Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has revealed he has told Barcelona chief Joan Laporta to give up on plans for a Super League.
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أعرب سعيد سمير، لاعب فريق سيراميكا كليوباترا، عن سعادته بالتتويج ببطولة كأس الرابطة على حساب طلائع الجيش.
وقال سعد سمير، في تصريحات تليفزيونية عبر قناة أون تايم سبورتس:” بطولة مهمة ومكسب مهم، على مدار البطولة نفوز على فرق كبيرة، للموسم الثاني على التوالي سيراميكا بطل كأس رابطة الأندية”.
طالع..فيديو | سيراميكا كليوباترا يتوج بكأس الرابطة للمرة الثانية على حساب طلائع الجيش
وأشاد سمير بمستوى زملائه في الملعب قائلًا: “اللاعبون كانوا رجالاً وعلى أعلى مستوى”.
وأتم:”البطولة 27 أو 28 في حياتي، كل بطولة تأتي بمجهود وتعب، محظوظ بتواجدي مع فريق سيراميكا”.
وأصبح سيراميكا كليوباترا أكثر فريق فائز ببطولة كأس الرابطة، بواقع مرتين حيث حقق اللقب في النسخة الماضية، بينما فاز في النسخة الأولى فريق مودرن سبورت.
The Bangladesh allrounder got there in his 54th Test, one fewer than Ian Botham, while also becoming the first bowler from his country to get 200 Test wickets
Mohammad Isam24-Nov-2018Shakib Al Hasan became the first Bangladesh bowler to take 200 Test wickets. He is also the fastest to complete the double of 3000 runs and 200 wickets, having completed the feat in his 54th Test, one fewer than Ian Botham, the previous quickest to the landmark, had taken.Quickest to 3000 runs and 200 wickets in Tests
Shakib-54
Botham-55
Cairns-58
Flintoff-69
Kapil-73
Shakib, who had come into this match with 196 scalps, removed Kieran Powell in the second innings for his 200th wicket. He had taken three wickets in the first innings.On the same day and against the same opposition six years ago – November 24, 2012 – Shakib had picked up his 100th Test wicket, becoming the second Bangladesh bowler after Mohammad Rafique to reach the milestone. Rafique had done it in March 2008, in his last Test.Shakib has 18 five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket hauls in his career so far, with his best match figures coming against Zimbabwe in Khulna in 2014, when he had match figures of 10 for 124. He had also made a first-innings 137 in that game. His second 10-for, against Australia last year, came in a game in which he had made a gutsy 84 in the first innings.His best bowling figures in an innings was the 7 for 36 he had taken against New Zealand in Chittagong in 2008, the day after then coach Jamie Siddons had said Shakib was the bowling leader after Rafique’s retirement.
West Ham United ended their five-game winless streak on Sunday by coming from behind to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2.
Goals from Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek secured a much-needed three points after a tricky spell in the Premier League.
While the Hammers are flying in the Carabao Cup and Europa League – through to the quarter-finals and one win away from the knockout stages, respectively – the pressure has still been ramped up on David Moyes for their poor league form.
The Scot will be hoping that Soucek's dramatic late winner is the catalyst for improved fortunes in the top flight as they aim to push towards the European places.
Currently four points behind sixth-place Manchester United, Moyes is crying out for some reinforcements to bolster his squad in January and while signing a striker is a priority, links have been drawn to one of the finest young centre-backs on the planet.
West Ham transfer news – Goncalo Inacio
West Ham are one of several clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, seemingly interested in signing Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio, as per 90min.
Scouts from the London Stadium were present to spy on three players during Benfica’s recent 2-1 victory over their rivals Sporting Lisbon.
The report states that the Hammers are keeping tabs on Sporting’s Inacio and Benfica’s Joao Neves and Antonio Silva, although numerous scouts from their Premier League rivals were in attendance.
It was an embarrassing night for Inacio, who was sent off six minutes into the second half, with the centre-back shown a second yellow card for a foul on Rafa Silva.
While that performance won't put the Irons off in their pursuit of the talented 21-year-old, they will have to act fast to beat off a whole host of competition, with Man United currently in the driving seat.
According to reports in Portugal, the Red Devils are reportedly 'ready to activate' his €60m (£53m) release clause to beat off stiff competition from Liverpool and Real Madrid.
If West Ham were to upset the apple cart by launching a bid of their own for the jewel in Sporting's crown, he would represent a huge upgrade on current left-sided defender, Nayef Aguerd.
How Goncalo Inacio compares to Nayef Aguerd
A technically gifted left-footed centre-back, who is comfortable at driving out from defence with the ball, Inacio's ball-playing ability is crucial in the build-up phase of attacks.
Described by journalist Antonio Mango as "exceptional" for how he dictates possession from the back, the 6 foot 1 titan boasts an exquisite passing range that has stood out in Portugal and is why several European powerhouses are interested in luring him away from Sporting.
In the modern game, you rarely see any big club deviate from a style that requires progressing play from defence and controlling the tempo of the game with possession.
If West Ham were to capture the highly-rated youngster, they'd have a partner for Kurt Zouma who could help them transition into a team that is more comfortable at launching attacks from their own defensive third, replacing Aguerd in the process.
Goncalo Inacio vs Nayef Aguerd 23/24 statistics per 90
Statistic
Goncalo Inacio (Primeira Liga)
Nayef Aguerd (Premier League)
Pass completion
87.8%
76.6%
Progressive passes
8.07
2.52
Progressive carries
1.92
0.65
Successful take-ons
0.40
0.09
Tackles
1.11
1.02
Interceptions
0.91
1.21
Aerials won
1.21
2.61
Stats via FBref
As the table above delineates, Inacio is much better at progressing play from defence, driving forward with the ball and picking out a pass than Aguerd, while the Moroccan international is perhaps more physically commanding and dominant in the air.
If Moyes wants to make the seamless transition towards a more possession-based system given the array of technical talent he has at his disposal, he should look no further than Inacio to carry the Irons towards a brighter future.
تمكن الدولي الأورجوياني لويس سواريز مهاجم فريق كرة الدقم الأول بـ إنتر ميامي، من تحقيق رقم تاريخي في بطولة كوبا أمريكا 2024.
لويس سواريز سجل هدفه الأول في بطولة كوبا امريكا 2024، أمام كندا، في لقاء تحديد المركز الثالث بين الفريقين.
وفاز منتخب أوروجواي بركلات الترجيح، بعد أن سجل لويس سواريز هدف التعادل للسيليستي في الدقيقة 91.
هدف سواريز، حقق من خلاله الهداف الأورجوياني رقمًا تاريخيًا، حيث أصبح أكبر لاعب في تاريخ بطولة كوبا أمريكا يسجل في كوبا أمريكا.
سواريز بعمر الـ37 عامًا و171 يومًا، أصبح هو اللاعب الأكبر سنًا، تسجيلًا للأهداف في بطولة كوبا أمريكا.
ويعتبر هذا هو الهدف الثامن لـ لويس سواريز في تاريخ مشاركاته ببطولة كوبا أمريكا، خلال مباراته الثامنة عشر في المنافسة مع أوروجواي، متفوقًا على التشيلي أليكسيس سانشيز وأرثورو فيدال، والأرجنتيني جونزالو هيجوايين أصحاب الـ7 أهداف لكلًا منهما. هدف لويس سواريز أمام كندا في كوبا أمريكا
Glasgow Rangers made the decision to part ways with manager Michael Beale earlier this month after the English tactician endured a difficult start to the season.
The Light Blues lost three of their opening seven Scottish Premiership matches and were knocked out of the Champions League by PSV during the play-off round, which meant that the club moved into the group stages of the Europa League.
This came after the former Chelsea youth coach was allowed to oversee an overhaul of the playing squad over the course of the summer transfer window.
Player
Type of deal
Jack Butland
Free
Dujon Sterling
Free
Leon Balogun
Free
Kieran Dowell
Free
Jose Cifuentes
Permanent
Sam Lammers
Permanent
Cyriel Dessers
Permanent
Danilo
Permanent
Abdallah Sima
Loan
As shown in the table above, the former Rangers chief was able to snap nine new recruits to bolster the team after the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Scott Arfield, Antonio Colak, Fashion Sakala, and Ianis Hagi moved on, either on loan or permanently.
The results on the pitch did not justify the mass changes and the board made the decision to ditch the English tactician, who has since been replaced by Belgian boss Philippe Clement.
However, not all of Beale's deals were to the detriment of the club as one player who has been a standout performer on the pitch since his arrival is goalkeeper Jack Butland.
How much did Rangers pay for Butland?
Rangers did not pay a penny for the former England international as they agreed a pre-contract deal for the shot-stopper back in June, ahead of his contract with Crystal Palace expiring at the end of the month.
At the time of the move, Beale claimed that the club had signed an "excellent" goalkeeper who is now in the prime years of his career at the age of 30.
His performances so far this season have backed up that claim but there may have been some doubts over how it would pan out at the time due to his difficulties in England in recent years.
How many Premier League appearances did Butland make?
He racked up 87 Premier League appearances throughout his time down south with various clubs but none of those came during a loan spell with Manchester United last season.
Butland spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Old Trafford but Erik ten Hag did not feature him in a single competitive match before his return to Palace, and eventual move to Ibrox.
That came after the 30-year-old ace only played ten top-flight games in two-and-a-half seasons with the Eagles as he failed to displace Spanish titan Vicente Guaita to earn a regular spot in the starting XI.
He did play nine times during the 2021/22 campaign. However, the Englishman was unable to catch the eye as 43% of the shots on his goal found the back of the net and his side only kept one clean sheet, as per Sofascore.
His troubles at Palace, and United, came after an impressive start to his senior career with Birmingham and Stoke in his younger days. He racked up 214 competitive appearances for those two clubs combined and kept 60 clean sheets in total.
Butland became the youngest goalkeeper in England history when he made his debut against Italy in 2012 at the age of 19 and has earned nine caps for his country to date.
The 6 foot 5 colossus enjoyed a fantastic spell with Stoke after coming through the academy system at Birmingham as he won their Player of the Year award for the 2015/16 and 2018/19 campaigns.
He kept 18 clean sheets and saved 71% of the shots on his goal across 45 Championship starts during the latter season but failed to build on his form for the Potters as his career fell by the wayside at Palace after a move to Selhurst Park in 2020.
How has Butland performed for Rangers?
Rangers now appear to have benefitted from Butland's declining career as they swooped in to sign him for £0 and the towering gem has been a revelation this season.
The former England international has hit the ground running at Ibrox and already established himself as a star and key player for the club with his fantastic performances between the sticks.
He has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.11 across nine Scottish Premiership starts and kept an eye-catching six clean sheets to date, with an impressive 77% save percentage.
Whereas, Allan McGregor only saved 57% of the shots on his goal and kept eight shutouts in 24 top-flight appearances for the Light Blues last season.
This suggests that Rangers have secured a huge upgrade in goal by replacing the veteran Scotsman with Butland, who was hailed for his "outstanding" goalkeeping by journalist Josh Bunting in August, over the summer transfer window.
The former Stoke star has also enjoyed a strong start to life in Europe with an average Sofascore rating of 7.35 and a save percentage of 75% across two Europa League group stage outings.
How much is Butland worth now?
Football Insider recently reported that the Light Blues value the 30-year-old colossus at a fee of at least £5m amid interest from Championship side Birmingham.
The outlet claimed that his former club are keen on a deal for the Gers star, just months on from his move to the Scottish giants, but also add that the Ibrox side will not entertain any offers for his services during the upcoming January transfer window.
They have also stated that his internal valuation at Rangers will only increase further beyond £5m if his impressive performances on the pitch continue throughout the rest of the 2023/24 campaign.
The interest from Birmingham highlights how much of an impact Butland has made for the club this season as he has done enough to attract attention from elsewhere after three months of competitive football.
His valuation has quickly soared from £0 to £5m since Beale snapped him up for nothing from Palace and the former Gers boss, therefore, deserves credit.
The ex-QPR head coach hit the jackpot for the club with his move to sign the giant stopper, who now looks set to play a key role for Clement moving forward.
His troublesome right shoulder forces decision; CA want him ready for the domestic one-day competition in September
Melinda Farrell30-Jun-2018Concerns surrounding a shoulder injury caused Australian authorities to deny Chris Lynn a No Objection Certificate for the Global T20 tournament, currently taking place in Toronto.Organisers announced Lynn as a marquee player for Edmonton Royals in the inaugural Canadian competition, but he has been absent for the start of the tournament. ESPNcricinfo understands the decision to deny Lynn a NOC was shared by Cricket Australia, Queensland and Brisbane Heat.Lynn’s long term issues with his troublesome right shoulder flared up when he dislocated it while diving in the field during the Australia’s Tri-Series Final win over New Zealand in February. He had been playing with the issue for some months, despite its severe restrictions on his ability to throw and field.
Watching the @GT20Canada Looks quality cricket and challenging conditions, great way to expand your own game. Wish I was there See you in the Caribbean
— Chris Lynn (@lynny50) June 28, 2018
As a result of the injury, the Australian batsman was ruled out of the Pakistan Super League, where he was signed by Lahore Qalandars, but he was sufficiently recovered to play 16 games in six weeks for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.At the conclusion of the IPL, scans showed Lynn’s shoulder had recovered to the point it was deemed stable and sound and required no surgery. Lynn was, however left out of Australia’s ODI and T20 teams that were whitewashed on the recent tour of England.ESPNcricinfo understands that management decided he needed further rehabilitation in order to recover full range and strength in his shoulder. It is understood there is still a strong chance Lynn will be deemed fit to play for Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League, but CA’s main priority is to have him ready to compete in Australia’s domestic one-day competition, the JLT Cup, in September.A fully-fit Lynn, able to move and dive freely in the field in addition to his powerful batting, would be a major asset for Australia leading into next year’s World Cup.Lynn’s importance to Australia’s ODI side has been heightened after Steven Smith and David Warner were banned for their involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Both players were granted NOCs to compete in the GT20 competition.Far from the only late withdrawal from the tournament, Lynn was replaced by Andre Fletcher in the Edmonton Royals squad. The three Pakistan players called into the squad for the T20I tri-series have been replaced by Anton Devcich at Toronto Nationals, Umar Akmal at Edmonton Royals and Dwayne Smith at Montreal Tigers.Separately, Rumman Raees was replaced by Mohammad Sami in the Nationals squad while South African Christiaan Jonker was replaced by Farhaan Behardien for Montreal Tigers. The three Sri Lankans in the Montreal Tigers squad have been replaced by Moises Henriques, Peter Siddle and Kevon Cooper.
Tottenham Hotspur boast a rich history of academy production and youth acquisition, with some of their most famous names having been cultivated as youngsters and developed into world-class stars.
The outstanding name that springs to mind is Harry Kane, who emerged from N17 to become both the club's and England's all-time leading scorer, and a £100m man at the age of 30, drawing the interest of Bayern Munich in the summer.
However, it cannot also be forgotten that Gareth Bale was another who serviced the latter of those two devices, having been brought in from Southampton as a 17-year-old left-back, converted to a right winger, and transformed into one of the Premier League's elite stars.
He too would command a hefty fee, leaving for a world-record sum in the summer of 2013.
The hope will be that under Ange Postecoglou, who has already enjoyed a fine start to life in north London, they can continue their rich history of youth development, handing the Australian a crop of perfect starlets ready to grow and underpin a brighter generation at the club.
Whilst there are numerous standouts within the academy, with stars like Jude Soonsup-Bell, Alfie Devine, Troy Parrott and Dane Scarlett all knocking on the first-team door, another in Tyrese Hall could go under the radar, but will surely soon be a part of an elite group of youngsters.
Who is Tyrese Hall?
Having joined the club from Chelsea as a schoolboy, the versatile 18-year-old boasts plenty of attributes that the former Celtic boss would adore in a forward or a midfielder.
With a deft touch of class to partner his immense work rate and defensive contribution, it should come as no surprise that such a well-rounded individual was bound to feature all across the field.
In fact, journalist Alasdair Gold sought to outline this, writing for football.london: "A versatile mainstay of the U18s, 17-year-old Tyrese Hall can fill in wherever called upon due to his high technical ability. The teenager, who made his debut for the U18s last season while still a schoolboy, can play in central midfield, in an attacking or defensive role, he can play up front and he can also do a job on the wing."
However, his proficiency must also be noted, having ended last season with three goals in the final three games of the U18s Premier League, adding to his two assists for the campaign too. He would also put the U17 Premier League Cup beyond doubt too, with a late driven effort to secure the silverware.
Jamie Donley
18
Alfie Devine
19
Alfie Dorrington
18
Rio Kyerematen
18
Although far from the most outstanding finisher in the world, his pure desire to make things happen could see him succeed under Postecoglou, who sought to praise the toothless Richarlison in pre-season: "He is someone who has got all of the attributes that I look for in a striker, in that he has got the strong work ethic, he is always in the right areas and he is presenting himself and making a presence of himself in the right areas for the way we play."
Hall, whilst still incredibly inexperienced, has also been earmarked for future success by Lilywhites academy expert John Wenham: "I really want to give a shoutout to Tyrese Hall,
"The game against Norwich last week was the best I have seen him play. He was demanding the ball, passing first time and making some really positive movements. I am really pleased with him. I want him to settle in and really make that space in the team his own. I think he has a really big future at Tottenham."
It remains to be seen where his prediction comes true, but the early signs are positive. Whether it is in central midfield or up front, Hall could certainly grow into the perfect player for Postecoglou.
How good was Wayne Rooney?
Whilst many might suggest this to be quite a lofty comparison, there are lots of similarities between Spurs' teenage maestro and the way Wayne Rooney played at the back end of his incredible career.
Having starred largely as a central striker whilst with Everton and Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson would recognise the work rate and exceptional equality the 37-year-old boasted, and often used the Liverpool-born finisher to plug gaps.
Dropping into a no.10 role or even deployed in central midfield, nothing would stop him from scoring goals, and in the end, he called time on a glittering spell at Old Trafford having won five Premier League titles, one Champions League and a host of other domestic honours, whilst also becoming the club's all-time leading scorer with 253 strikes.
However, as he grew older and his powers waned, that versatility earlier in his career allowed him to drop into midfield again with ease, remaining as technically proficient as ever but limiting the amount of explosive running required.
Louis van Gaal praised his ability to shift roles in 2014: "He has the lung capacity to run 90 minutes as a midfielder, so that’s why I use him as a midfielder. But I can also use him as a striker. But for the team, at the moment, it is better that he plays in midfield."
Funnily enough, the legendary Scottish tactician would say the same just three years earlier: "[Wayne] Rooney was fantastic in central midfield. His awareness of people around him and choice of passing was really good. He did very well for us but I think it's a short-term thing at the moment. It's difficult to say".
Having become a Red Devils legend across his 13 years there, eventually returning to Merseyside for a solid stint back at Goodison Park, it is fair to say that Rooney conquered football with the records he broke and silverware attained.
After all, the growing praise from former teammate Gary Neville says it all:
"Wayne Rooney was the best centre-forward I ever played with at Manchester United. I do not hesitate to say that because he had everything. He could defend; he could press; he could fight; he could score; he could assist.
“He was a massive player for the club. It shouldn't be underestimated, the impact Wayne Rooney had on that team that won four or five Premier League titles in a very short period of time. The greatest period in United's history was when Wayne Rooney was a centre-forward in the team.
“Wayne Rooney is one of the greatest English football players that's played in the last 150 years of football. Simple as that.”
Postecoglou will hope that Hall can enjoy half as successful a career as Rooney did, given the shared assets he boasts with the versatile marksman, and develop into someone capable of spearheading his own revolution that brings a similar level of title success to north London.
Since the PIF completed their takeover of Newcastle United in October 2021, the Magpies have gone from being embroiled in a relegation dogfight to sniffing out European football and silverware after clinching a place in the Champions League last term.
Although defeats against Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion have threatened to curtail their progress at the start of this season, they returned to business as usual with a 1-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday evening, as a Callum Wilson penalty secured their second three points of the season.
With Eddie Howe spearheading a Saudi revolution in the North East, enabled by the riches presented to him, Newcastle have spent their war chest of funds wisely since their takeover, going about their business in smart fashion, unlike Chelsea.
Their transfer dealings have been brilliantly astute and accurate, bringing in the likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak, Nick Pope and Sven Botman, the quality of signing that has enabled them to cement their place at the forefront of domestic and European football.
While the majority of their signings have reached hero status on Tyneside, others have become villains, and one of those was striker Chris Wood.
How much did Newcastle sign Chris Wood for?
In January 2022, Newcastle completed the signing of Burnley striker Wood for £25m, triggering the release clause in his contract following the news that sharpshooter Callum Wilson was ruled out for eight weeks with a calf injury.
With his side involved in a fight against relegation, Howe heavily relied on Wilson's goals and the Englishman served up six in 15 appearances prior to his injury as the Magpies only recorded one victory in their first 20 matches.
In the absence of their star striker, Newcastle were staring down the barrel at what would be a detrimental relegation, but it wasn't the signing of the New Zealand target man that would save their season, the big-money acquisitions of Guimaraes, Dan Burn, Trippier and Joe Willock would achieve just that, with the influential quartet becoming the driving force behind their impressive turnaround.
Howe would go on to lead his side to a remarkable 12 wins in their last 19 Premier League matches, steering them to an 11th-place finish and although Wood was signed to help them in their meteoric rise up the table, he failed to have the desired impact.
How did Wood get on at Newcastle?
Compared to Shola Ameobi by journalist Luke McCormick after signing, the 31-year-old was expected to become their focal point, playing to the strengths of Howe's direct football with his height and physicality.
During his 14-year spell at the club, Ameobi made almost 400 appearances on Tyneside, chalking up 84 goals and 38 assists, and although that was far from clinical returns for a striker, the Nigerian was often cut as a divisive figure despite his longevity and the commitment he gave to the club.
Wood was a divisive figure himself, not just with the Toon, but particularly while at Leeds United between 2015 and 2017. Indeed, he became the subject to criticism from their passionate supporters, similar to what Ameobi faced at Newcastle.
Speaking to Goals on Sunday [via Leeds Live] in 2020, the New Zealand international lifted the lid on his time at Elland Road, saying:
“At Leeds, I had a bit of a rough patch, it wasn't always smooth sailing, but in the end, it came good and it was a good time [in my career],”
Wood managed to use criticism as fuel during his time in West Yorkshire, putting a disappointed 2015/16 campaign behind him by scoring 27 goals in the following season under Garry Monk.
An impressive rate of scoring at at Elland Road – 44 in 88 appearances – earned him a £15m move to Premier League Burnley in 2017, where he formed a strong partnership with Ashley Barnes as the duo were crucial to the Clarets top flight bid
After joining in 2018/19, the "exceptional" striker, as dubbed by journalist Jordan Cronin, reached double figures for goals in three consecutive campaigns and despite only scoring three times in the first half of the 2021/22 season, Howe hoped a move to Newcastle would help recapture his goal-scoring touch.
Although he didn't aid the Toon's survival bid with his goals, scoring just twice in 17 appearances, Wood did draw plaudits from Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville for his contributions off the ball.
Speaking on his self-titled Gary Neville podcast, the former defender said: "He had a big impact on that game today, the little flick-ons that he wins in the last 10 minutes that just keep the ball alive in that corner, means that it’s not coming back at you all the time.
"He had a big impact on that game today, the little flick-ons that he wins in the last 10 minutes that just keep the ball alive in that corner, means that it’s not coming back at you all the time."
Last season, with Newcastle fighting for top four, Wood didn't really get a look in as Isak and Wilson shouldered the goal-scoring responsibility, but in pursuit of regular football, he decided to join Nottingham Forest on loan in January before making the move permanent this summer for a fee of £15m.
After being bought for £25m in 2022 and now already being sold, it's fair to say that Newcastle had a nightmare with this transfer, even if he did initially evoke memories of Ameobi.
Bangladesh’s stand-in captain was disappointed with the lack of discipline from his bowling unit
Mohammad Isam15-Feb-2018
Nazmul Islam celebrates a wicket•Associated Press
For only the fourth time in T20I cricket, Bangladesh brought up 100 runs in the first 10 overs. Then they went on to make their highest total in the format, with two of their top-order batsmen stringing important partnerships together as they made their personal best scores. But all of that was upended within an hour of ordinary bowling: they conceded 13 fours in the first six overs. And that set the tone, as Sri Lanka won with 20 balls to spare.Bangladesh missed Shakib Al Hasan but they would have hoped the other seniors Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain could make up for their captain’s absence. But apart from debutant Nazmul Islam, none of the bowlers conceded anything less than 10.66 runs per over.”As a bowling group, we have to find out how and where to bowl in certain times,” Mahmudullah, the stand-in captain, said. “We have to create pressure with dot balls. You have to bowl all out in these wickets – either bowl yorkers or proper bouncers – according to the strength of the batsmen.”We could have made a little more [runs] but I still felt 193 was a good score. But our bowlers didn’t bowl in the right lengths. The line was still fine. We also didn’t take early wickets which is always important.”Mohammad Saifuddin had perhaps the toughest day, conceding 19 and 14 in his two overs. This was his third poor outing with the ball in the last four months, having been hammered by David Miller and Darren Sammy recently. Mahmudullah defended the 21-year old allrounder, saying that it was a collective failure from the bowling unit.”I think he had a bad game but he couldn’t execute his plans. He didn’t bowl in the lengths for which I set his fields. I think he will work on it. Length was important on this good batting wicket. A bit of room is dangerous here, especially in the Powerplay overs. [His bowling] isn’t looking bad. He will learn with experience. I believe Saifuddin will one day win matches for Bangladesh. But he has to learn quickly. We win and lose as a team, so no point in blaming Saifuddin. Our whole bowling unit failed, except Nazmul Islam who bowled well for his debut game.”The skill that Bangladesh lacked on Thursday was one Sri Lanka used well, and Mahmudullah highlighted that as a point of difference between both teams. “You can say we are behind Sri Lanka in terms of results. They bowled the yorkers very well towards the end. We had to work hard to find runs. Mushfiqur struck his reverse sweeps very well, especially against the full balls. Our bowlers couldn’t quite bowl that length. We should have defended 193.”