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Crystal Palace are sitting 12th in the Premier League after 25 games played, winning seven games, drawing nine, and losing nine. The Eagles are on 30 points, putting them seven points off a top-half spot, and 13 points from the relegation zone.

Oliver Glasner’s side have struggled more on the attacking end this season, scoring just 29 goals in their 25 matches played and averaging 43.8% possession – the fourth lowest in the division – but taking 13.9 shots per match which is the tenth highest in the league.

But, it is the defensive stability that Glasner’s shape gives the Eagles, conceding 13 shots per game, and only shipping 32 goals, that has given them a good base to work from and has allowed them to go on a good run of form.

Crystal Palace's current midfield options

One area the Eagles have struggled for consistency this campaign is in their two central midfield spots.

It’s not as though they lack options, with Cheick Doucoure, Adam Wharton, Jefferson Lerma, Will Hughes, Justin Devenny and Daichi Kamada all playing in the midfield pairing at one point or another this season.

Marc Guehi was even required to play in midfield for one week due to injuries in the squad, which has highlighted the inconsistency in that area due to both fitness concerns and the poor form of certain players.

Due to the all-action role the central midfielders play in Glasner’s system, they have to be able to control the tempo on the ball, go from box to box to provide support in all phases and break up play to protect the defensive line, especially when the wing-backs are flying high.

But the Eagles may well have already had the perfect man for that job on loan back in 2023, who only made nine appearances for the club, totalling 536 minutes.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

Crystal Palace had a Doucoure upgrade

Albert Sambi Lokonga joined Crystal Palace on loan in January 2023 from Arsenal but only managed nine appearances for the club.

Since then, the midfielder has taken his game up a level, spending 2023/24 on loan with Luton Town, before making the move to Sevilla on an initial loan deal, with an option to buy.

It’s over the last 18 months or so that the Belgian has developed immensely, with his exploits at Kenilworth Road last term even seeing him be compared to Moises Caicedo, as per FBref.

So, how does he compare to the £115m Chelsea player and Doucoure?

Lokonga vs Doucoure & Caicedo
Stats (per 90 mins)	Lokonga	Doucoure	Caicedo
Goals + Assists	0.15	0.00	0.12
Progressive Carries	1.53	0.40	1.06
Progressive Passes	5.48	3.80	5.38
Passes Attempted	58.1	40.8	61.3
Pass Completion %	89.7%	85.3%	89.1%
Passes into Final Third	5.16	3.40	6.61
Tackles	1.45	3.20	3.01
Interceptions	0.73	1.90	1.34
Ball Recoveries	4.76	6.20	5.89
Aerial Duels Won	1.94	1.00	1.02
Stats taken from FBref

When comparing Lokonga’s underlying numbers this season to Doucoure and Caicedo, you can see the Belgian has demonstrated even better progressive numbers than the latter at Chelsea, both with carries and passing.

As mentioned earlier, Glasner’s midfield two are often all-action, having to win their duels to protect the defence, but also help progress play on the ball.

Lokonga, despite having some lower defensive action numbers than the other two midfielders, demonstrates a good level of balance between the two sides of the game.

Whilst it’s easy to say in hindsight, perhaps the midfielder joining on another loan with an option to buy could have been a good move for Palace, in order to add another midfielder of a similar profile to deal with injuries in that area.

Crystal Palace have hit gold on Eagles star who's worth more than Chilwell

Crystal Palace now have two amazing options at left-back.

By
Connor Holden

Feb 9, 2025

Manchester United are now ready to make a summer bid to sign a Real Madrid player who wants to leave, according to a recent report.

Man Utd eye defensive reinforcements

The Red Devils are looking to put their FA Cup elimination behind them as they travel to Spain to face Real Sociedad in the last 16 of the Europa League. This represents United’s last chance of picking up silverware this season, and Ruben Amorim will be eager for his side to come away from Spain in a healthy position ahead of the second leg.

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ByTom Cunningham Mar 6, 2025

Apart from the Europa League, United have nothing else to play for, so it is no surprise to see plans being drawn up ahead of the summer transfer window. There are several areas that Amorim will be keen to address, with the defensive structure of his team appearing to be high up on the agenda. That is because, according to reports from Spain, United now want to sign Nayef Aguerd from West Ham United in the summer but face competition from Sociedad, who also want to sign him after a successful loan spell there.

In another move to strengthen their defensive structure, United are preparing an offer worth £67 million to sign defensive midfielder Marc Casado from FC Barcelona. The La Liga giants are not looking to sell the midfielder, but their ongoing financial concerns mean they could be tempted into a sale for the right price.

Man Utd ready to offer £33m to sign Real Madrid goalkeeper Lunin

But it could be argued that it hasn’t been United’s defence that has let them down; it has been their goalkeeper, Andre Onana, who has made costly mistakes. Therefore, a new goalkeeper could be on their list of priorities this summer, and according to a report from Spain, Man United are ready to offer 40 million euros (£33 million) to sign Andriy Lunin, who is ready to leave Real Madrid.

The report states that United see signing Lunin as an opportunity to strengthen their goalkeeper department. Despite him being under contract until 2030, Lunin being second choice behind Thibaut Courtois means he will consider a move away from the Bernabeu. The Red Devils are keen to persuade the European champions into a sale by offering more than his market value.

The Premier League side do have Altay Bayindir in their ranks, but the Turkey international has missed the last few weeks through injury and has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot. Meanwhile, Onana started the season off very strong, but in recent months has made some costly mistakes, and it appears Amorim could be losing patience with him with reports suggesting the board regret signing him.

Apps

3

Goals conceded

4

Goals conceded per game

1.3

Saves made

4

Saves per game

1.3 (50%)

Goals prevented

-1.23

Clean sheets

2

Lunin, who helped Real Madrid secure the Champions League last season, has been with the Spanish giants since 2018. But it was only last season that he played regular football while Courtois was injured. Therefore, an opportunity to move to the Premier League and become a number one could be too tempting to turn down, and United could have a good chance of signing a proven goalkeeper.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Fortaleza realizou, neste domingo, uma ação de conscientização pelo Dia Mundial de Combate ao Trabalho Infantil. Em conjunto com o Tribunal Regional do Trabalho da 7ª Região (TRT), o clube dispôs uma cesta de doações para crianças preenchida com ferramentas e itens de trabalho adulto para chamar a atenção de quem passava pelo órgão.

– VEJA A TABELA DO BRASILEIRÃO

Localizada no hall de saída do TRT, a caixa da campanha, que continha a frase “Tudo Para uma Infância Feliz”, representava uma situação fictícia, mas que é vivenciada por milhões de crianças no Brasil. De acordo com dados de 2020 do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE), 1,7 milhão de crianças e adolescentes, entre 5 e 17 anos, trabalham. O número representa cerca 4,6% da faixa etária.

Para Sidarta Arruda, diretor de criação do Fortaleza, a mensagem exibida causou o efeito esperado. ‘Foram inúmeras as pessoas que, ao verem a caixa, soltavam a interjeição: ‘Isso é pra crianças?’. Era justamente esse o questionamento que queríamos provocar. Esperamos que essa reflexão se transforme em atitude, ao discar o número 100 e denunciar esta prática para reduzir este dado’.

Nos últimos meses, o Leão do Pici tem realizado diversas campanhas e ações sociais em prol da inclusão e do combate a práticas discriminatórias. Em março, o Fortaleza organizou o 1º Encontro de Mulheres Tricolores com oficinas e palestras gratuitas. Já em maio, a torcida do Fortaleza realizou um mosaico e ações antirracistas antes do duelo contra o River Plate, pela fase de grupos da Copa Libertadores da América 2022.

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Lamine Yamal aimed a brutal dig at Real Madrid after Barcelona beat them 3-2 in the Copa del Rey final.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Yamal tasted victory with Catalan giants
• Barca won thriller in extra time
• Game ends in acrimony

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Barca beat Madrid 3-2 in the final on Saturday night. Hansi Flick's side took the lead through Pedri but Kylian Mbappe and Aurelien Tchouameni combined to give Real a 2-1 lead with six minutes to go, before Ferran Torres equalised to force extra time. Jules Kounde then netted a 116th-minute winner, and Real had three players sent off after full-time. Antonio Rudiger attempted to throw ice at the referee and was sent off, while Jude Bellingham and Lucas Vazquez were also dismissed.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Barca have played Real three times this season already and will meet again on May 11, in what could prove to be a pivotal game in the title race, with Barca four points clear at the top of La Liga. Barca won the return fixture 4-0 at the Bernabeu, with Yamal on the scoresheet, and they also won 5-2 in the final of the Supercopa de Espana, with Yamal scoring in that game too. He has now taunted Los Blancos.

• WHAT LAMINE YAMAL SAID

  After Barca's win over Real, Yamal told reporters: “This year, they simply can’t beat us. We’ve proven that. I’m really happy. Visca Barca!”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Barca face Inter in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final in midweek, as Yamal and Co. go in search of even more silverware.

أعلن الكرواتي كرونسلاف يورتشيتش، المدير الفني لفريق بيراميدز، التشكيل الأساسي لمواجهة بتروجيت، ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ويحل بيراميدز ضيفا ًعلى بتروجيت في استاد بتروسبورت، في إطار مواجهات الجولة السابعة من المرحلة النهائية لبطولة الدوري المصري.

طالع.. حكم مباراة بيراميدز وبتروجيت في الدوري المصري

يواصل بيراميدز مشواره في الدوري المصري وهو يحتل المركز الثاني في جدول الترتيب برصيد 50 نقطة، في حين يتواجد بتروجيت في المركز الثامن برصيد 26 نقطة.

ويسعى بيراميدز لمواصلة نتائجه الإيجابية والاقتراب أكثر من صدارة الترتيب، بعدما حقق فوزًا ثمينًا في الجولة الماضية على الزمالك بهدف دون مقابل، ويأمل في مواصلة الضغط على الأهلي المتصدر من خلال إضافة ثلاث نقاط جديدة إلى رصيده.

وكان الكونغولي فيستون ماييلي في التشكيل الأساسي، قبل أن  يتم استبعاده من القائمة بعد إصابته بشد في الخلفية خلال الإحماء وشارك بدلا منه مروان حمدي في التشكيل الأساسي، وانضم دودو الجباس لقائمة المباراة. تشكيل بيراميدز اليوم أمام بتروجيت في الدوري

حراسة المرمى: أحمد الشناوي.

خط الدفاع: محمد حمدي – محمود مرعي – أحمد سامي – محمد الشيبي.

خط الوسط: بلاتي توريه – وليد الكرتي – عبد الرحمن مجدي – إبراهيم عادل – أحمد عاطف قطة.

خط الهجوم: مروان حمدي. بدلاء بيراميدز اليوم أمام بتروجيت

شريف إكرامي – علي جبر – أسامة جلال – أحمد توفيق – محمود دونجا – كريم حافظ – صديق إيجولا – يوسف أوباما – مروان حمدي.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras é o melhor mandante entre os clubes da Série A em 2022, com 88,89% de aproveitamento dos pontos disputados. No entanto, o time ainda não venceu no Allianz Parque, sua casa, pelo Brasileirão-2022. Aliás, pela competição nacional, o Verdão está sem um triunfo no estádio desde novembro de 2021. Contra o Red Bull Bragantino, neste sábado, às 16h30, o objetivo é afastar esse mal.

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As últimas vitórias em casa do Alviverde pelo Campeonato Brasileiro foram na Arena Barueri: Ceará (1 a 0), pela edição do ano passado, e Corinthians (3 a 0), neste ano. Desde que venceu o Atlético-GO, por 4 a 0, no Allianz Parque, em 10 de novembro de 2021, quatro partidas se passaram e nada de triunfar em seu estádio. Foram duas derrotas (São Paulo e Ceará) e dois empates (Atlético-MG e Fluminense).

Essa situação é incomum para quem tem um retrospecto altamente favorável quando joga em casa nesta temporada. São 13 vitórias, um empate e uma derrota, 40 pontos conquistados dos 45 possíveis. Os cinco perdidos, porém, foram justamente no Brasileirão para Ceará, logo na estreia, quando perdeu por 3 a 2, e Fluminense, mais recentemente, quando empatou em 1 a 1, tendo saído na frente.

E tem mais.A temporada 2022, inclusive, aparece como a mais vitoriosa e a segunda menos vazada da história do Palmeiras na arena, com 87,17% de aproveitamento e sete gols sofridos (média de 0,53 gol por jogo). Por essas e outras, chama a atenção a dificuldade que a equipe tem tido para conquistar os pontos em sua casa.

Mas essa má fase do Allianz Parque no Brasileirão já vem de algum tempo. Dos 18 jogos que o time fez por lá no ano passado, venceu apenas dez, empatou três e perdeu cinco, tendo um aproveitamento de apenas 61,1%. Aliás, vale destacar que 2021 foi o pior ano do estádio desde a sua fundação, em 2014, com dez derrotas do Verdão.

Já em 2020, o índice de pontos conquistados foi ainda pior: 59,3%. Foram 18 jogos, 8 vitórias, 8 empates e 2 derrotas, ou seja, o Alviverde não chegou a vencer metade das partidas que disputou no Allianz Parque pelo Brasileirão daquele ano. Como um ponto de explicação, em boa parte de 2020 e de 2021 o estádio recebeu duelos com portões fechados por conta da pandemia de coronavírus.

Nas duas edições dos pontos corridos em que o Palmeiras se saiu campeão, a equipe teve um aproveitamento superior aos 80% jogando no Allianz. Em 2018 conquistou 84,4% dos pontos que disputou, enquanto em 2016 somou 82,4% da pontuação possível. Nas duas oportunidades o fator casa foi essencial para o título.

Por enquanto, o aproveitamento palmeirense no Allianz Parque pelo Brasileirão-2022 é igual ao do ano da inauguração, em 2014, quando foi derrotado pelo Sport e empatou com o Athletico-PR. Naquela edição, com apenas dois jogos, o índice foi de 16,7%, exatamente o mesmo da atual com exatamente o mesmo número de partidas.

Confira os números citados acima:

Palmeiras com mandante em 2022
15 jogos/13 vitórias/1 empate/1 derrota – 88,89% de aproveitamento

Palmeiras no Allianz Parque em 2022
13 jogos/11 vitórias/1 empate/1 derrota – 87,17% de aproveitamento

Palmeiras no Allianz Parque em Campeonatos Brasileiros

2022 – 16,7% de aproveitamento
2021 – 61,1% de aproveitamento
2020 – 59,3% de aproveitamento
2019 – 71,4% de aproveitamento
2018 – 84,4% de aproveitamento (campeão)
2017 – 64,4% de aproveitamento
2016 – 82,4% de aproveitamento (campeão)
2015 – 54,9% de aproveitamento
2014 – 16,7% de aproveitamento (apenas 2 jogos)

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The date is December 2023. Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side have just suffered a dismal 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

Now, the date is December 2024. Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United side have just suffered a terrible 3-0 loss against the Cherries at home again. Deja Vu? Quite.

When Amorim was first announced as the new United boss it spread hope across the fanbase that has been rarely seen over the last decade or so. Then, when Marcus Rashford put the Red Devils 1-0 up within a minute of the Portuguese’s first match in the dugout, it looked like a genius decision to hire him.

Sadly, since then, it’s not gone particularly well for either Rashford or Amorim. The winger has been excluded from the last three match days squads while United have won just twice in the Premier League since.

There was, of course, that famous win at the Etihad last Sunday, but another poor week has followed that victory and hasn’t given the new boss much breathing room ahead of this busy festive season.

So, who was to blame this weekend? A fair individuals red, truth be told. One of them was Tyrel Malacia.

Tyrel Malacia's performance vs Bournemouth

This was a terrible afternoon at the back for United who shipped their ninth set-piece goal of the league season before conceding a penalty and then giving the ball away all too easily for Andoni Iraola’s team’s third goal of the encounter.

While Malacia was hooked at half-time and unable to prevent the second and third goals that occurred, he was the man who gave away the free-kick that led to Dean Huijsen’s opener early on in the first half.

Minutes played

45

Touches

34

Accurate passes

20/24 (83%)

Key passes

1

Crosses

0/1

Long balls

2/3

Shots

0

Dribbles

0

Duels won

1/5

Possession lost

7x

Fouls

2

That rather set the tone for what was a shoddy afternoon for the wing-back who was brought off at half-time for the third time during Amorim’s reign, leaving the pitch having won just one of his five duels during the encounter.

Such a shaky performance did not go down with fans or pundits alike, with Manchester Evening News’ Samuel Luckhurst noting that he deserved a 3/10 for his display at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday.

This was about as far from a dreamy performance you can get, with Malacia’s nightmare stint in the northwest only seeming to continue, despite the change in manager.

The Dutchman’s colleague, Joshua Zirkzee, also wasn’t particularly great.

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Joshua Zirkzee's performance in numbers

Zirkzee has flattered to deceive since being signed in the summer, let’s put it that away.

The hulking forward got his United career off to a dream start when he netted a late winner against Fulham during the opening Premier League match of the season. Since then, he has added just two league goals to his tally, notably netting twice in the 4-0 win over Everton at the start of the month.

That’s about as good as it’s got, however, for a sluggish-looking forward whose touch has been incredibly poor. He’s lacked grace, composure and the necessary quality to thrive as the leading man for United and it surely won’t be long before Rasmus Hojlund is given an extended period in the starting lineup.

Also receiving a 3/10 rating from the aforementioned Luckhurst, he pinpointed Zirkzee’s poorest moment as his “absolutely hopeless” attempt at marking Huijsen for the opening goal of the afternoon.

Minutes played

54

Touches

19

Accurate passes

6/11 (55%)

Key passes

0

Crosses

0

Shots on target

0

Shots off target

1

Ground duels won

1/2

Aerial duels won

1/4

Amorim hasn’t been shy of hiding his feelings since becoming manager and was visibly irked by some of the work his striker was producing on Sunday. Indeed, that was most visible when, after losing an aerial duel, he withdrew the summer signing from proceedings just as United were preparing to defend a corner.

In truth, Zirkzee struggled to ever get in the game and made just six passes while only having 19 touches of the ball, far fewer than Malacia’s numbers as outlined earlier. Also losing possession ten times, it meant he surrendered the ball every 1.9 times he touched it. Dismal stuff.

Also failing to have a single shot on target, it’s clear that if Amorim is going to improve this side, he needs a better striker. How he must lust after Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Barca really want to sign him: Man Utd set for Beckham repeat with £35m ace

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing a player from Manchester United.

ByMatt Dawson Dec 22, 2024

Over the previous few weeks, it looked as though Glasgow Rangers had rediscovered their mojo.

This was undone on Boxing Day, however, as the Ibrox side suffered a damaging 2-1 defeat to St Mirren in the Premiership which means they now trail Celtic by 12 points in the league table.

The pressure may have alleviated on Philippe Clement in recent weeks, but this loss certainly ends any hopes of the Light Blues winning the league title. With a clash against Celtic to come next week, a loss could see Clement lose his job.

Several players underperformed against the Buddies, including Nedim Bajrami, who was poor during his time on the pitch.

Nedim Bajrami’s game in numbers vs St Mirren

The Albanian was deployed in his preferred position as a number 10 against St Mirren, but he failed to offer anything meaningful going forward.

The game was crying out for a player of his quality to provide a cutting edge, yet Bajrami managed to make just 11 passes while taking 21 touches of the ball.

Bajrami also failed to win a single duel against the Paisley side, lost possession ten times, failed with his only dribble and didn’t even register a single shot before he was subbed at halftime after a lethargic performance.

Bajrami has often been used on the left flank to good effect since arriving at Ibrox in the summer, but if he wishes to play as an attacking midfielder, he will have to offer much more than what he did against St Mirren.

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

21

Completed passes

11

Key passes

0

Dribble attempts (successful)

1 (0)

It wasn’t just the former Sassuolo man who was disappointing, as Hamza Igamane delivered yet another poor performance.

Hamza Igamane's display vs St Mirren

The Moroccan striker has been a breath of fresh air recently, offering something different to Clement’s attack, which has seen him score against the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Nice in Europe.

Clement unleashed him against St Mirren, but he couldn’t replicate his recent performances as the striker lost 11 of his 13 contested duels, lost the ball 12 times and even missed a big chance.

Igamane did register three shots and attempted four dribbles, yet he could only find the target once, while succeeding with just one dribble, showing a lack of composure in the final third.

Of course, he is still maturing and the more games he plays, the better Igamane will get. It is all fine and well performing in Europe, but trips to Paisley, for example, are where league titles can be lost.

This was the case on Boxing Day, as the defeat to Stephen Robinson’s men made winning the league title an almost impossible task, with Igamane perhaps among those who should make way next time out.

A clash against Motherwell on Sunday represents a chance for the Light Blues to bounce back to winning ways. Another loss, just four days before an Old Firm tie, could signal the end of Clement’s reign at Ibrox.

Worse than Sterling: Clement must drop Rangers flop who lost 100% duels

The Glasgow Rangers midfielder failed to grasp his opportunity to impress.

ByDan Emery Dec 27, 2024

The visitors fell short by seven runs as Tendai Chatara did a good job defending14 runs off the final over

Firdose Moonda17-May-2022

[File pic] Craig Ervine was the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 39-ball 55•Sportsfile via Getty Images

Tendai Chatara defended 14 runs off the final over as Zimbabwe beat Namibia by seven runs in the first T20I between the two countries. Chatara delivered a final over laced with yorkers and claimed the wicket of Zane Green, who had breached the boundary twice at the death, to seal a memorable win.Namibia were in the hunt throughout their innings chasing 154 to win, and in the driving seat in the first half after a 67-run opening stand between Craig Williams and debutant Divan la Cock, before the Zimbabwe spinners stalled their charge. Brandon Mavuta had Williams caught at deep midwicket and, in the next over, Milton Shumba dismissed captain Gerhard Erasmus thanks to a good catch from Donald Tiripano, who ran back from point to take a skier.Raza fined 50% match fee

Zimbabwe allrounder Sikandar Raza earned two demerit points and lost half his match fee for showing dissent to the umpire’s decision after dismissal. The incident happened in the 16th over when given out LBW. An ICC statement said: “He questioned the decision by showing his bat to the umpire, used inappropriate words about the decision numerous times as he was leaving the field of play, and shouted his displeasure again as he entered the dressing room.”

Shumba had Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton stumped four overs later, the delivery after la Cock had brought up an aggressive half-century, off 36 balls, and then claimed the key wicket of la Cock, in the 17th over. With 35 runs required off 21 balls, la Cock dragged a wide delivery from outside off stump to deep midwicket, where Luke Jongwe took a few steps to his left to complete the catch. That left it to David Wiese and Green to finish off, but Wiese could not find the boundary and Namibia ended a shot away from forcing a Super Over.Zimbabwe, who are using this series as preparation for the T20 World Cup Qualifier in July, will breathe a sigh of relief after they were kept in check by a disciplined Namibia attack. Wessley Madhevere and Regis Chakabva put on 33 in the first four overs but were dismissed within two overs of each other to leave Zimbabwe 44 for 2 just after the powerplay. Bernard Scholtz took both wickets and finished as the best of Namibia’s eight bowlers with 2 for 19 and an economy rate of 4.75 runs. He was also one of only two Namibia bowlers – Jan Frylinck the other – who completed their full quota of overs.Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza put on 71 runs for the third wicket and lifted the scoring rate above seven runs an over to take Zimbabwe to 114 for 2 after 15 overs. Then Raza was dismissed lbw by Erasmus and Shumba caught for four, which threatened to leave Ervine without a finishing partner. The Zimbabwe captain took on the big-hitting role himself and brought up his fifth T20I half-century off 38 balls with a six in the final over of the innings, but may have wondered if they had enough on the board after the way Namibia began their reply.

Second straight loss for defending champions CSK as Super Giants steal it at the close

Hemant Brar31-Mar-20221:57

Jaffer: Super Giants can’t drop Lewis for Stoinis now

KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock set the platform with a 99-run opening stand, Evin Lewis smashed an unbeaten 55 off 23 balls and Ayush Badoni played a cameo towards the end as Lucknow Super Kings chased down 211 with six wickets and three balls to spare. It was the sixth instance in seven games this IPL that the chasing side won the match.Earlier, Super Kings never took their foot off the pedal after being put in. Robin Uthappa struck a 27-ball 50, which included eight fours and a six, and Shivam Dube smashed 49 off 30 to help the side to a formidable 210 for 7.Super Kings, though, were aware it wasn’t necessarily a winning total. The conditions were dewy – the umpires changed the ball in both innings – and Super Kings were without Adam Milne, who missed out because of a side strain.It came down to Super Giants needing 34 from the last two overs. Ravindra Jadeja then handed the ball to Dube, who hadn’t bowled until then. And it showed. Badoni started the over by moving across and sweeping him over square leg for six. The next two deliveries were wides, and the last three were right in the slot for Lewis, who smashed them for 4, 4, 6.With nine needed from the final over, Mukesh Choudhary also bowled two wides before Badoni pulled him over backward square leg to level the scores. Two balls later, he hit the winning run to give Super Giants their first win.Uthappa, Moeen give Super Kings blazing start
Rahul had a big smile on his face after winning the toss but it didn’t last long as Uthappa hit Avesh Khan for two fours on the first two balls of the innings. That set the tone of the innings.Two balls later, Avesh pinged Uthappa on the helmet but when he tried another bouncer, to end the over with, it sailed over for four byes. In the second over, Uthappa flicked Dushmantha Chameera, first for a six and then for a four, and by the end of two overs, Super Kings had 26 on the board.Ravi Bishnoi’s brilliance in the field – a direct hit from backward point to run out Ruturaj Gaikwad – did give Super Giants the breakthrough but not the respite. Uthappa continued in the same vein, striking four fours in Andrew Tye’s one over, and Moeen Ali, who had opened his account with a hooked six off Avesh, smashed 4, 6, 4 off Krunal Pandya’s successive balls. At the end of the powerplay, Super Kings were 73 for 1.Dube keeps the fireworks going
Bishnoi once again provided the breakthrough, this time by trapping Uthappa lbw with the one that skidded off the surface and beat the batter with the pace. But Dube, promoted to No. 4, kept the scoreboard racing. He hit Chameera for three fours in four balls, and Super Kings crossed 100 in just 9.1 overs.Moeen fell to Avesh for 35 but with the dew set in by now, it didn’t get any easier for Super Giants. Dube’s hitting, coupled with some sloppy fielding, meant runs kept flowing.Rahul introduced Deepak Hooda into the attack but Dube didn’t hold back even against the offspinner, hitting him for a four and a six. His innings came to an end when he holed out to long-on off Avesh while attempting another big hit.Dhoni applies the finishing touch
MS Dhoni came to the crease with Super Kings 189 for 4 in 18.2 overs and straightway forehanded Avesh over extra cover for a six. It was the first time in the IPL that he hit a six off the first ball he faced. The next ball he carved over backward point for one-bounce four. Tye dismissed Jadeja and Dwaine Pretorius off successive balls in the final over but Dhoni wrapped up the innings with yet another four, which also brought him 7000 runs in T20 cricket.MS Dhoni scored a six-ball 16•BCCI

Rahul, de Kock start in style
Super Giants needed a quick start, and Rahul and de Kock gave them exactly that. Against the inexperienced new-ball pair of Choudhary and Tushar Deshpande, they hit eight fours and two sixes in the first five overs.Jadeja turned to Bravo for the sixth over and he almost removed de Kock but Moeen dropped a straightforward catch at mid-off. The next three overs featured two sixes, three fours, and Deshpande shelling a tough chance off Moeen to reprieve Rahul. At the halfway stage, de Kock was on 51 off 35 balls, Rahul on 40 off 35 and Super Giants on 98.Lewis steers Super Giants home
Pretorius ended the opening stand by dismissing Rahul, with Ambati Rayudu running sideway from backward square leg and taking the catch over his shoulder. Manish Pandey fell soon after, which left Super Giants needing 97 from the last eight overs.Lewis hit Deshpande for a four and six to keep the asking rate under control, but Pretorius struck again – de Kock top-edged a pull and Dhoni settled under the swirler.Lewis and Hooda kept the chase alive, both muscled a boundary each off Dwayne Bravo in the 16th over. Pretorius gave away only nine in the 17th and Bravo, after getting hit for a six, sent back Hooda in the 18th. Super Kings might have fancied their chances at that stage but a 25-run penultimate over by Dube dashed their hopes.