Fulham have now opened talks over a deal to sign an “outstanding” Premier League forward, who looks poised to leave his club this summer, according to a report.

Cottagers vying to sign new attackers

Rodrigo Muniz’s future at Craven Cottage has been cast into doubt, with Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur being named as potential suitors, which means Marco Silva may be tasked with bringing in a new striker before the transfer window ends.

Genk centre-forward Tolu Arokodare was named as a potential target earlier in the window, while midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was also on the shortlist. However, it now appears as though the Englishman is poised to join Everton instead.

Goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte is the only addition Silva has made to his squad up to this point, in what has been a frustrating window so far, but a promising new report suggests the Cottagers are now stepping up their pursuit of an experienced Premier League forward.

Indeed, according to FourFourTwo, Fulham have now opened talks over a deal for Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, who looks set to leave the Blues this summer, given that the Blues have already removed his biography from their club website.

Chelsea are hoping to receive £20m for Sterling, who still has two years remaining on his contract, meaning a deal for the winger would not break the bank, although it would be a risk to bring him in, given that the former Arsenal loanee flattered to deceive last season.

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1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025 "Outstanding" Sterling could reignite career at Fulham

The 82-time England international did not make the desired impact on loan at the Emirates Stadium last season, failing to find the back of the net in 17 Premier League outings, while also being unable to solidify his place as a regular starter, despite Mikel Arteta’s backing.

That said, the former Manchester City man is clearly a hugely talented player, having scored 123 goals in the Premier League, and Paul Merson even praised the forward for a performance during his time with Chelsea, describing him as “absolutely outstanding”.

Having spent the last three seasons in London, across spells with Chelsea and Arsenal, a move to Craven Cottage could appeal to Sterling this summer, and playing for a club where he would be more likely to receive consistent game time could suit him down to the ground.

That said, it would be a risk for Fulham to pursue a deal, given that the 30-year-old clearly isn’t the player he once was.

The uncapped pair of Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan are also set to be retained by the franchise

Nagraj Gollapudi28-Oct-2024

Nicholas Pooran, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi along with the uncapped pair of Mohsin Khan and Ayush Badoni are set to be retained by Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2025.With KL Rahul, who has led the franchise since its inception in 2022, unlikely to be retained barring any last-minute change of mind from both parties, LSG will have one right-to-match (RTM) card at the auction.The exact amount the five players have been signed up for is not yet known, but based on the retention slabs put in place by IPL, INR 51 crore will be deducted from LSG’s purse. In case aggregate sum paid to the five exceeds 51 crore, then the higher number will be deducted from the INR 120 crore purse each franchise has been given to build their squads for IPL 2025.Related

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It is understood that Pooran will be the top retention followed by Mayank and Bishnoi. In 2024, Pooran was just behind Rahul on the run-charts and he also was the interim captain-cum-wicketkeeper during the first half after Rahul sat out due to a niggle.Considered one of the best power-hitters in the game, Pooran, 29, was bought by LSG ahead of the 2023 season for INR 16 crore (USD 1.927 million approx). Pooran’s price tag has continued to soar since his maiden IPL season in 2017 when Mumbai Indians bought him for INR 30 lakhs. Two years later, Punjab Kings bought him for INR 4.2 crore ($575,000 approx). At the 2022 mega auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad paid INR 10.75 crore ($1.433 million approx then) before releasing him a season later.Mayank picked up two Player-of-the-Match awards in his first two IPL matches clocking 150-plus kph deliveries in 2024. While a side strain restricted him to play just four matches, the national selectors quickly added him to the list of quicks handed fast-bowling contracts. Bought by LSG for INR 20 lakhs in the 2024 auction, Mayank has only played seven matches, all T20s: four in the IPL followed by his international debut in the T20 series against Bangladesh recently. Mayank is currently at the BCCI’s newly opened Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.Bishnoi was one of the three players LSG picked ahead of the mega auction before IPL 2022 for INR 4 crore, as he was then an uncapped player. In 2022, when LSG made the playoffs, Bishnoi picked up 13 wickets at 8.44. A year later, now an international, Bishnoi was 13th on the list of leading wicket-takers, with 16 wickets at 7.74 and played a role in LSG reaching the playoffs once again. Last season, though, he picked up only 10 wickets in 14 matches at 8.77.Mayank Yadav’s maiden IPL season was disrupted by injury•AFP/Getty Images

Badoni and Mohsin, both uncapped and bought for INR 20 lakhs each in the 2022 auction, have been integral to LSG’s success. An aggressive middle-order batter, Badoni’s best season came in 2023 when he made 238 runs at a strike rate of 138 in 12 innings. He recently also played in the Emerging Series for India A.Mohsin, the 6’3″ left-arm fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh, impressed straightaway in his maiden IPL season in 2022. He picked up 14 wickets at a sub-6 economy in just nine matches which made him one of the potential candidates for the T20 World Cup later that year. He was not considered due to a career-threatening injury where he nearly lost an arm. Mohsin, however, bounced back playing in the second half of the 2023 season and finished 2024 with 10 wickets in 10 matches.

He might have just the one FA Cup to his name, but Mikel Arteta has got a lot right since taking the reins at Arsenal.

He has helped to transform the club from one that looked destined for decline into one genuinely competing for Premier League and Champions League titles.

While his tactics and overall approach to management have played a significant role in this dramatic turnaround, so have the signings made under his leadership, such as Martin Odegaard, David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães, and Declan Rice.

The latter has arguably been the most seismic during Arteta’s tenure, and now it looks like the club could be set to repeat the move with another international star.

Arsenal target their new Rice

While there is still over a month to go, and therefore plenty of time for things to change, this transfer window is shaping up to be one of Arsenal’s most exciting in some time.

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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The North Londoners have already announced the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Additionally, Cristhian Mosquera could be announced at any moment, and talks over add-ons in the deal for Viktor Gyokeres appear to be entering their final stages.

Yet, even still, Andrea Berta and Co look to be on the hunt for more game-changing additions to the team, including one player who could be another Rice-esque signing.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Arsenal insider Hand of Arsenal, who has confirmed that Arsenal are still interested in Eberechi Eze.

In fact, they go a step further, confirming that talks have been held with the player and that his preference would be to join the Gunners, and most crucially, that Arteta is “obsessed” with him.

The insider continued: “My understanding is personal terms have never been an issue. One source said, he would sign a 5 year deal tomorrow.”

The report states that a sale of someone like Leandro Trossard may create room for the club to sign the Crystal Palace star, who has a widely reported £68m release clause in his current contract.

It would be a lot of money to spend on one player, but Eze has proven he’d be more than worth it over the last few years, and his move could be a Rice repeat of sorts.

Why Eze could be a Rice repeat

While they both primarily play in midfield, it’s essential to note that they’re very different players and play in distinctly different ways; however, that’s not the primary basis of this comparison.

Instead, one of the main reasons it would be a move reminiscent of the one for the 26-year-old, aside from the similar age, is that it would be another example of the Gunners signing one of the best players from a fellow Premier League side, and a London-based one at that.

For example, his 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 games last season made him Palace’s most productive player, and it wasn’t even a close run thing, with the next best player being Jean-Philippe Mateta, who produced 21 goal involvements in 46 games.

Moreover, this level of output for a mid-table side suggests that, much like the former Hammers star did when he joined the club in 2023, the Greenwich-born “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, could have a transformational impact on the North Londoners’ midfield, but just in an attacking sense.

Furthermore, this transfer would be another case of the Premier League runners-up adding yet another full England international to their squad, as while the former QPR star isn’t quite as established in the Three Lions setup as Rice was when he joined, he’s still a regular feature in the squad and has now won 12 senior caps.

Finally, like the former Irons star did in the Conference League in his last season with the East Londoners, the £100k-per-week star gem played a key role in the Eagles finally winning a major trophy last season, scoring in the quarter-final, semi-final and final of the FA Cup.

In other words, the incredible international has more than proven he has what it takes to deliver in the big games.

Ultimately, Arsenal should be doing everything they can to sign Eze this summer, as not only is he an extraordinarily talented player in his own right, but he could also have as significant an impact as Rice.

Their new Auba: Arsenal start talks to sign "world-class" £43m goalscorer

The prolific forward could be just what Arsenal are missing as they hunt down their next Aubameyang.

1

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Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 22, 2025

نجح فريق سيراميكا كليوباترا في تحقيق الفوز على نظيره مودرن سبورت بنتيجة 2-0، في المواجهة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري.

وأقيمت مباراة مودرن سبورت وسيراميكا كليوباترا على أرضية استاد قناة السويس، في إطار لقاءات الجولة الثامنة من بطولة الدوري المصري.

طالع خاص | لجنة الحكام تعلق على الحالات المثيرة للجدل في مباراة الأهلي وسيراميكا كليوباترا

وجاء هدف سيراميكا كليوباترا الأول عن طريق اللاعب رجب نبيل في الدقيقة 66، في حين سجل الهدف الثاني صديق أوجولا في الدقيقة 71.

وبهذه النتيجة، يرتفع رصيد سيراميكا كليوباترا إلى النقطة الثالثة عشر في المركز الخامس بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري.

وعلى الجانب الآخر، يتوقف رصيد مودرن سبورت عند النقطة الحادية عشر في المركز التاسع بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري. أهداف مباراة سيراميكا كليوباترا ومودرن سبورت

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs are working to back manager Thomas Frank behind-the-scenes, with just two weeks to go before the new Premier League season.

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Frank has big shoes to fill after Ange Postecoglou ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy at the back end of last campaign, which subsequently gifted Tottenham a route back into the Champions League.

The Dane is now tasked with building upon 2024/2025’s feats, with compatriot Johan Lange doing his best to assist Frank when it comes to much-needed recruitment.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Tottenham were set to welcome Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White in a statement £115 million double-deal with Mohammed Kudus just over three weeks ago, with a medical even booked for the England international, who looked certain to be joining (BBC).

However, unprecedented events resulted in Evangelos Marinakis putting a stop to the transfer, threatening Spurs with legal action and somehow agreeing to extend Gibbs-White’s contract to end Daniel Levy’s hopes of a deal.

After this unexpected blow, Tottenham are maintaining their pursuit of new attacking options, while it is also believed that Frank wants a new full-back (Sky Sports).

Spurs were also in the market for a number six, but they’re not any longer after completing a loan deal for Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The Portugal international returns to London after a lacklustre debut season at Bayern, which was marred by injury, suspension and a lack of consistent opportunities under Vincent Kompany.

Palhinha joins Tottenham on an initial temporary deal which includes an option for Spurs to buy outright next summer for £26 million – just over half of what Bayern paid to sign the 30-year-old from Fulham last summer.

Levy and co are now aiming to get the ex-Sporting Lisbon star over the line as quickly as possible, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg also revealing that Spurs are set to pay a £4.3 million loan fee whilst covering his full salary of around £166,000-per-week.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has shared even more details about the transfer, and Frank was apparently key.

Joao Palhinha said 'yes' to Tottenham after talks with Thomas Frank

Speaking via his YouTube channel, Romano claims that Palhinha green-light a move to Tottenham after speaking directly with the Lilywhites head coach.

“Palhinha said yes to Tottenham after speaking directly to the coach, Thomas Frank, who is really excited about the opportunity to have a player like Palhinha,” said the famous transfer journalist.

“He can provide quality, can provide experience, can provide intensity, so he wanted exactly that kind of player.”

The 30-year-old is known for his touch-tackling, energy and robustness in midfield, providing Frank with that extra bite in the middle of the park, with the manager now granted his transfer wish.

“There is no doubt that, if you want to compete in all tournaments, you need a competitive squad,” said Frank in his first ever press conference as Spurs boss.

“There are a lot of competitive players in the squad already. The club is in the market and looking. What will happen, I will speak when a player comes into the building.”

Pakistan dropped eight catches, and their batters succumbed to the pressure of needing to win inside 12 overs

S Sudarshanan14-Oct-2024India’s hopes briefly arose. New Zealand could perhaps feel a sense of déjà vu. Pakistan themselves threatened to do the unthinkable. Only for all of it to come crashing at the end of it all.New Zealand crushed Pakistan in their final group game to qualify for the semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time since 2016. Batting first, they could only finish on 110 for 6. India needed Pakistan to beat New Zealand for them to make the semi-final. Pakistan themselves needed to hunt down the score anywhere inside 11.3 overs to qualify for the last four at the expense of India and New Zealand. In a bid to do so, they were bowled out for 56, their lowest all-out total in T20 World Cups.Nashra Sandhu led Pakistan’s charge with the ball, picking up three wickets to pull the plug on New Zealand’s scoring. But Amelia Kerr returned with three of her own, following Eden Carson’s strikes up top as New Zealand completed a remarkable comeback having come into the competition on the back of a record ten-match losing streak.Bates, Plimmers and a startWhen Suzie Bates drove the second ball of the game down the ground to beat mid-off, it looked as if New Zealand’s decision to bat first was vindicated. An over later, both Georgia Plimmer and Bates managed to hit a four apiece off Fatima Sana before Plimmer bisected the gap at extra cover in the fourth over. By the end of five overs, New Zealand had hit five fours and looked good for more, despite a slightly higher number of dot balls faced.Only when Omaima Sohail was brought on for the final over of the powerplay, did there come a sign of what was to follow.Pakistan drop catches, NZ drop scoringNida Dar’s first over, the fifth of the game, gave an indication of her fortunes for the day. Bates attempted a reverse lap on the second ball against Dar, only to deflect it to the wicketkeeper. But Muneeba Ali failed to hang on. That was the first of five dropped chances Pakistan missed off Dar’s bowling alone. In the sixth, Bates pulled Sohail straight to midwicket but Sandhu could not hold on. A ball before, Plimmer had survived a run-out chance.Plimmer and Bates could not make those chances count. With New Zealand’s score on 41, the former skewed a top edge off Sandhu towards cover, where Sana fumbled before hanging on. In Sandhu’s next over, Bates hit one down long-on’s throat. Sohail had grassed a tough caught and bowled chance when Amelia Kerr was on nought but manage to have her caught at the deep midwicket ropes cheaply.Boundaries were hard to come by. Sophie Devine tried using her feet to counter spin but to no avail. She was also given a life when she was on 13. Pakistan dropped five catches in the last three overs. Despite that, New Zealand could hit only seven fours – the last two coming off Brooke Halliday’s bat – and were restricted to a total that seemed very gettable at the halfway mark. Sandhu finished with 3 for 18 while Dar, Iqbal and Sohail also picked up a wicket apiece.Pakistan’s attacking ways play into NZ’s handsPakistan knew they had to hunt down the 101-run target inside 12 overs for a semi-final place. Their intentions were clear when they sent Aliya Riaz up to open the batting alongside Muneeba. It was only the second time that Riaz had walked out to open in a T20I, the first time since 2014. Her stay lasted only three balls as she miscued offspinner Carson to cover. Muneeba began solidly, first skipping down to loft Carson straight back and then pulling Lea Tahuhu through deep backward square leg – aided by a misfield. But Tahuhu got one to seam in, past the inside edge, to make a mess of Muneeba’s stumps.That was the start of a massive collapse from Pakistan. They lost five wickets inside the powerplay to be 28 for 5. A massively reworked batting order – that saw Dar bat at No. 7 – did not bear the desired result. Dar and Sana’s 24-run partnership for the sixth wicket was Pakistan’s best. But once their most experienced allrounder fell in the tenth over, Pakistan folded as quickly as New Zealand started. They lost their last five wickets for just four runs in 11.4 overs, the exact over mark by when they had to complete the chase to qualify.

Aston Villa are now “ready to make a move” for a “special” £60m star, with Unai Emery believed to be a “big fan”, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke has revealed.

Aston Villa eyeing striker amid Watkins uncertainty

Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri recently revealed that Villa have held talks over selling Ollie Watkins to Manchester United, and with the Englishman keen on a move to Old Trafford, Emery may need to bring in a replacement this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani is on the shortlist as a potential heir to Watkins, while the Villans have also set their sights on Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, having made initial contact over a deal for the striker earlier this week.

There has now been a new update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Jackson, with O’Rourke revealing that Emery is a huge admirer of his former player, and the Football Insider report states the ex-Villarreal man could jump at the move.

O’Rourke said: “Unai Emery remains a big fan of Nicolas Jackson, so it’s no surprise that Villa are in the market for him.

“We know Villa need reinforcements in attack – they still haven’t really replaced Jhon Duran – and Jackson’s future’s is up in the air at Chelsea as well.

“If he does become available before the end of the window, there’s no doubt that Aston Villa will be one of those clubs ready to make a move for him, because Unai Emery is a huge fan of his.”

The Chelsea forward is thought to be unsettled by the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, which could open the door for a move to Villa Park.

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BySean Markus Clifford Jul 18, 2025 Jackson could be "special" signing for Aston Villa

A deal for the Senegalese striker is unlikely to be cheap, with previous reports suggesting the Blues could hold out for £60m, but there are signs he could be an exciting signing for Villa this summer.

While the arrivals of Delap and Pedro suggest Enzo Maresca doesn’t fully trust the 24-year-old, he has maintained a solid goal and assist record since his arrival in the Premier League.

Journalist Rahman Osman was also left impressed by the improvements the Chelsea ace made to his game last season.

Jackson could be an exciting addition to Emery’s squad, but if possible, the manager should also hold onto Watkins, given that the England international has amassed a very impressive 87 goals and 42 assists in 223 games since arriving at Villa Park.

Tottenham have been given some encouragement over the potential signing of a star player after unceremoniously missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White.

Tottenham set to make offer for "sensational" £45m star after holding talks

Spurs have been in contact over a deal for a midfielder, with an opening bid now in the works.

2 ByDominic Lund Jul 28, 2025

Gibbs-White was due at Hotspur Way for a medical nearly three weeks ago (BBC), and chairman Daniel Levy was ready to activate the England international’s £60 million release clause (ESPN), only for Evangelos Marinakis to block the transfer, threaten legal action and somehow convince the player to stay.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Marinakis proudly watched over Gibbs-White from an uncomfortably short distance in his interview confirming the surprise contract extension on Saturday evening, with the player both praising Forest’s owner and exclaiming his delight at remaining.

After what was an unprecedented twist, the 25-year-old will no longer become a Tottenham player despite all signs previously pointing in that direction. Luckily for Spurs supporters, the end of this bizarre saga by no means spells the conclusion of Levy’s search for new attacking options.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are actively working on an alternative to Gibbs-White, and there are even other suggestions that Frank’s side have now emerged as shock contenders for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

The forward, who signed for Real seven years ago from Santos for around £40 million, has gone on to become a notable first-team star for Los Blancos, with midfielder Jude Bellingham calling him their most underrated star.

However, uncertainty surrounds Rodrygo’s future, with Real apparently telling the Brazil international’s agents in a recent meeting that they’re open to letting him go this summer.

“His agents are talking to Real Madrid,” said Romano on his YouTube channel last week.

“They already had a meeting last week [with Madrid] to just present their own position. In that meeting, from what I’ve heard, Real Madrid confirmed that they are open to letting Rodrygo go.

“Now it’s Rodrygo, together with his agents, who has to decide what he wants to do – stay and fight for a spot or leave and explore all the options.”

Now, according to journalist Graeme Bailey and TBR Football, his team are also speaking with Tottenham.

Rodrygo hints he's prepared to join Tottenham as Spurs speak with agents

It is believed that Spurs have opened discussions with intermediaries over signing Rodrygo, and the versatile attacker has “indicated that he would be open” to making a move to N17 before deadline day on September 1.

Levy is after a statement signing in the event Son Heung-min formalises a move to Los Angeles, and that is growing distinctly possible amid reports that the South Korean is close to agreeing personal terms.

The Lilywhites have also made it ‘known’ that they’re ready to make Rodrygo their highest-paid player, with a lot of their discussions encouraged by the 24-year-old’s willingness to join Frank’s side.

In more good news, Levy has apparently set aside funds in Spurs’ transfer budget to allow for another ‘big-name addition’. That being said, Tottenham would still need to break their transfer record for Rodrygo, given Alonso’s side value him north of £70 million.

Marc Guehi may have seen his dream transfer to Liverpool fall apart on deadline day, but the Crystal Palace captain certainly didn't let it affect his mood with England. Instead, the 25-year-old made an emphatic statement during the latest Three Lions World Cup qualifiers, emerging as one of the standout performers.

Guehi scores first goal for EnglandThree Lions thrash Serbia 5-0 in World Cup qualifierLiverpool move collapse didn't affect Guehi muchFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Though he was on the verge of making a high-profile switch to the Premier League champions, Palace pulled the plug at the eleventh hour, leaving Guehi in limbo. But the disappointment of the move collapsing was quickly forgotten as he joined up with England manager Thomas Tuchel for their World Cup qualifying campaign. The Three Lions hammered Serbia 5-0 on Tuesday, and Guehi was on the scoresheet with his first international goal, securing a dominant victory in what was supposed to be their most challenging match of the campaign.

AdvertisementWHAT GUEHI SAID

Despite the Liverpool transfer saga hanging over him, Guehi spoke with nothing but positivity following the international break. He was asked by ITV if there was any difficulty joining up with the national team after the drama of deadline day, to which he replied: "It’s been great! It’s always easy coming here, such a good group of players, good group of staff. We are all working towards one goal."

On scoring his first goal for the national team, Guehi added: "I’m just over the moon. It’s a fantastic feeling. You work really hard growing up, so to score a goal for your country is the best feeling."

DID YOU KNOW?

Guehi also grabbed an assist for centre-back partner Ezri Konsa, while Harry Kane, Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford were also on the scoresheet.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR GUEHI?

After a fantastic international week, Guehi is quickly back to club duties with Crystal Palace. He will face Sunderland this Saturday in the Premier League, where he will look to continue his fine form for both club and country.

Before Monday evening, Rahmanullah Gurbaz averaged 16.73 in 20 innings in run chases in ODIs. But against Bangladesh in Sharjah, he hit 101 – his second century while batting second – with 42 of those runs coming in sixes alone. That took Afghanistan to victory in their pursuit of 245, and gave them their third successive series win.It was also the first instance of a score getting successfully chased in this series, after totals of 235 and 252 were defended in the previous two games.But it didn’t come all that smoothly for Afghanistan. When Gurbaz was caught off Bangladesh’s stand-in captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the 39th over, and Gulbadin Naib departed in the 41st, Bangladesh sniffed a comeback. Afghanistan were another 57 runs away from victory, with 58 balls and five wickets remaining. However, Azmatullah Omarzai, who had fallen without scoring in both matches this series, got an unbeaten 70 off 77 deliveries to calmly lead Afghanistan to a five-wicket win in the company of Mohammad Nabi, who smashed a quick 34*.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Omarzai clubbed five sixes, the last of which went over long-on to seal the win for his side. The victory was set up by Gurbaz’s eighth ODI hundred, and his fourth-wicket partnership of 100 with Omarzai, after Afghanistan were 84 for 3 in the 21st over. Such had been Gurbaz’s dominance that he had already reached his half-century by that point. All four of his sixes until then had been flung over the leg side, although he did have his share of luck.When on 24, Gurbaz was dropped by substitute fielder Rishad Hossain at point, and on 48, Towhid Hridoy’s throw from mid-off went wide of the stumps at the non-striker’s end despite Gurbaz having given up after a mix-up with Hashmatullah Shahidi.Gurbaz kept himself busy by ticking the singles and finding the boundary, and when on 56, Jaker Ali missed stumping him out off Mehidy, when one turned down the leg side – although Jaker might have been blinded by Gurbaz skipping down the pitch. Those bits of fortune taken into account, the ball seemed to fly off Gurbaz’s bat, with the most impressive shot being a hard and flat six over deep backward square leg off Mustafizur Rahman.Gurbaz and Omarzai ensured the chase remained in Afghanistan’s control for much of the innings. The century came up for Gurbaz in the 38th over, by the end of which, Afghanistan required only another 63 runs off the remaining 72 balls. That was when Afghanistan lost Gurbaz and Naib back-to-back, but Omarzai brought up his half-century just after that, following up a haul of 4 for 37 with the ball to earn himself the Player-of-the-Match award.Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mahmudullah put on a huge stand to lift Bangladesh•ACB

Afghanistan had started the game erratically, dropping Tanzid Hasan twice and giving away extras with the ball. But bowling his second over – and the ninth of the innings – Omarzai had Soumya Sarkar chopping on for 24 at just better than a run a ball to break a 53-run opening stand.That seemed to flick a switch. Nabi, bowling the tenth over, had Tanzid slicing to cover point for 19 off a slow and dipping ball; Mehidy, in the 11th, sent Zakir Hasan back after calling for a run, only to result in Zakir’s dismissal on 4; and Rashid Khan, in the 15th, had Hridoy caught at slip for 7. Bangladesh lost 4 for 19 in a period of six overs, when Mehidy, who scored a patient 66, and Mahmudullah, who got a run-a-ball 98, joined hands to add 145 runs for the fifth wicket.But they took their time to settle, as they managed to add only 49 runs off the first 74 balls of their partnership. Three boundaries came during that period, with two off the outside edge of Mehidy’s bat.While Mehidy struggled to get even the singles or find the gap, Mahmudullah looked a lot steadier. With Afghanistan keeping a lid on Bangladesh, Mahmudullah hit the first six of the innings when he deposited Nabi over midwicket to end the 35th over. Those hits remained sporadic as Nabi even bowled a maiden over in the 39th.The last ten overs, however, brought Bangladesh 78 runs. It all started when Mahmudullah ended Nabi’s spell ended with another six. In the next over, the 42nd, Mahmudullah carved AM Ghazanfar for four through extra cover. He started the 44th with another boundary – this time over Ghazanfar’s head – before nailing a sweep off Rashid to propel Bangladesh forward.Seeing that, Mehidy had a change of heart too. With five overs left, he lapped and reverse scooped Omarzai for consecutive boundaries, although perished in the same over when he skied one to extra cover. With Bangladesh at 217 and only 24 balls left, it was down to Mahmudullah to provide the finishing touches; and the double dose of fortune he enjoyed in the 47th over was just what Bangladesh needed for a competitive total.Mahmudullah was given out lbw off Rashid to start the over, but used DRS to overturn the decision. Two legal balls later, he drove back hard at Rashid, who dropped a difficult catch, his hands stung by the blow. Mahmudullah ended with another six over midwicket – this one off Farooqi. He was on 97 with one ball remaining. Omarzai swung one into off, which Mahmudullah could only clip behind square to be run-out while attempting a second.