It’s a new week, and Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank will be gearing up for a return to Premier League action at the weekend, when his side travel to Arsenal.

Tottenham have been a mixed bag this season, certainly more secure and steely than last year under Ange Postecoglou’s leadership, but lacking the snap and verve that the fanbase associates with the core of the club. To dare is to do, after all.

Someone embodying that mantra right now is Troy Parrott, whose stunning hat-trick at the weekend saw Ireland defeat Hungary and seal a World Cup play-off spot, having only days before bagged a brace to sink Portugal.

The AZ Alkmaar centre-forward, 23, is shaping into quite the goalscorer, becoming the player Spurs knew he could be after he graduated from the academy.

Parrott's record at Spurs

In July 2024, Tottenham sold Parrott to AZ Alkmaar for around £7m. The Republic of Ireland international had made his Premier League debut aged 17, but only ended up featuring three further times across all competitions before leaving for good, having completed no less than five stints out on loan.

AZ Alkmaar

61

33

MK Dons

47

10

Preston

34

4

Excelsior

32

17

Ipswich

18

2

Millwall

14

0

Tottenham

4

0

In fact, each of the goalscorer’s four senior outings for the Lilywhites came during the 2019/20 campaign, and while Spurs knew when they sold him last year that he had untapped potential, it was clear he was going to struggle for minutes given the club’s attacking pecking order.

There was plenty of chatter regarding Parrott and his potential, even at that nascent stage. Of course, comparisons against Harry Kane were drawn, and talent scout Jacek Kulig has since praised him for his “incredible” performances over in the Netherlands, making good on that potential that was stunted by injuries.

There was always the promise of success. While he didn’t enjoy a prolific spell with Preston North End in the Championship, the player’s tenacity could not be questioned. His former manager Ryan Lowe said: “His work rate is phenomenal. For the size of him, he is a bit of a unit inside. He’s not massive, but very strong, uses his body very well & he got down the sides plenty of times.”

If this tells us anything, it’s that development in football is not linear, and it can take talented prospects a time to find their footing after showing initial promise at the foot of their professional career.

Tottenham must learn from their past mistake – if selling Parrott for a small fee could be called an error – and devote plenty of time to their new version of the Irish hero, who arrives in London at the start of 2026.

Spurs have a bigger talent than Parrott

Parrott is growing into his skin, so sharp and dynamic in the final third. There is an expectation that he should kick on and enjoy further success over the coming years, and Spurs may have to watch ruefully on as he makes headway.

However, that poignancy will be tempered and then some by the emergence of Mason Melia, who has completed a transfer rising to £3m last season, slated to join in January after the completion of the Irish league campaign.

Having idolised Kane and made his professional debut as a 15-year-old, the rangy striker is establishing himself as quite the hot prospect, with his former youth coach Hughie Nolan remarking that “nothing has fazed him” as he has raised his level again and again over his formative years.

The Athletic’s Connor O’Neill said after the announcement that he’s “easily the best young talent I have seen in the League of Ireland”. Parrott left his homeland and signed for Spurs before he could make his senior bow, but Melia arguably has more hype around him, and still only 18, there is so much scope for growth.

Having already featured 98 times for St. Patrick’s Athletic, notching 25 goals and eight assists, Melia will provide an interesting dimension to a Tottenham side crying out for attacking inspiration. Richarlison and Dominic Solanke have not provided the answer, for differing but equally concerning reasons.

Mathys Tel is a young and talented striker, beginning to show signs of the talent that Tottenham saw when bringing him over from Bayern Munich, but the jury is very much out and there are questions relating to whether the 20-year-old has what it takes to lead the line in the Premier League.

Moreover, he has recently emerged as a transfer target for Roma in Serie A, the Italians viewing him as an alternative option to Manchester United as the winter transfer window draws near.

With Parrott doing so well at the moment, it’s inevitable that wistful gazes will be cast toward the Irishman as he establishes himself as one of Europe’s most underrated strikers.

But while there’s a romanticism about a potential deal in 2026, bringing him back home, there’s little need when Tottenham have already signed a more talented Irish striker in Melia, who is now just over a month away from heading down N17.

Frank’s ability to nurture young prospects is well known in England, and Tottenham’s wider embracing of their youth suggests that Melia has made the right choice in moving to the capital and choosing white. He might be a “hidden gem” at the moment, as said by analyst Ben Mattinson, but Melia will soon establish himself as a major player in the Premier League, notably described as “the Irish Alexander Isak” for his effortless strike of the ball.

Will he need a bit of time? It’s more than likely. But the teenager is an aggressive and mobile striker, willing to make runs and connect play while simultaneously keeping one eye on goal at all times.

His wealth of experience, despite his young age, suggests that Tottenham may well hit the jackpot with his addition to the ranks. Parrott might be the talk of the town in Ireland right now, but in Melia, the Londoners have signed a young forward with the capacity to outstrip his older countryman and seal his place among Spurs’ finest forwards of the modern age, something Parrott was unable to do before leaving for a small fee.

Keown called Spurs star "embarrassing" in 2024, now they must "double" his wages

This Tottenham Hotspur star has turned his fortunes around after being called “embarrassing” last year.

ByDan Emery Nov 17, 2025

The New York Yankees have the entire MLB world talking about their new torpedo bats after they spent the weekend hitting a gazillion home runs against the Milwaukee Brewers.

These new bats, which have more wood just below the barrel, could become all the rage at the professional level, especially because they are 100% legal.

San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado was interviewed on ESPN during Sunday night's game against the Atlanta Braves and he was asked what he thought of these new torpedo bats. Machado had a simple request: He wants some of those bats.

"They should send a few [torpedo bats] over here if they're gonna be hitting homers like that," he said.

Here are his full comments:

It's going to be really interesting to see how popular these bats become. A member of the Minnesota Twins was seen using one on Sunday and it feels like we will soon see a ton of batters using them.

It will also be interesting to see if MLB allows them to remain legal, especially if home runs keep being blasted out of parks.

What a wild new world.

After sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers to open the 2025 season, the New York Yankees, stymied by Arizona Diamondbacks' elite pitching in the first two games of the club's second series of the season, found themselves facing a sweep entering Thursday's game.

But Giancarlo Stanton wasn't about to let that happen.

Stanton, currently sidelined due to tendinitis in both elbows, isn't able to make his presence felt with his bat, but he did so with his words while speaking to the team before Thursday's game.

Speaking to reporters after the Yankees' 9-7 win, Aaron Judge revealed what Stanton told the team.

"… I think we all kind of locked it in," Judge said. "Big G [Stanton] said a couple words before the game. Just about—'This is our home turf. We gotta go out there—we don't get swept at home.' So, guys took that to heart and we were able to salvage that one."

Thanks to three more home runs, including one from Judge himself, the Yankees were indeed able to salvage one game in the series. On the strength of several sluggers wielding torpedo bats and a hot start from the reigning '24 American League MVP, New York (4-2) has belted 22 home runs in the first six games of the season, an MLB record.

And while the Yankees would much prefer Stanton's thump in the middle of the lineup, they'll certainly take his leadership abilities in the clubhouse in the meantime.

كشفت تقارير إعلامية اليوم الخميس، عن بعض التطورات بشأن مستقبل نجم نادي برشلونة، والذي ارتبط بالرحيل عن صفوف الفريق خلال فترة الميركاتو الصيفي الأخير.

ودخل مدافع برشلونة، إريك جارسيا، في عامه الأخير مع برشلونة في عقده، والذي سوف ينتهي مع البلوجرانا بنهاية شهر يونيو من العام المقبل.

ويقدم جارسيا مستويات متميزة للغاية رفقة برشلونة خلال هذا الموسم، وأثبت اللاعب نفسه بشكل ملحوظ تحت قيادة المدير الفني هانز فليك.

وأفادت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”، أن جارسيا أصبح قاب قوسين أو أدنى من توقيع عقد جديد مع برشلونة، والذي سوف يمتد لأربع سنوات قادمة حتى نهاية موسم 2030 المقبل.

اقرأ أيضًا.. نيكو ويليامز يكسر صمته ويعلن أسباب رفضه الانتقال إلى برشلونة

وأضافت أن جارسيا قد تلقى بالفعل عرضًا للتوقيع مع باريس سان جيرمان، لكن رفض الذهاب إلى النادي الفرنسي وتمسك بالاستمرار مع برشلونة.

وأوضحت أن جارسيا أصبح أكثر لاعب مشاركة مع برشلونة خلال هذا الموسم مع فليك، ويستطيع اللعب في أكثر من مركز على أرضية الملعب.

وفي حال جدد جارسيا عقده مع برشلونة، فسوف يكون رابع لاعب يجدد عقده مع البلوجرانا خلال هذا الموسم، بعد كلًا من جول كوندي، ومارك بيرنال، وفرينكي دي يونج.

Tottenham have reached out to the representatives of an Arsenal transfer target as Spurs boss Thomas Frank scours the market for creativity, according to a new report.

Tottenham looking at signing attackers in January

Frank is under growing pressure at N17, and one of the key points of concern has been their lack of attacking fluidity.

Spurs were recently booed off after a tepid 1-0 defeat at home to Chelsea in the London derby, where they managed just one shot on target all game, and it was a similar story away to Arsenal last weekend.

David Raya barely had anything to do and was rarely troubled in the Gunners net, barring Richarlison’s incredible goal of the season contender from the halfway line, and the statistics paint a pretty grim picture of their attacking prowess overall.

According to FBref, the Lilywhites have attempted the second-fewest shots in the Premier League so far this campaign, and rank 17th in the division for xG (expected goals), so this quite simply has to change.

As a result, it is believed that the north Londoners could look to sign a striker and winger when the winter transfer window opens.

Spurs are reportedly in the mix for Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo as one option, following news of the Ghanaian’s £65 million release clause, which will be active during the early period of January.

Meanwhile, in terms of a new striker, FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa has been repeatedly linked with a move to Tottenham, with co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange apparently prepared to shell out his release clause.

Tottenham plan record-shattering January transfer swoop after "clear" Frank message

Spurs want to back their under-fire manager.

By
Emilio Galantini

Nov 26, 2025

Time will tell whether these reports come to fruition, but they will face stiff competition from some of Europe’s big hitters for both men.

On top of Semenyo and Aghehowa, Spurs are now also taking an interest in Elche sensation Rodrigo Mendoza, according to TEAMtalk.

Tottenham hold talks with Rodrigo Mendoza and want his 'progressive passing'

As per their information, Tottenham have registered their interest in Mendoza by contacting his agents, joining Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City in pursuit of the highly-rated 20-year-old who could be available for just £17.5 million in January.

Frank views the Spanish youth international as a potential solution to Spurs’ midfield needs, and the club apparently ‘crave his progressive passing’ to provide creativity from deeper positions.

Sources close to the representatives of Mendoza are quoted in the report confirming contact from all four Premier League clubs, and Mendoza’s modest release clause makes him an attractive proposition.

The Elche academy graduate has impressed during nine La Liga appearances this season, scoring once and demonstrating qualities that have drawn comparisons to both Sergio Busquets and Pedri.

His ability to carry the ball forward ranks him in the 93rd percentile among La Liga midfielders for successful dribbles per 90 minutes, with Mendoza playing a key role in helping Elche win promotion back to the Spanish top flight last term.

However, Elche recognize that financial difficulties could force them into a sale, with the cash-strapped club anticipating interest from bigger sides.

January could see multiple Premier League suitors test their resolve, including Tottenham, who are now firmly in the mix.

It will be interesting to see where he could fit into a Spurs midfield that already includes exciting talents Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray, who operate in a similar roles, but Mendoza may even perhaps prove to be an adept replacement for the exit-bound Yves Bissouma.

Arsenal are now prepared to break the bank to sign Vinicius Jr, amid a major new update on the forward’s future at Real Madrid.

The Gunners should be well-positioned to start competing for the signatures of some of the world’s best players once again, having announced themselves as serious contenders for the Premier League title as a result of the 4-1 victory at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Signing the Real Madrid star would certainly be a major statement of intent, given that he is still regarded as one of the best wingers in world football, despite narrowly missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or, finishing as runner-up behind Manchester City star Rodri.

Interestingly, an exciting new report has now suggested that the move could be a realistic possibility, following a major new update on the Brazilian’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu…

Arsenal prepared to break the bank for Vinicius Jr

According to a report from Spain, Arsenal are now prepared to break the bank to sign Vinicius Jr, with the Emirates Stadium now one of his most likely destinations, having informed Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez he does not currently wish to sign a new contract.

The winger’s unwillingness to put pen to paper on a new deal stems from a difficult relationship with manager Xabi Alonso, and negotiations have now stalled, which could open the door for a move to north London, and Stan Kroenke & co clearly mean business.

However, the Gunners may need to be willing to make the Brazil international one of their highest earners to get a deal over the line, given that he has been demanding a very high salary to extend his stay with the Spanish club.

In truth, the 25-year-old isn’t having the greatest of seasons, failing to score or assist in his last 10 matches for club and country, so it is no surprise he has fallen down the pecking order at Madrid, most recently being benched for his side’s 2-2 draw against Elche.

The forward’s attacking output has been very impressive previously, however, having contributed a whopping 111 goals and 87 assists in 339 matches for Real Madrid, and Liverpool manager Arne Slot sung his praises earlier this month.

With Arsenal looking to lift the Champions League for the first time in their history this season, it would make sense to bring in Vinicius Jr, who has won the competition twice, and ranks very highly in the 2026 Ballon d’Or Power Rankings…

Where Vinicius Jr ranks in the 2026 Ballon d'Or Power Rankings Ballon d'Or 2026 Power Rankings

Who will be lifting the individual honour in 2026?

ByCharlie Smith Nov 6, 2025

Manchester United’s hierarchy ensured that Ruben Amorim was well backed in the 2025 summer transfer window. Despite another season filled with inconsistencies under the Portuguese manager, the Red Devils’ owners have backed their manager, highlighted by the amount of money they spent over the summer.

Star forward Bryan Mbeumo has been the biggest success story after his £71m move from Brentford. He was one of three marquee attackers who United signed, along with Matheus Cunha from Wolves for £62.5m, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko for £74m.

Goalkeeper Senne Lammens rounded out a busy summer where Amorim was well and truly backed.

If recent rumours are to be believed, INEOS are willing to give Amorim even more money to spend.

United’s next marquee signing

It is certainly an exciting time to be a United fan with all the incomings. They have been linked with a few big names from within the Premier League, including Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba, in recent days.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Yet, the man who the Red Devils could turn to first in midfield is Real Madrid and France international Aurelien Tchouameni. According to reports in Spain, via Football365, United have ‘put forward an offer’ to sign the former AS Monaco star as soon as January.

This is certainly not a deal that will come cheap for United. The reported bid they have played for the midfielder would see him become Amorim’s most expensive signing, at £79m including add-ons.

However, the report suggests Los Blancos are not open to the move as things stand.

Man Utd's next Casemiro in the making?

At 25 years of age, the 43-cap France international is about to enter the peak years of his career. Since moving to the Bernabeu in 2022 from Monaco, he has become a key player in midfield, helping Madrid win multiple titles, including the Champions League and La Liga.

This season under Madrid’s new head coach, Xabi Alonso, Tchouameni has featured 15 times, in all competitions. Operating at the base of midfield, he’s completed 90 minutes 12 times, racking up 1224 minutes so far.

There are a couple of smaller things in Tchouameni’s game that make him such an appealing addition for Amorim. One of those is his versatility, with the Frenchman able to slot in at centre-back. The other his his knack for goal.

England fans won’t forget this strike in the 2022 World Cup, highlighting how dangerous he can be from range.

If the Red Devils were able to bring the Frenchman to Old Trafford this term, he would, in many ways, be the second coming of Casemiro. United’s number 18 has shone under Amorim this term, playing all ten Premier League games he’s been available for. Indeed, there are a couple of striking similarities between the pair.

Indeed, the fact that Casemiro was also a big money signing from Los Blancos is one of the main ways this deal feels alike. Versatility is also a similarity, with the Brazilian able to operate at centre-back too, as well as his natural role in midfield.

The former Madrid star is also prone to a goal just like Tchouameni, with three to his name already this term.

One of his best strikes in Red came last season in the Carabao Cup, when he hit this long-range screamer against Leicester City.

Tchouameni and Casemiro also share a statistical likeness, as can be seen when looking at their stats this season, as per FBref..

For example, the French star averaged 5.88 progressive passes and 3.3 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, compared to 4.41 progressive passes and 3.97 tackles and interceptions each game from the Brazil international.

Progressive passes

5.88

4.41

Tackles and interceptions

3.33

3.97

Clearances

1.96

1.76

Progressive carries

1.03

0.15

Ball recoveries

4.23

5.74

It is easy to see how this deal to sign Tchouameni could be the second coming of Casemiro at Old Trafford. They have followed a similar career path and are statistically alike. He could well be the Brazilian’s replacement down the line.

As football analyst Raj Chohan said, Tchouameni is “one of the best defensive midfielders on the planet” and he would certainly add more midfield quality to United.

Garnacho 2.0 at Man Utd: INEOS in talks with agent to sign £70m "monster"

One Garnacho-esque new signing could help add firepower to Man United’s attack.

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 19, 2025

Manchester United got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory away from home against Crystal Palace. The Red Devils struggled in the first half and went into the break a goal down, but an energetic performance in the second 45 minutes, combined with two smart goals, ensured they got all three points.

Indeed, it was a penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta which gave the Eagles a lead. Leny Yoro made a clumsy tackle in the penalty area, with the Palace striker eventually slotting home from 12 yards. He was asked to retake his initial kick after striking the ball against his standing foot.

United came out with far more energy in the second half, and it only took them nine minutes before they managed to equalise. Joshua Zirkzee scored his first Premier League goal in almost a year to pull things level.

United’s winner came from Mason Mount, who bagged his second goal of the season. It was a good effort, with Bruno Fernandes laying a free kick into his path and Mount slotting home through a disjointed Palace wall.

The Englishman’s strike was enough to win United the game. There were some standout performances, with Zirkzee someone who played particularly well.

How Zirkzee downed Crystal Palace

It has not been the easiest season for Netherlands international Zirkzee. Saturday lunchtime at Selhurst Park felt like a big moment, and, after a first half where he struggled to get into the game, he certainly took his chance.

The goal from the attacker was simply sensational. He also got on the end of a Fernandes freekick, bringing the ball down on his chest before smashing a volley across goal into the far corner. It was a sublime strike from a man who needed a goal.

However, it was not just the goal from Zirkzee which stood out. His second-half showing was described as “amazing” by Alice Talks Footy over on X, with the United number 11 constantly linking up play, showing off his exceptional technical ability with clever touches.

Indeed, his numbers at full-time show just how well he played. Zirkzee had 50 touches of the ball, completing 14 passes in the opposition half and creating one chance. He also won eight duels and made three ball recoveries.

It was a brilliant second-half showing from the United striker, who will now be hoping to kick on. As well as he played, one of his Red Devils teammates was arguably better.

Man Utd star outshines Zirkzee vs Palace

One of the real standouts for United against the Eagles was Luke Shaw. Making his 300th appearance for the Red Devils, Shaw continued his good form this season on the left of Amorim’s back three.

The United number 23 made some key defensive contributions, including a crunching tackle to stop Eddie Nketiah from getting a shot off in the first half. He also made three interceptions, ball recoveries and clearances in a strong performance.

Touches

78

Pass accuracy

87%

Duels won

3/6

Clearances

3

Interceptions

3

Ball recoveries

3

Blocks

1

Indeed, one person who rated Shaw’s efforts in South London was Goal journalist Calum Preston Kelly. He gave the Englishman a 7/10 for his afternoon’s work and praised him for the fact that he “defended strongly” against Oliver Glasner’s men.

Just last game, Gary Neville said Shaw is a “waste of time” in a United squad. Yet, after a statement showing at Selhurst Park, it is easy to see that the defender could be considered an undroppable member of the squad.

There is plenty of competition for places in that left centre-back role, too. Shaw was replaced with minutes remaining in the game by Lisandro Martinez, and his return could perhaps have signalled the end of the Englishman’s run in the starting lineup.

Yet, after a performance like that, it is hard to see Amorim dropping one of his most experienced players. Shaw was crucial in United keeping Palace at bay from open play, and looks undroppable ahead of a busy festive period.

Shades of Pogba: INEOS have signed star who can end Mainoo’s Man Utd stay

Manchester United have landed a star who could reach the next level under Ruben Amorim.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 29, 2025

Darwish Rasooli could slot into the middle order for Afghanistan in Rahmat Shah’s absence, while Bangladesh might want to give their batting order a rejig

Mohammad Isam13-Oct-2025

Big picture – 3-0 beckons for AfghanistanAfghanistan will be eyeing their first ODI series whitewash against Bangladesh when they play the third and final ODI of the series in Abu Dhabi.They stormed Bangladesh in the second game, bowling them out for just 109 defending a modest 190. Given how the confidence of the two teams have gone in opposite directions in this series, Bangladesh turning things around might not be on the cards. For Afghanistan, it is about fixing their batting a bit, while allowing their best bowlers to express themselves as they have so far.They took down Bangladesh swiftly on Saturday. Azmatullah Omarzai took three of the first four wickets to fall, Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan fell trying to manufacture shots. Najmul Hossain Shanto was run out. Rashid Khan then ran through the middle and lower order with his accuracy, Towhid Hridoy and Nurul Hasan attempting slogs and missing. Nangeyalia Kharote had Jaker Ali’s number in the middle of Rashid’s burst of wickets.Related

Bangladesh must 'play the ball, not the bowler' – Mushtaq

The bowlers had to do what they did since the batters hadn’t. Afghanistan struggled through the middle overs but Ibrahim Zadran made sure they hung around till the 45th over. Zadran struck just four boundaries in his 140-ball stay, underlining the importance of rotating the strike on the slow Abu Dhabi pitches. Despite the middle order hardly contributing, the likes of Kharote and AM Ghazanfar kept Zadran company.Compared to how Afghanistan have had several contributors, Bangladesh are finding it tough to locate even one or two. The batting frailties – they had scored 221 in the first ODI, which was knocked off with five wickets in hand – have weighed heavy on their overall approach.Afghanistan’s 190 was the lowest total batting first in 55 matches in Abu Dhabi. Bangladesh’s inability to chase down the small total was due to a misfiring top order, and how the middle-order batters surrendered to Rashid: “I think we have to sometimes play the ball, not the bowler,” Mushtaq Ahmed, their spin-bowling coach, said of the approach.Bangladesh’s bowling and fielding, however, have been good. They have tried to match Afghanistan’s spinners, while the pace attack has definitely bowled better than their counterparts. The bowlers have given the batters a chance. The batters, however, have not responded as expected.Form guideAfghanistan WWWLW
Bangladesh LLLWLIbrahim Zadran is the key man in the Afghanistan batting order•Afghanistan Cricket Board

In the spotlight – Ibrahim Zadran and Mehidy Hasan MirazIbrahim Zadran is Afghanistan’s batting mainstay. He complements Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s aggression at the top, and then drops anchor for the middle-order batters, and if he continues to bat long enough, acts as the perfect foil for the big-hitting allrounders. Zadran’s strength lies in his adaptability, particularly between conditions. He also has the hunger for the big scores, as was evident in his 177 against England in the Champions Trophy this year. Zadran will once again be the key batter as Afghanistan look to make it 3-0 on Tuesday.Bangladesh’s captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz hasn’t been able to lift his team out of the funk. He is new to the job, but Mehidy is an established member of the ODI setup. There’s little question about his own ability to make half-centuries or take wickets, but that hasn’t translated into Bangladesh victories. He has an under-performing batting line-up, which has been the case for far too long. The onus is on him to change things around.Team news – Rasooli to replace RahmatRahmat Shah’s injury has opened the door for Darwish Rasooli to enter the middle order. They could also give an opportunity to seamers Abdollah Ahmadzai or Bilal Sami in place of the wicketless Bashir Ahmad.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Sediqullah Atal, 4 Darwish Rasooli, 5 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 6 Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Mohammad Nabi, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 AM Ghazanfar, 10 Nangeyalia Kharote, 11 Abdollah Ahmadzai/Bilal SamiMohammad Naim and Shamim Hossain could give a break to Tanzid Hasan and the out-of-form Jaker. Nahid Rana could also get a game.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan /Mohammad Naim, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), 6 Nurul Hasan (wk), 7 Jaker Ali/Shamim Hossain, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan/Nahid Rana, 10 Tanvir Islam, 11 Mustafizur RahmanPitch and conditions – slow pitches make batting a grindThe generally sluggish nature of the Zayed Stadium pitches have meant that both sets of batters have struggled to find boundaries in the middle overs. The weather continues to be sizzling hot.Stats and trivia: Rashid puzzle for Bangladesh Rashid now has six five-wicket hauls in ODIs, the second-highest for a legspinner behind Shahid Afridi, who has nine. Bangladesh’s 109 in the second ODI is their lowest score against Afghanistan. They couldn’t chase down 191 after Afghanistan made 190, the lowest score batting first in Abu Dhabi. Rashid has now dismissed Hridoy four times in ODIs, equal with Mushfiqur Rahim, as his most frequent Bangladeshi victim.

Rashid also stars as Bangladesh target of 222 is overhauled with ease

Mohammad Isam08-Oct-2025Azmatullah Omarzai’s allround performance took Afghanistan to a five-wicket win against Bangladesh in the first ODI in Abu Dhabi. Omarzai picked up three wickets before he contributed with an aggressive 40 when Afghanistan lost set batters Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Rahmat Shah in their 222-run chase.Afghanistan completed the win in the 48th over, with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi unbeaten on 34, while the veteran Mohammad Nabi struck the winning runs with a six off Saif Hassan.It turned out to be a day of milestones for the Afghanistan side. After Rashid Khan became the first from his team to reach 200 wickets in ODIs, Rahmat also became the first from Afghanistan to reach 4,000 runs in the format. Rashid is the second fastest spinner to reach 200 wickets, having taken 115 matches.Rashid also took three wickets in the match, removing top-scorer captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali and Nurul Hasan at a crucial stage in the Bangladesh innings. When Afghanistan bowled them out for 221 runs in 48.5 overs, it gave them the momentum going into the chase.Afghanistan began their reply brightly too. Ibrahim Zadran struck the first three boundaries, before Rahmanullah Gurbaz blasted Taskin Ahmed down the ground for a six. The opening pair raised their 50-run stand in the ninth over, before Tanvir Islam broke through with an excellent delivery. The left-arm spinner got the ball to turn well away from Zadran who walked past the delivery, before Nurul Hasan completed the stumping.Tanzim Hasan then got one to rear at Sediqullah Atal, who tried to move away from the line of the ball, but it took his outside edge, to nestle into Tanzid Hasan’s grasp in the slips.Similar to how Mehidy and Hridoy batted for Bangladesh after they lost three quick wickets, Rahmat Shah and Gurbaz lowered their run-rate significantly. When Rahmat smashed Tanvir inside-out for a boundary in the 21st over, it was their first for 73 deliveries.He struck one more boundary in the next ten overs, before Tanzim had him caught at midwicket for exactly 50. Four balls after the 78-run third wicket stand was broken, Mehidy got one to spin through Gurbaz, who also fell for 50.Afghanistan however landed in the safe hands of their captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and Omarzai. The pair added 59 runs for the fifth wicket, with Omarzai picking apart two Bangladesh bowlers at a crucial stage. He blazed Mehidy in his last over, for a four and a six, before spanking Tanzim for three fours in a row in the 43rd over.Omarzai fell later in the same over, caught at short midwicket for 40 off 44 balls, with six fours and a six. Afghanistan though had turned the corner in the chase, as Omarzai left with the team needing 27 runs to win in the last seven overs. Shahidi and Nabi turned it into a cakewalk, as they won with 17 balls to spare.Bangladesh though couldn’t get going with the bat despite a 101-run fourth wicket stand between captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Towhid Hridoy. Both reached fifties but fell shortly afterwards too. Mehidy and Hridoy had rescued Bangladesh after they lost three wickets in the first 11.5 overs. Saif Hassan was striking the ball cleanly for his five boundaries, but when he fell for 26, Bangladesh had to rebuild.Mehidy and Hridoy batted out nine overs with just one boundary, before hitting three sixes in consecutive overs. Hridoy however was run out after a mix-up with Mehidy, having made 56. When Mehidy fell lbw to Rashid Khan for 60, Jaker Ali and Nurul Hasan followed him back to the pavilion in the same way, to the same bowler. Omarzai also took three wickets, having given Afghanistan the early breakthroughs.