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At 41 years old, there was a strong chance the 2025 season could be Max Scherzer’s last. But, he doesn’t think so.

The three-time Cy Young award winner started in Game 7 of the World Series for his Blue Jays vs. the Dodgers on Saturday night. He pitched 4.1 innings, notching three strikeouts with four hits, one right and one batter walked. When Scherzer walked off the mound in the fifth inning, was that his last time pitching in MLB? He would say no.

“The only thing I can say is it's going to take some time to give a full answer to that but there is no way that was my last pitch,” Scherzer said after the game, via ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.

Scherzer was playing on a one-year contract in Toronto, meaning he’ll become a free agent this offseason. A team will have to be willing to sign the veteran ace in order for his career to continue. It could be an interesting offseason for Scherzer.

The Blue Jays failed to give Scherzer his third World Series ring on Saturday night after they lost 5-4 to the Dodgers in 11 innings. The Blue Jays ultimately lost on a heartbreaking double play in the 11th, and that came after pinch runner Isiah Kiner-Falefa was mere inches away from what would have been a walk-off game-winning run in the ninth inning. It was a tough loss for all of Toronto.

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O Palmeiras teve, pela primeira vez, uma escalação montada por Abel Ferreira com Endrick, Estêvão e Luis Guilherme atuando juntos. O trio começou como titular no empate diante do San Lorenzo, na quinta-feira (30), pela Libertadores.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! Palmeiras no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Verdão

A escalação dos garotos da base juntos era algo muito desejado pela torcida alviverde. Segundo o treinador palmeirense, esse foi justamente o motivo de escalá-los, em vez de pensar no que seria melhor para o time.

— Se calhar aí, fui mais a procura daquilo que era melhor para todos verem os três em campo, do que o melhor para a equipe. Sinceramente. Não há dúvida nenhuma da qualidade, todos gostam de jogar do lado esquerdo. O próprio Endrick, quando entra de centroavante, ele passa a ocupar a zona do Veiga. Tirei o Veiga para por um centroavante e ter o Endrick mais atrás para ter chegada. Acima de tudo, estou feliz em pertencer a uma equipe jovem, que luta com objetivos de ser campeão e formam jogadores. Não é fácil – afirmou.

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Abel Ferreira também explicou os pontos positivos e negativos de escalar Endrick, Estêvão e Luis Guilherme no Palmeiras. Ainda de acordo com o técnico, embora sejam avançados tecnicamente, eles ainda estão em processo de formação.

— Foi uma decisão difícil meter os três. Eles tem muita qualidade. Nos dão umas coisas, mas em determinado momento do jogo vão precisar dessa maturidade competitiva que ainda não têm. Mas entendi que deveria fazer. Ganhamos umas coisas, perdemos outras. São jogadores que nos dão irreverência, ainda estão no processo de formação competitiva e como homens. Dois deles ainda não têm idade adulta. Foi uma decisão difícil. Mas tinham muitas pessoas que queriam os ver juntos – disse.

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Os três são os expoentes do projeto de revelações de jogadores do Verdão e se destacaram nas categorias inferiores. Abel Ferreira, inclusive, foi quem subiu Endrick, Estêvão e Luis Guilherme para o time profissional do Palmeias.

Referência na base, Endrick se despediu no Allianz Parque, contra o San Lorenzo, e está a caminho do Real Madrid. Estêvão caminha para fechar negócio com o Chelsea e Luis Guilherme desperta interesse de europeus. Todas as transferências orbitam em valores muito acima da média em relação ao mercado brasileiro, e a eles chegaram a ser chamados de “Geração do bilhão”.

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Abel FerreiraEndrickLibertadoresPalmeirasStar +

Everton scouts have now reportedly been spotted watching Republic of Ireland international Troy Parrott over the break, as he scored twice to shock Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal side.

The Toffees very nearly enjoyed the perfect summer. They welcomed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City and splashed out on one of their biggest-ever deals to sign Tyler Dibling from Southampton. In many ways, it was a statement from The Friedkin Group ahead of Everton’s move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

That statement came without one key part, however, and that was a clinical goalscorer. Those in Merseyside took a £27m gamble on Villarreal’s Thierno Barry, but he’s yet to score a goal for the club. Meanwhile, Beto hasn’t done much better – scoring just twice in 13 games in all competitions.

Minutes

386

609

Goals

0

1

Assists

0

0

Expected Goals

1.3

4.1

What’s most concerning about the form of Everton’s strikers is that they’ve both had the chances to record better records than they have done. Barry is without a goal with an XG of 1.3, whilst Beto has significantly underperformed with one goal from a 4.1 XG.

It’s a clear problem that Everton must address for David Moyes in 2026 and a number of targets have already emerged as a result. According to recent reports, the Toffees have so far set their sights on Celtic’s Daizen Maeda, who wants to leave the Scottish club, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney.

Everton now exploring Ward-Prowse move with January exit expected

The midfielder desperately needs a winter move.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 12, 2025

All three options make sense. Maeda wants to leave Celtic and is reportedly available for just £15m. Zirkzee could offer Everton a repeat of their Grealish revival, whilst Toney may need a Premier League return to boost his World Cup chances.

The list doesn’t end there, however. Joining those aforementioned names, Everton reportedly sent scouts to watch Parrot against Portugal earlier this week.

Everton send scouts to track Troy Parrott

According to Everton News, Everton sent scouts to watch Parrott in action for Ireland against Portugal on Thursday night, as he netted a brace to hand his country a major boost towards their World Cup hopes. In the same game, Ronaldo was handed the first red card of his international career to sum up a shocking night to forget.

On a stage which featured Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and others, it was Parrot who stole the show to take his goal total to 13 in 14 games for the season. Quite simply, he has been in sensational form for AZ Alkmaar and Ireland.

Compared to Irish legend Robbie Keane by the man himself, Parrott has scored more goals than Beton and Barry combined so far this season and there’s still plenty more to come.

As Everton’s search for a striker goes on, they may hand the former Tottenham Hotspur gem the perfect chance to complete a return to English football.

Everton hatch striker plan as Moyes moves for star with 18 goals this season

Skipper’s career-best 144 not out leads young Hampshire side to dominant win

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Aug-2025Nick Gubbins’ career-best 144 not out led an inexperienced Hampshire to a winning start in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup against defending champions Glamorgan at The Gnoll in Neath.Four teenagers featured for the visitors – including a three-man seam attack with ages of 19, 19 and 16. The youngest of the trio – Manny Lumsden took 3 for 64 to derail the top order despite Kiran Carlson’s magnificent 135.Carlson’s first ever one-day century was unable to be supported due to a steady flow of wickets left Glamorgan bowled out inside 40 overs, 72 short of Hampshire’s 324 for 6.Other debutant Ben Mayes played fearlessly for 74 from 55 balls in the 17-year-old’s 141-run partnership with Gubbins to end the visitors’ innings explosively.After inserting Hampshire to bat, Glamorgan got off to an economical start. James Harris and unexpected new ball partner Zain Ul Hassan containing Gubbins and Ali Orr.On the surface containing Hampshire to a 42-run powerplay on a small outground could have been viewed to be Glamorgan’s advantage, the drop of Gubbins by Carlson at second slip while the opener was on just four later proved to be a difference of what came later.A solid 68-run opening contribution was brought to a much-needed end as Ali Orr started to cruise, Ned Leonard making for a comeback from being hooked for six out of the ground on his first ball.Dangerous overseas Tilak Varma could’ve been a match winner for Hampshire given his two centuries in four games already for the club, removed for a duck.A flow of four wickets for 47 at a slowing rate dragged Glamorgan back when debutant Mayes entered at 115 for 4, Gubbins still anchoring.It didn’t take long for Mayes to motor, inflicting his freedom onto Gubbins, casually reverse-sweeping Glamorgan’s 18-year-old debutant Romano Franco four times on his way to a century.Mayes’ hockey-style sweeping, both orthodox and reverse, had the runs flowing before Felix Organ took over the role with a flashy 32 from 14 unbeaten to end the innings. Hampshire adding 129 in the final 10 overs, no bowler getting off lightly, Gubbins carrying his bat.Unlike in Hampshire’s innings, the hosts came out firing. Also unlike the hosts, a dropped slip catch was shortly after redeemed with the wicket, Tribe dropped on seven, out on 14.While Hampshire’s innings was backboned by one mammoth partnership, Glamorgan kept losing wickets when times were tough. Eddie Byrom’s steady start, enjoying cutting and leg-glancing the exciting Hampshire seamers was eventually removed for 29 on his return to first team cricket which brought the highlights package-esque viewing of Lumsden to Carlson.A first over for 23 may mean a debut to forget for a 16-year-old but a wicket in there and persistence from both bowler and captain gave him another wicket and a hat-trick ball. The three-over spell of 2 for 47 was about so much more than the figures.Hampshire’s 18 overs of consecutive spin in the middle overs contained Glamorgan enough while regular wickets left Glamorgan requiring Andy Gorvin’s 42-ball 11 to stick in a partnership with his captain to give a fighting chance.Lumsden’s return brought more fireworks including the big wicket after Carlson effectively run out of partners, but not before giving the Neath crowd a special display.

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Recordista brasileiro em número de participações seguidas na Libertadores 2024, o Palmeiras recebe o Independiente Del Valle nesta noite de quarta-feira (15), no Allianz Parque, podendo chegar pelo oitavo ano seguido nas oitavas de final da maior competição do nosso continente.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! Palmeiras no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Verdão

Desde 2017, o Verdão se coloca entre pelo menos as 16 melhores equipes da América do Sul, e agora o time de Abel Ferreira busca chegar nas quartas de finais pelo sétimo ano seguido, ultrapassando o Boca Juniors que entre 2000 a 2005 chegou entre os oito melhores em todas as edições.

O Palmeiras é o clube brasileiro com mais participações em oitavas de finais de Libertadores, ao lado do Grêmio, com 16 participações entre os 16 melhores do continente.

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Clube brasileiro com mais jogos, mais vitórias e mais gols na história da Libertadores, o Verdão vai em busca do tetracampeonato para confirmar de vez a sua hegemonia na competição nessa última década.

➡️ Faça as suas apostas na Libertadores 2024: quem será o campeão? Vem pro Lance! Betting!

Na era Abel Ferreira, o Palmeiras já fez 22 jogos de fase de grupos de Libertadores, com 19 vitórias, um empate e duas derrotas, e nos três tropeços, o atual bicampeão brasileiro atuou com um time alternativo.

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LibertadoresPalmeirasSTARPLUS

The stage for the 2025 World Series is officially set after the Blue Jays took down the Mariners in an enthralling ALCS Game 7 at the Rogers Centre. Now, Toronto will host the Dodgers on Friday for Game 1 of the World Series, the first time the franchise has played in the Fall Classic since 1993.

The Blue Jays joined some rare company in MLB history after reaching the World Series despite losing the first two games at home in a best-of-seven series. Prior to the 2025 Jays, only three teams had ever accomplished that type of comeback––the Yankees in the 1996 World Series, the Mets in the '86 World Series, and the Royals in the '85 World Series.

Interestingly enough, Toronto and Los Angeles were the final two contenders in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes in the 2023 offseason. Now, just two years later, Ohtani will be looking to break the hearts of Blue Jays fans all over again.

There's star power on both teams. The Dodgers, of course, are loaded with talent, including four former MVPs in Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw. Their rotation has been outstanding in the postseason as the team looks to defend its title, and though the bullpen is a cause for concern, it's held its own thus far into the playoff run. Los Angeles is pretty heavily favored heading into the series, but it will have to be at its best to handle a Blue Jays team that has plenty of fight.

As for Toronto, there's perhaps no hotter hitter in baseball at present than Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who has already belted six home runs in the postseason while sporting a batting average over .400. He and Game 7 hero George Springer will lead the charge for the Blue Jays as they look to bring home the franchise's first World Series title since 1993.

Let's make some bold predictions for this year's World Series matchup.

Shohei Ohtani will become sixth player to win MVP and World Series MVP in same season

Ohtani hasn't had the best postseason, but he made up for much of his struggles at the plate with his performance in Game 4 of the NLCS, during which he hit three solo home runs and also dominated on the mound, striking out 10 batters.

That Game 4 was exactly what Ohtani needed before the World Series, and I'm expecting he'll be dialed in for the Dodgers as they look to repeat as champions. The two-way superstar didn't have a home run in last year's Fall Classic, but I'm predicting that will change in 2025 and Ohtani will hit at least two homers in the series. I'm also anticipating another stellar pitching outing from the 31-year-old, in which he will record eight-plus strikeouts without surrendering more than two runs.

A showing like that would put Ohtani in position to join a select group of players—Sandy Koufax, Frank Robinson, Reggie Jackson, Willie Stargell and Mike Schmidt—to be named MVP for the regular season and World Series in the same year.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will stay scalding hot

There's perhaps been no hitter seeing the ball better than Guerrero of late, and it hasn't really mattered what caliber of pitcher he's facing. While many Blue Jays batters will likely struggle against the superb Dodgers' rotation, I'm not anticipating Guerrero will be one of them.

Guerrero owns an absurd .442/.510/.930 slash line with six home runs, 12 RBIs and 19 total hits in 11 playoff games. He's had nine extra base hits and drawn six walks, all while striking out just three times. The previous record for fewest strikeouts with six postseason home runs was three. He's collected at least one hit in all but two games, and has six games with two or more hits.

While I don't think Toronto will be able to pull off the upset in the World Series, I think Guerrero will have a tremendous series and continue to hit the ball well. I'm expecting him to have at least two games with two-plus hits, as well as two home runs.

Dodgers' bullpen will blow a game

The Dodgers' Achilles' heel this season has been the bullpen. Los Angeles doesn't have many reliable arms out of the 'pen, and although Roki Sasaki has been solid in the closer role, he's not very experienced pitching in late innings. Blake Treinen struggled all season, and things have only worsned in the postseason. He owns a 7.36 ERA in seven appearances this October, surrendering three runs in 3 2/3 innings.

Dodgers relievers had a 4.27 ERA during the regular season. That ranked 20th among the 30 MLB teams. Los Angeles will be hoping to lean on its starting rotation as much as possible, but it will be vulnerable when forced to make a call to the bullpen. I'm expecting at least one game of the series to be stolen by the Blue Jays after a disappointing outing from L.A.'s relievers.

George Springer will deliver a walk-off hit

This prediction ties into the previous one. I'm expecting the Dodgers to win the series, but I think Springer will prevent Toronto from getting swept. Springer has been a clutch postseason performer throughout his career, and he lifted the Jays into the World Series with his three-run homer in Game 7 against the Mariners.

Springer delivers in big spots, and I'm expecting he'll get another opportunity to do precisely that in a key moment of the World Series. For all the big, go-ahead hits he's provided in October throughout his illustrious career, Springer has never collected a walk-off hit in the playoffs. I'm predicting he'll do precisely that in this series.

Dodgers will win series in five games

Los Angeles is heavily favored in this series, and I think the team will live up to expectations and take care of the Blue Jays in just five games. The Dodgers needed five games to dispose of the Yankees in 2024, and now they will have the chance to deliver the same fate to the team that knocked New York out of the postseason this year.

L.A. has plenty of playoff experience, with many returning players from last year's World Series team. They know what it takes to get the job done on the biggest stage, and that experience will certainly benefit them against a Toronto side that's generally lacking in that regard. I'm expecting the Dodgers will make quick work of the Blue Jays and end this series in no more than five games.

He moved to Kerala ahead of the 2016-17 season and represented them through the 2024-25 season for a total of 125 matches

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Sep-2025 • Updated on 13-Sep-2025Allrounder Jalaj Saxena has decided to part ways with Kerala after nine seasons. *He will now turn out for Maharashtra in the upcoming domestic season.”It is a matter of great pride for me to join the Maharashtra cricket team,” Saxena said in a statement. “Maharashtra cricket has a rich legacy and I am fully prepared to contribute my best for the team. It is an honour to play alongside players like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Prithvi Shaw, Ankit Bawne as well as many talented newcomers…I sincerely thank the Maharashtra Cricket Association for the opportunity.”After making his domestic debut for his home state, Madhya Pradesh, in the 2005-06 season, he moved to Kerala ahead of the 2016-17 season and represented them through the 2024-25 season for a total of 125 matches.”It’s never easy to put my feelings into words, but today I want to share something close to my heart,” he wrote on his Instagram post. “I have played my last game in Kerala colours, and that thought still feels surreal. Saying this brings a strange mix of emotions – gratitude, pride and a little ache. Over the years, this team has given me more than just cricket. It gave me brothers, friends and a family that stood by me through every high and low.”I’ve given blood, sweat, and tears – everything I had – for this journey, and in return, it gave me memories and bonds that will last a lifetime.”Related

• 'My emotions, heart, everything is with first-class cricket'

Saxena amassed 3153 runs for Kerala and claimed 352 wickets across formats. Among these, in 58 first-class matches, he scored 2252 runs, including three centuries, and took 269 wickets at an average of 20.68, with 23 five-wicket hauls. During the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season – when Kerala fell short in the final against Vidarbha – he became the first player in the tournament’s history to achieve the double of 6000 runs and 400 wickets. His 269 wickets are also the second-most by any player representing Kerala in first-class cricket behind KN Ananthapadmanabhan’s 310.Across his entire first-class career, Saxena has accumulated 7060 runs and 484 wickets, with 34 five-wicket hauls.”To each and every teammate – thank you for making the dressing room a place of laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories. To the KCA, coaches, support staff, and the unsung heroes – the groundsmen who work tirelessly so we can have our game – my deepest respect and gratitude. None of this journey would have been possible without your support,” he said.”Cricket has taught me that every ending is just a new beginning. My heart will always beat for Kerala, and I’ll always carry these memories with me whenever I go.”Despite being one of the most consistent performers in the Indian domestic circuit in the last two decades, the national team cap has constantly eluded Saxena.

It would be fair to say that it’s not exactly the best time to be a West Ham United fan at the moment.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have lost their last three games and currently look on track to be relegated from the Premier League.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom as it’s still early in the season and the Hammers do have a number of very talented players in their squad.

Moreover, while they sold one of their star players, Mohammed Kudus, in the summer, the manager has another player who is far better than he’ll ever be, and it could even be said that it was the right decision to sell the Ghanaian.

Why selling Kudus was the right decision

Now, the first thing to say is that on his day, Kudus can be a real game-changer, and during his first campaign for West Ham, he was exactly that.

For example, across 45 appearances for the Irons in 23/24, he racked up an impressive tally of 14 goals and nine assists, which works out to a goal involvement every 1.95 games.

However, as many a West Ham fan will report, the former Ajax star was only a useful player to have when the going was good, as in challenging moments he’d often go missing entirely.

This is exactly what happened in his second season at the club.

For example, in 35 appearances across all competitions last season, the Accra-born international was only able to score five goals and provide four assists.

Appearances

45

35

Goals

14

5

Assists

9

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

0.25

That means his average dropped from a goal involvement every 1.95 games to one every 3.88 games, and worse yet, his fifth goal of the season came in the final league game against an already relegated Ipswich Town, when nothing was on the line.

Moreover, his underlying numbers were just as unimpressive, so he wasn’t just getting unlucky.

According to FBref, he only ranked in the top 32% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the league for shot-creating actions, the top 37% for non-penalty expected goals and progressive carries, the top 43% for touches in the opposition’s penalty area and more, all per 90.

In short, while he might have been useful this season, West Ham were probably smart to sell him for £55m, especially as Nuno has another more talented star who will give his all for the badge when things get tough.

The West Ham star miles better than Kudus

Now, West Ham do have a few players who could help them get out of trouble by the end of the season, including Lucas Paqueta, El Hadji Malick Diouf, and Mateus Fernandes.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, when it comes to the most important star of all, and the one who is still comfortably better than Kudus, it’s obviously Jarrod Bowen.

The modern legend has already cemented his name in club folklore with that Conference League Final-winning goal, but he continues to be the most dangerous attacker in the squad.

For example, since joining the Hammers in January 2020, the former Hull City ace has racked up a sensational tally of 77 goals and 53 assists in 248 games, averaging a goal involvement every 1.90 games.

Moreover, while Kudus was letting the fans down with his performances and output last season, the Englishman was picking up the slack and consistently delivering, scoring 14 goals and providing ten assists in 36 games, which is a goal involvement every 1.5 games.

What about this year, though? How does the Leominster-born star’s output stack up to the Ghanaian international’s?

Well, in 13 appearances for his new side, the former Hammer has scored one goal and provided five assists.

That comes out to a reasonably impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.16 games.

For his efforts, the Irons’ “unplayable” talisman, as dubbed by Thomas Frank, has scored three goals and provided two assists in ten appearances.

Appearances

10

13

Goals

3

1

Assists

2

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

0.46

Amazingly, that means that, despite playing for a team threatened with relegation, Bowen has maintained a better average of a goal involvement every other game.

Therefore, while Nuno might have been able to tune out of Kudus at West Ham, he already has a far better player at his disposal, and one that will fight to the end for him and the team.

Nuno must now finally ditch West Ham man who's "national league standard"

Nuno has to make some changes to save West Ham’s Premier League status, and one of them is to drop the poor performer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 28, 2025

Have a day, Trey Yesavage.

The Blue Jays pitcher was just called up to the majors last month, and now he already etched his name in the World Series history books after his incredible Game 5 performance.

In seven innings of work on Wednesday night vs. the Dodgers, Yesavage recorded 12 strikeouts against Los Angeles batters, which is now the World Series record for the most strikeouts thrown by a rookie in a single game. He was the first rookie to record 10-plus strikeouts in a World Series game in 76 years, too. Yesavage was also the first rookie to strike out five consecutive batters in a World Series game. He didn’t walk a single batter.

Here's a closer look at all 12 strikeouts Yesavage recorded on Wednesday night.

To add to his excellence, it's worth noting that Yesavage had struck out every batter in the Dodgers lineup at least once through five innings on Wednesday night. That's pretty incredible when facing the reigning World Series championship team with a roster worth around $148 million this year. On the flip side, Yesavage's salary is $57,204 since being called up from the minor leagues, per .

This isn't even the first time Yesavage has recorded over 10 strikeouts in a postseason game this year. In Game 2 of the ALDS vs. the Yankees, Yesavage threw 11 strikeouts over 5.1 innings—Phew. Yesavage has been through a whirlwind introduction to life in the majors, and now is just one game away from a World Series ring.

Both teams went through the Qualifier, and have a 2-2 record against each other in the last four matches

Andrew Fidel Fernando01-Oct-20252:16

Will Pakistan improve their poor record at the World Cup?

Big picture: Bangladesh’s first ODI in five monthsIn the last four ODI meetings between Bangladesh and Pakistan, both sides have won two matches each. To underscore just how evenly matched they seem to be, one of those Bangladesh wins went into a Super Over. These teams also trod similar paths to this World Cup, having played in the World Cup Qualifier in Pakistan, earlier this year. When they met in Lahore, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin and Aliya Riyaz had all contributed in a successful chase of 179.And it is those three batters that shape as a significant strength for Pakistan, as they enter the World Cup proper. All three are in decent touch, having also contributed good scores in the series against South Africa – Amin hit two hundreds – over the past two weeks. Amin, in fact, is the fifth-highest scorer in ODIs this year, averaging 86.33 in this format, though at a relatively sedate strike rate of 70.95. Muneeba, meanwhile, averages 43 across eight innings this year, and Riaz 50 across seven. Many of those runs came against lower-ranked opposition in the Qualifier, however. Thus, they must now dust off similar performances at the pinnacle event.Bangladesh, meanwhile, enter the World Cup perhaps wondering if they are a little underdone. They have had no ODI cricket since that final in Lahore, more than five months ago, in April. Although they beat Ireland 3-0 at home at the end of last year, and comfortably saw off Scotland, Thailand and Ireland at the Qualifier, they lost two matches out of three against West Indies before that.Related

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Through loss and leadership, Fatima Sana finds her way forward

Bangladesh Women's coach suffers minor stroke at World Cup

Bangladesh’s traditional strength has been their bowling, but they also feel they have some batting depth this year. In addition to Nigar Sultana, who has been consistent for some time, they have also been getting contributions from top-order batter Sharmin Akhter, who averages 50.85 across eight innings this year.Sultana’s team does have an additional trial this World Cup, however. Their coach Sarwar Imran suffered a minor stroke in Colombo on Monday. Sultana said he was on the path to recovery, and that she had spoken to him on Tuesday. But his focus will be on recovery for the foreseeable future.Form guide
Pakistan: WLLWW
Bangladesh: LLWWW2:30

Sultana: Batting has been our main concern

In the spotlight: Nigar Sultana and Fatima SanaHer team has crept in under the radar into this World Cup, but Nigar Sultana is having a rich year with the bat so far. In eight innings in 2025, she has four fifty-plus scores, including a 101 off 80 balls against Thailand in the World Cup Qualifier. Sultana didn’t quite get going in the warm-up matches in Colombo, but Bangladesh will likely need runs from their captain if they are to make headway in this tournament.All things considered, Fatima Sana has a tough job over the next week in particular. But she has got one major thing going for her – bowling form. She has 12 wickets at an average of 23.75 in 2025, with an economy rate of 4.92. Sana had been modest in the series at home against South Africa, but bounced back strongly in the warm-ups in Colombo (where Pakistan play all their matches), returning figures of 1 for 30 and 1 for 21, in addition to hitting 64 against South Africa.Pitch and conditions: Expect moisture in the pitchThe match surfaces at Khettarama haven’t been tried yet. But given the amount of rain around in the week before this match – the monsoon might be starting – expect a little moisture in the surface early. Showers could interrupt, but the general trend in the last few weeks is that the rain passes quickly, which should allow for a match, however shortened, to take place.Against Bangladesh, Pakistan could promote Sidra Amin up the order•Associated Press

Team newsBangladesh tried various combinations in the warm-ups. If they decide they want a second frontline seamer, Fariha Trisna might be the option they go for.Bangladesh (possible): 1 Farqana Hoque, 2 Rubya Haider, 3 Sharmin Akhter, 4 Sobhana Mostary, 5 Nigar Sultana (capt, wk), 6 Shorna Akter, 7 Sumaiya Akter, 8 Fahima Khatun, 9 Jannatul Ferdus, 10 Rabeya Khan, 11 Marufa AkterPakistan won their most recent ODI, against South Africa last week. They might go with the same XI, although there could be a promotion up the order for Sidra Amin.Pakistan (possible): 1 Muneeba Ali, 2 Omaima Sohail, 3 Sidra Amin, 4 Fatima Sana (capt), 5 Natalia Pervaiz, 6 Eyman Fatima, 7 Sidra Khan (wk), 8 Syeda Aroob Shah, 9 Diana Baig, 10 Rameen Shamim, 11 Nashra SandhuStats and trivia Nigar Sultana has played more ODIs against Pakistan (11) than against any other opposition aside from South Africa. She has two half-centuries in ten innings against Pakistan. Bangladesh and Pakistan have won exactly eight ODIs against each other. Sana has played 49 ODIs, but this will be her first in Sri Lanka.Quotes”Recently, our coach Junaid has worked on reverse swing with me and Diana Baig. We will try to stick to what worked at the Qualifiers for us. We were successful in the Qualifiers because we had picked up wickets in the middle overs.”
“For a long time, our batting has been the main concern. The bowlers have been spot on every game, and the fielders was also doing well. We talked about it. We have the potential – why aren’t we able to capitalise and go for big innings? We’ve been working hard as a batting unit. We’ve been focusing on the strike rates.”