Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has urged youngsters not to take up smoking, having faced criticism of his off-field lifestyle.

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Polish keeper started smoking as a youngsterHas been unable to kick habit down the yearsConsiders himself a role model in other waysFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Polish shot-stopper, who stepped out of retirement to answer an SOS call from La Liga giants Barca in October 2024, admits that he has “lost the fight” when it comes to kicking a nicotine addiction.

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He has never tried to hide the fact that he smokes, with the ex-Arsenal and Juventus star owning the decisions he has made in a professional and personal capacity – even if some of those could be considered questionable.

WHAT SZCZESNY SAID

Szczesny has been caught on camera before lighting up following notable wins, but has told of efforts to ensure that he does not glamorise smoking in any way: "There are some parts of the game where I believe I can be a perfect example for young people or, in fact, for my team-mates.

"And there are some things in my career that you better not follow. In a few aspects, I fail at [being an example], but I try to be the best version of myself, and I try to give the correct example to my team-mates, to young kids who watch us.

"But mentioning the subject of smoking, please do not follow me and don't do it. I've lost the fight. When I was very young, I created a habit that is very negative for me, and I know it is. I just lose against it. So for anybody watching: Don't do what I did."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Szczesny went on to say of his willingness to speak on a subject that others may consider to be taboo: "Because I'm not a politician. Maybe that's why. I'm just a goalkeeper. I have to catch a ball and kick it. It's much, much easier to keep up with your previous interviews if you're just honest and you never lie and you're just open.

“"ou ask me a question, I answer the question as honestly as I can. You know, there are things I would rather not talk about. The subject that we mentioned, I would rather not talk about it.

"But if somebody asks me, yeah [I smoke]. But I would rather not have the question asked because I don't want to be a bad example."

West Ham United chiefs have held discussions with a forward and his club, putting a January bid on the table as they push for his signing before deadline day.

West Ham target new forward for Graham Potter

Graham Potter is very short in the attacking areas, especially up front, with both Michail Antonio and summer signing Niclas Füllkrug out through long-term injuries.

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This has left West Ham’s new manager with just Danny Ings as his natural striker option, and while star winger Jarrod Bowen is capable of playing there in a makeshift role, the England international is also unavailable through injury after fracturing his foot against Liverpool.

Aston Villa (away)

January 26

Chelsea (away)

February 3

Brentford (home)

February 15

Arsenal (away)

February 22

Leicester City (home)

February 27

“He’s doing everything he can to get on the pitch as soon as possible,” said Potter on Bowen’s injury mid-way through this month.

“We just need to make sure it’s in a safe way, and it’s a good way for him because we want to get him back, and we want him to stay back. Jarrod wants to be out there, he wants to play, and we’re trying to pull the reins on him rather than the other way around.”

As Potter waits for Bowen to make a return, he’s forced to be much more patient with the likes of Fullkrug and Antonio, meaning West Ham are in the market for attacking reinforcements who can come in and make an immediate impact.

West Ham are in talks with RB Leipzig over Andre Silva, as confirmed by ExWHUemployee, but he isn’t their only target.

“We had continued our talks with Andre Silva over a loan move to the summer,” said Ex (via West Ham Way).

“The loan deal would potentially have an option at the end of it to make the deal permanent. Talks will continue today but at the moment other options are being considered as well. As I’ve been saying for a while now, I think this is the easiest deal to complete, and one we may chose to do as a temporary measure that could turn out to be a bargain.”

One of the other options being looked at, as per De Telegraaf journalist Mike Verweij on Friday, is Ajax sensation Brian Brobbey.

West Ham make offer to sign Ajax forward Brian Brobbey on loan

As per the Dutch reporter, West Ham are making a “serious attempt” to sign Brobbey, and have submitted an offer for the Netherlands international.

It is believed their proposal is a six-month loan with an obligation to buy him in the summer. Ajax would want around £30 million for Brobbey – made up of an initial £25 million fee plus £5 million in easily achievable bonuses – but West Ham have approached both the Eredivisie giants and Brobbey’s representatives in a bid to make the transfer happen.

Verweij adds that Ajax already snubbed a £21 million offer from Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille earlier this window. It remains to be seen if West Ham prove more successful in prising away the 22-year-old who’s scored three goals and registered seven assists in all competitions so far.

أعلن وائل القباني، مدير الكرة بنادي الزمالك، عن خطة الجهاز الفني للاستعداد لنهائي كأس مصر أمام بيراميدز، مشيرًا إلى أن الفريق سيدخل معسكرًا مغلقًا لمدة يومين، يبدأ الثلاثاء 3 يونيو المقبل، ويستمر حتى موعد المباراة المقرر إقامتها يوم الخميس 5 يونيو.

وأكد القباني أن الجهازين الفني والإداري يعملان حاليًا على تنظيم جدول التدريبات والمعسكرات بأفضل شكل ممكن لضمان الجاهزية الكاملة للفريق خلال هذه الفترة الحاسمة، والتي ستشهد ختام منافسات الدوري إلى جانب المباراة النهائية للبطولة المحلية الأهم.

خاص | تعديل موعد مباراة الزمالك وبيراميدز في نهائي كأس مصر

وفيما يخص تدريبات اليوم الثلاثاء، أوضح مدير الكرة أن الفريق خاض المران بشكل طبيعي على الملعب الفرعي لاستاد الدفاع الجوي، استعدادًا لمباراة فاركو المقبلة في ختام مشوار الزمالك في الدوري المصري الممتاز، والمقرر إقامتها يوم 31 مايو الجاري.

وأشار القباني إلى أن جميع اللاعبين حضروا التدريب في الموعد بعد إخطارهم بتعديل توقيت المران من السادسة مساءً إلى الثامنة مساءً، بسبب انشغال الملعب بتدريبات فريق سيراميكا كليوباترا، مضيفًا أن الإخطار تم إرساله للاعبين في تمام الثالثة عصرًا عقب التنسيق مع إدارة الاستاد.

واستثنى القباني قائد الفريق محمود عبد الرازق “شيكابالا” من المشاركة الجماعية، حيث حصل على إذن خاص لأداء تدريبات فردية في النادي بسبب ظروف أسرية.

وفي ختام تصريحاته، شدد القباني على ارتفاع الروح المعنوية داخل المعسكر الأبيض، مشيدًا بجدية اللاعبين وإصرارهم على تحقيق نتائج إيجابية في المرحلتين القادمتين، حيث يسعى الفريق لإنهاء الدوري بشكل قوي، قبل خوض المواجهة المرتقبة أمام بيراميدز في نهائي الكأس.

BlueCo, assisted by co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, are busy laying the groundwork for potential summer signings at Chelsea behind-the-scenes after an uneventful January – with one Atlético Madrid star apparently high in their thinking.

Chelsea preparing for busier summer transfer window

Much has been made of the club’s lack of new attacking signings in the winter market, despite reported interest in some noteworthy players.

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The west Londoners did a lot of it in January.

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Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano shared towards the back end of last window that Chelsea were in contact over a deal for Mathys Tel, who eventually ended up joining Tottenham on loan, while there was also interest in Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho (Matt Law).

Brighton (away)

February 14th

Aston Villa (away)

February 22nd

Southampton (home)

February 25th

Leicester City (home)

March 9th

Arsenal (away)

March 16th

Interestingly, there was even talk of a potential Chelsea swap deal involving Christopher Nkunku, but those negotiations ultimately failed to get off the ground.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca reportedly wanted both a midfielder and a forward to come in after they activated their recall clause in Trevoh Chalobah’s loan deal at Crystal Palace (Simon Phillips), with the Italian ultimately getting Mathis Amougou through the door but no new striking option.

There is a belief that Chelsea will look to rectify this in the summer, with the Blues laying “significant groundwork” on a deal for Ipswich Town starlet Liam Delap already, even if he isn’t their only option (Simon Phillips).

Nicolas Jackson is expected to return from injury for Chelsea’s next game against Brighton, but the Senegalese has been out of form recently, while striking counterpart Marc Guiu could be out for months with a long-term problem.

Chelsea could yet add another midfielder to their ranks at the end of the season as well, with Amougou expected to head out on loan to sister club Strasbourg for the 2025/2026 campaign.

Chelsea prepared to bid £58 million for Atlético Madrid star Pablo Barrios

According to reports from Spain, Atlético sensation Pablo Barrios is an option they’re seriously considering.

The 21-year-old has started 17 La Liga games under Diego Simeone this season, and is currently the sixth-highest performing player by average match rating according to WhoScored, explaining why he’s turned some heads within Chelsea.

Right now, it is believed that Chelsea are the most interested team in signing Barrios, and they’re prepared to bid around £58 million for his services this summer as they ponder enticing him to the Premier League.

Simeone has praised the midfielder’s quality for a couple of years now, especially lauding the fact he can play “several” different roles.

“I’ve talked to him about his role,” said Simeone on Barrios. “He has a fantastic game, and I told him that we’re going to work to shape it. Koke is there now (at the ‘5’) and we are trying to bring out Pablo’s full potential. He has to grow, but he’s doing very well. I’m excited. He’s a kid from the academy, and he can play several roles.”

The January transfer window was a pretty quiet one for Leeds United after they failed to land any new players to aid their Championship promotion push.

Daniel Farke targeted endless players to try and add to his current squad at Elland Road, but he was unable to complete any moves, having to settle for the players currently at his disposal.

Cameron Archer was a player widely linked going into the final few days of the window, but given Southampton’s lowly Premier League standing, it was always unlikely they would part ways with the striker.

However, the lack of new additions doesn’t appear to have affected the German, after his side claimed all three points against Coventry City just a couple of days after the market slammed shut until the summer.

The result has further strengthened their chances of ending their top-division exile, but he must surely wish he had secured a deal to land a player who’s previously starred under his guidance.

Leeds’ move to land Emi Buendia in January

One name that refused to go away for Leeds during the entirety of the month was that of Aston Villa man Emi Buendia after he became available for a loan move away from the West Midlands.

The Argentine moved to Villa back in the summer of 2021 for a then club-record £33m, with real ambitions of transforming their attack and leading them to a European spot.

However, he struggled to make the impact he desired, with a knee injury halting his progress with the Villans, subsequently losing his place and rapidly dropping down the order upon his return.

The Whites were just one side interested, understandably so after the forward’s previous link-up with Farke at Norwich City which saw him net 15 goals and 16 assists during the 2020/21 Championship campaign, which secured the Canaries a return to the Premier League, finishing top of the pile.

However, he would move on loan to Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen until the end of the current season, with the German unable to tempt the 28-year-old to move to Yorkshire and rekindle their partnership.

Undoubtedly, missing out on a player who’s thrived under the manager and had the experience of securing promotion is a huge disappointment, but the club have already worked wonders in the market, landing one player whose value has soared as of late.

The Leeds player who’s now worth more than Buendia

Despite missing out on Buendia, Leeds have impressed within the final third throughout 2024/25, posting a tally of 62 goals in just 31 league outings, the most of any side in the division.

Their average of two goals a game demonstrates how impressive they’ve been in front of goal over the last couple of months, with multiple players playing a key role in their success.

Wilfried Gnonto is just one of the attackers who have impressed this season, registering a total of five goals and five assists in his 29 league outings under Farke.

The Italian looked at one stage as though he could be off to Saudi Arabia in January, but no deal ever materialised, with the Whites undoubtedly benefiting from his talents between now and the end of May.

It’s hard to believe Gnonto is still just 21, especially when he made his first appearance at just 18, having bags of time to continue his development and improve further at Elland Road.

He cost just £3.8m from Swiss outfit FC Zurich, a fee that now appears to be a bargain, especially considering his rapid increase in value as a result of his displays in Yorkshire.

Gnonto is now valued at a staggering €37m (£30.8m) by CIES Football Observatory, an increase of 710% on the fee that they forked out for his signature just under three years ago.

Games played

29

Goals & assists

10

Shots taken

3.2

Pass accuracy

82%

Chances created

2

Successful dribbles

1.9

Touches in opposition box

5.5

Fouls won

2.6

His subsequent value is now higher than that of Buendia, who’s only valued at €18m (£15m) as a result of his torrid recent luck with injuries, with his value more than half of the fee Villa paid to land the Argentine.

Whilst Gnonto has found starts hard to come by in recent weeks, his market value is evidence that he’s still an extremely promising young talent with his price tag only going to keep rising as he develops.

He still has a huge role to play in the club’s ambitions of securing promotion in the next couple of months, having the skill set to make an impact, whether that be from a starting role or even off the bench.

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MatériaMais Notícias

As rodadas de meio de semana do Campeonato Brasileiro iniciam a partir desta terça-feira e o calendário promete ficar ainda mais apertado para os 20 clubes.

– VEJA A TABELA DO BRASILEIRÃO

Na quarta-feira, o Ceará mede forças com o América-MG e o técnico Dorival Junior relacionou os jogadores para o confronto.

Da lista divulgada, Luiz Otávio, Lucas Ribeiro, Kelvyn, Lima, Dentinho e João Victor não viajaram com o restante do elenco.

Vale citar, que após o Coelho, o Ceará terá mais um jogo longe de casa, quando encara o Goiás, na Serrinha.

Veja a lista dos relacionados:

Goleiros: João Ricardo, André Luiz e Vinicius Machado;

Zagueiros: Messias, Gabriel Lacerda, Marcos Victor e David Ricardo;

Laterais: Bruno Pacheco, Nino Paraíba, Michel Macedo e Victor Luis;

Meias: Wescley, Vina;

Volantes: Geovane, Lindoso, Richard Coelho, Richardson e Fernando Sobral;

Atacantes: Iury Castilho, Matheus Peixoto, Cléber, Zé Roberto, Erick, Mendoza e David.

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Sheffield United are now plotting a move for a “clinical” Championship star to strengthen a priority position, according to a recent report.

Blades pushing for promotion

Chris Wilder’s side are faring very well in the Championship as we approach the end of the January transfer window, after a solid recent run of form. The Blades are in a very strong position to return to the Premier League at the first attempt, and they are trying to capitalise on the opportunity that has presented itself by making signings capable of aiding their promotion push.

The main aim this month has been to strengthen in attacking areas, and it is job done for Wilder on that front, having moved swiftly to bring in Ben Brereton Diaz and, most recently, Tom Cannon.

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Dominic Lund

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As such, the United boss may turn his attentions towards reinforcing other areas of the squad, and Football League World report that signing a new defender is now a priority, in order to replace Harry Souttar, who suffered a season-ending injury in December.

Queens Park Rangers’ Jimmy Dunne has now emerged as a target for the Blades, with the defender out of contract at the end of the season, which means he could be available this month if Wilder pushes to get a deal done.

QPR are having a decent season themselves, now just four points off the play-offs, but they risk losing the 26-year-old for free in the summer if they don’t cash in this winter.

Although Jack Robinson has performed well in Souttar’s absence, Sheffield United are keen to bring in a replacement for the Leicester defender, and they are now plotting a move for Dunne.

Dunne could be the perfect Souttar replacement

Souttar was particularly impressive in the air during his stint at Bramall Lane, and there are signs the QPR defender could be a like-for-like replacement in that regard, having also displayed his aerial ability on a regular basis over the course of the past year.

Statistic per 90	Jimmy Dunne	Harry Souttar
Clearances	5.69 (99th percentile)	5.55 (89th percentile)
Aerials won	4.86 (99th percentile)	3.87 (92nd percentile)
Blocks	1.06 (48th percentile)	0.97 (15th percentile)
Interceptions	1.11 (59th percentile)	1.27 (65th percentile)
Tackles	2.22 (66th percentile)	1.12 (34th percentile)

As shown, Dunne is outperforming Souttar on almost every key defensive metric, so he could be the perfect replacement for the injured Australian.

Not only that, but the £8,500-a-week defender is also a threat on the front foot, having been lauded as “clinical” by journalist Sam Tabuteau at the end of December, and he now has four goals to his name in the Championship this season.

The Blades are already in a very strong position to seal promotion to the Premier League, but signing a top defender could help them get over the line, and Dunne is showing signs he could be the perfect addition to the squad.

Notts had been odds-on to win by an innings but did not enforce the follow-on

ECB Reporters Network28-Sep-2022

Stuart Broad helped drive home Nottinghamshire’s advantage•Getty Images

Nottinghamshire secured promotion to Division One of the LV= Insurance County Championship and are effectively Division Two champions already, although their supporters will have to wait until the final day of the season to see it mathematically confirmed.They bowled Durham out for 207 just 10 overs after lunch in reply to their mammoth 662 for 5 declared. Yet they eschewed the chance to win the title with a flourish – and perhaps a day to spare – by not enforcing the follow-on, to the bemusement of some spectators.In the event, after bad light kept the players off for the best part of an hour, Nottinghamshire declared their second innings on 121 for 2, with Haseeb Hameed 49 not out, and Joe Clarke on 48.It left Durham, now 576 behind, with 14 overs to face when they re-emerged, of which eight were possible before the light closed in again.They finished 14 for 2, having lost lost Sean Dickson, caught at third slip fending at Stuart Broad for a duck, and nightwatcher George Drissell leg before to Luke Fletcher for six.The reasoning behind Nottinghamshire’s decision to bat a second time was the subject of much speculation.What was known is that it had been supposed that only a win in this match would ensure Nottinghamshire finished ahead of nearest pursuers Middlesex to be champions, but the seven bonus points they took from the first innings changed the equation, meaning a draw would be enough.As well as guaranteeing that Nottinghamshire finished in the top two, those points meant that provided they did not lose this match, they would be champions even if Middlesex took maximum points from their match at Worcester.That outcome would leave both sides level on points, wins and defeats in the Division Two table, but with Nottinghamshire ahead on the head-to-head – the third tie-breaker in the competition rules. Both matches between the sides this season ended in draws, but Nottinghamshire gained more bonus points.With a lead of 455 and Durham a key batter short after David Bedingham dislocated a shoulder in the field, Nottinghamshire were odds-on to win by an innings and quite possibly before the end of the day.That cannot now happen, although at least spectators will be able to witness the last-day denouement at no cost, the club having announced that tickets for Thursday would be free.Earlier, two down for 53 and still 609 behind overnight on first innings, Durham were in dire straits at 155 for 6 at lunch.Scott Borthwick, who struck three positive early boundaries despite protecting a broken finger, cut Fletcher straight into the hands of backward point. Drissell looked capable of hanging around but then gave a tame catch to midwicket.Nic Maddinson went on the attack, smiting three sixes off Liam Patterson-White’s left arm spin. Yet his violent innings ended with a tentative push at a ball from Broad, giving first slip a regulation catch. New batsman Chris Benjamin was snapped up at short leg in the next over, giving Patterson-White his second wicket.It left Durham in a sorry state, which worsened immediately after lunch when Ben Raine was leg before to Dane Paterson. Jonathan Bushnell batted nicely for his 37 in only his fourth first-class match before he nudged the spinner to slip.Matthew Potts decided on the Maddinson approach and Patterson-White conceded two more sixes, but after two boundaries in a row off Paterson matched Maddinson’s 40, Potts holed out to deep wicket, ending the Durham innings and giving Nottinghamshire a third batting point, securing promotion. Paterson finished with 3 for 50, Patterson-White 3 for 72.After Nottinghamshire’s decision to bat again, Potts picked up his 58th wicket of the season as Ben Slater edged to first slip, before Matt Montgomery fell for nine following his first-innings 178, giving a similarly straightforward catch to second slip.Bad light – the bane of late September cricket – descended at 4.35pm, which meant Nottinghamshire probably would not have had time to bowl Durham out again in any event. The loss of overs prompted the Nottinghamshire declaration, which among other things denied Clarke his last opportunity to score that elusive first hundred of the season.

Following an underwhelming January transfer window, Newcastle United have now reportedly been offered to chance to land a bargain deal in the race to sign one of Europe’s best strikers.

Newcastle transfer news

If those at St James’ Park were left frustrated by Newcastle’s summer business then they’d have been left even more exasperated by their lack of spending last month. Once again limited by profit and sustainability concerns, the Magpies were forced to sit out of the window and watch on as rumours over Alexander Isak’s Tyneside future came thick and fast.

On the pitch, meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s side have been enjoying far better fortunes – recently reaching the Carabao Cup final after thrashing Arsenal 4-0 across two legs in which Isak once again stole plenty of headlines.

Of course, Newcastle’s fortunes on the pitch won’t take away from some awkward PSR questions that they’ll have to face at some stage in the near future. As things stand, it very much seems as though the Magpies will have to sell before they can buy which could yet cast further doubts over Isak’s future.

If it is to be the Swede sacrificed though, then those at St James’ Park could have a replacement lined up. According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle have now been offered the chance to sign Victor Osimhen by triggering his bargain £60m release clause.

Related Newcastle’s "lost" flop is now on par with Isak after being sold by Howe

Newcastle have one of the most potent strikeforces in Europe but must rue this failed signing.

Posts 2 ByAngus Sinclair Feb 8, 2025

In usual circumstances, £60m would be considered a hefty fee but when taking into account reports that Napoli were previously demanding as much as £113m to sell their striker, it’s an opportunity that Newcastle should not turn down.

In another world, if Newcastle raise funds through other sales, Isak and Osimhen could even form one of the most lethal strike partnerships in European football in what would be the ultimate dream in Tyneside.

"Ridiculous" Osimhen would be unstoppable alongside Isak

Whether it remains a dream world or becomes Newcastle’s incredible reality remains to be seen, but it’s difficult not to wonder just how unstoppable Isak and Osimhen would be together. It’s an attacking duo undoubtedly capable of dragging a side from the edge of Champions League football into the top four and potentially beyond on a permanent basis.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Alexander Isak

Victor Osimhen

Starts

22

14

Goals

17

12

Assists

5

4

Scoring 12 goals in the Turkish Super Lig in 14 starts, Osimhen has added a further five in all competitions to take this season’s total to 17 in impressive fashion. Even outside of Europe’s top five leagues, the Nigerian has managed to steal the headlines and could yet make his return to the spotlight with a bang when the summer arrives.

Previously dubbed “ridiculous” by Statman Dave, Osimhen is likely to be among the summer’s best buys at £60m. As the transfer window approaches too, it will be interesting to see whether Newcastle are in a position to finally spend their riches and welcome a blockbuster arrival.

A solid bowling effort, an all-round show from Hayley Matthews, and a half-century from Stafanie Taylor were the highlights of West Indies a consolation win over New Zealand in the third women’s ODI in North Sound on Sunday.Taylor retired hurt on 51 from 88, but Matthews got 40 and Aaliyah Alleyne chipped in with a quick 27 not out to take West Indies home in what turned out to be a tricky chase of 169.Jess Kerr led the fightback after New Zealand had folded for 168, trapping Natasha McLean and Shabika Gajnabi off back-to-back deliveries to start off the third over. At 10 for 2, Matthews and Taylor got down to steady the ship by patiently adding 81 in just more than 21 overs, before Brooke Halliday broke the stand with Matthews’ wicket.West Indies needed only another 53 at less than three runs an over with seven wickets in hand when Taylor went off, and that allowed New Zealand to hit back once more. Jess Kerr got her third wicket by having Kyshona Knight caught, while Amelia Kerr ran Rashada Williams out next ball.But Alleyne’s unbeaten 27 in 34 balls led her side to a four-wicket win with more than six overs to spare.Earlier, New Zealand suffered a collapse of five wickets for just 20 runs to be bowled out for 168. Their entire middle order threw away starts, with Lauren Down’s 53 being the highest contribution.Openers Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates fell for single-digit scores inside the sixth over, after which Amelia Kerr and Maddy Green briefly stabilised their side. They had added 37 in ten overs before Shakera Selman got Green, while another sedate partnership – between Amelia Kerr and Down for the fourth wicket – was stalled when Afy Fletcher dismissed Amelia Kerr for 30 in the 23rd over. Fletcher struck again to have Halliday caught and bowled in the 29th, at which stage Georgia Plimmer joined Down.They added 44, the highest stand of the innings, as Down kept ticking along to reach her half-century off 70 deliveries in the 39th over. However, Karishma Ramharack got rid of Plimmer off the very next ball, and that led to a quick finish for New Zealand.From 148 for 5, they could only another 20 runs, with Matthews getting Down for 53, before wrapping up the tail with Ramharack. In the end, 168 didn’t prove enough for New Zealand to complete a 3-0 sweep.West Indies lost the series 2-1 despite a win in third ODI, with the tour now moving along to the five T20Is, all of which will also be played in North Sound, starting September 28.