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South Africa were never in with a shot after Sri Lanka set them a target of 294, and their chase stuttered and stumbled to a dismal 145 against a tidy attack

Cricinfo staff24-Jan-2010
ScorecardThe Man of the Match Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s 79 proved a crucial innings as Sri Lanka knocked aside South Africa•ICCNot for the first time in a global tournament, a South African side crashed out in the quarter-finals. South Africa were never in with a shot after Sri Lanka set them a target of 294, and their chase stuttered and stumbled to a dismal 145 against a tidy attack led by four-wicket hero Charith Jayampathi. This was a massive win for Sri Lanka, who continued to play aggressive cricket, and they will head into their semi-final clash against Australia on Wednesday an eager bunch.The South African captain Josh Richards was left to rue his decision to field under sunny skies, despite a good start with the ball. Graham Hume struck first to send back Udara Jayasundera, looking to drive but instead feathering a catch behind, to leave Sri Lanka 20 for 1 in the seventh over, but a steadying stand followed between Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Andri Berenger. A lovely front-foot drive for four off Rabian Engelbrecht set the tone for Rajapaksa’s defining innings, and he was soon welcoming Stephan Smith into the attack with a flicked pick-up four.Berenger appeared eager to play big shots, and he fell for 24 trying to loft Smith over the infield but instead being brilliantly held by a tumbling Dale Deeb from mid-off, who ran backwards and took a falling catch. Rajapaksa farmed the strike well in between pilfering the odd boundary, some streaky and some dominant, and brought up his half-century from 48 balls with an aerial drive during a 16-run over from Kirk Wernars. He was given a life on 56 when Engelbrecht spilled a catch at backward point off Deeb, and added a further 23 to his score before Jerry Nqolo accepted a return catch.Rumesh Buddika became Nqolo’s second wicket for a well-compiled 42, and two quick wickets had opened up a window for South Africa. However, Kithuruwan Vithanage was dropped on 2 by Richards behind the stumps and on 16 by Nqolo at long-off, spilled a real sitter, and those errors proved decisive. Vithanage took boundaries off Wernars before he was let off a third time, the culprit being Colin Ackermann at backward point, and went on to contribute 45. Some good hitting fr0m Fernando, Gunathilleke and Pieris in the end got Sri Lanka to 293.South Africa lost Dominic Hendricks early, bowled by an incutter from Jayampathi in his first over, and that set in motion a shaky chase. Smith chipped a catch back to Jayampathi in his second over, and after a 35-minute rain delay the revised target was 264 to win in 41.5 overs. As a strong wind blew across the ground, Sri Lanka’s fielders suffered a bout of butterfingers, letting two sitters go in the space of five deliveries, but Jayampathi ensured those did not cost much by dismissing Ackermann for 21 and Richards for 43, both times with lovely swinging deliveries.At 92 for 6 South Africa were down for the count and the end came soon, Nadeera Rajaguru taking the last two wickets to round off a crushing win.

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Panic is starting to set in among Celtic fans as the hoped influx of new signings fails to materialise.

The deal for Maryan Shved seems to be all tied up with a suspicion growing that the official announcement is being held back in case there are no other arrivals – specifically a right-back.

Throughout Wednesday hopes were raised that Jeremy Toljan was on his way but reality kicked in when he was captured on video training with his Borussia Dortmund team-mates.

As quoted by Ruhr Nachrichten via BuLi News, Dortmund director Michael Zorc confirmed that talks were ongoing for departures but there was no mention of players or clubs involved.

The grapevine has also gone quiet regarding Timothy Castagne, and there appears to be little in the way of rumours suggesting any other positions in the team will be strengthened.

As darkness falls the online search for transfer news will intensify and the early evening phone-ins will be full of fans hoping for the breakthrough.

A year ago Scott Bain turned up at the last minute wearing his Hibs training gear – it could be another long night as every scrap of information is dissected until white smoke and signings are spotted.

Right now though, Celtic fans on Twitter are growing increasingly fearful that no business will be done…

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips won’t be available until March because of a hamstring injury, journalist Phil Hay has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Phillips is a massive loss

The 26-year-old is arguably the first name on Marcelo Bielsa’s team sheet when everyone is fit, but unfortunately that isn’t the case at the moment. Phillips hasn’t featured for Leeds since the 2-2 draw at home to Brentford at the beginning of December, with a hamstring issue ruling him out for a sustained period.

An update has now been provided regarding the England international, who was hailed as a ‘beast’ by Nigel de Jong during Euro 2020.

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The Latest: Phillips out until March

Taking to Twitter on Friday, Hay confirmed Bielsa’s update claiming that Phillips won’t be available until March, meaning he could miss the Whites’ next eight matches.

The midfielder will join defender and captain Liam Cooper on the sidelines, having played at centre-back three times this season in order to deal with a defensive shortage.

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The Verdict: January signing needed

Phillips is an enormous loss, with his energy and quality in the middle of the park making him the hub of the entire Leeds team, averaging two tackles and 2.3 clearances per game in the Premier League this season.

It highlights the need for a new central midfielder to join during the January transfer window in order to fill the sizeable void left by the 26-year-old.

Someone like Cagliari midfielder and long-time Whites target Nahitan Nandez looks like the perfect candidate, possessing a wealth of experience which includes 49 caps for Uruguay, as well as an average of 2.4 aerial duels and two tackles won per match in Serie A this season.

Even if Leeds miss out on him, though, any new midfielder who could perform to a similar standard would be welcome, given the severe body blow regarding Phillips.

In other news, Hay has provided a more positive Leeds injury update. Read more here.

Celtic won’t be able to sign Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers in a cut-price January deal, Sky Sports report.

The Lowdown: Hoops keen

The Hoops haven’t wasted any time in finalising their winter window business, with moves for Reo Hatate, Yosuke Ideguchi and Daizen Maeda already wrapped up.

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Ange Postecoglou and Michael Nicholson have now turned their attention to making Carter-Vickers and Jota’s loan moves permanent, with Celtic having the option to do so.

Carter-Vickers has missed just one Scottish Premiership fixture since moving to Parkhead, but it seems as if the Hoops won’t be able to sign the USA international for as little as £3m, as Spurs insider John Wenham previously stated.

The Latest: Sky Sports source

Sky Sports shared a story regarding moves for Carter-Vickers and Jota on Tuesday evening.

They were informed by a source when it came to Carter-Vickers that an initial fee of £6m is included in the agreement and there is no wriggle-room on the overall price for the 24-year-old following Nicholson and co’s talks with Spurs.

The Verdict: Should Celtic pay it?

Carter-Vickers has been an ever-present figure under Postecoglou, who labelled the defender as ‘calm’ earlier in the campaign.

He’s also been the Hoops’ best performing centre-back in the league this season, as per WhoScored, so Celtic have a decision to make over the coming weeks.

Postecoglou is keen for the deal to be ‘wrapped up quickly’, and even though Tottenham were willing to sell the player for £2.5m in the summer, the Bhoys may have to bite the bullet and pay over the odds for the defender’s full-time services this month.

In other news: Celtic close to another ‘clinical’ signing after Kenny; Ange is a big fan. 

Jurgen Klopp feared midfielder Ryan Gravenberch could be out for a longer period after he left the pitch on a stretcher during the Carabao Cup final.

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Klopp feared the worst for GravenberchForced to leave the pitch after Caicedo's challengeLiverpool beat Chelsea 1-0 to win Carabao CupWHAT HAPPENED?

The Liverpool boss was forced to substitute Gravenberch in the first half of the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea as the midfielder was stretchered off after a challenge from Moises Caicedo. After the game, Klopp expressed his concern over Gravenberch's condition as he feared the player could be ruled out of action for a long time.

AdvertisementWHAT JURGEN KLOPP SAID

Speaking to reporters after the game, the German coach said, "I hope nothing is broken, but it looks like ligaments."

Getty/ GOALTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Reds already have a long list of injured players as they missed the services of crucial players like Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the cup final on Sunday. Despite the absence of star players, a young Liverpool side clinched the trophy at Wembley courtesy of a late goal by Virgil van Dijk.

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(C)Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

After winning their first trophy of the season, the Merseyside club will now shift focus to the FA Cup where they face Championship side Southampton in a fifth-round clash on Wednesday.

The New Zealand batsman Scott Styris will play in the Big Bash League this season as the second international player for the Hobart Hurricanes

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Aug-2012The New Zealand batsman Scott Styris will play in the Big Bash League this season as the second international player for the Hobart Hurricanes. Styris, 37, retired from international cricket last year but has remained a useful Twenty20 player in domestic competitions around the world, having played for two IPL franchises, the Sylhet Royals in Bangladesh and this year for Sussex in England’s county competition.The Hurricanes were impressed by his form for Sussex, which included a 37-ball century last month, equalling the third-fastest hundred in T20 history. Styris said he was looking forward to joining the Hurricanes, having not played in Australia’s T20 competition before.”I’m enjoying my involvement in franchise T20 cricket around the world and have always enjoyed the challenge of playing in Australia against Australians,” Styris said. “The prospect of competing in this major Aussie domestic competition excites me greatly.”The England batsman Owais Shah is the other international player on the Hurricanes’ list for this season, and they have now signed 16 men. All teams must finalise their squads of 18 by the end of November, and the Sydney Thunder have added two more to their list with the signings of Usman Khawaja and Chris Rogers.Khawaja was part of the Thunder group last summer but this will be the first exposure to the BBL for Rogers, who was last year overlooked for a deal. Rogers, 34, continues to pile up the runs in county cricket and for Victoria, and the Thunder hope that in addition to his scoring he will be a valuable mentor for the younger players.”Chris is an exceptional batsman with an outstanding first-class record,” Shane Duff, the Thunder coach, said. “He is the type of proven player we lacked last season and he will play an important role in our line-up.”

A superlative bowling performance by Royal Challengers Bangalore, including a hat-trick by Praveen Kumar, decimated Rajasthan Royals for a paltry 92 and set up a huge win

The Bulletin by Kanishkaa Balachandran18-Mar-2010
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
How they were outPraveen Kumar took the first hat-trick of the season•Indian Premier LeagueA superlative bowling performance by Royal Challengers Bangalore, including a hat-trick by Praveen Kumar, decimated Rajasthan Royals to a paltry 92 and set up a huge win. The match lasted just 30.3 overs as Bangalore strolled home by 10 wickets to call it an early night, and also seal the second-most comprehensive victory in terms of ball to spare.The bowlers stuck to a plan of bowling quick, short deliveries, which contributed to an abject batting performance by a weakened Rajasthan. The batsmen struggled to find a weak link to exploit. Although Praveen hogged the limelight with the first hat-trick of IPL 2010, it was the combined bowling performance that set the platform for back-to-back wins at home.The Bangalore bowlers focused on bowling as straight as possible and tucking the batsmen up. The batsmen looked out of depth from the beginning, playing and missing and failing to find gaps. The first five overs produced only two fours and 27 runs, quite an antithesis to the Twenty20 brand of cricket.The pressure began to tell on Rajasthan, and the urgency to push on cost them three early wickets. Jacques Kallis struck with his first delivery when he had Naman Ojha splicing to cover-point. Michael Lumb, the Hampshire left-hand batsman, had a testing IPL debut, particularly against Dale Steyn, who got the ball to skid through and fizz past the outside edge on a few occasions. He tried his luck against Anil Kumble by chipping down the track to a slow flighted delivery, but failed the read the googly and was stumped by yards.Even the experienced Damien Martyn looked out of sorts. The rustiness of not having played too much competitive cricket since retirement began to show against some sharp bouncers from Kallis. The dismissal of Abhishek Jhunjhunwala – chopping Kallis onto the stumps – heralded the arrival of Yusuf Pathan, the best man to get them out of jail.There wasn’t to be an instant manic revival. Yusuf struggled to put bat on ball early on. Realising his weakness against the short ball, Bangalore persisted with back-of-a-length deliveries, and Yusuf kept swishing at thin air. Between the seventh and 11th over, the run-rate did not cross four and even their most attacking batsman was in inertia.However, the bowlers were made to pay when they bowled fuller, as Yusuf demonstrated with consecutive thumps over deep midwicket off Vinay Kumar. He was dropped twice – on 19 and 24 – off thick top edges, but it didn’t cost Bangalore much as he was sent packing with an athletic direct hit by Virat Kohli, diving forward.Praveen used three different deliveries to get his hat-trick, the seventh in the tournament’s history. A sluggish Martyn struggled to break free and lost his middle stump when Praveen returned for a new spell. Praveen followed the yorker with a short delivery to Sumit Narwal, who top-edged it down fine leg’s throat. Paras Dogra faced the hat-trick ball, but had his middle stump pegged back to a length delivery, trying to swipe him across the line. The procession of wickets stamped Bangalore’s authority on the game, which was all but sealed at that point.Going by the way Manish Pandey and Kallis closed out the game, only a double hat-trick could have saved Rajasthan. Kallis was at his elegant best, clipping the ball off his pads, tearing into his countryman Morne Morkel for 20 in his first over. Pandey showed scant respect to his countryman, Munaf Patel, muscling the ball down the ground. He also planted one over deep midwicket off Sumit Narwal. The only time Rajasthan looked like taking a wicket was when Pandey sliced the ball to mid-off, and replays couldn’t confirm if Morkel took it cleanly.Rajasthan looked deflated and lost for ideas as Kallis and Pandey threatened to finish the game within 10 overs. Bangalore went to second place in the points table, behind Mumbai Indians.

Bayern Munich's Harry Kane has been making the most of a rare Christmas break by relaxing on a tropical beach with his wife and children.

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Kane enjoying rare Christmas breakStriker spotted on beach with wife and kidsBundesliga resumes in two weeksWHAT HAPPENED?

Kane has discovered that one of the perks of joining Bayern Munich is having Christmas off. The former Tottenham man is used to training and playing during the festive period, but this year he and his family are taking full advantage of the Bundesliga winter break.

Instagram (@katekane)AdvertisementWHAT KANE'S WIFE SHARED

Kane's wife, Kate Goodland, used her Instagram stories to share a glimpse into her family's Christmas getaway. The fitness instructor shared a snap of Kane and her three children on a tropical beach, as well as a video of her daughter petting a horse.

Instagram (@katekane)GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Kane has exceeded all expectations since swapping north London for Bavaria. The England captain has scored 25 goals and laid on eight assists in just 22 games for Bayern, making a mockery of those who doubted he would adapt to playing in a different country.

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WHAT NEXT FOR KANE AND KATE GOODLAND?

Kane spent the first few months of his Bayern career living in a luxury hotel, but he has now found a home for himself and his family. Kate and the kids are expected to join him in Munich after the winter break, perhaps in time to see Kane and Bayern take on Hoffenheim on January 12.

John Henry has dropped a bombshell by revealing Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has no plans to sell Liverpool, so what does that mean for the Reds?

Liverpool owner John Henry had been thought to be willing to sell the Reds but has now announced that it's investment he's after, rather than a sale.

FSG claimed in November 2022 it would "consider new shareholders", which had prompted speculation there could be a takeover at Anfield.

Yet a sale is now very much off the table, so what does it mean for the club, manager Jurgen Klopp, potential transfer targets and the future? GOAL takes a look…

(C)Getty ImagesWill FSG be willing to fund Bellingham deal?

Borussia Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham is expected to have his pick of top sides this summer after becoming a vital player for club and country at the grand old age of 19.

Liverpool are set to battle the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid for Bellingham's signature and have already made the midfielder their top summer target.

Yet the Reds will be well aware that Bellingham will not come cheap. Liverpool will likely have to break their transfer record and make the midfielder their highest-paid player if they are to bring him to Anfield.

The money will obviously be an issue, particularly if investment is not forthcoming, and the big questions fans will be asking is whether FSG are willing to fund a big-money move for Bellingham in the summer.

Liverpool are also in the midst of a difficult campaign both at home and abroad. Failure to qualify for next season's Champions League will impact the club financially and on a sporting level.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesFans frustration to continue

The news that FSG are not selling up will be met with frustration by some sections of the Liverpool support.

Fans have been angered during FSG's reign by hikes in ticket prices, a failed attempt to trademark the name 'Liverpool' and the decision to furlough non-playing staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. That decision came just six weeks after Liverpool announced pre-tax profits of £42 million and was very swiftly reversed.

There was also the European Super League fiasco which brought another U-turn from Liverpool after players and supporters made it clear they were completely against the idea.

There's no doubting that FSG have done a lot for the Merseysiders, but the team is struggling on the pitch which will leave many fans wanting serious investment in the summer to strengthen the squad.

Liverpool FCFSG to complete Anfield redevelopment

FSG have long wanted to redevelop Anfiled and are not far off seeing their plans realised.

Work on the new Anfield Road End Stand began in 2021 and remains on track to be completed in time for the new 2023-24 season.

FSG's redevelopment plan will see the famous old ground's capacity rise by 7,000 to 61,000 spectators, making it the fifth-biggest stadium in England and the third largest in the Premier League.

Liverpool's owners have made mistakes during their tenure but their work to redevelop the ground certainly shows plenty of ambition.

It will also have attracted jealous glances from neighbours Manchester United who are eager to see their dilapidated Old Trafford redeveloped.

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Getty ImagesBig-name departures?

Given FSG are still rooting around for fresh investment in the club, it won't fill people associated with Liverpool with confidence that their will be funds available to keep everyone happy.

If the Reds don't show ambition in the summer, or simply aren't able to because their hands are tied by financial constraints, that could provoke an exodus – especially if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

Although he signed a new contract last summer, Mohamed Salah's future is still fairly uncertain, while other such as Luis Diaz and Ibrahima Konate could be tempted away by big-money offers from elsewhere.

The World Cup has thrown up its share of embarrassing moments for the men between the posts. Here, Goal takes a look at some of the best, or worst!

Getty ImagesBarbosa | Brazil 1-2 Uruguay | 1950 Final

“Everywhere has its irremediable national catastrophe, something like a Hiroshima. Our catastrophe, our Hiroshima, was the defeat by Uruguay in 1950,” wrote renowned Brazilian author Nelson Rodrigues.

Playing in their own country, Brazil needed just to draw their final match of the final group stage to win the 1950 World Cup. Entertaining Uruguay, who had to win to steal the trophy from their South American rivals, the whole of Brazil were already in celebratory mood and expected nothing less than a comfortable victory at the Maracana.

Even the press took victory for granted, with O Mundo printing a picture of the squad with the words: ‘These are the world champions’. Brazil did start well and went ahead when Friaca scored on 46 minutes. But midway through the second half future Milan legend Juan Schiaffino equalised and what followed has since gone down in football history.

As it stood, Brazil were still set to be world champions for the first time until disaster struck and Urugauy scored again in the 79th minute. Alcides Ghiggia dribbled past Bigode before catching Barbosa out at his near post, the goalkeeper having anticipated a cross into the middle. Uruguay were World Cup winners, and the whole country of Brazil went into mourning over what became known as the Maracanazo (‘the Maracana blow’). 

Goalkeeper Barbosa became the main scapegoat for their country’s failings and was never forgiven up until his passing in 2000. “Under Brazilian law the maximum sentence is 30 years. But my imprisonment has been for 50,” he said before he passed away. Seven years earlier Barbosa had attempted to visit the Brazilian squad in training, only to be turned away for fear that he was a ‘jinx’.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesNery Pumpido | Argentina 0-1 Cameroon | 1990 Group Stages

The 1990 World Cup can only be described as a nightmare for Argentina's No.1 Nery Pumpido. In the tournament opener against outsiders Cameroon, the World Cup holders fell to a shock 1-0 defeat in Milan.

Francois Omam-Biyik towered above his man to head towards goal, but would not have expected his weak and central effort to go in. Pumpido somehow let the ball squirm through and under him as the Africans triumphed.

To make matters worse, in the next game against USSR, Pumpido broke his leg. His replacement Sergio Goycochea would go on to become a national hero after his miracles in penalty shootout wins over Yugoslavia and hosts Italy.

GettyRene Higuita | Colombia 1-2 Cameroon | 1990 Second Round

As eccentric goalkeepers go, Rene Higuita surely goes down as the most eccentric World Cup goalkeeper of all time. The Colombian became infamous during Italia ’90 for coming off his line and taking risks.

Higuita would sweep up miles outside his area, dribble past attackers, and regularly attempt nutmegs and flicks. During the second-round clash with Cameroon, this would prove to be his and Colombia’s downfall.

Deep into extra time, with the score still goalless, Higuita attempted to turn past the legendary Roger Milla close to the halfway line. The 38-year-old tackled him, though, and then dispatched the ball into an open net. Cameroon progressed to the next round, and Higuita was the villain.

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GettyPat Bonner | Republic of Ireland 0-2 Netherlands | 1994 Second Round

Ireland had scraped through from that tournament's ‘Group of Death’ mainly thanks to their now famous opening victory over Arrigo Sacchi’s eventual runners-up Italy.

In the second round Jack Charlton’s men faced Holland in Orlando, but two big defensive errors would cost them as the Dutch ran out 2-0 winners. For their second, goalkeeper Pat Bonner allowed a 30-yard strike from Wim Jonk to go through his hands and into the net.