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South Africa fought hard after conceding 167, with Chloe Tryon leading the charge, but a regular loss of wickets put their chase off the rails

Valkerie Baynes30-Jul-2022Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine showcased all their experience and class as they led New Zealand to victory over South Africa at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham on Saturday. Bates led the charge with the bat with an unbeaten 91, while Devine first hit 48 and then picked up three wickets.Related

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The duo of Bates and Devine set the foundation for the win with a 99-run opening stand for New Zealand, who handed international caps to Izzy Gaze and Eden Carson, plus a T20I debut to Fran Jonas. Devine fell two runs shy of her half-century, but then got among the wickets, including her 100th in T20Is, becoming the first woman and second overall – Shakib Al Hasan is the other – with 100 wickets and 2000 runs in the format.A fighting 39 off just 17 balls from Chloe Tryon failed to get South Africa over the line despite fleeting hopes of a tight finish as their stuttering start and a steady stream of wickets proved costly.Devine intervention
It was Devine who made the early running at Edgbaston, racing to 35 off 20 balls as New Zealand ended the powerplay on 49 without loss after being asked to bat. She unleashed a stunning slog sweep behind square off Nonkululeko Mlaba for six and almost fell next ball attempting the same, but keeper Sinalo Jafta couldn’t gather a tough bottom edge.Devine took 14 off the next over, striking Ayabonga Khaka for two fours, before depositing a waist-high full-toss over the square-leg boundary. She eventually holed out to Tryon at long-on from the bowling of Mlaba, having faced 40 balls in which she hit four fours and two sixes.Sophie Devine became the first woman – and second overall – to record the double of 100 wickets and 2000 runs in T20Is•Associated PressBates plays a gem
Women’s cricket is making its debut at a multi-sport event, but Bates has been here before, so to speak, having represented New Zealand in basketball at the 2008 Olympics.When on 22, she hit Delmi Tucker straight to midwicket, where Khaka managed only to parry the ball overhead. Then there was a chance to run Bates out after she and Amelia Kerr both turned back, but Mignon du Preez pulled out of her throw, possibly concerned that Shabnim Ismail was in the way or that there was a lack of back-up despite Tryon being behind the stumps, albeit standing a fair way back.Bates had started slowly, but she picked up speed as she went along, and brought up fifty pushing Anneke Bosch to deep midwicket and running two. It was her 22nd half-century in T20Is but first since February 2019, during India’s tour of New Zealand.She smashed a thunderous cover drive off Ismail for four to move to 67 and, three balls later, scooped her for six. In the final over, Bates sent a Khaka full-toss over the fence at deep square-leg, and then heaved a four through mid-on, and swung the penultimate delivery over fine leg for another six – her third of the innings. A total of 18 runs came off the final over, but Kerr was run-out on the last ball. By then, Bates had achieved her highest score in T20Is since her unbeaten 124 against South Africa in the 2018 tri-nation series in England.Chloe Tryon scored a dashing 17-ball 39•Associated PressSouth Africa’s woes continue
South Africa endured a rocky lead-up to this tournament, with a multi-format series in England in which they were swept in both the ODI and T20I legs 3-0.After Hayley Jensen had Bosch caught at cover by Bates in the second over, and Tazmin Brits hit Hannah Rowe straight to Brooke Halliday at midwicket, South Africa were 15 for 2 after four overs.Du Preez was yet to score when she was put down at backward point by Carson off Lea Tahuhu, but her attempted sweep off Kerr sailed to Jonas at backward square and she was out for 26. Laura Wolvaardt made 28 off 30 balls before she fell, caught by Bates, running around to mid-on, off the bowling of Devine.It wasn’t all doom and gloom for South Africa, as they cashed in on some short bowling. Wolvaardt and, in particular, Tryon, made merry. Tryon smashed three sixes and three fours during her innings, helping herself to 17 runs off one Tahuhu over, which went for 21 in all. Largely through her efforts, South Africa were two runs ahead of New Zealand after 15 overs. But when Sune Luus flicked Jensen off her pads towards short cover and then sent Tryon back, Jensen gathered on her follow-through and threw down the stumps at the non-strikers’ end with Tryon short of her ground. That left South Africa needing 52 runs off 27 balls.Devine had Tucker caught by Carson at third for her 100th T20I wicket, and then had Luus caught by Halliday, to claim her third for the match. And, from there, the task proved too much for South Africa.

West Ham United continued their impressive European form on Thursday evening, with a 1-0 win over RSC Anderlecht all but ensuring that David Moyes’ side will qualify for the Europa Conference League knockout stages.

Indeed, the hard-fought victory at Lotto Park sees the Hammers move five points clear at the top of Group B, meaning a point against Anderlecht in the return fixture of yesterday’s clash will ensure the Irons are playing European football after Christmas.

However, while there were a number of fine performances on show in Belgium, with Angelo Ogbonna, Flynn Downes, Lucas Paqueta and Gianluca Scamacca particularly catching the eye, there was one player who once again did little to impress.

Being handed his second start in the competition, Said Benrahma would undoubtedly have been hoping to put on a display that would convince Moyes he should be granted a spot in the starting XI to face Fulham in the Premier League this weekend.

However, unfortunately for the 27-year-old, his poor form in the Conference League continued on Thursday night, with his wastefulness in the final third very nearly costing the visitors their win against the Jupiler Pro League side.

Indeed, despite having a total of six shots at goal – two on target, one off target and three that were blocked – Benrahma should have ended the fixture with at least one goal to his name, ballooning Jarrod Bowen’s 40th-minute cut-back over the bar with the goal at his mercy, as well a driving his 53rd-minute edge-of-the-box effort straight at Hendrik Van Crombrugge.

The £31m-rated attacker was also wasteful in possession of the ball, completing just 17 of his 24 attempted passes – a success rate of a lowly 71% – and ceding possession for his side on no less than 15 separate occasions.

These returns saw the £20k-per-week talent average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.4 – the worst of any player from either side to feature in the match – while football.london’s Jonty Colman also awarded the forward a five in his own player ratings, stating of the Algerian’s display:

“David Moyes was left frustrated with the Algerian after he lost possession too easily on a counter-attack in the first half and you could only imagine that his frustrations were even greater when Benrahma fired over from close range off a Bowen cross when it seemed easier to score.

“Had earlier chances in the first half, putting one tamely on goal, the other forcing a headed clearance. Got another shot off early in the first half to force Van Cromburgge into a save. Had the chances, but that miss will be a big mark against him while he tries to win his spot back.”

As such, while the Hammers did ultimately secure all three points, Benrahma did little to help his side’s cause, with it very much looking as if the 27-year-old failed Moyes’ big test against Anderlecht on Thursday night.

Liverpool were ‘really interested’ in RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer in the final week of the summer transfer window, Fabrizio Romano says. 

The lowdown

Liverpool did wind up signing a midfielder on Transfer Deadline Day, with Arthur arriving from Juventus on an initial loan with an option to buy.

But Laimer could still be on their radar, particularly as he’s set to be available on a free transfer next year once he reaches the end of his contract at Leipzig.

The latest

Writing on his Twitter page, Romano said that Liverpool wanted to sign Laimer but met insurmountable resistance from Leipzig at a late stage in the window.

There will now be ‘many clubs’ in the running to sign the Austrian in 2023, with Bayern Munich also named as a suitor.

“Liverpool were really interested in Konrad Laimer as new midfielder but it was impossible to negotiate with Leipzig on last week of August,” he said.

“Laimer’s contract expires next June and there are many clubs interested — especially Bayern, as Nagelsmann is big fan.”

The verdict

It looks like Liverpool will need further midfield signings in 2023, even if the highly touted Jude Bellingham joins.

As it stands, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will all be leaving the club on the expiry of their contracts.

If they are to go toe-to-toe with Bayern for Laimer, then they may have a key advantage – as a foreign club, they will be able to negotiate pre-contract terms with the 25-year-old from January onwards.

And Laimer could quickly win the approval of the Anfield faithful because of his renowned work rate.

International team-mate Marko Arnautovic has marvelled at his ‘crazy’ running volume, while talent scout Jacek Kulig has called him a ‘pitbull’.

It’s no surprise, in light of these comments, that Laimer ranks in the very highest percentile among midfielders in the big five leagues for pressures per 90.

Leeds United are now pursuing a move for Cody Gakpo after seeing an approach knocked back for Hwang Hee-chan.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to Phil Hay, with The Athletic journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that, after Victor Orta saw a £17m offer for the 26-year-old forward knocked back by Wolverhampton Wanderers, the Spaniard has now turned his attention towards the PSV Eindhoven winger – who is believed to be available for a figure in the region of £40m.

In his post, Hay said: “Wolves reject an enquiry from Leeds United for forward Hwang Hee-chan. Message from Molineux is that they intend to keep him beyond the deadline. Cody Gakpo back on the radar at Leeds now.”

Dream Hwang alternative

While it is true that Hwang and Jesse Marsch do boast an extremely impressive history of working together – with the South Korea international having scored 16 goals and provided 24 assists over his 43 outings under the 48-year-old at Red Bull Salzburg – considering just how exciting a prospect Gakpo quite clearly is, the 23-year-old Netherlands international would appear to be a dream alternative to the Wolves forward.

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Indeed, over Gakpo’s 27 Eredivisie fixtures in 2021/22, the £27m-rated forward was in remarkable form for PSV, scoring 12 goals, registering 13 assists and creating 11 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.0 shots, making 2.6 key passes and completing 2.9 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £4k-per-week talent average a quite breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.51, not only ranking him as his club’s best performer in the league but also as the fourth-best player in the Dutch top flight as a whole last time out.

Furthermore, the player who Wierd Duk labelled an “enormous talent” also highly impressed in Europe last season, scoring a further seven goals and providing one assist over his 15 appearances in Champions League qualifying, the Europa League and the Europa Conference League last term.

As such, should a move for Hwang not be a possibility for Orta over the remainder of the summer transfer window, it would very much appear as if landing Gakpo would see the Spaniard seal something of a dream alternative to the Korean attacker – as it is evident that the PSV starlet is an incredibly exciting young talent.

Journalist Michael Graham was left shocked with the officials failing to see a foul on Daniel Ballard in Sunderland’s draw 2-2 with Queens Park Rangers.

The Lowdown: Sunderland held by QPR

The Black Cats suffered a frustrating afternoon at the office on Saturday, as Championship football returned to the Stadium of Light once more.

Despite taking a 2-0 lead and being in complete control, Sunderland conceded twice in the dying minutes, with QPR goalkeeper Seny Dieng scoring a last-gasp equaliser.

Unfortunately, Ballard only lasted nine minutes of proceedings after colliding with an opposition player, with the centre-back ending up in hospital after the incident.

The Latest: Journalist left fuming

Taking to Twitter after the game, Graham was shocked at the officials’ inability to see what happened in a response to Alex Neil’s post-game update on Ballard’s situation, describing it as ‘staggering’:

“Which the referee didn’t even SEE btw, never mind award a foul for. Staggering that a player can be hospitalised on the pitch without an official even seeing it. Bad look for the EFL, that.”

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

The hope is that Ballard’s injury doesn’t prove to be anything too serious, with the 22-year-old averaging two clearances and one tackle per game in the league so far this season, impressing at the heart of the defence.

The fact that the referee didn’t properly address the incident at the time is certainly an indictment of the current standards of officiating, as Graham alludes to.

Far more consistency is required from those in charge, even though the job is tough, and poor decisions are highlighted even more without VAR in the Championship.

Newcastle United got their season underway with victory over newly-promoted Nottingham Forest on Saturday, although despite that positive start there appears work still to be done in the transfer market, with attacking additions a particular priority.

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has recently suggested that the Magpies will make two further signings this summer – having already wrapped up three major deals – with a centre-forward and a winger said to be on the cards.

One man who could well fill one of those roles is Atalanta striker, Luis Muriel, with reports in Italy suggesting that talks have been planned regarding a move for the 31-year-old, albeit with the northeast side set to face competition from Serie A giants, Juventus.

Having previously been linked with a move for the Colombian’s current teammate Duvan Zapata back in January, the Tynesiders now appear to have set their sights on another of Bergamo’s finest, with the former Sevilla man potentially set to cost in the region of just €15m (£12.6m), with just a year remaining on his current deal.

That would represent something of a bargain for a player who has been in sparkling form in Italy in recent times, with the “prolific” gem, as dubbed by Nico Cantor, having netted 55 goals and provided 22 assists in 128 games for his current side.

That haul includes a tally of nine goals and eight assists in 27 league games from the 2021/22 campaign for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, with the £55k-per-week marksman also further showcasing his creative flair by averaging 2.2 key passes per game – a record far better than that of Newcastle’s current forward options, Callum Wilson (0.6) and Chris Wood (0.6).

A dangerous attacking threat as both a provider and a goal-getter, the 5 foot 10 sensation would clearly offer a real quality addition to Eddie Howe’s squad, while supporters may well be hoping he can emulate the impact of compatriot and former St James’ Park hero, Faustino Asprilla, who also traded life in Italy for the Premier League back in 1996.

Dubbed ‘the octopus’ by his teammates due to his unpredictability with the ball at his feet, the now-retired gem made an instant impact in English football, registering a fine assist off the bench on debut against Middlesbrough, despite having only landed in the country that same day.

That would set the tone for what would be a brief, yet explosive stint on Tyneside for the larger-than-life figure, with the dynamic forward quickly cementing his status as something of a cult hero among the club’s support.

The 58-cap gem’s finest moment undoubtedly came in the Champions League back in September 1997, with the electric hotshot netting a blistering hat-trick to condemn the great Barcelona to a 3-2 defeat and further rubberstamp his legendary status in the process.

While he would only net nine goals in 48 Premier League games for the club before returning to Italy after just under two years with the Magpies, Asprilla remains a figure etched into club folklore, with few having endeared themselves quite so quickly to the Newcastle support.

The hope will be that Muriel can hit the ground running just as quickly as his fellow Colombian did over 25 years ago, with Howe and co no doubt in need of an added spark in their forward line.

A big claim has emerged on Glasgow Rangers gem Ianis Hagi and his injury situation at Ibrox ahead of the 2022/23 campaign…

What’s the latest?

Gheorghe Hagi has revealed that his son will not be back in action for the Light Blues before December as he continues to recover from his knee injury.

Rangers return to competitive games later this month and the Romania international is still a few months away from being able to feature.

The Glasgow Times quote his father as saying: “It’s a very complicated injury, he won’t be able to return before the break for the World Cup.

“All of the media in Romania were in a hurry and said that he will return in August or September. That he will play for the national team in September, no problem.

“The truth is he will return when he is 100% ready. It was not easy at all for him. He had a pretty serious injury.

“But things are going very well at the moment and when there is an opportunity for him to get back playing he will get back playing. We will just have to see when it will be. I can’t put a date on his return.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be gutted

This update from the playmaker’s dad, who obviously has inside ties on the situation, will leave the Ibrox head coach gutted as it means that he will not be able to utilise the gem’s talents until the second half of the campaign.

Hagi is an excellent attacking midfielder and not having him available for the opening few months of the season is a big blow to the team.

In the Premiership last season, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.10 as he created 1.5 chances per game and chipped in with two goals prior to suffering his injury in January.

This came after an outstanding campaign in the Scottish top-flight in 2020/21, He scored seven goals and provided 11 assists in 23 starts as the Gers won the title, showing that he has the quality to score and assist goals on a regular basis at that level.

The 23-year-old is, therefore, a player who can provide a spark in tight games and win the Light Blues crucial points in the league with his ability in the final third. This is why his continued absence is a huge blow for Rangers that will leave van Bronckhorst gutted and hoping that he returns sooner than expected.

AND in other news, GvB plotting Rangers swoop to sign £10m “wonderkid”, he could be an Arfield upgrade…

Everton are among the clubs interested in signing Clermont Foot striker Mohamed Bayo, according to a report from French outlet Foot Mercato. 

The lowdown: Wanted man

A product of the youth system at Clermont, Bayo has flourished in France and has amassed 48 direct goal involvements in 79 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit.

The 24-year-old Guinea international had previously been a reported target for West Ham but any move failed to materialise and now several clubs have taken notice of the powerful frontman.

As Blues boss Frank Lampard looks to replace Richarlison following the Brazilian’s switch to Tottenham last week, Bayo could be among the candidates to fill the void at Goodison Park…

The latest: Everton interested

As per Foot Mercato, Everton, Valencia, Hertha Berlin and Tottenham themselves all ‘follow’ the 11-cap Guinea international.

It’s claimed that Eintracht Frankfurt and Marseille also hold an interest in Bayo – who was lauded for his ‘clinical finishing’ by football writer Antonio Mango in April 2021 having fired Clermont to promotion to the French top flight.

The report also cites admiration from Lille and states that it would take offers of around €10-11million (£8.5-9million) in order to prize the star away this summer.

The verdict: Make it happen

Albeit still relatively inexperienced at the highest level, Bayo has already shown a ruthless streak in front of goal in his short career to date that would be of huge benefit to Lampard’s ranks, particularly following the exit of Richarlison which leaves just Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Salomon Rondon as the only two remaining senior centre-forward options.

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Last season, the France-born Guinean sensation scored 14 times and provided five assists whilst earning an impressive 6.94 Sofascore rating comprising of 2.1 shots, one key pass and 2.8 successful duels on average per game in Ligue 1.

Sharing similar stylistic traits with familiar names such as Tammy Abraham, Che Adams and Arkadiusz Milik (Fbref), signing Bayo for the mooted asking price would be a worthwhile venture for the Toffees and Director of Football Kevin Thelwell.

BBC journalist Fraser Fletcher reports that Glasgow Rangers have now ‘approached’ the representatives of Erik Botheim over a potential move to Ibrox.

The Lowdown: Rise to fame

You would be forgiven to not know much about Botheim before last season, where he lit up the European stage for Bodo/Glimt, scoring four goals and making four assists in six games in the UEFA Europa Conference League, including five goal contributions in a 6-1 thrashing of Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma (Transfermarkt).

Perhaps his biggest claim to fame is being the best friend of now Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, as the Norwegian pair have been mates since releasing a viral music video together back in 2016.

Nonetheless, while Botheim has not made his senior debut yet for the national team, he sure to play alongside his fellow countryman soon enough, scoring at six different youth levels for Norway and now captaining their U-21 side.

The Latest: ‘Approached’

Taking to Twitter, Fletcher has revealed that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side have now ‘approached’ Botheim’s representatives over a potential move to Scottish football, and are ‘very keen’ to sign the striker:

“Rangers have approached Erik Botheim representatives to try and bring him to Ibrox. Many offers on table for him but Rangers in a tough fight for his signature and are very keen I understand. He will announce his decision soon.”

The Verdict: Morelos replacement?

Given uncertainty over the future of Alfredo Morelos with his contract running down, and the fact that young prodigy Rory Wilson is set to sign for Aston Villa, the Teddy Bears may have to sign another forward this window, and Botheim would fit the bill.

Added to his European exploits, he also managed a goal every two games in Norway’s top flight last year, 15 in total, showing that he knows where the back of the net is.

Despite being just 22 years of age, Botheim is a real leader, evidenced by him captaining his country at youth level, and is exactly the kind of character needed to succeed Morelos, should the Colombian end up leaving the Light Blues.

In other news, find out which Gers gem is now set for a ‘shock’ move away here!

According to Italian source Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur are ready to make a move to sign Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni this summer.

The Lowdown: Spurs want a left-sided CB

Reported back at the beginning of April, The Athletic claimed that Spurs will prioritise a left-sided centre-back in the summer transfer window.

With full-back Ben Davies playing a make-shift role, Lilywhites boss Antonio Conte has been keen on bringing in high-level competition to that position.

The Athletic further claimed that this has been a priority for Tottenham since last year, and Fabio Paratici even tried to sign Pau Torres from Villareal last summer, but the player rejected the move.

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The Latest: Bastoni up for sale, Spurs are ready

Italian media source Corriere dello Sport recently relayed the comments made by Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta, stating that the club may need to make ‘at least one important sacrifice’ in the transfer market due to financial reasons.

Translated by Sport Witness, Marotta admitted: “We want to be ambitious, but an eye to the balance must be given, as for all teams. I think we will be able to achieve both goals.

“A complicated transfer market awaits us.”

According to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Inter need to make around £51.4-59.9m in fees and also reduce their wages by 10 to 15 percent.

When it comes to making that ‘important sacrifice’, the report claims Bastoni’s name is in the ‘front row’, and Paratici, Daniel Levy and Tottenham are ‘ready for the assault’.

The Verdict: Would be a fantastic signing

With Conte’s attacking style of play, the addition of Bastoni would complement Spurs’ system well.

This is demonstrated by his underlying stats; according to FB Ref, the defender ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive passes received and in the 97th percentile for shot-creating actions when compared with positional peers across Europe.

With Inter potentially being forced into a sale to free up funds, this could be the prime opportunity for Paratici to swoop for the Italy international, dubbed ‘perfect’ for Conte’s three-man defence during their time together at Inter.

We believe this could prove to be a fantastic signing for Conte.

In other news: Tottenham’s first summer signing is imminent!