All posts by h716a5.icu

Following a quiet start to the transfer window, Heart of Midlothian are now ramping up their efforts to build a solid team ahead of their Premiership opener against St Johnstone in just 12 days.

Steven Naismith has signed Michael McGovern and Calem Nieuwenhof and has now set his sights on luring defender Frankie Kent from Peterborough United.

Will Hearts sign Frankie Kent?

The Tynecastle side submitted an offer for the player last week which was swiftly rejected by the League One club, although The Posh chairman Barry Fry claimed that the two teams were “very close” to finalising an offer.

According to The Daily Record, Hearts have now had a bid accepted for the centre-back, and he has been given permission to speak to the Jambos ahead of a move.

Fry lauded Kent for his spell at Peterborough, saying: “Frankie helped us win promotion, he helped us to get in the play-offs last year and had a year in the Championship. He’s a great lad. A big centre half, quick, strong in the air, a great talker.”

How good is Frankie Kent?

With Steven Naismith having just three centre-backs to call on next season, another one or two players were urgently required to improve that specific area of the team.

Kent played 42 matches in League One last season as he helped his side reach the playoffs, although they lost following a stunning second leg comeback by Sheffield Wednesday during their semifinal tie.

The 27-year-old was solid at the back, helping his team keep 14 clean sheets while he also won 3.5 aerial duels per game – a rate of 64% – and this suggests he could adapt to the physical nature of Scottish football rather well.

The 6 foot 2 rock also ranked second across the Peterborough squad for accurate passes per game (45) while also ranking fourth for interceptions (1.1) and first for clearances (3.7) per game, suggesting that he had a positive influence on the team defensively and Naismith could forge a solid partnership with him and Craig Halkett.

The former Livingston defender missed 45 matches last season due to suffering a horrific cruciate ligament injury, playing just eight times, but he was incredible during the 2021/22 campaign.

He ranked fourth for overall Sofascore rating (7.14) and first for accurate passes per game (51.1), which suggests that should Naismith secure the move for Kent, the duo could use their passing abilities to create plenty of opportunities from the heart of the defence together.

Halkett also showed his eagerness to win the ball back by making 1.5 tackles per game, good enough to rank him sixth in the squad while like Kent, he topped the pile for clearances per game (4.5) and Hearts could certainly improve on their fourth-placed finish last term with a centre-back duo of Kent and Halkett running things from the back.

The Englishman is clearly eyeing a new challenge by swapping League One for the Premiership, while a chance of playing European football is surely proving to be a key incentive for the player in what could be a shrewd move indeed by Naismith.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Southampton forward Che Adams, as Julen Lopetegui hunts a new striker this summer.

The Old Gold are in desperate need of a capable line leader this transfer window, after ending the 2022/23 campaign as the Premier League’s lowest scorers.

What’s the latest on Che Adams to Wolves?

As reported by The Sun’s Alan Nixon, Wolves, Leeds and Bournemouth are eyeing Southampton’s Che Adams.

It’s believed by Nixon that the Midlands club and the Cherries are leading the way for the striker, who is speculated to be valued by the Saints at £10m.

The 27-year-old has just one year left on his contract at St Mary’s, and considering the club’s relegation, now could be the perfect time to swoop for the forward.

How many goals has Che Adams scored?

In 324 domestic career appearances, the Saints striker has made 118 goal contributions, scoring 85 and assisting 33 at various levels in England, via Transfermarkt. 124 of those outings have come in the top flight, where he has so far found the net 25 times.

That might not be the best of records but the Scotland international has been known to score regularly in the past. Indeed, he was poached by the south coast club in the summer of 2019 from Birmingham City, after a superb individual campaign in the Championship.

In the 2018/29 season in the second tier, Adams netted 22 goals and registered five assists to highlight just how clinical he can be if in the right environment.

Since joining Southampton, the forward has been part of a side struggling to maintain Premier League status, ending last term with demotion to the Championship finishing bottom of the table.

Despite his team’s woeful form, the Leicester-born gem managed to have a hand in eight goals in 28 appearances, scoring five and assisting three in a challenging campaign for all at St Mary’s.

Now, the 27-year-old could be handed an escape route, with Wolves chasing a forward to take up the role of leading the line at Molineux.

Under Lopetegui, the Scotsman could be guaranteed a consistent spot in the side, as the Spaniard prepares to bid farewell to Raul Jimenez, who served as a clinical figure during his time in the Midlands.

Although he failed to score last campaign, the Mexican was well-loved in Wolverhampton for his 57 goals at the club, including a rich scoring streak in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign in which he netted 17 goals.

With a move to Fulham worth £5.5m imminent, the 32-year-old will need to be replaced, which Lopetegui could achieve by capturing Adams, who has the traits to suggest he could take the throne from Jimenez.

Averaging 2.12 shots per 90 last season, the Saints man is a livewire in the front line, adding more than just a goal threat to the side as suggested by his 1.08 key passes per 90, via FBref.

With a strong goal-scoring record behind him, Wolves could benefit from hiring the Saints forward, who could replenish the goals in the Midlands after the club managed just 31 in 38 games last term.

Lauded as “clever” by Rangers legend and pundit Ally McCoist, the striker could be the perfect acquisition for Lopetegui to chase in place of Jimenez.

Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly be handed the opportunity to sign Dutch starlet, Xavi Simons this summer, according to the latest reports.

What's the latest on Simons to Tottenham?

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain could potentially offer the 20-year-old to the Lilywhites as part of their bid to sign Harry Kane this summer, with the hope being that the inclusion of the one-time Barcelona gem could help to 'reduce the fee' that would be needed to sign the England skipper.

The promising forward is set to make his return to the Parc des Princes after Luis Enrique's side opted to trigger his £5m buy-out clause, with the 5 foot 10 sensation having spent the 2022/23 campaign with PSV Eindhoven after leaving the French side permanently a year ago.

This follows previous reports in Spain which claimed that the north Londoners were ready to compete with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United for the youngster's signature, hence showcasing that Simons has been on the radar of Daniel Levy and co of late.

What position does Xavi Simons play?

Lauded as a "fantastic talent" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the five-cap Netherlands international has caught the attention of clubs across Europe due to his standout displays in his homeland last term, having registered 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games in all competitions for the Eredivisie side.

A player who is comfortable operating all across the forward line or in an advanced midfield role, Simons would offer a truly versatile and flexible asset to Ange Postecoglou, helping to ease the potential loss of the aforementioned Kane.

While still in the infancy of his senior career, the highly-rated ace – who has been valued at around £51m by CIES Football Observatory – has been the recipient of lofty praise of late, with ex-Spurs star Rafael van der Vaart having tipped his compatriot to be a potentially world-class asset in the future.

As far as Simons is concerned, the precocious ace will likely be keen to emulate the success that his fellow Dutchman enjoyed in a Tottenham jersey, with Van der Vaart having sparkled during his two-year stay in English football.

Also a player who could be deployed in a wide variety of attacking roles, much like Simons, the now-retired ace was snapped up by the Lilywhites on an £8m deal from Real Madrid at the tail-end of the 2010 summer window, before quickly establishing himself as a key figure in Harry Redknapp's side.

The 5 foot 9 playmaker would ultimately rack up 46 goals and assists in just 77 games across all fronts during his stint at White Hart Lane, having been lauded as a "magician" by former pro, Marvin Sordell due to his stellar displays in a Tottenham jersey.

As Redknapp noted following Van der Vaart's arrival in north London, the one-time Ajax man had that "knack of scoring goals", something which Simons also seems to share judging by his recent displays at PSV.

While the latter man would be joining Postecoglou's ranks in the early stages of his career – unlike his compatriot – there are signs that he could follow Van der Vaart's lead by bringing some 'magic' to N17.

Mark Stoneman scored a chanceless unbeaten 181 to continue his impressive form for new county Surrey as they took the first-day honours against Essex at Guildford

ECB Reporters Network09-Jun-2017
Scorecard1:00

County Championship Round-up: Stoneman goes big for Surrey

Mark Stoneman scored a chanceless unbeaten 181 to continue his impressive form for new county Surrey as they took the first-day honours against Essex at Guildford.The 29-year-old left-hander’s third century since he moved to the club from Durham last winter helped them reach 353 for 5 after they had been put in by Essex in the battle between two sides looking to put pressure on Division One leaders Hampshire.Stoneman still has ambitions to play for England and is certainly the in-form opener in the country at the moment. Former England captain Alastair Cook, who had the best view in the house at first slip, would have been impressed with the quality of Stoneman’s ball-striking, particularly square of the wicket and through the off side.He did not offer a chance against an Essex attack depleted by the absence of seamer Matt Quinn for much of a rain-shortened day after he went off with back spasms.Stoneman watched three partners depart at the other end before sharing a stand of 186 in 41 overs with Dominic Sibley, whose 69 was his third Championship half-century of the season, to alter the course of the day.Jamie Porter had claimed two wickets with the new ball, including Kumar Sangakkara for just four, to help reduce Surrey to 89 for 3 after morning rain had delayed the start until 1.10pm.Porter claimed his 150th first-class wicket when Rory Burns swished outside off stump before picking up Sangakkara, who came into the game with 876 first-class runs already this season but aimed an expansive drive at Porter and fell for just four. With Neil Wagner drawing Scott Borthwick forward and finding the edge Essex would have been pleased with their early work.But Stoneman was soon into his stride. He collected leg-side sixes off Porter and off-spinner Simon Harmer, who bowled 17 overs either side of tea, and 15 boundaries in a 118-ball hundred which he reached shortly after tea.Mark Stoneman struck his third hundred of the summer•Getty ImagesHis next 50 came off 55 deliveries and he passed his previous best for Surrey, 165 against Warwickshire in the opening game of the season, when he drove a ball from Ravi Bopara back past the bowler to the boundary.Sibley was starting to plck up the pace, having reached 50 off 99 balls, when Essex captain Ryan ten Doeschate dragged Surrey back with two wickets in successive overs.Sibley, who hit nine fours and two sixes, was caught behind off ten Doeschate’s sixth ball and in his next over he trapped former Essex team-mate Ben Foakes leg before as he played across the line.But Sam Curran gave Stoneman excellent support and reached a 54-ball half-century with his tenth boundary in the last over of the day. The pair have added 73 for the sixth wicket so far, Stoneman having so far faced 221 balls with 21 fours and two sixes.

Leeds United have finally appointed their new head coach at Elland Road with Daniel Farke tasked with the challenge of achieving an instant bounce-back to the Premier League next season.

The Whites suffered relegation from the top-flight over a tight relegation scrap that saw Southampton and Leicester City drop into the Championship too, so for the three teams – who had all become established Premier League clubs in their own right – it will likely be a tough fight for the automatic promotion spots in the second tier.

In terms of recruitment, Leeds will need to get the ball rolling to make sure they can comfortably compete next season and, as it stands, the club have failed to confirm any incomings during a transformative summer so far.

Bolstering key positions on the pitch and being prepared for potential exits by some of their Premier League-proven talent will be essential in the West Yorkshire club's ability to dominate in Championship football.

One player who has now been linked with a move to the Whites is Liverpool centre-back Nathaniel Phillips, who despite limited game-time at Anfield – where he featured just five times last term – has shown glimpses of his ability to dominate and trouble opponents on many occasions both for Liverpool and in the second tier with Bournemouth.

The Athletic's Leeds reporter Phil Hay claimed this week that Leeds hold an interest in the defender who will cost £10m to sign this summer and revealed that he is a player that Farke has been interested in the past during his time at Norwich City.

Will Leeds sign Nathaniel Phillips this summer?

There is no doubt that improvements need to be made at Elland Road this summer following a real struggle to compete in the Premier League last season and one of the most important areas to repair is the defensive presence in the squad.

No other team in the entire top-flight conceded more goals than Leeds last season (78) despite the side scoring the second-highest amount of goals in the bottom half of the table (48), which is a testament to the troubles their defensive players found themselves in during the fight against relegation.

As a result, the signing of Phillips could be a great opportunity to strengthen and improve the back-line this summer and with the exit of Robin Koch confirmed would be a welcomed new addition.

Whilst Phillips' sporadic appearances at Liverpool make it hard to measure his impact in the Premier League, his six-month loan spell at Bournemouth in their Championship-winning season gives a glimpse of what Leeds can expect from his huge presence in his centre-back role.

Over 17 appearances during the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, the 26-year-old tallied up an 82% pass completion rate, kept eight clean sheets and successfully completed 50% of his dribbles, as well as averaging 4.1 clearances, 1.5 interceptions, 76.1 touches and 5.9 duels won per game, proving that he is a dominant and solid defender when given consistent game-time.

Not only that, the Bolton-born titan has earned high praise from Jurgen Klopp, with the Liverpool manager full of compliments for his out-of-favour centre-back after his display against West Ham United a few seasons ago, stating:

"In the air, he's a monster! He was incredible."

With that being said, it would be a great piece of business for Leeds if they could secure the services of Phillips and with consistent minutes at Elland Road could play a vital role in improving the defensive performances next season.

Gujarat Lions and Royal Challengers Bangalore, placed seventh and eighth on the table, need a win to improve their chances of making the top four

The Preview by Rachna Shetty17-Apr-2017Match factsGujarat Lions v Royal Challengers Bangalore
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Start time 2000 IST3:33

Agarkar: Would pick Kulkarni over Praveen

Head to headOverall Royal Challengers have a 2-1 lead against Lions, including a 144-run victory, the largest margin in the IPL. Royal Challengers lost their one meeting in Rajkot, though, where Lions chased down 181.Recent form

Gujarat Lions: (seventh) lost to Mumbai Indians by six wickets; beat Rising Pune Supergiant by seven wickets; lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by nine wickets

Royal Challengers Bangalore (eighth): lost to Rising Pune Supergiant by 27 runs; lost to Mumbai Indians by four wickets; lost to Kings XI Punjab by eight wickets

In the newsFour hours before the game, AB de Villiers said on Twitter that he would not be playing because of injury, which means an overseas spot opens up for either Chris Gayle or Travis Head in the RCB XI. De Villiers had missed RCB’s first two games of the season with an injury and made 89 not out, 19 and 29 in their next three.Aaron Finch will have been reunited with his kit bag by now and can be expected to take Jason Roy’s place in Lions’ XI, unless the franchise opts to persist with the England batsman. Dwayne Bravo had continued his rehabilitation in Rajkot while the team was on the road and he returned to full training with the squad on Monday. According to team sources, he is still a doubtful starter against RCB as he might need another couple of days to achieve full fitness.Five games into the season and at the bottom of the table, Royal Challengers’ problem of fitting in overseas players has led to considerable flux in their batting order. They have tried a different opening combination in each game so far and this, coach Daniel Vettori admitted, has not allowed their younger batsmen lower down the order to settle into roles, increasing the pressure on Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. Chris Gayle and Shane Watson’s form has not helped either.Likely XIsGujarat Lions 1 Brendon McCullum, 2 Dwayne Smith, 3 Suresh Raina (capt), 4 Aaron Finch/Jason Roy, 5 Dinesh Karthik (wk), 6 Ishan Kishan, 7 Ravindra Jadeja, 8 Praveen Kumar/Dhawal Kulkarni, 9 Basil Thampi, 10 AJ Tye, 11 Munaf Patel/Shadab JakatiRoyal Challengers Bangalore 1 Chris Gayle/Travis Head, 2 Virat Kohli (capt), 3 Shane Watson, 4 Mandeep Singh, 5 Kedar Jadhav (wk), 6 Vishnu Vinod (wk)/ Stuart Binny, 7 Pawan Negi, 8 Adam Milne/Billy Stanlake/Tymal Mills, 9 Samuel Badree, 10 S Aravind, 11 Yuzvendra ChahalKey stats If Royal Challengers do recall Gayle, the match will pit two of the most prolific opening partnerships against each other. Virat Kohli and Gayle have aggregated 1064 runs, while Brendon McCullum and Smith have a tally of 1352. Only three other opening partnerships – Shikhar Dhawan-David Warner (1752), Gautam Gambhir-Robin Uthappa (1478), and Michael Hussey-M Vijay (1360) have aggregated more. Brendon McCullum could find himself facing Samuel Badree early in his innings. The legspinner has dismissed McCullum twice in six T20 innings overall, conceding 26 runs off 34 balls Badree is among the most economical spinners in the Powerplay in the IPL. Among spinners playing this season, Badree’s overall IPL economy rate of 5.82 ranks behind only Rashid Khan (4.75), and Sunil Narine (5.47) Lions’ weak spin attack has been a headache for them. Their spinners have the worst overall economy rate this season: 9.49. In Powerplays, this rises to 14.00. Overall, of the 15 wickets to have fallen at the SCA Stadium this IPL, nine have fallen to pace bowlers (with Andrew Tye’s five-for making up a large chunk), while spinners have taken six. The economy rates have been near identical: 9.55 for pace and 9.71 for spin.April 18, 10.30 GMT – The article was updated after AB de Villiers was ruled out of the game

Manchester United are now targeting Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, who could be brought in alongside Andre Onana, according to reports from the Netherlands.

Which goalkeeper are Man United signing?

Man United goalkeeper David de Gea officially became a free agent on Friday following the expiration of his contract, and it is now looking increasingly likely that the Spaniard will not return to Old Trafford for the upcoming campaign.

As such, Erik ten Hag is tasked with bringing in a suitable replacement, and Onana is at the top of the list, as the manager retains a good relationship with the Inter shot-stopper from their time working together at Ajax.

The Cameroonian is viewed as a huge upgrade on De Gea due to his distribution and reading of the game, however, he will not come cheap, as it is believed it will take offers in excess of £50m for Inter to consider a sale this summer.

Not only is Onana emerging as a key target, but Dutch outlet 1908 reports the Red Devils hold a concrete interest in signing Bijllow, who could arrive at Old Trafford in addition to the Inter 'keeper (via Sport Witness).

The report explains that United are looking to replace De Gea, though Feyenoord are apparently not interested in allowing the £6k-per-week goalkeeper to leave and are pushing for him to sign a new contract.

Voetbal International reports the player himself would love to make the switch to Old Trafford, but at the moment, it appears as though Feyenoord will stand in his way.

Who is Justin Bijlow?

The Rotterdam-born goalkeeper has played for Feyenoord throughout his entire career, and he has impressed enough to be called up for The Netherlands on several occasions, amassing a total of eight caps for his national side.

Hailed as "brilliant" by members of the media, the 25-year-old has recorded a very impressive average clean sheet percentage over the past year, placing in the 92nd percentile compared to his positional peers playing at a similar level.

Given his international experience and impressive performances at club level, it is unclear whether the Dutchman would be happy playing second fiddle to Onana, who would surely be first-choice if he costs over £50m.

If he is willing to accept a more limited role, Bijlow could be a fantastic addition to Ten Hag's squad, who could even be capable of pushing for a starting spot.

A round-up of the Regional Four-Day Tournament matches that were played between April 7 to 9

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Apr-2017An unbeaten first-innings century from Devon Smith, coupled with Kyle Mayers and Shane Shillingford’s resounding returns, piloted Windward Islands to an eight-wicket victory inside three days over Jamaica at the Arnos Vale Ground.Jamaica’s decision to bat received little validation from their batsmen as they were bowled out for a paltry 56 in 19.4 overs. Only two of their batsmen got into double-figures, with wicketkeeper Devon Thomas registering a top score of 15. Their undoing was spearheaded by the fast-bowling duo of Mayers (6 for 29) and Delorn Johnson (4 for 26).Windward’s reply was led by Smith’s unbeaten 253-ball 100. His second ton in three matches, and 29th overall, all but nullified opposition captain Nikita Miller’s 5 for 58 and secured a lead of 167 for his side. That began to look match-winning as soon as Mayers picked up two wickets in successive overs to reduce Jamaica to 21 for 2. Offspinner Shane Shillingford then took over, picking up his 37th first-class five-wicket haul and finishing with 7 for 91. Raul Palmer, with 46 off 128 balls, and Fabian Allen, with 77 off 95 balls, were the strongest sources of the Jamaican resistance as they were bowled out for 262.Left with a target of 96, Windward were able to win despite Smith retiring hurt and Tyrone Theophile (36) and Jerlani Robinson (19) losing their wickets.Two half-centuries and a match haul of 9 for 42 from Roshon Primus helped Trinidad and Tobago hammer Barbados by 130 runs at Kensington OvalBatting at No. 7 Primus lifted T&T from 122 for 5 to 196 in the first innings with an 80-ball 60 – his third first-class fifty. It was the only notable contribution besides a 53-run second-wicket stand between Amir Jangoo (32) and Isaiah Rajah’s (38) and at that point it seemed like Barbados had the upper hand with Kevin Stoute and Justin Greaves taking seven wickets between them.But then they slumped to 34 for 6 in their first innings with Primus doing the star turn again as he removed three of the top five batsmen for single-digit scores. Stoute (81) and Kenroy Williams (46) tried to wrest the initiative back with a 90-run stand for the seventh wicket but Primus’ returns of 4 for 21 along with Bryan Charles’ 3 for 32 bowled Barbados out for 168 and gave T&T a 28-run lead.T&T wicketkeeper Jangoo then plundered seven fours and two sixes to amass a top score of 71 off 131 balls in the second innings, while Primus chipped in with a 62-ball 51, before Greaves’ 5 for 63 ended the T&T innings at 211.Set a target of 240, Barbados plummeted from 62 for 4 to 78 for 9 within the space of eight overs, with Primus taking 5 for 21. No batsman scored more than 20 as Barbados were bowled out for 109 in 40 overs.

Leeds United are yet to engage in any transfer activity this summer, likely stuttered due to the length of the 49ers' takeover. However, they could now be set to bring in the first of what promises to be a comprehensive transfer window…

What's the latest on Sam Field to Leeds United?

That's according to Football Insider, who suggest that the Whites are plotting a move for Queens Park Rangers midfielder Sam Field.

With the Yorkshire outfit set to battle with newly-promoted Burnley for his signature, with the hope being that their stature alone can prove more of an allure than Vincent Kompany's project at Turf Moor.

With just one year left on his £7k-per-week deal, the 25-year-old would represent a fine option for either of these clubs. To tempt him to Elland Road would reaffirm the status of these English giants, and hand them a huge boost in their pursuit of a Premier League return.

Does Sam Field improve Leeds United?

Field featured heavily last term for the Rs, having moved from his boyhood West Bromwich Albion in 2021. Despite their looming relegation threat, the tough-tackling ace managed to maintain a 6.98 average rating in the Championship, chipping in with two goals and three assists, via Sofascore.

However, it is defensively where he truly shines, with his figures suggesting that should Tyler Adams choose to depart Yorkshire, this star would represent a fine alternative to step into his role.

Last year the USA international blended one key pass per game with 3.7 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game (via Sofascore), with his exploits earning praise from journalist Tim Thornton: "There are similarities in the way he plays with Phillips in the way that he breaks play up and screens the defence. But he’s also very different in a lot of ways. So, he’s done brilliantly.”

However, when compared to Field's campaign, it is clear that the two are more similar than one would initially think. After all, he also recorded 2.5 tackles per game, alongside a further 2.4 clearances and 1.8 interceptions, as per Sofascore. Given both were embroiled in their respective relegation battles, they proved themselves more than capable of starring in a dogfight.

When compared to Leeds' squad for that season, this relentless midfield general would have posted the joint-best rating of those who played more than five games, and the joint-fourth-best tackler too.

Such imperious form was always foreseen by those who viewed him in his infancy, with one of his former coaches, Gary Megson, noting: "If he can just grow into himself in terms of confidence and get that little bit of belief in himself it wouldn't surprise me if he goes on to have a real top-class career.

"He's big, he can run and he's got a great left foot. He's one of the best two-footed players I've seen and he's got a great amount going for him."

Perhaps a move to Elland Road could help realise that potential, stepping up to fill the hole that could be left by Jesse Marsch's star signing.

A round-up of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier games held in Colombo on February 11, 2017

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Feb-2017A clinical bowling display by South Africa bundled Bangladesh out for 100, a total they chased with six wickets in hand and 148 balls to spare in the Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Colombo. Bangladesh were set back in the first over, losing Sharmin Sultana off the third ball of the match. Two more quick wickets reduced Bangladesh to 8 for 3 in the fifth over. They never recovered thereon.Captain Rumana Ahmed top-scored with 39 off 93 balls. Fast bowler Shabnim Ismail and legspinner Sune Luus claimed three wickets each, while Dane van Niekerk returned two wickets in an economical spell. Openers Lizelle Lee (34) and Laura Wolvaardt (30) shared a 50-run stand in 60 balls to ease South Africa towards the target. Even though Bangladesh picked up regular wickets, their total was not nearly enough.File photo – Chamari Atapattu put in an all-round performance as Sri Lanka inched closer to the Super Six•International Cricket CouncilSri Lanka completed an eight-wicket win over Zimbabwe in Colombo, a result that took them closer to the Super Six and to second place in Group A.Zimbabwe got off to a slow start after electing to bat, with the openers putting on 30 in 13.3 overs, before falling off consecutive overs. The breakthrough was made by left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera, who returned later to take wickets off the 32nd, 34th, and 36th over to leave Zimbabwe struggling at 96 for 6. Ranaweera, who finished with 4 for 18, was supported by medium-pacers Chamari Kumarihami (2-21) and Chamari Atapattu (2-21). For Zimbabwe, Mary-Anne Musonda top-scored with 32; only two other batsmen got into the twenties as they folded for 149. In response, Sri Lanka were powered by an opening stand of 77 and an unbroken 57 for the third wicket as they chased the target down with 69 balls to spare. Atapattu followed up her two wickets with a 58, while Kumarihami (27*) and Prasadani Weerakkody (33*) took them home.File photo – Kim Garth narrowly missed out on a century as Ireland defeated Thailand•ICC/CricketEuropeIreland strengthened their chances of a place in the Super Six stage with a 46-run win over Thailand in Colombo, riding on fifties from Kim Garth and their captain Laura Delany and a three-wicket haul from seamer Lucy O’Reilly.The foundation for Ireland’s score of 218 for 7 was set by Garth and Delany who shared a 106-run partnership for the third wicket after the early loss of the openers. While Delany made 50 off 80 balls, Garth fell two runs short of a century when she was dismissed off the penultimate ball of the innings. Her 122-ball knock had nine fours and a six.Ireland’s bowlers then kept the pressure on Thailand, who were limited to 172 for 9 in their allotted overs. Nattaya Boochatham (44), Nannapat Koncharoenkai (18) and Sornnarin Tippoch (42) showed some resolve in keeping Ireland at bay after early wickets, with Boochatham and Koncharoenkai adding 61 for the third wicket. However, O’Reilly quick wickets in the lower order confirmed Ireland’s win.File photo – Kari Anderson’s three-for helped Scotland defend 169 against Papua new Guinea•International Cricket CouncilScotland scraped through by seven runs against Papua New Guinea in a match where both teams were looking for their first win of the campaign.Scotland’s win was led by Kari Anderson, who took 3 for 35 and effected a run-out after PNG had won the toss and restricted them to 169. Anderson ran out PNG captain Pauke Siaka and took the wicket of top-scorer Brenda Tau (46) during the chase. She was supported by fellow medium-pacers Kirstie Gordon (2-27) and Priyanaz Chatterji (2-22), as the trio helped inflict a collapse that eventually saw PNG lose 10 for 90 – including two off the last over to Chatterji – after the openers had put on 72.Earlier, Siaka had 6 for 19 with her medium-pace, assisted by offspinner Sibona Jimmy who bowled five maidens and conceded only 15 in her ten overs. Scotland’s only notable partnership had been the 59 runs Anderson (26) had put on with top-scorer Rachel Scholes (35). Elizabeth Priddle (31) was the only other batsman to get into the thirties during Scotland’s fifty-over innings.