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A fresh update regarding the future of Wolves boss Gary O’Neil has emerged ahead of his side’s clash with Crystal Palace.

Winless Wolves face relegation rat-race

Wolves bravely battled back from 2-0 down to rescue a point at the AMEX stadium in their most recent Premier League outing, with Matheus Cunha finding the net in stoppage time to complete the comeback after Brighton had squandered a glorious chance to make it 3-1.

After the game, O’Neil held up his hands, admitting that he had got it wrong in the first half.

“I’m a little bit disappointed, with myself really, that I started with five [at the back]. I know we did well with a five-back against Manchester City, and [I thought] the lads deserved another go at it.

“I didn’t think a five-back would fit very well against Brighton today, but at least we were quick enough to change it at half-time.

“At 85 minutes, when Brighton scored their second goal, I thought I was going to be stood here answering some more tough questions.”

However, beyond the short-term jubilation the reality of their situation once more set in for Wolves, who are one of three sides yet to win a game this season and sit 19th in the Premier League almost a quarter of the way into the season. They have just two points and have conceded a mammoth 25 goals, five more than any other side in the division.

Wolves now making early move to sign 36-goal attacker in January

Wolves look to be trying to get a head start for January as they make contact with a transfer target. 

ByBrett Worthington Oct 30, 2024 Gary O'Neil given two games to save his job

Now, a fresh report has claimed that the Wolves boss is under increasing pressure to deliver results at Molineux. So far, there has been an acceptance that Wolves have faced one of the hardest starts to the season of any Premier League season, playing all of the current top five (Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Aston Villa) as well as Newcastle United.

Now though, there is set to be a change of tone, with Football Insider reporting that the next two games are crucial in O’Neil’s future in the Wolves technical area. The Old Gold face 18th placed Crystal Palace in their next game, before a mammoth clash with bottom of the table Southampton ahead of the November international break.

Wolves’ next five games

Crystal Palace (Home)

Southampton (Home)

Fulham (Away)

Bournemouth (Home)

Everton (Away)

And they claim that poor results in those games will “change the mood’” in the Midlands, with the upcoming games “critical” for O’Neil’s future, though it is added that the Wolves boss “still has the backing of the changing room”.

However, failure to pick up points against their direct relegation rivals may prove too much for both the Wolves fans and the board, with the prospect of a drop to the Championship likely to become an increasing reality.

Should Wolves part ways with O’Neil over the international break, any new manager would be the beneficiary of a favourable run of games, with the Old Gold not facing a member of the “top six” again until Boxing Day.

Jordan Henderson has been linked with a sensational return to Sunderland and Dan Neil has now provided some interesting words regarding a possible reunion.

Henderson linked with Sunderland return

The Black Cats are flying this season, sitting five points clear at the top of the Championship table and excelling under new manager Regis Le Bris. On Saturday, they picked up a 2-0 win at home to Oxford United, as they continue to look like a side capable of winning the title.

While Sunderland have a squad brimming with quality, including highly-rated pair Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham, they are also a young group of players who could do with extra experience as the season goes on and more pressurised matches arrive.

Henderson has been backed to make a stunning return to his former club in recent months, having fallen out of favour at Ajax and generally lost his way since leaving Liverpool for the Saudi Pro League last year, in what represents a hugely exciting transfer rumour.

It has even been claimed that the 34-year-old is open to the idea of coming back to Sunderland after bursting onto the scene as a teenager, earning him a big-money move to Anfield in 2011 in the process.

Neil makes Henderson claim at Sunderland

In quotes provided by The Daily Mail, Sunderland ace Neil admitted he has spoken to Henderson in the past, adding that he would “love” to play with him at the Stadium of Light.

“Jordan is someone I’d love to play alongside, he’s a top quality player who has won everything in a great career so he’s welcome to come back if he wants. He’s inspired us local lads to keep striving to emulate him.

“I got in contact with him a couple of years back, and we met for a coffee. He gave me some good advice which I’ve kept to heart. It might be a bit nerve-wracking captaining a side with him in it but it’s something I’d happily do.”

Signing Henderson in January could prove to be a masterstroke by Le Bris, should the former Liverpool man be genuinely keen on an emotional reunion taking place.

The Englishman clearly isn’t the force he was during the peak of his powers at Liverpool during his late 20s and early 30s, during which time he captained the Reds to Premier League and Champions League glory, also winning multiple other trophies as skipper.

He is still good enough to be playing for Ajax, however, and there is no reason why he couldn’t be a real force back at Sunderland, putting his vast experience to good use and being a great foil for the likes of Rigg and Bellingham.

Sunderland injury not deemed serious in new major boost for Regis Le Bris

A relief for the Black Cats.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 27, 2024

Henderson may have to accept a squad role, considering how well the Black Cats are already doing this season, but he could ultimately be the cherry on top when it comes to Le Bris’ side being a Championship-winning outfit, coming to the fore in big matches and proving to be a calming presence.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti praised Luka Modric's stunning performance in the team's 2-0 win over Girona at the Bernabeu on Sunday evening.

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Ancelotti likened Modric to Paolo MaldiniBelieves Croatian can continue at top level in his 40sMadrid No.10 scored a stunning volley Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Carlo Ancelotti has absolutely no qualms about Luka Modric thriving at the top level into his 40s, with the Italian coach citing the example of Paolo Maldini – whom he coached at AC Milan – and comparing him to Modric.

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Modric, 39, is into the final few months of his contract at Real Madrid. He has accepted the role of a squad player but continues to dazzle in midfield everytime he is brought on as a substitute or handed a start by Ancelotti.

On Sunday, Madrid welcomed Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu for a LaLiga fixture. While Los Blancos enjoyed a lot of possession, they were unable to break the deadlock. Until a certain 39-year-old decided to take the matter into his own hands.

During a corner in the 41st minute, the ball was cleared by a Girona defender, which fell straight to Modric, who chested the ball and hit an unstoppable volley to give the home side a well-deserved lead ahead of half-time.

Ancelotti was not surprised by the level of performance shown by the veteran midfielder and wants him to continue playing well into his 40s, with rumours in Spain stating that Modric wants to renew and stay for another year in the Spanish capital.

WHAT CARLO ANCELOTTI SAID

“I had another player who was 40 years old, who was Maldini," Ancelotti told reporters when asked about Modric nearing the age of 40.

"The two of them can be compared in terms of what a footballer has to be. They are fantastic examples. It is no coincidence that they have reached 40 at that level. Genetics matter, but so does commitment, attitude, and professionalism.”

LIgaWHAT NEXT FOR LUKA MODRIC?

Modric should be in contention to start Madrid's upcoming game, which is a crucial Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Real Sociedad on Wednesday, February 26, at the Reale Arena.

Jos Buttler to take charge amid ongoing fitness doubts over England white-ball captain

Matt Roller22-Jun-2022Eoin Morgan will sit out of England’s third ODI against the Netherlands on Wednesday due to a “tight groin” as concerns over his form and fitness continue to dominate the narrative around England’s white-ball sides. Jos Buttler will take over as captain.Morgan finishes the series with no runs and two dismissals from the eight balls he faced and while it is hardly unprecedented for him to rest himself for part of a series, his fitness has become a mounting issue this year.He said at the start of this tour that he would rest himself for at least some of England’s international fixtures this summer due to his concerns about playing games on consecutive days, something he has made a point of avoiding in the T20 Blast for Middlesex after suffering a thigh injury during the T20I series in Barbados earlier this year after playing back-to-back games.Morgan also said that he hoped to play all three games in the series “if possible” but his right groin, which he tweaked while playing for Middlesex last month and felt during Sunday’s second ODI, has left him unable to do so. He missed their optional training session on Tuesday and was ruled out of the third ODI on the morning of the game.England did not pick a spare batter in their squad so one of their allrounders – Moeen Ali or Sam Curran – will bat in the top six. David Payne, the Gloucestershire left-arm seamer, also makes his international debut.Morgan has hit a single half-century – against Sri Lanka in July 2021 – in the last 18 months across both international and domestic cricket in both 50-over and T20 cricket and his back-to-back ducks have furthered the impression that his latest form slump could be terminal.He insisted that he can “still contribute to a World Cup win” and intends to lead the side in the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year but has admitted that leading England’s defence of their 50-over title in India in 2023 feels “a long way away”.Buttler, his heir apparent, will be captaining in his ninth ODI having regularly deputised in Morgan’s absence over the past six years.

Sri Lankan supporters had assembled in large numbers at the SCG, and there was music, dancing and plenty of cheering, as their team renewed their World Cup rivalry with Australia

Tharindu Vishwanath09-Mar-2015Choice of game:
When the Sri Lanka v Australia World Cup match was washed out in 2011, I missed the long-awaited opportunity to relive the memories of the 1996 final. As soon as the 2015 World Cup tickets were issued, I reserved them. As the day arrived, it became clear the match had a significant impact on who they will meet in the quarter-finals, and I had flown in from Singapore to be a part of it. Most Cricket experts predicted Australia to win the match.Team supported:
Sri Lanka every day.Key performer:
Glenn Maxwell. Not only did he add 30-40 runs to the possible total, he scored his first century which was eluding him for a long time (Almost did this time as well on 98), much to the delight of Australian fans. After scoring the century, he took time to let go of Watson from his embrace, and tears were visible in his eyes. Could feel even from the distance how much the century meant to him. He played an absolute peach of an innings.One thing you’d have changed:
Chandimal being cramped. Until then Sri Lanka had the momentum and the rhythm. Chandimal was scoring quickly, while Mathews was looking to stay till the end. After Chandimal retired hurt, the magic evaporated, and it was downhill for Sri Lanka since then.Face-off you relished:
I was looking forward to how the battle between David Warner and Lasith Malinga would pan out. They have a history: Malinga has got the better of Warner a few times. This time, too, Malinga set up him with his trademark yorkers, and followed them up with a slower ball to get him out.Under the microscope:
A string of events was set in motion when Dilshan started to bowl even as the umpire, Ian Gould, stretched out his arm, and asked the bowler to ‘hold on’. When the umpire saw Dilshan running into bowl, he exchanged words with Dilshan. Then during the drinks break, when Dilshan kicked the ball to Gould, who was not happy again, and was seen having a serious word with him before Dilshan joined the rest of his team-mates for drinks. Again, while Sri Lanka was batting, there was a third-umpire call during which time Dilshan asked for drinks to be brought onto the ground. Gould was unhappy this time, too, indicating that Dilshan was delaying the match. Dilshan pointed to the big screen that showed the decision was still pending.Wow moment:
The catch Thisara Perera took to get rid of Steven Smith had ‘spectacular’ written all over it. It was a very hard chance, and he did a brilliant job to get to the ball and take it safely.Close encounter:
Ironically, after spoiling the party for Sri Lankan fans, Glenn Maxwell had to field for a few overs near the boundary just in front of the Sri Lankan fan zone. The crowd made a lot of noise and for some time a rapport was building between the him and the crowd. Maxwell was responding dynamically with gestures and laughs.Shot of the day:It is really hard to pick one shot because there were some eye-pleasing shots from batsmen of both teams. My pick of the match is the six Dinesh Chandimal scored off Watson in 36th over. His quick innings came as a surprise package to most Sri Lankan fans.Crowd meter:
The match had been sold out before the Game day. More than 39,000 were present for the match, and although the Australian supporters outnumbered the Sri Lankans, going by the noise you would think the match was played at the Premadasa. In the sixth over, when Dilshan hit six boundaries in six balls off Mitchell Johnson, the Sri Lankan flags fluttered with cheers and chants typical to Sri Lankan supporters. A crowd wave, say Sydney wave, began and it was picked up by rest of the crowd. Glenn Maxwell got the biggest cheer when he scored the hundred. The moment when Sangakkara passed 14,000 ODI runs also received a standing ovation.Entertainment
They played English songs as well as Sri Lankan songs. When there was a wicket or a six, rock music was played while fireworks were set off near the sidescreens. From time to time, the giant screen entertained the crowd by picking up people with kiss cam, dancing cam, and costume cam. But the famous music stood out as always.Banner of the day
“In Sanga We Trust”Overall
It was fantastic game of Cricket. Though Maxwell walked away as the hero, there were other good innings from Steven Smith, Clarke, Sangakka, Dilshan, and Chandimal. The atmosphere was absolutely fantastic with a pleasant weather and papare music.Marks out of 10
8. Would have given 10 had Sri Lanka won.

Arne Slot labelled Liverpool's FA Cup defeat at Plymouth 'unacceptable' as he urged his team to show a different side in the Merseyside derby.

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Slot disappointed after Plymouth lossArgyle beat Liverpool 1-0 in FA CupReds next face Everton on WednesdayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱AFPWHAT HAPPENED?

The Reds suffered a shock exit from the FA Cup fourth round this weekend as Ryan Hardie's second-half goal helped the Championship side progress against all odds. Slot was understandably disappointed after the loss and he has urged his players to show a 'different side' of themselves in their upcoming Merseyside derby at Everton.

AdvertisementWHAT ARNE SLOT SAID

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, the Dutch coach said: "To lose against Plymouth is unacceptable. We are disappointed with that result. Now we have to show a different side of us tomorrow. It was not only the result, but the performance was far below Liverpool standards as well."

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The manager rested nine regular starters in the FA Cup, but Slot did not want to cite that as an excuse for the defeat: "A wise man once said to me nothing good comes from losing a football game and I completely agree. We would definitely prefer to have played more games. Now after losing this game, there is one moment where we have a normal week but that is not what we wanted when we went to Plymouth.

"It was difficult because the plan was to play with Joe [Gomez] for 60 minutes, the plan was to start Curtis [Jones] but he didn't feel well enough to play so then all of a sudden, we missed two important players. Darwin [Nunez] became a dad one or two days before the game, that happened in Spain, so he came in one or two days earlier."

He added: "There were some circumstances that weren't perfect. The idea was to play with a stronger team than we did but still, this team should have been able to win that game. The fact we didn't win and that we didn't win against PSV as well tells us that these players need these games to get the best out of them. It's so difficult to get the best out of them if you don't play games. It makes it disappointing we don't have these extra games for them."

WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

After facing Everton on Wednesday at Goodison Park, the Premier League leaders will next face Wolves at Anfield on February 16.

Adam Milne’s stunning boundary catch, Tim Southee’s searing yorker to Moeen Ali, Brendon McCullum’s hitting – there was plenty of action in Wellington

George Dobell and George Binoy in Wellington20-Feb-20151:20

‘Cake Tin defeat take the cake’

The ball
There was little swing and Moeen Ali had just hit three successive boundaries off him, but Tim Southee was not to be denied. After delivering a sharp bouncer to start the over – a little reminder to Moeen that he couldn’t just wait on the front foot – he delivered a perfect yorker two balls later. Swinging late, it punished Moeen for his lack of foot movement – perhaps due to that bouncer – and swung past the edge to hit off stump. It was probably the pick of a spell that also included wonderful deliveries to account for Ian Bell and James Taylor.The field
Brendon McCullum provided warm words towards his “champion” friend, Eoin Morgan, ahead of the match. But when the England captain came to the crease, McCullum went in for the kill. Looking around the field, Morgan would have seen three slips, a gully, a point and a short cover when Trent Boult bowled to him. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t a power-play period, McCullum knew that Morgan was in poor form and sensed a chance to cut deep into England’s middle-order. It was a moment that typifies the aggressive, unconventional approach of McCullum and a far cry from England’s formulaic method.The six
There were arguably more people wearing orange – the Dutch might have felt at home here – than any other colour in the crowd. All of them hoping a six would come their way and that they would catch it one-handed to earn a slice of a million-dollar pie. While England kept them waiting in vain for 33.2 overs, McCullum delivered second ball. With lightning hands he slashed, carving the ball high and far over point. It wasn’t caught one-handed by an orange-wearing fan, though.The save
Daniel Vettori is the old man in this New Zealand side so the sprints across the outfield and the crazy diving that his team-mates perform with nonchalance may not be for him anymore. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t save runs in the field. McCullum had sprinted in from mid-off to short cover and he swung around after picking up to try and run out Joe Root with a stinging throw. He missed, but Vettori was good enough to get to the stumps quickly and solid enough to collect the ball behind his body. England might have got five otherwise.The catch
Morgan had just punched Vettori towards long-on. Only the ball didn’t get that far because McCullum flew from midwicket and stopped the ball after it had already passed him. So Morgan decided to take McCullum out of the equation four deliveries later and lofted the ball straight towards the sight-screen, only to encounter another flying Kiwi. Adam Milne sped to his right from the boundary and timed his full-length dive to perfection to catch the England captain with both hands.The rule
With New Zealand requiring only 12 more runs to win and their batsmen going like a train – they were scoring at 12.44 runs per over – the game stopped for the interval. While common sense – and respect for the paying spectator – cried out fore the game to be played to an immediate conclusion, there is little room for common sense within the playing conditions. Instead the packed house was forced to wait for 45 minutes, by which time many people had gone home and a great deal of the atmosphere built by McCullum’s magnificent stroke-play had dissipated. Only in cricket….There are reasons, of course. In some circumstances it might have rained a few minutes into the break and England might have escaped with a point; Pakistan benefited similarly in the 1992 World Cup. But on a bright day with the weather set fair and the atmosphere building to a peak, it was a frustrating delay for the spectators.

England fast bowler’s injury problems deepen with news of latest setback

Matt Roller19-May-2022Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the 2022 English summer with a stress fracture of the lower back as the injury saga which threatens to jeopardise his career rolls on.Archer, who last played for England in March 2021, had hoped to make his comeback from a long-term elbow injury for Sussex in the T20 Blast next week and had planned to play some second-team warm-up matches before their opening fixture against Glamorgan next Thursday.But he never made it on to the pitch and the ECB confirmed on Thursday morning that had been ruled out for the rest of the season after being diagnosed with a back problem.Related

Archer left IPL to visit elbow specialist in Belgium

Archer undergoes second elbow operation

Zaheer: To see Bumrah and Archer bowling in tandem 'will be worth the wait'

Archer targets T20 Blast comeback after injury nightmare

“No timeframe has been set for his return,” a statement read. “A management plan will be determined following further specialist opinion over the coming days.”Archer, 27, has undergone three bouts of surgery in the last 14 months: one on his hand to remove a shard of glass, and two on his elbow.He made an aborted comeback after the first elbow surgery, playing one T20 Blast game and one Royal London Cup warm-up match for Sussex, before he was diagnosed with a stress fracture, prompting the second operation in December.He trained with England in Barbados as part of his rehabilitation during their T20I and Test tours to the Caribbean earlier this year and skipped the ongoing IPL – after he was signed for INR 8 crore (USD 1.06 million) by Mumbai Indians – with the intention of returning to competitive cricket in time for the start of the Blast.Archer admitted earlier this month that he had feared for his career at one stage during his lay-off and his latest setback will raise unavoidable concerns as to whether his body will be able to cope with the demands of first-class cricket again.ESPNcricinfo LtdThe ECB was already concerned about the number of English fast bowlers suffering injuries, with Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, Olly Stone, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher among the seamers who were not considered for selection for the first Test squad of the summer.”It’s definitely a concern and trying to find out why this is happening is something that we need to look into,” Rob Key, England’s managing director of men’s cricket, said on Wednesday. “We need to make sure that hopefully, it never happens again. But as you know with all fast bowlers, these unfortunately are the things that do happen – stress fractures in particular.”Archer is the third quick to be afflicted by a back stress injury this season. Mahmood was ruled out for the summer earlier this week, while Fisher was initially rested for four weeks due to concern around a “hot spot” before Yorkshire said he would face a further spell of monitoring.

Gimenez made an instant impact for Milan, coming off the bench to provide an assist in a debut Coppa Italia win over Roma.

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USMNT's Pulisic and Musah startGimenez provides assist for fellow newcomer FelixMilan advance in Coppa ItaliaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

U.S. men's national team stars Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah started for Milan, who jumped out to an early lead behind Theo Hernandez and Tammy Abraham. That duo combined for both goals, with the former assisting the latter in the 17th and 43rd minutes to give Milan the lead heading into the halftime break.

Roma pulled one back early in the second half through Artem Dovbyk, but Milan pushed back with another goal of their own thanks to two newcomers. Mexico's Santi Gimenez provided the assist and fellow January signing Joao Felix, on loan from Chelsea, provided the goal, giving Milan a 3-1 lead.

That scoreline would hold, despite a Roma goal called back, as AC Milan booked their spot in the tournament's semifinal round.

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It was a big debut for GImenez, who adds a bit more CONCACAF flavor to one of the world's biggest clubs. The Mexican star emerged as a top goalscorer at Feyenoord, with 65 goals in 105 appearances for the club. Those goals earned him a move to Milan in a deal worth around $35 million.

He started on the bench, though, as the two Americans were named to the starting XI. Pulisic went 59 minutes and could have had a goal if Abraham had opted to square it instead of taking it for himself on his second finish. Pulisic did have one shot and one chance created while completing all but two of his passes. Musah, meanwhile, started in central midfield and put in a very strong shift. The American had some good moments defensively while helping Milan drive the game forward, completing two dribbles while creating a chance and firing a shot on goal.

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MILAN?

With the win, Milan will face either Inter or Lazio on April 2 in the first leg of their semifinal clash. Before that, though, the club will look to climb out of its Serie A hole starting this weekend against Empoli. After that, they'll coincidentally head to the Netherlands to face Gimenez's former club Feyenoord in the Champions League on Feb. 12.

Eye-catching batting displays from IPL debutants Ayush Badoni and Abhinav Manohar also lit up a tense match at the Wankhede

Deivarayan Muthu28-Mar-2022Lucknow Super Giants threatened to become the first team to defend a target in IPL 2022, but late blows from David Miller, Rahul Tewatia and Abhinav Manohar ensured it was Gujarat Titans who won the battle of the new teams.After Dushmantha Chameera and Avesh Khan bowled with rapid pace in the powerplay to begin Super Giants’ defence of 158, their spinners brought them control, despite the dew setting in at the Wankhede Stadium. Krunal Pandya, who bowled to Hardik Pandya (33 off 28 balls) for the first time in an official match, bested his younger brother. In the next over, Deepak Hooda bowled Matthew Wade for 30 off 29 balls.It left Titans needing 81 off 49 balls, with Abhinav, who had played all of four T20s before Monday, listed at No.7. With the left-handed pair of Miller and Tewatia in the middle, Rahul gave the offspinner Hooda another over, but the move worked against Super Giants as Tewatia and Miller walloped him for a four and a six each, narrowing the equation to 46 off 24 balls. As a result, Chameera, Super Giants’ most penetrative bowler on the day, bowled just three overs.Tewatia then laid into Ravi Bishnoi, before Avesh removed Miller in the 18th over to tighten the chase. Chameera tightened it even further with a nine-run penultimate over.Avesh was left to defend ten off the last over, but Abhinav and Tewatia coolly sealed the deal for Titans, with five wickets and two balls to spare.Shami scythes through top order
Mohammed Shami landed the very first ball of the match on a Test-match length with a bolt-upright seam. It veered in with the angle and then seamed away to scratch KL Rahul’s outside edge. The ball continued to nip around in the early exchanges, and Shami made two more incisions in the powerplay, storming through the defences of Quinton de Kock and Manish Pandey to leave Super Giants 29 for 4 in the fifth over. Varun Aaron, also struck in the powerplay, having Evin Lewis caught brilliantly by Shubman Gill off an uppish pull.Mohammed Shami picked up three wickets in three powerplay overs•BCCIThe Hooda-Badoni rescue act
Hooda was slow off the blocks and was on 7 off 15 balls at one point. He then lined up the seemingly weaker links in the Titans’ attack, taking Hardik and Aaron for 36 off 20 balls. In his first bowling shift in the IPL since the 2019 final for Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings, Hardik went wicketless while giving up 37 runs in his four overs overall.When Rashid Khan pitched one in his slot, Hooda confidently slog-swept him for six, and moments later brought up his half-century off 36 balls. Ayush Badoni made a half-century of his own, on IPL debut, reaching the landmark with an audacious pulled six off Lockie Ferguson in the 19th over. From 47 for 4 at the halfway mark, Super Giants racked up 111 runs in their last ten overs, with Krunal also contributing an unbeaten 21 off 13.Chameera’s double-strike
Chameera might not even started the tournament had Mark Wood been fit. Having got his chance, he showed why he probably should be a regular in Super Giants’ XI by getting rid of both the Titans openers. In his first over, the Sri Lanka quick had Gill toe-ending a catch to point for a duck. Then, in his second, he yorked No.3 Vijay Shankar for 4 off 6 balls after having pushed him back with hard lengths.Tewatia and Abhinav finish it off
Wade and Hardik played themselves in and put on 57 in eight overs before falling within ten balls of each other. Titans needed a strong finishing kick, and it came from Tewatia, for whom they had forked out INR 9 crore at the auction earlier this year.He dominated a 60-run fifth-wicket stand with Miller, punishing the spinners in particular. All up, Tewatia struck 30 off 15 balls from Hooda and Bishnoi. After slog-sweeping Hooda for six, he reverse-swept Bishnoi for six, messing with the legspinner’s line and forcing him out of his comfort zone.Abhinav also stepped up under pressure, cracking the first two balls of the last over, bowled by Avesh, for fours. Fittingly, it was Tewatia who hit the winning runs, sparking big celebrations in Titans’ camp.