Rafinha pode levantar taça da Copa do Brasil contra ex-clube e como capitão do São Paulo

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo vive o clima de ansiedade na véspera do jogo mais importante desta temporada. Em um clima especial, Rafinha, capitão do Tricolor Paulista, vive a expectativa de levantar a taça da Copa do Brasil.

Como sempre, a Lance! Betting preparou uma promoção interessante para te fazer lucrar! Apostando R$10, seu retorno pode ser de R$62,50! Para isso acontecer, basta que Calleri abra o placar e o São Paulo vença!

Além disso, existe o gosto especial do lateral poder levantar a conquista frente ao Flamengo, seu ex-clube.

+ Voltamos às bancas! Cadastre-se para retirar a revista pôster do Lance! com o campeão da Copa do Brasil! É Grátis, aproveite!

Apesar do ótimo momento e de ser titular absoluto pelo São Paulo, Rafinha ainda não possui definição sobre seu futuro na equipe paulistana. O lateral possui vínculo apenas até o final deste e, com a chegada do fim da temporada, afirmou estar cada vez mais perto do fim da sua trajetória como jogador.

– Estou vivendo momento a momento. Não vou me precipitar nem falar nada, mas não é novidade que estou caminhando para o final da minha carreira. Isso está claro. Não coloco uma data, mas não vou ser hipócrita: estou caminhando para a reta final – contou o jogador.

PASSADO COM O FLAMENGO

Pelo Rubro-Negro, Rafinha esteve em um dos melhores momentos da história do rival. Integrante do inesquecível elenco de 2019, o jogador conquistou dois Cariocas, um Brasileiro, uma Libertadores, uma Supercopa e uma Recopa Sul-Americana.

A GRANDE DECISÃO!

A finalíssima da Copa do Brasil entre São Paulo e Flamengo ocorre neste domingo (24), às 16 horas (de Brasília), no Morumbi.

سيراميكا كليوباترا: حققنا فوزًا صعبًا على بتروجيت.. وطموحنا مستمر في الدوري

علق محمد عبد الكريم، المدرب العام لفريق سيراميكا كليوباترا، بعد فوز ناديه على حساب بتروجيت في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري.

وتمكن فريق سيراميكا كليوباترا من الفوز على نظيره بتروجيت، بهدفين مقابل هدف، باللقاء الذي أقيم على ملعب هيئة قناة السويس، ليعتلي صدارة جدول ترتيب الدوري.

طالع | فيديو.. سيراميكا كليوباترا يعتلي صدارة الدوري بثنائية أمام بتروجيت

وقال محمد عبد الكريم في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر “قناة اون سبورت”: “الحمد لله حققنا فوزًا صعبًا جدًا، والفوز بهذا الشكل لا يتحقق إلا للفرق الكبيرة، الفريق يتعب واللاعبون يتعبون، والجهاز الفني والإدارة أيضًا يبذلون جهدًا كبيرًا، وكل المنظومة تبذل مجهودًا عظيمًا، ولذلك كافأنا الله في النهاية أمام فريق محترم”.

وأكمل: “هذه خامس مباراة على التوالي نحقق فيها نتيجة إيجابية، وهذا لا يمكن أن يتحقق إلا مع الفرق الكبيرة، وقدرنا أن نوصل هذه الرسالة للاعبين، والكابتن علي ماهر استطاع أن يغرس فيهم فكرة الاستمرارية، وهذه مسألة مهمة جدًا”.

وأردف: “قلنا للاعبين إننا نريد السفر إلى الإمارات ونحن سعداء، وأكرمنا الله حقًا بأجمل فرحة وثلاث نقاط ذات قيمة كبيرة”.

وواصل: “الحمد لله، الفضل كله يعود إلى الله، ومبروك لمنظومة سيراميكا كليوباترا كاملة من إدارة ولاعبين وجهاز فني وطبي، كل هؤلاء تعرضوا للإرهاق”.

وزاد: “أشكر اللاعبين على الأداء الرجولي، سواء الذين شاركوا أو كانوا على دكة البدلاء أو حتى المصابين، الحمد لله لم نتأثر بالغيابات، وهذا أمر يحدث في الفرق الكبيرة”.

واستطرد: “الجهاز الفني يؤدي عمله بجهد كبير، والله يكافئنا على تعبنا، الوصول إلى هذه الحالة بين اللاعبين ليس سهلاً، لكن بفضل الله كل فرد في المنظومة ملتزم بالعمل”.

وأتم: “الكابتن علي ومعتز البطاوي، وإدارة النادي جميعنا لدينا طموحات كبيرة، والموسم الماضي كافأنا الله ببطولة، وهذا الموسم طموحنا أكبر، واليوم سنفرح قليلاً، ثم نغلق الصفحة، وغدًا بإذن الله نبدأ التفكير في القادم”.

Forget Gittens & George: Cobham teen is the "future of Chelsea & England"

Chelsea have had their ups and downs over the past decade, but the strength of the Cobham academy has remained a satisfying constant throughout.

Whether talented hopefuls are integrated into the Stamford Bridge set-up or sold for pure profit, it’s a model that has served Chelsea well and has bred trophy-winning success with comparative consistency.

Chelsea captain Reece James

Enzo Maresca demonstrated throughout the first year of his tenure a willingness to promote youth. In fact, Chelsea fielded one of the youngest average line-ups in the Premier League last year, securing their place in the Champions League with a top-four finish.

That emphasis has carried into the new season, with the Londoners’ strategy seeing them field a younger average XI than any other team in the division.

Premier League 25/26 (Youngest Average XIs)

Club

Position

Av. Age

Tottenham

3rd

25.1

Man City

5th

24.9

Sunderland

9th

24.7

Brentford

16th

24.7

Chelsea

7th

23.9

Data via Transfermarkt

This thread has only strengthened during Maresca’s second year in the dugout, with a few of England’s most talented rising stars under the Italian tactician’s wing.

Chelsea's next England stars

Chelsea don’t just promote internally; they sign exciting rising prospects too. And this summer, Jamie Gittens was added to the ranks, having been hailed as a “really sharp” and “electric” winger by his teammate Tyrique George.

George, for that matter, is another of the Blues’ most exciting young players, having graduated from Cobham to make his professional debut at the start of last season, featuring against Servette during Chelsea’s Conference League qualifiers.

The duo have struggled for minutes in Maresca’s team so far this term, but they have showcased an intriguing partnership on international duty with England U21 over the past week, Gittens demonstrating his balletic movement to slide past defenders and play through the 19-year-old George, who rifled his strike into the roof of the net.

Gittens spent some time with Chelsea during his formative days, but the bulk of his development was played out at Reading.

There’s no question that the 21-year-old is a talented winger, but he hasn’t started as strongly as he might have liked after arriving from Borussia Dortmund for about £52m in July, having started only twice in the Premier League so far.

The teenage George is earlier in his development, but given that he started up top as Chelsea beat Benfica in the Champions League last month and replaced the injured Liam Delap just 16 minutes into Chelsea’s clash against Fulham at the end of August, with Gittens staying on the bench, it’s clear Maresca values him.

Both fleet-footed stars typically play off the left flank and have shown signs of potency at different stages, but the nature of Chelsea’s system suggests both could be superseded by an even bigger talent in the coming years. Indeed, there’s a new Cobham up-and-comer who’s storming his way to the first team.

Cobham's biggest English talent

One thing’s for sure: the Cobham production line will continue to churn out exciting prospects. And latest on the belt is Shumaira ‘Shim’ Mheuka, who, aged 17, is already demonstrating significant potential as a centre-forward.

Poached from Brighton & Hove Albion following impressive performances at U14 level, it has been reported that Mheuka is ‘one of if not the most regular’ academy players to train with Maresca’s first team, and all the pointers lead to further opportunities to showcase his potential within the senior Blues fold.

This season, the youngster has scored ten goals and assisted one more across just ten appearances for Chelsea’s U21 outfit, fast-tracked from the U18s to the club’s senior development side in age-belying fashion.

It bears testament to the rangy forward’s potential and the awe he has collected from observers already that he has played 32 times for the U21s, but only 24 times for the U18s. Again, he is 17 years old.

In fact, so exciting is Mheuka’s name that he has been described as “the future of Chelsea and English football” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and it feels certain that he will start earning regular minutes in Maresca’s senior system.

Because, of course, Mheuka featured four times in the Conference League last year and made his Premier League debut as a late substitute against Southampton in February, during a 4-0 win.

Mheuka is tall, but he is also mobile and sharp when in possession and through his movement when on the ball. A devastating blend of physicality and technical ability marks the perfect profile for Maresca’s set-up, and he might just come to leapfrog over Gittens and George, especially with the latter earning opportunities as a central striker for club and country this season.

Instinctive in front of goal, the teenager is also maturing physically and ticking all the boxes as he looks to nail down a position in the Chelsea first team.

The youngness of Maresca’s project will not be lost on Mheuka and his representatives, nor the fact that he has already been entrusted with opportunities across the 2024/25 campaign.

Considered a leader by example more than a vocal enforcer, the fast-improving number nine is proving his worth at Chelsea, alright, and there’s every chance that his journey will take him up and up and beyond that of George and Gittens, who are fine players in their own right but are already encountering difficulties in breaking into the starting line-up at Chelsea.

Centre-forward has long been a contentious area of the field in west London, but Mheuka could be the long-term solution for a side returning to the very summit of English and European football.

After Estevao: Chelsea have signed another "future Ballon d'Or winner"

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بيراميدز يعلن تشخيص إصابة بلاتي توريه أمام الاتحاد السكندري

كشف مصطفى المنيري رئيس الجهاز الطبي بنادي بيراميدز، تفاصيل إصابة البوركيني بلاتي توريه لاعب وسط الفريق، والتي تعرض لها خلال مباراة الاتحاد السكندري بالدوري.

وخرج توريه مصابًا في الشوط الأول من مباراة الاتحاد على استاد الدفاع الجوي، وحل بدلًا منه لاعب الوسط المغربي وليد الكرتي.

وأوضح المنيري أن بلاتي توريه شعر بآلام على مستوى العضلة الخلفية، وسيجري آشعة رنين مغناطيسي على موضع الإصابة لتحديد مدى قوتها قبل سفر البعثة إلى الإمارات لخوض السوبر المصري.

وحقق بيراميدز الفوز على الاتحاد السكندري، بهدفين مقابل هدف، في إطار المباراة التي أقيمت بينهما اليوم الأحد، ضمن منافسات الجولة 13 لبطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

طالع.. فيديو | بيراميدز يهزم الاتحاد السكندري بثنائية ويرتقي إلى المربع الذهبي في الدوري

وبهذا الفوز، ارتقى نادي بيراميدز إلى المركز الرابع في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 20 نقطة، من 9 مباريات.

تجدر الإشارة إلى أن بيراميدز، سيواجه الزمالك، في دور نصف النهائي من بطولة كأس السوبر المصري، يوم الخميس 6 نوفمبر.

ANÁLISE: Talento individual volta a salvar Luxemburgo, e Corinthians está por um fio na Sul-Americana

MatériaMais Notícias

As vaias da torcida após o empate do Corinthians com o Fortaleza, na semifinal da Sul-Americana, são sintomáticas e ilustram perfeitamente o momento vivido pelo Timão, que mais uma vez decepcionou seu torcedor na Neo Química Arena e mostrou desorganização tática com Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

Sem Rojas, barrado da partida pelo departamento médico, Luxa armou a equipe com Maycon aberto pelo lado direito e Wesley na esquerda. O garoto do Terrão mais uma vez provou que merece a titularidade por ser o único capaz de tentar uma jogada individual e passar pelos marcadores.

O Corinthians parecia não estar em sintonia com a torcida, que fez uma enorme festa e tentou ditar o ritmo da partida. Mas novamente em uma bola parada cobrada no primeiro pau o Timão sofreu gol, em falhas de Fábio Santos e Cássio.

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Assim como vem sendo na maioria das partidas sob o comando de Luxemburgo, o Corinthians não conseguia encaixar ataques, e só conseguiu o empate graças a genialidade de Renato Augusto e uma finalização em cheio de Yuri Alberto.

Outro padrão que vem se desenhando no Timão são as escolhas questionáveis do treinador. Ele optou por tirar Wesley, que vinha se destacando, para colocar Romero. O treinador também não teve a percepção do calor que fazia em Itaquera e “morreu” com três substituições, optando por manter Renato Augusto em campo, que se arrastou fisicamente no segundo tempo.

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+ Já pensou em ser um gestor de futebol? Participe da nossa Masterclass com Felipe Ximenes e descubra oportunidades

Assim, o Corinthians não teve repertório para furar a defesa do Leão do Pici e virar a partida, resultado que seria fundamental para as pretensões do clube alvinegro na competição. Fica difícil acreditar em uma classificação do Timão tendo que decidir fora de casa, mas a camisa e a qualidade técnica de alguns jogadores são os únicos motivos que fazem o torcedor corintiano seguir acreditando em uma final inédita.

Smith ready for the real stuff after passing baseball-cage test

“Hitting the ball felt completely fine,” Steven Smith says of the training sessions with a hard cricket ball in a baseball cage in New York

Andrew McGlashan30-Jun-2025

Steven Smith had a splint fitted to the injured little finger during the WTC final•ICC/Getty Images

Steven Smith got creative in his recovery from the finger injury that ruled him out of the first Test against West Indies, finding a baseball batting cage in New York where he was able to face throwdowns before rejoining the squad in Barbados.Smith suffered a compound dislocation of his right little finger when he dropped Temba Bavuma at Lord’s during the World Test Championship final but, despite the gruesome nature of the injury which made Smith feel “sick” when he saw it with team-mates noting how he went pale, he avoided the need for surgery.Given he was limited in what he could do early in the recovery, and needed to be careful how much he sweated, he opted to travel the five hours to New York where he owns an apartment.Related

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Smith began facing tennis balls and soft cricket balls before moving to hard ones in his second session in the cage, sending the footage back to Barbados to the Australia medical staff, who were happy with his progress.”My mate actually told me about it, which was ideal because it was pretty warm there [in New York],” he said. “Underneath this bridge there was a batting cage, and he was able to throw me a few balls there, so it was good to be in the shade, it was pretty hot there.”After returning to the Caribbean, Smith had his stitches removed on Sunday and fitted with a thinner splint, which should make things easier when wearing batting gloves. He will have his first proper net against bowlers on Tuesday in Grenada, but was confident of being able to slot back into the side, which would mean Josh Inglis dropping out.”For me, it’ll just feel like training as normal, I think,” he said. “I don’t really feel any pain or anything. [It’s] just getting used to the splint on and the slight limited movement. It’s not too bad, I’ve got a lot of movement there now, so that feels good. Hitting the ball felt completely fine.”Fielding some balls in front of the wicket will probably be the strangest thing for me, I don’t think I’ve ever done that in a Test match. Fielding at either probably mid-on or mid-off or fine leg, is a bit different to standing at the second or first slip.”Smith watched the first Test closely and joked “there was probably a few occasions I was happy that I wasn’t out there,” given the amount the pitch was offering for the quick bowlers. He had sympathy with the challenges posed to the top order and, in a similar vein to coach Andrew McDonald, acknowledged it could take time for things to click for the likes of Sam Konstas, citing his own wait for a maiden Test century, which came in his 12th match and 23rd innings.”These guys are good players, there’s been a lot of talk around it but… we just need to give them an opportunity,” he said. “It doesn’t always come around straight away. We’ve just got to give them an opportunity and let them get used to playing in these conditions and in international cricket. These guys have some really good talent and I think they have bright futures.”The injury made Steven Smith feel “sick” when he saw it with team-mates noting how he went pale•Getty Images

The squad will travel to Grenada on Monday, where none of the current team has played before. The last time Australia were on the island was for a pair of ODIs in 2008. Due to the short turnaround between Tests, the incumbent fast bowlers are not expected to train much in the lead-up. Given his lack of batting in the last couple of weeks, Smith said he would likely have two sessions.The previous Test at the National Stadium was in 2022 when England toured. It was a low-scoring affair dominated by the pace bowlers. The visitors were bundled for 120 in their second innings as West Indies clinched the series 1-0 with the medium pace of Kyle Mayers claiming 5 for 18. Anything similar will leave left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann on the sidelines again. With Josh Hazlewood taking five wickets in Barbados, it would be a very tough call for the selectors should they opt to leave out a quick at any point in the series.West Indies’ former captain Kraigg Brathwaite will be playing his 100th Test, while Mitchell Starc will notch up No. 99 and could join the century club in Jamaica. Starc also needs nine more wickets to reach 400.

هاني أبو ريدة: سنخوض 3 وديات قوية قبل كأس أمم إفريقيا

تحدث هاني أبو ريدة، رئيس اتحاد الكرة، عن استعدادات منتخب مصر للمشاركة في بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا المقامة في المغرب.

وقال هاني أبو ريدة عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “نحن حاليًا في فترة إعداد لكأس أمم إفريقيا، وأمامنا مباراة أخرى قبل البطولة مباشرة الجهاز الفني متفائل، ونحن داعمون له ونوفر كل الإمكانيات اللازمة”.

طالع.. محمد إسماعيل: سأشارك في تدريبات المنتخب بعد مباراة أوزبكستان

وأضاف: “سنواجه فريقين تأهلا لكأس العالم في البطولة الودية المقامة بالإمارات، وذلك ليتمكن حسام حسن من الاطلاع على وجوه جديدة في صفوف منتخب مصر”.

وتابع: “مباراة نيجيريا الودية ستكون الأخيرة قبل كأس أمم إفريقيا، وبعد البطولة سيكون لدينا بعض المباريات القوية في شهر مارس استعدادًا لكأس العالم”.

وأضاف: “لن أذكر أسماء المنتخبات بعد، إلا بعد تأكيد البرنامج، خاصة بعد قرعة كأس العالم، وسنؤكد باقي البرنامج الذي سيُلعب في أشهر 3 و5 و6”.

وأتم: “يهمني في المرحلة المقبلة أن تكون لدينا مجموعة من اللاعبين يصلون إلى المستوى الدولي، ويكون محمد صلاح قدوة لهم، جميع المنتخبات التي نواجهها تضم لاعبين محترفين على أعلى مستوى، ونسعى لأن يكون لدينا مجموعة من اللاعبين المحترفين القادرين على تمثيل منتخب مصر بشكل مشرف”.

As bad as Vicario: Spurs flop who failed 100% dribbles is on borrowed time

Tottenham Hotspur were unable to build on the positive momentum that they seemed to have before the international break as they lost 2-1 to Aston Villa on Sunday.

Spurs had beaten Leeds United 2-1, thanks to goals from Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, before the break, and started the loss to Villa with an early goal through Rodrigo Bentancur.

It was all downhill for the Lilywhites after that impressive start to the match, though, as Unai Emery’s men came away with all three points, thanks to goals from Morgan Rogers and Emiliano Buendia.

Why Spurs must not drop Guglielmo Vicario

Some criticism may go the way of number one Guglielmo Vicario for his part in the match, as he conceded both of the shots against him and should have done better with the first goal.

As you can see in the clip above, the view from behind Morgan Rogers suggests that the Italy international was not in a good position and was then unable to stretch enough to get a glove on the shot, which was nowhere near the corner of the goal.

Vicario, though, should not be dropped by Thomas Frank for his performance against Villa, as he has been a net positive this season.

Per Sofascore, he has prevented 1.72 more goals than expected in the Premier League, which shows that he has been outstanding as shot-stopper on the whole.

A Tottenham player whose place in the starting line-up should not be as secured as Vicario’s, though, is attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, who was underwhelming on Sunday.

Why Xavi Simons is on borrowed time

The Netherlands international has started four of his five appearances for the club in the Premier League since his £52m move from RB Leipzig in the summer transfer window.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

He should now be on borrowed time in the starting XI because he has not done enough in his performances as a player who is in the team to score and create goals as an attacking midfielder.

There have been flashes of quality from Simons on the ball, particularly in the win over Leeds, but he has not done enough in the final third so far.

25/26 Premier League

Xavi Simons

Appearances

5

xG

0.28

Goals

0

Big chances created

1

xA

0.57

Assists

1

Dribble success rate

42%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Simons has only provided one direct goal contribution in his first five appearances, and that was an assist from a corner.

Against Aston Villa, the Dutchman created one chance, which was a short pass for Joao Palhinha to shoot from distance, failed to produce an accurate cross, did not have a single shot on goal and to make matters worse, only won five of his 14 duels, per Sofascore.

The former PSG youngster also failed 100% of his attempted dribbles, per Sofascore. This shows that he was completely ineffective in possession for Spurs, which is why he was as bad as Vicario, who was ineffective with no saves in goal.

His lack of impact in the final thid was not down to a lack of opportunity, though, as he had several opportunities to get a shot away in space on the edge of the box, yet opted to pass the ball sideways instead of trying to test Emi Martinez on multiple occasions.

Simons’ return of 21 goals and 21 assists in two seasons with Leipzig, per Sofascore, show that he does have the ability to score and create goals on a regular basis in a number ten or wide position.

However, he has had a timid start to his career in the Premier League and needs to step up and show more intensity in the final third, to make himself a difference-maker for Frank.

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At this moment in time, Simons is not doing enough on the ball and that is why he is on borrowed time in the starting XI, as the manager may have to consider dropping him out of the team if these underwhelming performances persist.

Botafogo: Rafael corre no campo e mostra progresso na transição após ter sofrido lesão grave

MatériaMais Notícias

O Botafogoteve um momento otimista em meio à sua preparação para o confronto com o América-MG. Nos últimos dias, o lateral-direito Rafael voltou a correr no gramado e indicou um progresso em sua recuperação.

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O camisa 2 está fora dos gramados desde 31 de julho, quando sofreu uma lesão no tendão patelar do joelho esquerdo. Inicialmente, o jogador não retornaria a campo neste ano.

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No entanto, Rafael tem reagido de maneira positiva ao tratamento e a possibilidade de ser relacionado não está descartada. Após progredir na fisioterapia, o jogador de 32 anos iniciou um trabalho leve no campo.

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Pakistan's batting approach faces litmus test against well-tuned Bangaldesh

With the series on the line, the hosts go in as favourites with their bowling attack firing as a unit

Danyal Rasool21-Jul-2025

Bangladesh have recently been finding their T20I groove•AFP/Getty Images

Big picture: Bangladesh eye series winPerhaps it will never be possible to conclusively establish which was worse – the Mirpur pitch or how Pakistan went about batting on it. But with the series on the line, Pakistan coach Mike Hesson will know his side can only control the latter. In the first T20I, on a somewhat two-paced surface where Fakhar Zaman got them off to a fast start, Pakistan would shoot themselves in the foot repeatedly, lacing the innings with three run-outs and several soft caught dismissals. It ground their innings down to a halt before the hosts pulled off a clinical, pressure-free chase with 27 balls to spare.Bangladesh have, seemingly out of nowhere, found their T20I groove in what was a dismal year in the format for them. A fortnight ago, their most recent T20I series had seen them get brushed aside by Pakistan 3-0, their only victory all year coming against the UAE in a series they would go on to lose 2-1. But with their injury and availability issues starting to ease, they effected a turnaround with a crushing win over Sri Lanka, turning that series around before Sunday’s dismantling of Pakistan helping them reel off three successive wins.Related

Pakistan suffer rude awakening at the start of Bangladesh T20Is

Hesson slams 'unacceptable' Mirpur pitch

While there were flashes of batting brilliance up top from Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon even when the side was struggling for wins, it is the coming together of the bowling attack as a unit that has lit the touchpaper for Bangladesh’s form. It began with that 83-run trouncing of Sri Lanka eight days earlier, one where each of the five bowlers took wickets before they stifled the batters in the series decider. With Taskin Ahmed joining the fray, it was notable Bangladesh’s quicks took all but one of the Pakistan wickets that weren’t run-outs, indicating the potential blossoming of a more rounded bowling attack.Pakistan will have to demonstrate the first game was a bump in the road and not an indication their young fiery batting order will struggle on surfaces not attuned to their preferences. The Gaddafi Stadium, where they eased past Bangladesh so comfortably, were batting featherbeds, with a weakened bowling attack given well above par to defend. In lower-scoring games, though, those weaknesses will invariably be magnified and exploited; this series could well be a litmus test for the suitability of this approach in the medium term.Form guidePakistan LWWWL Bangladesh WWWLLIn the spotlight – Emon and MirzaParvez Hossain Emon has been a bit feast or famine, but is perhaps Bangladesh’s most dynamic T20 batter. Cheap early dismissals in two of the three games in each of the series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka belie the sheer destructive power he possesses when he finds his rhythm. A 34-ball 66 in the final game against Pakistan last month was followed up by a similarly impactful cameo – 38 off 22 – against Sri Lanka. He would not score a run in that series afterwards, but showed no hesitancy after two early wickets fell in Sunday’s low chase, his unbeaten 39-ball 56 carrying Bangladesh home with ease. Alongside his more consistent but perhaps slightly less watchable opening partner Tanzid, Bangladesh appear stood on the precipice of a truly modern T20 opening pairing.Bangladesh outbowled Pakistan in the first game, with Pakistan’s lack of star bowling firepower painfully visible. Without Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah or Haris Rauf, it was Salman Mirza who spearheaded the attack. Shaheen and Rauf’s Lahore Qalandars team-mate was the only bowler to make any inroads while there was jeopardy in the game, reducing Bangladesh to 7 for 2 after his first eight balls. But if support from elsewhere is not forthcoming, Mirza needs to repeat – and potentially improve upon – his showing if Pakistan’s quick bowlers are to match Bangladesh’s as they scramble to keep the series alive.Team news Bangladesh are unlikely to tinker with the side which produced a comprehensive win. Expect the same eleven to try to wrap the series up.Bangladesh : 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Parvez Hossain Emon, 3 Litton Das (capt), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Jaker Ali (wk), 6 Shamim Hossain, 7 Mahedi Hasan 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 10 Mustafizur Rahman, 11 Taskin AhmedNeither side trained so there’s little to reveal Pakistan’s thinking. The batting is unlikely to change with Salman Agha and Hesson promising to back their players. If Pakistan want another specialist spin option, though, Sufiyan Muqeem could find his way in.Pakistan: 1 Fakhar Zaman, 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Mohammad Haris (wk), 4 Hasan Nawaz, 5 Salman Ali Agha (capt), 6 Mohammad Nawaz, 7 Khushdil Shah, 8 Abbas Afridi, 9 Faheem Ashraf, 10 Salman Mirza, 11 Abrar AhmedPitch and conditionsThere’s a strong chance of an evening shower as Bangladesh remains in the grip of the rainy season.Stats and trivia Bangladesh’s victory over Pakistan was achieved with 4.3 overs to spare; it is their largest such victory over Pakistan, and their fifth largest overall Zaman is 107 runs away from becoming just the fifth Pakistani to 2000 T20I runs

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