All posts by h716a5.icu

Arsenal are one of England's biggest and most illustrious clubs and therefore have played host to some of the best players to ever grace the Premier League.

A strong recruitment strategy paired with a revolutionary manager helped them largely dominate alongside Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United for years, and since Arsene Wenger's retirement, Mikel Arteta now seems poised to lead them into a bright future once again.

However, across the last few decades of relative success, there have unsurprisingly been plenty of missteps too that managers and the hierarchy will regret. Whether it be a failed transfer, a tactical decision or just a poor refereeing performance, the Gunners have been prone to some bouts of misfortune that certainly have been exacerbated since the Frenchman's departure.

Unai Emery was a big sufferer of this, and whilst their current 41-year-old boss struggled at the start, a show of faith has since started to reward the club handsomely. A summer of big spending helped solidify their progress, although the window was largely dominated by a transfer saga involving their north London rivals.

Had things been different and they had trusted the process with the star striker in question, perhaps it could have been them touting his services for big money or keeping him around to spearhead a title push. Before lambasting the failures of the past though, it is first worth showcasing the alternative success enjoyed with which to compare their touted blunder. After all, the acquisition of Robin van Persie was certainly one that worked out well for Wenger.

How good was Robin van Persie?

Having just been crowned Premier League champions in 2004, the club's stock had never been higher. As such, it was easy to pry the young forward from Feyenoord despite huge interest across Europe, with the now 73-year-old former manager noting: "Robin is a great young talent and a fantastic signing for the club

"He has shown great potential at both club and U21 international level and will help strengthen our squad considerably. He has a great left foot and is a great passer of the ball with excellent vision. He is a versatile player and is comfortable playing as a striker or on the wing."

It would not take long for the flying Dutchman to adapt to English football, with his tall, slender frame giving him the requisite physicality to battle well with the hulking centre-backs he faced.

Notching five league goals in his debut campaign, such a term merely marked the calm before the storm, as the man who would go on to captain the club soon began hitting huge numbers.

1

Thierry Henry

228

2

Ian Wright

168

3

Robin van Persie

132

4

Dennis Bergkamp

119

5

Theo Walcott

108

The striker would hit double figures for goal contributions in all but his first two years at Highbury (and later the Emirates), with his peak arguably coming in the years before his eventual sale.

His 18 goals and seven assists during the 2010/11 season marked incredible figures, but would somehow surpass them in the final campaign before joining Manchester United for a pitiful £24m. The ex-Netherlands international scored 30 times and assisted a further 13 in the league, deservedly taking home the PFA Player of the Year award before spearheading a title success at Old Trafford the following term.

Van Persie would make 278 appearances in an Arsenal shirt before that unceremonious exit to challenge for elite honours, but not before Wenger would issue the following praise: "He is a mixture. He is less of a runner than Thierry Henry and he is not completely Dennis Bergkamp because he plays higher up the pitch.

"He is the kind of player, with the type of game we play, who is vital because when you play the ball to his feet his first touch is always perfect and that allows others to join in. It makes everybody dangerous."

To compare the 102-cap marksman to two legends like this just emphasises how highly thought of he remained, and yet they could have arguably had someone even better for nothing. After all, it is now seemingly common knowledge that, before he became a legend with their rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Kane was a Gooner.

Why did Arsenal let Harry Kane leave?

"I remember the first time we played against Arsenal [for Tottenham's academy] and even back then, I had a chip on my shoulder," the 30-year-old told The Players' Tribune back in 2018, who was released from the Gunners' academy as a child for nothing.

It was the first of many setbacks for the man who would go on to become England's all-time record scorer, but ones that clearly helped define him into the lethal finisher he remains today.

Wenger has Roy Massey to thank for that gaffe, who was the youth coach at the time and would spend 15 years at the club. Speaking to football.london, they were quick to quiz him on that infamous decision: "I thought you'd mention Harry Kane, thanks very much for that," he joked.

"That was Tottenham's gain and Arsenal's loss that one. Oh, what a wonderful player today. But we haven't got a crystal ball and there's a number in that situation at Arsenal who've left and who've gone on and done very well for themselves. Harry was obviously a brilliant example.

"Harry was a technician, a very talented player but did lack some mobility and pace. We did think, perhaps he wouldn't be quite up to playing at Arsenal Football Club. So I had to sit down with his mum and dad, and the lad, and say that he wasn't quite up to the standard of Arsenal."

Whilst it quickly became clear that Massey among others did not rate Kane's chances of turning professional, Liam Brady, who was Arsenal's academy director at the time, was a lot more cutthroat about the reasons behind sanctioning his exit: "He was a bit chubby, he wasn't very athletic but we made a mistake."

It's fair to say he regrets that decision, as he would then claim: "After (Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Robert) Lewandowski there is him. The numbers say it."

How many goals has Harry Kane scored?

A stellar career he did enjoy with Spurs, the England international actually became the club's all-time record scorer back in February and sits second in the all-time Premier League scoring charts. For comparison, Van Persie is way behind in 13th.

It should hardly come as a surprise to see Statman Dave brand the £100m Bayern Munich forward a "legend of the game", with his continued rise to prominence only exacerbating Arsenal's failures.

The former Leicester City loanee would play 430 times for their north London rivals, scoring a mouth-watering 278 times. To make matters worse, the 86-cap Englishman's proficiency in the big matches actually led him to become the top scorer in north London derbies too.

Although they enjoyed huge success with Van Persie, had they instead taken a punt on Kane and oversaw his development, perhaps they could have enjoyed an even greater period of success whilst allowing the Lilywhites legend to break records for them.

The ICC’s security consultant was in the city to inspect a security rehearsal for the Pakistan Super League final, scheduled to be held at the National Stadium in March

Danyal Rasool11-Feb-2018In developments that have given Karachi’s chances of hosting the 2018 Pakistan Super League final a major fillip, ICC security consultant Reg Dickason has praised the “remarkably thorough” security arrangements for the final, saying what he had seen was “as good as he had seen in all my years”. He did, however, caution that these remarks did not equate to an official approval, with the final report due to be submitted in seven days.Dickason was in Karachi to inspect a security rehearsal for the Pakistan Super League final, scheduled to be held at the National Stadium in March. While some international cricket has returned to Pakistan over the past year, it has been exclusively confined to Lahore, with Karachi unable to win over the approval of independent security consultants. Last year’s PSL final was also held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, although several international players, including Kevin Pietersen, pulled out.”We would like to thank the PCB for providing us with such a comprehensive, thorough and professional presentation,” Dickason said. “It is very encouraging, and that will be reflected in the upcoming report. We have some things we need to discuss, however, it’s all extremely positive. From what we’ve seen today, and what’s been demonstrated, and the documentation and the level of commitment by all concerned parties has left me very, very satisfied.”Dickason stressed that the final decision did not rest with him, but said playing the final in Karachi “would be a very positive step. What we’ve seen today and in other parts of Pakistan is as good as I’ve seen in all my years.”It was reported that over 8000 security personnel from various law enforcement agencies partook in Sunday’s rehearsal, which looked to replicate the arrangements for the teams that arrive in the city on the day of the final. With the match expected to be a fly-in, fly-out arrangement, the rehearsal was in two parts, covering the route from the airport to the hotel, and then on from the hotel to the stadium.Karachi remains the venue of the last full match in Pakistan before the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore. That game, the first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, is the last completed Test match played in the country. Karachi is generally viewed as a more challenging city to provide a complete security plan for, with the nearest hotel at least 12 km away from the National Stadium, and blocking all traffic while the teams are en route to the stadium harder than it is in Lahore.The PCB hope to play three PSL games in Pakistan this year, with two qualifiers scheduled to be held in Lahore before the final.

Last season was all about hope for Arsenal. They came so close to winning the Premier League, only to be pipped to the post by Manchester City.

There may well have been a feeling of regret, but the overwhelming sense within the Emirates Stadium was still one of positivity.

Unfortunately, negativity is starting to seep in this season, although the Gunners have won seven points from nine.

Their toughest test awaits on Sunday, with a clash against old rivals Manchester United facing Mikel Arteta and his men.

Ahead of the match, the Londoners have been dealt with a painful injury blow to Thomas Partey.

Is Thomas Partey injured?

Rumours surrounding the Ghanaian have been rife over the last 24 hours.

Partey had been training ahead of the game but the Ghana FA have suggested that the midfielder could miss the next three months of action with a hamstring problem.

Arsenal have refused to comment on the situation, with the severity of the problem unconfirmed by the club.

The injury comes at a bad time for the Gunners, who have already lost new summer signing Jurrien Timber to a lengthy knee issue.

Who could replace Thomas Partey?

The former Atletico Madrid man has been playing as a makeshift right-back this season as Arteta plots something different with his team.

The role has seen the 30-year-old playing in an inverted position, as Oleksandr Zinchenko performed so well last season from the opposite side, but it hasn't worked too well.

Indeed, Arsenal haven't looked convincing at any moment this season, keeping just one clean sheet and failing to win by a margin of more than two goals.

This injury, however, could well be the blessing in disguise that welcomes Gabriel Magalhaes back into the team.

Ben White has been playing at centre-back this term but will likely slide across onto the right-hand side against United, leaving a vacant space in the middle.

This is where Gabriel comes back into the fray. Strangely, the Brazilian is yet to start in the league this season but that must surely change now.

The £32m-rated defender was one of the best players in the division throughout 2022/23, ranking in the top 15% of centre-backs for pass completion rate and the top 12% for carries into the final third.

A robust defender, it is the Brazil international's pedigree as a progressive outlet that makes him so valuable to Arsenal, not to mention the fact that his left-footedness helps considerably in terms of their build-up play from the back.

Heralded as a "beast" by ex-FOX reporter Robert Lusetich for his performances in the 2021/22 campaign, Gabriel has only been going from strength to strength since joining Arsenal.

His solidity and indeed reliability last term should have made him a shoo-in to start most games this season. The fact he hasn't yet in 2023/24 is worrying.

That, however, is likely to change against United, barring another mysterious tactical tweak by Arteta and his coaching staff that catches everyone completely off guard.

The IPL has signalled that it might move away from the auction system after criticism of the system as “undignified and cruel” and “humiliating” to players

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Jan-20186:20

Manjrekar: ‘A lot of cricketing sense at the auction’

The IPL has signalled that it might move away from the auction system, which was this week criticised as “undignified and cruel” and “humiliating” to players.New Zealand has become the first country where administrators have dared to voice disapproval of the auction. Heath Mills, chief executive of the New Zealand Cricket Players Association, told the : “I think the whole system is archaic and deeply humiliating for the players, who are paraded like cattle for all the world to see.”Mills was endorsing a tweet from Peter Clinton, a former chief executive of Wellington Cricket, who said: “The IPL Auction is such an undignified, cruel and unnecessary employment practice. Ridiculous that it exists today, belongs in the medieval ages.”The IPL is firmly established as the most lucrative career option for Twenty20 cricketers of note – the place where virtually every player wants to be – but Mills suggested that the acquiescence of the players should not be interpreted as contentment about the system.”There’s a lot of good things about the Indian Premier League and it’s been great for cricket but I’d like to see it mirror the rest of professional sport in the way they engage athletes,” Mills said.”Some players do exceptionally well out of if but the vast majority would like to see the system changed. They would like to negotiate with coaches and owners behind closed doors.”Mills’ criticism centred upon the players’ lack of control over their own destiny. Under the auction system, they are commodities, available to the highest bidder, and have no input as to where they play.”The players enter the auction not knowing where they are going, who their team-mates are going be, who’s managing them, who the owners are — no other sports league in the world engages players on that basis,” he said.”We’ve seen some players play for five or six teams over the 10 years the league has been going. Coaches cannot build an affinity with players, they can’t build a long-term culture. Players’ associations around the world would like to see it change.”Supporters seeking to identify with a club have also traditionally valued a mix of continuity and new signings, although the IPL’s heavy turnover does not seem to have hampered its popularity as it has become an irresistible part of the world cricketing calendar.The 2018 IPL auction kicked off in Bengaluru on Saturday•BCCINevertheless, the IPL is aware of the scepticism form the rest of the cricketing world towards its “mega auctions”. Hemang Amin, the IPL’s chief operating officer, said that auctions might give way to a draft system, which is well established across a wide range of sports.”Going forward, the thinking is that we will reduce, maybe not have mega auctions, but consider having a draft system for new players to come in, which acts as feeder system to teams,” Amin said at the end of the two-day IPL auction last weekend. “Hence, IPL Governing Council is thinking on the lines of how to cut down on the big auction and have the continuity with teams.”This year the IPL made it mandatory that teams had to spend a minimum 75% of their purse before and during the auction. That would include both retentions and buying new players. The total purse available for all eight franchises was US $100 million, out of which Amin said $96.875 million was spent by the end of the auction.Amin said the IPL had decided to reduce the number of players that remained unsold compared to the previous big auction, in 2014, so reducing the number of players actively rejected during the auction process.”If you look at the 2014 auction, we had presented around 320 players then before going into the accelerated bidding process. This time, we have taken learnings from previous years. We presented 170 players of which around 120 were sold. So if you compare to 2014 when 200 players went unsold, this time it was 50 or 60 who went unsold. Also on day one, 70 out of 110 were sold. So we’re trying to reduce the number of unsold players.”In all, however, 581 players were named in the final auction list. New Zealand managed to find seven sales from 24 names; England a similar outcome.Mills was not confident about change. He told the , “It’s almost got to the point where there’s more interest in the auction than the games and I think they’ll keep doing it even though the general player view it is that there’s better ways to do it.”

Liverpool have completed their midfield rebuild on Deadline Day with Ryan Gravenberch joining but a reliable source hinted that the Reds could have sealed a second deal in the dying minutes and hours of the transfer window.

Who could Liverpool have signed?

Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano hinted that Liverpool could have been in the running to sign Southampton defender Armel Bella-Kotchap before the transfer window closes.

Speaking on his KICK stream (via Caught Offside), Romano revealed:

"Let’s see [on Bella-Kotchap to Liverpool]. At the moment I don’t have any news on concrete negotiation, but Liverpool move fast in deals, like with Endo."

That said, the Saints star has in fact sealed a move to PSV Eindhoven, whom the centre-back will join on loan for the season.

Did Liverpool need a defender during the transfer window?

There is no doubt that defensive reinforcements would be warmly welcomed at Anfield before the 11pm deadline this evening, as the fragility of the back line has continued to expose itself over the opening fixtures of the Premier League campaign.

Virgil van Dijk was sent off last weekend against Newcastle United and Ibrahima Konate has already suffered a minor muscle injury which saw him unavailable for selection for the victory over the Magpies and remains a doubt for the upcoming fixture against Aston Villa.

With Nat Phillips completing a move to Celtic on loan this afternoon, this leaves just Joe Gomez and Joel Matip as the most likely starters when the Reds welcome the Villains to Anfield.

As a result, the signing of Bella-Kotchap – who has a reported £25m release clause in his contract – would have been a great piece of business for the Merseyside giants, as defensive depth will not only be crucial in the immediate instance, but the Saints star would no doubt have been an ideal heir for Matip with his contract set to expire at the end of this season.

Over 24 Premier League appearances, the 21-year-old – once hailed "highly-rated" by Romano – registered two assists, tallied up an 80% pass completion rate, successfully completed 57% of his dribbles and won 69% of his aerial and ground duels combined, as per SofaScore.

Not only that, Bella-Kotchap has been a top performer across the top five European leagues over the last 12 months, ranking in the top 25% of his positional peers for assists, interceptions, blocks and clearances per 90 minutes played, according to FBref, which is a testament to his strong defensive attributes.

However, since being relegated with the south coast club, Bella-Kotchap has not been seen in the Championship yet due to a hamstring injury but was back on the bench against Queens Park Rangers last week – with Jan Bednarek and club captain Jack Stephens forming the trusted centre-back partnership under new manager Russel Martin so far.

With that being said, the signing of Bella Kotchap would've been a great opportunity for Liverpool to strengthen their defensive presence over the season ahead, however, it is now looking like it's another deal that the club have let pass them by.

Chris Gayle did not bother with false modesty after a world-record sixes spree

Mohammad Isam in Mirpur12-Dec-20170:53

Quickinfo – Chris Gayle, the king of T20 cricket

Chris Gayle gave it the full Universe Boss treatment after striking a world-record 18 sixes to turn the final of the Bangladesh Premier League into an affirmation of his talent.Asked by ESPNcricinfo if he would class himself as the Don Bradman of T20s, Gayle banged his own publicity drum after another epic display. “I’m the greatest batsman of all time,” he pronounced.To watch Gayle, legs slightly apart with the bat over his head in his follow through as the ball sailed over the long-on fielder was one of the most enduring images of BPL 2017.Gayle’s relentless assault – a record 146* off 69 balls – razed defending champions and pre-tournament favourites Dhaka Dynamites in the title clash. Gayle’s 18 sixes was a methodical assault, which thrilled the packed Mirpur crowd.He cherished his fifth BPL hundred and 20th overall in T20 cricket, calling it one of his best T20 knocks.”It is a big game, a big occasion to actually stand out and get a century in a final,” Gayle said. “You actually look back and say well done. You tap yourself on the back. It is a winning effort as well, which makes it more special for me. So I am glad that we came out on top. I would put it in the top five [among T20 centuries], certainly for the occasion as well. I will have to reflect where this takes place. It is right up there.”Gayle said that Rangpur Riders looked to bat deep into the innings, especially after they had lost previous match-winner Johnson Charles in the second over.”They [Dhaka Dynamites’ started well. We lost Charles a bit early,” Gayle said. “We had to give ourselves a chance to bat as deep as possible. It was important for one of us to bat right through the innings. It actually set the momentum for us.”Gayle said keeping Dhaka’s key bowler Sunil Narine at bay was also part of Rangpur’s plan. “It is a good wicket, once you are set on it,” he said. You can score a bit freely. It wasn’t the best, fully 100 % batting conditions. They had quality bowlers. We didn’t let their best bowlers get wickets.ESPNcricinfo Ltd”Narine is their key bowler. Once you lose Charles early, you play according to the situation, use a bit of experience. Know when to go, when to hold back.”Gayle also credited Brendon McCullum with whom he added an unbroken 201 – the highest stand for any wicket in the BPL.”Turning over the strike was always going to be important. I thought we did a fantastic job – myself and McCullum,” Gayle said. “We worked out what to do in the middle, which bowler to take down, and when.”When we arrived in Bangladesh, everyone was so excited to see Gayle and McCullum. It didn’t happen early on in the tournament, but I am glad it happened when it mattered. It is not about trying to outdo each other. The communication and understanding was very good.”

Arsenal are thought to be interested in a move for Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson, however, one journalist has stated he isn’t the only option for the Gunners.

Are Arsenal signing any more players?

Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar have been busy when it comes to new arrivals this summer, with Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and David Raya all brought to north London.

The club have spent around £200m on new players but have brought in just £29m through player sales, something which those at the Emirates are looking to increase in the final days of the window.

According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal are looking to raise around £100m by moving players on, one of which appears to be forward Folarin Balogun. Another who has been linked with an exit and could still well depart is centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, and if the Brazilian departs, a move for another defender could be on the cards due to the serious injury suffered by Timber on the opening weekend.

This is where Nelsson comes in, with journalist Rudy Galetti taking to X on Thursday to share what he knows about the defender’s future. The reporter claimed that Nelsson is one of four targets for the Gunners at the back, with the player having a €25m (£21m) release clause in his deal.

“After injury of Timber, Arsenal are looking for a new centre-back. In the AFC's list there are 4 options: one of them is Victor Nelsson. The Galatasaray player has a release clause of €25m.”

Another defender who has recently been linked with the Gunners is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, whereas Torino’s Perr Schuurs has also been rumoured to be a target.

Who is Victor Nelsson?

Nelsson is 24 years of age and is primarily a centre-back who can also turn out as a holding midfielder when needed. The Denmark international appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €18m Transfermarkt valuation and began his career in his native country.

The centre-back came through the academy at FC Nordsjaelland and made 98 senior appearances for the club before joining FC Copenhagen, where he would go on to feature on 87 occasions.

Read The Latest Arsenal Transfer News HERE…

He then moved to Galatasaray in 2021 and has turned out 86 times for his current employers, seemingly catching the eye in England following links to Tottenham and Nottingham Forest earlier this summer.

Described as a “Danish lion” and a “great athlete” in the media, Nelsson could prove to be a shrewd signing for a relatively respectable £21m fee late in the window, should things fall into place.

Arsenal currently has William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Rob Holding, Gabriel and the injured Timber as centre-back options, whereas right-backs Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu can also feature in central roles, so you could argue that the Gunners are fairly well stocked even if Gabriel departs.

However, Arteta may well want to bolster his ranks even further, so a move for Nelsson could be one to keep an eye on in the final days of the window.

Manchester United have highlighted Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as an alternative to Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard, as a reliable journalist has revealed that a deal for the latter is not yet at an advanced stage.

How much did Chelsea sell Marc Guehi for?

Back in 2021, Guehi made the move to Selhurst Park from Stamford Bridge for a reported £18m and during his two years at the club so far, he’s become a regular feature and integral member of Roy Hodgson’s squad having started 37 out of 38 matches last season in the Premier League.

The Eagles centre-back still has another three years remaining on his contract in SE25, but his impressive performances at the heart of the backline have already attracted summer interest from the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

Read The Latest Man United Transfer News HERE…

Harry Maguire looks like he could be on his way out before the end of the ongoing transfer window having agreed a £30m deal to join West Ham United, so should he depart, Erik ten Hag will need to enter the market to find a suitable replacement.

Pavard appears to be the preferred candidate having already been the subject of a rejected approach from the Red Devils, and despite the player being keen to join, there’s no sign yet of an incoming second proposal which means the boss has to assess other options, which is where the 23-year-old comes into play.

Are Man United signing Marc Guehi?

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Man United have placed Guehi on a shortlist of centre-backs that they could look to swoop for should a deal for Pavard fail to materialise. He said:

“I’m told that Man United could get Benjamin Pavard from Bayern Munich for less than the reported €35m (£30m). This is the feeling at the Manchester club as everybody is waiting for the clubs to discuss a fee. At the moment, the deal is not at that stage yet. Pavard would be a replacement for Harry Maguire but we are still waiting for Maguire to agree personal terms with West Ham.

“As for other targets wanted by Man United, I can tell you that Jean-Clair Todibo remains on the list; and then other than the two just mentioned, Tapsoba and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.”

How tall is Marc Guehi?

Standing at 6 foot exactly, Guehi isn’t that tall for a centre-back but he’s still been dubbed an “absolute tank” by England U21s goalkeeper Josef Bursik, and there’s no doubt that he could be a real rock in Ten Hag’s defence should he end up completing a move to Man United.

The Three Lions international last season averaged 3.6 clearances and 1.5 aerial wins per top-flight game, via WhoScored, highlighting the physical presence he provides, and he is also a versatile operator with his ability to play out wide at both left-back and right-back alongside his usual position.

Guehi, whose price tag is £60m, additionally shares the same agent, Unique Sports Group, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club could give chiefs a small advantage should they decide to pursue a deal in the final weeks of the window.

Jonathan Carter’s century put Barbados in control despite only 32.3 overs being bowled on the first two days, but Jamaica avoided their second loss of the tournament

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Nov-2017
ScorecardAFPPersistent rain in Kingston marred the day-night encounter between Jamaica and Barbados, forcing a draw despite bowling-friendly conditions. Only 32.3 overs were bowled on the first two days. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican took 3 for 22 to give Barbados hope of an outright win, but Jamaica closed their second innings at 98 for 6 in 48 overs as time ran out.Jonathan Carter had earlier posted his fourth first-class century to bolster Barbados with a 128-run, first-innings lead. Steven Taylor, who was axed as USA captain following his desire to play first-class cricket for Jamaica to pursue a West Indies cap, made his debut, and scored a combined 13 runs in both innings.Having opted to bat first, Jamaica’s opening pair of John Campbell and Garth Garvey struck an 85-run partnership. Barbados’ offspinner Ashley Nurse and seamer Kevin Stoute then combined to reduce Jamaica to 143 for 7. Jamaica declared on 176 for 8 on the third day.Barbados replied strongly after losing opener Anthony Alleyne early. A 68-run stand between Sheyne Mosely and Shamarh Brooks for the second wicket steadied the innings, before Carter’s 186-ball 103 put Barbados in control, as they declared at 304 for 7 in the 94th over.Jamaica were 37 for 3 in their second innings, but resistance from captain Paul Palmer (32 off 115 balls) helped them avoid their second loss of the season. Both the teams are yet to register a win in the competition.

The Tasmania bowlers wrapped up a comfortable 142-run win – their first of the season – by taking the last five South Australia wickets in 36.3 overs for 119 runs on the last day at the Adelaide Oval

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Nov-2017Will Russell/Getty ImagesTasmania’s bowlers wrapped up a 142-run win – their first of the season – by taking the last five South Australia wickets in 36.3 overs for 119 runs on the last day at the Adelaide Oval. Callum Ferguson, who was unbeaten on 46 overnight, went on to score 94, and was the second-last wicket to fall as South Australia were all out for 243.South Australia resumed their tall chase of 386 on 5 for 124. Jackson Bird struck with his first ball of the day when he induced an outside edge from Tom Cooper’s bat. Ferguson was joined by wicketkeeper Alex Carey for a resisting stand of 62 for the seventh wicket, but Carey edged to the keeper while hooking Thomas Rogers with his team 10 short of 200. Left-arm pacer Sam Rainbird then chipped in with a double-strike – he bowled Cameron Valente with an inswinger from around the wicket and had Ferguson edge one to gully as he neared a hundred. Kane Richardson’s slog-sweep to deep midwicket off Beau Webster eventually sealed Tasmania’s win.Jackson Bird finished with 3 for 51 to add to his 5 for 30 in the first innings, and Rainbird ended with 3 for 56 in the second innings.