Neil Wagner has said New Zealand’s bowlers did not put enough pressure on Bangladesh on a rain-interrupted first day at the Basin Reserve

Mohammad Isam in Wellington12-Jan-2017Just like the last three Tests at the Basin Reserve, the side bowling first was expected to take the upper hand but New Zealand couldn’t quite knock off Bangladesh on the first day. Instead, the visitors fought through a rain-interrupted day to end it on a respectable 154 for 3, having lost maybe one wicket more than they would have liked.New Zealand were sent in to bat in the three previous Tests at this venue, and were bowled out for 192, 221 and 183 by India, Sri Lanka and Australia respectively. They fought back admirably in the first two of those Tests, going on to beat Sri Lanka, but lost by an innings in their last game here.Kane Williamson’s decision to bowl first upon winning the toss, therefore, was predictable.Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner took a wicket each in the 40.2 overs possible on the first day, but didn’t make life as hard for Bangladesh’s batsmen as they may have hoped to. There were enough maidens but the batsmen were comfortable leaving deliveries outside off stump. Some swung back but only after they had passed the stumps. Only Wagner conceded less than three runs an over while the other three New Zealand bowlers went at more than four an over.Southee began well but, like the others, found it difficult thereafter with frequent rain breaks and the challenge of running in with wind swirling from all directions.Wagner, who removed Mahmudullah to give the home side some reward at the end of the day, said the bowlers hadn’t put enough pressure on the visitors, and had given them too many boundary balls.”I think today was Bangladesh’s day,” Wagner said. “I think we pride ourselves as a bowling unit to use those conditions. I think we didn’t bowl well in partnerships for a long period today. We missed a little bit and we got hurt. I think Tamim [Iqbal] batted really well. They showed a lot of intent and came out positive to put the bad ball away. It obviously put us on the back foot. We never really settled into a rhythm and into an area because of the way they batted.”Tamim Iqbal gave Bangladesh a bright start, racing away to 56 off 50 balls, and Mominul Haque took over thereafter to end the day batting on 64 and with an average of 220 against New Zealand. Wagner said there was enough help in the pitch had New Zealand’s quicks been more disciplined.”It was definitely [going to be] bowl first [after winning the toss],” Wagner said. “You never know which way the weather is going to go. It was a collective decision to bowl first. If we had bowled in the right areas for a long period of time, we would have known there was enough for us.”I don’t think much has changed from the last time I played [Mominul] in Dhaka a few years ago. He is a pretty good batter and he showed a lot of patience. He showed a lot of fight. He never really gave a chance and he left the balls well. He obviously loves batting against us so we have to come hard at him tomorrow.”

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in a Serie A ace, as Unai Emery and Monchi prepare to team up to strengthen the squad this summer.

The Spanish duo are set to have a busy transfer window if reports are to be believed, with the Midlands club already linked to a host of talent.

The latest link has pointed a Juventus loanee to Villa Park with the club potentially set to bring in a player that could benefit from a second shot at the Premier League.

Indeed, as reported by Spanish outlet AS, via Tuttomercatoweb, Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo has gained interest from Aston Villa.

The 26-year-old had a dreadful season on loan at Liverpool, making no appearances during his season-long stay and missing 26 games due to injury, as per Transfermarkt.

The Italian site relayed that after returning to Turin, the midfielder ‘will leave’ the club, with Villa ‘on pole’ to sign the Brazilian, with Newcastle also interested.

With two years remaining on his contract in Italy, Arthur is valued at €24.8m (£21m) via Football Transfers.

What could Arthur Melo offer to Aston Villa?

Hailed as having “extraordinary technical abilities” by Juve boss Massimilano Allegri, the 26-year-old could bring skill in abundance to Emery’s side.

Deployed in central midfield, the former Barcelona star could provide competition to the middle of the park in the Midlands, as a player that excels in a variety of areas integral to succeeding as a deep playmaker.

While John McGinn has had an impressive season in claret and blue, the Scotsman could see himself challenged should the Brazilian arrive at Villa Park.

When comparing the two via FBref, taking numbers from the £110k-per-week ace’s 2021/22 campaign in Serie A, the Villa target shows he could compete for a spot against McGinn.

As per FBref, the Scotsman averages a pass completion rate of 78.3%, as well as making 4.68 progressive passes per 90 which are figures topped by the Gioania-born star who averaged a completion rate of 89.4% and 5.43 progressive passes per 90.

While his passing ability is impressive, as told by his statistics, the 26-year-old is more efficient in defensive areas also.

As noted by Sofascore, the Juventus midfielder averaged a win rate of 64% of his total duels in Serie A, followed by McGinn who won 57% of his total duels in the Premier League this campaign.

The Brazilian flexed his defensive abilities in the engine room over the Scotsman’s, averaging 2.34 tackles to his 2.21 per 90, to further explain the strengths and depth he could add to Emery’s plans to improve the squad at Villa Park, via FBref.

The Spaniard told The Athletic in April of his desire to add depth to his side, which he could do so in introducing a player with the experience of Arthur, who has accompanied some of the world’s best on the pitch in his career so far.

The summer transfer window officially opens for business this week and Aston Villa could be in the market to bolster their squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Unai Emery was able to add Jhon Duran and Alex Moreno to his roster in January and now has multiple months to work with the club to add more quality across the pitch.

The Spanish head coach is set to lead the Villans into European football next term after qualifying for the Europa Conference League and the prospect of playing in that competition could tempt the manager to improve his options in the coming weeks.

One player who could come in as an upgrade on what Villa already have at their disposal is Barcelona winger Ansu Fati, who could be put forward to the club by agent Jorge Mendes this summer.

How did Ansu Fati perform his season?

The 20-year-old winger found it difficult to nail down a regular starting spot with the Spanish giants but his performances in LaLiga suggest that he would offer far more than Leon Bailey in the final third.

Fati started 12 games in the league for Barcelona and contributed with seven goals and three assists from out wide, whilst he also produced three goals in seven domestic cup appearances.

The forward, who has racked up 22 goals and four assists in 32 LaLiga starts since the start of 2019/20, has shown plenty of promise in his limited game time with Xavi's side, whereas Bailey has struggled to be a consistent performer in the Premier League for the Villans.

In 22/23, the Jamaica international scored four goals and provided four assists in 26 starts with that coming after the 25-year-old scored one goal and assisted two in seven starts in the previous campaign in the top-flight.

Therefore, the Villa dud has averaged a direct goal contribution every three starts in the Premier League. Whereas, Fati has only needed 1.23 starts on average to register a goal or an assist in LaLiga for Barcelona.

These statistics suggest that the Spain international, who is also five years younger than Bailey, has the potential to make a bigger impact on matches for Emery next season.

The £230k-per-week wizard, who was described as a "generational" talent by Xavi, ranks in the top 1% of players in his position in the Men's Big Five Leagues over the last 365 days for non-penalty xG per 90, meaning that the forward is excellent at putting himself in good positions to generate goalscoring opportunities.

Bailey, on the other hand, is not in the top 35% in the same group of players, suggesting that the Villa winger is not as intelligent at creating chances for himself with his movement in the box, something that is also reflected in their respective goalscoring records.

Therefore, Emery could land a big upgrade on the former Bayer Leverkusen ace by securing a deal to sign Fati from Barcelona this summer.

Manchester United could be about to let one of their first-team players leave on the cheap, with The Daily Mail reporting that Jadon Sancho is available for just £45m during this summer transfer window.

How many goals has Sancho scored for Manchester United?

The forward has been with the Red Devils for two seasons now and goes into the close season on the back of his best campaign in terms of his goal contribution numbers for the club.

Whilst not hitting the same numbers he produced in Germany with Borussia Dortmund – in fact, the England man has yet to hit a double digit tally at Old Trafford – he still had six goals and three assists in the Premier League this term. That came in just 21 starts and led to a goal contribution per 90 rate of 0.48 – nearly double the rate he managed in 2021/22.

The 23-year-old though has not produced the same level of performance he produced in the Bundesliga. He bagged 38 goals and 45 assists in the league for Dortmund, but with United has only nine goals and six assists in 55 top flight games.

It hasn't put teams off from wanting to sign the winger, with Tottenham considering a swoop of their big six rivals, and an update has now emerged on how much he would cost.

Are Manchester United selling Sancho?

According to a report from the The Daily Mail, the player is not up for sale so to speak, but would be sold if the right offer comes in, much like Harry Maguire.

The report states Sancho's price tag is a cut-price fee of £45m, and if a team did come in and stump up that cash, then a deal could be done. It's a £28m loss on the £73m they paid for Sancho two years ago.

If United did decide to flog Sancho, then they would be losing a player that has previously been brilliant for Dortmund and has even received high praise during his time at Old Trafford. Football journalist Josh Bunting for example stated that the forward was "brilliant" at one point this season, adding that he looked "revived" and "full of confidence" during one game earlier in the 2022/23 season.

Even though it would raise funds and free up space in the squad then, it could still be a blow for the side to lose the attacker this transfer window.

Everton are reportedly interested in a newly relegated Premier League ace, as Sean Dyche aims to rebuild his side this summer.

With the transfer window officially open as of last week, the Toffees will look to recruit in the bid to turn their Premier League fortunes around after two seasons that threatened relegation.

Dyche could add significant depth to his squad by signing the latest link, who has already impressed in the English top tier.

What’s the latest on Crysencio Summerville to Everton?

As reported by the Telegraph yesterday, Everton have emerged as a club interested in Leeds United forward Crysencio Summerville.

The report states that the Dutchman is on the ‘shortlist of forwards’ that the Blues are looking at, with former club Feyenoord also interested.

It’s said that a deal could be worth ‘upwards of £12m’, with the 21-year-old contracted to Leeds until 2026.

What could Crysencio Summerville offer to Everton?

Hailed as “unplayable” by journalist Beren Cross, the Leeds ace is versatile in his wide play, being deployable on both the left and right flank.

The youngster scored four goals this season, netting in four consecutive games including a thrilling last-minute winner against Liverpool.

In a side that ended the campaign with relegation to the Championship, the Rotterdam-born gem managed to impose himself on the league, warranting a number of clubs monitoring his movements this summer.

For Everton, Dyche must re-install firepower in front of goal, with the Blues closing the term with 34 goals in 38 games with their inconsistencies in the final third attributive to their scrap for survival going to the final day.

One of the standout performers in attack in a dreary season for the Toffees was Dwight McNeil, who ranked in the top five of Everton’s best-performing players this campaign as per Sofascore.

The Englishman ended the year as Goodison’s top scorer with seven Premier League goals in 36 appearances, as well as registering three assists acting as a talisman from the left flank.

Dyche could translate the shine from the left wing to the right side in equipping his side with Summerville, who operates similarly to the former Burnley gem in his playing style.

When comparing the two wide players based on statistics from their respective seasons in the Premier League, the numbers show that Dyche could create a carbon copy of McNeil by giving the Dutchman area to bloom on Merseyside.

As per FBref, both players recorded an average of 0.25 non-penalty goals per 90, as well as scoring similarly in attributes key to being a dynamic winger in the manager’s favoured set-up.

The comparison highlights that McNeil averaged 3.89 shot-creating actions to Summerville’s 3.09 per 90, as well as 1.95 successful take-ons to the 21-year-old’s 1.51 per 90.

The Everton target ranked slightly higher in terms of progressive play, averaging 3.22 progressive carries to the Englishman’s 2.74 per 90, showcasing his ability when moving the ball upfield, via FBref.

Dyche could land himself a significant upgrade to the front line by signing Summerville, who at just 21 could excel in the manager’s system, benefitting both player and club.

Quetta Gladiators and the winners of the third playoff, a virtual semi-final between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, will pick from a pool of approximately 12 foreign players to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in Lahore on Sunday.The pool was created from the nominations of each franchise – and subsequently whittled down – to cover for the absence of contracted foreign players, who are unwilling to travel to Lahore over security worries.How many are picked from the list – which includes players from Bangladesh, South Africa, Zimbabwe, England and West Indies – will depend on which team – Karachi or Peshawar – make it to the final.None of Quetta’s contracted foreign players will be traveling to Lahore, so they can pick up to five from the list. As many as four of Peshawar Zalmi’s foreign contingent may be willing to travel to Lahore, which will come as good news to organisers and fans. If that is the case, they may not even have to pick a name from the list.Though reports have suggested that all five of Peshawar’s foreign players are willing to go to Lahore, ESPNcricinfo understands that the best case scenario is four going: captain Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Chris Jordan and Dawid Malan. The fifth, Samit Patel, has not been given an NOC by his county Nottinghamshire, and will not travel to Lahore. None of the players have publicly committed to traveling; in an interview with last week Jordan chose not to comment when asked if he would travel.If Karachi win though, they will need to pick a number of players. As it stands, only Ravi Bopara from their foreign contingent is going to Lahore, having tweeted his indication to do so before the game. Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard and Ryan McLaren will not travel.Should Karachi win, organisers as well as franchises will have to face up to the prospect of playing the final with a vastly different side to the one that made it through the league and knockout stages. Names within the pool include Bangladesh’s Anamul Haque, South Africans Morne van Wyk and Richard Levi, as well as Sean Ervine and Graeme Cremer from Zimbabwe.The final names will only become apparent after the game between Peshawar and Karachi. There is one name on the list that both Quetta and Karachi had nominated. In case both sides want that player at the end of tonight’s game, a coin toss will determine who gets first pick. If Peshawar win, there are no conflicts with Quetta.Most of the players in the pool have already secured visas to travel, and those currently without one should be able to procure them by the time they travel to Lahore. It is expected that the foreign players who are traveling will not be staying in the city overnight, flying in and out on the same day.

تحدث أماد ديالو، لاعب مانشستر يونايتد عن هدف الفوز القاتل الذي أحرزه وقاد فريقه لنصف نهائي كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي أمام ليفربول.

وتعادل مانشستر يونايتد مع ليفربول، بهدفين لمثلهما في الوقت الأصلي للمباراة، لتمتد إلى الأشواط الإضافية.

وسجل ديالو هدف مانشستر يونايتد الرابع في الدقيقة 120، ليحسم المباراة لفريقه بالفوز بنتيجة 4-3.

وقال ديالو في تصريحاته إلى “بي بي سي”: “الحلم أصبح حقيقة، هذا الهدف سيمنحني الكثير من الثقة وأريد الاستمرار على هذا المنوال، أنا سعيد للغاية، الشيء الأكثر أهمية هو الفوز في هذه المباراة”.

وأضاف بشأن كرة الهدف: “أردت إعادة الكرة إلى جارناتشو لكني رأيت المدافع ويجب أن أتحرك بمفردي، كانت لحظة جيدة للتسديد”.

وأردف ديالو: “إنه أمر لا يصدق، حلم بالنسبة لي أن أسجل الهدف الأخير لمانشستر يونايتد، يجب أن تؤمن بكل لحظة، هذه هي كرة القدم”.

وأكمل: “أريد أن أشكر المشجعين، إنها واحدة من أفضل مباريات الموسم لذا نريد الاستمرار على هذا المنوال”.

وأشار: “اليوم استحقينا هذا الفوز، لعبنا بشكل جيد للغاية، إنه أفضل هدف في حياتي، إنها لحظة مهمة حقًا”.

وأتم: “لقد نسيت البطاقة الصفراء الأولى، أشعر بخيبة أمل بسبب طردي، لكن المهم هو الفوز، إن الفوز على ليفربول هو لحظة كبيرة جدًا بالنسبة لي”.

وتلقى ديالو بطاقة حمراء، بعد حصوله على البطاقة الصفراء الثانية لخلع قميصه لحظة احتفاله بهدفه القاتل.

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a move for another defender very soon, if reports are to be believed…

What's the latest on Edmond Tapsoba to Tottenham Hotspur?

The latest comes from transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter to offer a short summation on Ange Postecoglou's pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen ace Edmond Tapsoba.

Regarding the north London outfit, he simply wrote: "Edmond Tapsoba, top of the list as talks will take place in the next days."

Given other reports are suggesting the German outfit will command a fee of around £61m, this could prove a lucrative move for the Lilywhites to make. However, if Daniel Levy is to truly back his new manager, these are the kinds of deals he must push through to progress his club back into the big time.

How good is Edmond Tapsoba?

Many will likely be aware of this towering Burkina Faso international for his work in Germany since his 2020 move. It has not taken long to establish himself as one of the Bundesliga's top centre-backs, with journalist Raphael Honigstein even writing: "Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba has been outstanding since arriving in late, late January. Meet Edmond Tapsoba, the Bundesliga’s new sensation."

The figures support the 6 foot 4 titan's prominence as a skilful modern-day defender, but he maintains the necessary defensive steel that could complement Cristian Romero well within a new-look system at Spurs.

In fact, when compared to others in his position across Europe, Tapsoba ranks in the top 5% for progressive passes and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, with his potential new teammate also noted on his 'similar players' list.

The comparisons between the two as creative stars will likely please Postecoglou, whose whole philosophy is embroiled in playing out from the back with confidence.

To further emphasise this quality in possession, the defender actually admitted to modelling his game around John Stones, who has arguably redefined what it means to be a ball-playing defender.

Tapsoba told The Athletic: "John Stones, at Everton. I really enjoyed watching him, he made a huge impression on me. His manner on the ball, and the way he played with the ball. I loved that. I still go back to Stones when it comes to playing in a certain style."

Combining this fleet-footed philosophy with the steel of the World Cup winner could be a match made in heaven,

Whilst his 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and three clearances per game in the German league (via Sofascore) might not be the most exceptional, when accumulated alongside Romero's figures in these categories (1.6 tackles, 2.5 tackles, 3.6 clearances per game in the league), the two could blend well and cover each other's weaknesses.

It is therefore no surprise that Tapsoba remains so high on the list of the Spurs hierarchy, who would surely thrive with these two impressive, aggressive and technically proficient titans at the heart of their defence.

Manchester United are 'still discussing internally' who may be the best fit to spearhead their attack heading into 2023/24 as they assess several striking targets, says renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What strikers have Manchester United been linked with this window?

Earlier in the year, Manchester United were heavily linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane as Erik Ten Hag looks to beef up his forward line with an elite addition, as per The Independent.

Nevertheless, the Red Devils opted out of pursuing the England international in the end due to Spurs' tough stance in negotiations, leaving them in a position where their priorities have now shifted to tracking alternative options.

Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund is also a target for Manchester United and talks are continuing over a swoop for the 20-year-old; however, his current employers have slapped an £86 million price tag on his shoulders in their attempts to ward off interest, according to The Daily Mail.

Eintracht Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani and Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen have also been mooted as prospective signings at Old Trafford this summer.

Jornal de Notícias via Sport Witness claim that Porto hitman Mehdi Taremi is someone who is admired by Manchester United boss Ten Hag as their search for a new forward continues to gain momentum.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has revealed that Manchester United are still running the rule over who may be the best fit to lead the line at the club this season.

Romano said: “They are still discussing internally who is the best striker for this project and what kind of opportunity they will find.

“They wanted Harry Kane; this is very clear. Erik ten Hag wanted Harry Kane, but, at the moment, Tottenham have no intentions of negotiating with Man Utd. This is why they are looking at other options.”

What other movements have Manchester United made in the transfer market?

Romano has also confirmed that Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is set for a medical at Manchester United ahead of his move to Old Trafford, stating on Twitter: "Mason Mount will undergo medical tests on Monday and then he’s finally gonna sign five year deal as new Manchester United player. Contract until June 2028 — it will also include an option to extend until June 2029. £55m plus £5m to Chelsea. Statement this week."

In the goalkeeping department, Feyenoord stopper Justin Bijlow and Eintracht Frankfurt's Kevin Trapp have been identified as two targets to strengthen Ten Hag's last line of defence, as a deal to bring in Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana could prove to be difficult financially, according to The Mirror.

Calciomercato claim that Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic's agent has held talks over a prospective transfer to Manchester United, though the Serbia international is garnering attention from several clubs around Europe.

Either way, Manchester United look set for a busy summer window as Ten Hag aims to construct a side capable of challenging for the Premier League title this season.

The 22-year-old batsman had been part of UAE’s previous international assignment – the Tri-nation series – but did not play a game

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Mar-2017Batsman Chirag Suri, who became the first UAE player to win an IPL contract last month, has not been named in the national squad for the first of two ODIs against Ireland, which will be held on March 2.Suri, who was picked up by Gujarat Lions for his base price of INR 10 lakh (approximately US $15,000) in last month’s auction, was a part of the UAE squad in the Tri-nation ODI series against Hong Kong and Scotland in January but did not play a game. His last appearance for UAE was a List A match against England Lions in December. He is yet to play an ODI or a T20I for UAE.Wicketkeeper Saqlain Haider and batsman Usman Mushtaq, who, like Suri, were part of the Tri-nation series squad but did not get a game, are also not part of the squad against Ireland. Batsmen Rameez Shahzad and Laxman Sreekumar have been recalled to the 14-member team. Both Shahzad and Sreekumar last played an ODI for UAE in August last year, although Shahzad featured in the Desert T20 Challenge earlier this year.The squad will be led by Rohan Mustafa, with Shaiman Anwar named as vice-captain. The second match of the series will be played on March 4.UAE squad: Rohan Mustafa (capt), Adnan Mufti, Ahmed Raza, Amjad Javed, Ghulam Shabber, Imran Haider, Mohammad Naveed, Mohammad Qasim, Muhammad Usman, Qadeer Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar (vice-capt), Zahoor Khan, Rameez Shahzad, Laxman Sreekumar