Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah announces T20 retirement

Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah announces T20 retirement
India’s Mayank Yadav, back to the camera, is congratulated by teammates Arshdeep Singh, right, and captain Suryakumar Yadav as he celebrates the wicket of Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah during the first T20 cricket match between Bangladesh and India in Gwalior, India, on Oct. 6, 2024. (AP)
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Updated 08 October 2024
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Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah announces T20 retirement

Bangladesh’s Mahmudullah announces T20 retirement
  • The 38-year-old Mahmudullah, who quit Tests in 2021, is set to play his 140th T20 match for Bangladesh in the second game in New Delhi on Wednesday
  • “I am retiring from T20 cricket after the last game of this series,” Mahmudullah told reporters

NEW DELHI: Former Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad said Tuesday his remaining two T20 matches in India will be his last international appearance in the format, vowing to play out with a “good show.”
The 38-year-old Mahmudullah, who quit Tests in 2021, is set to play his 140th T20 match for Bangladesh in the second game in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The tourists need to win in the Indian capital to keep the three-match series alive, after they lost the opener by seven wickets in Gwalior.
“I am retiring from T20 cricket after the last game of this series,” Mahmudullah told reporters.
The final match of the series will be in Hyderabad on Saturday.
“I was pre-decided before coming here. I had a chat with my family and with my coach and captain,” Mahmudullah added.
“It is the right time to move on from this format for me and the team as well and concentrate on the one-day game.”
Mahmudullah has been Bangladesh’s warhorse after he made his international debut in 2007 in a one-day international against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
He has played 50 Tests, 232 ODIs and 139 T20 matches for his country with over 10,500 runs across formats as a dependable middle-order batsman and 165 wickets with his off-spin.
“If we can play to our ability (in Delhi), then we could put up a good show,” he said.
Mahmudullah said he had “no regrets” in his 17-year career.
“I have never ever regretted, at any stage at any point of my life, playing for Bangladesh,” he said. “I have always been a team man.”
The veteran said the T20 team remains in good hands under skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Mahmudullah’s T20 exit comes soon after star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan announced his decision to quit the format last month during the Test series, which the tourists lost 2-0.
India’s left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh meanwhile said he was making the most of his opportunities in the national team without thinking much about the future.
“My life mantra is to enjoy the present,” Arshdeep, who made his India debut in 2022, told reporters.
“I want to do my best in all the formats wherever I get the opportunity.”
Arshdeep, who has claimed 86 wickets in 55 T20 internationals, played in India’s T20 World Cup triumph in June.


Mo Salah strikes late as Liverpool snatch draw at title rivals Arsenal

Mo Salah strikes late as Liverpool snatch draw at title rivals Arsenal
Updated 27 sec ago
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Mo Salah strikes late as Liverpool snatch draw at title rivals Arsenal

Mo Salah strikes late as Liverpool snatch draw at title rivals Arsenal
LONDON: Mohamed Salah rescued Liverpool as the Egypt star’s late equalizer earned a pulsating 2-2 draw against title rivals Arsenal on Sunday.
Arne Slot’s side were on the brink of only their second defeat this season until Salah netted with nine minutes left at the Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool had fallen behind to Bukayo Saka’s early opener and, although Virgil van Dijk equalized, Mikel Merino put Arsenal back in front before half-time.
Salah’s eighth goal in 13 games in all competitions this season was aided by Arsenal’s latest rash of injuries, with defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber both forced off in the second half.
Manchester City were the real winners on Sunday as the draw in north London ensured they finished the weekend on top of the Premier League.
Unbeaten City, who beat Southampton 1-0 on Saturday, are one point ahead of second-placed Liverpool, with third-placed Arsenal sitting five points adrift of top spot.
It was only the second time Liverpool had failed to win since Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in the close-season, starting his Anfield reign with 12 victories from 13 games in all competitions.
Even so, Liverpool will be happier with the point after showing impressive resolve to twice come from behind against a fellow title contender.
Arsenal were left to lick their wounds after the defensive injuries that left them fatally exposed.
They were already without Riccardo Calafiori, sidelined by an injury suffered against Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, while William Saliba served a suspension following his dismissal in last weekend’s loss at Bournemouth.
Mikel Arteta’s side have now gone two league games without a win, leaving them with only three victories in their last seven top-flight matches in a major setback to their hopes of a first title since 2004.
Saka, back from two games out with injury, had given Arsenal the perfect start in the ninth minute.
Ben White’s sublime long pass sent Saka surging down the right flank before he deftly cut back into the Liverpool area, leaving Andrew Robertson trailing in his wake as he lashed a fierce close-range strike into the roof of the net.
Merino nearly gifted Liverpool an immediate equalizer when he carelessly let the ball run to Salah, who rifled his shot just wide from the edge of the area.
So often over the last two seasons, Arsenal have been dead ball masters thanks to their set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, but for once they were exposed as Liverpool drew level in the 18th minute.
Luis Diaz beat Kai Havertz to flick on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner and Van Dijk got in front of Thomas Partey as the Dutch defender stooped to head home from close-range.
But Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces enabled them to regain the lead in the 43rd minute.
Declan Rice’s teasing free-kick arrowed into the Liverpool area and Merino was perfectly placed to thump his header past Caoimhin Kelleher from six yards.
A lengthy VAR check followed to confirm Merino was just onside as the Spain midfielder celebrated his first goal since his close-season arrival from Real Sociedad.
Arsenal keeper David Raya plunged to his right to keep out Alexis Mac Allister’s header on the final seconds of a thrilling first half.
Arteta’s already makeshift defense suffered another blow when Gabriel limped off with a knee injury after a challenge from Darwin Nunez early in the second half.
Without their first choice center-back, Arsenal adopted a more cautious approach and Raya was booked for time-wasting with over 20 minutes to play.
But the Gunners lost Timber to an injury in the closing stages as their defensive issues reached crisis point and handed Liverpool a lifeline.
With just nine minutes left, Arsenal’s under-manned rearguard was ruthlessly exposed as Alexander-Arnold’s lofted pass sent Nunez clear of teenage substitute Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Nunez slipped in the unmarked Salah and he slotted home as Arsenal slumped to the turf in frustration.

Cole Palmer fires Chelsea to victory over Newcastle, West Ham pile more pressure on Ten Hag

Cole Palmer fires Chelsea to victory over Newcastle, West Ham pile more pressure on Ten Hag
Updated 27 October 2024
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Cole Palmer fires Chelsea to victory over Newcastle, West Ham pile more pressure on Ten Hag

Cole Palmer fires Chelsea to victory over Newcastle, West Ham pile more pressure on Ten Hag
  • The Blues got back to winning ways with Palmer at the heart of their best work

LONDON: Cole Palmer inspired Chelsea to a 2-1 victory over Newcastle as West Ham piled more pressure on beleaguered Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag with a dramatic win by the same scoreline on Sunday.
Tottenham were beaten 1-0 at Crystal Palace, who picked up their first win of the season.
Chelsea had been beaten in the Premier League for the first time since Enzo Maresca’s first match in charge at Liverpool last weekend despite an impressive performance.
The Blues got back to winning ways with Palmer at the heart of their best work.
The England international had a goal marginally ruled out for offside inside the first five minutes.
Palmer was the creator for the opening goal, despite not being credited with the assist, as his sumptuous ball over the top freed Pedro Neto, who picked out Nicolas Jackson to slot in his sixth goal of the season.
Newcastle are now winless in five league games as the pressure mounts on Eddie Howe ahead of a rematch against Chelsea in the League Cup on Wednesday.
The Magpies did get back on level terms before half-time as Alexander Isak tapped in Lewis Hall’s cross at the end of a well-worked move.
Palmer took just two minutes into the second period to make the decisive impact with a driving run forward and powerful finish that beat Nick Pope at his near post.
Newcastle should have left London with a point, though, as Isak botched a huge chance to level 15 minutes from time after rounding Robert Sanchez.
Ten Hag was left to rue a familiar lack of ruthlessness as United’s fourth league defeat in nine games will spark further speculation on how long he will be given to turn the Red Devils’ fortunes around.
The visitors should have been out of sight by half-time at the London Stadium.
Alejandro Garnacho hit the woodwork inside two minutes and Edson Alvarez also headed off his own crossbar.
But it was Diogo Dalot who missed the biggest chance when the Portuguese international somehow fired over with the goal gaping after rounding Lukasz Fabianski.
Under-fire West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui showed his disgust with the Hammers’ first-half display by making three substitutions at the break.
Crysencio Summerville was one of those introduced and he slid in to open the scoring against the run of play on 74 minutes.
Casemiro brought United level nine minutes from time with a header from point-blank range.
But there was late drama when VAR intervened for a foul on Danny Ings by Matthijs de Ligt.
Jarrod Bowen smashed in the resulting spot-kick to take West Ham above United, who sink to 14th in the table.
Palace began the day in the relegation zone but were good value for the three points at Selhurst Park as Tottenham’s struggles on the road continue.
Eberechi Eze’s deft flick teed up Jean-Philippe Mateta to fire home the only goal.
Eze had a second ruled out for offside in the second half, but Tottenham, without injured captain Son Heung-min, were toothless in attack.
Spurs have won just once in five away league games this season as they slip to eighth, four points off the top four.


Left-field thought and patio heaters: How Pakistan turned series on head

Left-field thought and patio heaters: How Pakistan turned series on head
Updated 27 October 2024
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Left-field thought and patio heaters: How Pakistan turned series on head

Left-field thought and patio heaters: How Pakistan turned series on head
  • A revamped selection committee dropped out-of-form batsman Babar Azam, pace spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah
  • Azam’s replacement Kamran Ghulam, prolific in the domestic game but hitherto ignored, rewarded selectors with a century on debut

RAWALPINDI: When Pakistan slumped to a sixth Test defeat in a row, by an innings as England piled up 823-7 in Multan just over two weeks ago, it sparked some soul-searching and a radical rethink.
A revamped Pakistan selection committee dropped out-of-form batsman Babar Azam, pace spearheads Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah and instead turned to spin with instructions to groundstaff to produce pitches to match.
The featherbed batsmen’s paradise of the first Test at Multan was recycled, with the help of a dowsing by water and industrial fans, into a turning pitch for the second.
Azam’s replacement Kamran Ghulam, prolific in the domestic game but hitherto ignored, rewarded the new selectors with a century on debut.
But it was the recalled Noman Ali and Sajid Khan who ripped England apart with spin, guile and a flourish as they took all 20 wickets on their way to a 152-run victory.
More of the same was ordered for the series-deciding third Test in Rawalpindi and Pakistan completed a remarkable turnaround by nine wickets on Saturday.
The 2-1 triumph over England was their first home series win since February 2021.
“We were losing matches after matches, series after series because there was no plan,” former Pakistan wicketkeeper batsman Kamran Akmal told AFP.
“It’s thanks to the PCB for thinking out of the box and selectors for picking the discarded spinners that this win was forced,” said Akmal.
Pakistan took a punt using the same pitch for two Tests in a row in Multan.
But they pulled out all the stops in Rawalpindi, which had a reputation in the past of favoring seam bowlers, employing patio heaters and rakes to set up a spinning track.
Noman and Sajid this time shared 19 wickets as England crumbled to 112 all out and Pakistan cruised to victory by nine wickets.
Former England captain Michael Atherton gave credit to Pakistan for finally finding a way to win after a dire spell in all formats of the game.
“Pakistan now have a template to win at home,” said Atherton, who was a TV commentator for the series.
“You have got to be strong at home. Then you search for ways to adapt your game to win abroad.”
His TV colleague, another former England captain Nasser Hussain, said Pakistan “switched a plan mid-series and it’s paid dividends.”
Pakistan has had five PCB chairmen in as many years, with 26 different selectors and six head coaches over that same period.
Hussain said as a result, their previous tactics “would last a week” before being chopped and changed, ruling out an overarching strategy like the one that yielded two Test victories in a row.
“We met some fans who told us that they are happy that Pakistan at least have a plan now, even if it is an unorthodox one,” said Hussain.
“The win with a new plan has given them new joy.”
The series victory is the first Shan Masood since he was appointed captain last year and has given him respite from calls for his resignation.
But Pakistan will next play a two-match Test series in South Africa in December, where they have never won.
“We will need to plan and work hard for further progress and just not sit on this one win,” warned Akmal.
“A win will motivate everyone,” he said. “I am sure this will lift our cricket and we will regain our glory of the past.”


Azam, Afridi back in Pakistan squad for Australia tour

Azam, Afridi back in Pakistan squad for Australia tour
Updated 27 October 2024
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Azam, Afridi back in Pakistan squad for Australia tour

Azam, Afridi back in Pakistan squad for Australia tour
  • Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi will be rested for limited-overs matches against Zimbabwe next month
  • Pakistan will play three ODI matches against Australia on Nov. 4, 8 and 10 at Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth

LAHORE: Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi were named on Sunday in Pakistan’s squads for the November limited-overs series in Australia after being dropped from the last two Tests against England.
However, selectors said the duo will be rested for the limited-overs matches in the Zimbabwe tour later next month.
A new captain for Pakistan’s white-ball format will also be announced later on Sunday to replace Azam, who stepped back this month after a second turn in the post.
Pakistan open the Australia tour with three one-day internationals in Melbourne (November 4), Adelaide (November 8) and Perth (November 10).
That will be followed by three Twenty20 internationals in Brisbane (November 14), Sydney (November 16) and Hobart (November 18).
Allrounders Aamer Jamal and Arafat Minhas, spinner Faisal Akram, wicketkeeper batsman Haseebullah and batsmen Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub have been selected for the first time in ODIs.
Likewise, allrounders Jahandad Khan and Salman Agha have been selected for the first time in T20Is.
Azam, appointed white-ball captain for the first time in 2019, stepped down after Pakistan’s disastrous first-round exit from the ODI World Cup in India last year.
However, he was re-appointed for a second time in March ahead of the T20I World Cup in the United States and West Indies — where Pakistan exited in the first round again, adding pressure on him to resign.
Squads for Australia:
ODI SQUAD: Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi
T20I SQUAD: Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Usman Khan
Squads for Zimbabwe:
ODI: Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan, Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir
T20I: Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Irfan Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Agha, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan


Renard return should bring joy to Saudi national team and fans

Renard return should bring joy to Saudi national team and fans
Updated 27 October 2024
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Renard return should bring joy to Saudi national team and fans

Renard return should bring joy to Saudi national team and fans
  • The Frenchman replaces Roberto Mancini and hopes to recreate the magic that saw the Green Falcons beat Argentina at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar

LONDON: “I’m back.” And with those words on Saturday night, one of the biggest — though least surprising — homecomings in Asian football was complete.

Herve Renard is the new (and old) Saudia Arabian coach. It is a little over 18 months since the Frenchman left Riyadh to become head coach of the women’s national team in his homeland, and he has some work to do on his return.

Saudi football fans hope he brings him the joy that was felt during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when their nation beat eventual champions Argentina 2-1.

“I did not intend to leave but when your country knocks on your door, you have to respond,” Renard said in a video released by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation. “My connection with Saudi, the fans, the players and all the memories — I can never forget.”

Such words will be well-received by the fans, coming just two days after Roberto Mancini was dismissed following 14 months in the job. It was clear the federation already had their man in place and Renard’s return feels like a warm, comfortable embrace.

 

 

Qualification for the 2026 World Cup was not going well. Five points from the first four games, three of which were in Jeddah, was a disappointing start in Group C for the Saudi team. With only the top two sure of a place in North America, the Green Falcons were already resigned — or Mancini was, at least — to a battle.

The goalless home draw with Bahrain on Oct. 15 was the final straw. Bahrain are level with Saudi Arabia on five points, as are the Kingdom’s next opponents, Australia. Bosses wanted to make the change before the long journey to Melbourne.

That crucial match comes almost three years to the day since Renard took the team to Sydney for a 2022 World Cup qualifier. It was the fourth game of the third round. Saudi Arabia had won their first three and produced a fighting performance to draw 0-0, showing the spirit that would take them all the way to Qatar. In the end the team finished top of a tough group, above Japan and a massive eight points clear of Australia in third.

It is a stark contrast to the current situation. The national team are low on confidence, having scored just three goals in five games — two came from Hassan Kadesh headers in China, with midfielder Musab Al-Juwayr getting the other.

But it is not just about results on the pitch; the atmosphere around the national team has soured of late. This stems from the results, of course, but the sight of Mancini gesturing and seemingly shouting at fans at the end of the Bahrain game was also a cause for concern. The Italian was also visibly angry with Salem Al-Dawsari for missing his second penalty in four qualifiers.

Mancini may have won some big trophies as a coach, but repeated complaints about the lack of playing time given to his players did not go down well.

In contrast, Renard plays the game well off the pitch and seems to enjoy his job. There is none of Mancini’s spikiness. This is bound to improve the atmosphere around the team instantly.

They say you should never go back, but there was already an understanding in Riyadh when Reynard left for France. There were no acrimonious circumstances surrounding his departure.

After being in charge for almost four years, the 56-year-old knew his players well. And there will always be that unforgettable win against Argentina in 2022. Renard’s half-time team-talk has gone down in World Cup history, not just in Saudi Arabia but everywhere. His leadership and motivational qualities are on show for all to see.

Still, it is easily forgotten that there were a few rumblings before Renard left. Five of his last six games ended in defeat, albeit against the kind of international opposition the Kingdom does not face often.

Nobody cares about that now, however; now, it is about qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Renard has a contract until 2025 with an option to extend to 2027, the duration of his last contract. This would also include the Asian Cup, which is set to take place on home soil.

As he left last year, he said: “I think I did the maximum with the team. I can’t reach another level so I prefer to be honest with everybody.”

There is no need for that other level right now. All everyone wants is a return to the old one. That the federation has turned to a familiar, friendly face is understandable. It will be a happier team that flies to Australia next month — for a game they can’t afford to lose.