Tottenham were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by a superior Newcastle United side at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night, and pundit Jamie O’Hara was quick to point out one player during the 90.

Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham

Spurs fell behind with 24 minutes gone when Fabian Schar met Sandro Tonali’s corner – which was delayed by Djed Spence re-tying his bootlaces – with a firm downward header, prompting ultimately-futile protests from the visitors that the defender had not been allowed to get back into position.

Thomas Frank’s side might have been level through their most fluent attack of the half 13 minutes before the break when Brennan Johnson headed the ball into the path of the unmarked Lucas Bergvall, but his cross fell behind Richarlison and the midfielder only just failed to reach Johnson’s driven ball at the far post two minutes later.

Aaron Ramsdale fielded Kevin Danso’s speculative effort and Richarlison’s header, but in the meantime, Harvey Barnes had fired against the crossbar after Thiaw had played a Tonali cross back across goal and his side headed in at the break with the slimmest of advantages.

Joe Willock should have extended Newcastle’s lead within two minutes of the restart, only to mistime and misdirect his header from Barnes’ cross, but he soon made amends after Malick Thiaw picked off Danso’s ball forward.

Willock crossed for Nick Woltemade to head past Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who was stuck in two minds coming out to parry, with the Magpies doubling their advantage.

As Spurs pushed men forward in the search of a foothold, the hosts prospered on the counter, but they needed a superb one-handed save from Aaron Ramsdale to keep out Pape Sarr’s curling attempt on the hour and another to repel Richarlison’s clever flick from a Pedro Porro cross.

However, there was no way back for Frank’s men in the end, as Spurs went back down south with nothing to show for their efforts.

Jamie O'Hara slams "non league" Antonin Kinsky for Tottenham goalkeeping

Given what was a questionable bit of goalkeeping at best from Kinsky, with the Czech ace at fault for being in no mans land for Woltemade’s goal, O’Hara was among the many critics to take aim on social media.

This moment sealed Tottenham’s fate as Frank’s side went crashing out of the cup, and there is a serious case to be made that Kinsky’s fatal error of judgement cost the Lilywhites a place in the quarter-finals.

O’Hara, taking to X, blasted the 22-year-old’s “non league” goalkeeping standards right after Woltemade’s first and Newcastle’s second of the game.

There have been doubts surrounding number one Guglielmo VIcario’s ability to command his area this season, but the Italian’s exceptional shot-stopping against Monaco and Everton all but seals his place as Frank’s first choice keeper for now.

Going by his display against Newcastle, the young Kinsky could still have some way to go, though it is important to remember that the ex-Slavia Prague sensation is still in his infancy when it comes to goalkeeping years.

The New York Yankees lost Game 5 and the 2024 World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night. The loss may weigh most heavily on Aaron Judge, the pinstripes superstar whose intense struggles in the Fall Classic were capped off by a game-changing error in the fifth inning on a routine fly ball. The rally the Dodgers put forth in that inning would change the course of the game and lead to the Yankees' elimination.

It will be a long offseason for Judge and even longer if he (for some reason) tunes into sports talk radio at any point, because Yankees fans are going to be airing their grievances for the next few months. The airwaves received a fine example of that on Thursday morning, when a disgusted caller demanded the Yankees strip Judge of his captaincy and ship him to Queens to play for the New York Mets after his brutal showing.

This is Pat from East Islip:

"All this talk all morning has been about how Gerrit Cole didn't cover first base. This entire World Series comes down to Aaron Judge. He didn't hit, and in the game he did hit, he dropped a fly ball any Little Leaguer would have caught. He's a disgrace to the Yankee uniform, he should be stripped of his captaincy, and as far as I'm concerned, we should trade him to the Mets."

It's about what you'd expect. Sports fans are never more irrational than after a big loss and this was the biggest loss for the Yankees in over a decade. Judge had a majestic season and will likely end up with another MVP award for his efforts, but many New York fans will only remember his regrettable October performances.

The Yankees will not trade him to the Mets, nor will they strip him of his captaincy after he became the first player in pinstripes to earn the honor since Derek Jeter. But, Judge has a long road ahead of him in proving to the fans that his October slump will be a footnote in his venerable career rather than a legacy-defining stretch.

Manchester United are now ready to join the race for an “unbelievable” £75m midfielder amid the interest in Bruno Fernandes and doubts over Casemiro’s future.

Man Utd keen on new midfielder with Casemiro's future up in the air

Casemiro’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, but the Brazilian has remained a key player for Man United, having arguably proven Jamie Carragher wrong since the Sky Sports pundit infamously suggested he needed to “call it a day.”

The 33-year-old has made seven Premier League appearances this season, with the only game he missed being due to suspension, and the midfielder’s defensive attributes have been on display on a regular basis over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Tackles

4.05 (99th percentile)

Blocks

2.33 (99th percentile)

Clearances

2.81 (94th percentile)

There have been widespread reports suggesting the former Real Madrid man could still extend his contract, but his future remains up in the air, while there are also some doubts over whether Fernandes will remain a United player.

According to a report from The Mirror, the Portugal international, who is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, is attracting interest from elsewhere, with Saudi Pro League clubs known to be keen.

Consequently, Man United are now ready to enter the race for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, who has been a shining light for the Tricky Trees amid their poor start to the season.

Having impressed for Forest and England, Anderson’s asking price is now a whopping £75m, with a number of rival Premier League clubs also keen, including Manchester City and Chelsea.

Ruben Amorim views rebuilding his midfield as a priority, having previously looked at signing Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, with United now big admirers of the Forest star too.

Related Carragher said Man Utd star was "awful" in 24/25, now he's their best player

Manchester United appear to have conducted incredible business with the addition of one star.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Oct 21, 2025 "Unbelievable" Anderson impressing for club and country

The 22-year-old has become a regular starter for the Three Lions under the helm of Thomas Tuchel, recently putting in a fantastic display in the 5-0 win against Latvia, completing 121 passes and making four tackles, the highest number of any player.

Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has also made it clear he is a huge admirer of his former teammate, taking the time to praise his performances for Forest.

A £75m asking price is steep, but Anderson is a very well-rounded midfielder, also placing in the 85th percentile for assists per 90 over the past year, compared to other midfielders, so he would undoubtedly be an exciting addition to Amorim’s squad.

Shohei Ohtani enjoyed a record-breaking 2024 season for the Los Angeles Dodgers that wiped away any lingering doubt that he may not be worth the historic, record-breaking contract he signed in free agency last offseason. Recording the first 50 home run, 50 stolen base season in baseball history will do that.

But this time of year is the reason the Dodgers wanted Ohtani, and why Ohtani chose the Dodgers: Playoff baseball. The Japanese mega-star had never played in the postseason heading into 2024, and Los Angeles kept falling short after a 2020 World Series title.

On Saturday, Ohtani suited up for his postseason debut and the Dodgers were immediately in need of his services. The visiting San Diego Padres jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead in the opening frame. Then Ohtani came up in the bottom of the second inning with two men on base. He delivered, mashing a huge game-tying home run for his very first postseason trip around the bases.

And he celebrated in emphatic fashion, flinging his bat to the side as he let loose a joyous yell.

Shohei Ohtani playing October baseball. What a majestic sight. For anyone other than Padres fans, anyway.

A very cool moment for one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.

Tottenham have been handed a major boost which could leave members of the Spurs squad thrilled, as detailed by reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Thomas Frank looking to extend excellent Spurs start against Aston Villa

Thomas Frank has lost just two out of his first 11 games in charge of the Lilywhites, including excellent wins away to Man City, West Ham and Leeds United.

Matches

11

Wins

5

Draws

3

Losses

2

Points

18

Points per game

1.91

While ex-chair Daniel Levy’s decision to part company with Ange Postecoglou — despite the Australian guiding Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years — was met with a very mixed response, the call has so far been vindicated.

Aston Villa, who are in the midst of a mini-revival after a very poor start to 2025/2026, winning their last four games in all competitions, pose a tricky test for Frank’s side as former Arsenal boss Unai Emery looks to keep Villa’s good form going.

Much like the last international break in September, it’s been a very eventful last fortnight for Spurs in the build up to their Premier League return.

Last week, the club announced a £100 million capital injection from the Lewis family, which could partly be reinvested into Tottenham’s recruitment drive or bolstering their wage structure (Kaveh Solhekol).

Soon afterward, the North Londoners confirmed that Fabio Paratici has returned to the club in an official full-time capacity, after months of reports tipping the Italian to come back after his worldwide FIFA ban ended.

Paratici was managing director between 2021 and 2023 before he was forced to resign, and has regularly worked as an outside consultant for the club, including the most recent summer window.

Lange and Paratici prepared to pay £43m for defender with Tottenham approach expected

The co-sporting directors are already looking to solve Frank’s centre-back problem.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 17, 2025

The 53-year-old advised Johan Lange — who he now works alongside in a co-sporting director role — CEO Vinai Venkatesham, and Frank on Tottenham’s transfer strategies, with Paratici now back at N17 as a proper employee.

Before his exit two years ago, the transfer chief played a key role in signing key first-team stars like Cristian Romero, Dejan Kulusevski, Pedro Porro, Rodrigo Bentancur, Djed Spence, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr, with Paratici now tasked as Tottenham’s ‘dealmaker’ while Lange shoulders the responsibility of scouting and data-driven recruitment.

Romano shares why Paratici return is "really important news for Tottenham"

Speaking via his YouTube channel after the announcement of Paratici’s re-hire, famous reporter Romano shared exactly why it is “really important news” for Tottenham — suggesting that members of the squad will be thrilled as well.

Bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record in transfer dealings, Paratici is also known for his extensive contact network across Europe, with Michael Bridge jokingly reporting it’s as long as the Yellow Pages (Sky Sports).

Paratici’s reputation as a fierce negotiator is another significant asset. He’s renowned for his ability to navigate complex deals, and his savvy approach to negotiations ensures Tottenham can compete in the transfer market without overpaying, while still landing impactful players to strengthen the squad.

Beyond his contacts and negotiation skills, Paratici is also rumoured to possess a relentless work ethic. He is hands-on and detail-oriented, often working long hours to ensure all aspects of a deal are covered.

This dedication translates into a focused recruitment strategy that aligns with the club’s ambitions, with Paratici’s presence coming as a big boost for Frank.

MatériaMais Notícias

Botafogo e Palmeiras se enfrentam nesta quarta-feira (1), no Estádio Nilton Santos. A partida será uma espécie de ‘final antecipada’, e colocará frente a frente os dois primeiros colocados na tabela de classificação, em duelo que pode mudar os rumos da briga pelo título.

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A bola rola a partir das 21h (horário de Brasília), em jogo válido pela 31ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. O Lance! acompanha a partida em tempo real.

BOTAFOGO:

Mandante do duelo, o Botafogo fez um primeiro turno de Campeonato Brasileiro irretocável. Considerando apenas os jogos no Nilton Santos, o Alvinegro emplacou uma sequência de 11 vitórias em seus domínios, e o bom aproveitamento colocou a equipe como grande favorita ao título. Não à toa, o time de General Severiano é o líder do torneio desde a terceira rodada.

A situação, porém, mudou de figura no segundo turno. O Botafogo teve uma queda brusca de rendimento, e a diferença que chegou a ser de 13 pontos para o vice-líder, pode cair para apenas três, caso o Palmeiras vença o confronto. Se considerado apenas o comparativo de partidas disputadas no Nilton Santos, ao contrário do primeiro turno, os últimos quatro jogos foram de tropeços: duas derrotas e dois empates.

+ ➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

PALMEIRAS:

O Palmeiras tem sua última possibilidade de título em 2023 justamente no Brasileirão, pois focou na Libertadores, se frustrou e caiu na semifinal para o Boca Juniors (ARG). O torneio continental era a aposta de Abel Ferreira para o Verdão conquistar uma ‘grande taça’ no ano.

Depois da eliminação, os comandados do técnico português se viram em grande desvantagem de pontos para buscar o líder Botafogo no Campeonato Brasileiro. Com o ‘objetivo recalculado’ e sequência positiva de três vitórias consecutivas, o Palmeiras pode tirar a diferença para três pontos e passa a ser real ameaça ao Glorioso, que vive momento de instabilidade na competição.

Karabo Meso, the 17-year-old wicket-keeper batter, will go to her first World Cup after being included in South Africa’s squad for the ODI tournament in India and Sri Lanka which starts later this month.She has just two ODI caps to her name and has played seven senior internationals in all, but has featured in two Under-19 World Cups and won the SA20 Schools title with Steyn City earlier this year. Meso is one of two players who will play at a World Cup for the first time. Offspin-bowling allrounder Nondumiso Shangase, who was recalled to South Africa’s squad in May, is the other.Top-order batter Anneke Bosch and allrounders Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen will also feature in an ODI World Cup squad for the first time; they have previously been in T20 World Cup squads.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

The rest of South Africa’s 15-player group is as expected, led by Laura Wolvaardt with significant experience in different departments. Allrounders Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon and seamer Ayabonga Khaka all played important roles in South Africa reaching the last ODI World Cup semi-finals and will be present again.As reported last week, there was no room for former captain Dane van Niekerk, who was included in a training camp but her international comeback remains a while away.Others present in that camp but not making the squad are batters Lara Goodall and Faye Tunnicliffe, seamer Ayanda Hlubi, legspinner Seshnie Naidu and allrounders Eliz-Mari Marx and Luyanda Ntuza. Miane Smit, an allrounder who bowls offspin, has been included as the lone travelling reserve.”The make-up of the squad is underpinned by the consistent selection process that was adhered to during the recent ICC Women’s Championship cycle, while taking into account the subcontinent conditions and the different characteristics of the group required for a successful tournament of this nature,” Clinton du Preez, South Africa’s convenor of selectors, said.Under head coach Mandla Mashimbyi, SA have lost four ODIs in 10 outings•Cricket South Africa

This will be the first major tournament South Africa will play under head coach Mandla Mashimbyi, who succeeded Hilton Moreeng in a permanent capacity last year. In Mashimbyi’s tenure, South Africa have been inconsistent, with four wins in ten ODIs, including a series win over West Indies in June. Mashimbyi was occasionally without some senior players – such as Kapp for the tri-series in Sri Lanka – but will have one more opportunity to fine-tune his combinations before the tournament starts.South Africa tour Pakistan for three ODIs to be played between September 16 and 22 before moving on to India for their World Cup opener against England. Their recent tournament run has included two ODI World Cup semi-finals and back-to-back T20 World Cup finals, and there is expectation for them to take the next step and claim a cup. Mashimbyi is confident this group of players can deliver.”From the moment I joined this team, and even before my time when the squad went through the qualification phase, it was all about working towards this moment,” Mashimbyi said. “We can look back at the amount of preparation we have put in and know that we have done our best. We are ready to send a squad to the World Cup that will make South Africa proud.”We believe we have the squad of players that can go out there and deliver on the world stage. Now it is all about carrying that belief with us every step of the way, along with the support of the entire nation.”

South Africa squad for Women’s ODI World Cup

Laura Wolvaardt, Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon
Travelling reserve: Miane Smit

As is the case with every club of their size, Arsenal have had some truly special players represent them in the Premier League era.

The likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pirès terrified defenders, while Sol Campbell and Tony Adams did the same to opposition attackers.

The Gunners have also been blessed with some incredible midfielders over the last 25 years or so, such as the legendary Patrick Vieira.

Nobody has quite been able to live up to the Frenchman since, but there is one player in Mikel Arteta’s side who’s starting to emulate him.

Arsenal's best midfielders in the Premier League

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Chalkboard

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

Additionally, the players must no longer be at the club, as currently, Arteta’s side are yet to win anything significant.

With that out of the way, coming in at number three has to be the incredible Gilberto Silva.

The Brazilian monster joined the club in the summer of 2002 and went on to make 244 appearances over the next five years, scoring 24 goals and providing 14 assists.

Once described as the man who “carried the piano for Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo to play their tunes on” by the outlet Veja, the often underappreciated titan carried out a similar role in North London that saw him leave with one league title, two FA Cups and two Community Shields.

Just pipping Gilberto into second place is Cesc Fàbregas, as while he was no stranger to playing higher up the pitch, he spent most of his time in North London playing centrally.

The Spaniard may have left on poor terms, but he did so with an incredible record of 57 goals and 95 assists in 303 games, in which he won one FA Cup and one Community Shield.

Finally, first place simply had to be for Captain Fantastic himself, Vieira.

Arriving from AC Milan in the summer of 1996, the French international would go on to help transform the Gunners’ midfield and leave as a bona fide legend.

In addition to captaining the side during the Invincible season, the monstrous midfielder eventually left the club after making 405 appearances, during which he scored 32 goals, provided 47 assists, won three league titles, five FA Cups, and three Community Shields.

The Arsenal star becoming Arteta's Vieira

While they need to win something significant first, there are several stars in this Arsenal team who could easily become legends in their own right over the coming years.

However, when it comes to the player who could, and looks like they will become Arteta’s own Vieira, it has to be Declan Rice.

The Gunners’ £105m has been a brilliant player for them since his mega money move in the summer of 2023, but over the last year, and especially this season, he has really stepped it up and is now starting to emulate some of the Frenchman’s best qualities.

For example, while he is no longer an out-and-out six, he remains a defensive and physical powerhouse and someone who is more than happy to throw his weight around to disrupt opposition attacks.

For example, Fbref still ranks him in the top 16% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for the percentage of aerial duels won per 90 minutes.

Moreover, while he does not have the armband for the club, he is still one of the most vocal players on the pitch and is one of the five players in the manager’s leadership group.’

Finally, in addition to possessing the attitude and physical characteristics of the Gunners legend, the former West Ham star is also comparable in terms of footballing ability.

Rice’s Arsenal record
Appearances	118
Starts	107
Minutes	9442′
Goals	18
Assists	24
Goal Involvements per Match	0.35
Minutes per Goal Involvement	224.80′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

Whether it’s a dead-ball situation or during play, the Englishman is one of “the best in the world,” per Thomas Frank, and has the ability to ping the ball exactly where he wants it, and over the last couple of campaigns has become far more of a goal threat.

Both of these traits were on full display against Burnley at the weekend and will undoubtedly be again for the next game.

Ultimately, while the comparison won’t be truly appropriate until he lifts a title with Arsenal, it is clear that Rice is becoming Arteta’s own Vieira.

Better than Rice: Arsenal "colossus" is having a Ballon d'Or level season

Just like Declan Rice, the incredible Arsenal star is having an unreal season under Mikel Arteta.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 3, 2025

Chelsea have already reached out for discussions with the representatives of Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz, with Enzo Maresca hatching a new tactical plan involving Cole Palmer.

The west Londoners have lost three out of their last five Premier League games and narrowly escaped with a thrilling 4-3 win away to bottom side Wolves in the Carabao Cup earlier this week.

Despite spending nearly £300 million in the summer transfer window, there is clearly still work to be done from Chelsea’s perspective, and reports suggest that Juventus are even taking an interest in Maresca ahead of next summer.

The Old Lady appointed Luciano Spalletti on an interim basis until the end of the season, but if that doesn’t work out and Maresca fails to turn the tide at Stamford Bridge, a move to Juve could be on the cards in 2026.

In the meantime, Chelsea’s manager is surely tasked with finishing in the top four at the very least, and preferably adding more silverware to the club’s trophy cabinet after their Conference League and Club World Cup triumphs earlier this year.

According to some reports, Maresca is still quite unhappy with the options he has at Chelsea right now, so January could be a key month despite heavy summer backing in the market.

The most obvious area Chelsea are short in is centre-back, with ex-midfielder John Obi-Mikel claiming that the Blues will get nowhere near a Premier League title boasting that backline.

Ahead of the winter window’s opening, reports suggest that Chelsea are prioritising a new centre-back, with Levi Colwill expected to be out until spring 2026 after rupturing his ACL in pre-season.

However, they could also land a new forward, and have been linked with Yildiz as a serious option.

Chelsea make "very exciting" Yildiz offer amid Cole Palmer plan

Fabrizio Romano says that Chelsea “really like” the Turkey international who’s dazzled as Juve’s star attacker since the beginning of last season.

Yildiz racked up 12 goals and nine assists in all competitions across 2024/2025, finishing the campaign as their best-performing regular with over 10 starts, going by average match rating per 90 minutes (WhoScored).

The 20-year-old also made more key passes per 90 and completed more take-ons in the final third than any of his teammates, with Yildiz starting 25/26 in equally imperious fashion.

Juventus 2-0 Parma Calcio

8.88

Juventus 4-3 Inter Milan

8.51

Juventus 3-1 Udinese

7.55

Atalanta 1-1 Juventus

7.10

Genoa 0-1 Juventus

7.04

via WhoScored

He has seven goal contributions in 12 appearances already this term, attracting serious interest from Stamford Bridge.

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea have “discreetly” reached out to Yildiz’s camp with a “very exciting” offer to join them, and Italian insiders are adamant that Maresca’s side are in pole position to land him.

This comes as Maresca hatches a plan to partner the young Turk with Palmer up front, as Chelsea see him as the “ideal” player to link up with their England superstar.

However, there are major obstacles to overcome in this would-be transfer — mainly Juve’s minimum demand of around £79 million — with Real Madrid also in the race.

Los Blancos are described as a “major threat” to Chelsea in pursuit of Yildiz, and the player is apparently very enticed by Xabi Alonso’s side as a possible destination.

There is also the matter of Juve apparently stepping up new contract talks to keep him out of rival clutches, so Chelsea could have to launch the kitchen sink if this move has any chance of happening.

Chelsea have been offered another Juventus star too

Superchargers will progress to Sunday’s final to face Brave if rain scuppers Saturday’s showdown

ECB Media26-Aug-2025

Annabel Sutherland celebrates after taking the wicket of Beth Mooney•Getty Images

Northern Superchargers 96 for 2 (Sutherland 30*, Davidson-Richards 30) beat Manchester Originals 94 (Monaghan 26, Sutherland 3-15) by eight wicketsIn the battle to reach The Hundred Eliminator this Saturday – with Southern Brave having already secured their spot in The Hundred Final – it was the Northern Superchargers who came out on top at Headingley as Manchester Originals, targeting the huge score that would have significantly bumped up their run rate, ended up being bowled out for just 94, a score that the Superchargers knocked off with ease to win by eight wickets and ensure second place.With the runners-up in the table going through to the final in the event of an Eliminator wash-out, the Superchargers will be pleased with their afternoon’s work, their win guaranteeing them that second spot and ensuring London Spirit would join them in the Eliminator.Electing to field first, Hollie Armitage’s side saw Beth Mooney get off to a flyer but once she had gone for 20 off 13, the rest of the innings was something of a procession.Kate Cross put the disappointment of her non-selection for England’s World Cup squad behind her, showcasing the enduring qualities of line and length in conceding just six runs from her 15 deliveries.Annabel Sutherland also starred with 3 for 15, while Nicola Carey took 2 for 13, both off their full allocation. Only Alice Monaghan sparkled, her 26 in 17 balls containing the innings’ only two sixes.Faced with the nigh-on impossible task of restricting the Superchargers to 38 in order to finish in third place or 35 to claim second, the Originals tried hard but the task was simply too great.Those two targets came and went as Alice Davidson-Richards went on the charge, hitting 30 off 18 with six boundaries, before she hit the competition’s quickest bowler Lauren Filer to Deandra Dottin on the edge.Sutherland (30* off 17) carried on attacking, hitting Dottin down the ground exquisitely for four then six, Phoebe Litchfield (26* off 20) at the other end working the gaps and unfurling the occasional well-timed sweep and pull shot.The result was beyond doubt well before the end as the Australian pair eased to victory by eight wickets with 35 balls to spare.The Meerkat Match Hero Annabel Sutherland said: “It feels great. Hopefully we can carry that momentum into the next two games. We love it at Headingley and I guess it shows in the results we’ve got here.”Everyone’s really keen for Saturday, and hopefully we will put our best foot forward. We honestly just have a blast out there. We really enjoy each other’s company. It’s a great tournament, lots of fun.”