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Sam Allardyce has just two games left to save Leeds United's status in the Premier League and with tough games against West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur to come, he will need to drum up something special to keep them up.

The vastly-experienced Englishman has already shown a willingness to try something different by starting Robin Koch in midfield and Rasmus Kristensen at centre-back but it has done little to improve Leeds' defensive woes, as they were perhaps lucky to only concede a combined four goals in games against two top-three teams in Manchester City and Newcastle United.

Naturally in a season where things haven't gone to plan, certain players become scapegoats for fans and one man who has seemingly been written off is summer signing Brenden Aaronson.

However, the 22-year-old's displays have not been as bad as people think, and he could prove to be an unlikely saviour for Allardyce in the final two games – if he opts to give him some first-team minutes.

Should Allardyce start Aaronson?

The USA international, who earns £45k-per-week, has made 34 appearances in the Premier League this season, mustering just one goal and three assists, with a disappointing 6.45 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Given Leeds spent around £25m to sign him from RB Salzburg last summer, you would have perhaps hoped for more from the young midfielder but it must also be remembered that it is his first season at this level, and he will no doubt have been hit hard by the exit of former manager and American compatriot Jesse Marsch.

It's been a disappointing season for more than a few members of Leeds' squad, which is why they are in the position that they're in but Aaronson can at least boast to be one of the most creative outlets at Elland Road.

The 22-year-old currently ranks second for key passes, second for dribbles and fourth for shots per game in Leeds' squad, which suggests that he can definitely offer Allardyce something from an attacking perspective.

The former Philadelphia Union star's only goal of the season came just in the third game against Chelsea. However, this emphasised just what he is capable of, as he closed down Edouard Mendy and tapped the ball in on the line.

His impressive work rate, which once saw him lauded as a "pressing machine" by The Athletic's Phil Hay, could be vital in the final two games of the season as Leeds look to cause problems for their opponents, both of whom could well have very little to play for.

With fellow midfielders Weston McKennie and Sam Greenwood failing to make much of an impression in the midfield against the Magpies, having completed just 17 passes between them, it must be time for Aaronson to get his first start under Allardyce.

If he can reproduce some of his early-season form and give Leeds an energy boost in the middle of the park, it could just be enough to keep them in the Premier League in what would be a bold and questionable call.

The hosts begin a busy period of ODI cricket by welcoming a somewhat battered opposition for a pair of matches in Malahide

The Preview by Alan Gardner15-Jun-2016Match factsThursday, June 16
Start time 10.45 local (0945 GMT)William Porterfield and Angelo Mathews pose with the series trophy•Getty Images

Big pictureIreland begin what they hope will be a busy period of ODI cricket by welcoming a somewhat battered Sri Lanka across the Irish Sea for a pair of matches in Malahide. The series will provide a useful test of their progress after John Bracewell’s first year in the job of head coach.Although Ireland have theoretically been given a pathway to reaching the 10-team 2019 World Cup, a lack of fixtures means they face an uphill struggle to reach the top eight and secure automatic qualification (West Indies, currently ranked No. 8, are 52 points clear of Ireland in 12th). But the visit of Sri Lanka, ahead of a five-match series against England, will allow Ireland to return their focus to the format that has given them greatest exposure on the world stage after a disappointing World T20.It is only by playing the top sides that Ireland can be expected to progress and these two ODIs will be their first against a Full Member since a one-off game with Australia last August; Pakistan will also visit later in the summer, with a five-match series against fellow Associates Afghanistan in between. This all represents vital competitive game time for Ireland.As they look for a first major victory in Dublin, Ireland might be tempted to view Sri Lanka as wounded prey. Heavily beaten in the Tests against England, they have brought in several new faces (and some not so new) for the ODIs and their first challenge will be in working out a first-choice XI. Since Sri Lanka played five one-dayers against New Zealand in December-January, injuries, withdrawals and a change in selectors mean that only five of the side that played at Mount Maunganui are available here.Sri Lanka have a reputation as hardened Associate-beaters, however, as well as experience of playing Ireland in Dublin, having won with reasonable comfort in 2014. Graham Ford will be hoping a change to white-ball cricket can bring out some of their native belligerence once again.Form guideIreland: WLLLL (last five matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka: LWLLWIn the spotlightBoyd Rankin’s last ODI appearance came in an England shirt, at the end of the ill-fated Ashes tour of 2013-14. His time as an England-qualified Irishman was not the happiest but he remains a classy bowler, reliably effective with his county Warwickshire and set for a first home appearance in green in almost four years. The last time Rankin played at Malahide, he took 4 for 46 – but that was for England against his countrymen.Upul Tharanga has 13 ODI hundreds to his name but has played only nine matches in the last two years (one of which was against Ireland in Dublin). His last significant contribution was even further back in time, an unbeaten 174 against India in 2013 that stands out like a lighthouse amid the rocky returns of the latter half of his career. Recalled after strong domestic form at the age of 31, he will add vital experience to a transitional side.Team newsIreland lost Niall O’Brien, due to a calf strain, and Stuart Thompson (personal reasons) from their original squad of 13, while Craig Young was not considered due to injury. Durham seamer Barry McCarthy looks set for a debut, unless Max Sorensen is preferred. John Anderson provides another batting option but played the last of his three ODIs in 2014.Ireland (possible): 1 William Porterfield (capt), 2 Paul Stirling, 3 Ed Joyce, 4 Gary Wilson (wk), 5 Kevin O’Brien, 6 Stuart Poynter, 7 George Dockrell, 8 Andy McBrine, 9 Barry McCarthy, 10 Tim Murtagh, 11 Boyd RankinTillakaratne Dilshan made himself unavailable for the tour but Sri Lanka do have Kusal Perera back after his now-rescinded doping ban. Kusal Mendis could make an ODI debut, with Lahiru Thirimanne struggling for runs – although ODIs are his strongest format. Sri Lanka have several all-round options, including the uncapped (in ODIs) Dasun Shanaka, Danushka Gunathilaka and Farveez Maharoof, whose last international appearance came in 2012.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Kusal Perera, 2 Upul Tharanga, 3 Lahiru Thirimanne/Kusal Mendis, 4 Dinesh Chandimal (wk), 5 Angelo Mathews (capt), 6 Dasun Shanaka/Danushka Gunathilaka, 7 Farveez Maharoof, 8 Seekkuge Prasanna, 9 Suraj Randiv, 10 Shaminda Eranga, 11 Suranga LakmalPitch and conditionsThe surface is unlikely to be chock-full of runs, with 250 the par score in recent years and some assistance likely for seam bowling. There has been some rain around but the forecast is reasonably good for ThursdayStats and trivia Sri Lanka and Ireland have met four times in ODIs, with two wins for Sri Lanka and two abandonments. Ireland’s lowest all-out ODI total came against Sri Lanka during the 2007 World Cup, when they were dismissed for 77 in Grenada.Quotes”There’s a big opportunity for us to get a series win against one of the top-ranked sides. There’s no reason why we can’t come away from this with a 2-0 win.”

Back after a week’s break, Rohit Sharma’s men will hope for a good start in Visakhapatnam, their second home, even as Sunrisers search for some breathing space with another win

The Preview by Akshay Gopalakrishnan07-May-2016

Match facts

Sunday, May 8, 2016
Start time 1600 local (1030 GMT)3:10

Agarkar: Mumbai need to adapt to new home

Big Picture

Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad have had a few similarities in IPL 2016. Both were slow starters: Sunrisers lost their first two games, while Mumbai had just a solitary win after four matches. Both captains – Rohit Sharma and David Warner – have led by example. Both sides are also riding a wave of momentum – Mumbai have won their last three matches and Sunrisers are on a two-match winning streak – which should make Sunday’s clash an interesting one.With all their matches at Wankhede, their traditional home, completed, Mumbai now move to Visakhapatnam, their adopted home, for the remainder of the season. Interestingly, while Mumbai will be the home team, Sunrisers would also bank on the familiarity factor, having played three of their home games at the ACA-VDCA Stadium last year.Rohit has held Mumbai’s batting together, which has allowed Kieron Pollard and Jos Buttler to exhibit their big-hitting skills. They have also been bolstered by Ambati Rayudu’s form at No. 3. They have been most dangerous with the ball, with Mitchell McClenaghan being the leader of the pack, while Tim Southee, Jasprit Bumrah and Krunal Pandya have all contributed at vital times.Sunrisers Hyderabad are fresh off a five-wicket win against Gujarat Lions. It was a match won by the bowlers and they need a repeat of that performance against a powerful Mumbai line-up. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has shown signs of rediscovering his bowling mojo and can exploit the conditions to stifle Mumbai if the pitch offers assistance. Rohit’s form against Ashish Nehra’s experience, and Mustafizur Rahman’s shrewdness against the explosiveness of Pollard and Buttler could make for interesting subplots.With five wins each after nine and eight games respectively, Mumbai and Sunrisers are delicately placed. A win will give Sunrisers some breathing space on the table, while Mumbai have a chance to re-enter the top four.

Form guide

Mumbai Indians WWWLW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Sunrisers Hyderabad WWLWW

In the spotlight

Mitchell McClenaghan has been among the wickets almost every time he has been thrown the ball. McClenaghan’s strikes have ensured Mumbai haven’t missed Lasith Malinga. The New Zealand pacer is the joint-highest wicket-taker with Andre Russell (13).Yuvraj Singh’s Sunrisers debut was a disappointment as he managed just 5 off 14 balls. Warner has been doing the heavy lifting and Shikhar Dhawan, though he’s found form, hasn’t been as explosive. Yuvraj has sporadically shown that he still has the ability to hit the big ones. He’s returning from a lengthy injury lay-off, and will be under pressure to get going immediately.

Team news

Mumbai look settled. Given the importance of a win, a change looks unlikely. They are keeping their options open, though, as both Buttler and Parthiv Patel kept wickets during practice.Mumbai Indians (probable) 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Parthiv Patel, 3 Ambati Rayudu, 4 Jos Buttler, 5 Krunal Pandya, 6 Kieron Pollard, 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Harbhajan Singh, 9 Jasprit Bumrah, 10 Tim Southee, 11 Mitchell McClenaghanAfter their brilliant win over Lions, Sunrisers have little reason to chop and change.Sunrisers Hyderabad (probable) 1 David Warner (capt), 2 Shikhar Dhawan, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Moises Henriques, 5 Yuvraj Singh, 6 Deepak Hooda, 7 Naman Ojha (wk), 8 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 9 Barinder Sran, 10 Ashish Nehra, 11 Mustafizur Rahman

Pitch and conditions

This will be the first match of IPL 2016 at the ACA-VDCA Stadium. Of the three matches played here in the previous edition, the team batting first won two of them, with the average first-innings score of 156. The weather is mostly expected to be sunny with temperatures hitting 34 degrees centigrade, although there is a possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Humidity could be a factor too.

Stats and trivia

• Parthiv Patel has been the most successful wicketkeeper in IPL 2016, with 10 dismissals (nine catches and one stumping)
• Sunrisers’ bowlers have delivered four maidens in this IPL – the most by any team. Bhuvneshwar has sent down two of them, while Mustafizur and Nehra have bowled one each.

Durham are the big losers among the sides in the First Division of the Championship after the IPL auction as they contemplate life without John Hastings

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Feb-2016

Durham are the big losers among the sides in the First Division of the Championship after the IPL auction as they contemplate life without their strapping Australian allrounder John Hastings.Not only will they lose Hastings for the duration of IPL, he is now in so much demand that he is likely to have shoulder surgery immediately after the campaign which could exclude him from the entire Championship season.It is a major blow for Durham, who have limited funds available and who had in Hastings one of the best-value overseas players on the circuit. Hastings took 76 wickets in all competitions for Durham in 2016 as well as chipping in with sturdy late-order runs.That form, though, has attracted attention from Australia, who drafted him into their ODI squad fagainst England last summer to address a mounting injury crisis as he approached 30, bringing him ODI caps alongside his sole Test against South Africa in Perth in 2010.An eye-catching spell in the Big Bash, where he finished as the leading wicket taker, suggests he will be in Australia’s plans for the World Twenty20 Championships in India next month as well as winning him a $100,000 contract in IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders, much to Durham’s dismay. Then came news of a planned shoulder operation, with the English season the one to suffer.Durham hunt Newcastle support

Durham will return to South Northumberland CC for a Royal London One-Day Cup match against Warwickshire this season. South North’s ground is less than three miles from Newcastle city centre and Durham hope the match – on July 27 – will allow the club to engage with a new audience. The county have played in the past at Gateshead Fell, a similar distance from Newcastle centre.

“He’s going to need surgery followed by some period of rehab which is going to take him out of all if not most of our season,” Jon Lewis, Durham’s coach, told BBC Newcastle.”He’s a difficult guy to fill. It comes down to finding the person who can fulfil the roles he did for us in terms of the overs that he bowled. In the white ball stuff he’s one of the leading bowlers.”Last year I was concerned with overworking young seamers but they are now a year older and maybe we can look to get more out of them.”Durham have explored the possibility of signing Kagiso Rabada, but Rabada would not be prepared to fulfil the long-term, onerous responsibilities carried by Hastings. The list of available batsmen is considerably larger than potential seam bowlers, which might force a shift in policy, although a quick perusal of the IPL unsold list suggests that Durham could take a punt on someone like the bullish South African Hardus Viljoen.They have also been in talks with Shoaib Malik, the former Pakistan allrounder, but he would be more likely to fill an overseas role in the NatWest Blast.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly could ditch manager Graham Potter and issue a swoop for Jose Mourinho, who has led the Blues on two illustrious prior occasions, in a move that may finally get the best out of under-firing Kalidou Koulibaly.

What’s the latest on Chelsea’s managerial hunt?

After winning just two of the past 15 fixtures across all competitions, Potter’s grip on the reins of his Blues outfit appears to grow increasingly weaker, and despite the faith of the owners, the Telegraph’s Matt Law reports that the next two fixtures, against Leeds United and Borussia Dortmund, could be definitive for the 47-year-old.

And now, according to former Italian footballer Antonio Cassano (via Sport Witness), Mourinho would be ‘keen’ on a return to Stamford Bridge, should an opening materialise.

Cassano said: “If Inzaghi were to be fired, I would rule out the return of José Mourinho. If an offer from the Premier League were to arrive, the Special One would choose England. The fans fell in love with his attitude (in Italy), but he intends to leave, and for me, he can only go back to Chelsea.”

Could Mourinho really get the best out of Koulibaly?

Mourinho’s first two spells with Chelsea left him with an illustrious trophy cabinet consisting of three Premier League trophies, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.

And while he was sacked on both occasions, there may just be a belief that he can stamp an instant change into life at Stamford Bridge, something that is duly needed given that the Blues are currently tenth in the Premier League, 13 points off top-four.

According to one tactical analysis, Mourinho’s system with i Lupi focusses on forcing opposition out wide and negating the threat in the central defensive areas; Koulibaly, who is 6 foot 1 and ranks among the top 12% of defenders in Europe’s top five leagues for blocks per 90, also winning two aerial battle per match across the duration of his career, can prove effective in this regard.

And given his former imperious standing with the Partenopei in Italy, Mourinho might just hold the key to unlocking his potential and ensuring he returns to his former zeal with his west London outfit.

Hailed as “outstanding” by former Chelsea man Joe Cole, Mourinho is an experienced and iconic manager with a heap of defensive pedigree – indeed, the chosen one’s 2004/05 title-winning Blues team hold the division’s greatest seasonal defensive record to this date – Koulibaly might just benefit from a switch in system that finally opens the floor for him to flourish.

Considering this, Chelsea might just strike gold with an audacious managerial appointment of Mourinho, with the distinguished Champions League-winning boss perhaps feeling he can issue a three-peat of successful spells in west London.

And with his defensive acumen in mind, Koulibaly might just, belatedly, get his career at Stamford Bridge up and running.

Happy Monday!   

There are 10 games on the MLB slate today, and plenty of ways to get in on the action. Here are a couple of wagers we are targeting tonight.  

MLB Best Bets Today for Monday, Aug. 19

• Baltimore Orioles ML (+120)
• White Sox at Giants NRFI (-125)

Baltimore Orioles ML (+120) vs. New York Mets

It’s not often we get the option to take the Baltimore Orioles as underdogs, so we are going to grab the chance tonight against the New York Mets.

The Orioles have a 36-24 road record this season and are 43-27 vs. teams above .500.  Meanwhile, the Mets are just 33-32 at home and 25-35 vs. teams above .500.  

Baltimore will start Trevor Rogers tonight, and on the surface that gives them a big disadvantage. The lefty has struggled this season, and especially since the All-Star Break. Since the break he has an ERA of 5.55 while allowing hitters a .330 batting average. That is not good.   

His xERA and exit velocity allowed are in the bottom 9% percent of MLB.

New York will start lefty David Peterson, which could line up nicely for the O's.

Peterson has a 2.97 ERA since the All-Star Break, allowing just a .222 batting average to opposing hitters. However, taking a peek under the hood, Peterson could be due for regression. Peterson’s xERA is in the bottom 7% of the league, which is even higher than Rogers', and his exit velocity allowed is in the bottom 20% of the league. 

It’s far from a sure thing that he can keep this Orioles team that’s scored the sixth-most runs since the All Star Break at bay. 

Both teams are strong vs. left-handed pitching. The Orioles and Mets are top-five in OPS and both teams are hitting .260 (tied for seventh) vs. southpaws. However, the Orioles lead MLB in SLG vs. lefties and they are seventh in ISO as compared to the Mets in fourteenth. 

The Mets have the bullpen and home advantage, too. So, yes, they should be favorites. But, for +120, I’m willing to bet the Orioles can pull this one off in Queens.  

Chicago White Sox at San Francisco Giants NRFI (-125)

The Chicago White Sox were officially eliminated from playoff contention this weekend, and they have scored an MLB-worst 3.10 runs per game this season.  

They have also only scored 18% of the time in the first inning. 

San Francisco Giants pitcher Kyle Harrison has a home ERA of just 3.64, and a first inning ERA of 4.29, but that’s good enough for me to trust him against an anemic offense. 

The Giants have scored just 4.08 runs per game in August, which is the ninth-fewest in MLB, and they are also not prone to scoring early.  

San Francisco has scored in the first inning just 23% of the time this season. Jonathan Cannon will start for the White Sox tonight, and he has been good since the All Star Break with an ERA of just 3.34.    

لا يزال هناك الكثير من الغموض حول مستقبل مهاجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي نانت، مصطفى محمد، وإمكانية رحيله عن الكناري.

لم يؤدي مصطفى محمد بالشكل المطلوب منه خلال الموسم الحالي حيث شارك في 14 مباراة مع نانت ولكنه لم يسجل سوى مرتين تحت قيادة المدرب، أنطوان كومباريه.

اقرأ أيضًا.. إذاعة فرنسية تكشف خطط نيس بشأن محمد عبد المنعم في يناير

وبحسب شبكة “Foot Sur 7” الفرنسية أن مصطفى محمد غير محصن من الرحيل عن صفوف نانت في الميركاتو الشتوي خلال شهر يناير 2025 مع زميله إجناتيوس جاناجو.

ولذلك بدأ نادي نانت بقيادة، فالديمار كيتا، في التحرك لتدعيم خط الهجوم والهدف التعاقد مع جناح فناربخشة، جنكيز أوندير، لكن العقبة هي قيمته السوقية وقدرها 7.5 مليون يورو.

وهذا مبلغ كبير للغاية لدفعه من قبل إدارة نانت في الوقت الحالي، ربما يتحول الاتفاق إلى إعارة ولكن فناربخشة قد يرفض الأمر.

لكن إذا تعاقد نانت مع أوندير سيكون إضافة كبيرة لما يمتلك من خبرات على مدار مسيرته الكروية ويناسب أيضًا طريقة كومباريه.

ولم يشارك أوندير مع فناربخشة سوى في 3 مباريات فقط ويحتاج إلى فرصة للظهور مرة أخرى وربما يعود إلى الدوري الفرنسي من جديد بعد الرحيل عن مارسيليا في صيف 2023.

Ryan Reynolds has jokingly asked whether 'anyone has seen his wife' after watching Blake Lively star on the Super Bowl big screen with Taylor Swift.

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• Hollywood star promoting Deadpool 3
• Partner enjoyed trip to Las Vegas
• Famous faces watched Chiefs triumph

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Reynolds was not among those in attendance at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as the Kansas City Chiefs took on the San Francisco 49ers for the right to claim American football’s biggest prize. Partner Blake did, however, make the trip to Sin City for the showpiece event.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lively is close friends with pop star Swift, and she is now dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The pair were in high spirits and featured on the big screen throughout an entertaining contest in Nevada, with drinks flowing off the pitch while Kelce and Co prevailed in a dramatic encounter on it.

• WHAT RYAN REYNOLDS SAID

  Reynolds, who is busy promoting the upcoming release of Deadpool 3, has seen the funny side of his wife figuring so prominently in a sporting event that had nothing to do with her. He posted on Instagram, with Blake also rubbing shoulders with rapper Ice Spice and singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey: “Has everyone seen the #Deadpool trailer? Also has anyone seen my wife?”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Reynolds attended an NFL regular-season game alongside Blake and Swift, but has other business to attend to at present. While working on his latest film production, a close eye is also being kept on events in North Wales – with Wrexham, who he co-owns alongside Rob McElhenney, hitting a rare wobble that has delivered four successive defeats across all competitions.

Although Australia were beaten in the final, their captain is grateful for the friendships he’s made and the lessons he’s learnt from the Under-19 World Cup

Shashank Kishore03-Feb-2018Jason Sangha, the Australia captain, looked at the hard knock his team took in the final as part of their learning experience as professional cricketers. He was gracious in defeat, happy to credit India’s brilliance and pick up lessons from their success story to better his own game. The occasion was perhaps the biggest of his nascent career so far, and he wasn’t going to be sulking.”I may never play in a World Cup again, but it has taught me what it is to be a professional cricketer at a world tournament,” he said. “I’ve personally learnt a lot about other players and what they have done. Guys like Shubman (Gill) and Prithvi (Shaw) are such fine manipulators of the ball. They can hit the ball to any part of the ground. That is why they’re such good batsmen.”I’ve learnt from them. We’ve also seen how India bowlers bowl here and how we go about it back home. We have learnt from the opposition. You can’t really define one or two things, but definitely we’ve all learnt a lot watching other players.”After over a month of playing in a World Cup, this was Sangha’s moment to reflect what his team did right and how they overcame tough challenges – none more so than the quarter-final against England, when they defended 128. However, he did concede that India outplayed Australia in the final, bowling them out for 218.”The best thing about this tournament is it’s always a learning curve. We are all teenagers and we are going to make a few mistakes but I’m proud of the guys,” Sangha said. “Full credit to India. I thought probably 250 would have been a better score. India found ways to win key moments. As a captain, it was hard to set fields for the kind of batsmen India have, but I’m proud of some of our guys, especially Jonathan Merlo to fight through and make 76. Param Uppal too was superb. Popey (Lloyd Pope) got us here with that spell against England, so yes, it’s fantastic.”Sangha also touched on life lessons and having to deal with the pressures associated with being a modern-day cricketer. You could sense the feeling of awe as he gushed about receiving messages of support from Steven Smith and members of the Australian team.”I think it’s the media, that is probably the best part,” he said with a laugh. “It’s just really cool to know what it is to be a professional cricketer. At the start of the tournament, I got a message from Steven Smith and that was an amazing feeling for us to hear from such a big cricketer.”I just loved the tournament, the mateship I made on the field and the mateship off it, especially with those from some of the other teams, will be the best thing for me. Cricket is a gentleman’s game and the best part about it is you make many friends. I don’t know if I will ever get the opportunity to play in a World Cup, but I’ve embraced it and soaked it all in.”But now it is time to take fresh guard. “Funnily enough, I haven’t even applied for university.” Sangha said. “I might have to get that sorted out (laughs). The last three-four months have been a massive roller-coster ride. We trained so hard for this, hours and hours, so much blood, sweat and toil and to see now that it’s all over, it feels different.”I can’t really explain how it feels, but now it’s time to get into first year university, I guess. Also, go back and play with New South Wales, Future’s League Cricket and hopefully another Under-19 tournament in December. I love playing for my country, it’s been an amazing privilege. Now, it’s time to go home and see friends and family.”

The legspinner has completed a five-wicket haul in each of his four first-class matches so far since making his four-day debut against England Lions last December

The Report by Peter Della Penna in Abu Dhabi02-Dec-2017
ScorecardA rejuvenated Rashid Khan routed the UAE middle and lower order, claiming 5 for 29 in his 12.3-over spell on the final day to propel Afghanistan to a 10-wicket win that secured the country’s second Intercontinental Cup title.After taking Man-of-the-Match honors in Afghanistan’s previous I-Cup win over Hong Kong, Rashid repeated the feat after taking match figures of 8 for 152 as his side claimed the full 20 points on offer to finish 12 points above the second-placed Ireland. Both countries are now set to enter the Test world with Ireland’s first Test coming against Pakistan in Malahide in May 2018 while Afghanistan are targetting a possible date with Zimbabwe early next year.Despite going wicketless in 21 overs on day three in the face of an obdurate 146-run stand by Rohan Mustafa and Chirag Suri, Rashid’s appeals began to bear fruit on the final morning. With three men around the bat, Saqlain Haider prodded an inside edge off the pad to Javed Ahmadi who juggled momentarily before trapping the ball in between his legs at short leg to secure Rashid’s first wicket 11 overs into the day.Rameez Shahzad fought gamely to prop up the UAE middle order and stretch the game as much as possible, sweeping regularly for boundaries against Rashid and Zahir Khan. But Zahir finally managed to suck Rameez forward for an edge clipped to Mohammad Nabi at first slip. Still, UAE looked like they would make Afghanistan bat again and perhaps even fight for a draw with 17 runs needed and five wickets in hand heading into the last over before lunch.But Rashid produced a sensational over, taking three wickets either side of the interval. Muhammad Usman inside edged a flat-footed poke onto his stumps for 28. Ahmed Raza survived loud appeals for lbw on his first ball at the crease, but groped forward again next ball to edge to Nabi at slip. Lunch was taken and first ball after resumption, Amjad Javed prodded down the wrong line and was trapped in front for Rashid’s third wicket in four balls.Afghanistan suddenly looked favorites to complete their fifth straight innings victory of the tournament but some lusty hoicks over the leg side by Adnan Mufti ensured Afghanistan faced a nominal target. Mufti eventually fended an edge to wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai to give Nabi his second wicket of the innings. Rashid needed just two balls to defeat No. 11 Amir Hayat with a googly for his fifth wicket of the innings. Remarkably, it meant Rashid has completed a five-wicket haul in each of his four first-class matches so far since making his four-day debut against England Lions last December.With Afghanistan needing only 19, UAE put up little fight as the first delivery of the innings bowled by Hayat was a wide and not long after in the third over Ihsanullah was put down on 5 off Hayat at second slip. Ihsanullah eventually hit the winning boundary in the sixth over off Ahmed Raza with a swipe to midwicket.While Afghanistan had stormed the pitch 11 months earlier in the UAE after defeating Ireland by 10 wickets in front of 15,000 fans in the final of the Desert T20 Challenge, their celebrations on this occasion were a bit more muted. But the 500 fans who turned out on this occasion were fully embraced to be part of the celebrations as captain Asghar Stanikzai passed the Intercontinental Cup silverware into the crowd. Having proven themselves against the best of the Associate world in multi-day cricket, a greater test awaits.