining Fulham in the summer and he should have sensed then that his time in Chelsea colours was up.

Since then, it’s been a challenge for the youngster to gain many minutes.

Even with ten goal contributions next to his name in the senior fold, and an emphatic strike for England U21s also coming his way during the break, reports suggest that George is surplus to requirements in West London, due to the various mega-money options Maresca has on the 19-year-old’s trusty left flank.

After all, with Estevao’s reputation as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” already well-known, as he was wildly branded by analyst Ben Mattinson, it’s unlikely that George – no matter how promising he is in his own right – would be able to upset the apple cart and demand more minutes at his favoured teammate’s expense.

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It would be a sad severing of the ties when you consider George has been situated at Cobham since starring for the U18s but four goals in just 31 senior outings tells a story of a player struggling to reach his potential with so few games under his belt.

That said, it might well be a necessary move away to make for the London-born teenager, with Chelsea perhaps looking back on this shunning of one of their own as a foolish decision to make down the line, even with the spellbinding Estevao on their side.

Chelsea may sell Disasi to make room for "monstrous" £80m star who Maresca loves

The Blues have set their sights on a new centre-back, which means Axel Disasi could be axed.

ByDominic Lund Oct 13, 2025

Real Madrid centre-back Dean Huijsen has leapt to the defence of his team-mate Vinicius Junior following his temper tantrum during the 2-1 win over Barcelona. The Brazilian was enraged after being asked to come off in the second half by Xabi Alonso, with the reaction drawing significant backlash. Huijsen, however, blamed the media for making a "huge fuss" over the incident.

Vinicius' frustration captured headlines in El Clasico win

Vinicius Junior looked like a man possessed – a player on a mission – as he tore down the left flank in Real Madrid’s 2-1 triumph over Barcelona in last month’s El Clasico. From the opening whistle, the Brazilian was relentless, dazzling with his trademark pace and footwork, and keeping the Catalan defence constantly on edge. But despite his effervescent performance that caused the visitors considerable damage, the night took an unexpected turn. In the 72nd minute, head coach Xabi Alonso called for Rodrygo, signalling for Vini to come off.

“Me? Me? Mister, mister! Me?" Vini Jr. shouted in disbelief as Alonso prepared the substitution. The Madrid No.7 trudged off visibly frustrated before heading straight for the tunnel. "Always me… I am leaving the team. I am leaving. It's better I leave," he reportedly muttered, bypassing the bench and disappearing from view.

His reaction drew immediate attention – and criticism. Cameras captured his visible anger, sparking debate across Spain and in media about the winger’s temperament and professionalism. Vini did eventually return to the dugout before the final whistle, but the incident had already made headlines.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportHuijsen blames media for creating 'huge fuss'

Huijsen spoke to reporters on Monday and provided his thoughts on his team-mate's Clasico substitution controversy. The former Bournemouth centre-back criticised the media for overexaggerating things. His words acted as a shield for his Real Madrid team-mate, who is often in the spotlight for reasons not related to his game.

"There's a lot written in the press, and you've made a huge fuss over something that wasn't such a big deal," said Huijsen. "He apologised, which I thought was fair, but he's an incredible teammate, a really good guy, and it's no big deal. These things happen in football."

Vinicius apologised to Xabi Alonso

In the aftermath of his controversial temper tantrum, the Brazil international issued a public apology, but did not mention Alonso in the statement. "Today I want to apologise to all the Madridistas for my reaction when I was substituted in the Clasico," he wrote. "Just as I have already done in person during today's training, I also want to apologise again to my teammates, the club, and the president. Sometimes passion gets the better of me because I always want to win and help my team. My competitive character stems from the love I feel for this club and everything it represents. I promise to keep fighting every second for the good of Real Madrid, as I have done since the first day."

As if his theatrics after being substituted weren't enough, the apology drew further criticism for not including his head coach in the statement. However, Alonso was quick to quash any speculation, insisting that everything had been cleared up after a frank, face-to-face conversation with the attacker.

"Has Vinicius apologised to me? We had a meeting with everyone on Wednesday, and Vinicius was impeccable," the Madrid manager told reporters last weekend. "He spoke honestly and was very good. For me, that settles the matter.

"It was a very valuable, very positive statement. He demonstrated his honesty; he spoke from the heart. What he said was the most important thing, and I was very satisfied. I've already said it, I was very proud and the matter was settled on Wednesday itself. We trained well yesterday, I see Vini doing well, and we're all in the same boat and rowing in the same direction."

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Getty Images SportAll eyes on Madrid's visit to Liverpool

Real Madrid face a formidable test on Tuesday evening as they prepare to take on Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League. The clash marks the highly anticipated return of Trent Alexander-Arnold to his boyhood club, just months after leaving on a free transfer to join Los Blancos. It will also be a homecoming of sorts for Alonso, who spent five memorable seasons with the Reds during his playing career.

As for Vini, few opponents seem to inspire him quite like Liverpool. The 25-year-old has faced the Premier League giants five times, scoring as many goals – including a stunning brace at Anfield that spearheaded Madrid’s remarkable 5–2 comeback victory in the Champions League knockouts after falling two goals behind in the 2022–23 season. 

Tuesday's encounter also provides Alonso's men an opportunity to avenge last season's 2-0 loss at the same venue. Madrid will be licking their lips at the prospect, as Arne Slot’s men have lost six of their last eight games.

Manchester United have had some sensational midfielders over the years. Two of the players who spring to mind are Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick. The England pair formed a crucial midfield pivot in the later years of Sir Alex Ferguson’s dynasty.

Of course, Scholes was a graduate of the United academy and had plenty of success before Carrick signed for the club in 2006. Once they were playing together week in, week out at the Theatre of Dreams, they formed one of the best midfield pairings in the Premier League.

United have long been searching for a midfielder who possesses as much class as Scholes Carrick did. Kobbie Mainoo is someone who would surely fit that bill.

What Scholes has said about Mainoo

Life under Ruben Amorim this season hasn’t been easy for Mainoo. The 20-year-old has been continuously overlooked, which is strange given the pedigree he comes with, built up in such a short amount of time.

His astronomic rise under Erik ten Hag began with a spellbinding performance on debut away to Everton.

Mainoo’s technical brilliance was on show then, picking up the ball off the back four with ease and carrying forward to progress play.

Touches

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He continued to shine in that United midfield, with Scholes someone who heaped praise on him.

The United great said, “I remember that calmness” Mainoo had on the ball, before going on to admit, “I just couldn’t believe such a young player could do that.”

Mainoo’s excellent performances were capped off last summer. He started and shone in the Euro 2024 final, which England lost 2-1 to Spain.

Given his quick rise and obvious talent, it is baffling that he continues to get ignored for a starting spot by Amorim.

Incredibly, United have a midfielder in the academy who might be even more like Carrick and Scholes than Mainoo, however.

United’s Carrick and Scholes hybrid at Carrington

The Red Devils are no strangers to incredible midfield talent. Of course, Scholes and Carrick are two of them, and Mainoo is the current example, but the likes of Paul Pogba certainly fit into the category.

Well, the next off the incredible production line at Carrington could well be Jim Thwaites. The 17-year-old has shone in the centre of the park for United’s under-18 side this season, under another midfield great, Darren Fletcher.

This season, sitting at the base of the midfield for Fletcher’s team, Thwaites has played six times in the under-18s Premier League. He’s started all of those games, skippering the side once and chipping in with a couple of goals.

Speaking of those strikes, and ones in the past, Thwaites is a bit of a specialist when it comes to free kicks. Look at this effort against Manchester City in what turned out to be a 4-2 defeat for his side.

The United youngster rifled home the set piece into the top left corner, with an inch-perfect effort.

That goal itself showcases Thwaites’ excellent ability. You can’t take a free kick like that without possessing technical brilliance. It is easy to see why he can be such a good controller in midfield, pulling the strings for his side.

In fact, coach Seb Ostergren was full of praise for the youngster. He said Thwaites is like a “hybrid between Scholes and Carrick,” noting he has the “line breaking forward passes” of United’s former number 16 and the “switches” of their academy graduate.

Thwaites is certainly a talent United fans can get excited for. At just 17 years of age, he knows how to make things tick in the centre of the park.

Once he gets used to the pace of senior football, he could become a huge asset for the club.

Man Utd's "homegrown Osimhen" at Carrington looks like their new Rashford

Manchester United already have a star who could reach phenomenal levels in the near future.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 23, 2025

Needing two to tie and three to win off the final ball, Hurricanes could only score one

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jul-2025Azmatullah Omarzai and Khaled Ahmed helped Rangpur Riders successfully defend a total of 151 – by one run – against Hobart Hurricanes.Rangpur, the defending champions, now sit at the top of the GSL 2025 points table with wins in both their games. Hurricanes are third with a 1-1 win-loss record.Mohammad Nabi top-scored for Hurricanes with a 36-ball 44 and almost completed a stellar recovery but was dismissed by Omarzai off the final over’s fourth ball. Earlier in the over, his six had brought the equation down to six runs off the last five balls. Opener Ben McDermott (34) and No. 7 Odean Smith (20) played useful hands but Hurricanes were plagued by regular wickets through the middle overs, Iftikhar Ahmed picking up two of those for 13 runs.Hurricanes let the chase meander, hitting only one four and two sixes in the last 30 deliveries. When they needed three off the final ball, they could get only one run, with Billy Stanlake run-out looking to tie the game. Khaled collected consecutive four-fors in GSL 2025 by taking 4 for 26 as a follow-up to his 4 for 36 against Guyana Amazon Warriors.Rangpur’s batting performance also had its share of wobbles but No. 3 Kyle Mayers’ unbeaten 42-ball 67 held the innings together. He was involved in a partnership of 34 for the second wicket with Ibrahim Zadran (43), who had done most of the hitting in the powerplay.Usama Mir’s 3 for 15 in four overs, though, had strangled Rangpur’s scoring through the middle overs and it needed the big hits from Mayers in the back end to post a total that eventually turned out to be just enough. His innings comprised eight fours and two sixes, with the majority of those coming in the last five overs where Rangpur added 54 to their total. In comparison, Hurricanes scored only 40 in their final five.

Chelsea have held talks about signing a “big name” player this month, with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich believed to be “really worried”, according to a new report.

Chelsea brought back down to Earth after Sunderland defeat

After a run of four straight wins in all competitions, Enzo Maresca would be forgiven for thinking they were on for a fifth when summer signing Alejandro Garnacho brilliantly opened the scoring against Sunderland with his first goal for the club.

However, much to the surprise of on-lookers, it was all downhill from that moment.

Sunderland, who have made one of the best starts to a Premier League campaign by a newly-promoted side in years, levelled the score just under 20 minutes later through Wilson Isidor — staying in the game before Chemsdine Talbi fired a glorious winner in added time.

For Regis Le Bris’ side, the fairytale start continues, but for Chelsea, it’s a stark reminder that they’re far from the finished article.

Chelsea haven’t been helped by injuries lately, but going by Maresca’s post-match verdict, he is still far from satisfied with the Blues’ defensive options.

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Maresca publicly urged Chelsea to sign another centre-back in the summer window, and reports suggest that Chelsea are set to prioritise a defensive signing in the January transfer window.

It is also believed that Chelsea have held discussions with Marc Guehi’s camp about a cut-price winter move with his deal expiring next summer, but as per journalist Graeme Bailey, they’re considering another “big name” option for 2026 too.

Chelsea hold discussions this month about signing Dayot Upamecano

That man is apparently Bayern star Dayot Upamecano, who has seriously impressed at the heart of Vincent Kompany’s defence.

While the Bavarians are trying to tie him down with an extension, Upamecano is poised to leave on a free transfer as things stand with his current contract expiring at the end of the season, similar to Guehi.

Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, reports that Chelsea have held discussions this month about signing Upamecano on a free transfer next year — expanding on his point that Bayern are “really worried” he could leave.

The 27-year-old France international is a world-class defender on his day, but it is worth noting that Upamecano was limited to just 20 Bundesliga appearances last season due to a combination of various injury issues and suspension.

That being said, snapping up the former RB Leipzig star on a Bosman poses very little risk for Chelsea financially, even if they could be forced to make him one of Chelsea’s top five best-paid players — given Upamecano’s current terms of around £168,000-per-week.

Hansi Flick refused to abandon Barcelona’s attacking principles despite a chaotic 3-3 draw with Club Brugge in the Champions League. The German coach insisted his side’s issues stem from lapses in intensity and not tactics after the Catalans came from behind three times to salvage a point on another frustrating European night.

Barcelona's defensive woes resurface in six-goal thriller

Barcelona’s Champions League campaign hit another roadblock as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Club Brugge in Belgium. It is their ninth consecutive game without a clean sheet, making it the club’s worst defensive run since 2013 when they conceded in 13 straight matches.

Flick’s men found themselves chasing the game all night, with the hosts exploiting Barca’s high defensive line to score three times, each time forcing the visitors to claw back. While the comeback spirit was commendable, the fragility without the ball was impossible to ignore. 

The result leaves Barcelona with seven points from four group-stage matches, still well-positioned but increasingly vulnerable. After the match, Flick cut a frustrated figure, hinting at stern words for his squad while brushing off suggestions that his tactical model was to blame.

AdvertisementAFPFlick stands firm on his 'philosophy' despite Brugge setback

Speaking to after the draw, Flick made it clear that while his team’s lack of intensity was unacceptable, he will not compromise on his footballing principles.

"We can defend in the final third, but we'll stick to our philosophy because we can do better," the German said. "When you lack intensity, you have no chance, especially in the Champions League. Club Brugge played very well, as I expected, and I told the players that. Last year's 1-0 goal would have been two meters offside. But we want to play our game. A 3-3 draw isn't the best result for us, but the positive aspect of the match is that we managed to come back after they took the lead three times. We do need to talk about this, though."

He elaborated further on Barca’s problems in key areas of the pitch: “It’s not just about defending in the back line, but also in midfield. We have to be alert when they create chances in one or two touches. It’s not easy, not easy at all. We did create several chances, but the truth is they played very well. They were very aggressive, obviously in a positive way.”

The 60-year-old admitted his side struggled to impose their usual pressing game, a recurring issue in recent weeks. “The truth is that we haven't been able to press the ball effectively; we've lost many duels, especially in midfield, which was crucial against such fast players. For us, it's about intensity when we don't have the ball. Above all, we need to be alert when they create chances with just one or two touches. I'm sure we'll improve on that.”

Injuries, fatigue and focus – Flick defends his model

The ex-Bayern boss was firm in his response to critics calling for tactical changes, stressing that Barcelona’s problems lie in execution, not ideology.

"This is always about the team, he said. "We did well last Sunday, but today, only a few times. We have to work on this. We're the same team. We know it's not our best moment, but I'm going to look at it positively and think that after the break, when Joan Garcia, Raphinha, and Pedri return, and Olmo and Lewandowski are at a different level, we'll improve."

When asked if it was time to rethink the system, Flick replied with conviction: "I'm not going to repeat myself. The solution isn't to change. We are Barca. Our football is about being active, playing with intensity. With and without the ball. We have to work on this. And when everyone returns from injury, we'll see how it goes."

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GettyFocus turns to Celta Vigo amid growing pressure

Barcelona’s draw in Brugge leaves them 11th in the overall Champions League standings, still in contention but struggling for consistency. Flick now faces the challenge of regrouping a weary squad ahead of Sunday’s La Liga trip to Celta Vigo, with the Catalans sitting second, five points behind leaders Real Madrid.

Despite the turbulence, Flick remains steadfast in his belief that intensity and discipline not tactical overhauls will lead the Catalan giants back to form. As the German put it: “We are Barca. We don’t back down we get better.”

Bangladesh are under pressure, having lost seven ODIs in a row now

Mohammad Isam04-Jul-2025Bangladesh’s batters need to take on more responsibility, according to opener Tanzid Hasan. He was one of two batters to score a half-century against Sri Lanka two days ago, before a dramatic collapse led to a 77-run loss in the first ODI in Colombo.Tanzid said that Bangladesh could have chased 245 – their target on Wednesday – had he and Najmul Hossain Shanto managed to extend their 71-run second-wicket stand. It was Shanto’s run-out, followed by Tanzid’s dismissal later in the same over, that sparked Bangladesh’s implosion: 7 for 5 in just 26 balls.”We had a long discussion about the last match,” Tanzid said. “The coaches told us that on a wicket like this, those who get set need to finish things off since it’s hard for new batters to adjust. They have top quality spinners in their side, so those who are set need to bat as long as possible.Related

Taskin on Bangladesh's 7 for 5 collapse: 'We panicked a bit'

Bangladesh aim to put collapse behind them and challenge Sri Lanka

Those words carry extra weight on the eve of the second ODI which will be taking place at the same venue, the R Premadasa stadium. “The way the wicket is behaving, if someone gets set, he needs to play a long innings and take the team home,” Tanzid said. “Shanto and I, the way we were batting at that time, if we had stayed for another 10-15 overs, the match would have been much easier. Just one message for the next match: for those who are new to the wicket, it’s a bit difficult at first, but set batters need to bat long, bat deep, and take the game to the end.”Tanzid said Bangladesh need to be more mindful of individual match-ups. He explained that the left-handers should have taken more of the strike against the Wanindu Hasaranga, who ran riot during the collapse. The legspinner finished with figures of 4 for 10.”The left-hand batters need to take as much strike as possible since he [Hasaranga] is less effective against left-handers compared to right-handers. So, a few pieces of information like that were given to us, which might help us in the next match.”

“The way the wicket is behaving, if someone gets set, he needs to play a long innings and take the team home.”Tanzid Hasan

When Tanzid and Shanto – both left-handers – were batting together, Bangladesh looked comfortable. The pair struck 12 boundaries between them, forcing Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka to keep Hasaranga out of the attack. Tanzid, however, said he doesn’t rate his 62 too highly.”I don’t think I played well,” he said. “I didn’t fulfill the team’s requirements. If I had, then I would have said that I played well. But there is a chance to make a comeback. It’s a three-match series. One match is done. The next one is important. If we can make a comeback, then , we will still be in contention.”Bangladesh are also under pressure to break a eight-month-long winless streak in ODIs. They have lost seven matches in a row during this time (not counting one that was abandoned to rain in Rawalpindi in February). Additionally, they are missing two of their most experienced batters, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah — a void that was clearly felt in the first game. Bangladesh’s middle order (positions 4 to 6) contributed just one run: Litton Das and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz were dismissed for ducks, while Towhid Hridoy managed just one.This was Bangladesh’s lowest middle-order contribution in ODI history. The last time the middle-order produced a single-digit total was in 2006.

With their backs against the wall, the New York Mets staged a stunning comeback in the top of the ninth inning during their 4–2 win in Game 3 of the wild-card round series to eliminate the Milwaukee Brewers. It seems no one was more fired up than Jesse Winker, who was one of the runners who crossed the plate during the late-game rally.

A couple of batters after Pete Alonso's three-run homer gave the Mets a 3–2 lead, Starling Marte batted Winker home on an RBI single. After crossing the plate and giving New York a two-run cushion, Winker was so fired up he removed his helmet and promptly smashed it on the ground with both hands in celebration.

His helmet didn't survive the collision with the ground, as pieces of it could be seen scattering after Winker spiked it into the dirt.

It's not difficult to see just how much it means to him, despite having joined the franchise ahead of this year's trade deadline. Winker swiped second base in order to get into scoring position, and that proved to be a game-changing stolen bag, as he was able to come around to score after Marte's base hit.

Here's another look at just how fired up Winker was after crossing the plate.

That's postseason baseball, folks.

Winker, who played for the Brewers in 2022, was ushered back into the dugout by his overjoyed teammates, who knew they had just put themselves within three outs of an NLDS berth. They managed to get those three outs with David Peterson on the mound in the bottom of the ninth, stunning the crowd at American Family Field.

The 2024 MLB season was one to forget for the Chicago White Sox. Unfortunately, it was so bad that it was rather unforgettable.

Heading into the White Sox' season finale against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, Chicago already had lost 121 games, breaking the modern day single-season record set by the New York Mets in their inaugural season in 1962 (120 losses). The 2024 White Sox, who won just three games in July and four games in August, will go down in history as the worst MLB team assembled since 1901.

White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf addressed his team's historically bad season in a long letter he wrote to the fan base on Sunday.

"By all measures, our on-field performance this season was a failure," Reinsdorf wrote. "As the leader of this organization, that is my responsibility. There are no excuses.

"I want to thank you for continuing to support the team throughout what was an embarrassing season. You all deserved better. This season's performance was completely unacceptable and the varying reactions and emotions from our fan base are completely understandable."

Reinsdorf went on to vow that he's determined to turn the franchise around in 2025 and beyond while backing general manager Chris Getz. He also highlighted a few positives in the franchise, like the Double-A Birmingham Barons winning the Southern League and the Single-A Kannapolis Cannon Ballers playing in the Carolina League championship series.

The White Sox had a payroll of $133.8 million this season, which ranked 18th in baseball.

Getz and the rest of Chicago's front office will search for their third full-time manager since the 2022 campaign this offseason.