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First century since 267 against Pakistan serves timely reminder of young batter’s potential

Andrew Miller11-Mar-2022The stats don’t lie. At least, not when you accept them as indicators of an underlying truth, rather than an irrefutable end in themselves. When England’s second innings got underway in Antigua, just three balls and 18 minutes into the third day’s play, and with a deficit of 64 to surmount, a graphic flashed up on the TV screens that warned of the potential jeopardy in store.It showed a list of England’s top-order collapses in 2021 – a hammer-horror of batting dysfunction, featuring each of the eight occasions in that year’s 15 Tests in which they had lost their first five wickets for 67 runs or fewer.And when it came to England visits to the Caribbean, that batting malaise had even deeper roots. On their previous trip in 2019, Joe Root’s men were rolled aside for 77 en route to a thumping defeat in the opening Test. Ten years prior to that, England had been routed for 51 by Jerome Taylor and Suliemann Benn on the fourth afternoon of the series opener, eventually losing by an innings in 33.2 overs from an unnervingly similar position – a first-innings deficit of 74.And so when Alex Lees departed for his second single-figure score of his debut Test, it’s fair to suggest that English optimism was in short supply. Zak Crawley had already survived a triggering of his own after all – and for all that his first-over lbw verdict was one of the worst of a substandard match for the umpires, his haul of 11 single-figure scores in 16 innings in 2021 was hardly a reason to believe that his reprieve would be a long-term one.But by the close of an unfamiliarly serene day’s batting from England, Crawley had racked up his second Test hundred, passed 1000 runs in the process, hauled his average back above 30 for good measure, and shown enough class and durability in his 200-ball stay to awaken thoughts that his career-best 267 could yet be at his mercy if he shows sufficient hunger on what looks now to be the deadest day five of a Test match since… well, since last week.For those stats don’t lie. No player who, at the age of 22, can convert his maiden Test hundred into the sort of whopper that Crawley compiled against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl in 2020 can possibly be written off barely 18 months later. And given the ebbs and flows of both form and luck that all established players must endure in the course of their international careers, there’s no way either that he’ll look back in a decade’s time, on this century or his Southampton epic, and think, “well, that was a complete road, it doesn’t really count”.For this performance deserves to be viewed within the context of England’s rebuild, as well as the realities of a lifeless deck. In the whole of the team’s desperate 2021, there had been a solitary century from a player not called Joe Root – and that man, Rory Burns, no longer merits a place in the squad after his defenestration in the Ashes.By the time Crawley had nudged Jayden Seales through midwicket for his milestone-sealing runs, England had posted a centurion in both the first and second innings of a Test for the first time since their tour of Sri Lanka in 2018. The fact that Root was not the man to three figures on either occasion would hardly be a cause for celebration if it meant that he was also desperately out of form. But given that he finished his own solid day’s work on 84 not out, the chances are that he could yet follow suit on Saturday morning. From a first-day nadir of 48 for 4, the batting aspect of England’s reset couldn’t really have progressed more exponentially.”Oh, that’s right up there, it was really special feeling when I got it,” Crawley told BT Sport at the close. “I had a tough year last year and probably at times didn’t think I’d get this opportunity again, so I’m absolutely delighted and pleased we’re in a good position to win tomorrow.”Zak Crawley is congratulated by Joe Root on reaching his half-century•Gareth Copley/Getty ImagesThat latter assessment might be stretching the bounds of optimism – especially given the mixed status reports about Mark Wood’s dodgy elbow. But with a lead of 153 already banked and nine wickets left to push it further, there will undoubtedly be the chance to have a dart with a new ball at some stage on the final afternoon, and maybe even come up with a more threatening response than Chris Woakes and Craig Overton managed in their off-colour opening gambit.But for now, England can content themselves with something resembling a feelgood factor in the most troubling facet of their current Test game. All things being equal, they will pass 300 in their second innings of the match, having failed to make that mark in ten attempts in the Ashes. Stiffer tests will lie ahead, maybe even as soon as in Barbados next week, but having found his place in the team untenable last summer, after averaging 10.81 in his first eight Tests of the year, the self-belief that Crawley will have gleaned from this chance is immeasurable.”When I got taken out the team they said I had a big future which I was very thankful for,” Crawley said. “It gave me a lot of confidence. I was thankful they picked me for the Ashes, it’s a dream come true. I always believed in myself that I would come again. Maybe not so soon, but I knew I was young and I had a chance to come again.”Given the air of reticence that has dominated England’s top three for the past decade, the optics of Crawley’s batting have long made an irresistible case for his defence. Where his contemporaries have all died in a ditch – especially Dom Sibley last summer, whose only remaining shot against India had been an uncomfortable shovel off the legs, and Haseeb Hameed in Australia, a tour for which his selection was borderline negligence – Crawley’s poor returns have at least been a consequence of his broadened horizons. And on the fleeting occasions when his game has come together in the midst of his dry spell – most tellingly with his first-morning fifty in Ahmedabad last year, and again with a brilliant 77 at Sydney in January – he has looked as fluent as any player in the game.”Make good decisions,” was the advice that Crawley had drummed into him during his 193-run stand with Joe Root, the perfect role-model for a young, expansive right-hander – not least on the ball before his century, when he swung too eagerly into an air-shot against Seales, and immediately had his captain in his ear, reminding him that good things come to those who wait.”He does that extremely well and I tried to emulate him,” Crawley added. “He was very good to bat with, he batted brilliantly and took the pressure off. He’s always a calm head telling me to take it one ball at a time, make good decisions, and thankfully I made a few more than I usually do.”Related

• Zak Crawley century, Joe Root fifty drive England into final day

• After ten-year wait, Nkrumah Bonner scripts a nine-hour epic

• Wood's elbow injury casts spotlight on England bowling stocks

Not unlike Jonny Bairstow in his first-innings hundred, a feature of Crawley’s innings was the shelving of his favoured drive. Early in his innings, a graphic on the TV broadcast contrasted Nkrumah Bonner’s magnificent discipline in the channel outside off with Crawley’s tendency to go looking for the ball, a reflex approach that had done him in all too often in his previous innings, including via an inside-edge to Joshua da Silva in his first-innings 8.”I like to put some pressure on the bowlers but I’ve certainly tried to rein my game in a bit more since coming back into the team,” Crawley said. “I’ve tried to put away a few more shots that I was playing last year and getting me into trouble.”I’m just trying to make the game a bit more simple,” he added. “Against the new ball, the drive is not an easy shot to play. I’m much more comfortable playing through the leg side. That’s not ruling out the off-side game – there’s still plenty of runs to be had there. It’s just knowing when to play it.”Such are the lessons that a spell of dead-deck accumulation can gift to a team in need. It may not count for much in a broader context right now, but when the spin settings get cranked up on the next tour of India, or when Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood find a juicier surface in next year’s Ashes, Crawley will be able to tap into this moment, and remember he’s been here before. And he’s young enough and good enough to head back there again.

As they look to point a disappointing season behind them, the Orioles have reportedly made a move to sharpen their bullpen.

Baltimore is signing pitcher Ryan Helsley to a two-year contract, according to a Saturday afternoon report from Jeff Passan of ESPN. Per Passan, Helsley will close for the Orioles, slamming the door on speculation that teams may try to convert him into a starter.

Helsley endured an up-and-down 2025 with the Cardinals—for whom he pitched from 2019 to this year—and the Mets. He saved 21 games for St. Louis and posted a 3.00 ERA, but slumped to a 7.20 ERA after going over to New York via trade on July 30.

All told, Helsley ended the year with a 3-4 record, a 4.50 ERA, 63 strikeouts in 56 innings, and 21 saves.

In 2024, he led the National League with 49 saves and made his second All-Star team. He departed St. Louis with 105 saves— sixth most in franchise history.

U.S. international Weston McKennie opened the scoring, and Canada’s Jonathan David added a second as Juventus beat Pafos 2–0 in the Champions League. The win gives the Bianconeri a vital boost in the league stage, taking them to nine points from six games and strengthening Luciano Spalletti and his side's push for the knockout rounds.

• McKennie breaks deadlock with a crucial goal

  The match remained goalless until the 67th minute when McKennie found the back of the net. The American midfielder capitalized on a well-worked team move, demonstrating his attacking instincts and composure in front of goal. His strike gave Juventus the momentum they needed to control the remainder of the match and put pressure on their Cypriot opponents. His goal was also a landmark moment as it was the 50th goal scored by a USMNT player in the competition and made him the second USMNT player to record 10 goal contributions as well.

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• David doubles the lead to secure victory

  Just six minutes after McKennie’s opener, Jonathan David extended Juventus’ advantage with a clinical finish. The Canadian forward showcased his sharpness in the box, converting a precise assist after a breathless counter-attack to make it 2-0. This goal effectively ended any hopes of a comeback for Pafos FC and ensured Juventus took all three points from the encounter.

• Group-stage implications for Juventus

  The victory represents Juventus’ second win in the Champions League league phase, a timely boost as the competition reaches its decisive rounds. Securing three points here improves their standing in a competitive pool and gives Luciano Spalletti’s side breathing room. They’ve now got two wins, three draws and one loss from six games in the Champions League league stage.

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  Momentum, rotation and European schedule

  Juventus will look to carry this momentum into their remaining group fixtures and juggle rotation as domestic duties pile up. The Old Lady will face Bologna next in the Serie A on Dec. 14 before hosting AS Roma on Dec. 20 as they look to climb up the Serie A table.

Cat Macario and Jaedyn Shaw put on a show to help secure a win in the USWNT's final match of 2025.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Cat Macario can’t stop scoring, and she got the U.S. women’s national team rolling once again, helping lift the Americans to a 2–0 win over Italy to close out their 2025 campaign.

A cheeky chip from Macario in the 20th minute set the tone for the USWNT’s second victory over Italy in three days and marked her eighth international goal of the year. Lily Yohannes picked out Macario breaking free down the right side, and the forward lifted her head to spot goalkeeper Francesca Durante off her line before calmly chipping her for the opener. Macario nearly added another later in the half, pressing the Italian back line and using every surface of her foot to hold up play, flick, and turn in the box. She earned her 28th cap on Monday and now has 16 goals in 29 appearances.

"Cat is just such a special player, and I know if she gets the ball in front of the goal, 10 times out of 10, it is probably going to be a goal," Yohannes said of Macario's clinical edge. 

Jaedyn Shaw doubled the lead in the 41st minute. Shaw, who recently turned 21, earned her 29th cap and 13th start for the senior team. After being left off two straight FIFA windows, she returned to the squad in October and has made the most of it — all while helping lead Gotham FC to an NWSL Championship. Her finish put the U.S. firmly in control heading into halftime.

Emma Hayes made early second-half changes, including Avery Patterson for Emily Fox, Kennedy Wesley for Naomi Girma and Emma Sears for Alyssa Thompson. The midfield trio of Yohannes, Lindsey Heaps, and Claire Hutton remained intact to start the half, showcasing the chemistry they’ve built. Jaelin Howell later replaced Heaps as the U.S. continued to dictate tempo.

Despite Hayes making five changes to the starting XI from Friday’s match – and fielding a trio of teenagers – the U.S. never lost its rhythm. The Americans again started fast, scored early, and dominated possession with 64 percent of the ball.

"We try and be intentional in how we organize players. But I'm very much about coaching every one of our 26 players to play as us always, and I focus on that," Hayes said. "And of course, we organize our team to set up against opponents and spaces we want to exploit, but we can always dominate by developing our game style." 

The USWNT end the year on a high note at 12-3-0, and Hayes closed her first full calendar year in charge with 25 wins.

GOAL rates the players from Chase Stadium…

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Claudia Dickey (8/10): 

Another clean sheet is all Dickey needed to solidify her position as the No. 1 keeper at the moment. Dickey had a strong performance against Italy the second time around, making a couple of saves and controlling the backline, and finding moments to spring the attacking players in behind when Italy was pushing high. 

Jordyn Bugg (8/10): 

The fact that Bugg is just 19 years old and has now earned three starts on the senior team is no small nod. Her composure next to Girma is a pairing to be feared for opponents. 

Naomi Girma (8/10): 

Girma didn't have a whole lot of action in the first half, but when she won the ball, she kept it and led the backline with her composure and possession. 

Kate Wiesner (6/10): 

Wiesner earned her first start for the USWNT, and on a team where the outside back position is more competitive than ever, she held her own. Wiesner got caught too high in moments and struggled to recover, but other than that, she was a natural back there and helped keep Italy off the scoreboard.

Emily Fox (8/10): 

Another solid performance from Fox, who any anytime she steps on the field for the USWNT, reminds us all how dangerous she is going forward. Fox was all over the right side of the pitch and forced the Italians to step to her, which would free up outlets down the wing.

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Lily Yohannes (8/10):

It shouldn't be surprising anymore just how good on the ball Yohannes is, but it is. Yohannes, the youngest player on the roster at 18 years old, plays with maturity, finesse, and aged discipline. Next to Heaps and Hutton, she's able to push up and sit just below Macario. Her one-two flare comes out with this team.

Lindsey Heaps (8/10):

After not seeing Heaps at all in the first meeting against Italy, she captained Monday's match and had her midfield locked in. Heaps and Hutton play very similarly, and both work off of each other in the double pivot. Heaps' leadership was refreshing because even in moments when the USWNT would get split or broken down, she remained organized and led those around her.

Claire Hutton (8/10): 

Hutton has been a sponge on the USWNT and is playing beyond her years. Another teenager who plays like she's far from one, Hutton was lights out on Monday. She played quickly, and her combination play mixed in with her vision to switch the point of attack was a work of art.

ImagnAttack

Cat Macario (9/10):

The only thing Macario could have done to get a better rating, or a perfect rating, would have been another goal. But, all jokes aside her nose for goal, refined touch, and ability to go at defenders is the Macario we've all been waiting to see again. Macario finishes the year with 8 goals for the USWNT.

Jaedyn Shaw (8/10): 

Shaw's goal, or strike rather, was clinical. She didn't just score, though; she also played the entire game and found ways to get on the ball in various spots all over the field. Her game has evolved immensely in the past few months, and she's another key player in the attacking line for Hayes to consider come 2027. 

Alyssa Thompson (7/10): 

A relatively quiet game for Thompson, who usually finds a way to get an assist, goal, or some stat for us to drop our jaws at. While she may not have scored, Thompson made endless runs in the first half, which created all kinds of chaos for Italy's defense. 

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Kennedy Wesley (7/10):

A solid performance from Wesley, who earned her first start and cap for the USWNT in their 6-0 victory over New Zealand. At that time, she was the 25th player to date to earn a start and cap under Hayes. She didn't concede in the backline and had a clean performance next to Bugg, having to step into big shoes to fill, entering the game for Girma. 

Emma Sears (7/10): 

Sears was knocking on Italy's door for a goal, but unfortunately, just couldn't find the back of the net. She was aggressive and creative up top, but just couldn't finish on the night.

Avery Patterson (7/10): 

Patterson was running full-field sprints most of the second half, but was effective nonetheless. Her contributions to the attack were major, as she was creative with her services and also clever in her one-v-one chances.

Lilly Reale (7/10): 

Reale settled in just fine at outside back after playing most of the first meeting vs Italy in the same spot. Reale played a dangerous service late in the second half, that was close to a third goal for the United States.

Croix Bethune (6/10): 

Bethune had some solid moments on the ball for the USWNT, but struggled to see it as much as Yohannes did when she was in.

Jaelin Howell (6/10): 

Howell hadn't seen USWNT action since 2022, and found a way to settle into the game and get herself back into the mix despite having big shoes to fill with the subbing of Heaps. Howell didn't see much of the ball, but when she did, she maintained possession.

Emma Hayes (9/10): 

What more can Hayes ask for? The team delivered, again, and she earned her 25th win as head coach. Not a bad way to end the year.

Everton have now been told that they’ll have to pay a record price to sign an attacking reinforcement, who’s also in the sights of German giants Bayern Munich.

Everton plotting attacking additions

Whilst Thierno Barry certainly did his job against Manchester United, his run for a first Everton goal only continued. The fact that the Toffees were down to 10 men didn’t help his chase for that vital goal, but questions about continuing to arrive as to whether David Moyes should look to January for key reinforcements in the striker’s position.

Ahead of the winter window, several names have already been linked with a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, including Troy Parrott. The Republic of Ireland striker has been in sensational form for club and country this season and grabbed Everton’s attention by scoring five goals in two games to help Ireland into the World Cup playoffs earlier this month.

The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster would be an excellent addition, but so would Celtic’s Daizen Maeda. The Japan international reportedly wants to leave the Scottish club and could do so for as little as £15m in January – allowing Everton to land a bargain deal.

At his best, Maeda scored 33 goals in all competitions for Celtic last season, before struggling to replicate that in an inconsistent side in the current campaign.

So, Everton certainly have options if they do want to add competition to Barry and Beto this winter. So much so that they may not even need to turn towards Parrott or Maeda. Instead, they could sign Franculino Dju from Midtjylland.

Everton told to pay record fee to sign Franculino Dju

According to Danish outlet Tipsbladet, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton have been told to pay €35m (£31m) to sign Franculino in January, which would break Midtjylland’s transfer record.

Everton line up January move for England international who Alan Shearer called "world class"

The Toffees have spotted a low-cost opportunity.

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Joined by Bayern Munich and Manchester United in pursuit of the forward, it remains to be seen whether the Toffees are willing to pay such a price to secure his signature after sending scouts to watch him recently.

The Friedkin Group certainly weren’t afraid of splashing the cash in the summer, having made Tyler Dibling their second most-expensive ever signing at £42m and spent £27m on Barry’s arrival.

Dubbed “unstoppable” by scout Jacek Kulig earlier this month, Franculino is well worth the chase for Everton. The 21-year-old has recently taken his total to 19 games in 28 games for the season and that clinical form makes him someone to watch ahead of January.

Everton ready to replace £120,000-a-week star with key January signing

Paris Saint-Germain have reignited their pursuit for Atletico Madrid start forward, Julian Alvarez. With Luis Enrique pushing for a dynamic No. 9 and Alvarez open to a Ligue 1 switch, PSG believe he is the missing piece in their evolution. But Atletico’s massive €120m valuation threatens to turn the chase.

PSG rekindle their push for Alvarez

Alvarez’s name has re-emerged at the top of PSG’s agenda, and this time, the French champions believe the door is wider than ever. Earlier this month, Alvarez revealed to in an interview with L'Equipe that PSG had already attempted to sign him back in 2024 when he left Manchester City. Even though he ultimately chose Atletico Madrid, the conversations with PSG were real and serious, and that interest has not faded.

As reported by Sacha Tavolieri, Luis Enrique remains an enormous admirer of Alvarez’s all-round ability, his pressing intensity, positional intelligence, and capacity to operate both as a central striker and a roaming second forward. PSG want a new long-term No. 9, and Alvarez fits the profile exactly. Crucially, the Argentine is open to the move and is not considering a Premier League return despite interest from England.

The only obstacle are Atletico, who have placed a €120m (£105m/$139m) valuation on him, a fee PSG view as excessive. While agreeing personal terms with the Argentinian would be straightforward, negotiating with Los Colchoneros may prove to be the real challenge.

AdvertisementAFPFrom Haaland's shadow to Spain's most effective forward

After joining City from River Plate, Alvarez grew into one of Europe’s most efficient forwards despite playing behind Erling Haaland. His two seasons under Pep Guardiola produced six major trophies, including a historic treble, and he contributed 36 goals in 103 matches. The 25-year-old even achieved the unprecedented feat of winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and World Cup in the same campaign.

But Alvarez wanted a platform where he could start every week, and Atletico gave him that. Since his €75m (£66m/$87m) move in 2024, he has repaid the investment with astonishing productivity with 29 goals and eight assists in his first full season, and already nine goals with four assists in 15 matches this year. His adaptability across attacking positions, ability to press from the front, and instinct for decisive moments have made him one of LaLiga’s standout performers.

Alvarez has also admitted that life in Spain keeps him in constant headlines, especially with Barcelona rumours swirling around. But when asked about PSG, he confirmed there were serious talks during his Atletico move and that he has never ruled out joining the French giants in the future.

Will PSG break the bank for Alvarez?

While Alvarez is open to the move, Atletico’s stance complicates the entire pursuit. The club believe his development, goal output, and contract running until 2030 justify their €120m asking price. PSG disagree and view that valuation as steep, especially since they want to strengthen other positions in the summer.

Coach Enrique’s admiration only intensifies PSG’s motivation. Enrique’s system often functions without a traditional centre-forward, as seen when Ousmane Dembele operated as a false nine during PSG’s treble-winning season. Gonçalo Ramos has not cemented the role, leaving a natural opening for a striker who offers high pressing, tactical fluidity, and intelligence between the lines. Alvarez embodies all of that, a forward who works tirelessly, links play beautifully, and strikes decisively.

PSG see him as a transformational signing. Atletico see him as non-negotiable unless a massive bid arrives. And Alvarez finds himself right in the middle, willing to listen if Paris make their move.

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AFPWhat's next for Alvarez?

For Alvarez, the next step is about choosing the environment that maximises his long-term growth. He has already proven himself in England and Spain, winning trophies and delivering world-class performances in two very different systems. A move to PSG would hand him the keys to the No. 9 role under a coach who values his exact attributes and sees him as the centrepiece of the next attacking cycle.

But staying at Atletico also has merit, he is thriving, scoring freely, and is firmly trusted by Diego Simeone. The question is whether Atletico’s conservative, counter-attacking approach limits his ceiling compared to the technical, possession-heavy football Enrique offers.

What is clear is that Alvarez is entering his peak years. His next move or decision to stay will define the next chapter of his career.

علق حسني عبد ربه، لاعب منتخب مصر السابق، على الهزيمة أمام أوزبكستان، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما في الإمارات على هامش الاستعداد لبطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025.

والتقى منتخب مصر مع أوزبكستان، على ملعب “هزاع بن زايد” في بطولة العين الدولية الودية بالإمارات، ضمن استعدادات المنتخب لبطولة أمم إفريقيا المغرب 2025، وخسر بهدفين نظيفين.

طالع|فيديو | منتخب مصر يسقط أمام أوزبكستان بثنائية في بطولة العين الودية

وقال حسني عبد ربه، لقناة أون سبورت: “هذه المباريات دروس، تبني عليها من خلال السلبيات والايجابيات، هذا أسوأ اداء لمنتخب مصر مع حسام حسن خلال 17 مباراة، لا أعتقد المنتخب سيكون بهذه الحالة مرة أخرى”.

وتابع: “طريقة اللعب أثرت على أداء اللاعبين، مساحات غريبة في الشوط الاول، أتمنى من اللاعبين هذا الشوط يكون للنسيان”.

واختتم: “أوزبكستان تعطينا درسًا، توجد سلاسة في الخروج بالكرة، الناس كان تطلب أننا نواجه منتخب البرازيل اليوم كأننا نواجههم، اللاعبون كانوا غير موفقين بما فيهم محمد صلاح”.

Captain Dawid Malan became the fifth English batter to reach 10,000 career T20 runs at the start of a superb 88 which helped his Yorkshire side achieve their first Vitality Blast win of the season at the expense of Leicestershire Foxes at Headingley.The former England left-hander hit five sixes in an opening 48-ball knock which helped his side, on the back of three North Group defeats, set the Foxes an imposing 214-target that was never threatened.Yorkshire’s 213 for seven was underpinned by Malan and his second-wicket partner Will Luxton, whose 62 off 34 balls from number three represented a maiden career fifty in this format in his ninth match. They shared 132 inside 12 overs.Leicestershire, in suffering their second defeat in five, were bowled out for 107 inside 17 overs and suffered their heaviest ever runs defeat in this format – by 106 runs. Leg-spinner Jafer Chohan claimed four for 27.Malan, aged 37, was playing his 365th career T20 game and followed Jos Buttler, Alex Hales, Jason Roy and James Vince to that milestone.Yorkshire – inserted following a 30-minute rain delay – made an excellent start, reaching 65 for one after six overs of powerplay, including three successive fours for Adam Lyth against Logan van Beek and a big six over midwicket apiece for Malan and Luxton.Malan reached the 10,000-mark in style by hoisting Matt Salisbury’s seam over cover to pass the two runs he needed at the start of this fixture.Lyth feathered Roman Walker’s seam behind, leaving the White Rose at 30 for one in the fourth over, before Malan and Luxton motored.They took the score to 101 after 10 overs and beyond.Malan reached his fifty off 30 balls shortly afterwards before both he and Luxton hoisted sixes off Tom Scriven’s seam in the 13th over to notch a century stand.Luxton’s fifty was achieved off 24 balls, and he hit four sixes in all.Both then fell caught, leaving Yorkshire 177 for three at the start of the 17th over, Luxton to the left-arm spin of Liam Trevaskis and Malan to Walker.Having struggled for early control on a ground which time after time produces big totals, Leicestershire struck six times in the last 5.1 overs even though 51 runs were added in that time.Van Beek finished with three expensive wickets, while Dom Bess clobbered a late 18.The Foxes’ chase then failed to get off the ground, reduced to 20 for two at the start of the fifth over. New Zealander Will O’Rourke and fellow pacer Matt Milnes got Rishi Patel and Louis Kimber caught in the ring.Not even the presence of former Yorkshire captain Shan Masood in the visiting line-up could alter the course of this fixture.Malan brought the part-time off-spin of Lyth on immediately after the powerplay, and Masood knew he had to take a risk with the run-rate spiralling.He could only loft his first ball down long-on’s throat, and at 34 for three it was all but game over.Wickets continued to fall as Leicestershire’s task reached the impossible stage.Chohan struck twice in two balls on two occasions with his leg-spin, while Bess’s off-spin also accounted for two wickets.Chohan had Logan van Beek stumped for an innings-high 26.