Harry Kane to the rescue! England captain makes up for missed penalty with last-minute winner to spare Bayern Munich's blushes in tricky DFB Pokal clash against third-tier Wehen Wiesbaden

Harry Kane turned hero for Bayern Munich despite a missed penalty, as his later winner sent Bayern Munich to the next round of DFB Pokal following a valiant fight from Wehen Wiesbaden.

  • Bayern clinch a five-goal thriller
  • Gave up on a two-goal lead
  • Kane scored a late winner
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    Vincent Kompany fielded a starting lineup against the third-tier German side as the likes of Harry Kane, Michael Olise and new signing Luis Diaz all featured in the attack right from the start. Bayern started the game in ascendancy as expected and should have received a penalty early in the game as a Wehen Wiesbaden player was guilty of handling the ball inside the box, however, the referee ignored the Bayern players' appeal.

    The champions of Germany finally broke the deadlock in the 16th minute from a spot-kick after Michael Olise was brought down inside the penalty box, while he was trying to meet a cross from Raphael Guerreiro. Kane took the resulting penalty and found the back of the net with a comfortable finish. This was the English striker's 90th goal for the Bavarian side in his 99th appearance across all competitions. 

    Bayern should have extended their lead in the first half itself as they got quite a few scoring opportunities, but credit to the Wiesbaden backline, who defended valiantly. Kompany's side took just 10 minutes after the break to double their tally as Olise scored his opening goal of the night with a clinical finish from inside the box. 

    The minnows then staged a remarkable comeback in the game after the hour mark, as Wiesbaden captain Fatih Kaya completed his brace in quick succession to restore parity in the match. On both occasions, the Bayern defence was caught napping.

    Kane then had the perfect opportunity to score the winner after he was brought down inside the opponent's box, but the England captain was denied by Florian Stritzel, who made a triple save before a goal-line clearance was made. 

    Just when it seemed that the match would head to extra time, Kane rose to the occasion and converted a clinical header of Josip Stanisic's inch-perfect cross from the left flank and broke the home fans' hearts.

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    THE MVP

    Despite the heartbreaking defeat and Kane's late heroics, Kaya stole the limelight as he led the team from the front and had almost made his side believe that they could snatch away a historic win against the German champions.

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    THE BIG LOSER

    The Bayern defence's complacency had almost cost them the game as the entire backline was caught napping during Kaya's back-to-back strikes in the second half, which brought Wiesbaden back in the match. 

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    WHAT COMES NEXT?

    Kane and his colleagues will be back in action in the Bundesliga this Saturday as they take on Augsburg in an away fixture.

'Limite esgotou': Torcida Jovem do Santos reforça campanha contra Rueda e pede reformulação no elenco

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A Torcida Jovem do Santos voltou a protestar contra Andres Rueda, presidente do clube, e emitiu uma nota nesta segunda-feira (6) criticando a gestão do Peixe. “Nosso limite se esgotou! Há muito tempo”, diz um trecho do comunicado.

A maior organizada do Alvinegro ressaltou que a campanha ‘Contrata ou Renuncia’ — levantada no último mês— segue vigente, pediu uma reformulação completa no elenco e ainda descreveu a atual situação do time como “vexatória e desesperadora”.

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>Neymar desfalca PSG contra o Bayern: relembre as principais lesões do atacante na Europa

>Mata-mata definido: veja os classificados, rebaixados e os confrontos das quartas de final do Paulistão

A manifestação acontece um dia depois da derrota do Santos por 3 a 0 para o Ituano, pela última rodada da primeira fase do Paulistão. Com o resultado, a equipe acabou eliminada do Estadual sem avançar às quartas de final pelo terceiro ano consecutivo.

A organizada criticou o desempenho do time no torneio regional, mas afirmou que “o maior erro está nos bastidores” e na administração do clube.

Na nota, a Jovem diz que o revés em Itu é “só uma gota d’água em um copo transbordando há anos” e endossa o fato de que a classificação do Santos no Campeonato Paulista era viável. O concorrente direto do Peixe na disputa pela vaga era o Botafogo-SP, que perdeu para o São Paulo na rodada. Com isso, bastava um empate contra o Ituano para o clube do litoral avançar de fase.

+Torcedores do Santos invadem CT e cobram jogadores e presidente: ‘Contrata ou renuncia’

+ Torcida Jovem do Santos emite nota em protesto contra diretoria e jogadores

-Ser goleado, por um time do interior, na última rodada do campeonato, em que os resultados dariam a condição plena de classificação, é só uma gota d’água em um copo transbordando há anos. Em algum momento, essa linha tênue irá se romper, e isso acarretará em consequências inimagináveis – afirma a organizada em uma parte da nota.

CONFIRA ABAIXO A NOTA DA TORCIDA JOVEM NA ÍNTEGRA

Tem que honrar a camisa do Peixão!

A tarde de ontem mostrou mais uma vez o despreparo técnico e psicológico das pessoas que representam esportivamente o Santos FC.

Retratando a dura realidade dos últimos três anos, o time se mostrou entregue do início ao fim da partida. Embora, dessa vez, o objetivo na última rodada era a classificação, não foi vista a ambição de se fazer o mínimo ao usar a camisa do Peixe.

Mesmo com uma postura tão pífia nas quatro linhas, reconhecemos que o maior erro está nos bastidores, já que os responsáveis pela gestão seguem cometendo os mesmos erros na hora de administrar o clube.

Ao longo dos últimos anos, até mais do que os 3 da atual gestão, a Torcida Jovem se fez ouvida em diversas ocasiões, nas arquibancadas, na Vila, em hotéis, aeroportos, nas ruas e no CT, mesmo que o canal de diálogo não existisse, de alguma maneira o fizemos.

A campanha Contrata ou Renuncia levantada no último mês segue vigente, já que o objetivo de alcançar um time competitivo não foi alcançado no Paulista, quem dirá para o Brasileiro. É necessário uma reformulação completa no elenco e principalmente na maneira de contratar. Precisamos de reforços a altura do Santos FC.

Essas cobranças, aliada ao apoio incondicional dentro e fora do Alçapão, fizeram com que o Santos seguisse resistindo aos trancos e barrancos, no entanto, não dá mais para sustentar! Nosso limite se esgotou! Há muito tempo!

A situação, além de vexatória, é desesperadora. Nossa torcida já apoiou elencos sem perspectiva, já enfrentou diretorias sem pulso e até quase duas décadas de fila foram superadas com a garra da massa alvinegra. Em nenhum ponto da nossa história, a situação foi tão alarmante quanto hoje.

Ser goleado, por um time do interior, na última rodada do campeonato, em que os resultados dariam a condição plena de classificação, é só uma gota d’água em um copo transbordando há anos. Em algum momento, essa linha tênue irá se romper, e isso acarretará em consequências inimagináveis.

Contrata ou renuncia.

Respeita o Santos o maior time do mundo!

'Keep me out of it' – Ex-Newcastle & Liverpool favourite Georginio Wijnaldum left fuming after being dragged into debate over Alexander Isak transfer saga

Georginio Wijnaldum has distanced himself from the conversation around Alexander Isak's stand-off with Newcastle over his desire to play for Liverpool.

Wijnaldum's old quotes have resurfacedRevealed emotion behind swapping sidesHas demanded to be left out of itFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Isak will-he-won't-he saga has become the biggest talking point of the summer. Liverpool made an initial bid of £110 million ($149m), which was declined by Newcastle. There followed a flurry of statements, claims of 'broken promises', a firm rebuttal from the north-east club, and now stalemate. Wijnaldum, who played for both clubs, has now been reminded how he felt when he swapped St James' Park for Anfield back in 2016 – something he's really not happy about.

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Alongside a social media post by ESPN of him during his playing days at Liverpool and Newcastle, readers were reminded of his words from back in 2016: "When the previous season ended, I said that I wouldn't force a move. When Liverpool came in for me, I made up my mind that I wanted to come here, but I wasn't going to force it because I appreciated what Newcastle and their fans did for me."

WHAT WIJNALDUM SAID

Wijnaldum replied: "This is something I said almost 10 years ago before my move to Liverpool. Why do you post it like it’s my opinion about Isak his decision ? This is something between Isak and Newcastle/Liverpool please keep me out of it. Thank you." He then posted a story with the 'facepalm' and wrote: "The media".

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ISAK?

Toon boss Eddie Howe has said this ongoing drama is drawing to a close. He added that the on-strike Swede will not play against Liverpool on Monday, with the transfer window closing a week after that.

Revealed: Why Cristiano Ronaldo was rejected by Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund as ex-Man Utd star asked for Europe stay ahead of Al-Nassr move

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund both turned down the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo before the Portuguese icon ended up at Al-Nassr.

  • Ronaldo’s agent Mendes offered him to Bayern and Dortmund
  • Kahn confirmed Die Roten held talks over a potential deal
  • Portuguese superstar eventually joined Al-Nassr
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    After seeing his Manchester United contract terminated following a dispute with the club, Ronaldo dreamed of continuing his career in Europe and approached both Bayern and Dortmund in 2022. According to Christian Falk’s book , published by , Mendes actively pitched the Portuguese star to Bayern chiefs, preparing a special dossier that highlighted the marketing, merchandising and global reach CR7 would bring. Oliver Kahn, Bayern CEO at the time, later admitted the discussions took place, while BVB also received the same pitch. Both German clubs, however, decided against making a move despite Ronaldo’s availability.

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    The 40-year-old's pursuit of a European stay coincided with a turbulent spell at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag. The Bavarians seriously considered signing him, but concerns quickly emerged as club chiefs feared the Portuguese forward’s superstar status could have a negative effect on the dressing room and damage the wage hierarchy. Robert Lewandowski was Bayern’s top earner on €24 million (£20m/$26m) a year, while the ex-Real Madrid star was pocketing around €29m (£24m/$32m) at United and reportedly wanted a similar figure. 

    Dortmund reached the same conclusion, deciding that the commercial boost Mendes promised was outweighed by the sporting and financial risks. The stance from both clubs underlined how Europe’s elite were unwilling to compromise team spirit and long-term balance for short-term global headlines.

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    WHAT JORGE MENDES SAID?

    Mendes reportedly told Bayern: "It would be a dream for Ronaldo to continue his career at FC Bayern.” Despite this, Kahn and ex-sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic concluded that Ronaldo simply didn’t fit Bayern’s philosophy. 

    "We came to the conclusion that, despite all the appreciation we all have, he wouldn't have fit in with our philosophy in the current situation." Dortmund, meanwhile, rejected Mendes’ projections outright, dismissing his claims of financial upside.

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    WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?

    With no European offers materialising, Ronaldo’s United chapter ended abruptly in November 2022 after his falling out with Ten Hag. Following the World Cup in Qatar, he joined Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr, where he remains under contract and continues to play at the age of 40.

'Erik ten Hag wasn't the right coach' – Bayer Leverkusen should have seen 'warning' signs from Man Utd era as Germany legend names ideal replacement

Lothar Matthaus has launched a scathing verdict on Bayer Leverkusen’s decision to appoint Erik ten Hag after club sacked the coach.

Ten Hag’s Man Utd struggles flagged as warningLeverkusen legend doubts Dutchman’s suitabilityMarco Rose named as preferred replacementFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

In what has been perceived as a surprising move, Leverkusen have parted ways with Ten Hag after just three competitive matches in charge. The Dutchman, appointed in May on a two-year deal as Xabi Alonso’s successor, was dismissed following a chaotic 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen, where Leverkusen conceded twice late on, including a stoppage-time equaliser despite their opponents going down to 10 men.

Ten Hag’s brief tenure started with a comfortable DFB-Pokal win against Sonnenhof Grossaspach, but a 2-1 home defeat to Hoffenheim on the Bundesliga’s opening weekend set the tone. Saturday’s draw compounded the pressure, and by Monday morning, the club’s shareholders’ committee had recommended his removal.

Germany legend Matthaus was blunt in his assessment, insisting Leverkusen should have heeded the “warning” from Ten Hag’s Manchester United struggles, and arguing he was “wasn't the right coach” for the project. Matthaus also named an “ideal replacement” to restore order and direction at the Bundesliga champions.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT MATTHAUS SAID

In his recent coloumn at the Ballon d’Or winner argued the warning signs were already there from his troubled United tenure and even suggested a different coach should have been brought in during the summer.

Matthaus said: "For me, Ten Hag was not the right coach. Erik ten Hag is already history at Leverkusen. He didn't deliver the desired results at Manchester United. That should have been a warning to Bayer. In my opinion, Ten Hag wasn't the right coach for Leverkusen. They didn't get Cesc Fabregas in the summer. That would have been the most logical move for me."

On who should take charge next, he added: "In my opinion, Marco Rose is a candidate for the successor. He can lead a team and also work with young players. There's a coach on the market who has already shown his quality. Marco is someone I would like to have on the Leverkusen sidelines."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ten Hag’s dismissal highlights both the ruthless demands of modern football and Leverkusen’s desire to protect momentum after Alonso’s historic title-winning campaign. The Dutch coach arrived with baggage from his turbulent spell at United, where poor league form ultimately overshadowed domestic cup triumphs.

The swift decision also highlights Leverkusen’s determination to remain dominant in Germany and competitive on the European stage. Despite Ten Hag repeatedly stressing his commitment, he also stuck to the same Alonso's tactical approach that had brought Bayer success last season, refusing to make meaningful adjustments. With significant investments already made in the squad, the club’s hierarchy showed little tolerance for early instability and acted decisively.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Ten Hag is the third former Manchester United boss to be sacked in the last week, after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Besiktas and Jose Mourinho at Fenerbahce.

Por jogo de Libertadores, final do Campeonato Mineiro terá data alterada

MatériaMais Notícias

A data da grande final do Campeonato Mineiro, entre Atlético-MG x América-MG, deve ser alterada. A mudança se dáem função da estreia do Galo na Libertadores, contra o Libertad-PAR, marcada para quinta-feira, 6 de abril, também no Mineirão.

Com isso, se a final fosse mantida no dia 8, sábado, os dias de intervalo estariam aquém das 66 horas previstasna Lei Pelé e no Regulamento Geral de Competições da Federação Mineira de Futebol (FMF).

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+ Novidade no ar! Acompanhe as últimas negociações de Galo e Coelho no mercado da bola

Uma nova data ainda nãofoi oficializada pela FMF, mas a tendência é que Galo e Coelho se enfrentem no domingo, dia 9 de abril. O acordo depende da concordância entre os dois clubes, junto à Federação e à Rede Globo, detentora dos direitos de transmissão do Estadual. Segundo apurado pela equipe Valinor Conteúdo, as reuniões já acontecem.

O primeiro jogo da final está mantido para as 16h30 do próximo sábado, 1° de abril, na Arena Independência. Por ter feito melhor campanha na fase classificatória, o Atlético-MG tem a vantagem de jogar por dois resultados iguais e se sagrar campeão.

De volta ao Mangueirão, Corinthians irá encontrar estádio com modelo internacional de tecnologia

MatériaMais Notícias

O Corinthians estreia nesta quarta-feira (12) na Copa do Brasil, contra o Remo, pelo jogo de ida da terceira fase da competição. Os torcedores que marcarem presença no Mangueirão, em Belém-PA, vão encontrar algumas novidades na entrada às dependências do estádio.

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+ Com Barletta, Corinthians chega a 19 reforços na gestão de Duílio; relembre todos os reforços

Reinaugurada oficialmente neste último final de semana, no clássico entre Remo e Paysandu, a nova estrutura do estádio corresponde aos padrões e diretrizes da Federação Internacional de Futebol (FIFA), garantindo a possibilidade de realização de grandes eventos esportivos de nível internacional.

Uma das principais novidades é a implementação do Sistema de Controle de Acessos Imply, que inclui validação de acessos com integração de Biometria, NFC, Bluetooth, RFID, Código de Barras 1D e 2D (QR Code). Esse serviço já está presente em outros estádios como o Maracanã, Arena do Grêmio, Beira-Rio, Arena da Baixada, Arena Fonte Nova, Arena das Dunas e, futuramente, a Arena MRV.

+ Guia Corinthians: onde assistir, análise dos adversários e tudo sobre o Timão na Libertadores

Além de desenvolver soluções customizadas para atender as necessidades específicas de cada projeto, a empresa também oferece soluções para eventos, atrações culturais e organizações. Com diversas tecnologias de validação de ingressos integradas, o Mangueirão também vai otimizar a entrada nos jogos, assegurando agilidade e segurança.

– A nossa tecnologia vai oferecer uma alta precisão e confiabilidade para o controle de acessos de pessoas de alto fluxo. A solução permite gerenciar autorizações de acesso com restrições e permissões, bloquear usuários não autorizados ou sem identificação e apresentar saudações personalizadas com o nome de cada usuário – explicou Tironi Paz Ortiz, Founder CEO da Imply.

– Agora, nós voltamos a entregar o Mangueirão moderno, com acessibilidade e à altura de receber grandes eventos. Queremos também que o Mangueirão seja um incentivo aos clubes paraenses, para que se sintam engajados e motivados a investir cada vez mais em seus times – comentou o governador do estado Helder Barbalho.

O Corinthians volta a jogar no Mangueirão depois de nove anos – a última vez foi pelo Campeonato Brasileiro de 2014, quando venceu o Goiás por 1 a 0. O clube goiano era o mandante e optou por atuar na região naquela ocasião. Já Remo e Timão se enfrentam novamente nesta competição após 27 anos, após o clube alvinegro avançar depois do gol contra de Castor.

+ Veja tabela e todos os confrontos pela terceira fase da Copa do Brasil

Para o duelo desta quarta,a Fiel ficará localizada nas cadeiras do lado B do Mangueirão, que é destinado exclusivamente para a torcida visitante, e vai proibir as entradas de torcedores com a camisa do clube paulista em outros portões do estádio.

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Ngidi stays competitive in his own calm way

South Africa’s newest fast bowler does not favour aggressive send-offs and verbal jousts, but he plays his cricket seriously and has come a long way quickly

Firdose Moonda14-Mar-2018If you want to know what sets Lungi Ngidi apart from Kagiso Rabada, you have to go back to the stairwell stoush in Durban.Behind Faf du Plessis, who was trying to convince David Warner to go back into his own changeroom, Rabada loomed, seemingly ready to get into the argument. But you may not even have noticed South Africa’s 12th man Ngidi a few frames before, standing in the passage holding towels for his team-mates, motionless and passive as an angry Warner climbed past him. He was not looking to get involved at all.When Ngidi was asked if that CCTV footage adequately represented the personalities of both Rabada and himself, he chuckled nervously and said that it probably did.”When I came out of the changeroom I heard a lot of swearing and shouting, and I didn’t know where it was coming from,” Ngidi said. “I was just standing there and all the players were coming up, and I didn’t know what was going on until I actually saw Warner shouting and screaming. So I was confused – what’s going on? Eventually, after everyone was upstairs, then I realised what was going on. I was the passive one in that situation.”And not just in “that situation.”Ngidi regards himself as “a lot more reserved as a person” than Rabada, and it shows on the field. While Rabada snarls and sometimes swears, Ngidi mostly smiles. He delivers balls at the same speed but does not have the same skills – swing and especially reverse-swing – (yet) and he might soon grow tried of comparisons with Rabada. In fact, so might you, but inevitably the discussion comes up.Ngidi once played against Rabada at school, now he bowls with him•Lee Warren/Getty ImagesThey’re both young and they’re both black African, something South African cricket hasn’t seen a lot of until recently. Heck, people are still comparing Rabada to Makhaya Ntini, though there are very few similarities between South Africa’s first black African cricketer and its new favourite. As the numbers of black African cricketers at national level grow – thanks to targets that have been in place in the domestic system for several seasons – the interest in their backstories and their performance will grow.So it’s worth knowing that Rabada is from an upper middle-class background, with a lawyer for a mother, and a doctor for a father, someone who recognised his son “wanted for nothing.” Ngidi is from a lower-income household, his parents are domestic workers and he was able to attend a prestigious school on scholarship. That’s where their journeys converge.Both Rabada and Ngidi were educated at institutions well known for producing elite sportsmen, both were selected to play at the Under-19 World Cup in 2014 – Ngidi never made the trip because of a back injury – and they both made big impacts on the franchise circuit. While Rabada broke Dale Steyn’s record for the best first-class haul since the start of the franchise era at the Wanderers, Ngidi took ten wickets at the same ground on comeback from a stress fracture to force his way into the national side.”I’m starting to find my own feet,” Ngidi said. “KG is a great bowler to get information from and to learn from. But I am a different person. I’m a lot more reserved as a person, so I can never say I want to be KG Rabada. I’ve got my own abilities, my own skills and traits. Having him give me a bit of advice here and there is really helpful. It’s helping my improve as a person and as a cricketer.”More noticeably, there’s a difference in how Rabada and Ngidi aim to intimidate batsmen, “You can be aggressive within your actions, with what you say, or in general for me, the areas you bowl,” Ngidi said, which falls more in line with the attitude South Africa’s coach Ottis Gibson wants his bowlers to have. “Things like putting a batsman under pressure, having a presence, letting him know that you’re there. Those are the things I lean towards as a cricketer. I don’t really have to say much. I feel just a look may be good enough.”But Ngidi had sympathy for Rabada, whose reactions after dismissing Steven Smith and David Warner in the second Test – with a yell, a shoulder brush and a send-off – earned him four demerit points in total, a 65% fine of his match fee, and a suspension from the rest of the series.”Everything happens in the moment. You don’t have any control over emotions. You try and control them as much as possible but the game means so much to us as players, that you can’t really hold yourself back if you are excited or happy,” Ngidi said. “He is an aggressive cricketer, that’s just the way he plays. I am a different type of person. So it may look different but that’s the way we play.”Lungi Ngidi sends one down•AFPRabada’s suspension means Ngidi is likely to play the rest of the series, after missing the first Test and being brought in for Morne Morkel in the second. In only his second Test, Ngidi took five wickets and displayed impressive control, especially in Australia’s second innings where he was the most economical seamer and conceded at 1.84 runs an over. His maturity is a stand-out element of his game, more so because he recognised he could become overawed.”You see how fast Mitchell Starc bowls on TV and you’re in awe of someone who can deliver a ball at that speed. But when you’re out there you’ve got a job to do. You put all those things aside and you focus on what you have to do at the time,” Ngidi said. “So there’s no point being scared. You’re going to have to go out there and bowl to Steven Smith, who’s the best in the world. I’ve also been selected for the team and for the country. So that probably plays a bigger role in my head than who I’m playing against.”While almost everyone else in the South African changeroom talks up Australia as their fiercest rival, Ngidi downplayed the tension. “I found them to be challenging at times but we are just as good a team and we’ve put them under pressure as well,” he said. “They are a competitive team but they are not impossible to beat.”Seldom have South Africa had someone who can call a situation so simply and, luckily for them, Ngidi should be around to do it for a long time. During the Test, Ngidi was also awarded his first national contract. “I didn’t expect the national contract but I will take it in my stride as well. I’m just really enjoying everything that’s happening. The pace might be quick but taking it a day at a time.”In just 10 months, Ngidi has gone from withdrawing from the A tour of England to return home to remodel his lifestyle and work on his skills, to national selection, to an IPL deal, and now to a central contract. And from that list, there’s not so much that’s different about him and Rabada after all.

Sanju Samson finally begins to fan his spark into a flame

The batsman has begun the IPL in terrific form for Rajasthan Royals, after a strong domestic season, showing a consistency that has been previously missing in his game

Sreshth Shah in Bengaluru15-Apr-20185:21

Agarkar: Samson has the ability to play any type of bowling

Sanju Samson is only 23, but he’s been part of Indian cricket for half a decade. It was in April 2013 that we first saw Samson, a scrawny 18-year old tasked with securing a Rajasthan Royals chase against Kings XI Punjab. He did so in style, playing a match-winning innings on debut, following that up by becoming the youngest batsman to make an IPL fifty, and eventually collecting the award for being the best young player of the season. The spark was unmistakable, and in 2014, Royals backed the 19-year old enough to retain him.That spark, however, has remained a spark for the best part of five seasons. Samson’s often played an innings of genius only to fizzle away as expectations rise. In 2014, Samson scored 74 in the season’s last game to help him finish with a respectable average of 26. In the next season, apart from a spectacular 76 against Mumbai Indians, all Samson could muster was an average of 20. He has never averaged over 27 in an IPL season, leaving his potential unfulfilled.Samson has been on the fringes of India’s plans too, playing on and off for India A, and one T20I for India, but not doing enough to take a significant step up. He’s seen his team-mates – Hardik Pandya, Karun Nair, Shreyas Iyer and Yuzvendra Chahal to name a few – do it.Samson’s stagnation has also been due to his domestic form. Before the recently concluded 2017-18 season, Samson’s most successful year was in 2013-14, when he made over 500 runs. After middling scores for Kerala and India A, and some disciplinary issues, Samson’s prospects took a hit. However, his performances this year in domestic cricket and the IPL has changed all that.Coming into the 2018 IPL, Samson had just had his best domestic season for four years: 627 runs in Kerala’s short-lived Ranji Trophy campaign of seven matches, and two fifties in five Vijay Hazare Trophy games. And now he’s top scored in two out of three matches for Royals, having returned to the franchise after a stint at Delhi Daredevils. In the other game, Samson made a blazing 37 to help win a rain-hit contest – against Daredevils. The spark is there again, but Samson is now keeping it alight longer.Samson’s unbeaten 92 against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday was another sign that this season might be the one after which he makes a push for a place in India’s T20 team. He attacked Sundar, Umesh Yadav and Chris Woakes – all of whom are international bowlers – with proper shots that cleared the boundary regularly – 10 times in all.Samson was careful not to look too far ahead after his Man-of-the-Match effort led to Royals beating RCB by 19 runs. “I’m feeling good,” he said. “But the tournament has just started.”It was the sort of response that showed how far Samson had come since the time he was pulled up by the Kerala board for disappearing midway from a game, or warned for allegedly misbehaving with his team-mates. It showed that Samson was no longer satisfied with the occasional headline performance and that message has also resonated with the man alongside whom Samson played his debut game.”He’s the future for India and we all back him,” Royals captain Ajinkya Rahane said after victory in Bengaluru. It came almost five years since Rahane stood on the other end when 18-year-old Samson hit the winning runs in 2013.

Anneke Bosch, Delmi Tucker, Nadine de Klerk get central contracts for 2023-24

The three have replaced the retired Lizelle Lee, Dane van Niekerk and Trisha Chetty in the list

Firdose Moonda20-Mar-2023

Nadine de Klerk is one of three new faces in the list of contracted players•Getty Images

Anneke Bosch, Delmi Tucker and Nadine de Klerk have replaced the retired trio of Lizelle Lee, Dane van Niekerk and Trisha Chetty in South Africa’s central-contracts list for the 2023-24 season.All of Bosch, Tucker and de Klerk were in the squad for the recent T20 World Cup and have been around South African squads in the recent past. The only player not on the contract list from the T20 World Cup squad is Annerie Dercksen, with Tumi Sekhukhune, who missed the tournament, keeping her spot.Following the retirements of van Niekerk and Chetty last week, there are no surprises in the 15-player list. As ESPNcricinfo reported on Thursday, van Niekerk’s wife Marizanne Kapp has committed to the national team and signed a new deal. So, too, has 34-year-old Shabnim Ismail, who is the oldest player in the group, but remains committed to playing international cricket.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

“With the current group of players going from strength to strength, we are pleased to retain the core of the squad for what is set to be another exciting chapter in the Proteas Women story,” Enoch Nkwe, South Africa’s director of cricket, said.South Africa’s next assignment is six months away, when they travel to Pakistan and India for back-to-back tours which form part of the Women’s Championship, and would determine qualification for the 2025 50-over World Cup. The tours are also expected to help with preparation for the 2024 T20 World Cup, which will be held in Bangladesh.Next summer, South Africa will host Bangladesh and Sri Lanka before traveling to Australia for an all-format tour – including a Test match, their second in two years after playing England last June.South Africa’s contracted players: Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Lara Goodall, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon, Delmi Tucker, Laura Wolvaardt

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