Celtic star was “set to” leave, now he could be the new Tierney under Nancy

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy has his work cut out for him at Parkhead after a frustrating first match in charge of the club against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

A 2-1 defeat to the league leaders proved that the Frenchman has plenty of issues to solve and plenty still to learn about the squad of players that he has at his disposal.

The former Columbus Crew head coach has a big group of players to work with in Glasgow, and there are a number of stars who he should give an opportunity to in the coming weeks.

The rarely-seen Celtic stars Nancy should unleash

Kelechi Iheanacho, for example, was an unused substitute against Hearts after returning from injury, and he should be given a chance to lead the line after Daizen Maeda missed two ‘big chances’, per Sofascore, on Sunday.

The Nigerian centre-forward has scored three goals in eight appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants this season, per Sofascore, and could emerge as Nancy’s first-choice number nine.

Another rarely-seen star who could benefit from the change in shape to a 3-4-2-1 could be Dane Murray, who has started two league games this season, as he is a naturally right-sided centre-back who can provide balance when playing out from the back.

Auston Trusty played in that role on Sunday, as a left-footed player, and was slow to bring the ball forward and progress the play, as he was on his weaker side, which could open the door for Murray to come in and take that spot.

Colby Donovan was also snubbed in Nancy’s first game, playing zero minutes, but he could emerge as the manager’s own Kieran Tierney in the right wing-back position, having been set to leave in the summer window.

Wilfried Nancy is brewing the next Tierney

The 19-year-old academy graduate was “set to join Dundee on loan for the season”, per journalist Josh McCafferty, in the summer transfer window, before an injury to Alistair Johnston meant that he was needed as a first-team option at Parkhead.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

Donovan has gone on to play 716 minutes across 12 appearances for the first-team, per Sofascore, since the decision was made to keep him at the club, instead of sending him out on loan, and he has shown real promise.

The Scotland U21 international is looking to follow in Kieran Tierney’s footsteps in Glasgow, as the left-back came through the academy to provide a big threat down the left flank as an attacking full-back.

In his first spell with the club, as shown in the graphic above, the Scotland international provided an eye-catching 37 assists in 170 matches for the club, and Donovan has the potential to provide a similar threat in this new system.

Hyun-jun Yang started at right wing-back against Hearts. However, Nancy could move him over to the left and unleash the academy graduate on the right to provide crosses on that side.

xA

0.14

Top 28%

Assists

0.28

Top 1%

Long pass accuracy

46.2%

Top 23%

Chances created

1.12

Top 39%

Successful crosses

1.12

Top 25%

Touches in opposition’s box

2.80

Top 14%

Donovan, as shown in the statistics above, has stood out as one of the most impressive creative right-backs in the Premiership this season under Brendan Rodgers and Martin O’Neill, whilst playing as a right-back.

Playing as a wing-back under Nancy would give him even more opportunities to push forward and show off his creativity in the final third, which could improve his output as a creator and make him a Tierney-esque threat on the right-hand side.

Whilst Johnston is still to return from his injury eventually, unleashing Donovan in this new role could provide him with a chance to nail down a regular starting spot in the team to become the next academy graduate to become a star at Parkhead, like Tierney.

His emergence in the first-team this season, after being set to go out on loan in the summer, is perhaps a lesson that Celtic can learn from, as they could give more opportunities to their academy players to see if they have what it takes to play for the senior side before letting them move on, permanently or on loan.

Worse than Yang: Nancy must bin 3/10 Celtic dud who once had "the X factor"

This Celtic star who had “the X Factor” should be ruthlessly dropped from the starting line-up on Thursday.

1 ByDan Emery 6 days ago

Derek Jeter Had Classy Gesture for Vendor Who Caught Six-Figure 'Mr. November' Ball

Almost everyone knows about Baseball Hall of Famer and New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter's iconic, walk-off home run in Game 4 of the 2001 World Series.

Jeter hit his fateful dinger after the clock struck midnight on November 1, making it the first time the Fall Classic spilled into the 11th month on the calendar. The clutch homer earned Jeter the nickname “Mr. November” and forever became a part of baseball lore.

The homer also forever changed the life of former Yankees vendor Neil Dunleavy, who caught the ball. He told his amazing story to ESPN's Jeff Passan in a story published on Friday.

Dunleavy's story includes one nugget that baseball fans may not know about. Jeter, rather than keep the ball for himself, autographed it and returned it to Dunleavy.

On the night of Game 4, nearing the end of his shift selling programs across Yankee Stadium, Dunleavy perfectly positioned himself in the right field corner, where he knew Jeter's inside-out swing tended to deposit balls. As Jeter connected on his swing in the bottom of the 10th inning, Dunleavey was busy organizing hundreds of dollar bills he had gotten from fans in exchange for programs throughout his shift, and had to sacrifice the currency to dive for the ball. Thankfully, a nearby security guard was able to recover the cash he had tossed aside for a bigger prize.

Once he retrieved it, he left the ballpark that night planning to give the ball to Jeter the next day. He met with a Yankees ballboy and, thinking it would be the last time he ever saw that infamous ball, handed it over. But the ballboy returned with the 'Mr. November' ball, which Jeter had signed, dated and added the No. 2, his jersey number with the Yankees.

"Had I known I was going to get it back," Dunleavy told Passan. "I would've given him a better pen."

Dunleavy went on to pursue a career in the medical field, but held onto the baseball. Now 43 years old, married and with three children, he has decided to sell the ball, believing he could find a better purpose for the memento.

After connecting with the auction house Goldin and authentication company JSA, Dunleavy now has the baseball on sale, with bidding set to close on June 14. The bidding is up to $120,000 and counting.

Not only did Jeter's classy gesture ensure that the baseball was authentic—thus providing Dunleavy and his family the chance for a large return in the souvenir's sale—but the Yankees legend also provided the now-orthopedic surgeon with memories and feelings he'll never forget.

And Dunleavy plans to pay it back to Jeter. He intends to donate a portion of the proceeds of the sale to Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation.

Farke has "wrecking ball" out on loan who can end Aaronson's Leeds career

Leeds United are looking like they will have a huge fight on their hands to avoid relegation this season. Their first campaign back in the Premier League is not going to plan, with Daniel Farke’s side just one point clear of the drop zone at the moment.

The underlying numbers do not make for good reading if you are a Leeds fan, either. The West Yorkshire outfit have massively underachieved according to their expected points, which is 15.49xPTS, over four more than they actually have.

In attack, they’ve only scored ten goals, although Farke has continued to pick a similar front three across the season. That means Brenden Aaronson has kept his place in the side.

Aaronson’s disappointing form this season

As an attacking unit, Farke’s Leeds side have certainly left a lot to be desired. The Whites’ lack of form in front of goal has been an issue, as has the fact that they are struggling to create a substantial number of chances.

Aaronson is certainly someone who has underperformed. The USA international only has one goal and one assist this season, but has been one of Farke’s most trusted lieutenants.

He’s played all 11 games in the top flight this season, and has started all of the last eight.

In terms of output for the 54-cap American international, he’s only managed one goal and one assist so far this term.

Perhaps that is because he is playing on the right wing despite being a number ten by trade, but Leeds fans must surely be expecting better numbers.

As far back as last season, there have been question marks surrounding Aaronson’s ability.

Former Leeds defender Jon Newsome said, “I don’t think he’s at the level in my honest opinion,” implying the Whites could do better in that area of the pitch.

They might have the perfect Aaronson replacement already at the club, in a player who is thriving out on loan.

The on-loan Leeds star who could break into the first team

Perhaps Leeds can make better use of their talent in and around the first team squad, if not this season, then in years to come. Farke has shown trust in up-and-coming youngsters in the past, with Archie Gray a prime example a few seasons ago.

Another player who could fit that bill next season, when he returns to the club, is on-loan star Joe Gelhardt. The 23-year-old attacker is excelling in the Championship for Leeds’ Yorkshire rivals Hull City this term.

The versatile attacker, who can play on the right, as a number ten or at centre-forward, has seven goals and two assists in the second tier for the Tigers this season.

His form in recent weeks has been particularly impressive, with Gelhardt racking up seven goal involvements in just six games.

The Liverpool-born forward has certainly received lots of praise for his excellent form in a Hull shirt this season. Their boss, Sergej Jakirovic, described him as a “special” footballer and said that “he can reach the Premier League” one day.

It is easy to see how he could end Aaronson’s Leeds career next season, if he is given the chance to shine in a Leeds shirt. His underlying numbers this term are superior to the American’s. For example, he averages 0.8 goals and assists per 90 minutes compared to just 0.4 for Aaronson.

Gelhardt vs Aaronson – 25/26 stats

Stat (per 90)

Gelhardt

Aaronson

Goals and assists

0.8

0.4

Chances created

1.1

1.4

Take-ons completed

1.7

1.2

Ground duel success rate

54.55%

52.08%

Ball recoveries

5

4.6

Stats from Squawka

Gelhardt – previously lauded as a “human wrecking ball” by Marcelo Bielsa – has never really been given a consistent chance at first-team level for the Whites. He’s only played 57 games across five seasons, with ten goals and assists in that time.

However, his performances this season will surely make Farke sit up and take notice.

Aaronson simply has not cut it in the Premier League, and with a talent like Gelhardt on their books, perhaps it is time Leeds give the 23-year-old a chance to shine next season.

Worse than Perri: Leeds dud is one of their worst signings in PL history

Leeds United have dropped some transfer clangers when looking back at their summer business.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 11, 2025

منافس الزمالك في دور الـ 32 من كأس مصر

أسفرت قرعة دور الـ 32 من بطولة كأس مصر، للموسم الجديد 2025-2026، عن تحديد منافس نادي الزمالك.

وأقيمت اليوم السبت، مراسم قرعة بطولة كأس مصر، بمقر الجبلاية، لتحديد مواجهات دور الـ 32 من البطولة.

ويشارك في دور الـ 32 من بطولة كأس مصر، 21 ناديًا من الدوري الممتاز (القسم الأول)، إضافة إلى 11 ناديًا من القسم الثاني المتأهلين عبر المراحل التمهيدية.

ويتواجد من أندية القسم الثاني: أبو قير للأسمدة، السكة الحديد، القناة، بترول أسيوط، المصرية للاتصالات، بلدية المحلة، مسار إف سي، تليفونات بني سويف، بور فؤاد، ألو ايجيبت، دكرنس.

طالع | طريق الزمالك في كأس مصر 2025-2026 منافس الزمالك في دور الـ 32 من كأس مصر

ويواجه نادي الزمالك، بلدية المحلة، في دور الـ 32 من بطولة كأس مصر. مواجهات دور الـ 32 من كأس مصر

الأهلي ضد المصرية للاتصالات

فاركو ضد تليفونات بني سويف

البنك الأهلي ضد بورفؤاد

إنبي ضد المقاولون العرب

بتروچيت ضد وادي دجلة

مودرن سبورت ضد القناة

الجونة ضد بترول أسيوط

بيراميدز ضد مسار

الزمالك ضد بلدية المحلة

سيراميكا كليوباترا ضد أبو قير للأسمدة

طلائع الجيش ضد السكة الحديد

الاتحاد السكندري ضد كهرباء الإسماعيلية

حرس الحدود ضد الإسماعيلي

سموحة ضد غزل المحلة

زد ضد ألو إيچيبت

المصري ضد دكرنس

Hughes sets up Sussex, Lamb five-for skittles Kent

Visitors maintain top-four form with comfortable win in Canterbury

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay04-Jul-2025Sussex Sharks comprehensively beat Kent Spitfires by 34 runs in the Vitality Blast at Canterbury.Daniel Hughes top-scored with 48 as Sussex made 195 for 9, despite no one passing 50.Kent’s Nathan Gilchrist took 3 for 31 and Harry Finch then hit his highest Blast score against his former county, making 56 off 25 balls, but when he was out the chase fell apart. Danny Lamb took key wickets at crucial moments, claiming 5 for 15 and Tymal Mills claimed 3 for 20. Lamb wrapped up the win with two balls to spare when he bowled Fred Klaassen.Kent lived to regret putting Sussex in. The visitors were 30 without loss when Jack Leaning bowled Harrison Ward for 11 at the start of the fifth but Hughes then blazed 48 from 28 balls and although Tom Rogers bowled him at the end of the tenth, the Sharks were 112 for 2 at halfway.Wickets at least slowed the scoring rate. Joey Evison bowled James Coles for 12, hitting off and middle, and Tom Clark was furious with himself when he tried to scoop Gilchrist to fine leg and was lbw for 43.Klaassen looked as surprised as anyone when he had Tom Alsop caught behind for 15, given by the square leg umpire Nigel Llong, John Simpson tried to hook Gilchrist and was caught on the boundary by Rogers for 12 and Rogers bowled Nathan McAndrew for 5. The 19th over, however was expensive, going for 18. Gilchrist bowled a wide, had Lamb caught behind off a bottom edge, then bowled three no-balls, one of which was a head-high beamer.Not for the first time this season Kent missed the cut off, but Mills was run out by Billings and Klaassen help them to six off the 20th, despite the last ball being fumbled over the boundary for four.Sussex looked favourites, especially after Coles bowled Tawanda Muyeye for 7 in the second over, but the Hastings-born Finch came in and blasted 50 off 21 balls before Henry Crocombe had him caught by Hughes at third man.The momentum switched again, this time for good, when Joe Denly was bamboozled by Lamb’s slower ball and bowled for 3. Crocombe then took a stunning catch to get Daniel Bell-Drummond for 26 after he skied Lamb, sprinting in from the boundary and somehow keeping the ball off the turf.Mills got Sam Billings for 16, caught on the boundary by Coles and Evison holed out to Lamb and was caught by Robinson. When Mills bowled Leaning for 16, Rogers was left with the tail and the run rate was nearly 15 an over. Mills got him for 4, caught at short third man and the crowd started streaming for the exits.Klaassen and Gilchrist needed a theoretically possible 36 off the last over, but Lamb bowled Gilchrist off the first ball and clinched the win when he cleaned up Klaassen three balls later.

Spurs wanted him: Everton’s "world-class talent" could outshine Grealish

Everton have battled their way out of relegation-threatened status in the Premier League.

After several years of low-table fortunes, things have changed, with David Moyes lifting Goodison Park on its swansong up to a mid-table finish last season.

Now, he’s targeting an ambitious push for Europe, with the signings made across the summer propping up these ambitions.

At the forefront is Jack Grealish, and he is back in contention to play this weekend as the Toffees welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Hill Dickinson, having missed last weekend’s defeat at Manchester City due to ineligibility.

Jack Grealish could be the game-changer

Grealish joined Everton from Man City on loan this summer, having fallen by the wayside across the past couple of years in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

He’s back. Four August assists served Grealish the Premier League Player of the Month award, and he’s maintained a talismanic presence, lifting the spirits and the belief of his teammates.

If Everton surpass expectations this summer, expect the plaudits to rain down at the 30-year-old’s feet.

His playmaking quality was sorely missed last weekend, but he can play once again, and it’s a good thing too, for Tottenham have many high-level players and have improved defensively since Thomas Frank replaced Ange Postecoglou this summer.

Grealish can’t do it alone, but luckily, Moyes has another talented midfielder who could share the load and maybe even outperform his senior peer on the afternoon.

The Everton star who could outshine Grealish

Last season, Tyler Dibling emerged as one of the brightest teenagers in the Premier League, and there was a swarm of interest in his signature. Everton won the race, signing the 19-year-old in a £42m deal.

However, he has only featured four times in the top flight this term, hooked at half-time on his sole start against Crystal Palace.

In fairness, this was a poor display, but for a teenage talent performing in new territory to flatter to deceive during such a scenario is hardly unheard of.

Minutes played

45′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

Accurate passes

6/7 (86%)

Chances created

0

Dribbles

0/3

Tackles

1

Duels won

3/10

There’s a real player in there, to be sure, with Dibling having already been on Tottenham’s radar, Spurs having pushed for a deal this summer before Everton won the race.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 17% of positional peers for pass completion, the top 20% for successful take-ons and the top 26% for tackles per 90, with this robust array of skills leading the data-driven platform to list Iliman Ndiaye as one of his most comparable players.

But there’s no denying more is needed after a slow start on Merseyside. Luckily, Dibling has all the talent in the world, and Moyes needs only to bring his confidence and balance in this new team to the fore.

And his match sharpness will have improved after two winning performances with England U19s this month. He drew praise for his performances, with data scientist Michael Green hailing the youngster for being “incredibly positive with every action”.

With Grealish sure to slot back into that left-sided berth, the competition for places is thick, but Dibling could use this chance as a springboard, having endured a testing start to his Everton career, no doubt about that.

His speed and technical quality and athleticism suggest he has what it takes to shine the brightest for Moyes’ Everton side, and there’s no doubt that this is a “world-class talent”, as has been said by his former youth coach Andy Goldie, having thrived in an abject Southampton side.

Should Dibling make an impact against Frank’s Tottenham, who lack fluency in attack right now, all eyes will be on him. In this, he could outshine the ever-impressive Grealish.

Not Keane: Moyes can fix Branthwaite blow by unleashing Everton "revelation"

Everton’s star centre-back has suffered a complication in his injury recovery.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 21, 2025

Women's T20 World Cup: India and Australia in Group 1, England and NZ in Group 2

The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled from June 12 to July 5, will have Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan and two qualifiers in Group 1, while Group 2 includes hosts England, defending champions New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka and two more qualifiers. The semi-finals will be played at The Oval, while the final is scheduled at Lord’s.The 33-match tournament will take place across seven venues in England over 24 days. The tournament will have 12 teams, up from 10 in the previous edition in 2024. Apart from The Oval and Lord’s, matches will also be held at Old Trafford, Headingley, Southampton, Bristol and Edgbaston and will have three different start times: 10.30am, 2.30pm and 6.30pm local.The opening match will be played between England and Sri Lanka at Edgbaston on June 12. In a rematch of last edition’s semi-final, New Zealand begin their title defence against West Indies in Southampton on June 13 while Australia start their campaign against 2024 finalists South Africa on the same day in Manchester. India face Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 14.Other key Group 1 fixtures for India are against South Africa (June 21) in Manchester and Australia (June 28) at Lord’s. Pakistan take on South Africa (June 17) at Edgbaston and Australia (June 23) at Headingley. The Australia vs India fixture will be the final group-stage match of the competition.In Group 2, England will play matches across five venues, the most of any team. They take on West Indies (June 24) at Lord’s and New Zealand (June 27) at The Oval. Sri Lanka face New Zealand (June 16) in Southampton and West Indies (June 21) in Bristol.The top two teams from each group will make the semi-finals to be held on June 30 and July 2. The winners will meet for the title clash at Lord’s on July 5.Hosts England and the top five teams from the 2024 edition (Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies) qualified automatically for the edition. Pakistan and Sri Lanka, who were the two next highest-ranked teams on the ICC Women’s T20I rankings table on October 21 that year, made the cut too.The remaining four teams will come from the global qualifiers scheduled for early 2026. Bangladesh, Scotland, USA, Nepal and Thailand have already qualified for that ten-team competition. The Europe, Africa and East Asia-Pacific qualifiers are yet to be completed.

Boost for Slot with injured Liverpool player now set to return vs Everton

After scoring their fifth consecutive late winner to secure all three points against Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Arne Slot have received another boost on the injury front.

Slot praises Liverpool in "different" Atletico Madrid win

The Reds haven’t done things the easy way so far this season. They needed Federico Chiesa’s late winner against Bournemouth, Rio Ngumoha’s stoppage time winner against Newcastle United, Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick against Arsenal and Mohamed Salah’s late penalty against Burnley to make it four from four in the Premier League.

Not Salah or Van Dijk: Liverpool star is now "one of the best in the world"

Liverpool left it late once more to collect a Champions League victory at Anfield over Atletico Madrid.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 18, 2025

Six minutes into Atletico Madrid’s visit, it seemed as though Slot’s side finally had take-off, however. It was about as scintillating a start as Anfield is likely to see, with goals from Andy Robertson and a vintage Salah finish seeing Liverpool race into a 2-0 lead. Their dominance only continued from there, but complacency – as was the case against Bournemouth and Newcastle – soon arrived.

Diego Llorente’s brace, which featured a deflected effort to equalise in his fourth Anfield goal, soon had the visitors level and Liverpool in need of another late goal. This time, it was the captain who stepped up to head home in the 92nd minute to keep his side rolling on and the late show featuring another guest star.

Although the trend of late winners continued, Slot was quick to claim that victory against Atletico was “different” to Burnley and Arsenal, thanks to the amount of chances that Liverpool created.

He told reporters: “Everybody will probably talk again about the late game winner, which I understand because that is the story of this game and the story of the last five games. But for me it was a different game than the ones we have played before.”

Another Anfield win followed more good news on the injury front too, which will see one player make his return for the Merseyside derby this weekend.

Curtis Jones set to return for Merseyside derby

As confirmed by Slot, Curtis Jones is on course to return from injury in time to face Everton in the Merseyside derby on Saturday afternoon, in what is a fitting way for the academy graduate to make his comeback.

The midfielder missed games against Burnley and Atletico Madrid, but will now hand Liverpool a boost in the middle of the park with his return. It is against another side that will sit deep that his ability to progress play will come in use for the Reds, as the full impact of his ability is potentially felt across Anfield in what could be a frantic affair.

Praised as “complete” by Slot, Jones remains an underrated player who is gradually beginning to make his mark in Merseyside.

After Pino: Crystal Palace now in advanced talks to sign "intelligent" star

Despite already signing Yeremy Pino from Villarreal, Crystal Palace are now reportedly in advanced talks to sign another attacking reinforcement for Oliver Glasner.

Pino realises Premier League "dream"

Following the departure of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, Crystal Palace swiftly swooped in to welcome Pino from Villarreal. Securing the talented winger in a deal worth around £21m, the Eagles will be desperately hoping that he has what it takes to fill Eze’s boots and become an instant hit among the fans at Selhurst Park.

After putting pen to paper, the 22-year-old quickly admitted that it’s a “dream” come true to be joining a Premier League side – telling the club’s official website: “Of course this motivates me. In the end, you have to continue the path the team has taken by coming here, winning titles, and my goal is to be in Europe.

“It’s very important for the club, for me as well. Doing well in Europe is a goal of mine, but also [to contribute] lots of goals, lots of assists, and for the team to be happy with me. A dream for me is to come to the Premier League at this historic club, being able to help the team with my game and my experience.”

Crystal Palace make late approach to sign 19-cap defender alongside Canvot

The Eagles are ready to try and land his signature.

BySean Markus Clifford Aug 30, 2025

Chairman Steve Parish also welcomed the new Crystal Palace star, saying: “It’s fantastic news that Yeremy – an exciting young talent, with already such an impressive record in domestic, European and international football – has chosen us as the next step in his career.”

After securing Pino’s signature, however, Palace are not done there. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve stepped up their pursuit to sign a talented Bundesliga star before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Crystal Palace in advanced talks to sign Baumgartner

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Crystal Palace are now in advanced talks to sign Christoph Baumgartner from RB Leipzig this week. The Austrian reportedly wants to complete the move and the Eagles are negotiating a loan deal with an option to buy the attacking midfielder at the end of the season.

At 26 years old, Baumgartner is a player who has featured at the very top of European football and would instantly offer Glasner some much-needed experience. After starting 18 out of 34 Bundesliga games last season, meanwhile, it’s a move that the midfielder himself arguably needs if he wants a permanent starting place.

That said, inconsistent game time hasn’t stood in the way of praise for the Leipzig man. Former Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl previously told reporters after signing the midfielder: “Christoph is quick, possesses a threat on goal and is a very intelligent player.

RB Leipzig's Christoph Baumgartner in action with Celtic's DaizenMaeda

“He can play with both feet and has an incredible shot. His skills and abilities lend another aspect to our game. Baumi is also a good guy: down-to-earth, eager to learn and ambitious.”

Rahul 77 leads Delhi Capitals to 183 against CSK

Rahul made the most of a pitch where runs were hard to come by as he scored his first half-century of the season

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Apr-20252:08

Jaffer: Rahul’s takedown of Noor was the key for DC

KL Rahul carried Delhi Capitals on his shoulders with a high-quality half-century as the visitors posted 183 for 6 at Chepauk. Opening the batting in the absence of Faf du Plessis, he was able to pace his innings really well and more than that, he took down one of Chennai Super Kings’ main weapons. Rahul vs the IPL’s purple cap holder, Noor Ahmad, was 20 runs in nine balls with two fours and a six.Initially, Rahul (77 off 51) had to take some time to come to terms with a pitch that was dry and therefore prevented the ball from coming onto the bat. He was 25 off 20 with one four and one six at the end of nine overs. But once he decided to pull the trigger, even CSK’s best bowlers were no match for him. He took Noor, Matheesha Pathirana and Ravindra Jadeja for boundaries over the 11th, 12th and 13th overs as DC were put on course for their total. Two of those boundaries were mistakes by the bowler – Noor and Pathirana putting the ball in the slot – and all innings long Rahul was looking for those mistakes.Mukesh Choudhary was taken down as well. He was the only bowler that Rahul took risks against, because he had identified him as CSK’s weak link. Rahul reverse scooped him twice. He took further liberties when he moved across his crease at the start of the 19th over and swept a ball from the off side wide line to the square leg boundary. Pathirana closed the innings with two wickets in his final over, including Rahul’s, but by then the score had reached more than competitive levels. Khaleel Ahmed with 2 for 25 was CSK’s best bowler.

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