Pakistan's last chance to calm the critics

The sight of Zimbabwe, also defeated by the West Indies, affords Pakistan a chance to regain some confidence at a ground that should suit their pace and the spin

The Preview by Daniel Brettig28-Feb-2015Match factsMarch 1, 2015
Start time 1330 local (0330 GMT)Big pictureThrashed out of sight by India and then beaten comfortably by a West Indies team who were in turn obliterated by South Africa, Pakistan’s stock is not looking terribly strong. There have been squabbles with pundits in Pakistan, stray stories about Younis Khan retiring from ODIs (he isn’t just yet) and plenty of questions about how injuries and suspensions have left Misbah-ul-Haq’s men with an impossible task to emulate the victorious World Cup team of 1992.However, the sight of Zimbabwe, also defeated by the West Indies, affords Misbah’s men a chance to regain some confidence at the Gabba, a ground that should suit Pakistan’s pacemen and the spin of Yasir Shah should he be chosen. Zimbabwe’s captain Elton Chigumbura spoke on the eve of the match of how his team is conscious that this may be the last World Cup at which they have an automatic place, and that they have resolved to give a better account of themselves than in 2011, 2007 or 2003.To do so and remain in contention for the quarter-finals, they would have to defeat Pakistan here, and despite the subcontinental side’s fragility, it is difficult seeing that happen in Brisbane. The weakness evident in Zimbabwe’s bowling should allow Pakistan’s batsmen a little more breathing room, while the bowlers can attack more boldly. Even so, Pakistan have never failed to surprise or confound, and a defeat to Zimbabwe would certainly rank highly among the more startling results returned by the team of the “cornered Tigers”.Form guide(last five matches, most recent first)
Pakistan LLLLL
Zimbabwe LWLLLIn the spotlightThere has been an air of irritation about Misbah-ul-Haq the past few days, as criticism of his side and their halting early progress at the World Cup has reached a feverish pitch back home. He has not had the best tournament thus far as a tactician and faced familiar censure for his collected, deliberate batting style. Misbah has so often been the island of calm in the Pakistani storm, but can he remain so and allow his men to try to mount a cohesive challenge for the knockouts?Handy starts so far at this tournament have indicated that Brendan Taylor is in some decent form with the bat. However, he has been unable to go on from the 40s, and the limitations of Zimbabwe’s bowling attack mean that more substantial scores are needed from one of the team’s most influential performers over the years. A spinal century against a Pakistan team struggling for confidence would allow Zimbabwe to put pressure on a team they have seldom beaten.Pakistan should beat Zimbabwe, but can they also find cohesion?•AFP

Team newsAhmed Shehzad is expected to be fit, while Yasir Shah may well return following his omission against the West Indies.Pakistan (possible) 1 Ahmed Shehzad, 2 Younis Khan, 3 Haris Sohail, 4 Misbah-ul-Haq (capt), 5 Sohaib Maqsood, 6 Umar Akmal (wk), 7 Shahid Afridi, 8 Wahab Riaz, 9 Yasir Shah, 10 Sohail Khan, 11 Mohammad Irfan.An unchanged team is likely for Zimbabwe.Zimbabwe (possible): 1 Sikandar Raza, 2 Regis Chakabva, 3 Hamilton Masakadza, 4 Brendan Taylor (wk), 5 Sean Williams, 6 Craig Ervine, 7 Stuart Matsikenyeri, 8 Elton Chigumbura (capt), 9 Tinashe Panyangara, 10 Tendai Chatara, 11 Tafadzwa Kamungozi.Pitch and conditionsThe Gabba surface proved lively enough for the bowlers to have a chance but equable enough for handsome stroke-play when Ireland shaded UAE. Something similar can be expected on Sunday. The weather forecast is fine.Stats and trivia Zimbabwe’s first match at the Gabba since they were beaten there by India in January 2004 Pakistan have never lost their opening three matches at a World Cup Zimbabwe have won only three of 47 ODI encounters with Pakistan, with one match tied and one no resultQuotes”I think this is a chance for us to just get our confidence back. Zimbabwe is a very good side, everybody knows that they can really come good on any given day. But I think it’s our chance.”
“We’re working hard on finishing off with the ball. Hopefully tomorrow we can execute our plans. Obviously it was a big concern looking at the games that we’ve played and where we didn’t bowl well.”

ريال مدريد يتعرض لضربة موجعة قبل مواجهة فالنسيا اليوم

أعلن نادي ريال مدريد الإسباني في بيان رسمي، عن تعرض نجم الفريق للإصابة قبل مواجهة فالنسيا اليوم.

وسيلاقي فريق ريال مدريد مبارياته في الدوري الإسباني، مساء السبت، بمواجهة أمام فالنسيا ضمن منافسات الجولة الـ13 عشر من الليجا الإسبانية.

ويحل فالنسيا ضيفًا على ريال مدريد، بملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” معقل النادي الملكي بصافرة الحكم الإسباني سانشيز مارتينيز.

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وجاء في البيان الطبي من النادي الملكي ريال مدريد : بعد الفحوصات التي أجريت اليوم على لاعبنا جود بيلينجهام، تم تشخيص حالته بعدم الاستقرار في كتفه الأيسر وهو يُعاني من خلع وبالتالي سيغيب عن مباراة اليوم ضد فالنسيا”.

ويحتل ريال مدريد المركز الثاني في سلم الترتيب العام للدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم لاليجا برصيد 29 نقطة، فيما يأتي فالنسيا بالمركز الثامن برصيد 18 نقطة.

São Paulo encerra a preparação para pegar o Fortaleza; veja provável time

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta sexta-feira, no CT da Barra Funda, o São Paulo encerrou sua preparação para enfrentar o Fortaleza, neste sábado, no Pacaembu. Após uma semana cheia de treinos sob o comando de Fernando Diniz, o elenco realizou a última atividade antes do duelo. O treinador vai para seu segundo jogo pelo clube.

TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão clicando aqui

O grupo apresentou a mesma entrega e mesma intensidade dos outros dias, característica marcante dos trabalhos de Diniz. A única diferença foi o horário do treinamento. Nesta sexta foi a única atividade no período da tarde, as outras aconteceram no período da manhã, sob o forte calor paulista.

A movimentação dos jogadores começou com um aquecimento orientado pelo preparador físico Wagner Bertelli, que chegou ao Tricolor com Fernando Diniz. Em seguida, o treinador assumiu o comando do treino, fez os últimos ajustes táticos e concluiu o trabalho com um coletivo e promoveu cobranças de bola parada, tanto na defesa quanto no ataque.

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Com o término do treinamento, os jogadores iniciaram a concentração para jogo deste sábado, que terá pelo menos dois desfalques certos no lado são-paulino: Toró, com estiramento na coxa esquerda, e Everton, com leve lesão ligamentar no joelho esquerdo. Já Alexandre Pato e Raniel são dúvidas para serem relacionados, uma vez que estão em processo de recuperação.

Um provável time do São Paulo para enfrentar o Fortaleza é: Tiago Volpi; Juanfran, Bruno Alves, Arboleda e Reinaldo; Luan, Tchê Tchê, Hernanes e Daniel Alves; Antony e Pablo. A formação é a mesma que entrou em campo no empate em 0 a 0 com o Flamengo, no último sábado, no Maracanã.

São Paulo e Fortaleza se enfrentam neste sábado, às 17h, no Pacaembu, já que o Morumbi está cedido para show da banda Iron Maiden. A partida é válida pela 23ª rodada do Brasileirão-2019. O Tricolor paulista ocupa a sétima posição na tabela de classificação, com 36 pontos, 13 atrás do líder Flamengo.

شكوك حول مشاركة راشفورد في مباراة مانشستر يونايتد وبورنموث

كشفت تقارير صحفية وجود شكوك حول إمكانية مشاركة مهاجم فريق مانشستر يونايتد، ماركوس راشفورد، في مباراة السبت ضد بورنموث.

ويلتقي الفريقان في إطار منافسات الجولة السادسة عشر من الدوري الإنجليزي، على ملعب “الأولد ترافورد”.

وحسبما ذكرت صحيفة “ذا صن” الإنجليزية، فإن هناك شكوك حول إمكانية مشاركة ماركوس راشفورد في مباراة بورنموث المرتقبة غدًا، في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

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وأوضحت أن اللاعب الإنجليزي غاب عن تدريبات مانشستر يونايتد، يوم الجمعة، وذلك بسبب المرض.

وأشارت إلى أنه لهذا السبب، قد يغيب راشفورد صاحب الـ26 عامًا عن مباراة السبت ضد بورنموث، خاصة مع تراجع مستواه هذا الموسم.

ولم يسجل ماركوس راشفورد سوى هدفين فقط في الموسم الحالي من الدوري الإنجليزي، في 14 مباراة خاضها.

Ponting endorses Smith as next ODI captain

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes there is “no doubt at all” that Steven Smith should take over from Michael Clarke as the team’s next ODI leader

Gaurav Kalra29-Mar-2015

Getty Images

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes there is “no doubt at all” that Steven Smith should take over from Michael Clarke as the team’s next ODI leader. Clarke retired from one-day cricket after leading Australia to victory in the World Cup final against New Zealand in Melbourne.In the past, George Bailey has often filled in as captain during Clarke’s absence, and even led Australia in their tournament opener against England. However, Bailey, who has captained Australia to 16 wins and 10 defeats in his 29 matches in-charge, lost his place in the playing eleven once Clarke retained full fitness.”I am a huge George Bailey fan, we have played a lot of state cricket together,” Ponting told ESPNcricinfo. “He’s also been a great leader, but this guy, Smith, is just in the prime of his career right now. He is playing beautifully, and it looks like he has sewn down the No.3 batting spot, potentially even in the Test team. With Clarke making the decision to retire from one-day cricket, you would think he’s only got a couple of years of Test cricket left in him, so Smith should be serving as one-day captain to be totally ready to take over the Test job when Michael finishes.”Clarke bid a teary goodbye to a record crowd at the MCG after top-scoring in the final with 74 off 72 balls to ensure there were no wobbles in Australia’s pursuit of a small target. Praising his successor in the job for his “terrific record” over the years, Ponting said Clarke would have dearly enjoyed being out in the middle when the winning runs were scored.”The way he batted was a terrific way for him to finish,” Ponting said. “The New Zealanders decided to attack him early so he had a lot of open field where he could score from freely. He got through the initial 15-20 balls, then expanded his game and he would have loved to be not out at the end.”Walk off the ground as the winning captain, maybe hitting the winning runs, but it wasn’t meant to be. He’s done a great job with the leadership of this team and you only have to look at his record. It’s a terrific effort by him.”Ricky Ponting – “Smith is just in the prime of his career right now. He should be serving as one-day captain to be totally ready to take over the Test job when Michael finishes”•Getty Images

Ponting, who played in three World Cup winning finals, also believes Australia have the building blocks in place to dominate one-day cricket in the years to come. He credited Clarke and coach Darren Lehmann for ensuring the balance of the squad was “spot on” going into the tournament.”It’s probably a better team than we give it credit for right now,” he said. “Probably because it’s a young team that’s developing we probably don’t know just how good a team this is. I’ve sat back and looked at this one-day team over the last couple of years and it’s a very good team.”Only a couple of months ago, Johnson was the standout fast bowler in the world and all of a sudden, we’re not even taking about him anymore, we are talking about Mitchell Starc. Every one of the allrounders could get themselves picked in one format. James Faulkner will get himself picked as a bowler, Shane Watson as a batter and Glenn Maxwell also as a batter.”There’s a few senior heads, Clarke bowing out, Haddin probably has some decisions to make around his one-day future, Mitchell Johnson would probably not be around for the next World Cup. Every successful Australian team that I have been part of has been a mix of youth and experience and this one is no different. There were some very exuberant youngsters in that side like Smith, Maxwell, Starc and Hazlewood. The balance has been spot on.”Looking back on the final, Ponting said Brendon Mcullum’s dismissal for duck in the first over, and the quick wickets of Ross Taylor, Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi early in the batting Powerplay were the decisive phases of the game.”The first over with Starc knocking over McCullum, if you look at the way he executed those first three balls, they were three yorkers that were right on the money.”Then at the start of the Powerplay when New Zealand had just fought their way back into the game, at that time Faulkner gets back to back wickets, Starc gets Ronchi in the next over and all of a sudden all the momentum the Kiwis had was completely taken away from them.”Ponting also lavished praise on Faulkner, who became the fifth Australian and the third from Tasmania to win a Man-of-the-Match award in a World Cup final. David Boon won the honour in 1987 for top-scoring in the final against England, and Ponting himself picked up the award in 2003, for his decimation for India with a memorable hundred.”Faulkner is a very competitive person,” Ponting said. “It sums up his character in that Powerplay. He is one guy who doesn’t go running away from a Powerplay, he wants the ball in his hand, and he wants to compete. It was a terrific result for him today and you look back at the end of your career, there are only a few Man-of-the-Match performances that are memorable, and if it happens in a World Cup final that’s something you can always be proud of.”

Fábio Carille testa formação inédita no Corinthians; veja provável time

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O Corinthians terá mudanças em sua escalação para enfrentar o Athlético-PR. Na manhã desta terça-feira, o técnico Fábio Carille montou o Timão com Ralf e Gabriel no meio de campo, e com Vagner Love e Mauro Boselli no ataque. Caso seja confirmada, a escalação será inédita nesta temporada.

Por determinação da comissão técnica, o treino tático foi fechado aos jornalistas que acompanham o clube. Apenas a parte final da atividade foi aberta aos profissionais da imprensa, quando os jogadores aprimoravamfundamentos como passe, finalizações e cabeceios.

No entanto, momentos antes, Fábio Carille montou o Corinthians com algumas mudanças. Já que não terá Pedrinho, convocado para defender a Seleção Brasileira Sub-23, e Sornoza, convocado pela seleção equatoriana, o comandante alterou o sistema tático do Timão. Vale lembrar que Júnior Urso, com dores musculares na coxa direita, é dúvida.

Com isso, a alternativa encontrada pela comissão técnica foi montar a equipe com Cássio; Fagner, Manoel, Gil e Danilo Avelar; Ralf, Gabriel e Mateus Vital; Vagner Love, Mauro Boselli e Clayson.

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>Confira a classificação atualizada da Série A do Campeonato Brasileiro

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasCorinthiansDupla de ataque entre Boselli e Love ganha força no Timão para quintaCorinthians07/10/2019CorinthiansCarille visita Congresso da FPF e ‘desfalca’ o Corinthians em treinoCorinthians07/10/2019CorinthiansJúnior Urso não treina e é dúvida no Corinthians para enfrentar o FuracãoCorinthians07/10/2019

Até aqui, Ralf e Gabriel ainda não jogaram juntos nesta temporada. Isto porque, ambos exercem a mesma função no meio de campo – a de proteção ao sistema defensivo. Caso Carille confirme a montagem do time desta forma para enfrentar o Furacão será algo inédito no clube do Parque São Jorge. A tendência é de que o meia Mateus Vital tenha total liberdade na armação.

O duelo entre paulistas e paranaenses será disputado na próxima quinta, às 19h15. O jogo é válido pela 24ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Atualmente, o Timão é o quarto colocado, com 42 pontos ganhos, enquanto o Furacão – campeão da Copa do Brasil e já garantido na Copa Libertadores do ano que vem – é o nono com 34.

Zimbabwe Cricket confirms Pakistan tour

Zimbabwe will become the first Full Member nation to tour Pakistan since March 2009, when terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team in Lahore

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Apr-20154:41

Pakistan’s international isolation ends

Zimbabwe will be the first Full Member nation to tour Pakistan since March 2009, when terrorists attacked the Sri Lankan team in Lahore, rendering the country untenable as an international cricket venue because of security concerns. Zimbabwe Cricket confirmed the tour in Harare on Thursday, saying all the games would be played in Lahore.The PCB announced on Twitter that Zimbabwe would arrive in Lahore on May 19, and play two Twenty20 internationals and three ODIs between May 22 and 31. The T20s will be played on May 22 and 24, and the ODIs on May 26, 29 and 31.New deal for Whatmore

Dav Whatmore will coach Zimbabwe for four more years, Zimbabwe Cricket has announced.
“We can also confirm that @dfwhatmore has signed a new four year contract with @ZimCricketv, ” ZC chairman Wilson Manase was quoted as saying by the board’s Twitter account.
Whatmore had been announced as Zimbabwe coach in December last year, taking over the role from Stephen Mangongo.

“I can confirm that @ZimCricketv will tour @TheRealPCB in May,” Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Wilson Manase was quoted as saying by the board’s Twitter account. “We have taken cognisance of all the factors for us to arrive at this decision, so let’s not be alarmist about the situation in Pakistan.”Alistair Campbell, Zimbabwe Cricket’s managing director, said Pakistan would also tour Zimbabwe in August. “We are touring Pakistan as a measure of establishing bilateral relations between us and them,” he was quoted as saying on ZC’s twitter account. “They will also come to Zimbabwe in August.” Zimbabwe Cricket had already announced tours by India and New Zealand in July and August.On March 3, 2009, gunmen had ambushed the vehicles transporting the Sri Lankan players and match officials to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore for the third day of the Test. Several players suffered injuries, while security personnel and civilians were killed, and as a result the match was abandoned and the tour called off. Ever since, Pakistan have had to play their home matches at offshore venues, primarily the UAE, as the ICC and other Full Members considered the country too much of a security risk.

تقارير: نادي سعودي يفاوض محمد الشناوي لضمه من الأهلي

كشفت تقارير سعودية، عن وجود مفاوضات واهتمام قوي من أحد فرق الدوري السعودي للتعاقد مع حارس مرمي النادي الأهلي محمد الشناوي.

محمد الشناوي يشارك مع الأهلي في الفترة الحالية، ببطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2023 المقامة في السعودية.

وكان الشناوي تألق مع الأهلي وساهم في تأهله إلى دور نصف النهائي بعدما تصدى لركلة جزاء في مواجهة اتحاد جدة السعودي في لقاء دور ربع النهائي لكأس العالم للأندية.

طالع | محمد الشناوي يعلق على تصديه لركلة جزاء بنزيما ويؤكد: كنا نثق في الفوز

وخسر الأهلي مباراة دور نصف النهائي لـ كأس العالم للأندية أمام فلومينينسي البرازيلي خلال المواجهة التي أقيمت أمس الإثنين، لينتظر الخاسر من مباراة مانشستر سيتي وأوراوا الياباني لمواجهته في مباراة تحديد المركز الثالث بمونديال الأندية.

ووفقاً لصحيفة “اليوم” السعودية، فإن نادي ضمك دخل في مفاوضات مع محمد الشناوي حارس مرمى النادي الأهلي المصري، من أجل تدعيم مركز حراسة مرمى الفريق خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية المقبلة، بعد المستوى الكبير الذي ظهر به الحارس الدولي خلال الفترة الأخيرة.

وأشارت: “هناك اهتمام قوي من جانب نادي ضمك بالحصول على خدمات الحارس المصري محمد الشناوي، حيث تضعه إدارة النادي، مرشح أول بالنسبة لإدارة النادي لتدعيم مركز حراسة المرمى خلال الفترة المقبلة”.

وأضافت: “محمد الشناوي أرجأ ملف انتقاله إلى نادي ضمك، لمجلس إدارة النادي لبحث إمكانية الموافقة على رحيله من النادي الأهلي من عدمه في يناير المقبل”.

ضمك يتواجد في المركز السادس في جدول ترتيب الدوري السعودي “دوري روشن” برصيد 27 نقطة.

ويتواجد المصري طارق حامد لاعب الزمالك السابق في صفوف فريق ضمك خلال الموسم الحالي بعدما انتقل إليه من اتحاد جدة بداية الموسم الحالي.

خاص | أحمد فتوح يوافق على التجديد لـ الزمالك.. تعرف على المقابل المادي

يواصل مجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك برئاسة حسين لبيب تحركاته من أجل الحفاظ على الظهير الأيسر الدولي أحمد فتوح والذي ينتهي تعاقده مع النادي بنهاية الموسم الجاري.

وبحسب مصدر مقرب من اللاعب أحمد فتوح في تصريحات لـ”بطولات”: “توصل أحمد فتوح لاتفاق مع مجلس إدارة الزمالك لتمديد العقد مقابل الحصول على 50 مليون جنيه مصري”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. قائمة منتخب مصر الأولية في كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023.. انضمام فتوح والونش وموقف عاشور والشحات

وتابع: “عند توفير هذا المبلغ خلال الفترة المقبلة سيقوم اللاعب بالاعتذار لادارة النادي والجماهير وسيوقع على عقود التجديد”.

وكان ثلاثي الزمالك أحمد فتوح ومحمد صبحي ومصطفى الزناري تعرضوا لعقوبة الإيقاف لمدة شهر، بعدما غادروا معسكر الفريق قبل لقاء زد في مسابقة الدوري الممتاز، قبل أن يتم الاستقرار على عودة اللاعبين للمشاركة في التدريبات بعد انتهاء فترة الإيقاف.

تجدر الإشارة إلى أن الزمالك تأهل لدور الثمانية من كأس الكونفدرالية بعدما تعادل سلبيًا خارج ملعبه أمام ساجرادا الأنجولي اليوم الأربعاء في رابع جولات دور المجموعات ليتصدر مجموعته برصيد 10 نقاط.

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