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Despite enjoying a strong campaign, the Gunners are set to spend big again as they prepare for their return to the Champions League

Arsenal are set for another busy summer transfer window. Fresh from guiding his young team to a second-placed finish in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta is determined to improve his squad as the club gears up to return to the Champions League for the first time since 2017.

Some big name additions are expected to arrive in north London, but who could they be? GOAL takes a look at the 10 most likely candidates…

GettyDeclan Rice (West Ham)

It’s no secret that Arsenal want to sign West Ham’s captain and that they have already put a lot of work in behind the scenes to try and get a deal done. But that does not mean they are guaranteed to land Rice, even though it is understood he is open to making the move across London.

There is strong rival interest in the England international that Arsenal will need to see off if they are going to sign him, and they are also going to need to absolutely smash their club-record transfer fee, that currently stands at the £72m ($89m) they paid Lille for Nicolas Pepe in 2019.

West Ham want in excess of £100m (£123.5m) for their skipper and will be hoping for a bidding war to drive the price up further. Whether Arsenal have the financial capability to win the race for Rice remains to be seen, but they are certainly going to try.

AdvertisementGettyMoises Caicedo (Brighton)

Arsenal pushed hard for Caicedo in January but were left disappointed when Brighton rejected two bids for their midfielder. The Gunners remain interested in the 21-year-old, but it is currently unclear whether they will bid for him as well as Rice this summer. It could be a case of one, rather than both as they look to reshape their midfield.

Caicedo has signed a new contract at Brighton since Arsenal’s failed attempts to sign him in January, but that does not mean he will not be moving on in the coming weeks.

GettyIlkay Gundogan (Man City)

Arsenal do have an interest in Gundogan and talks have taken place with his representatives over a possible free transfer this summer. Manchester City are still trying to get him to sign a new contract, but if he doesn’t, he will be available on a free transfer. 

A move to Barcelona remains the most likely option, but Arsenal are trying to convince him to stay in the Premier League following his glittering career at the Etihad. He would be a perfect, low-cost replacement for Granit Xhaka.

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GettyMason Mount (Chelsea)

Arsenal, like the rest of the top clubs in the Premier League, are keeping close tabs on Mount’s situation at Chelsea. It looks increasingly certain he will leave this summer rather than sign a new contract, and talks have been held over a potential move to the Emirates.

But several other clubs are also in the mix, including Manchester United and Liverpool, so it will be a difficult race to win. Chelsea are believed to want around £70m for Mount, a figure that could price Arsenal out of a move.

The Arsenal and England winger is setting new standards this season for club and country

Gareth Southgate bit his lip when he was asked after England’s 2-0 win against Ukraine whether there was any other right winger in the world who is playing at the level of Bukayo Saka right now.

“I’m not going to get drawn into where he sits in world football,” Southgate laughed. “That would start to put us in danger of doing all the things that we shouldn’t be doing with him. 

“He’s progressing brilliantly and he’s a joy to work with. We should leave it at that.”

It was as diplomatic a response as you would expect from someone like Southgate. 

But in all honesty, he could have just said that Saka is at the top of the world pile right now because no-one would have argued with him.

Mohamed Salah can step aside, so can the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Rodrygo. Saka is currently the best right winger on the planet. It’s that simple.

GettySpecial Saka

What Saka’s doing for Arsenal this season and what he did for England on Sunday against Ukraine is all the evidence you need to back up that statement.

And while Southgate was probably right not to say it out loud, he doesn’t really need to worry about praise going to Saka’s head because the 21-year-old is not the type of player to let that happen.

That’s what makes him so special. He has the world at his feet and he knows it, but he’ll just take it all in his stride, as he always does.

“His hunger and his humility is what’s got him on a good path,” Southgate said.

“He has all the attributes to continue to improve and learn because that’s how he’s wired and I don’t see that changing with how he is and with how his family are.”

AdvertisementGetty'He plays with real belief'

Saka’s goal against Ukraine at Wembley was one of a player brimming with confidence.

It was his eighth goal for his country. Only four players – Dixie Dean (16), Jimmy Greaves (16), Wayne Rooney (12) and Michael Owen (10) – have scored more for England at the time of his current age (21 years, 202 days).

When you consider he has done that while playing as a winger, that makes the achievement even more remarkable.

Saka now has four goals in his last six games for his country. He is delivering almost every time he pulls on the Three Lions shirt.

“When he’s in front of goal now he plays with real belief,” Southgate said after the victory over Ukraine. “That’s evident with his club and it’s evident with the games for us.

“You’re expecting him to score now when he goes through. I think that’s been a mentality shift as much as it’s anything technical.

"I think he knows to be a really top wide player he needs goals and assists and without doubt he’s delivered that this season.”

GettyA big-game player

There has been a definite change in Saka this season. He has taken on far more responsibility for Arsenal.

He may be still to turn 22, but he has already firmly established himself as one of the leaders in Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Hale End academy graduate has scored 13 goals in all competitions so far for the Gunners and prior to his brace against Crystal Palace immediately before the international break, every single one of them had either been a goal to put his side on front, or an equaliser.

That shows he has consistently stepped up in the big moments when his side has needed him this season and for a player so young to be doing that so consistently, it shows the level that he is now operating at.

"We obviously have individuals that excel to be at the level that we want," Arteta said after Saka's man of the match-winning performance against Palace earlier this month.

"But Bukayo was really, really good again, affecting the result with his contribution, especially in the opponent’s box. I’m really happy [with him].”

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GettyPlayer of the season?

Many expect Erling Haaland to bag all the individual awards when they are handed out come the end of the season because of the sheer volume of goals he has scored for Manchester City.

But there is a strong argument that, based purely on all-round performance, Saka has been the stand out performer in the Premier League this year.

He has been directly involved in 23 goals in his last 34 appearances for club and country, scoring 16 goals while setting up a further seven. Those are incredible numbers for a 21-year-old winger.

“I am not going to be the guy who is going to judge,” Oleksandr Zinchenko said when asked if his Arsenal team-mate is the best player in England following Ukraine’s defeat at Wembley.

“Definitely, he’s one of them, that’s for sure. He’s an amazing player. We knew that. He’s on fire at the moment.”

Manchester United have been reportedly handed a double Galatasaray injury boost ahead of their make-or-break Champions League clash.

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Galatasaray handed double injury blowSanchez and Bardakci out United will be without RashfordWHAT HAPPENED?

According to the Turkish publication, the Turkish giants could be without the services of former Tottenham defender Davison Sanchez and Abdulkerim Bardakci. While Sanchez has been ruled out with a strain in his upper left rear muscle, Bardakci could still make it to the matchday squad if he can successfully negotiate a late fitness test.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Red Devils seek redemption against Galatasaray, after a defeat at Old Trafford in the reverse fixture, which could help them overcome a troubled Champions League campaign. Sitting fourth in Group A, they are desperate for the three points to boost qualification chances. The defeat to FC Copenhagen in the previous fixture further complicated the math for United who now face a must-win situation to keep their hopes alive for the the knockout rounds.

DID YOU KNOW?

Almost 30 years back, in 1993, Sir Alex Ferguson's squad failed to produce the goods in a do-or-die knockout match in Istanbul as they were held to a goalless draw, following a 3-3 result at Old Trafford. Eric Cantona was sent off and it is believed that the United players got into a tussle with riot police in the tunnel in the aftermath of the shock exit from Europe.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

United also have a lengthy injury list as several first-team players are out injured including includingCasemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Amad Diallo, and Tyrell Malacia. Mason Mount was the latest casualty as the former Chelsea midfielder picked up a fresh calf injury which will rule him out for the game against Galatasaray. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford will miss the game after he was sent off against FC Copenhagen in United's last European fixture. Nonetheless, they might be boosted with the return of Rasmus Hojlund, who has been in fine form in Europe scoring five goals in four matches, as the Danish striker is back in training.

A dream debut from wicketkeeper Harvey Hosein and a six-wicket burst from Mark Footitt put Derbyshire on top on the opening day of their Championship match against Surrey at The Oval

Press Association15-Sep-2014
ScorecardHarvey Hosein took a record-breaking seven catches on his first-class debut•PA PhotosA dream debut from wicketkeeper Harvey Hosein and a six-wicket burst from Mark Footitt put Derbyshire on top on the opening day of their Championship match against Surrey at The Oval.Surrey lost seven wickets for 58 runs after lunch and were only able to scrap their way to 181 all out through a battling 70 from captain Gary Wilson. It was a poor effort in their final Division Two match of the season and, at the close, Derbyshire were just 17 behind at 164 for 5 in their reply.After a frustrating first session for Derbyshire, the country’s leading wicket-taker Footitt tore through the Surrey top order on his way to 6 for 69 and 18-year-old Hosein marked his first-class bow with seven catches. That tally is the most ever by a keeper on his Championship debut and he is the youngest ever to have six or more dismissals on his debut. Only Bob Taylor, who did it twice, had previously taken seven catches in an innings for Derbyshire.It looked as if it may be a frustrating day for Derbyshire in the morning after winning the toss, as they beat the edge numerous times without finding the edge until Wayne White came into the attack to have both openers, Zafar Ansari and Rory Burns, caught behind.If they felt that was scant reward for their efforts at lunch, Derbyshire were soon feeling happier as Footitt struck with the sixth ball after the interval, helped by a loose cut to point from Steven Davies, and then had Vikram Solanki caught behind to make it 75 for 4. Jason Roy soon followed and when Arun Harinath was lbw, Footitt had his 70th Championship wicket of the season and Surrey were in freefall. Worse still, Gareth Batty went first ball to a flying catch down the leg side by Hosein to make the score 109 for 7.Footitt’s sixth wicket and Hosein’s sixth catch came when Stuart Meaker was dismissed at 117 for 8 and though Jade Dernbach’s response was to throw the bat wildly at everything, the outcome was inevitable and he was bowled by White with the total at 130.But Wilson was not about to abandon the cause and put on 51 for the final wicket with Tim Linley, who hung around stoutly for 1 not out. Wilson finally fell to a short ball from Ben Cotton, also on his first-class debut, as Hosein safely gathered his seventh catch. The Surrey captain’s 70 came off only 80 balls with 10 fours and a six.Surrey were made to wait until the 16th over for their breakthrough before Meaker ended an opening stand of 62 by having Billy Godleman caught at third slip for 28 and opening partner Ben Slater followed three overs later, lbw to Linley for 34.Linley then bowled Cheteshwar Pujara, who played no shot and went for 16, and had Wes Durston caught at second slip before Meaker dismissed Alex Hughes with a fine catch at third slip from Davies. Wayne Madsen survived a tough slip chance on 25 but made it to the close on 48 not out and it will be Hosein who will be with him when Derbyshire look to press on to a first-innings advantage.

Explosive centuries by David Warner and Glenn Maxwell helped Australia gallop to their latest comfortable win over a lacklustre India, this time in a World Cup warm-up match at Adelaide Oval

The Report by Daniel Brettig in Adelaide08-Feb-2015Innings
Live scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsGlenn Maxwell hammered 11 fours and eight sixes in his 122•Getty ImagesExplosive centuries by David Warner and Glenn Maxwell helped Australia gallop to their latest comfortable win over a lacklustre India, this time in a World Cup warm-up match at Adelaide Oval.Warner’s innings provided the platform for Maxwell to launch from at the back end of the innings in a fixture that was not an official ODI. Less fluent was the acting captain George Bailey, who played in fits and starts during his 44. He grows more likely to be the man to make way when Michael Clarke is passed fit after hamstring surgery.India’s reply was notable only for a return to runs from Shikhar Dhawan, who showed improved balance and intent while making 59, and another useful innings from Ajinkya Rahane. Otherwise MS Dhoni’s men showed little sign of escaping the torpor that has seen them fail to win a single match on the tour so far – the flight home presently appears more tempting than the prospect of a successful Cup defence.Rohit Sharma’s return from a hamstring injury was brief, ending when he snicked a well-pitched ball from Josh Hazlewood to Aaron Finch at slip. Virat Kohli started fluently on a pitch that showed many of the characteristics of a block of concrete, but dragged Mitchell Starc onto the stumps before he could threaten further.Dhawan and Rahane looked at ease during a stand of 104 that momentarily had India looking like they could make a tilt at the distant target, but both delivered catches to mid-on while trying to clear Bailey’s field and the rest of the middle order melted away – Starc’s long arms pulling in a super catch to dismiss Dhoni.A pesky union between Ravindra Jadeja and the impressive Ambati Rayudu served mainly to give a crowd of 13,909 something to cheer about. The noise generated by a large Indian contingent lent the occasion an atmosphere more Ahmedabad than Adelaide, even if the attendance was considerably less than expected given that all “free” tickets had been snapped up sometime before game day.Warner and Finch had made a sound start after Bailey had won the toss, rattling to 62 inside nine overs before Finch shovelled Stuart Binny to mid-on. Shane Watson also made a start before miscuing an attempted pull off Mohit Sharma, who has replaced Ishant Sharma in India’s Cup squad.India’s bowlers struggled to contain throughout, apart from a phase in which R Ashwin and Axar Patel put some clamp on the scoring by tying down Bailey. Warner’s hundred arrived in 80 balls, though he never appeared to be rushing or straining for effect. A well-flighted delivery from Axar eventually did for him, but not before Australia had been given the ideal base for later acceleration.Maxwell duly provided it with an innings of power and poise, even if his infatuation with the reverse-sweep saw him try it no fewer than three times in a single over from Axar – two fours followed by a top-edge, and then an orthodox version of the sweep for six over midwicket.Upon passing 50, Maxwell moved into full destruction mode, clattering the bowlers with something like impunity and rendering MS Dhoni powerless to protect the boundaries. By the time he retired on 122 from 57 deliveries, Maxwell’s last 29 balls had reaped 88 runs.India’s fielding and bowling gave the impression that they were not fresh for a new tournament but jaded by more than 70 days without a win of any kind in Australia. The day after he reckoned India would be among the best fielding sides at the tournament, Suresh Raina turfed a skier from Pat Cummins.A late fade of the Australian innings meant they did not bat out 50 overs, the only real blemish to an effort that showed the team is building up a fair head of stem for the Cup proper. Nothing of the sort can be said about India.

The second edition of the Africa T20 Cup will be focused on the financial leverages the shortest format can provide but it will not feature pink balls

Firdose Moonda04-May-2016The second edition of the Africa T20 Cup will be focused on the financial leverages the shortest format can provide but it will not feature pink balls. Last year’s group stage matches were played with the pink ball but the idea was abandoned for finals weekend after player concerns. All of this year’s matches will be played with the white ball.Africa T20 Cup groups

Pool A (in Pietermaritzburg from September 2-4)
Kwa-Zulu Natal Inland, Namibia, Western Province, North West
Pool B (in Oudtshoorn from September 9-11)
South Western Districts, Northerns, Northern Cape, Kenya
Pool C (in East London from September 16 to 18)
Border, Easterns, Free State, Zimbabwe
Pool D (in Paarl from September 23 to 25)
Boland, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Eastern Province, Gauteng

The 16-team tournament includes the 13 semi-professional provincial sides which form South Africa’s second domestic tier, as well as a team from each of Zimbabwe, Namibia and Kenya. The teams are divided into groups of four, each group will complete all its fixtures over one weekend at one venue and the winner of each pool will advance to finals weekend. A selection of matches and the final will be broadcast live on the pay television service, SuperSport.One of the key features of the tournament is that it is played on South Africa’s smaller grounds, which rarely see international fixtures, and not the major stadiums. The inaugural edition in 2015 was held up-country in Benoni and Potchefstroom and in the central areas of Kimberley and Bloemfontein. This year, Pietermaritzburg, Oudtshoorn, East London and Paarl will stage the event.Oudtshoorn is a notable inclusion to the hosting calendar. The Western Cape town is known for ostrich farming and is home to South Western Districts, who have been granted full Affiliate status at CSA. Their ground is receiving major upgrades in anticipation of the tournament and veteran bowler Gurshwin Rabie gave an assurance that “there won’t be any ostriches running around”.The Oudtshoorn Recreation Ground will join the Pietermaritzburg Oval, Buffalo and Boland Park in using the tournament as a way to generate revenue through advertising, which should be lucrative given the television presence.”There was a lot of opportunities to generate revenue because you are on live television,” Corrie van Zyl, CSA’s general manager of cricket, said at the competition’s launch at Newlands. “Last year, it was a case of ‘let’s see what happens with this competition’ and you could see it in the way some of the host unions presented the matches. This year there is a lot more focus from the members.”The cameras are also an opportunity for the lesser-known players to build their profiles, especially as most of them are hardly ever seen on screen. South Africa’s provincial competitions are not televised or streamed with the Africa Cup as the exception. “It gives the added pressure of performing on live television,” van Zyl said.It also gives the provincial players an opportunity to rub shoulders with professionals. Each team must field at least two franchise players, but not more than four, and last year, Vernon Philander (South Western Districts) and Kyle Abbott (Kwa-Zulu Natal Inland) were two of the most prominent names. “When franchise players play, we want some of the experienced players to play. It’s so important for the development of the players,” van Zyl said.Chiefly, though, the Africa T20 Cup is a development exercise and all squads must include two Under-21 players, who have not had any franchise experience. “When we created this, we wanted to create a competition for the provincial teams that will give them opportunity to develop players,” van Zyl said. At a time when South African cricket is questioning is depth and the structure of its domestic systems, van Zyl hopes the Africa Cup will serve as proof of his belief that, “there is a lot of talent in this country.”

Phil Parkinson insisted that Wrexham have "got no divine right to win" but was delighted with thumping Morecambe victory.

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Wrexham bounced back from Accrington Stanley defeatMullin's hat-trick powered the Welsh side to a 6-0 winParkinson hailed his troops for their emphatic responseWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Dragons climbed to the second spot in the League Two table after scoring six past Morecambe at the Racecourse Ground. After Joel Senior's own goal handed Wrexham an early lead, Paul Mullin added another just two minutes after the opener. Jacob Mendy increased the margin before Mullin struck twice in the second half to complete his hat-trick. James Jones scored deep into stoppage time to pile more misery on Morecambe which further thrilled Parkinson as his side was heading into the fixture on the back of a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley.

AdvertisementWHAT PHIL PARKSINSON SAID ABOUT THE VICTORY

Speaking to reporters after the match, Parkinson said: "We have got no divine right to win but we have won a lot. When you lose it hurts and it is a long week. It is as simple as that. No matter how long you have been a manager, when you lose, it is a lot of soul-searching. But you can't change it and you can just respond as a group.

"The response on the training ground has been outstanding from the lads and there was a real positive feeling coming into this game. We wanted to get back to winning ways and we have done it in emphatic fashion."

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The massive victory also drew euphoric reactions from co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. While Reynolds labelled the efforts from the lads as "incredible hustle", McElhenney hailed Mullin as "incredible" for gifting another remarkable afternoon to the fans.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Wrexham have little time to rest on their laurels as they are set to return to action against Harrogate Town on Tuesday night in another League Two encounter.

The 17-year-old needed less than a minute to break Athletic Club hearts and help Xavi's side close the gap on Real Madrid at the top of the table

After 79 painful minutes from a cast of experienced players, Barcelona needed youth to salvage what could be a crucial La Liga win. Marc Guiu, making his club debut and second matchday squad appearance, bagged a late goal to give the Blaugrana a 1-0 victory after an otherwise frustrating contest.

Joao Felix should have put Barcelona ahead after 10 minutes, but clipped Ferran Torres' ball over the bar — despite having ample space. Fermin Lopez, too, came close, only to see an effort well denied by Unai Simon.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen, meanwhile, had his moments in the Barca goal — notably diving to stop Nico Williams in the closing stages of the first half.

The Blaugrana had further chances in the second half. Simon denied Felix twice within the first 15 minutes. Torres had a shot blocked by a lunging defender. Fermin Lopez skied one from 10 yards out. Lamine Yamal dragged one outside the post shortly after coming on.

In the end, it was a teenage debutant that showed his team-mates how it's done. Guiu had been on the pitch for less than a minute when he burst in behind the Athletic defence, corralled a pass, and fired past Simon to give Barca a crucial victory that ensures they sit just one point behind Real Madrid ahead of next week's Clasico.

GOAL rates Barcelona's players from the Olympic Stadium…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10):

Forced into a trio of impressive saves in the first half. Will be happy with the clean sheet.

Joao Cancelo (7/10):

Doesn't have the best understanding with Torres, and didn't always connect well. He was much more effective when Yamal came on. Completed the most dribbles in the match.

Inigo Martinez (6/10):

Handed a rare start with Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo both out. Made one impressive block at the end of the first half. Had little to do in the second.

Andreas Christensen (6/10):

Covered well when Athletic looked to hit on the break, especially when Alejandro Balde pushed up. Removed after an hour. A solid shift.

Alejandro Balde (7/10):

Scampered forward on the left wing, and caused problems against Oscar de la Marcos. Looked tired toward the end of things, and was correctly removed.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Oriol Romeu (5/10):

Passed sideways a lot, and didn't really stamp his authority on the game. Xavi probably made the right call to sub him off after an hour.

Gavi (7/10):

Picked up an obligatory booking, and created chaos in the middle of the park. A deeper role looks like it suits him.

Ilkay Gundogan (7/10):

Kept things ticking along, and always looked to find the incisive ball. An important player, even if he didn't score or assist.

GettyAttack

Ferran Torres (5/10):

Deployed on the right wing with Lamine Yamal unable to start after picking up an injury. Was lively, but not clinical enough in key areas. He has potential, but Xavi still doesn't seem to know where to use him.

Joao Felix (7/10):

Awkwardly forced into a central role, despite a series of impressive performances in attacking midfield. Looked far more effective when allowed to drop deeper in the second half.

Fermin Lopez (6/10):

Ran a lot, looked to create in a rare start. But he missed a couple of good chances. Likely won't be in the XI when Barca are back to full strength.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Lamine Yamal (7/10):

Only available for 30 minutes after picking up an injury. Made things happen and really should have scored.

Ronald Araujo (6/10):

Didn't have much to do, but won a few headers.

Marc Guiu (9/10):

Scored with his second touch on his debut. Fairytale stuff from the 17-year-old.

Marcos Alonso (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Xavi (7/10):

Injuries forced him into a weakened XI, with Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Jules Kounde, Pedri and Raphinha all unavailable. His side were poor in front of goal for most of proceedings, but Xavi will now look like a genius for his introduction of Guiu.

It has taken Bangladesh eight years and eight completed ODIs to record a second ever victory over South Africa, which came with some added bonuses

The Report by Firdose Moonda12-Jul-2015
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details It has taken Bangladesh eight years and eight completed ODIs to record a second victory over South Africa, and it came with some added bonuses. Not only did Bangladesh square the series, they also secured their spot in the 2017 Champions Trophy. One of West Indies or Pakistan will miss out on the tournament but for now, it was South Africa who were left smarting.It was South Africa’s lowest total against Bangladesh and their lowest batting first in an ODI since November 2009, when they were bowled out for 119 by England. South Africa’s batsmen were strangled by both seam and spin on a slow surface. By contrast, Bangladesh seemed to be batting on a totally different pitch and strolled to victory with more than 20 overs to spare.Bangladesh book Champions Trophy spot

Bangladesh are currently ranked seventh in ICC’s ODI rankings, with Pakistan and West Indies below them. They have 94 rating points and have guaranteed their qualification for the 2017 Champions Trophy. If they lose the last ODI of the series, they will drop to 93 rating points, which will still be enough to ensure qualification because there is no scenario in which both Pakistan and West Indies can each achieve 93 rating points (unless more matches are added to the international schedule). The cut-off date for the qualification is September 30, 2015

The match was won by Bangladesh’s attack, who displayed the discipline and guile that has seen them enjoy recent success over Pakistan and India. They frustrated the batsmen with tight lines, changes of pace and a slew of spin to keep the scoring rate down and force poor shot selection but had none of the same troubles themselves. With South Africa’s attack failing to find the nagging length, Soumya Sarkar and Mahmudullah anchored the chase with a half-century apiece and a third-wicket stand of 135.South Africa, in contrast, could not even manage a partnership of 30. Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis combined for 29, after Quinton de Kock’s uncomfortable stay at the crease ended when he was squared up by a Mustafizur Rahman delivery that popped up from a short length and took the shoulder of his bat on the way to Sabbir Rahman at backward point.Amla worked his way to 22 which took him to the top of the averages list in ODI cricket, but could not work his way around Rubel Hossain, who uprooted his offstump with the first ball of his second over.Rubel was recalled for this match and stepped up, with two maiden overs in succession to begin the drought. He operated in tandem with Shakib Al Hasan, who rushed Rilee Rossouw by pushing deliveries through flat and fast. The more Rossouw battled to get him away, the more the pressure built. By the time Nasir Hossain came on, Rossouw was confounded and missed a straight one to end an unconvincing knock.That was the first soft dismissal; David Miller, Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy went the same way. Miller chipped Mahmudullah to short midwicket, du Plessis, who worked hard for his runs holed out to long-on and JP Duminy drove a Mustafizur offcutter to short cover.Bangladesh were into South Africa’s lower-order with 20 overs left in the innings, which gave Farhaan Behardien an opportunity to prove his worth. He batted with resolve, sought runs straight down the ground and ushered Chris Morris, Kagiso and Kyle Abbot through some tail wagging. Behardien’s 36 pushed South Africa’s score to some respectability but it was still a big ask for their bowlers.Kagiso Rabada seemed up for it when he bowled Tamim Iqbal with his first ball – a fast, full delivery that the opener dragged onto his leg stump – and removed Litton Das’ off stump in his next over. If Bangladesh were rattled, they did not show it.Sarkar and Mahmudullah were confident, targeting Chris Morris who, like Kyle Abbott, often bowled too straight, and JP Duminy. Sarkar’s half-century came off 47 balls, an indication that run-scoring was not as laboured as South Africa had made it look. Sarkar alone scored 13 fours and six; in their entire innings South Africa managed 14 fours and a six. Mahmudullah’s fifty was harder work and came off 63 balls but his staying power meant Bangladesh did not have to worry about middle-order wobbles.In a stamp of his authority on the match, Sarkar even took on Imran Tahir, South Africa’s most threatening bowler, as the target was within sight. He sent two full tosses to the rope and then sealed the win with a slow-swept six to level the series 1-all going into Wednesday’s decider.

Across the spectrum, from football to baseball and horse racing to tennis, certain teams and individuals have raised the bar of sporting excellence

GettyManchester United 1992-2013

Sir Alex Ferguson found himself teetering on the brink at Manchester United in 1990, with only FA Cup success keeping him in a job. Three years later, with the Premier League era opened in English football, the Scot was taking the first steps down a record-breaking path of domestic dominance which is unlikely to be matched.

Over the course of 20 memorable years at Old Trafford, United landed 13 titles to overtake arch-rivals Liverpool as the most successful side in England. Ferguson’s reign would also deliver a further four FA Cup triumphs, four League Cup successes, the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and two Champions League crowns.

AdvertisementNew England Patriots 2001-present

At the turn of the 21st century, the New England Patriots took two decisions which would lay the foundations on which a truly remarkable era of success would be built. They may not have known it at the time, but appointing Bill Belichik as the team’s new head coach and taking a promising young quarterback by the name of Tom Brady in the 2000 NFL Draft – albeit with the 199th pick – would prove to be sporting masterstrokes.

Since then, the Brady-Belichik wrecking ball has swept its way to five Super Bowl rings and is readying itself for a ninth appearance in American Football’s showpiece event.

Real Madrid 1953-1969

For the best part of two decades in the 50s and 60s, Real Madrid were virtually untouchable at home and abroad. In an era long before the ‘Galactico’ transfer policy of Florentino Perez, the Blancos were still in the business of acquiring the world’s finest talent within a star-studded squad.

Among the most notable icons to grace their books during a glittering period of success were Ferenc Puskas, Alfredo Di Stefano and Francesco Gento. Between them, over the course of 16 years, that trio helped Real to 12 Liga titles and six European Cup wins – including a run of five consecutive triumphs between 1956 and 1960.

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GettyNew York Yankees 1923-1932

In truth, the reign of Yankee dominance in Major League Baseball could have been spread as far as the early 60s, with 20 World Series crowns claimed between 1923 and 1962. It is, however, the era of Babe Ruth which broke down the door for a franchise now so iconic that its brand transcends sport.

A shock trade with arch-rivals the Boston Red Sox brought ‘The Bambino’ to the Bronx in 1920, and three years later the Yankees sat atop of the baseball world. Ruth would add four titles in total to three previously secured in Boston, with his efforts paving the way for Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Derek Jeter to establish Yankee dynasties of their own in the years to come.