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Afghanistan sprung a surprise on New Zealand by handing them a massive 202-run drubbing in Christchurch

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Jan-2018
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsAfghanistan sprung a surprise on New Zealand by handing them a massive 202-run drubbing in Christchurch to storm into the semi-finals of Under-19 World Cup. Afghanistan not only scored 309 after opting to bat, they then routed New Zealand in under 30 overs to register their third win in four matches of the tournament and set up a semi-final clash against Australia.Afghanistan’s innings was marked not by an individual effort but by several useful partnerships. Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran set the tone with a stand of 117 runs in just over 20 overs. Gurbaz was the quicker of the two with his 69 off 67 balls, studded with seven fours and three sixes, and Ibrahim stroked a patient 68 off 98 balls. They lost two wickets in quick succession before No. 4 Bahir Shah took over to pile on more runs with the lower order even as Afghanistan were 226 for 5 in the 45th over. From there, Bahir and Azmatullah Omarzai smashed 79 runs in under six overs to storm them past 300, highlighted by two sixes in each of the 47th, 49th and the 50th over – all struck by Omarzai who hammered 66 off only 23 balls. Bahir remained unbeaten on 67 off 72.New Zealand’s chase started on a poor note as an in-form Rachin Ravindra was run out for a duck in the second over. Offspinner Mujeeb Zadran, who has already played ODIs and the BPL, dented them further by rattling the stumps of opener Jacob Bhula (5) and captain Kaylum Boshier for a duck. New Zealand then slipped from 18 for 3 to 20 for 4 before Katene Clarke (38) and Dale Phillips (31) put on 66 runs for the fifth wicket. But legspinner Qais Ahmad trapped both batsmen lbw in the space of three deliveries and New Zealand never recovered from 86 for 6.Mujeeb and Ahmad wiped out the tail too and finished with 4 for 14 and 4 for 33 respectively.

Arsenal star William Saliba has ranked the top three defenders in the Premier League, admitting that they are "better" than him for now but he hopes to one day surpass all of them.

William Saliba ranks the top three Premier League defenders

Despite still only being 22 years old, and having only played one season in England's top flight, the French centre-back has already established himself as one of the best players in the country.

After all, this was proven by the fact that he was one of four Gunners to make the 2022/23 PFA’s Premier League Team of the Year; alongside Aaron Ramsdale, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.

This impressive feat is made all the more impressive as just the season before that, Saliba was named as named the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year after his fine loan spell with Marseille.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Having proven himself in two of Europe's strongest leagues now, there aren't many defenders in the game with a better reputation than the Arsenal ace at this moment in time.

However, Saliba has accepted that there are three defenders in the Premier League who are currently better than him. What's more, he has ranked those players.

Indeed, while speaking on the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel, he was asked by host Adam Smith to put in order Virgil van Dijk, Thiago Silva and Ruben Dias from best to worst.

The Arsenal star said at this moment in time: "Right now, honestly, it's Ruben Dias [first]. But van Dijk normally, for me, is the best in the last four years, he was the best in the world. But for me, in the last season or even two seasons ago, it was Ruben Dias."

Indeed, he placed the Liverpool icon behind the Manchester City star, saying: "Van Dijk second," before moving on to put Chelsea's veteran in third – although he did point out that over the whole course of his career, Silva is potentially the best.

He explained: "Thiago Silva, if you took all of his career, it's him because he was so good for such a long time. But right now I think it's Ruben Dias [first], Van Dijk [second] and Thiago Silva [third]."

He then elaborated on his choice of putting Dias in first, stating: "I think in the world for the last season, he was the best for me."

After this, Saliba also noted that he hoped to one day surpass all the defenders even though he still had work to do to reach their level, saying: "Right now, they are better than me, but I hope one day I will be better than all of them."

What age is Saliba?

Born 24 March 2001, the French defender is still only 22 years old and with Dias (26) the youngest of the three centre-backs in question, Saliba has plenty of time to reach their level.

Truth be told, he hasn't even got much experience for Arsenal, having only played 37 times for the club in all competitions. Still, when you see him play, you could be forgiven for thinking he's been a part of Mikel Arteta's plans for a number of years.

It will be interesting to see how Saliba and his teammates get on this season, especially after they came so close to winning the Premier League last term. If the defender can help bring glory to the Emirates he would no doubt cement his status as one of the game's top defenders.

Mason Crane has created a good impression in Australia, but on his English county form his selection would represent a considerable promotion

George Dobell in Sydney01-Jan-20181:57

‘Dreamed of playing in Sydney’ – Stoneman

Mason Crane looks set to make his Test debut in the final match of the Ashes series in Sydney.Crane, the 20-year-old leg-spinner, is set to come into the team in place of either Moeen Ali or Tom Curran as England take the opportunity to blood a new player with the series already decided and the whitewash averted.While it remains possible that Moeen could retain his place if it seems conditions will justify the selection of two spin bowlers, it appears Crane will be first choice if England go in with only one slow bowler.The selection would continue a remarkable journey for Crane. Just over a year ago, he was in Sydney playing Grade cricket for Gordon in a bid to gain experience. So well did it go – he claimed four five-fors and three seven-fors on the way to becoming the leading wicket-taker in New South Wales premier cricket – he was selected for New South Wales’ Sheffield Shield side. That made him their first overseas player since Imran Khan in 1984-85, and their first English player since William Caffyn in the 1960s. He performed admirably, too, with five wickets in the match.But his selection for a Test would be a huge promotion. He claimed only 16 Championship wickets in 2017 – at a cost of 44.68 apiece – and was far from an automatic piece in Hampshire’s side. On this Ashes tour, he has claimed five wickets in first-class matches at a cost of 58.29 apiece.MacGill backs Crane debut

Stuart MacGill, the former Australia legspinner and a mentor of Mason Crane, is adamant that his Test career should have got underway earlier in the Ashes series.
“I think England’s missed a trick by not playing him earlier in the series to be honest, particularly seeing the bowling hasn’t had the penetration they could have hoped for,” he said.
“One of the big differences between me and Mayso, he’s very resilient. When I was young, it took me a long time to be able to cope with getting smacked around a bit.
“I know this guy has got what it takes to cope with a bad day. I’m a big believer in that being a real guide whether or not a slow bowler will make the grade – and Mayso can.”

Moeen has endured a grim tour, however. As well as claiming just three wickets in the first four Tests at a cost of 135 apiece, he has looked devoid of confidence with the bat and averaged just 19.42. That miserable run culminated in a reckless, frantic innings of 20 in 14 deliveries in Melbourne that suggested he had lost faith in his defensive game against both spin and pace and ended with a catch in the covers.Now, with the Ashes gone and England deciding that Moeen may benefit from a spell out if the firing line, Crane looks set to win his Test debut.But while Trevor Bayliss, the England coach, admits that Moeen has had a miserable tour, he remains confident that, in the “long term” he will again prove himself a top England player.”There’s no time like the present to find out if Mason is ready,” Trevor Bayliss, the England coach, said. “We think he’s a guy that has got the goods and the more he plays at this level the better he will get. You have got to start somewhere.”Like any player, you go through highs and lows. The number of runs and wickets makes it one of his lows. But just a couple of months ago we were singing his praises as one of the best all-rounders in the world. Conditions are a bit different here and it’s taken him longer than he would have liked to feel comfortable; there’s not a lot of spin.”He’s different to Nathan Lyon, who gets over-spin. Mo doesn’t and things don’t happen as quickly, without the bounce that Lyon gets. Mo is a free spirit and one or two shots or wickets and he will be off and running. So I’m not concerned long term.”The fact that Australia have called up slow left-armer Ashton Agar suggests they, too, feel that the pitch will spin. And, if England are of the same mind, it seems inevitable they will want both spin options in the side.Mason Crane in action in an England practice session•Getty Images”The type of wicket we play on might play a part too,” Bayliss said. “Normally that you can easily play two spinners but looking at the wicket it looked like it had a decent covering of grass.”I think it will still spin towards the end of the game – it’s still the same soil – but we will just have to take a look. There’s been no decision right now. And with the series lost it gives us an opportunity to look at some different people.”Meanwhile England confirmed that Saqlain Mushtaq and Stuart MacGill – both spin bowling consultants – would be working for England in the coming weeks. Saqlain, who has worked for England in a part-time capacity for some time, has recently signed a new contract committing him to more hours than ever in 2018, while MacGill, who worked with Crane when he was playing Grade cricket a few months ago, will join the squad ahead of the Sydney Test.

Liverpool are set to rival Manchester United for an exciting midfield acquisition before the window closes.

What’s the latest Liverpool transfer news?

According to reports in Italy (via Viola News), the Merseysiders have moved ahead of their arch-rivals in the hotly-contested race to sign a Fiorentina midfielder.

The Reds are reportedly preparing a ‘decisive offer’ of around £26m for Sofyan Amrabat, which could tempt the Italians into accepting a deal.

Last week, Jurgen Klopp supposedly called the Moroccan and explained his projected role at Anfield.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

It is understood that Amrabat appreciates this interest, amid the stalling of his proposed move to Old Trafford.

Fabrizio Romano previously revealed that the 26-year-old is an ‘important target’ for the Red Devils, but the club is yet to send an ‘official bid.’

However, 90min disclosed that Amrabat has grown ‘agitated’ at the lack of progress due to United’s inability to offload their squad players, opening the door for Liverpool to pounce upon the situation.

What are Sofyan Amrabat's strengths?

Amrabat has been at Fiorentina since 2020 and has gone on to make 107 appearances in all competitions for the club.

However, it was the Atlas Lions’ wonderful journey at the World Cup which has alerted many European clubs to his magnificent talent.

During Morocco’s record-breaking run, in which they became the first African nation to reach the semi-final of an international tournament, Amrabat played in every game, with Spain manager Luis Enrique describing him as “extraordinary.”

The Netherlands-born gem has amassed a formidable reputation for his dogged, industrious, and physical spirit that excellently protected the backline. This was also noticed by Joe Cole, who lauded Amrabat as “outstanding” and praised his “defensive instinct.”

Moreover, he also possessed commendable technical ability, ranking within the top 6% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for pass completion per 90, as well as the highest 11% for progressive passes per 90.

Despite the recent signing of Wataru Endo, a man Klopp branded a "monster", a player of this profile is well-placed and capable of assuming the responsibility of Fabinho, who departed for Saudi Arabia earlier in the window.

The Brazilian joined Liverpool in 2018 and in five years, established himself as the indispensable component of a side that won the club’s sixth European Cup in 2019 and its first Premier League title the following year.

Domestically, Fabinho featured in 154 of the club’s 190 top-flight games during this time, as his discipline magnificently shielded the centre-backs whilst also giving Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold unlimited freedom to bound forward.

However, last season, much like the majority of the squad, Fabinho drastically struggled and was a shadow of his former self. His deterioration of pace, athleticism, and ability to dictate play was ruthlessly exposed as Liverpool dropped from second to fifth in the Premier League standings.

Matt Ladson, the editor of ‘This is Anfield’ said the main issue was his lack of ‘mobility’, which meant that ‘he doesn’t get to challenges, and he can’t recover ground when turned.’

The Guardian’s Sachin Nakrani then labelled the 29-cap international as a ‘symbol of Liverpool’s decline’ and his departure has rightfully ushered in a new era at Liverpool.

Therefore, Amrabat looks ready to inherit this role and could be a hugely important piece of business.

Windward Islands slipped from 163 for 4 to 244 all out, setting up an easy chase for Guyana who won by seven wickets

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Nov-2017Guyana notched up their second win of the season after chasing down a target of 39 in 14.5 overs against Windward Islands in Gros Islets. Veerasammy Permaul’s four-for triggered a Windward slide in their second innings as they slipped from 163 for 4 to 244 all out, setting up an tiny chase for Guyana that they completed with seven wickets to spare.Windward Islands seemed on course for setting a sizeable total when Kirk Edwards was striking a half-century in a 58-run stand with Roland Cato, but then 19-year-old Sherfane Rutherford struck before Permaul dismantled the middle and lower order, and just like that Guyana needed 39 for victory.In their chase, although Guyana tottered to 30 for 3, the target was never going to cause too much concern.Rutherford, in just his third first-class game, caused Windward Islands plenty of problems in their first innings too, taking 6 for 32 to help knock them out for 151. While seven of Guyana’s batsmen did not get into double digits in their reply, the four who did made it count: Chandrapaul Hemraj made 50, Anthony Bramble fell 10 short of a maiden first-class hundred, Vishaul Singh made a seventh first-class ton, and that man Rutherford got his first first-class fifty. As a result, Guyana pushed on to 357 and put themselves well on course for victory even at that halfway stage.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag "wants" £190,000-a-week "walking disaster" to stay at the club and to "fight for his place", according to journalist Alex Crook.

Manchester United news – What's the latest?

The Red Devils have had a relatively successful summer of transfer business so far this year, with three excellent players coming in that should help improve the quality of the squad, if not the first eleven.

Signing Mason Mount for £55m, whilst expensive, should help to improve the side's midfield and give ten Hag some much-needed flexibility when picking his line-up ahead of games.

Likewise, the arrival of Andre Onana was always going to give the team more options when playing out of a press, but his transfer was made all the more pertinent following the departure of long-term keeper David de Gea.

Read the latest Manchester United transfer news HERE…

Rasmus Hojlund is a little more of an unknown quantity, but if he can replicate what he did in Serie A last season, the team should look better in attack.

The one area that United have struggled with in terms of transfers is selling players, with former captain Harry Maguire personifying that struggle more than perhaps anyone else.

The England international looked to be edging ever closer to joining West Ham United over recent weeks, only for the deal to be called off, with Alex Crook explaining that ten Hag actually wanted to keep the defender at the club this summer.

He explained the situation live on TalkSport, with the clip being posted to their YouTube channel:

"I think finances probably do come into it, but the indication that I'm getting from sources at Manchester United are that Erik ten Hag wants Harry Maguire to stay, he wants him to fight for his place, he's said as much publicly before that game on Monday night against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"And I think that's quite key to it all because we did a story on the transfer notebook on the TalkSport website a month or so ago, saying that Ten Hag privately told Maguire that he still had a future at United I think Maguire wanted to hear that in public he's heard that now so at the moment it looks like he'll stay."

How old is Harry Maguire?

Born March 5th 1993, in Sheffield, England, the 30-year-old has certainly been through a lot at the Theatre of Dreams, from coming in as the world's most expensive defender in the summer of 2019 to being made captain in January 2020 and then having that captaincy removed only last month.

And whilst the England international had a strong start to life in Manchester, winning the Man-of-the-Match award on his debut and playing every minute of the team's 38 league games in the 2019/20 season, the last few years have been somewhat of a disaster for the former Leicester City star.

In the 2021/22 campaign, Maguire started just 28 games, and then last year, under the stewardship of Ten Hag, the £190,000-a-week man started just eight Premier League games and made an additional eight appearances off the bench.

However, with the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane ahead of him and his below-par performances over the last couple of years, it's not hard to see why.

According to WhoScored, after averaging a match rating of 7.12 in his first season with the club and 7.04 in his second, the former Hull City defender dropped all the way down to an average rating of just 6.65 in his third year with the club and 6.59 last campaign, which for an £80m centre-back just isn't good enough.

Described as a "walking disaster" by Manchester Evening news journalist Samuel Luckhurst, it might be best for all parties involved to work out a way for Maguire to leave the club and kickstart his career once again, as even after ten Hag's comments, the chance of him becoming a starter again seem near zero.

Colin Munro and Matt Henry back in the ODI set-up after missing out on Champions Trophy

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Oct-2017Wicketkeeper-batsman Glenn Phillips and legspinner Todd Astle are among the players added to New Zealand’s squad for the upcoming limited-overs series in India. Also in the updated squad are batsmen Colin Munro, George Worker and Henry Nicholls, and fast bowler Matt Henry.These updates to the squad were made following the fourth one-dayer between New Zealand A and India A – the New Zealand selectors had named a truncated squad earlier, and said it would be expanded based on the A-team’s performances in India.While Phillips and Astle have already debuted for New Zealand, neither had played ODI cricket. Phillips impressed with a century in the second one-dayer against India A, and might be asked to take up keeping duties in the XI. Tom Latham, however, remains the frontrunner to replace the retired Luke Ronchi behind the stumps. Astle was the most economical of the New Zealand A bowlers in the one-dayers, his five wickets in three games coming at just over five an over.Munro and Henry are more familiar faces, and could have big roles to fill. Munro is expected to open the innings with Martin Guptill, with coach Mike Hesson specifically having said the side is looking for brisker starts than those provided by the Guptill-Latham combine. “We need to generate a strike-rate at the top,” Hesson had said, adding later in his press conference: “The beauty of Colin is he is a boundary hitter. He doesn’t so much adapt to conditions, he plays one way – batting in the middle order can make that difficult, and he has had success since we moved him up in T20s.” Munro will hope to impress in this new role if indeed given it, and finally firm up a place in the squad – he has been in and out of the 15 this year, playing the home series against Australia but missing the South Africa series, then playing the series in Ireland but being left out of the Champions Trophy squad.Meanwhile with Mitchell McClenaghan opting out of a central contract so he can focus on T20 leagues and having been left out of the squad for this series, there’s an opening on the fast-bowling front which Henry will hope to fill. He had been left out of the Champions Trophy squad himself, so is on the comeback trail.Worker played in the series against Ireland in May, batting at No. 3, but was also not picked Champions Trophy. Hesson hinted that he too might be an option to open in India, should the need arise. Nicholls, who has been captaining New Zealand A in India, is yet to play an ODI in 2017.Ross Taylor and Worker will return to New Zealand after the ODIs, with legspinner Ish Sodhi and the big-hitting Tom Bruce taking their spots in the T20 squad.Gavin Larsen, New Zealand selector and New Zealand A manager, said of the additions: “Todd has been one of the best white-ball players in domestic cricket the last few seasons and he’s backed that up with a strong showing for New Zealand A. Todd brings all-round skill to the squad, quality legspin, is athletic in the field as well as being able to contribute with the bat.”Glenn has made an immediate effect in domestic cricket and has certainly taken his opportunity over here with New Zealand A, including an outstanding 140 not out. Glenn is an option for us with the gloves in both Twenty20s and ODIs, so we feel we have our bases covered with the 15 we’ve picked.”The team will play two warm-up 50-overs games, before the three ODIs kick off on October 22 in Mumbai. The three-T20 series begins on November 1 in Delhi.ODI squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, George WorkerT20 squad: Kane Williamson (capt), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Tom Bruce, Colin de Grandhomme, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee

Sunderland are still looking to sign new players in the summer transfer window and it looks as though they are eyeing the addition of a Premier League player.

Do Sunderland need a striker?

The Black Cats have made a disappointing start to their Championship season, having done so well last time around and almost made their way into the playoffs.

Sunderland have started with back-to-back 2-1 defeats in the division, firstly away to at home to Ipswich Town and then to Preston North End on Saturday, suggesting that they could potentially have a tough campaign ahead of them. There was also the small matter of being knocked out of the EFL Cup on penalties against League Two side Crewe Alexandra last weekend, further showing what a tough start it has been.

For things to change for the better, it could be that more signings are required to bolster their squad, giving Tony Mowbray more options and allowing him to shuffle his pack effectively.

In attack, the Black Cats have looked lacking in 2023/24 to date, with star striker Ross Stewart still recovering from a serious Achilles injury picked up earlier in the year. For that reason, another attacking option is required between now and the end of the month, and it looks as though a key target has emerged.

Will Sunderland sign Tom Cannon?

According to reliable journalist Alan Nixon on Patreon [via MOT Leeds News], Sunderland are one of three Championship clubs in the battle to snap up Everton striker Tom Cannon in the current transfer window.

Stoke City are one of the teams in question, looking to boost their own attacking choices, while Leeds United "have also been keeping an eye on developments" regarding the 20-year-old.

Cannon could be just what Sunderland are looking for this summer, in terms of giving Mowbray extra depth and possibly even coming in as a regular without Stewart around.

Admittedly, Everton seem happy to let him go for £8m, which suggests they don't value him greatly, but the drop down from the Premier League to the Championship is big, and the youngster could excel there.

He certainly did a good job on loan at Preston in 2022/23, scoring eight goals in total, and he also has two top-flight appearances to his name which only adds to his experience, not to mention has been described as "incredible" by former West Ham and Norwich City striker Dean Ashton.

Sunderland clearly face stiff competition for Cannon's signature, but the Black Cats are a big club in their own right, and it looks as if a move will be one to watch. If Mowbray sees him as the best option to come in and battle with the club's current options for minutes, he should be trusted, especially with time ticking until the deadline.

Getting a deal over the line as quickly as possible has to be the aim, not only to beat off others in the race to sign Cannon, but also to ensure that a new face is brought in in time for Sunderland's next game, which comes at home to Rotherham United next Saturday.

Tottenham Hotspur continued their preparations for the upcoming Premier League campaign with a convincing 5-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk at the weekend, with talisman Harry Kane bagging four goals on what could well have been his farewell appearance at N17.

With speculation still rife that the 30-year-old is set to be on his way to German giants, Bayern Munich – despite an agreement having yet to be reached between the two clubs – the England skipper enjoyed a potential perfect send-off with a typically ruthless display in front of goal.

The long-serving centre-forward may not have been the only figure saying his goodbyes during Sunday's clash, however, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg also starting in midfield despite reports that the Danish maestro is set to join La Liga side, Atletico Madrid.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

As per Football Insider, the Lilywhites are likely to try and acquire a replacement for the 27-year-old before sanctioning a sale, with manager Ange Postecoglou potentially set to be able to find a perfect option in the form of Hojbjerg's former Southampton teammate, James Ward-Prowse.

How much would Ward-Prowse cost?

According to a recent report from the Daily Star, the north Londoners are potentially ready to hijack West Ham United's move for the England international, with the 28-year-old having been watched by Spurs scouts on numerous occasions at the tail-end of last season.

As per the piece, the Saints are not likely to sell their influential captain 'on the cheap' having already knocked back bids from the Hammers, with the south coast side said to be demanding a fee in the region of £40m.

The Portsmouth-born ace has spent his whole career with his current side and thus is not set to 'push for a transfer', although with Russell Martin's men now plying their trade in the Championship, a move away could be on the cards.

Should Tottenham sign Ward-Prowse?

It would not be the first time that Tottenham have snapped up a stellar talent from Southampton, with chairman Daniel Levy having previously overseen the £10m signing of Gareth Bale from the St Mary's side back in 2007.

While unlike Ward-Prowse, the Welshman was a raw, teenage talent at the time of the move, the explosive forward went on to sparkle over the next few years having made a stellar impact in a Spurs shirt, despite enduring a difficult opening period in which he failed to taste victory in his first 25 Premier League outings.

Having been snapped up following the Saints' failed promotion charge during the 2006/07 campaign, the now-retired superstar would go on to score 72 goals and provide 58 assists in 237 games in all competitions across his two spells at the club, including netting 21 league goals during the 2012/13 season prior to his move to Real Madrid.

One notable trait that the wing wizard mastered during his time at White Hart Lane was his dead-ball brilliance, having memorably scored two free-kicks in the same game in a Europa League clash with Lyon back in February 2013.

That is a gift that is certainly shared by "set-piece master", Ward Prowse – as described by broadcaster Maximiliano Bretos – with the Englishman having scored 17 Premier League free-kicks to date, ranking him just behind David Beckham as the most prolific in that regard in the competition's history.

For Spurs to then be able to have another Bale-esque figure who can conjure up moments of magic in the form of Ward-Prowse would be a truly exciting prospect, with the latter man seemingly a "great fit" for the club, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

With Levy having reaped the rewards of plucking Bale from the south coast in the past, he could look to repeat that masterclass by signing the experienced Ward-Prowse this summer.

The two batsmen made fifties each and found support from the Hope brothers and Devendra Bishoo to steadily bat Zimbabwe out of the match

The Report by Liam Brickhill in Bulawayo23-Oct-2017Stumps
Live scorecard and ball-by-ball details Getty ImagesWest Indies tightened their grip on day three in Bulawayo, Kraigg Brathwaite’s 86 and Roston Chase’s unbeaten 91 forming the backbone of their 369 for 8. With the Hope brothers and Devendra Bishoo also chipping in with handy runs, West Indies extended their lead to 429 runs by stumps. With two full days remaining, Zimbabwe have a mountain to climb.Where Brathwaite’s batting in the morning was doggedly purposeful, Chase’s in the afternoon was enterprising and, at times, adventurous. Marshalling the lower order, he was in sight of a Test hundred when Bishoo’s dismissal, six short of a maiden first-class half-century, brought the day to a close.It was apparent first thing this morning, with reverse swing, spin and inconsistent bounce available for the bowlers, that batting would not be easy. But Brathwaite soaked up the early pressure, and the patience exhibited by West Indies’ top order stood in stark contrast to Zimbabwe’s jittery effort on Sunday.West Indies may have had cause for some nerves early on as Sean Williams and Kyle Jarvis beat Brathwaite’s outside edge. Jarvis’ fourth delivery of the day elicited a clear puff of dust as it hit the deck, scooting through at shin height, and was a sign of the increasing mischief in this pitch. Yet Zimbabwe did not use the conditions, or Jarvis’ early dismissal of Kyle Hope with an indipper, as well as they could have.Luck played its part: there were multiple half-chances, almosts and what-ifs in the first hour. But Brathwaite was also dropped twice in consecutive overs off Graeme Cremer before lunch, allowing him to continue taking advantage of the bad balls when they came.Shai Hope’s dead-bat defence and steady accumulation held Zimbabwe at bay. Brathwaite soon brought up a solid fifty, off 137 deliveries. Brathwaite had been comfortable shuffling right across his stumps for much of the morning, making the majority of his runs on the leg side off both spin and pace. The tactic eventually got him in trouble, however, and Zimbabwe finally stopped the third wicket partnership at 67 when Sikandar Raza got one to spin in sharply from outside off stump to trap Brathwaite lbw.With West Indies’ lead advancing past 250, Zimbabwe took the new ball and once again both Jarvis and Chris Mpofu extracted inconsistent bounce from a length. Jarvis removed Shai Hope for 44 with a delivery that skidded and nipped back in, but Chase continued picking the right ball to hit, moving into the 30s with a massive hit over long off.At the other end, Zimbabwe continued to chip away. Mirroring his dismissal in the first innings, Jermaine Blackwood was well stumped by Regis Chakabva – the fourth time he has been stumped in his last seven innings. Shane Dowrich took the lead past 300 with a flowing cover drive, before he, too, fell to spin, edging Williams to Masakadza at slip.Chase, looking particularly strong through the covers, raced to fifty from 69 deliveries and captain Jason Holder seemed in even more of a rush. He hit his very first ball – and the first ball after tea – for six over long off, and immediately followed that up with a crashing drive through extra cover. He fell for a 23-ball 24, but Chase held firm and found an able partner in Devendra Bishoo, who swept, pulled and drove gamely as the eighth wicket stand passed fifty in just 74 deliveries.Both batsmen opened up as the lead ballooned beyond 400, and the partnership stretched to 92 – the highest stand of the match – before Bishoo slogged Cremer to deep midwicket, thereby falling one short of his highest Test score and not far from a maiden Test fifty. But with two full days remaining in the Test match, West Indies are set up for a huge win and Zimbabwe have a mountain to climb.