MatériaMais Notícias

Renato Gaúcho esclareceu quais são as metas do Grêmio nesta reta final de Campeonato Brasileiro. Vice-líder da tabela, com 53 pontos, o treinador revelou que uma possibilidade de título é vista como viável ‘enquanto houver matemática’.

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A equipe se manteve na boa colocação da tabela após vencer o Coritiba por 2 a 1 no Couto Pereira. Segundo as palavras de Renato Gaúcho, no momento, o foco do time deve ser buscar sempre a vitória, acreditando que ‘está fazendo seu papel’.

– Acho que temos qualidade e o grupo também. A entrega é fundamental. Em alguns momentos oscilamos, deixamos o adversário crescer, não teve aquela entrega. Precisamos nos entregar independente do esquema de jogo. Obrigação é correr, se entregar, buscar a vitória. Estamos fazendo nosso papel – disse.

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Renato Gaúcho destacou que a equipe entende que a possibilidade de título é difícil, ainda mais pela situação do Botafogo na tabela, mas que o time irá atrás enquanto existir chances falando em números. Mas de acordo com o técnico, o foco é se manter – pelo menos -, no G4, em busca de uma vaga na Copa Libertadores na próxima temporada.

— Sei que é difícil chance de título, mas enquanto tiver chance matemática vamos correr atrás. Sempre buscar a vitória e permanecer no G4 para colocar o clube na Libertadores ano que vem – completou.

Na próxima rodada, o Grêmio enfrenta o Bahia em casa. A partida será no sábado (4), às 19h30 (de Brasília). 

أفادت تقارير صحفية بريطانية أن ليفربول يجري محادثات أولية للتعاقد مع صفقة محتملة من أحد أندية الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وكان ليفربول على وشك التعاقد مع مارك جويهي قائد كريستال بالاس في نهاية سوق الانتقالات الصيفية، لكن الصفقة تم إلغائها في اللحظات الأخيرة من اليوم الأخير.

وبحسب الصحفي “DAVEOCKOP” فإن ليفريول يجري محادثات أولية حول التعاقد مع آدم وارتون ويعتقد بأن الريدز يجري محادثات استكشافية.

اقرأ أيضاً.. نجم ليفربول السابق يوضح سبب تفضيله محمد صلاح على بوكايو ساكا

ويستهدف ليفربول التعاقد مع لاعب وسط كريستال بالاس في الصيف المقبل بدلاً من التعاقد معه خلال سوق الانتقالات الشتوية، ويعتقد بأن صاحب الـ21 عاماً يفضل الانتقال لملعب أنفيلد في حال قرر الرحيل عن صفوف نادي كريستال بالاس.

وليس من المثير للدهشة أن يتألق لاعب إنجليزي مثل آدم وارتون في الدوري الانجليزي الممتاز، ويتبقى في عقده أربع سنوات، ما يجعل ثمنه باهظاً للغاية، وقد يصل إلى 100 مليون جنيه إسترليني.

Uncapped batter Pavan Rathnayake is in line to make his debut for Sri Lanka after being named in their 16-member squad for the limited-overs tour of Zimbabwe.Sri Lanka also recalled Nuwanidu Fernando, who has been knocking on the national team’s door for a while. The 25-year-old made his ODI debut in January 2023, but has played only five ODIs and a solitary T20I so far.Nuwanidu’s recent performances, though, have made him hard to ignore. He struck 122 runs, including a match-winning 82, across two List A games against Australia A in Darwin last month, to go with a first-class century on the same tour. In the recent SLC T20 League, a three-team invitational tournament designed to help selectors finalise squads ahead of the Asia Cup and this Zimbabwe tour, Nuwanidu hit two half-centuries in four innings.Meanwhile, Pavan, who will turn 23 in three days, is another batter who has made waves domestically. He, too, struck a hundred in the second first-class fixture against Australia A, and continued that form back home. Playing for Colombo Cricket Club in the Major Clubs Limited Overs Tournament, Rathnayake scored 63 in the semi-final, and a career-best 158* in the final.Both Pavan and Nuwanidu are also comfortable clearing the boundary, and could inject some power into Sri Lanka’s middle order. With the ODI World Cup still two years away, both will be looking to stake a permanent claim in the side. Sadeera Samarawickrama was also brought back into the fold having last played ODIs in November 2024 and T20Is in June 2024.Sri Lanka’s tour of Zimbabwe begins with two ODIs on August 29 and 31, before the three-match T20I series starts on September 3. All matches will be played in Harare. Those who missed out on getting selected were Avishka Fernando, Eshan Malinga and the injured Wanindu Hasaranga.Hasaranga is still recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered during Sri Lanka’s last series, which was against Bangladesh last month. Jeffrey Vandersay and Maheesh Theekshana provide the frontline spin-bowling options in his absence. Allrounders Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka round off the spin contingent.The seam-bowling group includes Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka and allrounder Milan Rathnayake.

Sri Lanka’s ODI squad

Charith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Pavan Rathnayake, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake, Dilshan Madushanka, Asitha Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera

Sunderland dealt Arsenal a blow in the title race as Brian Brobbey bagged a sensational late equaliser in a 2-2 draw at the Stadium of Light. The Gunners looked to be home and dry before the Dutch forward popped up in the dying moments, ensuring Mikel Arteta's side failed to take all three points and fully capitalise ahead of title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool doing battle on Sunday.

In a challenging start to the clash, Declan Rice had the first real chance of the game as he tested Robin Roefs with a free-kick from range. Eberechi Eze then looked to capitalise on a sloppy Enzo Le Fee pass but it was Sunderland who bagged the opener at the Stadium of Light. A looping pass into the Arsenal box wasn't dealt with and former Gunners defender Dan Ballard held off pressure before blasting past David Raya.

Arsenal started the second half strongly and after Saka flashed a low effort across goal shortly after the restarted, the winger made no mistake to bury past Roefs at the near post after Rice robbed Le Fee of possession in the Sunderland half. Martin Zubimendi then twice went close before Leandro Trossard, who had already rattled the Sunderland crossbar, rifled home from distance with 15 minutes to spare.

Raya then made a stunning close range save to deny Brobbey, with the Dutchman looking the most likely to force an equaliser. Indeed, the Sunderland substitute wasn't to be denied before the final whistle blew, with the former Ajax man acrobatically tucking the ball home deep into second-half injury time to ensure a share of the spoils at the Stadium of Light.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Stadium of Light…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  David Raya (6/10):

  Powerless to stop Ballard's thumping opener, the first goal he's conceded since September. Made a stunning save to deny the offside Brobbey in the 79th minute but could do little to keep out the Dutchman's acrobatic late effort.

  Jurrien Timber (7/10):

  Took a knock in the first half but it didn't impact the Dutchman, who was again solid on and off the ball.

  William Saliba (6/10):

  Blazed over from 12 yards shortly before the break in what was a huge chance for the centre-back. His distribution was again key as Arsenal dominated the ball.

  Gabriel Magalhaes (5/10):

  Failed to perform his set-piece heroics this time. Struggled with the more physical Brobbey after the Sunderland striker replaced Wilson Isidor and was caught out as the Dutchman got ahead of him to loop the ball home late on.

  Riccardo Calafiori (6/10):

  Pushed forward well from left-back without looking overly threatening.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Midfield

  Declan Rice (7/10):

  Forced Roefs into action in the 15th minute with a free-kick from range. Outmuscled by Ballard for Sunderland's opener but made amends as he robbed Le Fee of possession in the build-up to Saka's equaliser.

  Martin Zubimendi (8/10):

  Booked for a foul on Wilson Isidor that ultimately resulted in Sunderland's opening goal. Look a threat when going forward and rattled the crossbar midway through the second half. Also provided the assist for Trossard's thumping strike.

  Eberechi Eze (6/10):

  Bent over from the edge of the Sunderland box midway through the first half after a misplaced Le Fee pass. Sent an effort straight at Roefs on the hour mark before being withdrawn late on in a subdued display.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Bukayo Saka (7/10):

  Teed up Saliba perfectly with a fine knockdown in first-half injury time. Flashed an effort across goal early in the second half before finding a way past Roefs moments later.

  Mikel Merino (6/10):

  Operating as a makeshift striker in the absence of Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, the burly Spaniard provided the assist for Saka's equaliser but that was as good as it got.

  Leandro Trossard (8/10):

  After a subdued first half, upped his game after the break. Played a neat pass for Zubimendi to slide just wide shortly after Saka's equaliser and rifled past Roefs from 20 yards to put the Gunners in front.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Subs & Manager

  Cristian Mosquera (N/A):

  Replaced Eze for the final minutes.

  Mikel Arteta (5/10):

  Didn't hit the panic button when Arsenal went behind in the first half. However, he also didn't respond to Brobbey's second-half introduction and it proved costly.

It wasn’t easy, but Chelsea managed to get over the line against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night.

Enzo Maresca’s side managed to get themselves ahead of the Old Gold just five minutes into the game, and looked completely out of sight by half-time.

However, the West Londoners found themselves in a real scrap halfway through the second 45, and were it not for a wonder goal from Jamie Gittens, they might not still be in the League Cup.

However, while there were a few players who let themselves down in the second period, the biggest disappointment for the Blues was Liam Delap, and if he’s not careful, the Englishman could see himself replaced next season.

Delap's diabolical night

After spending the last two months out with a hamstring injury, Delap finally made his return to first-team action against Wolves.

Chalkboard

The former Ipswich Town star came on for Estevao in the 61st minute, and it would be fair to say he more than made his mark, just not in the way he would have wanted.

In the 79th minute, he received a yellow card for pushing a Wolves player and arguing with the referee, which at the time was a foolish thing to do.

However, just seven minutes later, the Englishman did something even stupider and elbowed Emmanuel Agbadou in the head, which unsurprisingly saw him receive a second yellow and get sent off.

It was a true horror show from the striker, as he wasn’t even able to have a single shot before being sent off.

Speaking after the match, Maresca didn’t hold back, describing the incident as “embarrassing” and “very stupid.”

Such a response might sound harsh, but given the state of the game and the nature of the cards, it is hard to disagree with the Italian.

Delap will surely be desperate to make amends when he returns, although he might have to do more than that, as come next season, Maresca will have another forward in the squad who could be a significant upgrade on the Englishman.

Chelsea's future Delap upgrade

With Nicolas Jackson at Bayern Munich and Joao Pedro playing better behind a striker, there aren’t too many options for replacing Delap this season.

However, that will not be the case next year, as Strasbourg star Emanuel Emegha will be making his way to Chelsea in the summer.

The Dutchman might not be a particularly well-known name in England at the moment, but he’s been playing well in France for a couple of years now and looks like he could make a real impact at Stamford Bridge.

For example, in his first season with the Ligue 1 outfit, the 22-year-old managed to rack up a tally of nine goals and two assists in 31 appearances, totalling 2226 minutes.

However, last season he did even better, ending the campaign with an impressive haul of 14 goals and three assists in 29 appearances, totalling just 2408 minutes.

In comparison, Delap managed to score 12 goals and provide two assists in 40 appearances, totalling 2670 minutes, for the Tractor Boys.

Unfortunately, the “simply phenomenal” centre-forward, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is currently injured. However, before his injury, he looked set for his best season to date, scoring four goals and providing two assists in just six appearances, totalling 384 minutes.

Appearances

66

Starts

56

Minutes

5018′

Goals

27

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.51

Minutes per Goal Involvement

147.58′

Ultimately, not only does Emegha have a better record than Delap, but he has also never received a red card; therefore, he could be a real upgrade for Chelsea next year.

Not Estevao: Chelsea star looks like Palmer 2.0 after Wolves "masterclass"

The exciting ace made all the difference for Maresca and Chelsea vs Wolves.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 30, 2025

England seamer’s heroic rearguard could yet be his final act in international cricket

Matt Roller04-Aug-2025

Ben Stokes meets Chris Woakes after his valiant effort•Getty Images

It was an extraordinary sight at the end of an extraordinary series. On Friday morning, Chris Woakes was ruled out of “any further participation” in the fifth Test at The Oval. Three days later, he walked out to the middle with his left arm in a sling, tucked underneath his jumper, preparing to face up one-handed – and wrong-sided – with England 17 runs away from victory.Woakes marched out through the dressing-room, down the stairs of the Bedser Stand, and punched gloves with Gus Atkinson. It was a rousing moment to rival Rishabh Pant’s hobble to the crease with a fractured foot in Manchester, with the sense of theatre only accentuated by the drama and tension of the final day of the match – and the series.England have not yet given official confirmation but Woakes is understood to have dislocated his shoulder while diving in the field on the opening day of this Test. He will see a specialist this week to determine the extent of the damage, but will not play again this summer and is already considered a major doubt for the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21.Related

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'Devastating' – Brook expresses regret after dismissal triggers England's Oval collapse

Pant bats with fractured foot to add crucial runs at Old Trafford

Six-run thriller – India script their narrowest win in Tests

It was an act of mercy that Woakes did not have to face a ball: Prasidh Krishna yorked Josh Tongue, England’s No. 10, with the final ball of the 83rd over, and Atkinson managed the strike thereafter. But even that caused Woakes serious pain: he grimaced repeatedly after every run, and had to ask umpire Ahsan Raza for assistance after dislodging his sling while sneaking through for a bye.In any other sport, Woakes would have been substituted immediately after his injury on Thursday evening but – for better or for worse – cricket remains an outlier. Instead, he watched on from the dressing room as England’s three-man attack toiled on Saturday; as they took the chase deep into Sunday afternoon, he went down to the indoor school for an exploratory hit.Woakes initially tried to hold the bat as usual, facing some gentle throwdowns, but as soon as the pace ramped up, the pain became excruciating. He then tried again with his left arm back in a sling, facing up with a left-hand batter’s stance: it allowed him the control of a “top” hand, but more importantly, ensured his shoulder would be as far away from the ball as possible.He needed help from Ben Davies, England’s physio, to get padded up on Monday, and had to get creative with his equipment: he wore two small arm guards on his right arm, and as much protection as he could on his left, which was tucked underneath a jumper to try and keep everything in place.2:02

Harmison: Woakes put his career on the line by coming out to bat

When Woakes scrambled through for a bye at the end of his first over at the crease, Mohammed Siraj was furious. ” [didn’t you tell him?]” he asked Shubman Gill, after landing his wide yorker only to see Dhruv Jurel’s underarm throw miss the stumps. But Woakes had other things to worry about, wincing in pain and clutching his left arm.He managed to take his helmet and right glove off in order to put his left arm back in place, and then asked Raza for help on realising that he would not be able to put his glove back on alone. As he took a deep breath and prepared to stand at the non-striker’s end once again, the sold-out fifth-day crowd began to understand the extent of what he was putting himself through.Woakes was again in agony off the next ball, scampering back for two as Atkinson swung Prasidh into the leg side, and scrambled through for another single off the final ball of the over as India – bizarrely – kept nine men on the boundary. One ball later, however, Siraj pegged back Atkinson’s off stump and, after 16 minutes of anguish, Woakes’ job was done – albeit in a heartbreaking, six-run defeat.India’s fielders made a beeline for Woakes after their initial celebrations, and Brendon McCullum, England’s coach, praised his bravery. “Good on Woakesy,” he told the BBC. “He’s in an immense amount of pain after that unfortunate injury, but it was never in doubt for him that, if needed, he was going to walk down the stairs and try to get us across the line.”1:19

Sanjay Bangar picks his moment of the series

It provided a fitting finale to a dramatic series in which 32 players have had their physical and mental resilience tested to the limit across 25 days of cricket. Both teams have lost players to injuries along the way after punishing workloads, but Siraj and Woakes, the only fast bowlers to play all five Tests, battled through right until the very last ball.”He was in a lot of discomfort,” Ben Stokes said, having himself been forced to miss this Test with a shoulder injury. “We’ve had Rishabh going out to bat with a broken foot, Bash [Shoaib Bashir] going out there bowling – and batting and fielding – with a broken finger. Then we go to Chris out there today, trying to get his team over the line with a quite recently dislocated shoulder… Everyone’s left a lot out on the ground for their countries.”Woakes’ innings can be used by both sides in the ongoing debate around injury replacements: it was difficult to watch a player in such clear physical discomfort risking aggravating a serious injury, but also an incredible display of bravery and perseverance. Stokes simply doubled down on his view that substitutes are impracticable: “If someone gets injured, tough s***. Deal with it.”It could yet prove to be Woakes’ final act in an England shirt: he is no longer involved in the white-ball set-up and, at 36, his Test future will also be in doubt if the injury is severe enough to keep him out of the Ashes. If so, this would be a sad but fitting end for a player who has always given everything he has across more than 200 international appearances.

When the New York Yankees acquired slugger Juan Soto in a seven-player trade last December, they did so knowing they would be boosting their lineup's ceiling at the expense of their defense, as team captain Aaron Judge shifted from his natural position in right field to center to help accomodate Soto's arrival.

Now, with Soto departing the Bronx for Queens and a record $765 million deal he agreed to with the Mets on the eve of the Winter Meetings, it appears that Judge is set to move back to right field.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, during an interview with YES Network on Monday, said a shift back to right field for Judge would be "likely."

"I think it's likely," Cashman said. "The reason he wound up in center was because we imported Juan Soto. Now that Juan's no longer here, it's hard to fathom that somehow we'll be better aligned to have him back in center. So I would think that he's going to line up back in right field, but stay tuned."

Prior to Soto's acquisition, Judge had made over half his career starts in right field, having only begun playing center field regularly during the 2021 and '22 seasons. While Judge developed into a solid center fielder, he was a Gold Glove-caliber defender in right, so a return to the position would seem to be in the Yankees' best interest. It would also free up center field for the club's No. 1 prospect, Jasson Dominguez, a natural center fielder.

"We have a lane ready to go for Jasson Dominguez, who's healthy again," Cashman continued. "So in theory, not giving it to him [Dominguez] but you could kind of imagine that that's where that would fall, and Judge, in theory, would go to right but we're less than 24 hours after the Soto decision so we gotta get through Dallas, see where this Winter Meetings swap meet takes us and there's always surprises that comes your way."

Regardless of the bats the Yankees potentially import via their Plan B, it's likely that the club doesn't want the soon-to-be 33-year-old Judge taking the majority of his 2025 regular season reps in center.

Judge, who in November was named the unanimous American League MVP, posted a .322/.458/.701 slash line with 58 home runs, 144 RBI, 122 runs scored, 133 walks and 10 stolen bases in 158 games played.

ESPN and MLB mutually decided to part ways at the conclusion of the 2025 season, which will conclude the latest media right contract between the two sides. In a letter to the league's owners obtained by , MLB commissioner Rob Manfred laid out the league's reasons to end the partnership.

According to Manfred, ESPN had approached the MLB to reduce the $550 million it spends annually on the deal, citing the $85 million that Apple and $10 million that Roku pay for their packages. ESPN's family of networks has broadcast the primetime since 1990. Manfred cited 2024's improved ratings, up 6% from the prior year he said, as reason against reducing the fee.

Manfred also cited ESPN's dwindling number of subscribers, and a lack of baseball coverage on the network's shows outside of games.

"Furthermore, we have not been pleased with the minimal coverage that MLB has received on ESPN’s platforms over the past several years outside of the actual live game coverage," Manfred wrote.

The commissioner says that ESPN is still interested in striking a new MLB deal, especially as it prepares to launch its own direct-to-consumer platform.

While the situation continues to evolve, as of now ESPN's 35-year partnership with MLB is set to come to a close at the end of the coming season.

Southampton and Sport Republic have seemingly made their permanent St Mary’s manager decision during the international break.

Southampton's manager targets

The Saints are yet to announce Will Still’s full-time successor after parting ways with the 33-year-old following the 2-0 defeat to Preston North End earlier this month.

A number of candidates have been linked with the St Mary’s vacancy, including former Wolves manager Gary O’Neil, Stoke City’s Mark Robins and even Frank Lampard at league leaders Coventry City. There have also been suggestions that former West Brom and Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray could be an option on a short-term basis.

Tonda Eckert has been in caretaker charge of the Saints following Still’s exit, recording back-to-back Championship victories against QPR and Sheffield Wednesday to steer Southampton clear of the relegation zone.

He was quizzed on taking the role on a permanent basis prior to the win over the Owls, to which Eckert said:

Eckert is still in his role as interim manager during the international break, and by the looks of things, it could get even better for the 32-year-old.

Southampton on course to appoint Eckert as full-time manager

According to talkSPORT, ‘Eckert is going to be given the job full-time’ at St Mary’s after impressing in his two games in charge.

The Saints are seriously considering their caretaker and appear to have made the decision, should this claim prove accurate.

1.FC Koln U17

Assistant manager

2013-2016

RB Salzburg YL

Assistant manager

2016-2017

RB Leipzig YL

Assistant manager

2017-2019

FC Bayern U17

Assistant manager

2019-2020

Barnsley

Assistant manager

2020-2022

Genoa

Assistant manager

2022-2025

Eckert has already impressed supporters with back-to-back victories, and he has also come in for praise from Saints star Finn Azaz, who called him “top level”.

“Since his first meeting, I was really impressed. It hasn’t been drastic changes. He’s been able to watch from outside and tweak a few things. He has been able to instil his message and new energy and his drive and a new voice. As I say, it hasn’t been drastic changes.

“We are playing in the same shape almost. We went out there with similar personnel, [there were] just a few tweaks. I would like to thank him. He’s been top level.”

Southampton can land Still upgrade by hiring manager who's won 13 trophies

Pakistan haven’t won consecutive games in this tournament but their win over Sri Lanka could spur them on

Mohammad Isam24-Sep-20251:49

Chopra: A travesty that Rishad didn’t finish his quota of overs

Big picture: Mercurial Pakistan v hungry BangladeshPakistan’s hot-and-cold campaign meets Bangladesh’s hunger in a virtual semi-final to book their spot against India in the Asia Cup 2025 final. Pakistan haven’t won two matches in a row in the tournament but despite the hiding against India, they bounced back against Sri Lanka. Bangladesh haven’t done too badly in the tournament despite their T20I misgivings in recent years. They have emerged as a young team in transition, now playing with more confidence. But they have a quick turnaround after their defeat to India on Wednesday.Pakistan would take heart from their batting comeback against Sri Lanka. They lost four wickets for just 12 runs, slipping to 57 for four chasing 134. Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz were the unlikely batting heroes, taking Pakistan home comfortably in the end. They had earlier bowled well to restrict Sri Lanka, who were the favourites going into the game following their group-stage performance.Talat and Nawaz showed the advantage of being underrated batters in the team, as Sri Lanka took their foot off the gas after removing the more heralded Mohammad Haris. Nawaz has had an interesting tournament, having been unused as a bowler in Pakistan’s last two games. This, despite coach Mike Hesson calling him the best spinner in the world. Nawaz, however, has bailed out Pakistan with the bat a couple of times in the tournament. Talat too did well against Sri Lanka, picking up two wickets in an over to go with his rescue act with the bat.Related

Mohammad Nawaz reinvents himself

Unlike Pakistan, Bangladesh would want to quickly forget how they fared in their last match against India. They would bank on the confidence they gained from beating Sri Lanka and Afghanistan earlier in the tournament. They also beat Pakistan 2-1 at home in July, one of their three consecutive T20I series wins coming into the Asia Cup.To be fair, Bangladesh’s bowlers came back well against India after Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill got off to an electrifying start. Legspinner Rishad Hossain took the first two wickets before Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Mustafizur Rahman put the brakes on the scoring rate. Saif Hassan’s back-to-back fifties will also give him reason to believe he can add a third against Pakistan. Bangladesh will also hope that Taskin Ahmed and Litton Das, reported to return for this game, can use their experience to get Bangladesh to the final.2:14

Why did Bangladesh make four changes against India?

Form guideBangladesh LWWLW (last five T20Is, most recent first)
Pakistan WLWLWIn the spotlight: Rishad Hossain and Shaheen Shah AfridiRishad Hossain has answered the big question about legspinners in Bangladesh – whether he can deliver under pressure. After his 14 wickets in last year’s T20 World Cup, he has impressed in the Asia Cup as well with six strikes in four games, including a spirited show against India. He took the first two wickets and then ran out the marauding Abhishek. He is growing in his stature as a legspinner and has the most wickets for Bangladesh since his T20I debut.It is crucial for Pakistan that Shaheen Shah Afridi gets them the early breakthroughs in the Asia Cup. It not only gives them an early advantage but also helps Afridi maintain his rhythm in the match. He has had a decent tournament so far despite his wicketless outings against India. He dismissed both the Sri Lankan openers, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, early to set the tone. And his batting lower down the order is also helping him add value to the team.Saim Ayub has found runs hard to come by in this Asia Cup•AFP/Getty ImagesTeam news: Will Pakistan leave Saim Ayub out?Litton Das and Taskin Ahmed are likely to return. Parvez Hossain Emon and Mohammad Saifuddin could make way for them.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Litton Das (capt & wk), 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Shamim Hossain, 6 Jaker Ali, 7 Rishad Hossain, 8 Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 9 Nasum Ahmed, 10 Taskin Ahmed, 11 Mustafizur RahmanPakistan could bring back Hasan Nawaz or play Khushdil Shah for Saim Ayub, who has tallied only 23 runs in five games in the tournament.Pakistan (probable): 1 Sahibzada Farhan, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Saim Ayub, 4 Salman Agha (capt), 5 Hussain Talat, 6 Mohammad Haris (wk), 7 Mohammad Nawaz, 8 Faheem Ashraf, 9 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Abrar AhmedPitch and conditions: Win toss, bowl first the Dubai mantraThe pitch in Dubai continues to be slow and slightly difficult for the side batting first, even though India won batting first against Bangladesh. Teams are likely to field first given the heat as well.Stats and trivia For the first time in his T20I career, Nawaz hasn’t bowled for Pakistan in consecutive innings. Mustafizur became the fourth bowler to take 150 wickets in T20Is, behind Rashid Khan, Tim Southee and Ish Sodhi. Jaker Ali leading Bangladesh in their last match was a first for him in all competitive cricket.