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Sarfraz Ahmed extended his T20I record as captain to three wins in as many matches, with Pakistan successfully defending 160 to take the series 2-0

The Report by Shashank Kishore24-Sep-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsBefore this match, Pakistan had won 24 out of 27 T20Is defending 150-plus. On Saturday, they posted 160, which was 22 more than the average first-innings score at this venue. That meant West Indies had to achieve the highest successful chase to take the series into a decider. On paper, it was advantage Pakistan, but cricket is played out on the field, sometimes on greasy ones because of heavy dew that negates any advantage teams batting first conjure.Did it affect them? It didn’t look like, as yet another timid batting show that lacked application and self-belief resulted in West Indies falling 17 short of the target. It meant Sarfraz Ahmed extended his unbeaten run as T20I captain to three matches.On these outfields, it isn’t unusual to see teams trying to overachieve while batting first in their quest to negate the dew factor. Perhaps the experience of having played their home matches here since 2009 helped Pakistan set a clear mandate. If Shoaib Malik provided the fire through swift foot work and muscular hits in his 28-ball 37, top-scorer Sarfaz proved to be the ice in a 69-run stand off just 46 balls to drive the innings.West Indies didn’t help their cause with ordinary fielding – chances were dropped and extra runs conceded through misfields – to further give Pakistan breathing space; 60 were scored off the last six overs as they finished with 160 for 4.Sarfaz then went to his go-to new ball bowlers, and they didn’t disappoint. Sohail Tanvir stamped his class with an opening burst of 3-0-11-2, in which he troubled the batsmen with late away movement to all but seal the deal even before the halfway mark of the chase.If ugly hoicks mirrored West Indies’ effort on Friday, across-the-line swipes and ill-advised footwork resulted in their downfall here. Johnson Charles holed out to long-on, Evin Lewis nicked to the slips and Marlon Samuels was done in by late movement, partly because he was feeling for the ball from the crease. At 20 for 3 in six overs, the chase was in tatters.West Indies’ batsmen also kept playing for turn when there was none. Dot balls added to the pressure – 21 of them in the first six overs alone – as the required rate spiralled over ten runs to the over. When Dwayne Bravo, fresh off a half-century on Friday, was bowled playing all around an in-drifter from Mohammad Nawaz, the left-arm spinner, West Indies were tottering at 45 for 4 in 10 overs. From there on, it was largely a question of damage limitation. Not even Sunil Narine’s entertaining cameo, 30 off 17 balls, a majority of which came against the inexperienced Hasan Ali, came as a soothing balm to a side that was brutally exposed by the trying conditions.The start to the clash wasn’t exhilarating like in the first T20I. What was constant, though, was a string of dots forcing the openers to up the pace. For the second time in as many matches, Sharjeel Khan was bowled by Samuel Badree, in the third over, to give West Indies an ideal start.Khalid Latif and Babar Azam rebuilt through a mix of ones and twos, with the odd boundary laced in between. Latif, made to look ungainly at times, was reprieved on 26 by Nicholas Pooran at long leg. While he managed to add just 14 more, his second successive fifty-plus stand with Azam helped set up a foundation from which Pakistan could tee off in the end-overs.Azam threw it away after bedding in by dragging a pull to wide long-on, while Latif’s cramping legs and tiring body that drained out his reserve energy resulted in him being run-out in the 12th over.There was a ray of hope for West Indies, but that was quickly extinguished. Malik was quick on his feet to take second runs that seemed far from the realms of possibility, while Sarfraz, far from being intimidating, managed to pinch cheeky runs through his trademark whips and glides to give Pakistan a formidable total. That Pakistan consumed just 10 dots in the last eight overs exhibited their control to a certain degree. In the end, the good deeds with the bat meant it was 11th time in 13 T20Is that a side batting first had successfully defended a 150-plus total at this venue.

Chelsea are 'pushing' to sign Sporting CP’s Manuel Ugarte as the first step of their summer rebuild.

What’s the latest on Manuel Ugarte to Chelsea?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are “in talks” for the midfield target, who has been approved by the incoming Mauricio Pochettino.

The reputable journalist also says the Blues will be rivalled by Paris Saint-Germain for the 22-year-old’s signature, but Chelsea will keep insisting.

The Guardian has revealed that the Uruguayan has a release clause of €60m (£52m) and the 2021 Champions League holders “have a chance of winning the race” to complete the transfer.

How would Manuel Ugarte fit in at Chelsea?

The eight-cap ace has enjoyed an incredible season that has alerted Europe’s most elite clubs to his unbelievable talent.

The titan has developed a formidable reputation as an aggressive, defensive-minded protector for the backline. This is showcased by the fact that this season he has made the most tackles in Liga Portugal (121), and the Champions League (29), while only five players have made more tackles in the Europa League, as per WhoScored.

The highly-rated titan has been described as a 'warrior' by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig and a 'balling-winning machine' by Dave Kendrick, thanks to the aforementioned imperious consistency.

This is precisely why the west London outfit are interested and Ugarte; he could be the perfect midfield partner for Enzo Fernandez who has been a shining light in Chelsea’s abysmal season.

The Argentine has recorded more successful long balls (133) and successful attacking third passes (318) than any other player in the Premier League since his debut in the competition in February.

The World Cup winner’s wondrous ability to dictate play combined with the Sporting prodigy’s tenacity could be a sensational combination that could catapult the Londoners back to where they belong.

Furthermore, the Montevideo-born gift can emulate Fernandez’s role as a deep-lying playmaker as he ranks in the top 19% outside of Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for passes attempted per 90, as well as the highest 1% for pass completion.

He is simply too good for his current division and a move to a Chelsea team, whose midfield is in desperate need of a huge revamp, would hugely benefit both parties.

Both the aforementioned players are just 22 years old, so they are brimming with potential, and under the meticulous guidance of Pochettino, they could both be two of the world’s most elite footballers.

Incoming Tottenham Hotspur boss, Ange Postecoglou could already be eyeing up a first signing of the summer at N17, following an update regarding the club's pursuit of Leicester City star, James Maddison.

What's the latest on Maddison to Tottenham?

According to journalist Sean Walsh, writing on Twitter, the 57-year-old is said to have "approved" of the Lilywhites' pursuit of the England international, with the ex-Celtic man having been named as the new permanent head coach on Tuesday.

In his attached piece for 90min – alongside colleague Graeme Bailey – Walsh adds that the north London outfit are set to rival Newcastle United for the signing of the 26-year-old, with the playmaker in line to leave his current home following the Foxes' recent relegation.

This follows a previous report from The Sun which also claimed that both Spurs and the Magpies are 'pushing hardest' to sign the former Norwich City man ahead of next season, with the two-cap gem set to be available for around £40m with just a year left to run on his existing deal.

Would Maddison be a good signing for Tottenham?

The fleet-footed "magician" – as previously hailed by Statman Dave – would likely prove an astute capture for new man Postecoglou, with the Coventry-born sensation having proven his credentials in the Premier League in recent years, with 75 goals and assists in 163 games in the competition to date.

Despite forming part of a Leicester side that only recently suffered relegation, the £110k-per-week maestro did still enjoy a positive individual campaign after racking up 19 goal involvements in 30 league appearances, with only Harry Kane contributing more goals and assists (33) among the Spurs squad.

That ability to make a telling impact in the final third could ensure that Maddison proves to be a dream partner to Kane at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next term, with the latter man likely to thrive off such elite service.

Hailed for his "world class" delivery in the past by Three Lions boss, Gareth Southgate, Maddison notably recorded 12 big chances and averaged 2.3 key passes per game in 2022/23 as a marker of his creative prowess, with that illustrating that he can be the man to deliver the goods on a plate for Tottenham's free-scoring, talisman.

Previously hailed as "the best centre-forward in world football" by his England colleague, Kane has been linked with a departure in recent times, although the current suggestion is that the 29-year-old will not be sold this summer, despite having just 12 months to run on his current deal.

As such, the 280-goal marksman would likely thrive off having quality figures around him under Postecoglou next season, such as Maddison, with the latter man clearly an asset who seeks to play forward at every available opportunity as he ranks in the top 15% among his European peers for progressive passes, as per FBref.

With Spurs seemingly "in need of that creativity" – as pundit Noel Whelan previously stated – the signing of the Leicester man could well have Kane licking his lips this summer…

Sam Billings says he is flattered to have been talked up by Michael Vaughan as a potential reinforcement for the Test tour of India, but insists that he remains a work in progress

Andrew Miller02-Nov-2016Sam Billings, the Kent batsman whose technique against spin bowling is considered one of the best among England’s coming generation of batsmen, says he is flattered to have been talked up by Michael Vaughan as a potential reinforcement for the Test tour of India, but insists that he remains a work in progress in first-class cricket.Billings has been on the fringes of the one-day squad for several months without being able to secure a regular berth, but he gave an indication of his aptitude in Asian conditions in the ODI series against Bangladesh last month, when he was drafted in to open the batting in the series decider in Chittagong, and swept his way to a vital 62 from 69 balls in a stiff run-chase.”It was great to contribute,” said Billings during a Chance to Shine event in West London. “I should have got 120 not out to win the game but that’s life and I would have taken 60 at the start. To be involved in another series win in difficult conditions shows how far we are coming along as a group.”Everyone knew that Bangladesh had won their last six home series, including against India and South Africa, so it was no mean feat to win. People think it is only Bangladesh so you should just smack them around but, with Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes, they’ve got a seriously good side in their own conditions.”Bangladesh backed up that assertion in no uncertain terms in the subsequent Test series and, speaking in the aftermath of England’s shocking collapse in the second Test at Dhaka, Vaughan argued strongly for Billings’ inclusion for the five-Test series against India that gets underway in Rajkot next week – not least because, as a right-hander, he will be better placed to combat the offspin of India’s attack leader, Ravi Ashwin.”Obviously that is flattering,” Billings said, “Playing spin is one of my strengths. Manoeuvring the ball around and putting spinners under pressure is one of my strengths, but the guys who are there have done it regularly in first-class cricket and are there for a reason.”Billings had his moments in first-class cricket for Kent last season, most notably a career-best 171 against Gloucestershire in Bristol in August but, having missed the early weeks of the summer during his IPL stint with Delhi Daredevils, he played just seven Division Two matches and was unable to put together the weight of runs that earned Ben Duckett and Haseeb Hameed their call-ups.”Haseeb hasn’t had an opportunity yet, and to have a long run at it too,” he said. “These guys have done it over and over in first-class cricket. But any time England calls you just get on a plane and try and get the job done.”While the prospect of Billings joining the England squad remains, for the time being, a pundit’s pipedream, there is no diluting either his confidence or his eagerness to get involved if the chance should arise. And, having sampled the atmosphere of modern Indian cricket during his IPL stint, Billings believes he has been granted a fascinating insight into what it takes to succeed in conditions that previous generations might have regarded as alien.”The IPL was huge for that,” he said. “It is different to a Test match but the basics don’t change: your footwork is paramount.”I was very fortunate to work with Rahul Dravid in the IPL and pick his brains on playing spin. At some points we moved the stumps back and had the used crease to play with and he said, ‘if you can bat on that you can bat on anything’.”This is one of the reasons [Trevor] Bayliss and [Andrew] Strauss are pushing us to go over there. Yes it is T20 cricket but it is about the environment and learning how those guys go about it.”Billings’ grounding sounds somewhat counter to Alastair Cook’s assertion in the aftermath of the Dhaka defeat, that England’s batsmen were inexperienced in Asian conditions. And certainly, given the resources made available by the ECB on their recent Lions tours, and the coaching expertise that has been drafted in to prepare England’s next generation, the scale of the collapse in Dhaka – 10 wickets for 64 runs in 22.3 overs – was extreme.And if the talking point coming out of the Bangladesh tour is the vulnerability of England’s batsmen to the ball turning away from the bat – particularly the left-handers to the offspin of Mehedi Hasan – then Billings gives the impression that such a challenge shouldn’t have come as quite such a surprise, especially given the identity of two of the lead coaches in the Lions set-up.”Graham Thorpe and Andy Flower may be two left-handers, but they were great players of spin, especially against offspin with the turning away from the bat,” he said. “The basics don’t change, you have to get as close to the ball as possible or as far away from it as possible using the depth of the crease.”For me, I identified two years ago that left-arm spin was a really big area I needed to work on,” he said. “The ball going away or sliding on is generally more difficult for a batter when it is turning.”In the UAE last winter, he was able to pick the brains of New Zealand’s left-arm spinner, Daniel Vettori, who was drafted in as a consultant on the England Performance Programme. “We had a hybrid pitch that was ragging square. He was bowling at a good pace, it was seriously tough, and that’s when you work out what’s good for you.”As a consequence of the grounding that he and his fellow batsmen have been given, and given the experienced heads they can call upon during the India tour, Billings remains confident that England will find a means to battle back from their Dhaka ignominy and put up a fight in the coming weeks.”[Alastair] Cook, in his debut Test, got a hundred in India, so they’ve got no better bloke to pick the brains of – although, of course, he does it a different way. Stokesy [Ben Stokes] is still one of the younger lads, even though it feels he’s been around for years, and in terms of his game against spin, he’s come on leaps and bounds and will only get better. We’ll all get better, the more we are exposed to it.”It’s finding different ways all over the place. I’ve got no doubt there are some seriously good players of spin there. It’s a different kettle of fish against [Ravi] Jadeja and Ashwin, but it’s been great to have had these two Test matches. We got out unscathed – yeah we drew, I know we wanted to win – but we’ll go into the India tour with preparation time. I’ve got full faith in the boys and they are definitely good enough to win.”ECB will double its investment in cricket charity Chance to Shine, from 2017, to inspire millions of young people to play and learn through cricket. Visit chancetoshine.org

Newcastle United are interested in signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa this summer in a move which would create some tough competition for the No. 1 spot at St. James' Park.

Manager Eddie Howe has cultivated a winning mentality on Tyneside and has sensationally qualified for the Champions League following his first full season in charge, finishing fourth in the Premier League.

Shrewd signings and astute tactical awareness has contributed to the remarkable resurgence, with goalkeeper Nick Pope, signed from relegated Burnley for just £10m last summer, playing a central role in the triumph.

Despite this, Costa has indeed found his name attached to rumours that United may swoop, with Portuguese outlet A Bola stating that, while Manchester United are leading the race, Chelsea and Howe's outfit are firmly in contention.

With a €75m (£65m) release clause, Newcastle would have to pay more than sixfold the price to clinch Pope's services for the Portugal international, but would boast one of football's most imperious shot-stopping departments should they succeed.

Should Newcastle sign Diogo Costa?

It certainly presents something of a conundrum. The 6 foot 2 Costa is one of the most promising goalkeepers on the European stage, having been a centrepiece for Porto over the past few years and winning the league and Portuguese Cup on two occasions respectively.

The 23-year-old has averaged a rating of 6.95 in the Primeira Liga this season, as per Sofascore, having kept 16 clean sheets from 35 matches, making 63 saves and making 0.8 clearances per outing.

As per FBref, the 11-cap international ranks among the top 2% of goalkeepers across Men's Next 8 divisions for goals conceded per 90, the top 18% for save percentage and the top 5% for clean sheet percentage, evidently an elite 'keeper despite his tender age.

Speaking of his compatriot, Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot said: "I grew up with him and he’s my friend, there’s a great relationship between us.

‘I know perfectly well that he has the capacity to one day be one of the best in the world."

While some may scoff at the notion of replacing Pope after such a stellar season, injecting healthy competition might be a prudent move, especially considering the clinching of European competition after two decades away from the Champions League.

Costa is indeed young and has ample time to grow into his skin, and he certainly boasts the acumen to rival his senior positional confer in Pope, who, at 31-years-old, still has a lot of gas left in the tank but could be displaced by such a flourishing talent in Costa who is already proving himself to be among the best.

The Bangladesh coach delivered some tough words during the tea interval on the third day in Mirpur and the players responded with an astonishing display

Mohammad Isam31-Oct-2016Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha said that at tea time during on third day of the Mirpur Test there was apprehension that another winning position was slipping from their grasp after England had moved to 100 without loss chasing 273.Hathurusingha, who has been influential in Bangladesh’s rise in the last two years, praised the role of the players who stood up to his challenge to turn the situation around, particularly the likes of Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Mehedi Hasan. Tamim, Mushfiqur Rahim’s deputy, took an active role in setting fields while Shakib and Mehedi shared the ten wickets that fell in the third session, handing Bangladesh their maiden Test win over England.”The best thing I can tell you is that the big players stood up,” Hathurusingha told ESPNcricinfo. “I was disappointed and upset that we are nearly wasting another opportunity which we had in our hands. I had a chat with the boys. I challenged them to stand up. I told them that this opportunity will never come again. I am glad that a few people stood up and decided to do something different.”Bangladesh had previous frozen when near to a winning position on a number of occasions during England’s tour this year – particularly the first one-day international and at key moments of the opening Test – but Hathurusingha said that the team will become more successful if they keep getting out of difficult situations in matches.”This group is still learning. They have a long way to go. Otherwise we would have had more success. I hope that after this win, they will have better memories if they get into such winning positions in the future, to do on their own. They can find the ways on their own in the middle. There’s a lot of idea sharing and making sure we create the environment that they get challenged.”Hathurusingha, who has now overseen four Test wins for Bangladesh, said that he is more interested in getting the job done rather than pleasing those around him. He said that the players and the BCB were supportive of him.”I got lot of support from the players, who are open for ideas, and the board members which is all you want. You don’t need everyone to like you. In that way, you’re pleasing people. The more people criticise you, it means you are challenging what is happening. Results on top of that, give you a positive sign.”

Shoaib Malik struck 63 off 30 balls before taking a wicket to stud Chittagong Vikings’ 78-run win in their BPL 2016-17 clash against Barisal Bulls

ESPNcricinfo staff22-Nov-2016
ScorecardShoaib Malik struck a 30-ball 63 and took a wicket to help Chittagong Vikings dominate against Barisal Bulls•BCBMohammad Nabi led a solid bowling display by Chittagong Vikings, who bowled out Barisal Bulls for 107 to seal a 78-run win in their 2016-17 Bangladesh Premier League clash in Chittagong. This came after half-centuries from Dwayne Smith and Shoaib Malik powered Chittagong to 185 for 5 after they opted to make first use of the surface.Nabi took out the Barisal openers in the second over of the chase, and when he dismissed Jeevan Mendis in his next over, Barisal were reeling at 12 for 4. It wouldn’t be long before Nabi would be in the thick of things again as he plucked a catch at deep midwicket to send back Mushfiqur Rahim, who had added 25 for the fifth wicket with Rayad Emrit. That Barisal got to 107 was down to Enamul Haque’s unbeaten 42 at No. 8. Enamul walked out with the score 37 for 6 – it would soon become 39 for 7 – and began a brief recovery through a 42-run eighth-wicket stand with Taijul Islam. That would make for scant compensation, however, as Barisal added 26 more for the last two wickets before folding in the 19th over. Enamul was left unbeaten on 42 off 37 balls. He had struck one four and four sixes.Nabi finished with 3 for 16 in three overs and had support all around. Subashis Roy, who opened the bowling, and Taskin Ahmed were both economical and took two wickets each. Malik and Imran Khan, the left-arm medium pacer, took a wicket apiece.When Chittagong batted, they enjoyed a solid start from Tamim Iqbal, the captain, and Smith who put on 43 in 5.4 overs for the first wicket. Tamim struck a run-a-ball 19 before falling to the right-arm medium pace of Kamrul Islam Rabbi. It was then the turn of Anamul Haque to play second fiddle to Smith in a 39-run second-wicket partnership. Malik joined Smith in the 11th over and Chittagong biffed 103 runs in 58 balls during his stay. Smith’s burst was ended by Thisara Perera in the 16th over when he was caught at deep midwicket for a 49-ball 69 that contained six fours and three sixes. But Malik ensured a strong finish for Chittagong as they slammed 55 runs in the last four overs. Malik fell off the final ball of the innings for a 30-ball 63. He pinged nine fours and two sixes.Kamrul took two wickets, as did Perera, although he leaked 37 runs in four overs. Emrit finished with 1 for 41 from his quota of overs.

Unai Emery kickstarted Aston Villa's summer transfer business over the weekend with a swoop for Youri Tielemans on a free transfer.

The Belgian will officially join the group at the start of next month, upon the expiry of his contract at Leicester City, to bolster the club's options in the middle of the park.

He could be joined by Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who is also set to be a free agent at the end of June. talkSPORT have claimed that Villa have held talks with the former England international over a possible move to be their second addition.

The Villans are also reportedly eyeing up West Ham United ace Manuel Lanzini, who is another Premier League player who is on the verge of being available on a free transfer.

How did Manuel Lanzini perform this season?

The Argentine attacking midfielder only played 19 times in the Premier League and the Europa Conference League combined but produced impressive progressing passing numbers that suggest he could be a bargain signing for Villa.

Over the last 365 days, Lanzini ranks in the top 12% or higher of players in his position in the Men's Next Eight Competitions for shot-creating actions, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90.

This means that the West Ham ace has been one of the best midfielders in that group of players at moving his team up the pitch and opening up space to either create a chance or allow one of his teammates to provide the creativity.

The Hammers wizard, who was once hailed as "magical" by West Ham Fan TV co-founder Nicky Hawkins, excels at breaking lines and dribbling past the opposition to make things happen in the final third, suggesting that Lanzini could be an excellent option for Villa when they are trying to break down a low block.

Emery could call upon the 30-year-old in tight matches where his side will need to find ways of progressing the ball up the pitch quickly and effectively, which the Argentine gem is seemingly superb at doing.

Lanzini, who has scored 27 goals in 179 Premier League appearances, is a proven top-flight performer in England and could be a shrewd addition to Villa's squad as they would be getting someone who can hit the ground running and instantly perform.

This is also the case with Oxlade-Chamberlain, who has featured in 235 games in the division throughout his career, and Tielemans, who played 151 times in the league during his time with the Foxes.

Such a dynamic and fluid midfield trio would no doubt boost Emery's ranks next term and to get three hugely experienced Premier League players for £0 would be remarkable business.

Indeed, this has the potential to be a masterclass from Emery if he can get these three deals over the line and, hopefully, the Spaniard will be able to do just that in the coming weeks.

Journalist and chief Arsenal writer Kaya Kaynak has hinted that the Gunners could sell Thomas Partey and he is "more likely to go" than Jorginho.

Who could leave Arsenal this summer?

Much has been made of who manager Mikel Arteta could sign after the north Londoners missed out on their first Premier League title in nearly 20 years.

The Gunners had to settle for second but did secure Champions League qualification for the 2023/2024 season, not to mention they mounted a serious challenge for much of last campaign.

As Arsenal and sporting director Edu return to the drawing board ahead of a crucial summer, with the domestic transfer window now opening, there have been rumours of a deal nearing for West Ham star Declan Rice.

As well as the England international, Arsenal are thought to be chasing a right-back, with Real Valladolid's Ivan Fresneda and Galatasary's Sacha Boey among the targets.

In terms of outgoing to make room, there are a fair few players who could depart, namely Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Nuno Tavares, Sambi Lokonga, Folarin Balogun and long-serving star Granit Xhaka (Goal).

January signing Jorginho, who only joined six months ago from Chelsea, has also been tipped with a surprise return to Italy with just over 12 months remaining on his contract.

However, speaking in a football.london Q&A, Arsenal reporter Kaynak actually suggests that Partey is more likely to leave than the aforementioned star.

When asked if the club will sell Partey, he explained:

"It's hard to say for definite, but I would argue that he's more likely to go than Jorginho right now.

If the Gunners can't get a defender over the line then Partey could be a useful asset to have."

Who is Thomas Partey?

While he is also likely to remain, the fact is sale isn't completely ruled out makes for interesting reading.

The £200,000-per-week star, as per WhoScored, ranked as one of Arsenal's top-five best performers overall last season and was one of Arteta's most regularly selected players in the top flight.

Partey was also called an "important" player by club legend Ray Parlour, and it will be interesting to see if Arsenal do entertain any bids for the Ghana international.

Kevin Pietersen’s punishing fifty and three-wicket hauls from Adam Zampa and Michael Beer headlined Melbourne Stars’ win over the Renegades at Docklands Stadium

The Report by Will Macpherson at Docklands Stadium07-Jan-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsKevin Pietersen switched the Melbourne derby Stars’ way with his fourth T20 fifty in his last six innings•Getty ImagesA majestic innings from Kevin Pietersen and attacking legspin bowling from Adam Zampa saw Melbourne Stars thrash the Renegades by 46 runs in the season’s second Melbourne derby.Pietersen elegantly swept his first ball for six and did not look back, driving strongly over cover and pulling handsomely through the legside.The 200 he set up never looked likely to be chased by the Renegades, and they crumbled in a heap, but limped through their 20 overs. The emphatic result lifted Stars to four points, level with the Renegades; both teams are in the frame for finals with four games each remaining.The Quiney question
A few weeks ago, Rob Quiney did not seem likely to play much of a role for Stars. He made 23 runs in three innings last year, barely got a game in the Matador Cup, and hasn’t played for Victoria in the Shield this season. He had grade cricket as preparation.But he made an excellent 75 in their opening win against Hobart Hurricanes, before missing two games – both defeats – with a hamstring injury. In his absence, Stars’ batting looked horribly top-heavy. His return – a brilliant display of ball-striking, particularly through the legside – set Stars off to a flyer, providing Pietersen with a platform and returning Glenn Maxwell to his more natural position at No. 4. After Quiney skied a Trent Lawford legcutter to square leg, Pietersen and Maxwell shared a sprightly 65.Despite ending strongly, there was still confusion about Stars’ line-up. Maxwell was replaced by Sam Harper – perhaps because of his ability against spin – rather than David Hussey or James “the finisher” Faulkner, despite there being six overs left in the innings. When Pietersen – slapping to cover – and Harper fell in consecutive balls, out came that pair, with Hussey playing a brilliant cameo (with 27 from 11 balls) before both were run-out in the final over, which was bowled by Lawford and cost just seven.James Pattinson consistently hit speeds north of 140kph and claimed three wickets on return•Getty ImagesPattinson’s return
James Pattinson – still one of the world’s most alluring quicks, whatever the format – made another injury comeback, and it was never dull. His first over, the second of the innings, snared Luke Wright, caught at mid-on, and cost just two runs plus a leg bye. His second was more eventful; at 146ph Quiney was hit excruciatingly amidships but dusted himself off to nail a four down the ground and a six over square leg.Pattinson returned for the 14th and was clattered through cover and down the ground by Pietersen, the former bringing up his 50, before the key partnership was broken with Maxwell caught well in the deep. His last, the 18th, saw Harper dismissed first ball, but Hussey raid 19, including fours down the ground, cut through point and inside out over cover, and six over cow corner.The Jumbotron
The what? In a world first for cricket, the Docklands Stadium had a pair of 93 square-metre screens hanging from it’s roof. They weighed 13 tons apiece and, were pretty excellent. The ball never went close (they hung 22m above the pitch) and provided a behind-the-arm perspective for those side-on, as well as extra screen-space for the BBL’s classic array of gimmicks. Renegades’ highest-ever home crowd – 44,189 – packed in to view it.Adam Zampa strangled Melbourne Renegades’ chase of 201•Cricket Australia/Getty ImagesStars’ squeeze
Having 200 on the board is a luxury. So when Sunil Narine – again employed as a pinch-hitter – and Aaron Finch got Renegades’ chase off to a fine start, there was no cause for alarm. In the fourth over, Scott Boland dismissed both of them – Narine caught at cover, and Finch going slogging, capping a bad day for the captain, who was dropped by Australia – and Stars applied the squeeze.Just 26 came in the following five overs, bowled by Faulkner, Boland and Zampa – who was excellent, finishing with career best figures of 3 for 19. Trent Lawford was promoted to accelerate, but only Cameron White looked likely to take the game deep. When Zampa dismissed him, caught at deep-midwicket, in his final over (the 14th), the game was up. In the following over Michael Beer (who also ended with three) dismissed Callum Ferguson and Peter Nevill, while the tail wagged to delay the inevitable.The question now for the Stars is how best to replace Zampa, Faulkner and Maxwell – and sustain a charge for finals – as they join up with Australia’s ODI squad. One bonus is the return of Peter Handscomb, but their depth will be tested.