Having already signed Dominic Solanke in the summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly turned their attention towards adding another attacking reinforcement to Ange Postecoglou’s side in 2025.

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The Lilywhites are beginning to reap the rewards for their summer business now that Solanke has found his goalscoring touch. The big-money striker found the back of the net three times in eight appearances before the international break, with two of those goals coming in his last three Premier League games.

However, as he finds his feet and boosts Spurs’ frontline, Postecoglou’s side have remained inconsistent on the results front.

"Special" player likely to quit and could join Tottenham despite new deal

The Lilywhites are seriously keen on him.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Oct 18, 2024

Following up victory at Old Trafford with complete capitulation against Brighton & Hove Albion, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether those in north London will be able to fight their way back into the Premier League’s top four come the end of the campaign. Of course, what will help their case is the winter window in 2025, with links already emerging to the likes of Jonathan David and Espanyol winger Javi Puado.

But should they resist turning their attention toward Ligue 1 and La Liga, the Lilywhites could yet shift their focus to a Serie A forward in the summer. According to reports in Spain, Spurs have now joined the race to sign Charles De Ketelaere, who is beginning to rediscover his best form away from Milan at Italian rivals Atalanta.

Attracting the interest of Spurs, as well as the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle United and Manchester City, the Belgian may yet earn another summer switch to put life in Italy behind him. Still just 23 years old, De Ketelaere could form a fine strike partnership with Solanke to hand those in north London the ultimate attacking boost, especially given that he can also play in attacking midfield and on the right flank.

"Special" De Ketelaere can rediscover best at Spurs

After failing to score a single goal in 40 appearances for Milan, De Ketelaere swapped the San Siro for Atalanta and has managed to show glimpses of his best ever since, scoring 15 goals and assisting another 12 in 60 appearances. That said, he’s still not quite performing at the levels he showed whilst at Club Brugge, which could leave the door ajar for another exit.

If that does prove to be the case, Spurs could complete a summer swoop and take a gamble on a player who has plenty of potential, according to Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig, who described De Ketelaere’s talents as “special” and “superb”.

With four Premier League clubs now seemingly battling to sign the Belgian, Spurs may just send a statement by welcoming De Ketelaere when the summer transfer window arrives.

The defending champions are bottom of the table but have recently found some form

AAP05-Nov-2021

India vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is full of praise for the leadership of teenager Hannah Darlington, having relished a chance to learn more about Indigenous culture during her WBBL stint.Darlington, aged 19, was named skipper of WBBL defending champions the Sydney Thunder after border closures and a newborn baby prompted the withdrawal of veteran Rachael Haynes.The Thunder dropped the opening four games of their title defence. They have since posted wins over Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars, setting up a crunch clash with Brisbane Heat at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Darlington was a picture of composure and positivity throughout the poor start, according to Mandhana.”That’s the key thing as a leader that you don’t let the pressure or anything show on your face,” Mandhana told AAP. “She was really good throughout those four matches, just kept focusing on the positives and she had a major role to play in it [the turnaround].”She looks pretty relaxed and calm for her age. She’s doing an amazing job to lead a team at her age. She’s quite approachable, that’s the best thing about her and that’s what you want as a captain.”Darlington made her international debut during the recent multi-format series, becoming just the third Indigenous woman to play cricket for Australia. The Kamilaroi woman was part of an Indigenous team that visited England in 2018, retracing the steps of the 1868 Aboriginal tour.Smriti Mandhana comes out to bat•Getty Images

Darlington’s appointment as the youngest ever WBBL captain came at the Thunder’s customary shirt presentation on the banks of the River Derwent, where traditional owners performed a smoking ceremony.Darlington and team-mate Anika Learoyd, a Gumbaynggirr woman, spoke from the heart while starting conversations about Indigenous culture with new team-mates like Mandhana.”It’s amazing to learn more about the culture…hear their stories and learn more about them,” Mandhana said. “Especially for those of us not from Australia. Within the team, we discuss the culture and the land where we are going to play.”Mandhana, who celebrated a record-breaking Test ton earlier this season, has posted two half-centuries from her past three WBBL games. She has represented India on 150 occasions, with her first match against Australia coming at Adelaide Oval in 2016. The 25-year-old is thrilled to return to the venue that also triggers memories of “watching Virat score a lot of runs”.”It’s a good wicket to bat on,” Mandhana said. “I’m excited. We didn’t start this tournament the way we wanted to but there were positive signs. Hopefully we continue this momentum, we can’t afford to lose many other matches.”The WBBL continues on Saturday with three games, including a showdown between the second-placed Heat and table-topping Melbourne Renegades at Karen Rolton Oval.

Everything you need to know about Inter Miami's 2025 pre-season preparations.

Under the guidance of head coach Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami are gearing up to build on their remarkable 2024 campaign.

Watch Inter Miami with the MLS Season PassStream now

The team clinched the Supporters' Shield and shattered the MLS single-season points record by amassing 74 points. Adding to their success, Lionel Messi was crowned the Landon Donovan MLS MVP after leading the league with an impressive 36 goal contributions.

Looking ahead to 2025, Messi and Inter Miami are set for a busy and ambitious schedule. They will compete in prestigious tournaments, including the Champions Cup, the Club World Cup, and the Leagues Cup. Meanwhile, they'll aim to defend their Supporters' Shield crown and secure another playoff spot as they chase MLS Cup glory in the upcoming season.

Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Inter Miami's 2025 pre-season preparations, including where to watch the games and more.

AFPInter Miami 2025 pre-season fixtures & results

Inter Miami announced five preseason fixtures across four countries as Lionel Messi and his teammates gear up for a demanding campaign, with the team set to compete in as many as five different competitions.

The Herons rallied to beat Club America 3-2 on penalties in their preseason opener at Allegiant Stadium, the home turf of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, on Sunday, as Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the 2025 preseason

The Mexico City side claimed consecutive titles with their triumphs in the 2023 Apertura and 2024 Clausura campaigns, securing an unprecedented third straight championship by edging past CF Monterrey 3-2 on aggregate in the 2024 Apertura final.

In addition to the preseason clash, the two teams might cross paths again in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, as both have earned qualification for the tournament. The match marks the managerial debut of Javier Mascherano, who has taken over as head coach following the departure of Gerardo Martino after Inter Miami's exit in the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs.

There are three matches to be played in South America and Central America. Miami opened that swing with a game against Peruvian champion Club Universitario de Deportes in Lima on January 29 – while the game ended a scoreless draw, Miami won 5-4 on penalties. From there, the club headed to Panama City to face Sporting San Miguelito on February 2, winning 3-1. That was followed by a trip to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, for a February 8 clash against Club Deportivo Olimpia, which the Herons won 5-0.

Inter Miami's last preseason clash will take place on February 14 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, where they'll lock horns with their in-state rivals, Orlando City, who made it to the Eastern Conference final in last season's MLS Cup playoffs. Kickoff for this Valentine's Day fixture is set for 7:30 pm ET.

Saturday, January 18, 2025Inter Miami 2-2 Club America (3-2P)Allegiant Stadium (Paradise, Nevada) 10 pm ETWednesday, January 29, 2025Universitario de Deportes 0-0 Inter Miami (4-5P)Estadio Monumental (Lima, Peru)8 pm ETSunday, February 2, 2025Sporting San Miguelito 1-3 Inter MiamiEstadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez (Panama City, Panama)5 pm ETWednesday, February 8, 2025CD Olimpia 0-5 Inter MiamiEstadio Olimpico Metropolitano (San Pedro Sula, Honduras)8 pm ETFriday, February 14, 2025Orlando City vs Inter MiamiRaymond James Stadium (Tampa, Florida)7:30 pm ETAdvertisementAFPWhere to watch Inter Miami pre-season gamesWatch Inter Miami with the MLS Season PassStream now

A number of Inter Miami's 2025 preseason matches are available to watch live with the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV across the world, similar to last season's preseason tour. The MLS Season Pass gives you access to every MLS game, including the playoffs. However, others are limited to the official Inter Miami website and local television.

Getty Images SportHow to buy tickets to Inter Miami games

If you are interested in seeing Inter Miami up close and in the flesh, you can buy tickets to watch their pre-season games live through StubHub.

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Getty Images SportWhen does the 2025 MLS season start?

The 2025 MLS season is set to kick off on February 22-23, with the full schedule anticipated to be unveiled by late December. Inter Miami's complete schedule and results will be available here, with updates added as they are announced.

سقط نابولي في فخ التعادل السلبي أمام نظيره فينيزيا، ضمن الجولة 29 من بطولة الدوري الإيطالي، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما على ملعب بيير لويجي بينزو.

نابولي دخل المباراة من أجل الفوز للضغط على إنتر ميلان من خلال احتلال الصدارة مؤقتًا، قبل مواجهة النيرازوري أمام أتالانتا مساء اليوم.

90 دقيقة لم يتمكن فيها البارتينوبي من هز شباك أصحاب الأرض، في مباراة كانت متوسطة المستوى مع العديد من الفرص المهدرة للفريقين.

في الدقائق الأخيرة، تألق كل من أليكس ميريت حارس نابولي أمام كريستيان جيتيكار البديل، بينما نظيره في فينيزيا رادو، كاد أن يتلقى هدفًا من البديل جيوفاني سيميوني ولكن الكرة مرت بأعجوبة.

انتهت المباراة بالتعادل السلبي، ليصبح نابولي برصيد 61 نقطة في المركز الثاني، وإنتر ميلان متصدرًا بنفس الرصيد قبل مباراته مساء اليوم أمام أتالانتا.

وعلى الجانب الآخر، فينيزيا حصل على نقطة أمام البارتينوبي قد تساعده في البقاء بعدما رفع رصيده إلى 20 نقطة في المركز التاسع عشر.

Lungi Ngidi has been forced to withdraw from South Africa’s squad for the three-match ODI series at home against Netherlands after testing positive for Covid-19. “He is well and in good spirits,” a CSA statement on Wednesday said, adding that Junior Dala has been called up as a replacement.Lizaad Williams, another member of the fast-bowling unit, will also miss the series, having picked up an intercostal muscle strain. No replacement has been named for Williams, and he will now be undergoing treatment. The South Africa medical team will be staying in touch with both Ngidi and Williams to assess their progress and, in Ngidi’s case, “his physical and mental well-being”.Ngidi has not played for South Africa since the Ireland series in July. He missed the Sri Lanka tour that followed in September for personal reasons, and was included in the T20 World Cup squad but did not play a game.Related

• Questions on and off the field for South Africa as busy summer kicks off against Netherlands

• 'Fully committed to the path going forward' – Parnell

• Bavuma, de Kock among six SA regulars rested for ODIs

• Campbell: Every Associate country is wondering what next?

South Africa had earlier announced that six of the first-choice ODI players – captain Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje – were being rested for the series, and that Keshav Maharaj would lead the team, which also marks the international comeback of Wayne Parnell.Zubayr Hamza and Ryan Rickelton, meanwhile, are in line to make their ODI debuts, while Khaya Zondo, Daryn Dupavillon and Sisanda Magala have all returned to the squad after missing the series against Sri Lanka.South Africa are also giving some time off to four members of the support staff “following back-to-back tours”, including fielding coach Justin Ontong. CSA is yet to appoint an assistant coach to replace Enoch Nkwe, who resigned before the T20 World Cup. Specialist coaches have since been used in short-term roles. Justin Sammons, the head coach of the North West provincial team, has been retained as batting coach while Dolphins coach Imraan Khan has replaced Ontong for this series.The South Africans will start their training for the series later today in the lead up to the first ODI on Friday at SuperSport Park. The second and third games will be played at the same venue on November 28 and December 1.South Africa squad: Keshav Maharaj (capt), Daryn Dupavillon, Zubayr Hamza, Reeza Hendricks, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, David Miller, Junior Dala, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Wayne Parnell, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Khaya Zondo.

He is the first former Kolpak player to be recalled for the national team since the system ceased to exist

Firdose Moonda23-Nov-2021Wayne Parnell is four years older, has represented ten more teams and collected 100 more white-ball wickets since he last played limited-overs cricket for South Africa. He is now promising to contribute “experience” during the World Cup Super League clash against the Netherlands. It’s a series he didn’t think he’d be playing in, after putting his international career on the back-burner to pursue the county game and life as a T20 league specialist. But with the Kolpak system coming to an end, Parnell is back and believes he has a role to play.”I didn’t set out my store to say I am coming back into South African cricket and I want to play for the Proteas again,” Parnell said at a press conference to mark his return. “I was quite happy coming back to Western Province and trying to add value in their environment. But then it led to these bigger things. For me, I don’t have any expectations. “He (Victor Mpitsang, convener of selectors) asked me if I was interested to play international cricket and I said I cannot turn down my country. I am fully committed to the path going forward.”Parnell is the first former Kolpak player to be recalled for the national team since the system ceased to exist after the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union and selection convener Victor Mpitsang has indicated he won’t be the last. Also on the radar is Rilee Rossouw, and it wouldn’t be a reach to suggest Duanne Olivier, who currently tops the first-class bowling charts, is not far behind. What there doesn’t seem to be yet is a clear plan for how the Kolpak returnees will be reintegrated.”I haven’t spoken to anyone else besides Victor in terms of where do I fit in, am I just filling in a gap or is there an opportunity to take this forward,” Parnell said. “Once we get into camp, I will have to sit down with Mark (Boucher) to understand what the thinking is. But I am available.”While Parnell doesn’t come into the series on the back of strong form – he has played just six matches since rejoining the set-up – he does have a significant cache of game-time. Since 2017, Parnell has played in the Afghanistan, and Bangladesh Premier Leagues, the Pakistan Super League and for two counties, where he believed he learnt the most.”In England, when it comes to white-ball cricket, every team is dangerous and that was the thing that took me by surprise initially,” he said. “It came off the back of the 2015 World Cup, where they had to rebuild and they basically said if you want to play for England, this is how you have to play and this is how the counties have to play. That made me more experienced. I wouldn’t say I am a completely different player, I am just more experienced.”Wayne Parnell last played for South Africa more than four years ago•AFPIn these domestic set-ups, Parnell found the environments more conducive to information sharing and individual growth. “I found I could play with a lot more freedom,” he said. “When you are playing international cricket, it’s a little bit different because I don’t feel there is a lot of helping each other because I am fighting for my spot and the other players are fighting for their spot, so when there were more senior players the transfer of information and knowledge wasn’t as forthcoming, whereas my way of looking at cricket now, is completely different. I know what I can do and I feel comfortable with what I can bring to any team and that’s been my biggest focus over the last couple of years – focusing on myself and not focusing on the next guy.”The maturity that Parnell developed through what can only be described as a personal study of his own game meant that when he returned to a rebuilding Western Province side, he was offered the white-ball captaincy. He led them through the domestic T20 knockout competition, where they lost to the eventual champions, the Knights, and hopes to be able to pick up the reins for other tournaments later this summer.”I’ve always seen myself as a leader within the team,” Parnell said. “Maybe I haven’t been given enough responsibility in the past but when the opportunity came up at Western Province and it was something I grabbed with both hands. It’s something I really wanted to do. I really enjoy helping people, helping the younger guys and trying to get them to the next level, trying to pass on the knowledge that I have picked up in years of playing.”Parnell may find himself doing a similar role in the ODI set-up. South Africa have rested six regulars, including captain Temba Bavuma, for the Netherlands series and will field a fairly inexperienced outfit against a team they last played against seven years ago.Parnell is familiar with some of the Dutch players from the county circuit but will also bring in fresh ideas from his Kolpak days, which South Africa have not had in the past. If all goes well, it may prompt a return for others who are back in the fold but at the least, it has opened the door for Parnell to have a second stint as an international. “I am very comfortable with where my game is at, and with myself as a person,” he said. “I am still young enough. I am playing good cricket. I feel that I can still contribute at this level.”

Liverpool and Everton issued a joint statement condemning the "reprehensible" racist abuse received by Abdoulaye Doucoure during the Merseyside derby.

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• Merseyside derby ended on a heated note
• Doucoure was shown red after celebrating in front of Liverpool fans
• Faced online racist abuse on his Instagram page

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The fiery clash at Goodison Park, which marked the last-ever Merseyside derby at the historic venue, ended dramatically as James Tarkowski’s late equalizer secured a 2-2 draw. Shortly after Tarkowski’s goal, Doucoure was involved in a heated exchange with Curtis Jones. The confrontation escalated as players and staff from both sides clashed, prompting referee Michael Oliver to send off Doucoure, Jones, Liverpool boss Arne Slot, and assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Doucoure’s celebration in front of the Liverpool fans appeared to provoke the reaction from Jones, with replays showing the Everton midfielder gesturing towards the away supporters. Bottles were reportedly thrown from the stands as the situation spiralled out of control. Following the highly charged encounter, Doucoure was subjected to racist insults on his Instagram page. Subsequently, Everton and Liverpool have come together to stand against the disgusting messages directed at the 32-year-old midfielder. They have pledged to work closely with authorities and social media platforms to ensure the perpetrators face appropriate consequences.

• WHAT EVERTON & LIVERPOOL SAID

  The two clubs released a strongly worded statement which read: "Everton and Liverpool Football Clubs are aware of – and condemn in the strongest possible terms – racist abuse received by Abdoulaye Doucoure following Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby. Such abuse is reprehensible and will not, and should not, be tolerated. Together, the two clubs will work with Merseyside Police who are conducting an investigation with the aim of identifying the individuals responsible.

  "We also encourage people who witness or experience online abuse to report and highlight it to the social media platforms on which it appears,’ the statement continued. We must all, including the social media companies, take a zero-tolerance stance. Platforms need to take accountability and action to ban such abusers. Racism and hate have no place online, in our stadia or in our communities."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Merseyside Police have launched an investigation into the incident, with Chief Superintendent Claire Doyle reaffirming their commitment to tackling discrimination.

  "We have successfully prosecuted so-called fans for racist abuse and they have been handed football banning orders along with a criminal record for their behaviour," he said.

  "If you have any information in relation please let us know because it could help our ongoing enquiries."

The Red Dragons lost their second straight home league game as they fell five points behind second-placed Wycombe Wanderers.

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Wrexham lose 2-1 to Leyton OrientBeaten in two straight home league gamesOrient five points behind their hostsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE

Wrexham suffered a setback in their quest to win promotion from League One, losing 2-1 at home to in-form Leyton Orient.

Phil Parkinson's side got off to a positive start, Ollie Rathbone turning in James McClean's corner to give his side the lead after 15 minutes, but weren't able to press home their advantage.

Orient were a threat on the break all evening and fashioned an equaliser on the half-hour mark when Darren Pratley's pull-back was met by Charlie Kelman to score his 14th goal of the season.

And the east Londoners had the lead for themselves five minutes after half-time when Tottenham Hotspur loanee Jamie Donley produced a moment of Premier League quality, striking a sweet volley into the net from the edge of the box after a corner was cleared.

Wrexham continued to huff and puff but struggled to create too many clear openings, despite Pratley seeing red for a second yellow card late in the game.

Orient have now won 12 of their last 15 games and are only five points behind their hosts in fifth.

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On a damaging night, Wrexham slipped five points behind second-place Wycombe Wanderers, who beat Bristol Rovers 2-0. Leaders Birmingham City have one foot in the Championship with their six-point advantage at the top of the table, while Stockport County and Orient themselves cannot be ruled out of the race to win automatic promotion.

THE MVP

The outstanding moment of the night was undoubtedly delivered by Donley, the Leyton Orient attacking midfielder who has shone all season on loan from Tottenham and did so again at the Racecourse Ground. Donley's sumptuous volley after 50 minutes was enough to win his side a huge three points, while it further enhanced his reputation for scoring spectacular goals after his halfway-line effort against Manchester City in the FA Cup last week.

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Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER

It was a quiet night for Wrexham's forward players, in particularly Jay Rodriguez, who is yet to score for his new side since joining from Burnley in January. The former England international did not threaten and was substituted after 65 minutes as Parkinson searched for a way back into the game.

Uncapped opener Kaitano and wicketkeeper Madande are part of the 15-man squad

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jan-2022Craig Ervine will captain Zimbabwe for their three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka. The series is part of the World Cup Super League, with these three ODIs Zimbabwe’s first 50-over matches since a three-match series against Ireland in September.Ervine has been entrusted with the responsibility to lead Zimbabwe once again after he captained the team for the limited-overs tour to Ireland and Scotland in August-September last year.The squad sees opening batter Takudzwanashe Kaitano and wicketkeeper Clive Madande included for the first time, while allrounder Tino Mutombodzi has returned to the national side. Experienced middle-order batters Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams are also part of the side, while Zimbabwe resume life without Brendan Taylor, who retired from international cricket in August.The three games will take place on January 16, 18 and 21. The last time the two sides played an ODI series, Zimbabwe stunned the hosts, famously winning the five-match series 3-2. It remains the only multi-game ODI series Zimbabwe have won in Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka’s last ODI series came against South Africa at home, with the hosts winning 2-1.According to Zimbabwe Cricket, the side will leave for Sri Lanka on Saturday.Squad: Craig Ervine (capt), Ryan Burl, Regis Chakabva, Tendai Chatara, Luke Jongwe, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Clive Madande, Wesly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Tinotenda Mutombodzi, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Sikandar Raza, Milton Shumba, Sean Williams

Ashton Turner posted his first half-century of the BBL season as Perth Scorchers continued their winning ways over rival Sydney Sixers with a five-wicket victory in Coffs Harbour.In a battle of last year’s grand finalists, Turner smashed 69 from 41 balls as Scorchers overhauled Sixers’ modest 4 for 151 with one over to spare to stretch their lead on top of the ladder. They also continued their stranglehold over Sixers having prevailed by 10 runs at Gold Coast just five days ago.Both teams were without a host of stars with Scorchers weakened by the absence of Colin Munro, the second highest run scorer in the BBL, after he tested positive to Covid-19 while spearhead Jason Behrendorff missed due to being a close contact.Captain Moises Henriques, star quick Sean Abbott and frontline spinner Steve O’Keefe were sidelined for Sixers.Turner leads from the front With Munro sidelined, Scorchers’ depth was tested with Mitchell Marsh and Josh Inglis still part of Australia’s Ashes squad. They crashed to 3 for 44 in the chase leaving the pressure on skipper Turner, who has had a lean season with a highest score of just 27.It took just 16 balls for him to surpass that total as Turner found a willing partner in youngster Aaron Hardie, who smartly nudged the ball around to get Scorchers back on top. Turner, who became the second highest run scorer in Scorchers history, was in vintage form marked by several well executed ramp shots.He blunted spinner Shadab Khan with blistering sweep shots, including a vicious six in the 15th over to shut the door on Sixers. Hardie, who turned 23 two days ago, continued to take his opportunities with an impressive 35 having made a career best 45 against Sixers last week. Turner and Hardie fell near the end but there were no late wobbles with replacement player Chris Sabburg sealing victory in his first BBL game in eight years.Shadab fails to fire Without stars Abbott and O’Keefe, Sixers faced a challenge to defend a middling total but wickets on consecutive deliveries from Ben Dwarshius in the third over had them well on top.But Shadab struggled against Turner and finished with 1 for 36 from 4 overs despite the favourable spin conditions and debutant offspinner Todd Murphy bowled just two overs. Sixers reverted to pace in the backend but they couldn’t force Scorchers into late mistakes. Sixers will rue missing several chances against Turner in a sloppy performance in the field.The importance of Abbott and O’Keefe to their attack was magnified in this sub-par effort.Agar menaces with sharp turn Scorchers restricted Sixers batters mostly due to left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, who relished the conditions. He menacingly gave the ball flight and lured Josh Philippe into a tame dismissal then clean bowled Justion Avendano with a gem of a delivery.His excellent performance continued when he claimed a sharp catch at backward point to dismiss Daniel Hughes in the power surge, leaving Sixers wobbling.Scorchers’ stranglehold loosened with tardy bowling at the death from Matt Kelly and Andrew Tye as once again they had no answer for Dan Christian. It was a rare off performance from Scorchers’ pace bowlers who managed just one wicket and they missed Tymal Mills, who starred for them during his seven-match stint before joining England’s T20 squad to the Caribbean.Christian rescues Sixers again Avendano was a replacement player for Covid-19 hit Melbourne Stars on January 3 and six days later he filled a similar role for a shorthanded Sixers becoming the first player to be part of two clubs in a single BBL season.He looked the goods at the top with crisp drives to complement Philippe, who made just 36 runs from four innings since a blistering start to the season.Rediscovering his timing, Philippe took a liking to the leg-side where he smashed three sixes as he eyed his first score of substance for nearly a month. But he fell on 32 in the eighth over and Avendano followed shortly after as Sixers’ momentum came to a halt.They went eight overs without a boundary leaving the burden to Christian, who smashed 73 to almost single-handedly take down Scorchers at Gold Coast. Even though he was occasionally left frustrated by the slow pitch, Christian still managed to inject Sixers with a necessary late flurry mixed with inventiveness and sheer power.With Sixers’ top-order struggling of late, Christian’s return to form has somewhat papered over the cracks.