All posts by h716a5.icu

The Golden Generation crumbles. Belgium are out of the World Cup following a 0-0 draw with Croatia, who advance from second place in Group F.

In a chaotic week involving reported rifts within the squad and just about all the eyes of the footballing world on them, Belgium's performance was chaotic in all the wrong ways.

Roberto Martinez's side crashed out of Qatar 2022 having failed to make it out of the group stages following a lifeless draw with Croatia.

And while ahead of kick-off a draw was good enough to advance, they almost fell behind inside the first minute thanks to a swift kick-off routine involving Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic. In part, that told the story of the game; Croatia weren't sharp enough, but Belgium were even worse, and never looked like actually sustaining a consistent threat.

The tempo upped somewhat after the break, but considering Morocco were ahead against Canada, it wasn't anywhere near good enough. Romelu Lukaku coming off the bench to miss as many as four glorious opportunities – the first two of which were open nets – painted a dismal picture of Belgium's reality. With each one squandered, elimination looked more and more inevitable.

Eden Hazard being given a handful of minutes in the dying embers was truly the last roll of the dice, but was of course not enough to get the Red Devils – currently second in FIFA's world rankings – over the line and into the World Cup knockout stages.

GOALruns through the winners, losers, and player ratings on an admittedly dark hour in Belgium's football history.

Getty ImagesThe Winners

Morocco:

While Croatia and Belgium played out to a bore draw, Morocco pounced on a fragile Canada and stole a march atop of Group F for their efforts.

With all the eyes on Martinez's men and whether they would finally kick into gear, the pressure was still on Morocco, who were coming up against a side who have proven they can hurt their opponents despite already having been eliminated.

But Morocco weren't shaken by the task or the occasion and fired in an early goal, setting up their stall well and building a platform to work on. Indeed, they added a second and held on four a 2-1 win, securing first place in the group in the process.

Thibaut Courtois:

He's really good, isn't he?

With Belgium's ageing back line not quite as watertight as it once was, and his side chasing the game in search of victory, Thibaut Courtois went from scratching his head for 45 minutes to suddenly needing to keep Belgium in the game.

He produced a stunning trio of saves early in the second half, making them all look far more routine then they actually would've been, to keep the scores level and never looked flustered.

On another poor night for the Red Devils, the Real Madrid stopper can hold his head high.

Pep Guardiola:

The Manchester City boss would've been sat underneath his widescreen TV licking his lips.

Not because he's a particularly big fan of Croatian football, but because his prized asset Kevin De Bruyne is heading home at the earliest convenience.

We're certain he's already thinking about how he'll greet him at the training ground. Throw an arm around him, join in with the belittling of the Belgium squad and fuel him with vengeance in time for the return of Premier League football on Boxing Day.

By the time the domestic season restarts, De Bruyne should be close to full fitness, raring to go once again. That's dangerous.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers

VAR:

It's a conversation that we all have, every single week, but it needs to happen. VAR was at it again.

Whether or not the penalty awarded to Croatia in the 15th minute was soft or not, there's a more important question to be asked – why is the referee being sent over to the monitor to check for offside?

Not only that, but Anthony Taylor was only sent over there after Luka Modric had already got himself ready to take the spot kick. It's endlessly confusing and becomes more frustrating with every questionable decision.

Streamline the technology or scrap it altogether.

Belgium's 'Golden Generation':

Sometimes you have to say goodbye to those you love the most, even if it seems an absurd decision.

Belgium moving on from their 'Golden Generation', though, becomes less absurd and more necessary every time you watch them. In what was a laboured game all round, it was the old guard who stood out for all the wrong reasons.

Dries Mertens was hooked at half-time, De Bruyne looked lost without the help of others in midfield, Eden Hazard didn't even get a chance from the start, and the less said about the back line, the better.

In order for Belgium to move forward, they need to sweep this golden generation discourse under the carpet, put it to the back of their minds and start afresh with the younger talent within the squad, because it's absolutely there.

Romelu Lukaku:

The whole world is routing for you, Rom. They really are. But as time goes on, it gets harder and harder to believe that you're the top-level striker you think you are.

Let's get the excuse out of the way first; the 29-year-old has been injured for the bulk of the season and is obviously not match sharp.

Having said that, it's hard to blame match sharpness on him missing glorious chances to score. Four, Romelu. ? Unfortunately, though, it's not a new thing to see Lukaku lack a clinical edge in front of goal, certainly in moments where it matters and the opposition is tough. And when he missed the first two, you just knew he wasn't going to make the net bulge.

Simply put, Belgium needed a hero. These are the moments you live and die by. Unfortunately for him, Belgium's World Cup campaign received a final nail in its coffin as a result of him missing an open net – twice – and then spurning yet more presentable opportunities.

Getty ImagesBelgium player ratings: Defence

Thibaut Courtois (7/10):

Did well to bat away an effort from Mateo Kovacic early on in the second half and was down low shortly after to stop an effort from Marcelo Brozovic. After an untroubled first half, the towering stopper showed his class in the second.

Leander Dendoncker (7/10):

Key in keeping Ivan Perisic quiet when he tried to burst inside. Played in a brilliant, low cross from the touchline back to the penalty spot for Mertens in the first half which deserved an assist.

Toby Alderweireld (6/10):

Seemed to have Croatia troubled with his long-range passes whenever he used them. Ought to have tried the long ball more often.

Jan Vertonghen (6/10):

No calamities, but wasn't able to speed up the game or press high up the pitch and make it more difficult for Croatia to play.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesMidfield

Thomas Meunier (4/10):

Offered nothing in terms of attacking thrust. Helped out his defenders, but needed to do more than that on a night where Belgium needed a win. Really underwhelming.

Kevin De Bruyne (6/10):

Had to spend too much time in a defensive setting helping out his colleagues, which rendered him rather useless for the most part unless Belgium had the chance for a quick counter-attack. Needed an extra body in midfield to free up the magician.

Axel Witsel (5/10):

Did his job out of possession competently, but needed to offer more in terms of getting on the ball and ensuring Belgium stayed in control.

Timothy Castagne (3/10):

A similar story to Meunier, but perhaps more disappointing considering we know what Castagne is capable of in an attacking sense.

Gazi Group Cricketers offspinner Mustafizur Rahman has been reported for a suspect action again

Mohammad Isam29-Apr-2016Gazi Group Cricketers offspinner Mustafizur Rahman has been reported for a suspect action a second time in consecutive matches. The umpires made the call during his team’s match against Legends of Rupganj in the Dhaka Premier League on Thursday.Mohammedan Sporting Club left-arm spinners Naeem Islam jnr and Faisal Hossain were also reported for suspect actions during their match against Victoria Sporting Club.There have been seven bowlers reported for suspect actions so far, and the DPL is only in its second round. With the Bangladesh Cricket Board yet to establish a bowling action review committee, all of them can continue playing in the tournament.Mustafizur was one of four bowlers who had been reported a week ago, on the opening day of the league. Faisal had been reported in the 2006-07 season following which he was kept under observation and allowed to bowl in 2007-08.

Having been spun out in their opening match, India are under pressure to hit back and immediately lift their World T20 campaign when they face Pakistan in Kolkata on Saturday

The Preview by Deivarayan Muthu18-Mar-2016Match factsSaturday, March 19, 2016
Start time 1930 local (1400 GMT)Big pictureThe build-up to the India-Pakistan clash began once Dharamsala was named as the venue on December 11 last year. Political tensions and security concerns in the weeks preceding the World Twenty20, however, left the administrators and fans in a limbo: ‘Will they, won’t they?’On March 9, a day after the start of the tournament, the impasse was finally over and the match was tipped over from Dharamsala to Kolkata. On the eve of the game in Kolkata, R Ashwin revisited clichés and told a horde of reporters that the India-Pakistan rivalry was “probably bigger than the Ashes”.India and Pakistan had provided a precursor during the Asia Cup last month when Mohammad Amir’s fire was countered by Virat Kohli’s ice. India grooved to the Asia Cup title; Pakistan suffered a pre-mature exit and were in chaos, with some barbs even directed at captain Shahid Afridi.Both sides have played just a match in the World T20 so far, but have had vastly different results. The pressure is now on India who had custard pie smashed on their faces by the largely unheralded spin trio of Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, and Nathan McCullum. Currently placed fourth in a group of five, India need to win, or they will have to rely on other results going their way. Things seem to be falling in place for Pakistan at the right moment: the top order delivered on Wednesday against Bangladesh, as did Afridi. Once-upon-a-time finisher, Shoaib Malik is back to slip in to a similar role, and can also bind the innings if there is a (familiar) implosion.The Kolkata pitch has been on the sluggish side, but Pakistan’s penchant for pace is their way of life. India’s middle order, which has been shielded by Kohli’s imperious form, was brutally exposed by New Zealand, and Dhoni conceded the batsmen lacked adaptability. Can the middle order produce a better riposte if Kohli’s bubble is burst again?Form guide(last five completed matches)
India LWWWW
Pakistan WWLWLWatch out forYuvraj Singh had spent 144 minutes in the middle with the bat on considerably green pitches in the Asia Cup in Bangladesh. Three Saturdays earlier, he had to deal with the high-speed bustle of Amir and Mohammad Irfan. Yuvraj will have to contend with it again, and the stakes will be higher this time.Before the tournament, Rohit Sharma had played down the Amir threat, calling the quick a “normal bowler”. In January, Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said: ” I still feel Amir is not at his best… he’s getting there.” He got there, or nearly got there with seven wickets at 11.57 in the Asia Cup. Slow pitch or not, normal or extraordinary, Amir will be Pakistan’s . Rohit v Amir will perhaps set the match up.Team newsMS Dhoni fiddles with the XI only once in a blue moon. Ashwin remained coy on Pawan Negi’s inclusion in a high-pressure game against Pakistan. Ajinkya Rahane is available as a middle-order option, but India are likely to stick to the same XI unless Mohammed Shami comes in for Ashish Nehra.India (probable) 1 Shikhar Dhawan 2 Rohit Sharma 3 Virat Kohli 4 Suresh Raina 5 Yuvraj Singh 6 Hardik Pandya 7 MS Dhoni (capt &wk), 8 Ravindra Jadeja 9 R Ashwin 10 Ashish Nehra 11 Jasprit BumrahWith the team finding some rhythm and opening its campaign with a big win, Pakistan may not disturb their combination either.Pakistan (probable) 1 Sharjeel Khan 2 Ahmed Shehzad 3 Mohammad Hafeez, 4 Umar Akmal 5 Shoaib Malik 6 Shahid Afridi(capt) 7 Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk) 8 Imad Wasim 9 Wahab Riaz 10 Mohammad Amir 11 Mohammad IrfanPitch and conditionsThe Kolkata track for the Afghanistan-Sri Lanka match offered the spinners grip and slow turn. The quick fizzers and googlies from Rashid Khan, a legspinner in the mould of Afridi, also skidded on and tied down the opposition. A similar pitch is in the offing and the weather is expected to be fine for the duration of the game.Stats and triviaThe last time Pakistan played a T20 international in India, in 2012, Yuvraj clattered 72 off 36 balls. Afridi needs two wickets to surpass Lasith Malinga as the overall leading wicket-taker in the World T20. India have played Pakistan 10 times in the 50-over World Cup and the World T20, and have won nine matches. The Durban T20 in 2007 was tied, after which India prevailed in the bowl-out.Quotes”We felt [the Kolkata crowd’s backing] in the last game. Probably after the statement of Afridi – which was brought into controversy and brought into newspapers and all over – we felt that we were very welcome, the crowd was really behind us against Bangladesh. I know it is not going to be behind us against India, but yes that is the positive we are going to take and we are going to try to play the best cricket.”

Peter Moores, England’s former head coach, has joined Nottinghamshire as a coaching consultant until the end of the season

David Hopps30-Jun-2015Peter Moores, England’s former head coach, has been brought in by Nottinghamshire as a coaching consultant until the end of the season. Moores, who was sacked by England last month, has joined the backroom staff at Trent Bridge on a three-month contract.Moores recently spoke of his desire to return to coaching in an interview with ESPNcricinfo, saying that the hunger was “just starting to come back”.The move reunites him with Mick Newell, Nottinghamshire’s director of cricket, who was made an England selector under Moores. Nottinghamshire have struggled in the Championship so far this season, having won only one match and starting the latest round of matches at the bottom of the table.”We need to improve our four-day performances quickly and Peter, with his vast experience and proven reputation as a coach, can help us do that,” Newell said.”Having such a knowledgeable and respected individual on our doorstep, who is available for the rest of the season, is a fantastic opportunity for us to take. Peter is an excellent one-to-one coach, who will bring fresh ideas and can work with players to improve their form. It also offers our existing coaching team the opportunity to learn from him.”Newell told Nottinghamshire’s players of the decision to appoint Moores after the second day of their Championship match against Worcestershire at Trent Bridge. The decision first took shape for Newell during a comprehensive defeat last week against Yorkshire at Headingley which perhaps for the first time made the threat of relegation a real one.”I’ve been doing this job for 13 years now,” Newell said. “I felt there was a need for fresh ideas and voices in the dressing room. A lot of those players have had to listen to me for a long time. You start to wonder if you’re having a positive influence on the team.”We felt it was a good time to shake it up and bring someone new in. He’s a bloke who lives 20 minutes away and is a very high quality coach. It seemed a no-brainer.”We’ve known each other through the county circuit but we got to know each other well with England. I got more of an insight into him in that time. Building teams and working with players excites him as a coach.”He can come here with no shackles and do what he likes doing. This team is looking for something and we hope it’s the start of something to boost us.”It would be natural to wonder whether if Moores is successful in turning around Nottinghamshire’s season it might be the start of Newell taken a less hands-on role at Trent Bridge. If that conversation ever takes place, it would be a conversation for the end of the season. Newell is honest enough to understand that the future cannot be predicted with certainty, but he certainly will not be stepping back in the months ahead.”I’ll be on the field still and I’m very much in the dressing room,” Newell said. “I’m very much responsible for the selection of the team. Peter doesn’t want anything to do with that. I might not do quite as many throwdowns.”Moores was removed as England coach for the second time in May, after a year in the job. He has previously had great success in the Championship, winning titles with Sussex and Lancashire, as well as coaching at the ECB’s academy in Loughborough. His son, Tom, is currently on the books at Nottinghamshire.”I feel very excited about the opportunity to work as a consultant coach at a club as prestigious as Notts,” Moores said. “My role will be to support Mick and the rest of the coaches and to be there to help the players in whatever way possible.”I’m looking forward to adding something to the group during the business end of the season. Trent Bridge is a great place. I look at it as being one of the great cricket grounds in England and, living only 20 minutes down the road, I know the significance cricket has in the area. “It will be really interesting getting up close with some of the lads, watching them play, seeing where they are at and helping them maximise their talent, because there are some very talented players there.”The job is to help people play some good cricket, working alongside the players and the coaches to help Nottinghamshire win games. League positions look after themselves if you’re playing well.”

Reigning La Liga goalkeeper of the year Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to return ahead of schedule for an injury-riddled Barcelona.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

German No.1 underwent back surgery in NovemberInitially expected to return in FebruaryReports suggest that he could be back by end of monthWHAT HAPPENED?

Ter Stegen was supposed to be a long-term absentee for the Blaugrana, facing over two months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery to fix an ongoing back issue. But the goalie has made progress in his return, and according to Spanish publication , he could be back before the end of the month.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ter Stegen was facing a race against time to feature in Barca's round of 16 clash with Napoli in the Champions League. The first leg, set for February 21, was reportedly a rough target date, but it appears he will be back in the side well before that fixture.

(C)Getty ImagesWHAT XAVI SAID

The Barca boss has consistently shown faith in his side's depth to deal with the loss of his star goalie, and rubbished claims that the Blaugrana will dip into the market for depth at the position: "We have confidence in our players and Inaki Pena has been playing at a very high level."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Barca's attention now turns to the Spanish Super Cup, where they will take on Osasuna. A win would see the Blaugrana face one of Atletico Madrid or Real Madrid in the final, with a chance to defend their crown.

Kusal Perera and Nisala Tharaka made half-centuries to help Sri Lanka A recover from 100 for 6 against Pakistan A on the first day of the third and final unofficial Test in Dambulla

ESPNcricinfo staff20-May-2015
ScorecardKusal Perera and Nisala Tharaka made half-centuries to help Sri Lanka A recover from 100 for 6 against Pakistan A on the first day of the third and final unofficial Test in Dambulla. The pair put on 124 for the seventh wicket as the hosts were eventually bowled out for 273 in 74 overs.The Pakistan A new-ball bowlers Tabish Khan and Mir Hamza removed the Sri Lanka A openers cheaply after the visitors decided to bowl. There was a third-wicket partnership of 55 between Madawa Warnapura and Kithuruwan Vithanage (48) but Shehzad Azam and captain Fawad Alam struck twice each to reduce Sri Lanka A to 100 for 6.Perera countered with 12 fours and two sixes in his 90 off 101 balls, while Tharaka contributed 76 with 11 fours and two sixes. Tabish broke the partnership with the wicket of Perera, but Tharaka hung around to stretch the score of 273. Alam took the last two wickets to end with 4 for 40 while Azam took 3 for 54.The Pakistan A openers Khurram Manzoor and Shan Masood put on 20 in 14 overs till stumps.The first two unofficial Tests were drawn.

Inter Miami and Argentina star Lionel Messi was spotted working hard in the gym during the MLS offseason Monday morning.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Messi spotted in the gymInter Miami in offseason modeMLS cup six days awayWHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentine international was seen doing pull-ups in the gym Monday morning, after a clip of him surfaced on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. The Inter Miami star is in offseason mode with the Herons right now, and his national team is done for the calendar year as well, so December is a month for relaxation and recovery for the 36-year-old.

AdvertisementWATCH THE CLIPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

After the 2023 MLS season, that saw Messi and the Herons claim the inaugural Leagues Cup, you'd think he'd be pictured on a beach somewhere enjoying some time away from the game. Not the case for the Argentine, though, as his offseason truly doesn't exist! He's been pictured in the gym or on the training pitch since returning from international duty with Argentina in November, and it appears that won't change anytime soon.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI & MLS?

The Herons return to the pitch on January 19 in a friendly against the El Salvador national team to get their 2024 preseason underway. Until then, it's planning ahead for the campaign. For MLS, it's nearing the end now – finally – as MLS Cup sits six days away. The Columbus Crew are set to host LAFC for the crown on Saturday, December 9.

As the Spanish top flight enters its winter break, we look back at the players who have shined throughout this first half of the campaign

Getty1GK: Jan Oblak

Usually so formidable at the back, rotten luck with injuries has seen Atletico Madrid look uncharacteristically vulnerable when out of possession.

Luckily for Diego Simeone's men, they can still count on Oblak, who continues to be near-unbeatable between the posts even without the likes of Diego Godin and Jose Gimenez screening him.

The Slovenian boasts the meanest defensive record in La Liga, keeping eight clean sheets to date and conceding a mere 12 goals.

AdvertisementGetty Images2RB: Dani Carvajal

Statistics can be misleading, but Dani Carvajal's importance to Real Madrid is underlined by their woeful record without him.

The right-back has struggled with injury in the 2018-19 season, playing nine of the Merengue's opening 16 Liga games and starting just eight. 

Incredibly, Madrid have not lost any of the games Carvajal has started, while suffering defeat in five of the other eight (including the 3-0 reverse at the hands of Eibar, which saw Carvajal enter as a late substitute.)

Even while seeing his playing time restricted, Dani continues to show he is a cut above the rest.

Getty3CB: Gerard Pique

While there have been a few jitters, particularly during the early stages of the season, Gerard Pique has been Barcelona's defensive rock.

The centre-back has seen a host of players line up alongside him as Barca have suffered badly with injuries.

Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelen have missed most of the campaign, leaving newcomer Clement Lenglet to receive a baptism of fire at Camp Nou.

Despite those difficulties and instability, Pique has been an ocean of calm. He has also popped up with three goals in La Liga to help the leaders' cause.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images4CB: Marc Bartra

Betis have been one of the revelations of the Liga season so far, combining flashes of exhilarating football with a sturdy base at the back. Marc Bartra, who arrived in Andalusia at the start of 2018, is the cornerstone of that defensive effort.

The former Barcelona and Dortmund centre-half has been ever-present so far in the 2018-19 campaign, marshalling a backline that ranks among Spain's tightest.

Bartra has endured a difficult professional career marked with setbacks – not least the injuries sustained in Dortmund's horrific bombing attack – but, at 27, he is performing at the peak of his powers.

A well-rounded Kolkata Knight Riders have very little to worry with Sunil Narine back in their ranks, while Mumbai Indians’ ability to work as a team will be in focus

The Preview by Alagappan Muthu07-Apr-2015Match factsWednesday, April 8, 2015
Start time 2000 local (1430 GMT)3:38

Agarkar: Narine, Pollard will want to prove a point

Big PictureDefending champions v former champions makes for good billing. Being the season opener entices its share of audience. A dash of chequered recent history and both Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians have points to prove.A 14-match winning streak for Gautam Gambhir’s men screeched to a halt in the Champions League T20 final. Sunil Narine’s absence – he was suspended for an illegal action – coloured an eight-wicket defeat to Chennai Super Kings. There had been doubts over his participation as late as last Sunday, but the BCCI sub-committee for suspect actions is satisfied with the changes. “It has never been our strategy to have a back-up for Sunil, because there can’t be a back-up for him,” Gambhir said.Now though they don’t have to worry about plan B. They have most of their A-team to call on, barring the injuries to James Neesham and Chris Lynn. Robin Uthappa was the top-scorer in the Ranji season. Morne Morkel was one of the bowlers of the tournament at the World Cup. Ryan ten Doeschate and Andre Russell have excellent pedigree as T20 finishers. They retain Shakib Al Hasan’s services for the first couple of matches. Options aplenty.Options that should worry Mumbai. Last we saw them, they became the first IPL team to fail the qualifying round into the Champions League T20. But there were extenuating circumstances: Rohit Sharma, their captain, was injured and left their team combination a mess. His presence at the helm, along with Ricky Ponting as coach, and the Lasith Malinga-led bowling raises expectation. Kieron Pollard will have his own spotlight, as well. Since his time away from the West Indies team, he’s written two columns for Al Jazeera and played only twice as many games of competitive cricket. Not the best ratio for an active cricketer. So the biggest question Mumbai will face is if the various cogs fit together smoothly.Form guideKolkata Knight Riders LWWWW
Mumbai Indians LWLLWWatch out for…Since the acquisition of Sunil Narine, the Knight Riders’ spinners boast the best average (20.86), economy rate (6.5) and strike-rate (19.2) in the IPL. A T20 captain’s dream, they rip through the overs, leaving batsmen in a daze and the scoreboard stagnant. A “fresh pitch,” according to Gambhir and evening rains in the lead-up to the opening match can limit the amount of purchase available.So how can Mumbai combat the spin strangle? That vast thinktank would look to Rohit Sharma to provide an answer. He is arguably their most versatile player and his ability to soak pressure and beat it was on show when he struck a century against Bangladesh in the World Cup quarter-final. He does it with greater frequency in IPL as he showed in the 2013 season when he took over captaincy and won Mumbai their only IPL title.Stats and trivia Mumbai have won 10 out of 14 matches between the two sides so far. Although Knight Riders have come out top in their last two encounters. Knight Riders have never held the purple cap, although they do have a player in the squad who had won it for a different team – Morne Morkel for Delhi Daredevils in 2012 Quotes”I have always maintained that even if he [Sunil Narine] bowls a straight ball, it is always going to be an advantage – that’s the kind of aura and that’s the kind of threat he has had on the opposition throughout the last three years”
“We have had very good memories of Kolkata. We won the championship there. We understand the conditions there very well. Am sure the guys can exploit the conditions well.”

A round-up of the Haier Cup National T20 games played on September 24, 2014

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Sep-2014Group CPeshawar Panthers won their third game in a row, swatting aside AJK Jaguars by nine wickets in Karachi. It was Jaguars’ third defeat in three matches.Things began well for Jaguars, as their openers Raheel Majeed and Imran Arif put on a brisk 51 for the first wicket. Things then went alarming downhill as they lost all ten wickets for 30 runs, left-arm spinner Zohaib Khan causing much of the mayhem with a triple-wicket over that carved up Jaguars’ middle order. Barring the openers, only one batsman, No. 9 Iqbal Akram, made it past 5, and even he didn’t reach double figures, ending on 8*.Panthers had little trouble during the chase, with their openers Rafatullah Mohmand and Israrullah clobbering 77 in seven overs. Mohmand was caught and bowled for 46, with victory only five runs away, before the win was wrapped up in the ninth over, giving Panthers’ net run-rate a big boost.A 53-ball 72 from opener Ali Waqas steered Faisalabad Wolves to a six-wicket win over Lahore Eagles. Chasing 146, Waqas added key stands with opener Farrukh Shehzad and captain Misbah-ul-Haq, before being dismissed with the side on the brink of a win. His innings enabled Wolves to win their second straight game, while Eagles suffered their second straight loss.The Wolves bowlers had made early inroads after putting Eagles in to bat, and had reduced the opposition to 53 for 3 in the 10th over. Most of their bowlers, including Ehsan Adil, Khurram Shehzad, Mohammad Talha and Asad Ali contributed to the wickets tally before an unbeaten cameo from Hussain Talat, who scored 46 off 33 balls, lifted Eagles to 145 for 6Group DIn another low-scoring game in Karachi, four-fors from Abbottabad Falcons fast bowler Fazl-e-Rabbi and left-arm spinner Kamran Ghulam routed Dera Murad Jamali Ibexes for 83 runs. The Falcons then chased down the target in the 13th over with eight wickets to spare.With four strikes at the start, Fazl-e-Rabbi decimated the Ibexes’ top order and, along with Ahmed Jamal, reduced the side to 36 for 6 in the sixth over. A 41-run seventh-wicket stand between Asif Ali and Imran Khan Rind provided the only resistance before Ghulam skittled the rest of the line-up, taking three wickets of his four wickets in the 15th over to bundle the side out. Fazl-e-Rabbi took 4 for 27, while Ghulam, who was awarded the Player-of-the-Match had returns of 4 for 11. Fakhar Zaman’s 34-ball 44 anchored the Falcons’ chase as they took a two-point lead at the top of the Group D table.