The washed out opening day meant time was always short for a result and WA batted through the final day
AAP25-Nov-2025Emerging allrounder Cooper Connolly top-scored with a fighting half-century to help Western Australia thwart South Australia in a Sheffield Shield draw.Connolly’s polished 70 and fifties from Hilton Cartwright and Jayden Goodwin led WA’s final-day resistance in the rain-marred day-nighter at Adelaide Oval.Related
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WA started Tuesday’s final day 85 for 2, trailing by 60 runs, with SA hoping to engineer a victory push.But Goodwin followed his first-innings half-century with 55 in another knock of substance, and Cartwright made 64 to defy SA. The pair combined for a 105-run stand for the third wicket, soaking up more than 40 overs from SA’s bowlers.Hanno Jacobs broke the partnership when he bowled Goodwin, ending his 156-ball knock. Cartwright departed only 10 runs later, launching at a full, wide delivery from Henry Thornton to Jake Lehmann at point.WA were 185 for 4 but again steadied with Connolly and Aaron Hardie featuring in a 101-run partnership. But the duo were dismissed in a three-over span as Thornton struck at dusk.Connolly, a match-winner for Australia in the Adelaide ODI against India last month with an unbeaten 61, hit 11 fours from 135 balls but edged a Thornton cutter.The SA paceman bowled Hardie in his next over, leaving WA 301 for 6 as the game drifted through the final session.SA sit with one win from five games in their title defence, the same as fellow strugglers WA. Pacesetters Victoria and Queensland are a dozen points clear with one round remaining before the BBL break.
MI are just behind Delhi Capitals on the points table and another win will get them a final berth
S Sudarshanan10-Mar-20255:38
Review: Fulmali’s blinder was incredible
Mumbai Indians (MI) continued their dominance over Gujarat Giants (GG) and took another step towards making a direct entry into the final of WPL 2025 with a nine-run win in their penultimate league match. The sparse home crowd was treated to a couple of stroke-filled knocks – MI captain Harmanpreet Kaur hit her third half-century in four outings at the Brabourne Stadium while Bharti Fulmali smashed her maiden WPL fifty, off just 22 balls, to give MI a mighty scare.In the first match in Mumbai this season, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Amanjot Kaur played support acts to their captain as MI posted 179 for 6. GG were kept on a tight leash in reply, with the lack of dew doing them no favours. Amelia Kerr and Shabnim Ismail shared five wickets – the latter delivering the key blows of Ashleigh Gardner and Phoebe Litchfield – as GG were all out for 170. It was just the third time in 19 games this season that a team successfully defended a target. It was MI’s sixth win in six matches against GG in the WPL.The win took MI to ten points, on par with Delhi Capitals, with a net run rate of 0.298 (just below DC’s 0.396) and a game to spare. They play Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Tuesday in under 24 hours to round off the league stage. MI need to win that match to top the table and get a direct entry into the final, while the team that finishes second will play GG in the eliminator.Soon after GG fell just short, coach Michael Klinger said at the press conference that they tried to chase the target down in 18 overs, which would have taken them to the top of the table.
Fulmali blitz gives MIghty scare
GG were 70 for 5 in the 11th over and Deandra Dottin had survived a dropped chance just before Fulmali walked out. She got to her task by taking Sciver-Brunt for three fours in an over – one square through the off side, one over cover and then through square leg. It is not often that a batter outshines Dottin and causes headache to the opposition but such was Fulmali’s assault. Soon Kerr bowled Dottin to leave GG’s equation down to 88 off 41.Bharti Fulmali smashed a 22-ball fifty•BCCI
Fulmali then walloped Kerr over long-on and did the same to Amanjot in the next over. Overall, she scored 24 off the nine balls she faced of Kerr, including a sequence of 6, 6, 4 which helped her to a 22-ball fifty before she fell in the same over. That left GG needing 38 off the 18, which soon became 23 off 12 after Simran Shaikh, in for Dayalan Hemalatha, and Tanuja Kanwar hit Matthews for 15. But MI held their nerves despite a frenetic finish to register their fifth win in seven matches.
Opening troubles continue for MI
For the second game in a row, MI opened the batting with Kerr after being inserted. She faced the left-arm spin of Kanwar for starters before clipping Kashvee Gautam for a four. But she found it tough to rotate strike and was run-out after pushing one straight to Gardner at mid-on and setting off.It was Matthews and Sciver-Brunt who provided MI the momentum in the powerplay. They exploited the short boundary – the square boundaries measured 58m and 52m – by moving around the crease. Matthews pulled her West Indies team-mate Dottin over deep square leg for a six in the opening over before aerially sweeping Kanwar in the same region for another. Sciver-Brunt also swept Kanwar through short fine leg as MI were 44 for 1 after six overs.
The Kaurs set MI for a strong finish
Legspinner Priya Mishra had Matthews caught behind soon after the powerplay. Like she has been doing this season, Harmanpreet started off swiftly – she reversed Mishra through short third with the back of her bat and then attacked Meghna Singh in the only over she bowled. MI’s run rate hovered in the early sevens and she, in the company of Sciver-Brunt, ensured it never dipped. They added 59 off 40 before Gardner broke through.The reverse sweep from Harmanpreet Kaur… from the back of the bat•BCCI
That brought Amanjot to the crease at No. 5 for only the second time in the WPL. She drove Dottin through the covers and then meted out special treatment to Gautam, with whom she has trained with for over a decade now, hitting her for a sequence of 4, 4, 6 to help MI take 15 off the 17th over. Gautam did have the last laugh by having Amanjot caught at long-on for a 15-ball 27 to end the 19-ball 33-run stand. Harmanpreet then completed her half-century off just 31 balls as MI scored 55 off the last four overs, the exact equation GG needed in the chase.
Early strikes cost Giants
Having benched the misfiring Hemalatha, GG opted to use Gautam as the opener alongside Beth Mooney, who popped a catch to cover on the first ball of Matthews’ spell. While Gautam does possess the ability to hit big shots down the order, she was like a deer caught in headlights against the high-pace and swing of Ismail. Gautam was on 9 off 12 balls with nine dots at the end of the fifth over when GG were 34 for 1. She just managed to get away from a 120kph short ball Ismail hurled at her. Gautam fell in the last over of the powerplay, stumped off Sanskriti Gupta’s offspin.Two balls later, Ismail had Gardner caught low at slip for a two-ball duck, that was a body blow for GG. While Harleen Deol hit five fours against spin – three of them in successive balls off Matthews – she missed a googly from Kerr to be trapped lbw. GG could have lost steam and finished much lower than what they did, if not for Fulmali.
Football has changed beyond recognition compared to what the game was in the 20th century.
Back then it was all working class fans in basic terraced stadiums but now the beautiful game no longer has a working class feel to it and stadiums, most of them anyway, are glamorous structures with world class facilities and which are no longer affordable to the working class man or woman.
Credit: Betway
Some will claim the game has gone and it’s no longer what it used to be, and they’d have a point, but it’s always nice looking back at what it used to be like, particularly the stadiums.
So much emphasis is placed on the importance of a good stadium with good atmosphere, and the following stadiums are Britains most sought after grounds – but most of them are are completely unrecognisable now.
These stadiums have so much history – which one is your favourite?
EWOOD PARK, BLACKBURN ROVERS
Credit: Betway
Blackburn’s Ewood Park opened in 1882 and recorded it’s highest ever attendance of 62,522 way back in March 1929.
That was when all-terraced stadiums allowed more in to stadiums than the original capacity. Now, Ewood Park has a maximum capacity of over 31,154.
IBROX, RANGERS
One of the most famous stadiums in British footballing history, Rangers’ Ibrox Stadium opened in 1899. It was initially oval shaped and was mostly made from wooden scaffold terraces – and its original capacity stood at around 75,000.
Now, Ibrox has a maximum capacity of 51.082.
ST ANDREW’S, BIRMINGHAM CITY
Credit: Betway
St. Andrew’s officially opened in 1906 and had an estimated capacity of 75,000.
Today, though, Birmingham City’s maximum home capacity stands at 30,009.
ELLAND ROAD, LEEDS UNITED
Credit: Betway
A truly historic stadium in British footballing history, Elland Road officially opened it’s turnstiles in 1897 but back then it was only used for rugby matches. Leeds United moved in permanently in 1904 and the rest is history.
It’s one of the biggest stadiums currently not hosting top-flight football, with a maximum capacity of 39,460.
VILLA PARK, ASTON VILLA
Another one 0f the biggest stadiums currently outside of the Premier League, Aston Villa’s historic Villa Park became the club’s official home in 1897.
Back then, when it was originally bowl shaped, it’s capacity was around 40,000 but today it holds a maximum of 42,785.
CRAVEN COTTAGE, FULHAM
Credit: Betway
Arguably one of the only stadiums left in the country that still has the classic look and feel of an old fashioned stadium, Fulham’s Craven Cottage opened way back in 1896.
Despite it’s record attendance standing at just under 50,000, Craven Cottage now offers a maximum capacity of 25,700.
CELTIC PARK, CELTIC
Credit: Betway
Scotland’s most famous stadiums and one of the most iconic in European football alone, Celtic’s home has been standing since 1892.
It was the first stadium in the world to have a two-tierd stand in 1898, which increased its capacity to 50,000. Now, Celtic has a maximum capacity of 60,500.
DEAN COURT, AFC BOURNEMOUTH
Credit: Betway
Dean Court is currently the smallest ground in the Premier League, but Bournemouth’s home originally opened its turnstiles in 1911.
The club’s maximum attendance stands at 28,799, which was recorded in 1957 when Manchester United came to the South Coast for an FA Cup clash.
Dean Court’s maximum capacity currently stands at 11,464.
SELHURST PARK, CRYSTAL PALACE
Credit: Betway
Selhurst Park opened in 1924 and has been Crystal Palace’s home ever since. It has also been the temporary home of Charlton Athletic and Wimbledon.
Now the ground holds 26,255 but in 2017 Palace revealed plans to build a new main stand which will increase the capacity to 34,000 seats.
MOLINEUX, WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS
Credit: Betway
Back in the Premier League this season, Molineux first opened in 1889 and was the site of the first ever league game played in English football history on 7 September 1889 when Wolves beat Notts County 2-0.
The ground now holds 31,700 but it could be a lot bigger – plans to increase the capacity to 38,000 were shelved in 2012 due to limited funds.
Manchester United’s season has turned round for the best it would be safe to say since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took the reins from Jose Mourinho.
Firmly in contention to seal a Champions League place and playing some free flowing attacking football which the United fans have craved since the Sir Alex Ferguson days, things are certainly on the up for the Red Devils.
However, there remains a notion around the club that they are failing to attract the top stars in world football when it comes to the transfer market, and we here in the Tavern feel as if one or two big name signings this summer could well put that to bed.
And we think they don’t need to look too far away from home to make a statement, with a summer move for Spurs and England man Dele Alli very much something we feel the club should be considering if they want to strengthen properly.
While Alli is happy at Spurs and is something of a hero to the London club’s fans, he is yet to win anything with Pochettino’s men, and when a club like United come knocking, it can be very hard to turn down.
Alli possesses natural talent in abundance, and his form for Spurs since making himself a permanent fixture in the team has been nothing short of brilliant.
A move to United would give him the platform to prove himself at one of the world’s genuine giant clubs, and would give United that marquee player they have been craving this season.
United fans, what do you think? Would Alli make a good addition? Let us know in the comments!
Wolves fans have taken to Twitter to heap praise on Joao Moutinho’s performance against Bristol City in the FA Cup fifth round.
The Portuguese international bossed the midfield at Molineux on Sunday afternoon, as Nuno Espirito Santo’s men recorded a 1-0 win to progress into the quarter-finals, although it was not without its nervy moments, including a last minute scramble in the box involving Robins ‘keeper Frank Fielding.
Nonetheless, last season’s Championship winners are now well on their way to a seventh-place finish in the Premier League, and have a quarter-final tie to look forward to in what has been a phenomenal season so far.
It was a frantic affair against Bristol City, but Moutinho’s composure and ability in the middle of the park helped calm things down and allow Wolves to see the game out.
As a result, the club’s supporters on Twitter wasted no time in praising the former Monaco midfielder for his classy display…
IMO the best we’ve seen in the gold and black since the late great Peter Broadbent. A sublime player.
Leeds United have managed to rediscover some form after their disappointing loss against Norwich City, having taken four points from their last two Championship fixtures.
The Whites have been completely redefined under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa after a rather disappointing campaign last time round, with promotion to the Premier League being the main aim from here on in.
Interestingly, the Yorkshire club have been linked with a couple of wingers in recent times, as the Whites are believed to still be very interested in signing Daniel James and Leeds reportedly (as per Daily Record) had scouts watching Motherwell youngster Jake Hastie against St Mirren.
Indeed, James has been impressive at Swansea City in the current campaign, with three goals and five assists to his name at this moment in time, while Hastie has made a name for himself in the Scottish Premiership in recent times, having produced four goals and one assist in eight appearances.
However, Leeds should forget about the promising pair and set their sights on a man who was linked (as per Sky Sports reporter Tim Thornton) with a move to Elland Road back in the January transfer window, Callum O’Dowda.
And, the winger may leave Ashton Gate in the summer as it’s understood (as per Bristol Post) that there’s little prospect currently of O’Dowda signing a long-term contract renewal before the end of the season.
The Republic of Ireland international star has established himself as one of the brightest sparks in English football in the current campaign, having produced an impressive four goals and five assists. He hasn’t managed to produce an incredible amount of contributions, but it’s what he does in the build-up to goals that makes him a special player with the ability to get into promising positions and start attacks from deep.
Marcelo Bielsa encourages his wingers to get forward and attack the opposition’s defenders, which is exactly what O’Dowda thrives at and he even managed to cause Wolves lots of problems in the FA Cup recently, so it’s clear to see that he has the ability to cause Premier League teams problems, with the potential to develop into a star too.
Newcastle should target a new forward when the transfer window opens in the summer.
The Magpies were desperate to land a new striker last summer and Rafael Benitez eventually signed Salomon Rondon from West Brom on loan. The Venezuela international enjoyed a good spell of form following a bumpy start to life at St. James Park. Regardless of whether his loan move becomes permanent, Benitez should look to add further attacking reinforcements.
Dwight Gayle has performed admirably in the Championship for West Brom but the Englishman has struggled to replicate his form in the higher division. With Joselu also flattering to deceive, landing a top forward should be a priority if Newcastle are to challenge at the right end of the table.
One man Benitez could target is Hoffenheim star – Joelinton. Valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, the 22-year-old has cemented his position as a key player for the German side following a loan spell at Rapid Vienna. The Brazilian has been ever-present for his team, making 28 appearances in all competitions.
The powerful forward has been lethal in front of goal, netting ten goals in all competitions – including one goal in the Champions League. As well as his goalscoring exploits, Joelinton has been a creative force in the Bundesliga, registering an impressive six assists for his team-mates. With immense physical strength, the youngster would have no issues dealing with the physicality of the Premier League and leading the line at St. James Park.
German outlet Sport 1 claimed a few days ago that a huge £52m deal to take him to Tyneside was in the offing and, while that may be a somewhat dubious report, it’s easy to see why the Toon would reportedly be keen on a move.
Still developing and improving – Joelinton could thrive under Benitez’s management on Tyneside. Linking up with record signing Miguel Almiron in the attack could be devastating for their Premier League rivals.
Ademola Lookman is probably wondering what more he needs to do to break into the Everton side.
Following a bright loan spell at German club RB Leipzig, where he scored five goals in eleven appearances last season, he must have grown in frustration with each passing month at the Everton bench.
Marco Silva identified his talent enough to retain his services this season but has been unwilling to give him the chances to break through the ranks. Lookman has only made fifteen appearances for the Toffees, only three starts out of those. However, whenever he’s on the pitch, he lights up Everton’s attack with his sizzling movement and creativity.
Lookman’s delivered two assists this season and is only three goals short of matching Theo Walcott, who’s retained a regular place despite disappointing time and again. Lookman’s among the brightest young talents emerging in England and deserves to start ahead of the ageing Walcott.
Unlike Walcott, Lookman’s more confident in troubling defenders with his trickery. He’s averaged at 1.5 dribbles per game for the Merseyside outfit (stats via WhoScored), adding acceleration and skill to their attack with his frantic movement. With Marco Silva’s reign yet to wholly convince, he needs to take a leap of faith on Lookman.
The Merseyside derby is next after a bright win at Cardiff. Bringing Lookman in to rattle Liverpool’s defence with his unpredictability is the best way for Silva to win over supporters and reinstill confidence in the youngster to find back his best form at Everton.
Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino claims he is “shocked” by the two-game ban he has been issued with by the FA, per Football.London.
The Spurs manager has been punished for his part in an altercation with referee Mike Dean after the club lost 2-1 to Burnley at Turf Moor earlier this month.
What’s the word?
Pochettino confronted Dean after a game that saw Spurs’ title bid completely derailed.
It is unclear what was said between the two to provoke such a reaction from the Argentine, but the FA have confirmed that he has been sanctioned, and will subsequently be forced to sit in the stands for the upcoming Premier League games against Southampton and Liverpool.
Thr 47-year-old has expressed his disbelief at the severity of his punishment, insisting that it is “unfair”.
According to Football.London, he said: “I am a little bit in shock because I think it is completely unfair, but what can I do now? Nothing.”
He added, when pressed on the possibility of an appeal against the ban: “We are waiting since Wednesday for a letter from the FA but it’s still not arrived. I am so curious to see why they decided to do what they do.
“Two game ban for me is completely unfair and I want to see why and then talk a little bit more. You know, it’s my seventh season in England and you can see my behaviour from day one, talking in public and in private of course I was a coach, a manager, a person, who wanted to help, the Premier League, the FA, someone who tried to emphasise, understand and behave in my best to try to help the referees and football and always to try to improve our game.
“It is my first time here that I’m maybe not completely right in my behaviour but I feel this is too much. I feel a little bit sad and disappointed with the punishment.
“I need to wait and see what they put in the letter and the reasons to ban me for two games. It’s unbelievable no?”
Appeal likely and justified
Pochettino has been a model of consistency since his arrival in England.
This is the first time that he has ever reacted in such a manner against an official and it will surely be the last after such a hefty suspension.
The FA, as he has said, are yet to reveal their reasons for the ban but it is clear that Pochettino believes he has been made an example of.
An appeal could be seen as frivolous by the powers-that-be but the Spurs boss clearly feels strongly enough that it may well be successful.
That could see him in the dugout against Liverpool in a game that could have a major impact on the Premier League title race.
Pochettino did deserve to be punished and behaved in a manner that was unbecoming, but the level of the punishment is over-the-top. Justice would see him take his place on the bench at Anfield.
Celtic’s transfer policy in recent times has largely focused around the signing of talented young players, with the likes of Oliver Burke, Daniel Arzani, Timothy Weah and Odsonne Edouard all arriving at the club in the formative stages of their respective careers.
All four of those players were initially signed on loan deals, but a break in the trend could be looming on the horizon.
Indeed, 16-year-old Karamoko Dembele isn’t ready for promotion into the first-team just yet, but he has already showcased a level of promise which hints at a strong future within the senior setup.
The player has already stated that his “goal is to play for the first team”, and that’s exactly what a selection of fans want to see following his recent performance for the reserve side.
Dembele scored a late winner against Hearts on Monday with a well executed free-kick, prompting fans on Twitter to heap praise on their exciting academy talent.
Calls for him to be promoted into the first-team are verging on the premature side, but the fact he has previously been pictured in training with the senior squad suggests the Scotland youth international is being prepared for a big future, even if it would go against the grain of Celtic’s recent transfer history.
Here’s what the Bhoys had to say about Dembele after scoring the winning goal earlier this week: