Month: August 2023

Barcelona arent done making moves this summer. Sport is reporting that Barca are close to making a move for Petterson Novaes, a striker currently tearing it up for Flamengos U-20 side.
The deal would initially be a loan deal with the option to buy coming in around 3-4 million at the end of the season. The 19-year-old Novaes has scored seven goals in his fifteen appearances in 2023 and will join Barcelona Atletic.
The great thing about Novaes is his flexibility. The attacker can play up top as a striker but is also keen to start from the left and be a winger. Barcelona love youth and love youth that can play a variety of positions, seems like the Brazilian would fit right in.
Gerard Romeo reports that Petterson is due to fly to Barcelona tomorrow to link up with his new team. Rafa Marquezs side are due back in action at the weekend on Sunday against Real Union.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be key for India in Asia Cup 2023 (Twitter)
The much-awaited Asia Cup 2023 is here! After months of deliberations and tussles, the stage is ready to explode with high-octane games lined-up as big-ticket teams like India and Pakistan get ready to conquer the biggest cricketing prize of the world’s biggest continent, Asia. The continental cup has always been a fascinating tournament with plenty of intense affairs and this time too, expect some memorable contests that are bound to catch the imagination of cricket fans around the world.
Some big batters will be taking the field in this Asia Cup and expect plenty of fireworks from big players in this battle of continental supremacy. So, let’s now see 5 players who can lead the batting charts in Asia Cup 2023
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli in the T20 World Cup 2022 (Twitter)
It is almost impossible to imagine the list of top-run getters without a name of a certain man – Virat Kohli. The man has been a run-machine for over a decade now and there is no one better than him in the ODI format. Virat’s highest score of 183 in ODIs also came in Asia Cup back in 2012 against Pakistan and he has been in great form in ODIs in 2023 as well.
In the 9 ODI innings in 2023, Kohli has scored 427 runs with an average of 53. 37 with a brilliant strike rate of 116.03.  Kohli also has an uncanny knock of bringing his best onto the table in big pressure games and expect him to come out all guns blazing in the high-octane environment of Asia Cup.
Babar Azam
The Pakistan skipper is one of the most consistent batters in world cricket and everytime Pakistan plays, Babar is expected to play a big role. Pakistan will play at least couple of their games at home while other games will be played in Sri Lanka. 
The recent experience of playing Lanka Premier League and ODI series in Sri Lanka will also benefit Babar and with an average of almost 49 in ODIs in 2023, Babar Azam can surely lead the batting charts in this Asia Cup. Babar Azam has scored 6 fifties in 11 innings in 2023 and he would be itching to get a big one in this Asia Cup.
Shakib Al Hasan
Shakib Al Hasan is another big-ticket player who has the ability to bring his best onto the table in big tournaments. Shakib will bat at four in this Asia Cup and the all-rounder has all the ingredients to go big with the bat in this Asia Cup. He can play spin and pace with equal ease and now as a captain, we might see him going back to his beast mode of 2019 World Cup where he scored 606 runs in 8 innings.
Also, he has not been at his best with the bat in recent times, which might just motivate him to take more responsibility and guide his team to a maiden Asia Cup title.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, the Indian skipper has recently mentioned that he wants to get back in the mindset of the 2019, when he scored 5 centuries in the 2019 World Cup. Rohit Sharma has also scored 383 runs in 9 innings in ODIs this year with an average of 47.87. It includes a century and two fifties as well and just like many great players, he has the knack of scoring big under pressure.
Rohit also was in great touch in the recently held Windies series, and if he gets going, there are few bowlers in the world who can stop him.
Pathum Nissanka
Pathum Nissanka will open the innings for Sri Lanka (Twitter)
Nissanka has been one of the most consistent run-scorers for Sri Lanka in the last couple of years. He has been absolutely fantastic in ODIs in 2023 and has scored 687 runs in 14 innings. He has an average of 57.25 and has scored two centuries and five fifties this year, making him a player to watch out for in this Asia Cup.
Sri Lanka are not one of the favourites to win the title this year, but they were not in 2022 either, when they ended up lifting Asia Cup with a young and exuberant side. Nissanka would have to lead from the front if Sri Lanka wants to lift the title again and he could be a surprise package in this Asia Cup.
Note – Afghanistan too have quality players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran in their arsenal. However, they need to beat both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the group stage to move to Super 4 and that could be a tough task for them.

Muneeba Ali scored Pakistan’s only century at the Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year  •  ICC/Getty Images

Pakistan (PAK) and Nepal (NEP) will kickstart the proceedings of the Asia Cup 2023 as they square off in match No.1 of the continental event. The two sides will go head-to-head at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan on Wednesday, August 30. 
Notably, Pakistan and Nepal have never played each other thus far. Both sides will aim to kickstart their campaign with a win and keep their momentum intact going forward. While Pakistan appear favourites to win the contest, it remains to be seen if Nepal can give the home side a run for their money.
PAK vs NEP Match Details
Tournament: Asia Cup 2023
Match: Pakistan vs Nepal, Match 1
Venue:Multan Cricket Stadium
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 30, 3:00 pm (IST)
Live Streaming:Star Sports Network and Disney+Hotstar
Multan Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The surface at the Multan Cricket Stadium in Pakistan has historically been helpful to batters where pacers enjoy bowling due to the seam and swing they have on offer early on in the contest. However, the batters are likely to dominate the contest. Either skipper winning the toss may elect to bat first at the venue. 
Click Here: Pakistan vs Nepal, Match 1 – Live Cricket Score
PAK vs NEP Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan (PAK):
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah,  Haris Rauf
Nepal (NEP):
Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh (wk), Bhim Sharki, Rohit Paudel (c), Kushal Malla, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gulsan Jha, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Lalit Rajbanshi
PAK vs NEP Head-to-Head
Probable Best Performers:
Probable Best Batter-
Babar Azam – (Pakistan)
In the recently concluded ODI series against Afghanistan, skipper Babar slammed 53 and 60 runs in the final two fixtures. Babar will look to play vital knocks and raise important partnerships going forward in the competition. 
Probable Best Bowler-
Shaheen Shah Afridi – (Pakistan)
The left-arm speedster is relishing his fine form as he claimed six wickets in the three ODIs against Afghanistan. He will be hungry to add more wickets under his belt in the upcoming match against Nepal in front of the home crowd.  
Today’s Match Prediction: Pakistan to win the match
Click Here: PAK vs NEP Dream11 Prediction
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.

Jackson Square Aviation Ireland Ltd, a lessor to the grounded airline Go First has moved the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) challenging the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) order permitting the airline to use leased aircraft.
Jackson is the second lessor to approach the appellate tribunal after Engine Lease Finance BV. On August 18, the NCLAT modified  NCLT’s  July 26 order, to permit the engine lessor to carry out inspection of their four engines leased to Go First.
The lessor’s appeal which was listed at the registrar’s court today is expected to be heard by the tribunal in the coming week. Registrar’s Court is responsible for checking whether pleadings filed by the litigants are technically compliant.
On July 26,  the NCLT refused to restrain Go First from using leased aircraft for its operations, noting that those aircraft are essential to keep Go First as a going concern company.
According to the tribunal’s order, “the DGCA has not deregistered the aircraft, which means that they are available to Go First for use to resume operations. Therefore, as long as the aircraft/engines are registered, they can be used for operating or flying to keep Go First as a going concern, however, within the safeguards/safety norms prescribed by the regulators.”
The NCLT also dismissed the plea by lessors to inspect their aircraft and engine and held that they have in their previous order from June 15 already directed the Resolution Professional (RP) to maintain the same. The tribunal has granted relief to the lessors only to the extent of protection and maintenance of the aircraft/engines by the RP.

An exciting cricket showdown is on the horizon as the England cricket team prepares to host New Zealand in a highly-anticipated four-match T20 international series, which is scheduled to kick off on Wednesday, August 30. This forthcoming contest promises to be a clash of cricketing giants, fraught with pride and prestige for both participating sides.
In recent times, England wrapped up a fiercely competitive Ashes series against their arch-nemeses, Australia, concluding with an intense 2-2 draw, allowing Australia to retain possession of the cherished urn. Meanwhile, New Zealand squad arrives on English shores brimming with confidence, having secured a 2-1 series victory in T20Is against the UAE and displaying dominance in practice games against county teams.
The series opener is set to unfold at the iconic Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street, with subsequent thrilling encounters to be held in Manchester, Edgbaston, and Trent Bridge.
Leading the charge for England will be the dynamic Jos Buttler, while Tim Southee assumes the captaincy role for the Blackcaps. This T20 series holds immense significance as both teams view it as a pivotal stepping stone in their preparations for the impending ICC T20I World Cup 2024. It serves as a valuable opportunity for these cricketing powerhouses to meticulously assess their strengths and address any vulnerabilities, ensuring they are primed for success in the prestigious tournament.
Also READ: New Zealand announces revised T20I squad for England tour following star all-rounders unavailability
England vs New Zealand 2023, T20I Series, Fixtures:

• First T20I: August 30 at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street , 10:30 pm IST/ 05:00 pm GMT / 06:00 pm local
• Second T20I: September 1 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester  , 10:30 pm IST/ 05:00 pm GMT / 06:00 pm local
• Third T20I: September 3 at Edgbaston, Birmingham, 10:30 pm IST/ 05:00 pm GMT / 06:00 pm local
• Fourth T20I: Septemeber 5 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham , 10:30pm IST/ 5:00 pm GMT/ 06: 00 pm local

TV channels and Live streaming details:

• England : Sky Sports
• New Zealand: Sky NZ
• United Kingdom: Sony Sports Network, Fancode
• USA and Canada: Willow Xtra
• Australia: Fox Sports, Kayo Sports
• Bangladesh: T Sports
• South Africa: SuperSport, SuperSport Variety 1

Also READ: Injured Josh Tongue ruled out of home T20I series against New Zealand; replacement announced

Rohit Sharma’s penchant for scoring centuries in limited overs cricket has seen a significant dip in recent years. The Indian captain was once touted as the man who could break the 200-run barrier in T20 international cricket after having scored a third double century in ODIs. His century scoring spree came to a head at the 2019 World Cup in which he scored five centuries, three of which came on the trot.
Since January 2020, Rohit has scored just one century in ODI cricket. (PTI)
The 2023 World Cup is about to get underway later this year and incredibly, the number of ODI centuries Rohit has scored between the two tournaments is lesser than the number he scored in the 2019 event alone. Since January 2020, Rohit has scored just one century in ODI cricket. Incidentally, his strike-rate has also gone up in this period and the Indian captain explains that it has been a conscious decision of his to take more risks, which leads to him getting dismissed before he can score a century.
I wanted to take more risks, which is why my numbers are slightly different now. My (ODI) strike-rate (during this period) has increased but the average has dipped a bit. This is exactly what our batting coach (Vikram Rathour) was telling me, ‘You have scored big runs because of the way you batted all these years and in the last few years, it (big runs) has not happened because you are taking risk’,” Rohit told PTI.
“My career strike-rate is around 90 (89.97) but in past couple of years, if you look at my scores and take the strike-rate into consideration, it has been around 105-110. So somewhere you had to compromise. It is not possible to have a 55 average and a 110 strike-rate.”
‘Want to try something else’
Rohit has gone past the 150-run mark in ODIs eight times, the most by any batter in the history of the format. And yet, the last time he had done so was in December 2019. The 35-year-old’s admission that his dip in scores is due to a conscious effort to score at a higher strike rate is also quite evident in the stats. Between the years 2007, when he made his debut, and 2019, Rohit’s strike rate went above 100 in a calendar year just once. In 2022, he had a strike rate of 114.22 in the eight matches he played while this year, he has maintained a strike rate of 106.09 in nine matches.
It was purely my choice. My usual batting is still my patent, but I wanted to try something else. I am very happy with the result. Everyone wants to bat long and score those 150s and 170s. I still want to do that, but it is always nice to do something that you have not done. It only adds up in your list of batting abilities. Unless you do it, you won’t know it. I know if I play high risk shots, I will get out few times but I didn’t bother. This was communicated by me to the management that this is how I want to play, he said.

In the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, cricket fans will get to see clashes between some of the greatest rivalries in sports. With Pakistan, India and Nepal forming Group A, and Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka constituting Group B, the tournament’s structure promises an action-packed fun for all cricket lovers.
Pakistans opening batsman and wicketkeeper shared some insights over the dynamics that could shape the result of India vs Pakistan match to be played on September 2 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Mohammad Rizwan said that experience plays a huge role in differentiating a star player from an average player. He added that both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, but according to him, the team that will handle pressure better will turn out victorious.
Referring to the most awaited match at the beginning of this thrilling tournament, Rizwan told Star Sports, “Our team is good, so is theirs. We both have our strengths and weaknesses as a side. It is a pressure match to be watched by the entire world.
He added, “The way to differentiate between a star and a regular player is experience. Both players are playing cricket, but this experience gives the team a benefit as they can handle pressure better. Obviously, the team which handles the pressure better, will get a favourable result.
In the history of ODIs, India and Pakistan have played a total of 132 matches, out of which India has won 55 matches while Pakistan has emerged triumphant in 73.
The match between the greatest rivals in sports will mark a thrilling start to this tournament where the teams with compete in group stages and Super Fours with finals on September 17.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka will share the hosting responsibilities of the matches with the finals in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Robert Lewandowski has been talking about his situation at Barcelona and says hes not receiving enough chances during games.
The Poland international has only scored once this season so far and says he need more support in attack from his team-mates.
We are Barça and we are expected not only to win, but also to play good attacking football. Lately that has not been as it should be, so we have been fighting to create more chances, he said.
When we see Ferran or Ansu come on, two players who ago forward, we create more chances. Sometimes we dont play with enough attacking players, I dont have support… so I look for the best solution for the team.
I think that with my experience, when I know my body, I look for the best solution not only for me, but also for the team.
I realize that sometimes, if Im between two central defenders, its easier for the defenders.
In many games I dont have many chances to score. In the last two games I didnt have many chances, I didnt receive many balls, so sometimes I had to create my chances.
However, Lewandowski is confident he can get back to his best goalscoring ways and is focused on improving as the season progresses
I have to maintain my level, get back on track. It will improve with each game, he said.
Each season is different and this season is very long. We have many games and I think that the important thing is not how you start, but how you end.
Source | Eleven Sports Poland
Lewandowski was on target last time out against Villarreal and will be hoping for more when Barca take on Osasuna at the weekend.