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Featuring subcontinental heists, rollicking chases, and (sorry, we had to) that Gabba toss

Alan Gardner06-Apr-2020What We’re WatchingEnding the Windies hoodoo
England, you may have heard, were rubbish in the ’90s. When Hussain took over the captaincy, they promptly lost at home to New Zealand and were booed by their own fans. But in the summer of 2000 something begin to stir. West Indies were in decline, but they still had Brian Lara and the two-pronged menace of Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh. The whole series was an underrated tub-thumper, featuring a buttock-clenching chase at Lord’s, Andy Caddick’s four in an over as West Indies were obliterated for 61 at Headingley, and the denouement at The Oval (personal highlight: Craig White pegging back Lara’s leg stump first ball), as England reclaimed the Wisden Trophy after a 31-year wait.Karachi nights
The upswing in fortunes brought about by Hussain and Duncan Fletcher was, looking back, quite extraordinary. That winter they completed an Asian double that remains almost unthinkable. It began in Pakistan, that most inhospitable of locales for touring Englishmen. After a couple of high-scoring draws in Lahore and Faisalabad, the series came down to the decider in Karachi, where Pakistan had never lost a Test. The headline acts included a double-century stand between Yousuf Youhana (before he became Mohammad Yousuf) and Inzamam-ul-Haq; Michael Atherton’s last Test hundred; Inzamam being bowled padding up to Ashley Giles in the second innings; and, finally, Hussain and Graham Thorpe dancing in the dark as England stole victory after Steve Bucknor kept the teams on in defiance of Moin Khan’s time-wasting.Lucking it out in Lanka
This was more of a saloon-bar brawl, as England came back from 1-0 down to beat a Sri Lanka side led by Sanath Jayasuriya and featuring Aravinda de Silva, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan. There was more than a dollop of hapless umpiring at play, too, though England were on the receiving end in Galle (just look at that Alec Stewart lbw!), where Marcus Trescothick scored his maiden Test hundred but the tourists were thrashed by an innings. In Kandy, Hussain was the beneficiary of BC Cooray’s largesse as England won a thriller and the umpires again came under fire; before a Thorpe masterclass (113 not out and 32 not out) saw England claim the series at the SSC.Headingley and all that
For all the pugnacious spirit exhibited by Hussain’s side, England still weren’t good. Pakistan got a measure of revenge for Karachi by mugging them in the final session at Old Trafford in 2001 – umpiring again in the spotlight, as David Shepherd missed a series of no-balls. True to ’90s form, the Ashes was another no contest, but the summer’s highlight came at Headingley, where Mark Butcher’s famous 173 not out gave England fans something to cheer. And while we’re here, let’s zip forward to the winter tour of New Zealand and a rollicking Test in Christchurch, which featured Nathan Astle’s supernova double-hundred as England just about clung on defending 550.Gabba dabba don’t
Sorry Nasser, we have to go there. The call to bowl first in Brisbane at the start of the 2002-03 Ashes has gone down as one of the great toss bloopers. “Looks a little bit in it,” Hussain said, “I want to give our young bowling attack the best chance of a bit of grass on the wicket and get into their batting early.” Australia ended day one on 364 for 2, although England’s cause was not helped by a shocking knee injury suffered by Simon Jones – and some equally horrific catching. After a 4-1 defeat, Hussain soldiered on through the World Cup until the summer, before handing over to Michael Vaughan – which history proved to be pretty well judged.But let’s end on a positive note, as Hussain did himself with a Frank Sinatra farewell at Lord’s: an unbeaten hundred, which included hitting the winning runs, in his final Test innings. Now that wouldn’t have happened in the ’90s.For more such curated YouTube playlists, click here.

Liverpool have been told that Mohamed Salah is irreplaceable and that there is "no way" reported target Antoine Semenyo, who continues to impress at Bournemouth, is as good as their current No.11. Ex-Reds striker Dean Saunders has been discussing an unfortunate Anfield saga with GOAL after seeing Salah aim an explosive blast at the reigning Premier League champions.

• Exit talk: Why Salah is seeing transfer mooted

  Having found himself benched in three successive fixtures, Salah felt the need to speak out following a frustrating evening in Leeds. He accused Liverpool of throwing him under the bus, as he becomes a scapegoat for title defence struggles, and admitted to seeing his relationship with Reds boss Arne Slot break down.

  Inevitable transfer talk has been sparked, with teams in the Saudi Pro League already being credited with interest in an Egyptian superstar that appears to be pushing for the exits. It may be that Salah, who will soon be heading to the Africa Cup of Nations, has played his last game for Liverpool.

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  Salah replacement: Who should Liverpool look at?

  With the Reds being linked with the likes of Semenyo, West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen and Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise, Saunders – speaking via Casino.org, the go-to platform helping British players in finding online casino sites – told GOAL when asked who should be lined up to fill Salah’s boots: "I don’t think you can replace him. Bear in mind, three-and-a-half months ago he won the PFA Player of the Year. He won the league with Liverpool, ended up with 34 goals. I actually said he was the best player in the world, four months ago, because it’s the toughest league in the world and he’s just won the vote of all the players as the Player of the Year.

  "The club does need Mo Salah in the team, it’s so hard to replace him. There is no way Semenyo is as good as Mo Salah. It’s a different level. At one point we thought Son [Heung-min] at Tottenham would probably get a game for Liverpool if [Sadio] Mane went. If Salah goes, who do they get?

  "You look at [Bukayo] Saka, maybe, but they [Arsenal] aren’t going to let him go. It’s players like that. It’s ‘are you going to produce every week, because Mo Salah produces every week?’

  "For whatever reason this season he has not been the player he has been. I think it’s a bit premature at the moment to say ‘let’s get another player to replace him’. They will have to at some point. They will have players lined up."

• Legacy tarnished: Will Salah be welcome back at Anfield?

  Salah – with two Premier League titles, a Champions League crown and 250 goals to his name – stands accused of tarnishing his legacy at Anfield. Saunders added on the 33-year-old burning bridges and what Liverpool need to do next: "I feel like ringing his agent and saying ‘can he not just apologise, say he was emotional after the game, got the hump because he was left out, got the hump because he was never brought on and say sorry, he didn’t mean to offend?’

  "He has offended all of the Liverpool fans who love him. Every week the camera goes on the directors’ box – we see Kenny Dalglish, Alan Hansen, Ian Rush, legends of the past. Will he ever be able to do that now? Has he spoiled his legacy?

  "I’m sure if he had said to Arne Slot: ‘Gaffer, I want to leave in the summer, between you and me. Or I want to leave at Christmas because I’m not happy with the way things are going. I’d rather you tell the owners that I want to go to Saudi. Can I leave the club in the best possible way because I love it, I’ve been here eight years and I don’t want to leave under a cloud?’. Trent [Alexander-Arnold] left under a cloud, not all his fault.

  "They are going to have to find a replacement. He’s a good player, Semenyo, he’s doing really well, but it’s a decision they didn’t think they would have to make. They have just spent half-a-billion on attackers. You’d think they would be able to get a front three out of that lot. You are going to have to be shopping in Harvey Nichols or Harrods for the next right winger at Liverpool."

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  Stay or go: When will Salah leave Liverpool?

  It remains to be seen when Liverpool will be forced into the market for a successor to Salah, and if they choose to frequent the most lavish of transfer outlets. For now, the ‘Egyptian King’ of Merseyside remains tied to a contract through to 2027 and may yet be able to talk and play his way back into favour with disgruntled supporters and coaching staff.

Tottenham have confirmed that club legend Son Heung-min is set to return to north London to watch next week's Champions League fixture with Slavia Prague. The forward, who moved on to MLS side Los Angeles FC for a £20m fee in the summer, will now get the chance to say a proper goodbye to the club's fans at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 9.

Son heading back to Spurs

Spurs have made a surprise announcement and confirmed that Son will be in attendance for their next Champions League match. Son moved to MLS straight after Spurs' pre-season tour of Asia, where he said an emotional farewell to the club in front of adoring fans in South Korea, and will now get the chance to say a proper farewell at Tottenham's home ground.

Tottenham said in a statement: "Sonny will take to the pitch before the team walk-outs ahead of the 20:00 kick-off against the Czech champions. He will then have the opportunity to personally address the supporters that took him into their hearts following his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in 2015 and treasured him for the next 10 years – it is sure to be an emotional occasion in N17."

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'It will be emotional' – Son relishing return

Son has also admitted it's going to be an emotional affair when he returns to north London. He told the club's media: “When I announced my difficult decision to leave Spurs in the summer, it was in Korea and I never got a proper chance to say goodbye to fans at the stadium.

"Now I am so happy because I am going to come back to London on 9th December, for the Champions League match, and be able to tell the Spurs fans in person just how much their support and love over 10 years has meant to me and my family. It will be emotional, but it's important for me and the club that this happens.”

Spurs have also confirmed that work is continuing on a mural on Tottenham High Road to pay tribute to Son that will “further celebrate the legacy that Sonny has left in this part of North London”. The design has been chosen by the man himself and is due to be finished in time for the club legend's visit on December 9.

Son thriving in Los Angeles

Son has been thriving in MLS with LAFC since his summer move from Spurs. The South Korea international scored 12 goals and grabbed four assists for his new side in just 13 appearances before the end of the MLS season. LAFC's campaign ended with a play-off defeat to the Vancouver Whitecaps, leaving Son with time to head back home for an emotional reunion with Spurs. The 33-year-old spent a decade in north London, scoring 173 goals during his time with the Lilywhites, and departed after captaining the club to Europa League glory over Manchester United. The win sealed a first trophy for Tottenham in 17 years and further cemented Son's place in the club's history.

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GettyWhat next for Son?

Although Son will be in north London next week, he has played down talk of a playing return to Spurs during the MLS off-season. There had been speculation that the South Korean ace could look for a temporary transfer over the winter, but Son has made his loyalty to his new club crystal clear. 

“I’ve never spoken to any club about a winter move. Such talk is simply untrue,” he told TV Chosun. “For me, showing respect to my club and giving everything where I play – that’s what matters most. That won’t change.

“I will not leave LAFC this winter, or ever, while I’m here. I respect this club deeply. As long as I’m wearing this badge, there will be no such thing as a loan or a move. Never.”

يستأنف ليفربول مشواره في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بعد الخسارة الساحقة أمام آيندهوفن برباعية لهدف في الجولة الخامسة بمرحلة الدوري لدوري أبطال أوروبا.

وتقدم آيندهوفن في الدقيقة 6 من أحداث الشوط الأول عن طريق إيفان بريسيتش النجم الكرواتي المخضرم بعد أن حصل على ركلة جزاء بسبب لمسة يد على فيرجيل فان دايك.

وتعادل دومينيك سوبوسلاي لصالح ليفربول في الدقيقة 16 بعد متابعة كرة أبعدها حارس مرمى آيندهوفن عن مرماه بعد تسديدة جاكبو.

وعزز جوس تيل تقدم آيندهوفن في بداية الشوط الثاني بعد تمريرة رائعة في عمق دفاع ليفربول ليسددها في شباك مامارداشفيلي في الدقيقة 56.

اقرأ أيضاً.. ماذا قدم محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وآيندهوفن بـ دوري أبطال أوروبا؟

وفي الدقيقة 73 نجح المغربي المتألق دريوش في تسجيل الهدف الثالث بعد خطأ في البداية جاء عن طريق إبراهيما كوناتي مدافع ليفربول، والذي سجل الهدف الثاني الشخصي له والرابع لصالح آيندهوفن في الدقيقة 91. موعد مباراة ليفربول ووست هام في الدوري الإنجليزي

يستضيف وست هام نظيره ليفربول، على ملعب لندن، يوم الأحد المقبل 30 نوفمبر، في الجولة الثالثة عشر من الدوري الانجليزي الممتاز، في الساعة الرابعة بتوقيت مصر.

Youngest leader keen to “see how I go under pressure” after latest show of faith from management

Matt Roller16-Sep-2025

“I like it when things come at a fast pace,” Jacob Bethell said with a grin, as he prepared to become England’s youngest-ever captain on Wednesday. It is just as well.It was a year ago last week that Bethell made his England debut, feeling “very nervous” as he walked out for a T20 international against Australia in Southampton. Twelve months, 34 caps, nine half-centuries and a maiden hundred later, he will break a record that has stood since 1889 when he goes for the toss in Malahide to lead his country against Ireland at the age of 21.It is the latest show of faith in a young man who England’s management clearly view as a future superstar. Bethell’s captaincy experience is limited to “a bit at school”, seven games for England Under-19s and a handful more for Warwickshire’s second team, but he will lead a senior side featuring two double-World Cup winners in Jos Buttler and Adil Rashid this week.Related

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He has long been seen as a leader, dating back to his time in charge of England’s Under-19s. Bethell’s schooling, moving from Barbados to the UK to board at Rugby School, and his early entry into professional cricket have contributed to a sense that he is more mature than most of his peers, the direct result of his accelerated development.England’s logic for giving Bethell the role is simple enough. Harry Brook, their permanent white-ball captain, is among several multi-format linchpins rested for this series, and there is little point handing the reins back to Buttler for a three-match, end-of-season tour. Perhaps only Phil Salt, who led England against Australia last year, could feel hard done by to be overlooked.Bethell has not explicitly been told why he was chosen, but has his suspicions. “It’s maybe just a bit of trust,” he said on Tuesday, in his first captain’s press conference. “Another aspect might be, just chuck me in the deep end and see how I go. It will be nice to see how I go under pressure – I’m sure the guys that have made those decisions would like to see that as well.”He learned of his elevation from Brendon McCullum in a phone call last month. “When I found out, the first emotion was pride,” Bethell said. “The feeling is excitement [with] a few nerves kicking around, both from wanting to lead the boys well, and get a win under our belt.” Asked to describe what type of captain he will be, he joked: “A very young one.”That sense was accentuated on Tuesday when he posed with the series trophy alongside his opposite number, Paul Stirling, who at 35 is a veteran of more than 150 T20 international caps. They are well-acquainted from a season opening the batting for Warwickshire together in the T20 Blast three years ago, and Bethell clearly left an impression despite a lean campaign.”He was a superstar,” Stirling recalled. “You could see the talent there when he must’ve been 18 years old. His ball-striking was so noticeable that it was world-class already. To see where he’s got to already in his career is no surprise to me… I know how talented he is, and I’m not surprised at all that he’s here under a leadership capacity.”Bethell believes that his primary responsibility as a captain will be to “manage people” while working with stand-in head coach Marcus Trescothick. “Not every tactical decision you make is going to work,” he said. “It’s about managing the boys well so they feel you’re backing them. That’s something I’ll look to take forward in however many games I end up captaining in my career.”He has admired Ben Stokes’ leadership of England’s Test team – “he leads by example, with actions and performances” – and intends to follow suit. Bethell’s recent form – including a maiden hundred against South Africa nine days ago – has been timely, removing the simmering disquiet in some quarters around his hasty promotion to the captaincy.Bethell said that he has taken confidence from that innings of 110 off 82, even if he did not see it as a breakthrough moment. “It was a nice feeling, and almost one that feels quite addicting. Hopefully, I can get myself used to raising the bat. Once you do it once, you’ve got the confidence to go on and do it again and again, so I think it’s definitely given me that.”That innings came from No. 4 in England’s ODI team, and he was promoted to No. 3 in last week’s T20Is against South Africa. “It’s kind of moulding two positions into one: you’ve got the back-end of the powerplay, and then what I’m used to in the middle order,” he said, adding with another grin: “I think as high up the order as possible is pretty good.”Further success this week – albeit in a different format – will only prompt more speculation about the prospect of him forcing his way into England’s team for the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21. “My head’s firmly screwed on to this series,” he said. “The squad’s not even selected for that yet, so hopefully I’m going to be there.”There is little doubt that he will be – just as there are few who would predict that his first series as England’s captain will be his last.

History was made on Thursday, as Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani enjoyed a monster evening against the Miami Marlins, stealing two bases and launching two home runs in order to set himself apart in MLB lore.

Ohtani became the first player ever to record 50 home runs and 50 steals in a single season, and he reached the half-century mark in both categories during Thursday's beatdown of the Marlins.

It's a feat that fans have been waiting for as the season inched closer towards its end. Ohtani nipped the suspense in the bud by getting it done Thursday with nine games left in the regular season. Now, he'll have some time to pad those record-setting stats.

And what better way to make history than during a 6-for-6 day at the plate? Ohtani reached base every time he stepped into the batter's box, launching three home runs, lacing two doubles and driving in 10 RBIs while also swiping two bases. Have yourself a day!

Such a degree of dominance both at the plate and on the base paths has never before been achieved, and his accomplishment left baseball fans bewildered, as they saluted his greatness on social media.

MatériaMais Notícias

Flamengo e São Paulo se enfrentam pela partida de ida da final da Copa do Brasil neste domingo, às 16h, no Maracanã. O Rubro-Negro vai em busca do seu quinta taça da competição, enquanto o Tricolor quer conquistar seu primeiro título do torneio.

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Com Galvão Bueno defendendo o gol rubro-negro, e Rodrigo Faro no ataque tricolor, O Lance! separou uma lista de 11 torcedores ilustres de cada um dos times que decidem o título. Quem você acha que levaria a melhor na disputa dos famosos entre as equipes?

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Real Madrid are winning on the pitch, but tension is brewing behind the scenes. According to The Athletic, several senior players are struggling with Xabi Alonso’s rigid approach and distant style, with some insiders claiming he "thinks he’s Pep Guardiola". Frustration is growing over the manager’s strict rules and intense methods, despite two big wins recently over Barcelona and Juventus.

Alonso shakes things up

Alonso arrived in June and made one thing clear: nothing at the Santiago Bernabeu would be the same as under Carlo Ancelotti. Old habits? Gone. It’s more than just extra gym sessions. Only essential staff are allowed on the training ground. Dressing room access before matches or at half-time is limited. Line-ups are no longer leaked. Even players’ entourages now face restrictions. The idea is focus and privacy. You can tell some players aren’t used to that. And yet, on the pitch, results are positive. But football isn’t just about results. It’s about personalities, habits, and comfort levels. That part is clear. Some players are adjusting. Others, less so. 

AdvertisementGetty Images'He think's he's Pep Guardiola'

Frustration is continuing to build behind the scenes. Some players feel their freedom on the pitch is curtailed. Some think Alonso is distant. An inside source close to the Madrid dressing room has opened up on the struggles Alonso is currently facing. Speaking to the Athletic, the source said: "Some of them have won so much without doing these things that when these have been imposed on them, they have complained. He thinks he’s Pep Guardiola, but for now he’s just Xabi." 

That line reportedly keeps coming up in conversations around the squad. Not entirely flattering. Part admiration, part scepticism. Vinicius Junior’s storm-off after being substituted against Barcelona highlighted the tension, but it appears the problems may be deeper than that.

Some feel Alonso is "unapproachable". Comparisons to Ancelotti’s open, warm style only make the gap feel bigger. Specialists in training, stricter rules, restricted access, changes all designed to improve focus. And yet, it changes the atmosphere. The squad is responding with improved levels on the pitch, but they are not all happy about it.

Early successes, but growing pains

Still, the approach is working, at least in part. Madrid top La Liga. Champions League form is solid. Young players are getting chances: Arda Guler, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, Franco Mastantuono. Rotations keep the squad involved. Alonso’s staff – assistant Sebastian Parrilla, physical trainer Ismael Camenforte, analysts Alberto Encinas and Benat Labaien – are implementing a plan that clearly takes time and patience.

"They are aware that they are immersed in a process that requires patience for the team to function as they have planned," the source continued. Some players are adapting well. Others are grumbling. Alonso seems willing to stick to his principles of discipline. The tension is a side effect, not a dealbreaker, at least for now.

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AFPLooking ahead at the Bernabeu

Real Madrid are always under scrutiny. Every move is magnified by the media and Alonso’s balance of authority will be crucial to deciding his future. Senior players’ dissatisfaction is something to watch, and certainly something to manage, if the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man wants to keep his job. Los Blancos will look to keep building momentum despite the unrest behind the scenes when they host Valencia in La Liga on Saturday.

It was yet another busy summer for Arsenal, who focused on adding quality depth to improve their squad ahead of the new season. For the last few years, the Gunners have finished second in the Premier League, twice to Manchester City and once, most recently, to Liverpool.

Another busy summer was had at the Emirates Stadium, in an effort to break the cycle of second-place finishes they find themselves in. Eight major signings were made, although Mikel Arteta’s side have not started the season well, but not flawlessly. They sit in second place on 10 points, five behind Liverpool.

However, the new signings have hit the ground running, with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze two of the most impressive.

Madueke and Eze’s start to life at Arsenal

England international Madueke joined the Gunners from Chelsea back in July. He cost Arteta’s side £48.5m, and has made a strong start to life at the Emirates Stadium. Although he’s yet to register a goal involvement, the winger creates an average of 2.3 chances per game in the Premier League.

The good form on show at the start of his Arsenal career from the England international has left many people impressed. One of those is BBC Sport’s tactics correspondent Umir Irfan, who said the winger has been “sensational” for the Gunners so far.

It is not just Madueke who has shone in an Arsenal shirt already. Eze, too, has been impressive. The England international completed a dream move to North London after previously playing for the club’s academy in his youth.

In seven appearances and 470 minutes for the Gunners so far, the former Crystal Palace star has one goal and two assists. That includes a sensational pass for Gabriel Martinelli to set up a crucial equaliser against Man City last weekend.

Both Madueke and Eze have performed well for the Gunners this season and are already key parts of Arteta’s squad. There is another key player who has also performed well, and is valued even higher than the England duo.

The Arsenal star worth more than Madueke and Eze

Arsenal’s summer signings have certainly enhanced an already talented squad, which can hopefully push them over the line for the Premier League title. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are two examples of that.

Well, another man who could be considered in that same bracket is talented defender Jurrien Timber, who signed for the club from Ajax for £38m in 2023. The Dutchman, described as a “diamond” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has cemented himself as Arteta’s first-choice right-back this season.

The former Ajax star has played 90 minutes in the last three of Arsenal’s Premier League matches and in their Champions League win over Athletic Club. His 64-minute performance against Leeds United saw him score twice and assist once, too.

Despite being in his third year as a Gunner, the 24-year-old missed almost all of his first season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Last season, he also missed a few games due to fitness issues.

But Timber has fully recovered now. The defender has shown this season just how good he is, which the stats back up. For example, per 90 minutes this season, he’s averaged 5.4 tackles and interceptions and 1.5 key passes.

Minutes

72.2

433

Key passes

1.5

7

Passes completed

36.8

177

Tackles and interceptions

5.4

26

Expected goal involvements

0.35xGI

1.67

With form like that in mind, it may not come as a shock that Timber is worth even more than both Madueke and Eze, according to Football Transfers. The Dutch star is valued at £57m, which certainly reflects his excellent performances.

In comparison, Arsenal’s new attacking duo are not worth quite as much. Former Palace star Eze is closer, with Football Transfers valuing him at £53.6m. As for ex-Chelsea winger Madueke, he’s said to be worth just shy of £45m.

Given just how key Timber is to Arsenal’s side, due to his quality on the ball and tenacity without it, there might not be much surprise to learn he has such a high value, but it does show that Arteta hit the jackpot on him because his value has soared from £38m to £57m within the space of two years.

Madueke and Eze are key members of the Arsenal squad, but Timber’s quality and importance to Arteta mean he is worth even more than the attacking pair.

Arsenal hit gold on "world-class" monster worth millions more than Saliba

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Noor still heads the Purple Cap table with 11 wickets, but four bowlers are on ten wickets each and are closing the gap quickly

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Apr-20252:36

‘Sai Sudharsan plays the perfect mix of conventional and modern-day cricket’

.Orange Cap leaderboardFour batters have now scored runs in excess of 200 but Nicholas Pooran of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is still going strong at the top. His 288 runs from five innings, including three half-centuries, has ensured he remains No. 1.Moving up rapidly after his best score of this IPL is B Sai Sudharsan. His Player-of-the-Match knock of 82 off 53 balls, his third half-century of the season, propelled GT to 217 for 6, which proved too much for RR. He has been having a dream IPL so far, having accumulated 273 in five innings.Not far behind is Pooran’s team-mate at LSG, Mitchell Marsh. His entertaining 81 off 48 balls played a crucial role in LSG registering their third win of this season, this one against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). With four fifties in five innings, Marsh has 265 runs.GT’s Jos Buttler, who hit 36 on Wednesday to take his tally to 203, is the other 200-plus batter at the moment, with Suryakumar Yadav of Mumbai Indians (MI) in fifth spot with 199 runs.R Sai Kishore has ten wickets from five games•BCCIPurple Cap leaderboardChennai Super Kings (CSK) left-arm wristspinner Noor Ahmad still holds the Purple Cap with 11 wickets from five games. But other bowlers are also putting up strong performances to provide stiff competition.Joining MI captain Hardik Pandya and CSK’s Khaleel Ahmed for joint-second are GT bowlers Mohammed Siraj and R Sai Kishore. While Sai Kishore picked up 2 for 20 in Ahmedabad, Siraj added one wicket on the night. All of them have ten wickets to their names. Out of these bowlers, only Hardik has played four innings, one fewer than the rest, and has retained his position at No. 2 while Sai Kishore with his economy rate of 7.25 goes up to third position. Siraj and Khaleel are fourth and fifth in the list with economy rate of 7.70 and 8.25, respectively.Mitchell Starc, and Shardul Thakur have nine wickets each.