Valdivia, ídolo do Palmeiras, anuncia aposentadoria dos gramados

MatériaMais Notícias

Nesta sexta-feira (1), um ídolo do Palmeiras anunciou a aposentadoria oficial dos gramados. Em entrevista à Radio ADN, do Chile, o meia Jorge Valdivia disse que quer focar em outras atividades.

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– Estou já longe da prática do futebol em si, mas, em relação ao esporte, tenho visto muitas partidas, estou tendo tempo para acompanhar bastante. Estou longe de estar jogando, porque me cansei e já deu, desde um tempo eu já vinha analisando as coisas e mais ou menos decidido a parar de jogar – disse ele.

El Mago, atualmente com 38 anos, atuou profissionalmente pela última vez no dia 5 de fevereiro de 2022, com a camisa do Necaxa, do México. Inclusive, o jogador revelou uma proposta de um time local, o Santiago Wanderers, mas preferiu negar para reiterar o desejo de se retirar dos campos.

– Eu já havia conversado com as pessoas mais próximas e com minha família. Foram muitos anos jogando, com muito sacrifício. Ainda estou jovem e posso muito bem fazer outro tipo de coisa – revelou o agora ex-atleta.

Revelado pelo Colo-Colo, Valdivia estourou em 2003, pelo Universidad de Concepción, do Chile. Depois, foi vendido ao Rayo Vallecano-ESP e passou um período no Servette-SUI antes de retornar ao time que o criou.

O chileno chegou ao Palmeiras em 2006, onde anos mais tarde seria um dos maiores ídolos da torcida alviverde. A primeira passagem durou até 2008, já a segunda aconteceu de 2010 a 2015.

Assumindo um grande protagonismo, El Mago conquistou uma Copa do Brasil e um Paulistão, além de ter sido considerado um dos maiores carrascos dos rivais do Verdão, São Paulo e Corinthians, nas épocas citadas.

Também decisivo no título da Série B de 2013, que garantiu o acesso do time. Já no ano seguinte, evitou o novo rebaixamento do Alviverde no Brasileirão. Ao todo, foram 241 jogos e 41 gols marcados, além de ser, até hoje, o estrangeiro com mais vitórias pela equipe (122).

Por conta de toda história e idolatria brasileira, o agora ex-jogador disse que pretende fazer dois jogos de despedida, sendo um no seu país de origem e outro no Brasil.

Valdivia chegou a atuar como comentarista dos canais ESPN do Chile durante um breve período enquanto estava afastado dos gramados. Ao falar sobre o assunto, o chileno deixou claro que essa função pode ser bastante ‘cômoda’ nos próximos passos da vida.

– Tive o privilégio de trabalhar um pouco na televisão e me senti bastante cômodo. Também é algo que pretendo levar muito a sério. Estou preparado para voltar a trabalhar na TV, mas não pretendo deixar de lado os estudos, pois venho me preparando para ser treinador. Mas o projeto de virar técnico é algo mais a longo prazo – concluiu.

Na carreira, o meia jogou ainda por Al-Ain e Al-Wahda, dos Emirados Árabes, antes de retornar para mais uma passagem no Colo-Colo, do Chile. Ele passou ainda por Monarcas Morellia/Mazatlán, do México, e Unión la Calera, também de seu ‘berço’, antes de viver seus últimos momentos como atleta no Necaxa.

Vale lembrar que, pela seleção chilena, Valdivia venceu a Copa América de 2015 e esteve presente nas Copas do Mundo de 2010 e 2014.

continua após a publicidade

New Zealand take ODI series 1-0 after yet another washout

Bates, Devine helped the hosts get to a strong start before rain stopped play

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Dec-2022

New Zealand pose with the ODI trophy after series win against Bangladesh•Getty Images

No result – Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine helped New Zealand get off to a strong start in the third ODI in Hamilton before incessant rain forced another washout, after 26.5 overs of play. As a result, New Zealand took the series 1-0, having won the first ODI in Wellington and the second ODI also washed out.New Zealand posted 123 for 2, thanks to quick starts from openers Bates and Devine. Devine raced to a 39-ball 42 which was laced with four fours, while Bates brought up an 80-ball 51 without a single boundary. Salma Khatun provided the breakthrough by removing Devine in the 16th over, while Ritu Moni struck in the 26th to dismiss Bates.Amelia Kerr and Maddy Green were batting together when rain intervened at 3.45pm local time and caused a delay. The rain persisted and eventually led to the match being called off at 7.26pm local time.Bates finished as the top run-scorer of the ODI series with 153 runs. Jess Kerr topped the bowling charts with five wickets across two innings.After the two washouts, New Zealand are third on the ICC Women’s Championship table with three wins from six games and Bangladesh are third from the bottom.

He’s better than Dalot: Man Utd must regret selling "monster" star for £15m

One of the biggest challenges Manchester United have faced this season has been adapting Ruben Amorim’s new back three system. Under Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, but since Amorim’s appointment, that has changed to a 3-4-2-1.

Perhaps the players who have had to adapt most are those out wide. Some wingers, including Amad and Alejanrdro Garnacho, have become number 10s, whilst Noussair Mazroui has shown versatility, playing at both centre-back and wing-back. Patrick Dorgu was signed as an out-and-out wing-back, to bolster Amorim’s options out wide too.

Another player who has been used only as a wing-back in the last few months is Diogo Dalot.

Diogo Dalot’s time under Amorim so far

Dalot was excellent for United in the 2023/24 campaign. He played 50 times, scoring three goals and grabbing five assists, playing a huge role in helping his side to FA Cup glory. Former Red Devils captain Gary Neville said he is “the right-back for the future” at Old Trafford.

However, things have not been as easy this term for the Portuguese. He has played 40 times under both managers but has just one goal and two assists. His role has vastly changed from playing as a right-back or left-back under Ten Hag. Now, Amorim has deployed him on the left and right flank as a wing-back.

His record for the new boss suggests he has perhaps taken longer to adapt. He has played 22 matches so far but is yet to register an assist, which might be concerning from one of United’s main widemen. He did get on the scoresheet against FCSB in the Europa League.

It has been a tough season for Dalot, who football analyst and host of The Overlap: The Breakdown H, brutally said has been “garbage for months” at the start of February. He is certainly one of the players who has needed to adapt the most to Amorim’s system.

Perhaps the new United boss wishes he had a former Red Devils star to call upon at wing-back…

Man United have sold a better player than Dalot

There was a lot of change at Old Trafford in the summer, with some significant player departures. Key members of Ten Hag’s squad left, including boyhood Red Scott McTominay who joined Napoli.

Another notable departure was Aaron Wan-Bissaka. The Englishman left Old Trafford after five seasons of donning the famous red shirt with the London-born defender making the move back to the capital, joining West Ham United for just £15m.

Since making the move to the London Stadium, Wan-Bissaka has impressed. Although renowned for his “monster” defensive ability, as football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, he has grabbed two goals and two assists, more goal involvements than Dalot has managed this term.

His most recent goal involvement came away to Arsenal in the Hammers’ most recent Premier League outing. It was a sensational assist for his captain, Jarrod Bowen. In a one-vs-one situation against Riccardo Calafiori, the West Ham number 29 beat him with a few stepovers and whipped a lovely ball onto Bowen’s head.

Wan-Bissaka was a key player at Old Trafford for several years. The right-back, who also slotted in on the opposite side at times, played 190 times, scoring twice and registering 13 assists.

Wan-Bissaka key stats at Man Utd per season (all comps)

Season

Games

Key passes

Dribbles completed

Tackles

Interceptions

2019/20

46

34

66

163

82

2020/21

54

38

53

136

95

2021/22

26

15

44

61

45

2022/23

34

22

35

67

39

2023/24

30

18

22

58

60

Stats from Sofascore

Looking back on it, perhaps the Red Devils wish they still had Wan Bissaka to call upon now. Although he is not a natural wing-back, his assist against Arsenal showed just how capable he is in the final third, and he is of course outperforming Dalot when it comes to goal involvement this season.

Aaron-Wan-Bissaka

Maybe Wan-Bissaka is a player that Amorim wishes he still had available to him as he continues to drag his side up the table.

Worse than Dorgu: Amorim's 29-touch Man Utd dud simply "needs to go"

Man Utd held on for a much-needed win at home to Ipswich Town

ByRobbie Walls Feb 27, 2025

أول تعليق من أحمد سيد زيزو بعد الانضمام إلى الأهلي

أعلن النادي الأهلي، منذ قليل، التعاقد مع أحمد سيد زيزو، لتدعيم صفوف فريق الكرة الأول استعدادًا للمشاركة في بطولة كأس العالم للأندية 2025 المقامة في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية.

وتعاقد الأهلي، مع زيزو في صفقة انتقال حر بعد انتهاء عقده مع الزمالك، بنهاية الموسم الكروي 2024-2025 عقب مباراة كأس مصر بين الأبيض وبيراميدز.

ونشرت منصات الأهلي الرسمية، مقطع فيديو، لتقديم أحمد سيد زيزو لاعبًا في صفوف الأحمر، خلال الدقائق القليلة الماضية.

طالع.. كل الطرق تؤدي إلى الجزيرة.. الأهلي يعلن التعاقد مع أحمد سيد زيزو

وقال زيزو، في الفيديو المنشور عبر منصات الأهلي: “كل الطرق تؤدي إلى الجزيرة، زيزو في أرض التاريخ زيزو أهلاوي”.

ومن المنتظر أن يلتحق زيزو بفريق الأهلي، خلال الساعات المقبلة في المعسكر المقام في الولايات المتحدة قبل كأس العالم للأندية الذي سينطلق خلال أيام.

ويستهل الأهلي، مشواره ببطولة كأس العالم للأندية بمواجهة انتر ميامي الأمريكي، بالمباراة الافتتاحية يوم 15 يونيو الجاري.

ويتواجد الأهلي في المجموعة الأولى ضمن منافسات كأس العالم للأندية، رفقة أندية إنتر ميامي الأمريكي، وبورتو البرتغالي، وبالميراس البرازيلي.

إجراء قانوني يمنع موهبة الترجي الجديدة من المشاركة في كأس العالم للأندية

أعلن نادي الترجي التونسي تعزيز صفوفه بالتعاقد مع أحد أبرز المواهب الصاعدة في الكرة الإفريقية، في خطوة تهدف لتأمين مستقبل فريق باب سويقة على المدى الطويل، بالتزامن مع استعداده لخوض منافسات كأس العالم للأندية 2025.

ورغم اكتمال الصفقة رسميًا، إلا أن اللاعب الشاب لن يتمكن من الظهور مع فريق الترجي في النسخة الحالية من كأس العالم للأندية، بسبب غلق باب القيد الاستثنائي الخاص بالمونديال يوم 10 يونيو، ما يعني غيابه عن مباريات المجموعة الرابعة التي تضم فرقًا بحجم تشيلسي وفلامنجو وكلوب ليون المكسيكي.

طالع أيضًا | ماهر الكنزاري: الترجي لا يخشى أحدًا في كأس العالم للأندية.. ولدينا تحديات أهم

الوافد الجديد هو جاك ديارا، لاعب الوسط البوركيني البالغ من العمر 18 عامًا، الذي انضم للترجي قادمًا من نادي ساليتاس في بوركينا فاسو، ووقّع عقدًا يمتد لثلاثة مواسم.

وسبق له التألق مع منتخب بلاده في كأس العالم تحت 17 عامًا عام 2023، حيث سجل هدفين في ثلاث مباريات، ما لفت أنظار كشافي الترجي التونسي.

ويواصل الترجي التونسي تحضيراته للمشاركة في كأس العالم للأندية، الذي ينطلق في الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية اليوم 14 يونيو ويستمر حتى 13 يوليو المقبل، على أمل تحقيق نتائج تليق بتاريخه الكبير في القارة الإفريقية.

Giovani deve reforçar o Palmeiras em breve e ser uma possível reposição para Veron

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras deve ganhar um reforço nos próximos dias além dos dois gringos López e Merentiel. Mas engana-se quem pensa que será uma contratação, nada disso, trata-se do garoto Giovani, que se recuperou de cirurgia no tornozelo e já está treinando com o grupo para voltar a ser opção para a Abel Ferreira no setor de ataque. Com a possibilidade de Veron deixar o clube, ele tende a ganhar espaço.

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> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

Aos 18 anos, o atacante foi um dos destaques do Verdão na conquista da Copinha deste ano, mas em 2021 ele já havia participado de algumas partidas da temporada, tanto no Paulistão quanto no Brasileirão, em que chamou a atenção nas últimas rodadas, quando um time sub-20 foi escalado para disputá-las.

Em 2022, ele despontou como opção fixa para o elenco principal e foi alvo de forte interesse do Ajax, que tentou levá-lo para a Holanda até os últimos minutos da janela de inverno europeu, mas o Palmeiras resistiu e segurou sua joia, pois entende que o retorno esportivo virá com ele no grupo e o financeiro será consequência, embora as ofertas que chegaram tenham sido consideradas muito boas.

Apesar da aposta em mantê-lo no elenco, Giovani jogou pouco neste ano. Foram apenas cinco jogos (três no Paulista, um na Libertadores e um no Brasileiro). Seu último duelo foi no dia 9 de abril, na derrota para o Ceará, no Brasileirão. No entanto, um mês depois, uma lesão ligamentar no tornozelo direito interrompeu suas chances no time.

O problema acabou levando o garoto a passar por uma cirurgia.Esse procedimento pelo qual a joia foi submetida foi uma artroscopia e sua operação aconteceu no dia 12 de maio, ou seja, já são mais de dois meses de recuperação, mas o clube considera que o processo foi bem sucedido devido ao trabalho junto ao Núcleo de Saúde e Performance. Tanto é que ele já vem treinando com o elenco.

Isso significa que em breve Giovani estará à disposição de Abel Ferreira para ser relacionado para próximos jogos, sendo mais um “reforço” para o ataque em um momento em que Rony e Navarro estão fora por lesão, e Gabriel Veron pode em breve deixar o clube rumo ao Porto-POR. Aliás, o campeão da Copinha pode ser a reposição natural para a saída do campeão mundial sub-17.

Rohit and Kohli left out of squad for T20Is against New Zealand

Prithvi Shaw is back in the T20I squad, while KS Bharat gets a maiden call-up to the ODI squad

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jan-2023

Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav remain captain and vice-captain of India’s T20I squad•BCCI

India have left Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli out of their T20I squad for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. KL Rahul is also not in the squad, and while the BCCI put his absence – and that of Axar Patel, from both the ODI and T20I legs of the series – down to family commitments, it gave no specific reason for Rohit, India’s regular all-format captain, and Kohli missing the series.As a result, India’s first-choice top three from their last two T20 World Cups are now missing successive T20I series.This may not yet have a major bearing on India’s long-term future in the format, however. Ahead of the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka, Rohit said the selectors and team management had made it clear to a number of senior players that they would not be able to play all three formats over the next few months for workload-management reasons, with India building up towards the 50-overs World Cup later this year.Related

The Kishan dilemma, Kuldeep vs Chahal, Malik's rise: India face tricky calls vs NZ

Suryakumar and Kishan in India's Test squad to face Australia

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Hardik Pandya, who captained India in the three T20Is against Sri Lanka earlier this month, will continue to lead the side in the T20I series, which will be played in Ranchi, Lucknow and Ahmedabad from January 27 to February 1, with Suryakumar Yadav as his deputy.Rohit and Kohli are part of the squad for the ODI series that will take place before the T20Is, from January 18 to 24 in Hyderabad, Raipur and Indore.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Prithvi Shaw in, Harshal Patel outThe T20I squad is also notable for the return of opener Prithvi Shaw, who last played for India in July 2021, and whose absence from subsequent squads – particularly in the T20 format – has been a constant source of debate, given his rare ability to provide rapid starts in the powerplay. Shaw forced himself into the reckoning earlier this week by scoring 379 off 383 balls – the second-highest first-class score by an Indian batter – for Mumbai against Assam in the Ranji Trophy.Left-arm wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav, who took a Player-of-the-Match-winning 3 for 51 in the second ODI against Sri Lanka on Thursday, is also back in the T20I squad, having last featured for India in that format in August 2022. He is one of two wristspinners in the squad along with Yuzvendra Chahal.Sanju Samson, who was ruled out midway through the T20I series against Sri Lanka with a knee injury, remains out of the squad – the BCCI release did not provide an update on his fitness. Jitesh Sharma, who replaced him, remains in the squad as one of two wicketkeeping options alongside Ishan Kishan.Fast bowler Harshal Patel, who played only the first T20I against Sri Lanka, has been left out of the squad.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

KS Bharat called up to ODI squadWith Rahul sitting out the ODIs, India have called up the uncapped KS Bharat as a second wicketkeeper alongside Kishan. Bharat is also part of India’s squad for the first two Tests against Australia in February – he is expected to contest the lead wicketkeeper role with Kishan in the absence of regular keeper Rishabh Pant, who has undergone knee ligament surgery after suffering a serious car crash in late December.In Axar’s absence, meanwhile, the selectors have called on a like-for-like replacement in Shahbaz Ahmed – both are allrounders who bat left-handed and bowl left-arm spin. Shahbaz has been part of the white-ball mix in recent months, and has played three ODIs, most recently in December on the tour of Bangladesh.Also back in the squad is fast-bowling allrounder Shardul Thakur, who was left out of the series against Sri Lanka. Left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh, who was part of the ODI squad against Sri Lanka but didn’t get a chance in the starting XI, misses out – he remains part of the T20I squad, however.Jasprit Bumrah, who was initially named in the ODI squad against Sri Lanka before pulling out before the start of the series – he is on the road to recovery from a long-term back injury – is not part of either white-ball squad or the squad for the first two Tests against Australia.

Man City send officials to watch £6m gem who Arsenal scouts are tracking

Manchester City have sent scouts to watch a 20-year-old midfielder as they look to get ahead of Arsenal in the race to win his signature, according to a new report.

Multiple exits on the cards for Man City this summer

It was a very busy January for the Blues, as they brought in Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico Gonzalez, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah. And given how the season looks set to end for City, it could be a busy summer with Pep Guardiola eyeing plenty more arrivals.

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The Man City star thrived against Plymouth in the FA Cup.

ByJoe Nuttall Mar 2, 2025

Several key players currently at the Etihad will need to be moved on as a trophy-laden cycle comes to its end, and reports suggest talisman Kevin de Bruyne is close to finalising terms with MLS outfit San Diego when his contract at City expires at the end of the campaign.

As well as De Bruyne potentially leaving, FourFourTwo have reported that fellow midfielder Mateo Kovacic could make a move to Atletico Madrid, as City may be willing to let the player leave as they look to freshen the squad up. The one hurdle may be that the Blues are demanding £25 million for the Croatian, which could be steep for Diego Simeone’s side.

Meanwhile, City have held talks over signing Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, as Ederson is reportedly set for a move to the Saudi Pro League. Ederson was close to a move last summer, but it didn’t work out. However, given how this season has gone, City could see it as the right time to part ways and freshen up their goalkeeper options.

Man City send scouts to watch £6m Nico Paz

And while a few players potentially edge closer to a City exit, according to Caught Offside, Man City are interested in signing attacking midfielder Nico Paz, who has impressed in Italy with Como this season.

Paz has left many impressed with his performances for the newly promoted Italian side, and now City have started to take notice. The report states that Guardiola is taking a closer look at the 20-year-old, and officials from the Etihad have watched Paz in action in recent games against Napoli and Fiorentina, where he managed to grab a goal and an assist.

However, City are not alone in their pursuit of the young star, as Arsenal have also been scouting Paz, as they are looking to sign a new attacking midfielder. Any deal is complicated because Real Madrid, who Paz left last summer, have a buy-back option for €8 million (over £6 million) this summer, which will rise gradually each year. The Spanish giants will also retain 50% of any future sale to a third club if they decide not to buy Paz back.

Nico Paz’s Como stats

Apps

25

Goals

6

Assists

5

Paz has been among the goals and assists in a Como side that is fighting to beat the drop, so it is no surprise he is gaining attention. He still has a lot of development to do, but the Blues could see Paz as someone who could be a future replacement for De Bruyne, as his versatility would make him an ideal Guardiola signing.

Aston Villa have hit gold on "monster" who's a £59m-rated ace in the making

Aston Villa chiefs Unai Emery and Monchi made moves to bolster the squad in the recent January transfer window ahead of the second half of the season.

The Villans brought in Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia on permanent deals from Borussia Dortmund and Levante respectively, to improve their options up front and at full-back.

They also swooped to sign Marcus Rashford, Axel Disasi, and Marco Asensio on loan from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.

How Aston Villa's January signings have performed

Malen, who was not included in the club’s squad list for the Champions League, has failed to register a goal or an assist in seven appearances in all competitions for Villa so far, starting just one of his six league matches.

Disasi, however, has started all four of his appearances in the Premier League since his temporary switch from Chelsea, and Garcia has started four of his five outings in the league.

Rashford, who joined on loan from United, has registered four assists, including the one in the clip above, in his last six matches for the Villans in all competitions.

Market Movers

The standout performer for Villa, out of all of the January recruits, has been PSG loanee Asensio, who has hit the ground running to make a big impact on the pitch.

Aston Villa's £59m-rated star in the making

Aston Villa have already hit the jackpot with the loan star because the Spain international has racked up seven goals in eight games for the club to date, including three goals in two Champions League clashes with Club Brugge.

The 29-year-old wizard’s performances for Villa and PSG over the past year have also earned him a comparison to Manchester City’s £59m signing Omar Marmoush.

As you can see in the chart above, both players excel at scoring goals, creating chances, and progressing the play for their respective teams from a wide or central attacking position.

Asensio, who scored two goals and provided four assists in eight Ligue 1 starts in the first half of the season for PSG, moved to the Premier League at the same time as Marmoush in January, and has enjoyed a similar impact at the top end of the pitch.

24/25 Premier League

Marco Asensio

Omar Marmoush

Appearances (starts)

4 (2)

6 (5)

xG

1.43

1.05

Goals

2

3

Assists

0

0

Pass accuracy

86%

83%

Dribble success rate

75%

20%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, they have both offered a decent goal threat to their respective clubs in the top-flight since January, whilst being reliable with their use of the ball.

This shows that Villa have already hit the jackpot by signing the Spanish star, who has been described as a “mentality monster” by Matty Cash, because he has made an instant impact on the pitch, playing a pivotal role in their win over Club Brugge to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Marco Asensio celebrates for Aston Villa

TEAMtalk recently reported that Villa are in talks over an £18m deal to sign the 29-year-old ace permanently, which could also represent them hitting gold as his statistics for the club – and for PSG over the past year – suggest that he can be as effective as a £59m-rated star.

Therefore, Monchi and Emery could secure a £59m-rated star in the making by landing the PSG outcast for a fee of just £18m, which seems like a bargain based on his form since his temporary switch.

Stronger than McGinn: Aston Villa racing Real Madrid to sign "superb" teen

He’s one to watch…

ByTom Cunningham Mar 14, 2025

Amy Jones fifty backed up by Grace Potts, Emily Arlott as Central Sparks start with a win

Cordelia Griffiths half-century a lone hand in Sunrisers’ failed chase

ESPNcricinfo staff18-May-2023

Amy Jones provided the ignition for Central Sparks•Getty Images

Amy Jones and Grace Potts proved the gamechangers for Central Sparks as they beat Sunrisers by 23 runs at Chelmsford in the opening game of the 2023 Charlotte Edwards Cup.England wicketkeeper Jones held Sparks together with a swashbuckling 51 from 34 balls out of a score of 137 all out after they were invited to bat first. Kelly Castle and Mady Villiers kept the rest of the Sparks line-up in check, the former taking two wickets in successive balls.Potts (2-13) though proved impossible to get away during the Sunrisers reply and despite a classy half-century from Cordelia Griffith the hosts, who were without oversea ace Dane Van Niekerk because of illness, came up short, Emily Arlott cleaning up the tail.Sunrisers got early joy after deciding to field with Davina Perrin trapped in front for a duck from the last ball of Kate Coppack’s opening over.Eve Jones threatened briefly, scoring all the first 15 runs off the bat before missing a horrible short ball from Grace Scrivens which crashed into the stumps and Australian allrounder Erin Burns failed to make the most of being dropped on 1 when stumped by Amara Carr off the impressive Castle.And when Ami Campbell was castled by Villiers Sparks’ flame was in danger of being snuffed out at 59 for 4. Amy Jones though stood firm, feasting on some short offerings with savage pulls square of the wicket as well as driving crisply through the covers.At 94 for 4 a big score looked on, but Castle returned to have Abbey Freeborn stumped by Carr, before yorking Katie George with the next ball, leaving Arlott to prevent the hat-trick.Jones moved serenely to 50 only to hole out at mid-off to the very next ball from Villiers after which the tail scrambled to 137.The hosts looked to Scrivens for a solid start, but the teenager went early, striking one from Potts into the midriff of George at midwicket.George then had a mixed over ball in hand, producing a trio of wides before Lissy Macleod despatched her twice to the fence. George though had the last laugh having Macleod taken at the second attempt down the leg-side by Amy Jones from one that flicked the glove.Potts turned the screw a little tighter with three overs off the reel in the powerplay to put Sunrisers behind the clock.Griffith took up the chase to strike England speedster Issy Wong first over midwicket and then through mid-off for successive boundaries. Georgia Davis was similarly despatched through cover and when George returned to the attack, she was cut to the fence at third twice in successive balls.In need of a wicket, Sparks summoned the miserly Potts back to the bowling crease and she delivered, trapping Carr plumb in front, and Villiers didn’t entertain us for long, swinging one from Burns into the hands of George at cow corner.The double strike caused the rate required to climb with 46 needed from the last five. Griffiths scampered two to reach 50 from 43 balls with six fours, but when she skied one to cover off the bowling of Arlott later in the over the task proved too much for the Sunrisers tail.

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