All posts by h716a5.icu

The Minnesota Twins shook up this year's trade deadline when they, seemingly unexpectedly, decided to host a major fire sale and part ways with a ton of veteran players, including those with multiple years of control remaining on their contract.

As the team abruptly launched head first into a total rebuild, one trade they made at the deadline stood out as a complete head-scratcher. Included in the trade that sent veteran infielder Ty France to the Toronto Blue Jays was relief pitcher Louis Varland. The decision to part ways with the reliever reportedly left players in the clubhouse "seething" and GMs across the league "dumbfounded," per Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY.

Varland is a St. Paul, Minn. native and an outstanding reliever who wore the Twins uniform with pride and had his family at every game. The 27-year-old is making just $768,150 in 2025, slightly above the league minimum, and is controllable for five more years. Trading him in the midst of a campaign in which he has a 1.98 ERA and a 1.8 bWAR in 52 outings made little sense, especially given how beloved he was by his teammates, and how much he loved being in Minnesota.

Twins fans have made clear they weren't pleased with the organization's sudden change of direction at the trade deadline, which included the stunning departure of Carlos Correa, but it was ultimately the Varland trade that seems to have offended players within the clubhouse the most.

Chelsea had the chance to build on their impressive win over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, but as they have done so many times this season, they faltered.

On paper, a game against Qarabağ looked like an easy three points for Enzo Maresca’s side, but in the end, they had to settle for just one.

The draw leaves them 12th in the Champions League, but the worst thing to come out of the match was another injury to Roméo Lavia.

The Belgian has been extremely unlucky during his time at Chelsea, and unless his luck improves, he could eventually be replaced by one of Cobham’s most promising prospects.

Lavia's Chelsea career

Chelsea signed Lavia from Southampton, and from under Liverpool’s nose, in the summer of 2023.

At the time, it seemed like money well spent, as the youngster was one of the most exciting midfielders in the Premier League the previous season and, as journalist Sam Tighe pointed out, “a shining star despite playing in terrible circumstances most of the time.”

Unfortunately, the youngster suffered a muscle tear and then an ankle injury in September 2023 and couldn’t make his competitive debut for the club until the 27th of December.

However, he wouldn’t kick on from there, as, thanks to a hamstring injury, he wouldn’t make another appearance all season.

Last season was marginally better, but even then, five injuries limited him to just 22 appearances, four of which came at the Club World Cup.

To nobody’s surprise, this year has not been much better, as the 21-year-old missed the first five league games with a muscle strain and came off the pitch on Wednesday night with another muscle injury.

Across the last two and a half years, Lavia has made just 30 appearances for the Blues, coming to a total of 1341 minutes.

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24/25

22

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7

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It would be hard to describe his time at Chelsea as anything other than a failure at the moment, and if he continues to be unreliable over the coming years, he could see himself replaced by an upcoming Cobham gem.

The Cobham gem who could eventually replace Lavia

While the results for the senior side have been frustratingly inconsistent, the good news for Chelsea is that they have several exciting prospects coming through the academy at the moment.

In The Pipeline

The likes of Chizaram Ezenwata, Shim Mheuka and Reggie Walsh could all make as first team regulars in a few years.

However, when it comes to a potential Lavia replacement, it’s hard to look past Reggie Watson.

The hugely exciting talent may still be just 15 years old, but is already making waves in the academy and could become a part of the first team squad a few years from now.

The up-and-coming ace has demonstrated an ability to play in several different positions, from central midfield to centre-back, but, like the Belgian, is primarily a defensive midfielder.

According to one analyst, the “excellent” prospect has several key strengths which could make him an ideal long-term six for Marseca, such as being an “excellent ball retriever,” having “good passing and vision”, and having a knack for “dictating the tempo of the game.”

As if that wasn’t enough, the youngster is also “physically strong” for someone his age, and with all that in mind, it’s easy to see why he’s been described as being “so complete.”

Finally, on top of doing the business for the Blues’ youth sides, the teenager has also won six caps for England’s U16s, in which he’s scored three goals, primarily from defensive midfield.

Ultimately, it will be a few years yet until Watson is playing for the first team, but if Lavia remains injury-prone at that time, the Belgian could find himself replaced by the youngster.

He was as bad as Hato: Maresca must now ruthlessly drop 5/10 Chelsea dud

It was a night to forget for the Chelsea ace, who was as bad as Jorrel Hato.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 6, 2025

Pakistan seamer takes 4 for 36 after Daniel Lategan’s 78 lays foundation

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay31-Aug-2025Worcestershire powered through to the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final with a 131-run (DLS) victory over Somerset at New Road.Put in, the home side totalled a solid 275 for 9 as Daniel Lategan struck his List A-best 78 against a disciplined Somerset attack with Jack Leach’s excellent 10-1-28-2 at its heart. Ben Green took 4 for 52.The target looked around par on a good pitch but Somerset’s top order imploded against Khurram Shahzad (4 for 36). The visitors lurched to 108 for 7 from 23.4 overs before rain arrived with them more than 100 runs behind the DLS score.After the resumption they further crumbled to 141 all out as Worcestershire emphatically secured a place in the final at Trent Bridge on September 20.Somerset chose to bowl but were kept waiting for their first breakthrough as openers Lategan and Brett D’Oliveira (45) added 85 in 15 overs. The bowlers gave little away though and, as risks were taken in search of acceleration, wickets began to fall.D’Oliveira drilled Kasey Aldridge to extra cover. Kashif Ali was caught with the greatest nonchalance by Finley Hill on the midwicket boundary off Green. Jake Libby skied Aldridge to mid off.Nineteen-year-old Lategan posted a polished maiden List A fifty but fell lbw, reverse-sweeping, to Leach as the spinner built pressure which also saw him bowl Rob Jones through a failed sweep. After Ethan Brookes was lbw, sweeping Tom Lammonby, Worcestershire needed some late order contributions. They got them from Henry Cullen (32) and Matthew Waite (24) before Tom Taylor (22 not out) clubbed three sixes to hoist the total to 275.Pakistan international Shahzad then began with two wides, one of which went for four, in his first three balls. From the dubious platform of 0.1-0-6-0, however, he built an opening spell of 7-2-36-4. Lammonby and Lewis Goldsworthy were beaten for pace when trying to pull and sent up catches. Archie Vaughan was brilliantly caught by Ben Allison at mid-wicket. Thomas Rew edged to slip.Worcestershire’s other seamers deepened Somerset’s plight. Waite had Joshua Thomas well caught by Lategan on the long-leg boundary and Allison dismissed Finley Hill, caught at slip, and Green, caught at mid-off.Green fell to the last ball before heavy rain arrived with Somerset in dire straits at 108 for 7. They resumed needing another 165 from 14.2 overs and quickly lost Aldridge, caught behind, and Leach, stumped, off Brookes.Last pair James Rew and Jake Ball needed to find 137 runs from ten overs. They managed five before Rew lifted Brookes to long off to trigger loud and long celebrations from the home fans.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly verbally abusing Mason Mount during Manchester United's Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the man in question had attended the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He was removed after he was overheard making the alleged offensive comment by a member of staff.

Police issue statement after making arrest

The staff member reported the incident to the police, resulting in the fan's arrest on suspicion of "intentionally causing harassment, alarm or distress", according to a statement shared by the Metropolitan Police to . The suspect has been bailed pending further enquiries, with the investigation ongoing. 

Mount was not aware of the abuse. The midfielder played 19 minutes of the 2-2 draw, replacing Matheus Cunha. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTottenham vow to take action

In a statement made to , Tottenham said they were supporting the police investigation, and they would take the "strongest possible action" against any supporter found to be using discriminatory language. 

Spurs' statement read: “The club is aware of a supporter being arrested for alleged verbal abuse of an opposition player during Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester United.

“Prior to the game, all ticket holders received guidance regarding discriminatory chanting and, specifically, homophobic chanting.

“We will now support Met Police in their investigation and, once concluded, any supporter found to have used discriminatory language will be a subject to the strongest possible action in accordance with our Sanctions and Banning Policy. We will also ensure they take part in a fan education programme. 

“We work tirelessly with all our supporters’ associations to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans on matchdays, and have a zero tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination.”

Tottenham fined last season for homophobic abuse of Mount

The incident comes a little over a year since Mount faced homophobic chants during the Red Devils' visit to Spurs at the start of last season. 

Tottenham were fined £75,000 after their fans were found guilty of the offence, as well as further homophobic chanting directed at Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. 

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AFPWill fines and arrests stop abuse?

While it is unclear what the 19-year-old suspect said to Mount, it is clear that homophobic chanting directed at former Chelsea players remains a persistent problem. While on loan at Crystal Palace, ex-Blues left back Ben Chilwell was also targeted by Millwall fans in an FA Cup tie.  

The Red Devils have previously addressed this trend, issuing a statement that outlined their zero-tolerance policy towards "rent boy" chants. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed in 2022 that the term is considered a homophobic slur. 

The hope is the application of the law and the handing out of fines by the Premier League will result in a reduction of this style of abuse on the terraces going forward. 

As a dispiriting tour plumbs new depths, lessons need to be learned if England are to move on

Valkerie Baynes25-Jan-2025Amid England’s 2019 Ashes capitulation, Clare Connor, the ECB’s then managing director of women’s cricket, announced a wide-ranging review looking at preparation, selection and player development.The funds poured into the women’s game, and crowed about by the organisation after that 12-4 drubbing at the hands of Australia, have done wonders for the sport, and yet here we are.England are 12-0 down and staring down the very real prospect of losing 16-0 after next week’s Test and failing to register a point for the first time since the Ashes became a multi-format series in 2013.It took a while for things to change after 2019 but they did, for a time. The post-pandemic return series in Australia was beset by quarantine restrictions and bad weather which did little for the touring side’s morale as they again lost 12-4.But in 2023, under new coach Jon Lewis, England fought back from 6-0 down to draw 8-8 at home and Australia retained the Ashes by the barest of means. And that may just be England’s problem now.For all the controversy over England’s perceived fitness levels, much of their downfall appears to be to do with mental matters. There is little evidence that they have eradicated the fielding errors that contributed to their T20 World Cup exit in October, where they fell apart against West Indies in the group stage.Poor shot selection has been a running theme throughout this Ashes for a batting line-up which slumped to England’s second-lowest T20I total when they were bowled out for 90 and Australia romped to a 72-run victory in the third T20I on Saturday.After the result at Adelaide Oval, Lewis also said his bowlers had been “sloppy” in terms of line and length up to that point, when England’s spinners in particular restricted Australia to what he believed was a par score of 162 for 5.But Lewis didn’t believe that England’s ability to push Australia 18 months ago had made them over-confident heading into this series.”I think it may have raised expectation outside of the group,” he said. “I definitely don’t think it gave us too much confidence. It gave us some confidence. We were incredibly aware of how strong Australia are in this part of the world and everywhere else in the world.”They’re a really good cricket team. We knew that when we came in, we knew this was going to be a really hard-fought competition but also a really hard competition for us to come out on top in.”What I would say is I think our performance in England last time probably stimulated the Australians into making some decisions about how they wanted to play and they’ve come out and they’ve showed some changes in how they’ve approached their cricket and they’ve been really impressive. They’ve played better cricket than us and we are in this position for a reason.”Fielding errors persisted in Adelaide, alongside familiar batting errors•Getty ImagesEngland’s mantra under Lewis has been to “inspire and entertain”, so is it not reasonable that the public would expect a lot of their team, who in the aftermath of that 2019 failure have become a better resourced, highly professionalised outfit? Unlike Australia, who have responded to their 2023 wake-up call by coming up with all the answers before England have even thought of the questions, it seems their visitors aren’t learning their lessons.”There isn’t a lot of time between games to go away and think and work and make a change,” Lewis said. “We have pretty honest conversations behind closed doors. The players are really honest with how they’re going.”One of the things that stood out for me across this tour is actually we’ve practised really, really well but we haven’t played very well. So the bit that we’re missing is the bit when we cross the line as to how we go and perform.”We’ve got some really good players and we haven’t been able to transfer that onto the field, which is a great shame. There’s a great opportunity for us to show what a good cricket team we are and we haven’t been able to do that.”Lewis had expressed concern ahead of the tour about the tight schedule, but it is the same for both sides. Not being able to execute in pressure situations has only been an issue for one and all of the above speaks to mental over physical shortcomings.And while you’ll struggle to find a fitter side than Australia, you won’t find one tougher above the shoulders. Yes, they stumbled in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup, and at the last Ashes, and yet here we are. Australia have learned, improved and then pulverised their opposition.”I feel like there’s been moments in those games where if we pushed home our advantage at certain points in the match we could have come away some points in probably the first three or four games,” Lewis said. “In fact the first five games I think we’ve been at times in positions to take some points.”But I feel like in the critical moments in the games the Australians have used their experience and their understanding of the conditions to play in a way that’s been able to get them across the line and you have to take your hat off to them. They understand how to win and we disrupted them a little bit over in England last time out and we came here with confidence that we could do the same here but they haven’t let us do it.”Related

Heather Knight has point to prove as Women's Ashes reaches grandest stage

Healy declares herself fit but not locked in, Dunkley to play but Cross unavailable

Healy trains strongly ahead of historic Test, Australia delay selection call

Harris sets sights on embarrasing England with 16-0 Ashes

Jon Lewis: Culture, not fitness, at root of Australia's dominance of Women's Ashes

Australia have done so with captain Alyssa Healy and star allrounder Ash Gardner both out injured for all three T20s, which has only emphasised their depth. Beth Mooney has kept wicket with distinction in Healy’s absence and dominated the batting, her unbeaten 94 on a slow Adelaide Oval wicket the pinnacle.But England aren’t without depth. In Adelaide, they brought Alice Capsey in for Maia Bouchier, moving Sophia Dunkley to the top of the order with Capsey at No.3 as well as adding effectively to the spin-bowling ranks. They had quick Lauren Filer at the ready when Lauren Bell succumbed to a migraine and dropped legspinner Sarah Glenn for left-armer Linsey Smith to maintain their preferred line-up of three frontline spin-bowlers.But again Australia did better with only captain Heather Knight and Danni Wyatt-Hodge reaching double figures as each of the home side’s six bowlers took wickets, led by legspinner Georgia Wareham’s career-best 3 for 11.Lewis’s contention that the 2023 Ashes spurred Australia on to greater heights isn’t in dispute. Mooney said in her post-match press conference that after that tour and their T20 World Cup disappointment, “we probably just had been letting ourselves down a little bit in different areas of the game” and “we wanted to really put a marker out there and keep moving the women’s game forward”.The question now is, can this Ashes spur his side on in the same way?

Chelsea are now preparing a club-record bid to sign Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, with it being revealed Enzo Fernandez could play a key role in the potential transfer.

The Blues’ interest in signing a new centre-forward comes amid a slow start to life at Stamford Bridge for Liam Delap, with the 22-year-old failing to score in his opening four Premier League games since making the move to west London in the summer.

Joao Pedro has been more promising, picking up four goals and three assists in the league, but the Brazilian was given the nod in a slightly deeper role against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, upon Delap’s return from a hamstring injury.

The 24-year-old excelled in attacking midfield, scoring the second in the 3-0 rout, and Enzo Maresca has suggested he is also better-suited to playing with a partner, saying: “We know that he can play as a number nine or he can play as a number 10,”

“In both positions, I think Joao is very good, but probably when he has another number nine next to him, he is playing better.”

As such, there may be space in the squad to bring in another new centre-forward, and a huge offer is now in the works…

Chelsea preparing club-record bid for Julian Alvarez

According to a report from Spain, Chelsea are now preparing an offer of around €150m (£133m) for Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez, which would make him their record signing, should they manage to get a deal over the line.

Fernandez could play a key role in the transfer, as the Blues are hoping the Argentinian’s presence at Stamford Bridge will convince Alvarez to make the move, given that they are international teammates.

BlueCo clearly mean business, but it looks unlikely that a deal will be straightforward, given that FC Barcelona are also in the race, and Atletico Madrid are reluctant to enter negotiations over a sale.

Should the Spanish club soften their stance, the 25-year-old could be a fantastic addition to Maresca’s forward line, having made a flying start to the campaign, chipping in with 13 goal contributions across his opening 15 matches in all competitions.

Lauded as a “monster” by journalist Pablo Gonzalez, the 49-time Argentina international also found the back of the net 17 times in La Liga alone during his debut campaign, while a tally of 11 goals and ten assists in the former Manchester City man’s final campaign at the Etihad Stadium indicates he is very well-rounded.

Signing Alvarez would be a major statement of intent from Chelsea, and if they were able to get a deal done this winter, the World Cup-winning forward could be a real difference-maker in the Premier League title race.

Julian Alvarez has been named as one of the best strikers in the world The Best 15 Strikers in World Football Ranked (2025)

Who is the best number nine right now?

ByCharlie Smith Nov 20, 2025

FIFA has released its final rankings of 2025, with the U.S. Men’s National Team rising to No. 14 after wins over Paraguay and Uruguay. Mexico dropped to No. 15 following a draw and a defeat, leaving the U.S. as CONCACAF’s highest-ranked side to close the year. Spain remain No. 1, while Brazil returned to the top five.

Getty Images SportUSMNT, the new CONCACAF giant

Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT closed out the year in impressive form. Back-to-back victories – a 2-1 win over Paraguay and a dominant 5-1 performance against Uruguay – lifted the Americans to 1,681.88 points and into 14th place in the FIFA World Ranking. The climb of two spots also pushed them ahead of their 2026 World Cup co-hosts: Mexico dropped to 15th after a draw and a loss, while Canada settled in at 27th.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportContrasting fortunes with Mexico

For Pochettino, the November window capped a strong semester marked by a five-match unbeaten run, including four wins and just one draw. Mexico, meanwhile, endured the opposite trajectory. Javier Aguirre’s side ended a turbulent stretch with six straight matches without a victory – their last win came in the Gold Cup final against the United States – and the decline cost them the regional lead. The USMNT will finish 2025 as Concacaf’s highest-ranked team.

Getty Images SportSpain stay on top

At the top of the global ranking, Spain remain No. 1, with world champions Argentina and France right behind. Brazil climbed back into the top five, overtaking Portugal and the Netherlands, while Italy slid out of the top 10 after a costly 4-1 home loss to Norway.

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AFPHow rankings translate into success…

National teams that have finished the year ranked No. 1 in the FIFA standings in the 21st century:

7× Spain (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2025)

6× Brazil (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2022)

5× Belgium (2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)

4× Argentina (2007, 2016, 2023, 2024)

2× Germany (2014, 2017)

1× France (2001)

Devdutt Padikkal (86*), B Sai Sudharsan (73) and N Jagadeesan (64) were also among the runs in Lucknow

ESPNcricinfo staff18-Sep-2025Dhruv Jurel scored his second first-class century on a day when all India A batters except captain Shreyas Iyer were among the runs against Australia A. The hosts ended day three on 403 for 4, still 129 runs behind the visitors’ first-innings total of 532. Apart from Jurel, who was batting on 113 at stumps, Devdutt Padikkal, B Sai Sudharsan and N Jagadeesan also went past fifty at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.India A started day three trailing Australia A by 416 runs, with nine wickets in hand, and Xavier Bartlett had Jagadeesan caught behind by Josh Phillipe for 64 in the sixth over of the day to end a second-wicket stand of 49. Padikkal then joined Sudharsan in a productive stand, but with their partnership nearing a hundred, Sudharsan missed an attempted reverse-sweep off Cooper Connolly and was trapped lbw for 73.Australia A struck again 3.2 overs later, with Iyer was trapped in front by Corey Rocchiccioli for 8. It was Iyer’s third successive low score in a first-class game, after he was dismissed for 25 and 12 against Central Zone in the semi-finals of the Duleep Trophy earlier this month.But Iyer’s wicket turned out to be the last for Australia A on Thursday, as Jurel and Padikkal rebuilt. India A were 310 behind when the two came together, and by the end of the day they had put on an unbroken 181 for the fifth wicket.Padikkal was more the patient of the two batters, taking his time in getting to his fifty off 117 balls. The aggressive Jurel reached the landmark in just 54 deliveries, getting there by smashing Rocchiccioli for two consecutive sixes and a four.Rocchiccioli was the most expensive of the Australia A bowlers, going for 128 runs in 24 overs at an economy rate of 5.33. Jurel especially took a liking to the offspinner, scoring 47 runs off him at just better than a run a ball, with three fours and three sixes.By the end of the day, Jurel had rattled along at a strike rate of 85.61 over 132 balls, and Padikkal at 48.31. The left-hand batter went to stumps batting on 86, in sight of a seventh first-class century. Their 181-run stand had come at nearly five runs an over.With only the final day’s play left, and with neither team having begun their second innings, the match seems headed towards a draw.

When it comes to the greatest Chelsea players of the last 15 years or so, it’s impossible to look past Eden Hazard.

The Belgian wizard joined the Blues in the summer of 2012 and, over the next seasons, made 352 appearances, scoring 110 goals, providing 88 assists, and winning a host of trophies, including two Premier Leagues.

The international superstar was more than just output, though; he was an entertainer, someone who could make something of anything, and a legend of the league.

So, fans should be delighted about reports linking Chelsea to another superstar who could become their new Hazard.

Chelsea target their new Eden Hazard

The transfer window reopens in just over a month, and as a result, Chelsea are being linked with some seriously exciting players.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Porto’s Samu Aghehowa, for example, has been touted for a £79m move to Stamford Bridge, as has Nottingham Forest’s defensive powerhouse Murillo.

Yet, while both would improve the Blues’ squad and potentially the starting lineup, neither can be described as the next Hazard, unlike Vinícius Júnior.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Chelsea are one of a few teams keen on signing the Real Madrid winger.

In fact, the report has revealed that, alongside Manchester City, the West Londoners are leading the race for the Brazilian’s signature, while Manchester United trail behind.

However, on top of the competition, the Blues will have to stump up a fee of up to £100m to secure the superstar’s signature.

It could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Vini Jr’s immense ability, it’s one Chelsea should be all over, especially as he could be another Hazard.

Why Vini Jr would be another Hazard for Chelsea

Now, while Vini Jr obviously isn’t a carbon copy of Hazard, there are undeniable similarities between the two.

For example, in addition to sharing a position with him, the Brazilian is also a winger most would describe as an entertainer; he is not merely efficient.

In other words, the 25-year-old is more than happy to take on an opposition defender, is capable of scoring a myriad of goals and isn’t afraid of pulling off a trick or two, even if he sometimes gets heat for doing so.

While this is all obvious from simply watching the former Flamengo gem play, it’s also borne out in his underlying numbers.

For example, according to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and carries into the penalty area, the top 3% for successful take-ons, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and more, all per 90.

Simply put, the São Gonçalo-born star is someone who wants to carry the ball into dangerous areas and is one of the very best at doing so.

With all that said, while Vini Jr has the entertainment side of Hazard to his own game, he’s also as, if not more, dangerous when it comes to backing that up with output.

Appearances

340

Starts

267

Minutes

24,291′

Goals

111

Assists

92

Points per Game

2.15

For example, in 340 appearances, for Los Blancos, totalling 24291 minutes, he has scored 111 goals and provided 92 assists.

That comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.67 games, or every 119.66 minutes, which is even more impressive when you consider his slow start in Madrid.

With numbers like those, and the fact he’s one of the few players in the world guaranteed to get fans on their feet, it’s hard to disagree with Ronaldo’s assertion that he is “the best player in the world.”

Therefore, while it will cost an arm and a leg, Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign Vini Jr, especially as he could be their next Hazard.

Chelsea: Enzo Maresca provides major Cole Palmer update ahead of Arsenal

The Blues are set for a mouth-watering Premier League clash this weekend.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 28, 2025

Mandhana 88, Harmanpreet 70 in vain as India suffer their third successive defeat

Shashank Kishore19-Oct-2025

Heather Knight’s century set up England’s win•ICC/Getty Images

Indore was a giant party waiting to take off on Diwali eve. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur had put together a century stand. Deepti Sharma knocked off a measured half-century after picking up four wickets with the ball.When India needed 57 off 57 balls, with seven wickets in hand, their attempt to scale down their highest-successful chase in women’s ODIs was well on track. But big-match nerves took centre stage, like it often has in the recent past. They collapsed sensationally, and fell short by four runs. England joined Australia and South Africa in the semi-finals.Related

Knight and Smith stay cool in the heat of the battle

India's cracks threaten to bring down their whole World Cup

Road to the semis: Five teams in contention for one spot

'The emotions took over' – Mandhana takes blame for Sunday heartbreak

India have now lost their third straight game, their campaign threatening to derail swiftly as they next face New Zealand in a crucial clash on Thursday.England’s win was set up by Heather Knight, whose 109 helped overcome a wobble when England were tested by India’s slower bowlers. Her century stand with Nat Sciver-Brunt gave them the platform for a lift-off towards the end. But a late collapse meant they managed 289 when 320 was within their reach.For much of India’s chase, it seemed as if that collapse would come back to haunt England. Haunt it did, but to India, who have lots to ponder – not least the composition of their line-up, after they took a bold call of playing with a batter short – Jemimah Rodrigues dropped in favour of Renuka Singh.3:45

Mandhana: ‘Emotions took over, I needed to be more patient’

India were rocked early, losing Pratika Rawal for 6 in the third over. Harleen Deol started slowly, and managed just 4 off 26 balls outside of her five boundaries as the asking rate crept up. Having spent time at the crease, like she had in each of her four previous knocks in the tournament, she threw it away – lbw playing back to Charlie Dean’s indrifter.Mandhana was far from fluent, but Harmanpreet’s arrival took some pressure off her. The Indian captain was off the mark with a sumptuous flick off Sciver-Brunt, and looked seemingly keen on not allowing Sophie Ecclestone to settle by opening up the off side and repeatedly lofting her inside-out.Harmanpreet’s enterprise helped Mandhana, who had faced just 18 balls in the first 12 overs of India’s chase, settle in. Mandhana was watchful, but every now and then, there were flashes of brilliance – like when she picked off two boundaries behind square off Ecclestone.3:32

Knight: ‘Managed to steal the win at the back-end’

Once she got those two fours, Mandhana switched gears to raise her half-century off 60 balls, barely acknowledging the applause. On 43 at that point, Harmanpreet also turned up the tempo and moved to 70 before she glided Sciver-Brunt to short third, England breathing a sigh of relief at breaking a 125-run stand.Deepti and Mandhana then knocked the ball into the gaps, seemingly intent on taking the chase deep. Deepti’s sensible approach also took pressure off Mandhana, forcing Sciver-Brunt to bring back Linsey Smith for another spell a tad earlier than she might have otherwise. This proved to be a masterstroke as she had Mandhana hole out to long-off on 88. Even so, at 234 for 4 in 41.2 overs, this was India’s game to lose.However, nerves took over. Richa Ghosh drilled one straight to cover, Deepti miscued a slog, reminiscent of the shot she played in that 2017 final, and suddenly Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur were left with too much to do. Smith conceded just four in a clutch 48th over, leaving India needing 23 off 12. Then with 14 needed, she came back to finish off India, ensuring none of her first four deliveries went to the boundary.3:15

Review: How did India lose this one?

As well as the spinners bowled, it would be hard to look beyond Knight’s century that gave England a chance in the first place. If her unbeaten 79 in Guwahati helped England overcome Bangladesh’s spin strangle, Sunday’s innings was a masterclass in sweeps and reverse sweeps.After Amy Jones did the early running to construct a measured half-century, it was Knight who injected momentum through the middle overs, putting on 113 with Sciver-Brunt. Having begun sedately, she only shifted gears after the pair raised the fifty of their partnership.While the sweep was Knight’s calling card – no spinner was spared – to say her knock was only about that stroke wouldn’t do justice to her running between the wickets, a mark of the work she’s had to put in to improve her fitness following a career-threatening injury. She also displayed her brute bottom-handed power in shovelling Kranti Gaud for six, the only one of the innings, in the 38th over.Knight was reprieved twice in her nineties, but she soon brought up her century off 86 deliveries before her dismissal led to a meltdown with England managing just 36 off the last five overs. This would’ve cost them on most nights, but Sunday was their night. Thanks to their spinners, England remain unbeaten in the tournament.