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Half-centuries from Ghulam Shabber, Rameez Shahzad and Muhammad Usman underpinned UAE’s 82-run victory over Papua New Guinea in Abu Dhabi

ESPNcricinfo staff31-Mar-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsFile photo – Muhammad Usman struck six fours and a six•Peter Della PennaHalf-centuries from Ghulam Shabber, Rameez Shahzad and Muhammad Usman underpinned UAE’s 82-run victory over Papua New Guinea in Abu Dhabi. Mohammad Naveed and captain Rohan Mustafa, meanwhile, made cameos as UAE ran up 292 for 5. Spinners Ahmed Raza and Imran Haider then claimed combined figures of 7 for 79 to dismiss PNG for 210.PNG, though, had started positively in their chase with Tony Ura and Vani Morea adding 82 for the first wicket. Legspinner Haider then claimed three wickets in three overs to jolt PNG. Raza, the left-arm spinner, smothered the middle order further with the lone source of resistance coming from Sese Bau who contributed with 42 off 51 balls. The last five wickets tumbled for six runs as PNG were bowled out in 47.3 overs.Having been inserted, UAE lost Mohammed Qasim early to Chad Soper, but a string of fifty stands from the middle order shaped the innings. Shabber was circumspect, making 50 off 96 balls while Shahzad, Usman and Naveed went at better than a run a ball as UAE threatened the 300 mark. Seamer Alei Nao picked up 2 for 47 on ODI debut.

Manchester United have held talks with Monaco defender Axel Disasi over a potential move to Old Trafford this summer and the 25-year-old would be 'really excited' by the prospect of pitching up at Old Trafford, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Is Axel Disasi joining Manchester United?

According to RMC Sport, Manchester United are frontrunners to sign Disasi this summer in a deal that could cost in the region of £35 million to complete.

Taking to Twitter, renowned journalist Romano took to Twitter to detail that Manchester United alongside Newcastle United are keen to bring in Disasi, stating: "Newcastle and Manchester United are both exploring Disasi deal, no bids yet. Newcastle approached player side this week, expected to make contact with Monaco. Ten Hag approved Disasi — talks for weeks on player side but still waiting for approach with Monaco."

In 2022/23, the France international enjoyed a solid campaign for Ligue 1 outfit Monaco and showed an unusually potent goal threat from central defence, registering six goals and four assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Disasi showed plenty of calmness at the back last term and helped to stamp out dangerous attacking situations with regularity, completing 2.9 clearances per match in the French top-flight, according to WhoScored.

Last month, The Mirror claimed that both Disasi and Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund have indicated that their preference would be to move to Old Trafford this off-season, giving Red Devils boss Erik Ten Hag a major boost in his hunt for reinforcements.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer guru Romano has given some further insight into Manchester United's quest to land Disasi from Monaco.

Romano stated: "I will keep the name of Axel Disasi in the list. They spoke to the player's side and the player would be really excited to join Manchester United. Disasi is a player they like."

Who is coming to Man United 2023?

Aside from their pursuit of Disasi, who has been called a "hidden gem" after his brilliant performances, Manchester United have been active in the market as Ten Hag eyes quality additions ahead of the new Premier League season commencing.

Mason Mount has already been officially signed off on as the Red Devils' first summer arrival from Chelsea and could make his debut on Wednesday when Manchester United take on Leeds United in Oslo.

Sky Sports News report that Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana is a name that may follow Mount to Old Trafford, though the Serie A giants are demanding a fee of £51 million to let him depart the San Siro.

Urawa Red Diamonds goalkeeper Zion Suzuki could also come in to strengthen the goalkeeping department in the aftermath of David De Gea's 12-year spell at the club coming to an end.

Telegraph Sport have signalled that a £50 million bid is set to be launched for Atalanta rising star Hojlund, who is viewed as a youngster with considerable potential by Old Trafford chiefs.

Rumours will continue to swirl around as the transfer window begins to reach fever pitch; however, it is clear that Manchester United are on the trail of numerous players and we will likely see movement in the next few weeks with regards to incomings and outgoings.

Shikhar Dhawan and Kane Williamson explain Sunrisers Hyderabad’s batting strategy they employed against Kings XI Punjab, to score 207 for 3 and set up a 26-run win

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Apr-2017In the last few games, Sunrisers Hyderabad have not scored at the rate they have wanted to at the start of the innings. Consequently, the team’s strategy was tweaked slightly ahead of the match against Kings XI Punjab to ensure that the openers – David Warner and Shikhar Dhawan – went after the bowling in a combined assault.The ploy paid off handsomely after Sunrisers were asked to bat on a good batting surface in Mohali. Dhawan smashed a 48-ball 77, his second fifty in three games, and Warner cracked 51 runs off 27 balls. Dhawan described the approach to his partnership as “smart (and) aggressive”.”Usually when David attacks, I back off. In the last two games, David took his time so I attacked,” Dhawan told . “Today, we attacked from both sides. This was a good thing and it was a very good wicket. We both wanted to make it big and that’s what happened. I was feeling good about myself today and knew what plan I am going to go with.”We both were playing smart [yet] aggressive cricket, I would say. And, that was our plan because [in the] last few games we were playing well but our run rate was [a] bit low. So, we decided today that we were going to go out there and express ourselves more. I am used to playing with David Warner for two-three seasons now, so we know each other’s game and our running between the wickets is also very good.”On the relative merits and demerits of opening with two left-hand batsmen, Dhawan said it was not a factor so long as both the batsmen were good. “If they play well, they play well and it becomes hard for the bowlers,” Dhawan said. “For instance, they brought an offspinner (KC Cariappa) into the attack, but we were in such good nick that we were hitting the offspinner too. Of course, if it is a left-right combination, the bowler has to contend with altering his line and length. But, if batsmen are attacking from both ends, then there is no trouble.”Sunrisers also benefited from how Kane Williamson, at No. 3, furthered the momentum created by the openers. With an unbeaten of 54 at a strike rate of 200, Williamson was the key to Sunrisers smashing 52 runs in the last five overs. Williamson reflected on how they had to briefly play the waiting game before launching into another round of attack. Once Warner was dismissed in the 10th over, Dhawan and Williamson went 17 legal deliveries without a boundary.”There are times when you need to soak it up a little bit, but with the openers batting for about 10 overs with a run rate of over ten runs per over meant that we needed to see how many we could get and play the situation the best we could,” Williamson said. “After such a good start from the openers, it was important that we do that.”He (Dhawan) came out really aggressively as you need to do in this format; he was very dominant today and was batting so beautifully, which I suppose made my job easier when I was to come out and get myself in.”Dhawan revealed that Sunrisers had a 200-plus total in sights once they continued to score at a good clip going into the second half of the innings. “As a team goal, we always say that one of the top-four batsmen has to stay till the end. If one set batsman is playing at the end, it gives a huge advantage to the batting side, so that’s what we planned and we try to implement in each game,” Dhawan said.”Once we crossed 13 or 14 overs, we knew we had to reach 200 because we had a great start and continued to be in a good position. It paid off well because in the second innings there was a bit of dew on this ground, and their batsmen were playing good cricket, especially Shaun Marsh and [Martin] Guptill, at the start. Two hundred was a good score, that’s why we got the game.”

It can be difficult for a new arrival to settle into a club sometimes, but on the odd occasion, summer signings simply slot straight in. And that's what Jurgen Klopp will be hoping to see happen in the case of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai at Liverpool.

From a player's perspective, attempting to read their new manager's mind over how things are going early can be a dangerous game, but one hint that their new boss can give is a nickname.

A nickname feels like the welcoming with open arms that everyone wants. It's the indication that you're now part of a Klopp team, in particular. See Naby Keita's "Naby lad" name, and Andy Robertson's "Robbo" as examples.

Now, Mac Allister has become the latest to get the official welcome from Klopp, who revealed the name he has already come up with for the Argentine.

Jurgen Klopp reveals Alexis Mac Allister's nickname

Some players get nicknames that stick, names that follow them around their entire careers. Ray Parlour, for example, will forever be known as the Romford Pele around North London. But, some players are stuck with names they'd rather leave behind, and something tells us that might well be the case for Mac Allister.

Revealing the nickname he first thought of for his new midfielder, Klopp said, via The Anfield Wrap: “I was immediately thinking about nicknames and I thought it would be great nickname for Alexis… Gary [McAllister]!”

We don't think this one will quite stick, somehow. The thought of an Argentine World Cup winner with plenty of style on the pitch being called… Gary, just doesn't sit right with us. But only time will tell, with the name paying homage to club legend Gary McAllister.

What is the latest Liverpool transfer news?

In the end, Liverpool got themselves a bargain deal for Mac Allister in what came as a shock, given the season he had last time out. Securing the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder for a reported £35m, the deal could turn out to be one of the best of the summer.

The arrival of the 24-year-old represents the rebuild of Klopp's midfield, which struggled at stages last season. Joining Mac Allister is Szoboszlai, making up an impressive new duo in the middle of the park for the Reds.

The Premier League giants could yet be forced to return to the transfer market for even more midfielders this summer, too, with Jordan Henderson reportedly edging worryingly close to a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq. According to Fabrizio Romano, the club captain has accepted a contract.

Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad have offered £40m for Fabinho, as per David Ornstein of The Athletic.

If both Henderson and Fabinho left this summer, Liverpool would suddenly be left short in midfield once again, despite their initial rebuild.

According to Ornstein, Klopp and co could make a move for Southampton's Romeo Lavia if the aforementioned duo do decide to depart this summer.

As things stand, however, Liverpool are set to enter the season with new arrivals Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in the middle of the park.

Travis Head will no longer be representing Yorkshire in this summer’s NatWest T20 Blast competition due to international commitments

ESPNcricinfo staff19-May-2017Travis Head will no longer be representing Yorkshire in this summer’s NatWest T20 Blast competition due to international commitments.Head has been called up by Australia A for their forthcoming tour of South Africa from mid-July to early August.The left-handed batsman has been named in both squads, and he will captain Australia A in the one-day tri series with the A sides of South Africa and India.Yorklshire are currently assessing their options in terms of an overseas replacement to join Peter Handscomb in the Yorkshire ranks.This is the second blow for a county in 24 hours: Andrew Tye, another Australian, pulled out of Gloucestershire’s NatWest Blast squad on Thursday because of a shoulder complaint.

Nottingham Forest have scheduled imminent medical tests to finalise a summer deal for Manchester United star Anthony Elanga, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Anthony Elanga?

Elanga is primarily a left-sided winger who has played his football at Old Trafford for the past eight years having graduated from the club’s academy to get promoted to the first-team fold back in January 2022, as per Transfermarkt, but there’s a chance that he could be on the move during the present window.

During the 2022/23 Premier League season, Erik Ten Hag only handed the 21-year-old five top-flight starts and he was reduced to coming off the bench as a substitute on 11 occasions, via WhoScored, showing how out of favour he is and highlighting that he needs to leave should he want to receive more regular game time elsewhere.

The Telegraph have reported that despite interest from West Ham United and Everton, the Sweden international turned down the chance to join David Moyes’ and Sean Dyche's sides and instead has opted to make the switch to Steve Cooper’s men, with The Athletic revealing that the Reds have had a £15m offer for the attacker accepted in M16.

So far this summer, the Midlands outfit have finalised a permanent deal for Chris Wood who initially joined on loan from Newcastle United and most recently they confirmed the arrival of defender Ola Aina from Torino, and the club’s third recruit could be about to walk through the doors at The City Ground.

Are Nottingham Forest signing Anthony Elanga?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Nottingham Forest have already agreed with Manchester United for a medical to take place for Elanga, whilst also providing an update on their pursuit of goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who Cooper is keen to secure following his successful loan spell last season.

“Nottingham Forest are insisting on Dean Henderson as negotiations are ongoing with Manchester United after loan bid sent earlier this week. Medical booked for Anthony Elanga after permanent deal agreed on Friday.”

How many goals has Anthony Elanga scored?

Whilst Nottingham Forest will know that Elanga wasn’t given a fair chance to prove what he was capable of last season, the left-winger has racked up a total of 50 goal contributions (30 goals and 20 assists) in 124 appearances since the start of his career, so should he put pen to paper, he could be reborn under Cooper.

The CAA Stellar client can pose a huge threat in the final third having ranked in the 92nd percentile for most attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area, whilst averaging 3.59 shot-creating actions per top-flight match last term was also impressive even though he was a bit-part player, as per FBRef.

The Malmo native, who has the versatility to operate in five different positions across the pitch, including everywhere across the frontline, also has bags of experience under his belt having previously played in both the Champions and Europa League competitions, so he would be able to instil a much-needed winning mentality and increase the level of performance in the Midlands.

Wellington Masakadza, who last played an international match in March 2016, has been included in Zimbabwe’s ODI squad for the series against Sri Lanka

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2017Wellington Masakadza, who last played an international match in March 2016, has been included in Zimbabwe’s ODI squad for the series against Sri Lanka.* The left-arm spinner, who has 15 wickets from 10 ODIs, last appeared in a 50-over international fixture in 2015, against Afghanistan in Sharjah.The Zimbabwe squad for the only Test of the tour had three recalls – Regis Chakabva, Carl Mumba and Natsai M’shangwe – while uncapped allrounder Nathan Waller was also picked. Solomon Mire, Richard Ngarava and Chamu Chibhabha were left out. Waller was a part of Zimbabwe’s squad for the home series against Afghanistan in February but did not get a match. The changes also mean that Mire and Ngarava will have to wait longer for a maiden Test appearance.This is Zimbabwe’s first tour of Sri Lanka since a three-Test series in December-January 2001. While the five-match ODI series on this tour begins on June 30, the one-off Test will be played in Colombo, starting July 14.ODI squad: Solomon Mire, Hamilton Masakadza, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer (capt), Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Peter Moor (wk)Sikandar Raza, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Donald Tiripano, Richard Ngarava, Wellington Masakadza, Malcolm Waller, Chamu Chibhabha, Tarisai MusakandaTest squad: Regis Chakabva, Hamilton Masakadza, Ryan Burl, Graeme Cremer (capt), Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Peter Moor (wk), Sikandar Raza, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Donald Tiripano, Nathan Waller , Natsai M’shangwe, Malcolm Waller, Carl Mumba , Tarisai Musakanda*June 28, 4.00am GMT: This story was updated after Zimbabwe Cricket sent out the official release

An update has emerged on Celtic's attempts to add further reinforcements to the playing squad before the end of the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Celtic transfer news?

According to Football Scotland, Bhoys boss Brendan Rodgers is closing in on a deal to sign Legia Warsaw central defender Maik Nawrocki ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the Hoops are pursuing a swoop to sign the 22-year-old enforcer for a fee within the region of £4m, whilst they are also set to include a 15% sell-on clause for the Polish side.

However, it states that Turkish giants Galatasaray remain in the race to land the talented youngster, which could put pressure on the Bhoys to push this over the line as quickly as possible.

How good is Maik Nawrocki?

The German-born titan enjoyed an impressive campaign for Legia Warsaw throughout the 2022/23 campaign and could come in as an immediate upgrade on Yuki Kobayashi.

Celtic's Japanese centre-back arrived at the club in January from Vissel Kobe but struggled to adapt to Scottish football during his first six months in Glasgow.

The 23-year-old colossus averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.80 across six Scottish Premiership outings for Ange Postecoglou last season, which is a score that 21 of his teammates were able to beat.

Meanwhile, the Poland U21 international averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 across 25 Ekstraklasa matches for his current club, which would have ranked him six places higher than Kobayashi within the Hoops squad.

Nawrocki, who is proficient with both feet, made more tackles (1.3) and interceptions (1.2) per game than the ex-Yokohoma warrior, who made 0.3 and 0.7 per outing respectively for Celtic.

In fact, no Bhoys central defender managed more of either defensive intervention per clash than the Polish titan, which illustrates how impressive his work at that end of the pitch was for Legia Warsaw.

The 6 foot 1 monster also showcased his ability to dominate opposition players with a sublime duel success rate of 61% in the air.

This shows that he is able to rise above forwards to win key battles and could be a threat from set-pieces in both boxes, given that the promising talent scored four league goals – in comparison to his potential competitor's zero strikes in his last 54 league games for Kobe.

Kobayashi, however, struggled to deal with the physicality of Scottish football. He lost 64% of his aerial contests and 63% of his duels in total, which shows that the former Japan U20 international was a lightweight at the heart of the defence.

The weak centre-back was dominated by attackers instead of the other way round.

Therefore, the £4m-valued Celtic target could be a significant upgrade on Kobayashi in that aspect of the game due to his impressive display of strength in Poland last term.

Nawrocki's aforementioned defensive statistics also indicate that he would offer the Hoops more quality in terms of his ability to make vital contributions to cut out opposition attacks.

The superb battler, who was once dubbed a "revelation" by scout Jacek Kulig, is able to make tackles and interceptions to stop his goalkeeper from being worked more frequently.

Kobayashi's disappointing performances for the club this year could be one of the reasons behind Rodgers insistence on another player coming in to bolster his options in that position, with the Polish brute looking like an upgrade on paper.

Everton reportedly remain interested in signing Salernitana forward Boulaye Dia in the summer transfer window, and could use Neal Maupay as part of any deal.

Are Everton signing a new striker?

The Blues have been on the lookout for attacking reinforcements since the end of last season, with more quality in the final third something that has to be addressed ahead of the new Premier League campaign after scoring just 34 top-flight goals last season.

El Bilal Toure is one player who has been linked with a move for Goodison Park, but he has instead opted to join Atalanta, acting as a blow for Everton.

Another target who has also been seen as a primary target is Dia, though, who caught the eye for Salernitana last season, scoring 16 goals and chipping in with six assists in Serie A. It was a highly impressive first season there, having initially joined on loan from Villarreal, but his temporary move has now become permanent.

Despite this, a move away this summer doesn't look out of the question, with a new update suggesting that there is one Everton player who could help a move to Merseyside come to fruition.

Do Everton still want to sign Boulaye Dia?

According to Tutto Salernitana [via Sport Witness], Everton aren't willing to pay the player’s €25m release clause but have "asked" to hold a meeting with Salernitana sporting director Morgan De Sanctis to discuss a potential deal.

Maupay is seen as someone who could become a key part of any move, with the Frenchman someone who the Italian outfit "like a lot", having been "one step away" from heading there last summer. The report also states that Salernitana want any potential transfer to be done and dusted in the next 10 days, rather than negotiations going on for too long.

This is certainly a positive update from an Everton perspective, not only giving them hope that they could sign Dia this summer, but also getting Maupay off their wage bill at the same time. He has been a big disappointment since arriving from Brighton last year, producing a poor return of just one goal and assist apiece in 29 appearances for the Blues.

For that reason, he may not be any real loss, and instead, they could be acquiring the signature of a more prolific player in Dia, having scored six goals in 25 appearances for Senegal at international level, netting once at the 2022 World Cup. Back in 2020, Senegal and former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane spoke highly of the forward, saying:

"I didn't know him before. But since the start of the season I started to follow him, and I'm really impressed by his qualities. I think he won't stay at Reims forever, believe me!"

Meanwhile, journalist Josh Bunting highlighted a key asset of Dia's, saying:

"Boulaye Dia the key man for Salernitana a goal and two assists so far since joining, a handful to deal with due to his hold up."

To be praised for such a big figure in his country's history speaks volumes about what Dia could be capable of in an Everton shirt, and his aforementioned assist tally last season shows that he is more than just a goalscorer. There still looks to be plenty to do, in order for the transfer to happen, but the Maupay factor is an added bonus, and it would be exciting to see Dia lining up for the Blues when they host Fulham in their Premier League opener next month.

Billy Godleman’s second half-century of this season’s NatWest T20 Blast helped Derbyshire to the top of the North Group with a five-wicket win over Yorkshire at Headingley

ECB Reporters Network03-Aug-2017Derbyshire skipper Billy Godleman is closing on the last eight•Getty ImagesBilly Godleman’s second half-century of this season’s NatWest T20 Blast helped Derbyshire to the top of the North Group with a five-wicket win over Yorkshire at Headingley.Godleman led the pursuit of 181 as the Falcons secured the double over Yorkshire, winning with two balls to spare.The opener hit 67 off 48 balls after Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed scored 42 of Yorkshire’s 180 for 5 on his debut.Derbyshire, who have never reached Finals Day, leapfrogged Birmingham due to a better net run-rate, while Yorkshire are still on course for qualification despite a first Blast defeat in 11 matches at Headingley.Yorkshire’s innings lacked the fireworks of previous efforts, with them posting over 220 three times this season. They reached 54 for 1 after six overs having elected to bat, losing Tom Kohler-Cadmore for a brisk 29 with two leg-side sixes.David Willey and Adam Lyth, who hit 34, fell in the space of four balls in the ninth and 10 overs to spinners Wayne Madsen and Imran Tahir, leaving the score at 81 for 3.Madsen was the pick of the Falcons bowlers with 1 for 29 from his four overs and later hit a crucial 47 with the bat.Sarfraz and Shaun Marsh shared 67 inside nine overs for the fourth wicket before Hardus Viljoen struck twice in four balls, bowling Sarfraz as he looked to give himself room to slash over cover and Jack Leaning to leave the score 154 for 5.Marsh later did not field due to concussion having been hit by a Matt Henry slower ball bouncer whilst batting. He complained of dizziness when warming up before Derbyshire’s chase and Martyn Moxon, Yorkshire’s director of cricket, said he would probably be out for at least a week, missing the next T20 against Durham and the Championship match against Essex.Derbyshire debutant Tom Wood skied Bresnan to midwicket in the fourth over of the chase before Luis Reece was caught at short third-man trying to scoop Steve Patterson as the score fell to 46 for 2 in the sixth.With rain coming and going, all eyes were on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern, but the visitors kept their noses in front thanks to Godleman.He reached his latest half-century off 33 balls in the 10th over, by which stage the score had reached 83 for 2.Godleman found an aide in in-form Madsen. They shared 77 inside eight overs for the third wicket before former was caught behind off Willey as the score fell to 123 for three in the 14th.Steven Patterson and Adil Rashid tightened things up as the target became 49 off five overs and 33 off three.Madsen and Henry fell to Patterson in the 19th before Alex Hughes, with 10 needed off the last, smashed the first ball from Bresnan for six before captain Gary Wilson hit the winning runs.