Pakistan only have an outside chance of making the semis
Ekanth13-Oct-2024
New Zealand will look to seal a semi-final spot on Monday•ICC/Getty Images
New Zealand vs PakistanDubai, 6pm local timeNew Zealand squad: Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Isabella Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.Pakistan squad: Fatima Sana (capt), Muneeba Ali (wk), Aliya Riaz, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Nashra Sandhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Najiha Alvi.Tournament form guide: New Zealand recovered from a heavy defeat against Australia and registered an important eight-wicket win against Sri Lanka to remain strong contenders for the semi-final. As for Pakistan, they started their campaign with a win against Sri Lanka but slumped to defeats against India and then Australia.News brief: Thanks to Australia’s win over India, all New Zealand need to do is beat Pakistan to qualify for the semis. Their confidence will be boosted by Georgia Plimmer finding form as well as Amelia Kerr being among the runs and wickets. While the target of 116 they chased down against Sri Lanka was a modest one, it was a case of the batters bouncing back after being bundled out for 88 against Australia. They have resources to go in with six bowling options whether they persist with Fran Jonas or bring back Jess Kerr.Fatima Sana (in front) should return to the Pakistan XI•ICC/Getty Images
Pakistan will be buoyed by the return of their regular captain Fatima Sana, who returned to the UAE after going home upon her father passing away. However, Diana Baig, one of their strike bowlers, has been ruled out with a calf injury and Najiha Alvi, her replacement, could be in with a chance to play.Player to watch: Rosemary Mair, with six wickets in three games, is the second-highest wicket-taker for New Zealand going into the game. She went wicketless against Sri Lanka but bowled 14 dots and conceded at only 4.25 an over. She has dismissed key batters like Alyssa Healy, Harmanpreet Kaur and has been used both as a new-ball bowler and a first-change bowler. Sana was dearly missed in Pakistan’s game against Australia and is key for their prospects although they only have an outside chance of qualifying for the semis. Sana has scored at a strike rate of 153 and has taken four wickets with the ball, apart from leading the team competently.
Alexander Isak is a striker who has been a key target for Liverpool over recent months, with the Swede certainly likely to be on their radar once again this summer.
The 25-year-old has been a clinical option in the Premier League this campaign, registering 23 goals in his 33 appearances, offering Eddie Howe’s side a key presence in their quest for Champions League football.
He’s also starred against the Reds throughout 2024/25, scoring what proved to be the winning goal against Arne Slot’s side in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their second goal
However, if the Merseyside outfit were to make a move and land the talisman during the off-season, they would have to fork out a pretty penny, with the Magpies demanding £150m for his signature.
Such a figure would likely price the club out of a potential deal, leading to potential alternatives in the market, with numerous players already on their list ahead of the upcoming window.
The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker this summer
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has emerged on Liverpool’s shortlist over the last couple of days, with the Slovenian catching the eye with his tally of 21 goals in his 45 outings.
It was reported earlier this week that the club were ready to enter talks to land the 21-year-old, seeing him as an option to improve the players currently at his disposal.
However, he’s not the only Bundesliga attacker in the sights ahead of the upcoming window, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké the latest name mentioned for a move to Anfield, according to French outlet RMC Sport.
The report states that the Reds have already made an approach for the 22-year-old, who’s registered 22 goals and 12 assists throughout 2024/25 in all competitions.
It also claims that he’s allowed to leave the German outfit during the upcoming window if anyone matches the €100m (£84m) valuation they’ve placed on his head.
Why Liverpool’s £84m target could be Slot’s own Isak
A striker is evidently a priority for Liverpool this summer, as seen by the recent targets, but it’s pivotal that the hierarchy land the right option for Slot.
Liverpool manager ArneSlot
In the past, they’ve spent heavily on a talisman, as seen with the signing of Darwin Núñez back in 2022, with the Uruguayan costing a club-record £85m.
However, it’s safe to say the move to Anfield has been a disappointment, registering just 40 goals in his 142 appearances on Merseyside – with just seven of which coming this campaign.
Such form has led to links away from Anfield this summer, which will undoubtedly result in a hefty loss on the fee paid for his signature, but could pave the way for a new centre-forward.
From the recent names mentioned, Ekitike would be a better signing than Sesko, outperforming him in numerous key areas when comparing their respective stats.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
The Frenchman would also be the club’s own Isak, being comparable to the Swede by FBref and matching or bettering the figures produced by the Newcastle star in numerous key areas.
Ekitike, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has registered more shots and more shots on target per 90 – highlighting the constant threat he poses in attacking areas.
Games played
33
33
33
Goals & assists
23
29
18
Progressive carries
3.3
2.7
1.7
Shots on target
1.5
1.3
1.1
Shots taken
4
3.1
2.5
Pass accuracy
76%
74%
67%
Shot-creating actions
3.5
3
1.9
Take-ons completed
1.8
1.4
1.4
He’s also registered more shot-creating actions and completed more take-ons per 90, handing Slot a complete option in attacking areas, bolstering their chances of retaining their title.
The Frankfurt star has completed more passes and competed more progressive carries, subsequently able to aid other attackers when getting into the final third.
It would be another huge investment from the board, but it’s one that could play a huge part if they are successful once again in the years ahead.
Whilst Isak would be many fans’ main option this summer, Ekitike has proved that he’s capable of being an excellent talisman and possibly the Reds’ own version of the star.
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Liverpool can forget about a move for Florian Wirtz, with another name entering the mix this week.
قاد محمد صلاح، منتخب مصر، للتأهل إلى نهائيات كأس العالم 2026، بعد الفوز ضد منتخب جيبوتي على ملعب استاد العربي الزاولي، بثلاثية نظيفة.
ويتواجد منتخب مصر في المجموعة الأولى من تصفيات إفريقيا المؤهلة لكأس العالم، ويلعب بجوار منتخبات بوركينا فاسو وإثيويبا وجيبوتي وسيراليون وغينيا بيساو.
وافتتح إبراهيم عادل التسجيل لمنتخب مصر في الدقيقة الثامنة برأسية رائعة، بعد عرضية جميلة من أحمد سيد زيزو.
وأضاف محمد صلاح الهدفين الثاني والثالث، حيث جاء الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 15 بعد تمريرة رائعة من محمود حسن تريزيجيه.
وأحرز محمد صلاح الهدف الثالث في الدقيقة 84 من الشوط الثاني، بعد تمريرة رائعة من لاعب خط الوسط مروان عطية.
أقرأ أيضاً.. ليفربول يوجه رسالة لـ محمد صلاح بعد قيادة منتخب مصر للتأهل إلى كأس العالم
واحتفل حساب ليفربول الرسمي عبر منصة “إكس” بنجمه المصري محمد صلاح، حيث نشر: “صلاح يسجل هدفين ويضمن تأهل مصر لكأس العالم 2026 بفوزها على جيبوتي، تهانينا يا محمد”.
وعبر العديد من جماهير ليفربول ومتابعيه على حسابه الرسمي في منصة “إكس” عن سعادتهم واحتفالهم بالنجم المصري بالوصول لكأس العالم 2026 وجاءت أبرز ردود الفعل فيما يلي:
“حسناً، يا مو، الآن أعيدوا الأهداف إلى ليفربول من فضلكم”
Well in Mo, now bring the goals back to Liverpool please 😂 — Felly (@FellyTheRed) October 8, 2025
“فقط مرر له الكرة وسوف يسجل”
Just pass him the ball and he will scorehttps://t.co/gQqDqTy9gi — (fan) 𝐌.𝐒𝟏𝟏 (@FCSALAH11) October 8, 2025
“محمد صلاح لم يكن أبداً المشكلة” في إشارة إلى تراجع نتائج ليفربول هذا الموسم تحت قيادة المدرب آرني سلوت
He was never the problem — FEMI 🇨🇦 | (@belafeid_) October 8, 2025
“مبروك للملك المصري، وصل لكأس العالم، هذا إنجاز تاريخي، أرى مصر تقدم أداء جيدًا في كأس العالم وتصنع التاريخ”
Congratulations to the Egyptian king!!!!👑 He got to the World Cup before the Giants of Africa? This is actually historical, I see Egypt doing well in this world cup and creating history — fury (@_stormside) October 8, 2025
“كل الحظ يا ملك”
Best of luck king ⭐ — TheRedKeep (@redknightsofkop) October 8, 2025
“هو يحتاج لفعل ذلك في النادي أيضاً”
He need to do this in his club too — Hunsaifu (@MukSaifullah) October 8, 2025
“مبروك الأعظم في التاريخ”
Congratulations GOAT 📈✨💥 — Dr.நெய்க்குழந்தை (@itzme_parthu) October 8, 2025
“من فضلك، استعيد هذا المستوى لمباراة يونايتد يا مو، أحسنت”
Bring that form back for the United game please Mo. Well done — ShadowBoxer84 (@SBoxer84) October 8, 2025
“عاد صلاح إلى حيث ينتمي، على أكبر مسرح في العالم”
Back where he belongs — on the biggest stage 👑🇪🇬 — GroundRealities (@realities634561) October 8, 2025
“عاد الملك”
He’s back!!!!!👑 — King Daystar🇬🇧🌍 (@KingAdeoluwaa) October 8, 2025
“في كل موسم يقول مشجعو الفرق المنافسة، صلاح انتهى، في المقابل، في نهاية الموسم يسجل صلاح 20 هدفًا أو أكثر ويصنع 10 تمريرات حاسمة أو أكثر، مهاجمهم المفضل 8 أهداف وتمريرتان حاسمتان”.
Every season, rival fans say “Salah is finished”. Meanwhile at the end of the season Mohamed Salah: 20+ goals, 10+ assists Their favorite striker: 8 goals 2 assists 😂 — Shalom ⭐ LeScharsz (@le_schars) October 8, 2025
The Notts skipper’s crisp 100 came after Worcestershire were bowled out in 31.1 overs at New Road
ECB Reporters Network25-May-2024Nottinghamshire skipper, century-maker and long-time Manchester United fan Haseeb Hameed had an all-round day to remember as Worcestershire were outplayed on an unhappy return to action at Visit Worcestershire New Road in their Vitality County Championship encounter.Worcestershire, back at their headquarters after flooding led to the first two games with Durham and Somerset being moved to Kidderminster, were bowled out in just 31.1 overs. A combination of a bowler-friendly wicket, a probing performance from the four-pronged seam attack and one or two undistinguished strokes enabled Nottingham to seize the initiative with the ball.Then Hameed heard of the Red Devils triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup final before pressing home Nottinghamshire’s advantage with Joe Clarke during the evening session during a partnership of 147. Hameed reached three figures shortly before the close from 214 balls with nine fours before he was dismissed shortly before the close to leave Clarke unbeaten on 73.But Worcestershire were left to rue dropping Hameed on 36 and Clarke before he had scored, the latter off Nathan Smith who was the pick of the home attack, just as they threatened to keep Nottinghamshire’s advantage in check at what would have been 90-4 had the chances been taken.Groundstaff worked through the night to ensure play could get underway on time after yesterday’s wash-out. Both teams and staff lined up for a minute’s applause before the start of play in honour of Worcestershire spinner, Josh Baker, who passed away aged 20 three weeks ago.Worcestershire opener, Ed Pollock, came in for his first appearance of the season in place of Kashif Ali who was taking a break from the game. Nottinghamshire pace bowler Luke Fletcher was recalled in place of Olly Stone – and was soon making his mark after Hameed won the toss and chose to bat on a green pitch.His former Trent Bridge colleague Jake Libby fell to a stunning low catch at second slip by Calvin Harrison away to his left. Dillon Pennington, on his first return to New Road since leaving Worcestershire last summer, then knocked out Pollock’s middle stump after he pushed forward.Harrison held onto another smart catch at slip to account for Gareth Roderick off Fletcher who then had Rob Jones, after he went for an expansive drive, caught by Tom Moores who had replaced Joe Clarke behind the stumps. The procession of wickets continued with Lyndon James’ angled in delivery trapping Worcestershire Club captain Brett D’Oliveira lbw.Fletcher was rested after a spell of 9-5-18-3 but there was no let-up for the home side. Matthew Waite flicked at James and was taken by Moores diving to his left at full stretch, and Adam Hose went to pull Pennington and top-edged a return catch.Nathan Smith came down the wicket to Paterson and was lbw and the same bowler had Joe Leach pouched at backward drive. Adam Finch showed some defiance in striking Pennington for six over mid wicket before caught behind off his ex-team-mate.When Nottinghamshire batted, openers Haseeb Hameed and Ben Slater looked comfortable and scored freely as the 50 came up in the 17th over. There were few alarms for the duo although Hameed on 26 edged left armer Ben Gibbon just short of second slip.But a breakthrough finally came with Nottinghamshire just three runs in arrears when Slater on 41 pulled Smith straight to Gibbon at fine leg. There was more joy for Smith when Will Young tried to get his bat out of a way of a delivery but only deflected the ball onto his stumps.Smith should have had a third wicket in three overs but Roderick dropped Joe Clarke before he had scored – a rare let-off by the consistent keeper. Hameed also had an escape on 36 at first slip immediately after tea off Finch before going onto complete a 50 from 110 balls.Clarke followed him to that milestone from 86 balls as the pair gradually accelerated during the final session. Hameed went to three figures but did not add to his total before he was trapped lbw by Waite after striking nine fours in his 219-ball innings.
Gujarat Titans are in sixth place with eight points, while Delhi Capitals are in eighth place with six points
Shashank Kishore23-Apr-20241:29
Should Titans go with Williamson or Omarzai?
Match DetailsDelhi Capitals (eighth) vs Gujarat Titans (sixth) New Delhi, 1930 IST (1400 GMT)Big picture – Axar, Kuldeep vs Rashid, NoorThere’s only so much wriggle room in the mid-table, with Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans desperately needing winning momentum in the second half of the league phase.The Capitals have swung from sublime to ridiculous. They have four of the best powerplay performances by a bowling team this season, but they also have the second highest economy rate in the first six overs, after conceding 125 and 88 against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders.The Capitals had nearly taken their net run rate positive after dismissing Gujarat Titans for the season’s lowest total last week in Ahmedabad, but that high was short lived as Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma fired Sunrisers to 266 for 7 at the Kotla.While they lost that chase against SRH, the Capitals provided a peek into what their future could look like, with Jake Fraser-McGurk, Tristan Stubbs and Abishek Porel batting like daredevils. But the youngsters are likely to be tested by the Titans, who have a spin attack comprising Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and R Sai Kishore.Capitals also have the spinners to match the Titans. Axar Patel had dream figures of 4-0-29-1 in a game where over 450 runs were scored, while Kuldeep Yadav bounced back after a first-over shellacking from Abhishek to take four wickets. They could capitalise against one of the slowest top orders this season and a middle order that has lacked the role-clarity that was so crucial to their success in the previous two years. The spinners on both sides, however, will have to contend with a venue that has traditionally been a nightmare to bowl on with its short square boundaries.Related
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Form GuideCapitals LWWLL (last five matches, most recent first) Titans WLWLLPrevious meetingTitans were bowled out for 89, a total that the Capitals chased down in 8.5 overs. The fast bowlers Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed made the difference for DC that evening in Ahmedabad.Team news and impact player strategy – A game for Kushagra?Delhi Capitals Mitchell Marsh is unavailable for the remainder of their campaign due to a hamstring strain. Ishant is also a doubtful starter as he continues to manage back spasms.Prithvi Shaw is likely to be subbed in or out for one of Khaleel Ahmed or Mukesh Kumar depending on whether Capitals bat or bowl first. If they are in trouble batting first and need an extra batter as an impact player, they could consider bringing in Jharkhand’s Kumar Kushagra.Probable XII: 1 David Warner, 2 , 3 Jake Fraser-McGurk, 4 Rishabh Pant (capt & wk), 5 Tristan Stubbs, 6 Abishek Porel, 7 Axar Patel, 8 Sumit Kumar, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Anrich Nortje, 11 Mukesh Kumar, 12 Gujarat Titans Titans are likely to swap Sai Sudharsan and Mohit Sharma as the Impact Player, depending on whether they bat or bowl first. While Sudharsan’s performances have been middling, Mohit has the fifth-best economy rate in the death overs among those who have bowled at least 10 overs since IPL 2023.Probable XII: 1 Shubman Gill (capt), 2 Wriddhiman Saha, 3 , 4 Azmatullah Omarzai, 5 David Miller, 6 Shahrukh Khan, 7 Rahul Tewatia, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 R Sai Kishore, 10 Umesh Yadav, 11 Noor Ahmad, 12 David Warner has scored 37 runs in his last four innings•BCCIIn the Spotlight – Warner and GillDavid Warner has scores of 1, 8, 10 and 18 in his last four innings. He has played the last two games with a finger injury he picked up while attempting a lap sweep on April 12. Jake Fraser-McGurk is making heads turn with his powerplay hitting – a strike rate of 236 off his first 10 deliveries – and presenting a case to be considered for the opening slot. While there’s no imminent threat to Warner’s place, another low score could give Capitals something to think about.Shubman Gill was outstanding in IPL 2023, where he had a strike rate of more than 160 in six of his seven fifty-plus scores. This season, he has managed only one half-century in eight games, with his total tally at 289 runs. His form has somewhat mirrored his team’s batting fortunes and a big second half for Gill could be the boost Titans need to make a pitch for the playoffs for the third successive season.Stats that matter The head-to-head between Anrich Nortje and Shubman Gill reads: three dismissals in six innings at an average of 11.30. The Capitals’ powerplay economy of 10.37 is the second highest among all teams this season. Umesh Yadav has a favourable match-up against Warner, with five dismissals in 11 innings.Rishabh Pant has fallen three times to legspin this season.Pitch and conditions – Rain on the radar?Last year, the re-laid pitches at the Kotla offered lateral movement and bounce for the seamers. This season, the Capitals played their first few home games in Vishakapatnam to give the pitches in Delhi time to recover after hosting the WPL. On their return to Delhi last week, records tumbled when Sunrisers smashed 266, and the curator expects another run-fest. There was a thunderstorm that forced both teams to abort their training sessions on match-eve.Quotes”There are still a lot of things to learn for Jake Fraser-McGurk. He isn’t a finished product and there is no better place to learn than the IPL. He needs to make it big like [Yashasvi] Jaiswal last night. He is a terrific kid; I like the way he is learning. We aren’t stopping him from doing the things he wants to do but we are also trying to make him learn a few things on the run.”
da bwin： It may have come all too late with regard to Manchester United’s Premier League fortunes, although Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad is beginning to look far stronger, ahead of a pivotal last few weeks of the campaign.
da bwin： Against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday night, the dominant visitors showcased the growing depth to their ranks, with the former Sporting CP boss able to call upon the likes of Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Matthijs de Ligt and, of course, Amad Diallo from the bench.
At one stage looking set to miss the remainder of the season, after being struck down with an ankle injury back in mid-February, the diminutive Ivorian has beaten the odds to seal a swift return to action.
Amad Diallo
Previously the shining light of 2024/25, prior to being overtaken by Bruno Fernandes in his absence, the 22-year-old has chalked up 12 goals and assists in just 21 games under Amorim’s watch, having even looked lively during his brief cameo in midweek.
The former Atalanta starlet notably evaded his man down the right flank with a breathtaking piece of skill and trickery late on, with that moment alone signifying just what United have been missing in recent months.
Capable of operating at wing-back or in a number ten berth, the £120k-per-week wizard – who recently signed a new long-term deal – looks set to be a mainstay at Old Trafford for years to come. Now it’s time to start building a team around him…
Latest on Man Utd's transfer search
If Amad’s future is to lie as a number ten, then the role on the opposite side – should Fernandes slot into a deep-lying berth – could be taken up by Matheus Cunha, with the Wolverhampton Wanderers star seemingly edging closer to a £62.5m move to Old Trafford.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhacelebrates scoring their first goal
That new-look frontline could then be strengthened even further with the presence of a new centre-forward, with recent reports indicating that the Red Devils remain “in the race” for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.
As per Sky Sports Germany reporter, Florian Plettenberg, while it is Arsenal who are “pushing” to sign the prolific Swede, United are among the clubs also battling for his signature, alongside Chelsea and Real Madrid.
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According to Plettenberg, the 26-year-old is able to leave Portugal this summer for a fee between €60-€70m (£51m – £63m), having struck a “verbal agreement” with the Lisbon-based side already.
Previously signed by Amorim from Coventry City on a £17m deal back in 2023, Gyokeres could represent the key to truly kickstarting the new regime in Manchester.
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It remains remarkable that the Sweden international was once on the books at Brighton and Hove Albion, yet never actually managed to make a league appearance for the Seagulls, having been sent out on a handful of loan moves during his time at the Amex.
Viktor Gyokeres
As noted by ESPN’s Mark Ogden, it was actually one-time United director, Dan Ashworth, who oversaw the measly £1m sale of Gyokeres to Coventry in 2021, with the player having since gone on to become the “hottest striker in Europe”.
The in-demand marksman had actually only scored four goals during his initial loan move with the Sky Blues, although as his former teammate Jake Bidwell revealed, he seemingly returned a “different animal” following the completion of his permanent switch.
38 Championship strikes followed over the next two seasons, while Gyokeres has since chalked up a breathtaking total of 95 goals in just 98 games in his current home, including seven across his last two Liga Portugal outings.
A monster. A machine. Whatever you want to call him, the rampaging number nine – who also boasts 15 goals in 26 senior games for his country – is simply devastating right now in front of goal, with it no surprise that Amorim might well be keen on a reunion.
Amad’s Man Utd record by coach
Manager
Games
Goals
Assists
Erik ten Hag
24
3
3
Ruben Amorim
21
6
6
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
8
1
1
Ruud van Nistelrooy
4
2
1
Ralf Rangnick
1
0
0
Michael Carrick
0
0
0
Total
58
12
9
Stats via Transfermarkt
What Gyokeres will need is quality service if he is potentially flourish at the Theatre of Dreams, with Amad – as well as Fernandes – potentially set to prove key in that regard, considering he has averaged 1.8 key passes per game in the league this season, while chalking up six assists, as per Sofascore.
Equally, the one-time Sunderland loanee also has that knack of driving at a defence in order to create space for his teammates, something which could certainly benefit Gyokeres, as he ranks in the top 9% among his European peers for progressive carries per 90.
That desire to make things happen in the final third also ensures that Amad ranks in the top 18% for touches in the opposition penalty box, again ensuring opportunities should arise for those alongside him.
A player who can press from the front with lightning speed, as indicated with his goal against Spurs after charging down Fraser Forster, Amad is simply a player who causes havoc. Someone who sucks defenders toward him.
In truth, having scored just 39 league goals in 2024/25, the Red Devils are crying out for similar talents who can win games on their own. Judging by Gyokeres’ heroics in Lisbon, he certainly fits the bill…
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The conviction relates to whether he and Bushra Bibi waited long enough after Bibi’s divorce before getting married
Danyal Rasool03-Feb-2024Imran Khan’s legal troubles continue to mount, with the former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister sentenced to a further seven years in jail. The conviction, his third of the week, relates to his marriage to his current wife Bushra Bibi, and whether the pair waited long enough after Bibi’s divorce from her previous marriage before formally getting married. It is the maximum sentence the judge could have imposed in the case and the marriage has also been declared void by the court as part of the sentence.The case concerns whether the marriage had taken place during Bibi’s period, a concept in Islam and Pakistani law that requires a woman to wait for a certain amount of time following a divorce or the death of her husband before remarrying. The case was especially controversial because of the extent to which it scrutinised the intensely personal nature of Imran and Bibi’s relationship, going so far as discussing Bibi’s menstrual cycles to determine whether the period had not been breached.While Imran and Bibi had married nearly six years ago, the case was registered by her former husband Khawar Fareed Maneka only in 2023, around the time Imran’s other legal troubles began to snowball. But in 2018, when Bibi and Maneka had separated, Maneka had released a video statement saying Imran was not the cause of his divorce.Related
Imran Khan sentenced to 14 years in prison in 'Toshakhana' case
Imran Khan sentenced to ten years in prison by Pakistan court
Bibi was also sentenced to seven years in prison. Imran and Bibi were also each fined PKR 500,000 (US $1788 approx). Bibi had earlier been incarcerated in the Toshakhana case alongside Imran, and sentenced to 14 years in jail. However, she had been allowed to serve the sentence under house arrest. But it is not yet clear if that changes with the current conviction.This latest conviction is expected to run concurrently to Imran’s other three convictions, which carried sentences of three, ten and 14 years in jail, respectively. Therefore, it does not extend the amount of time he is legally required to be incarcerated. However, it shows the extent to which Imran’s relationship has deteriorated with the state, which has launched a thinly-veiled attack on him and his political party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), ever since he was removed from power in a no-confidence vote in April 2022.PTI issued a scathing statement after the sentence regarding Imran’s marriage to Bibi was passed.”How many people have fallen to bring down one person? In this case, Imran Khan and his [Bibi] were not given the right to defend themselves, nor were witnesses allowed to present themselves. When this case goes to the higher courts, in a minute this decision will be rejected and thrown into the trash.”When Imran Khan was arrested in May 2023, violent uprisings took place throughout the country•AFP/Getty ImagesImran’s lawyer called the verdict “shameless and baseless”, and said the decision would be appealed.Imran’s latest conviction comes five days before Pakistan goes to the polls in an election both he and PTI are barred from contesting. Political rallies organised by them have been dispersed and shut down by authorities. Earlier this week, a rally in Karachi was halted by police, who fired tear gas and detained dozens of PTI workers.Earlier today, another PTI political rally in Swabi was dispersed, and for months, there was a de facto ban on even mentioning Imran’s name on Pakistani TV. In the past few months, when PTI attempted to host virtual or online fundraisers, there were nationwide internet blackouts that coincided with the timing of the events. Authorities, however, have claimed the two were unrelated.The International Federation for Human Rights, in a statement after Imran’s other sentences this week, said its findings revealed “a disturbing disregard for the basic principles of justice and due process” after he was denied access to his chosen counsel, which they termed “a flagrant violation of rights enshrined in international law”.Opinion polling in the lead-up to the elections has been non-existent, but the most recent independent polls have shown Imran to be the most popular politician in the country. When he was arrested by paramilitary security forces in May 2023, violent uprisings took place throughout the country that led to an internet blackout that lasted several days; thousands of his political supporters were also arrested at the time.
David Warner ended a glittering Test career on Saturday at his home ground after 112 Tests with an eight-wicket win against Pakistan that culminated in a 3-0 series sweep. An emotional Warner spoke to the host broadcaster after the game in a farewell interview, on his Test career, watching the Australia Tests on the TV going ahead, the role his family played and how he would want to be remembered.Could you have ever dreamed it would finish like this – runs, 3-0 series victory, a Test win in front of your friends and family and an adoring SCG? They talk about fairytales, I can’t imagine it could get much better? “It’s pretty much a dream come true. Win 3-0 and cap off what’s been a great 18 months to two years for the Australian cricket team. On the back of the World Test Championship win, Ashes series draw and then the World Cup and then to come here and finish 3-0 is an outstanding achievement and I’m just proud to be with a bunch of great cricketers here.”What do these guys mean to you? You’ve spent a lot of time with a lot of them, especially the bowlers, Starc and crew, it’s been a long journey. “I think their ears are going to get a break in the change room which is great. These guys they work their backsides off. The engine room, the big three quicks plus Mitchell Marsh. They work tirelessly in the nets and in the gym and credit to them to stay in the park, the physios, the staff that are behind that is outstanding. Look at them, they’re amazing. And I don’t have to face them ever again in the nets. Which I don’t do anyway. So that helps.”Tell us about your own day. You woke up this morning. I’m sure your family was surrounding you. What were your thoughts at that stage, David? “Just a casual walk up to the local cafe and get a cup of coffee with the young one. I just got into the car and packed a wine or two. Shouldn’t say that too loud, I’ll get in trouble. I felt happy and really, really proud. And just to come here in front of your home crowd with the support that they’ve shown me and the Australian cricket team over the my last decade or my career, I can’t thank them enough. Without you guys we aren’t able to do what we do and it’s really really much appreciated.The innings itself, talk us through the innings. You finished like the way you started, full of shots, through midwicket, reverse sweeps, pulled out every trick in the book and I can see you smiling about it. “We’re in the entertainment business and I’m just happy to come out here and showcase what I try to do all the time. I started with T20 and tried to come out here and tried and emulate that but I tried to play my shots, go out the way that I have played. And yeah, managed to get a win on the board which is great.We saw your girls and your wife Candice up there in the stands, your mum and dad. What does family mean to you? Obviously, it’s an enormous part of your life, David. “Massive part of your life and without their support you can’t do what you do. I owe credit to my parents for giving me a beautiful and great upbringing. My brother Steve, I followed in his footsteps. And then [my wife] Candice came along and sort of got me in line. We’ve had a beautiful family and I cherish every moment I get with them. I love them to death and I’m not going to keep carrying on because I’ll get too emotional. But thank you, Candice, for what you’ve done. You mean the world to me, and I appreciate it.These boys are up against the West Indies in a few weeks time. What do you think that will be like for you? “I think it’d be quite emotional to watch the guys go out there and not play and knowing that I was able to come out here and do what I could do. But as I just mentioned you got a great bunch of cricketers here. We are all almost over 30 years of age. So as time goes by, we’re not getting younger, but this team, they’re energetic, they’re world class and they’re a great bunch of guys.How would you like to be remembered? David Warner was … “[Would like to be remembered as] exciting, entertaining, and I hope I put a smile on everyone’s face with the way that I played and hopefully the young kids out there can follow in my footsteps. White-ball cricket to Test cricket. It’s the pinnacle of our sport. So keep working hard to play the red-ball game because it’s entertaining as well.”
Daniel Hughes’ 11 List A century and Moises Henriques’ 73 not out guided NSW home in a rain-affected chase as Victoria missed the final despite Tom Rogers’ epic 196
AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff14-Feb-2024
Daniel Hughes and Moises Henriques shared a match-winning 129-run stand•Getty Images
A brilliant century from Daniel Hughes and 73 not out from Moises Henriques helped ensure New South Wales will host Western Australia in the Marsh Cup final after a rain-affected seven-wicket win over competition pacesetters Victoria who were vanquished to third spot on the table.Despite 196 from opener Tom Rogers – the sixth-highest score in Australian domestic one-day history – Victoria’s 311 was not enough on Wednesday at the small North Sydney Oval.After a half-hour rain delay late in the home side’s innings, they cruised to 256 for 3 off 40.5 overs, meaning NSW won with seven balls to spare on their revised target.While Rogers was the player of the match, Hughes paced NSW’s innings to perfection with his 119 alongside Henriques. The pair shared a 129-run stand to control the chase.Victoria went into Wednesday’s last round of games on top of the Marsh Cup ladder with only one loss. But the outstanding NSW win, coupled with WA beating Tasmania in Hobart, knocked Victoria out of the February 25 final. It will be played in Sydney at a venue yet to be confirmed with the SCG unavailable.The loss took the gloss off Rogers’ outstanding innings, which surpassed Aaron Finch’s 188 not out as the highest one-day domestic knock by a Victorian.Tom Rogers made 196 off 142 balls•Getty Images
Rogers took full toll of the short North Sydney boundaries to hammer 15 fours and 15 sixes. It’s the second-most sixes in a domestic one-day game, behind D’Arcy Short’s 23 in his competition record 257.While Rogers ran amuck, he was the only Victorian batter to savage the NSW bowlers and that proved crucial. Apart from Peter Handscomb’s 52, no other Victorian scored more than 20.Ben Dwarshuis and Will Salzmann were on hat-tricks and Dwarshuis finished with 4 for 40 from nine overs.NSW lost an early wicket when opener Jack Edwards fell for six, but Blake McDonald (42) settled in with Hughes for a 110-run stand and then Henriques continued the chase.By the time Hughes was dismissed in the 39th over, the match was effectively over. It was Hughes’ 11th List A century from only 46 games to go with 11 fifties, at a stunning average of 59.88.
The former USMNT defender has shared a surprising take on the Belgian, suggesting the MLS side may have avoided a potentially disappointing move
Lalas questions whether De Bruyne's style would translate effectively to MLSComparison to Pirlo's struggles adapting to physical demandsBelieves Fire potentially saved from a signing who might not have joined for right reasonsGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED
Fox Sports analyst Alexi Lalas addressed the growing rumors that Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne is now favoring a move to Italian side Napoli rather than joining Chicago Fire. The Belgian is set to leave City on a free transfer, and the MLS side had been heavily linked with a deal for the midfielder.
“Yeah, it's an interesting move,” Lalas said on his podcast. “Obviously, we were just talking about how good they [Napoli] are, and him coming in only makes them better. But you know, all along, you have to be a specific type of person and personality, I think to take that step [move to the MLS]. You know what, for example, when [Andrea] Pirlo came over, it did not go well. And I never saw him as one of those guys who would function well in an MLS capacity. And I get the same vibe from Kevin De Bruyne."
Lalas surprisingly suggested Chicago might be better off, countering the prevailing narrative that losing De Bruyne would be a major setback.
“I know, like, I'm not saying that he wouldn't have been fun to see and that if you're Chicago right now, you're like, 'we gave our best and it didn't work out'," Lalas said. "But who knows, maybe you dodged a bullet there. Wonderful player and I wish him well with what's happening, but if you're going to go to MLS, I want you to go for the right reasons."
He added, “And I want you to have the personality that accepts that it is a very different and unique type of experience, and you embrace that and want that. And obviously, that's not something that he wanted either from a soccer perspective or a lifestyle perspective.”
The growth of MLS has altered the calculus around designated player signings, with clubs increasingly focused on players who view the league as a serious competitive challenge rather than merely a lifestyle choice or retirement option. That especially occurred in the wake of Pirlo’s underwhelming stint at New York City FC, with it serving as a notable cautionary tale.
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Chicago Fire will likely redirect their designated player search toward other potential targets as the summer transfer window approaches. Meanwhile, De Bruyne's future remains uncertain, with Napoli reportedly leading the race for his signature among other European sides when he leaves Manchester City as a free agent this summer.