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Chelsea failed to get themselves back on track after a defeat in midweek, drawing 0-0 away to Bournemouth.

The Cherries were the better side, frustrating Enzo Maresca’s men, who are still in search of their first Premier League win since beating Burnley at the end of November.

Despite having an almost full-strength side, which included Cole Palmer from the start for the first time since September 20th, Chelsea were lacklustre going forward. They managed just 11 shots and racked an expected goals tally of just 0.88xG.

The Blues had an early scare, too, with Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo having a goal ruled out in the opening moments of the game. The goal was cancelled due to a tight offside against striker Evanilson, giving Chelsea an early lifeline.

There was also bad news for the West Londoners on the injury front, with Liam Delap forced off after just 32 minutes. He picked up a shoulder injury, which BBC Sport report could be a dislocated shoulder. That issue could see the Chelsea number nine sidelined for as long as four months.

It was a tough day at the office for Chelsea, with Enzo Fernandez putting in a performance to forget.

Fernandez’s stats vs. Bournemouth

Chelsea were once again without Fernandez’s usual midfield partner, Moises Caicedo, after his red card against Arsenal last weekend. Up against an energetic Cherries midfield, it was a day when the 2022 World Cup winner struggled.

Indeed, without Caicedo next to him, the Argentine midfielder certainly had his work cut out in the middle of the park, having more defensive responsibility than he might if the Ecuadorian were partnered with him.

The stats from Fernandez’s performance reflect how tough of an afternoon it was for him defensively. He only managed to win five out of 11 duels, as per Sofascore, committed two fouls and failed to win his only tackle. It was certainly a day when he struggled off the ball.

Football London journalist Bobby Vincent was critical of the Chelsea number eight, too. He said Fernandez ‘looks fatigued’ at the moment, but did call it ‘understandable’ given the amount of football he has played this season.

However, it was not just the 35-cap Argentina international who struggled for the West Londoners.

Chelsea’s worst player vs. Bournemouth

It was a day to forget for left-back Marc Cucurella. The Spaniard, normally a player so reliable at full-back and composed in position, was wasteful against the South Coast outfit and put in a performance far from his best.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

It was a surprisingly sloppy showing in possession from the former Barcelona star. He had 69 touches of the ball, so he was constantly involved, but lost it 17 times.

Out of possession, he only won 50% of his duels.

Touches

69

Number of times ball lost

17

Pass accuracy

80%

Aerial duels won

2/4

Ground duels won

1/2

Chances created

1

One person who didn’t seem too impressed with the defender’s showing at the Vitality Stadium was Vincent. He gave Cucurella a 6/10 for his afternoon’s work down south, describing his performance as ‘nothing extraordinary’.

The games are now coming thick and fast for Chelsea. They have a busy festive period, with assignments in the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.

After a poor performance against Bournemouth and the number of games they have, it’ll be interesting to see if Maresca keeps Cucurella in the side.

There are options if he wishes to rotate the Spaniard out of the starting 11. Jorrel Hato is the natural back-up left-back, but he hasn’t played too much this season. Reece James and Malo Gusto could also operate on that side.

How Maresca looks after the fitness of his most important players this month will be key to their form. After a poor performance from Cucurella, it gives the Blues boss a chance to rest and rotate.

Shades of Sterling & Mudryk: Maresca must axe Chelsea's "pointless signing"

The highly-rated attacker has not impressed so far this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 6, 2025

Rangers manager Danny Rohl has confirmed that as many as six players are currently injury doubts to square off against Livingston in the Scottish Premiership this Saturday.

It’s bad timing for the Gers, who are attempting to make it four league wins from four under their new manager. Victory over bottom side Livingston would also see those at Ibrox rise to third if Hibernian also fail to beat Dundee. It would be the result of the strong start that Rohl has made to turn things around following the disaster that was Russell Martin’s tenure.

Thelwell can upgrade on Souttar by signing £8m defender for Rangers

With Danny Röhl in need of defensive reinforcements, could Rangers sign an “aggressive” £8m-valued star better than John Souttar and Nasser Djiga?

ByBen Gray Nov 20, 2025

The German told reporters in the build-up to Rangers’ return to action that he believes they’re “in a good way”, but still need to work on breaking old habits on the pitch.

As January approaches, the former Sheffield Wednesday boss may also be eyeing up some potential improvements to his squad amid recent links with the likes of Kilmarnock’s David Watson.

The midfielder would add the kind of depth that the Gers could do with this weekend following the latest injury news.

Rangers vs Livingston team news

As revealed by Rohl, as many as six stars could miss Rangers’ game against Livingston this weekend following a frustrating international break. Mikey Moore, John Souttar, Derek Cornelius and Bailey Rice are all certain to be absent after picking up knocks, whilst Youssef Chermiti and Liam Kelly are facing a race against time to return to full fitness.

Rohl told reporters: “I am very happy and very proud of my players during the international break. We do have a couple of injuries from players returning, such as John Souttar, Micky Moore, and Derek Cornelius, who all have muscle injuries. Bailey Rice got injured during training, and Liam Kelly is a question mark at the moment.”

It’s a particular blow for Tottenham Hotspur loanee Moore, who scored his first Rangers goal against Dundee just before the international break. The 18-year-old, who was dubbed “brave” by former manager Martin upon arriving, has now seen his recent momentum halted by an untimely injury.

With Rangers set to face Braga in the Europa League next Thursday, Rohl will hope to have a positive update on several injuries just in time for what is a crucial game.

Rangers open talks to sign "quality" attacking star ahead of Aberdeen

Curtis Jones said it best. However, it’s probably best to glaze over the exact details of the Liverpool star’s post-match thoughts, his team having been wrecked at Anfield by PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

But Liverpool are in the lurch, and this has formed into a crisis of unimaginable depths for Arne Slot, who believes he has the backing of FSG and the board, but with each miserable defeat is cashing in more credit from the bank of his Premier League title success last season.

Liverpool have lost their past three matches by an aggregate score of 10-1. Since the November international break, Anfield has hosted Nottingham Forest and now PSV, and the Reds have been turned over both times.

So deep is this malaise that Liverpool are beginning to become a team not just struggling to identify tactical answers but lacking any conviction or confidence in their performance. In many ways, they are victims of their own self-combustion.

And Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are, sadly, representations of that.

Liverpool's deteriorating defence

Across Liverpool’s past three matches in all competitions – three defeats – they have recorded an xG score of 6.59; their opponents have combined for a 5.39 total. As already mentioned, the aggregate score stands at 10-1 to the opposition.

As the boss, Slot has to shoulder the blame. However, he must be dumbfounded by the manner of Liverpool’s defending, the absence of coherence. There is an inability to perform the basics of football that has rattled this cage too hard.

Konate is a perfect example of this, with the French centre-back so shorn of belief that mistakes are becoming a part of his daily routine.

When Liverpool concede, Konate is at the heart of it. And Liverpool are conceding in droves.

But the typically unflappable Van Dijk is deteriorating too. He inexplicably shot his hand into the air like a curious schoolchild in the early stages against PSV, and that sealed a spot kick for the visitors. Moments into the game. Converted. Set-piece concession. Again.

He might be 34, but the skipper remains one of the best defenders in the world. Still, his leadership skills have been swept from under his feet, so disjointed is this Liverpool backline.

VAN DIJK KONATE GRAPHIC

Slot needs to fix this mess, and no mistake. But Liverpool’s problem stretch far wider than just the inconsistencies of centre-backs. Where to begin? Where is the end of this remarkable rut?

The boss was brought in for his cool-headedness and tactical ingenuity. But that’s not been on show this season, and the repeated hammering of two stars into a combination that just isn’t working is an illustration of this bitter situation.

Slot cannot start them together again.

Slot must never start Liverpool duo together again

Liverpool have so many tactical imbalances. It is quite incredible how Slot’s side have regressed so deeply after cantering to the Premier League title last term.

But this is the club’s reality, and Slot needs to prove he can find the answers, else his tenure will be cut painfully, regrettably, short.

To spark positive change, the Netherlands tactician has to end this partnership of Milos Kerkez and Cody Gakpo down the left flank. There is no harmony on show between the left-back and winger.

Kerkez is fast, and, when he’s firing on all cylinders, furious. Analyst Sam McGuire observed that “a potential break is nullified by our own players” when the Hungarian threw himself down the line, only for those around him to remain rooted to their spots.

Sure, Kerkez, who joined Liverpool from Bournemouth for £40m this summer, is showing himself to be unintuitive defensively. But awareness and understanding can be worked on, and such flaws have been exacerbated by the squad’s wider issues.

Gakpo is a seasoned Liverpool star now, having joined from PSV in a deal rising to £45m in January 2023. He needs to play with more conviction and more maturity. He also needs to connect with Kerkez and help this young and talented left-back grow into his skin.

Minutes played

90′

90′

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

0

Touches

66

66

Shots (on target)

1 (0)

3 (1)

Accurate passes

31/35 (89%)

28/35 (80%)

Crosses

1/5

3/9

Key passes

1

4

Dribbles

0/2

1/4

Tackles won

4/8

1/2

Clearances

2

0

Duels won

9/14

4/9

Twice Kerkez and Gakpo have started together in the Champions League, and twice Liverpool have been beaten, first at Galatasaray, a miserable evening, and then this week, at Anfield against PSV.

It is unfair to heap all the criticism on these. The sum of Liverpool’s downfall is greater than its individual parts. Against Manchester City earlier this month, Slot lumped them on together with just over half an hour on the clock; they were already three goals down.

But they aren’t working together, not one bit. You can see why Liverpool are so interested in completing a winter deal for the electric Antoine Semenyo, Kerkez’s former teammate at the Vitality Stadium.

The 22-year-old was part of the PFA Premier League Team of the Year last season. He was immense at Bournemouth. But that player has not been found at Anfield this season, with content creator Mark Goldbridge remarking that he has been “such a bad signing” for the champions.

In fairness to Kerkez, he is being shoehorned into a role that does not suit him. It is hard to believe that he, a ferocious touchline full-back, moved to Merseyside on the premise of being utilised in a build-up-focused role.

Journalist Henry Winter said after the match that it’s “pointless writing him off”, and that he “shines most when overlapping a left winger who reads his movement”.

This is not Gakpo. Though the Dutch forward probably receives undue criticism at times, he is not an uncoded winger, given artistic license to roam and do as he pleases – to an extent. No, Gakpo is quite limited in what he does, but he does it well, and that offered a nice counterpoint to Luis Diaz last season, both forwards notching 25 goal involvements across all competitions for league-winning Liverpool.

With four goals and three assists this term, Gakpo isn’t providing the clinical output needed, and Kerkez’s woes behind him are certainly factoring into this tough equation.

The fact of the matter is Liverpool are in a mess of a situation, and Slot’s tenure teeters on the edge of a precipice.

The Dutch coach has just a handful of games to save his Liverpool tenure, and if he continues to persist with this Kerkez-Gakpo combination, he will only be writing his own dismissal note.

Slot must drop 3/10 Liverpool flop who was just as bad as Konate vs PSV

Arne Slot must now axe this Liverpool flop after he put in an extremely poor display at Anfield against PSV Eindhoven.

1 ByKelan Sarson Nov 27, 2025

Alex Bregman has yet to sign for a new team in free agency after hitting the open market at the expiration of his contract with the Houston Astros.

As he continues to seek out a new MLB home, three potential landing spots appear to be the most likely destination for the 30-year-old third baseman. According to ESPN's Buster Olney, Bregman is expected to wind up signing with the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs or Detroit Tigers. Olney notes that his sources say those within the Astros' organization are "skeptical" that Bregman will return.

The destinations certainly make sense, given all three teams are expected to be in the mix for a playoff spot in 2025. Bregman, who comes with three straight seasons with a WAR of 4.1 or greater, could be the missing piece that helps them get over the hump and into a deep postseason run.

Last year, Bregman slashed .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs. His .768 OPS was the lowest mark of his MLB career, in large part due to the reduction in walks he took at the plate. Bregman had just 44 bases on balls in 2024 after recording 92 in 2023. Additionally, he can provide top-tier defense at the hot corner after winning the Gold Glove at third base last season.

With pitchers and catchers beginning to report ahead of spring training, Bregman figures to make his decision before long, and it seems likely that he could wind up with the Red Sox, Cubs or Tigers as they look to push for the postseason in 2025.

Winning run comes to an end despite fifties from Maia Bouchier and Freya Kemp

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay25-Jul-2025

Alice Davidson-Richards led Surrey’s charge in a rain-affected match•Getty Images

Alice Davidson-Richards produced a game-changing fifty as Surrey ended Hampshire’s winning streak in a rain-curtailed Metrobank Women’s One Day Cup clash in Guildford.Freya Kemp’s 58 and Maia Bouchier’s 51 gave Hampshire a platform for a big score, but wickets at regular intervals, including three for Phoebe Franklin, restricted the visitors to 278.Surrey initially struggled to build regular partnerships but Davidson-Richards capitalised on a lengthy rain delay and smashed 62 to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for Surrey.Having been sent in to bat, Hampshire got off to a positive start as openers Bouchier and Rhianna Southby capitalised on some erratic bowling from the Surrey quicks before Southby chopped on for 27.Bouchier anchored Hampshire’s innings well as she marshalled her side past 100 but then mistimed a flick straight to midwicket to fall for 51 as the run rate slowed.Surrey were sharp in the field throughout, as Ryana MacDonald-Gay produced two diving stops before substitute fielder Alexa Stonehouse took a reflex catch at midwicket to dismiss Georgia Adams as Hampshire slumped to 131 for 4.Abi Norgrove joined Kemp to bring about a revival and the two increased the tempo, cruising beyond 200 with a blend of big hitting and well-placed strokes before Norgrove was dismissed for 40.Kemp breezed past 50 and rotated the strike effectively with Nancy Harman until she was run out by Alice Monaghan for 58 attempting to take two on the boundary rider’s throw. But a flurry of wickets prevented Hampshire from fully attacking during the death overs and Surrey restricted the visitors to 278 all out.As dark clouds loomed over Guildford, Hampshire used the conditions to dismiss Kira Chathli early on for a duck but Bryony Smith and Alice Capsey counterattacked to make the most of the powerplay.The pair raced to 46 for 1 after seven overs before a brief shower forced the players off. Immediately after the resumption, Smith was dismissed for 24, having driven Perry straight to cover.Surrey began to settle once more but Freya Davies returned to the Hampshire attack and took the crucial wicket of Capsey for 47 thanks to Bouchier’s juggling take at midwicket.Hampshire continued to turn the screw as Ava Lee and Perry dismissed Paige Scholfield and Grace Harris, leaving the hosts 123 for 5 after 21 overs.Davidson-Richards and Danni Wyatt-Hodge kept the run rate manageable as they put together a meaningful partnership to steer Surrey to the drinks break.The rain showers that had persisted throughout the innings finally got too heavy, forcing the players off with Surrey 19 runs behind the DLS par score.After a lengthy delay, Surrey were set a revised target of 63 off 29 balls and their hopes looked over when Wyatt-Hodge holed out to cover. But Davidson-Richards and Monaghan took up the mantle, smashing a barrage of boundaries to chase down the target with two balls to spare.

انتقد خالد الغندور، كابتن الزمالك السابق، أحد لاعبي الفريق الحاليين، خلال مواجهة طلائع الجيش، التي أقيمت اليوم الأحد، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وفاز الزمالك على طلائع الجيش، بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف، في اللقاء الذي أقيم ضمن مواجهات الجولة 13 لبطولة الدوري المصري، سجل للفارس الأبيض ناصر ماهر “هدفين” وعدي الدباغ هدف، بينما أحرز محمد عاطف هدف الجيش.

وقال الغندور خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “الزمالك قدم أداء جيدًا، لأن طلائع الجيش يقدم موسمًا ضعيفًا، الجيش من الفرق التي ستصارع من أجل البقاء”.

طالع.. فيديو | بعد رحيل فيريرا.. الزمالك يعود لطريق الانتصارات في الدوري بثلاثية أمام طلائع الجيش

وأضاف: “الزمالك تحكم في اللقاء تمامًا بعد الهدف الثالث، لكن بعد ذلك تم تسجيل هدف في مرماه وتراجع الأداء والجماهير شعرت أن طلائع الجيش يُمكنه العودة في النتيجة، وهذه مشكلة الزمالك، ليست أول مرة أن فريق يتحكم ويستحوذ في الشوط الثاني أمام الزمالك، وبالتالي هناك مشكلة في تباعد الخطوط”.

وأتم: “أنا عندي مشكلة مع عدي الدباغ مهاجم الزمالك، يُهدر انفرادات سهلة، المهاجم المفترض أن يطور نفسه، لكنه اليوم اتخذ 3 قرارات خاطئة في 3 انفرادات”.

وبفوز الزمالك، اليوم ارتقى إلى المركز الثاني في ترتيب جدول الدوري المصري، برصيد 22 نقطة.

Wayne Rooney has named a “frustrating” player as his worst teammate from his time at Manchester United.

Rooney reveals "worst" teammate from his Man Utd days

Rooney spent 13 full seasons at Old Trafford, establishing himself as a club legend by amassing a whopping 253 goals and 142 assists in 559 games, during which time Man United won five Premier League titles.

United’s ability to sustain such levels of success suggests Sir Alex Ferguson made very few mistakes in the transfer market, but the legendary manager did make a few errors, with Kleberson, who arrived from Atlético Paranaense in 2003, widely regarded as one of his worst signings.

The Brazilian made just 20 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils before being sold to Besiktas, with the midfielder joining the likes of Diego Forlán, Bebe and Mark Bosnich on the list of signings that just did not work out.

Time running out: 5 ways that Ruben Amorim can save his job at Man Utd

INEOS are running out of patience.

ByTom Cunningham Sep 17, 2025

In fact, Rooney once told Alan Shearer just how angry he was about Kleberson getting ready to be brought on in his place against Newcastle United, saying: “I was p***** off. You can see it in my face. Then I saw Kleberson warming up on the touchline, ready to come on for me. I was even more p***** off that I was going to be taken off for him.”

Despite clearly not rating the midfielder, the 39-year-old once named a different former Man United star as his worst teammate, saying:

Nani's record at Man Utd

In many ways, it seems a little harsh that Nani was namechecked as Rooney’s worst teammate, given that the winger’s goal and assist record across his first five campaigns at Old Trafford is actually very impressive.

Season

Premier League appearances

Goal contributions

2007-08

26

11

2008-09

13

4

2009-10

23

12

2010-11

33

26

2011-12

29

18

In fairness, the 112-time Portugal international went off the boil towards the end of his time at Man United, failing to score across the 2013-14 campaign before signing for Sporting CP, but he enjoyed a successful career at Old Trafford, winning four Premier League titles.

The Portuguese winger also scored some iconic goals for the Red Devils, finding the back of the net 41 times and celebrating with his trademark back-flip celebration.

In fairness, the now 41-year-old’s longevity is probably why Rooney named him his worst teammate, as it is easy to forget players like Kleberson and Bosnich, who were shipped out fairly quickly after failing to adapt.

Ironically, nowadays Nani would probably be among the best players in the Man United squad, with Ruben Amorim’s side making a disastrous start to the Premier League campaign, collecting just four points from their opening four games and losing 3-0 to Manchester City.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been all but ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2025, their fast-bowling coach James Hopes has said.Ferguson had hobbled off the field in their previous game, against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday after bowling just two balls.”Ferguson is out indefinitely, and the chances of us getting him back by the end of the tournament are very slim, I would have thought,” Hopes said ahead of PBKS’ match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Mullanpur on Tuesday. “I think he has sustained a pretty serious injury.”Ferguson had pulled up after the second delivery of the sixth over against SRH and was seen holding the side of his left leg just below the hip. He had to leave the field after consultation with the physio and did not return to bowl again as SRH pulled off the second-highest successful chase in IPL history with eight wickets in hand.He had only just recovered from a hamstring injury that he had picked up in the ILT20 in the UAE, which forced him to miss the Champions Trophy in February. This is the third time since November 2024 that Ferguson has been injured. Before his hamstring issue in the ILT20, he had suffered a calf injury, which forced him to miss the ODIs against Sri Lanka late last year.In his three-and-a-bit games this season, Ferguson has five wickets at an economy rate of 9.17.

Benjamin Sesko shared his delight in scoring his first goal at Old Trafford in Manchester United's 2-0 win over Sunderland. The Slovenian striker did not get too caught up in the moment however, as he channelled his inner-Roy Keane in saying it's "his job" to score goals and that the Red Devils fans have yet to see the best of him despite finding the target on two occasions in his last two games.

Sesko shares delight after first Old Trafford goal

The 23-year-old doubled United's lead over the Black Cats in the 26th minute, latching onto a loose ball in the box after the visitors failed to deal with Diogo Dalot's long throw. 

Sesko was clearly elated, meeting the rapturous applause of the Stretford End with a spirited leaping celebration. Later, in an interview with , he described the moment as "a dream come true". 

"To play for a club like this, even train every day, is an obvious pleasure and I'm looking forward to being back [after the international break]," he said.

"It feels amazing [to score]. It feels even better because I helped the team to win the game because in the end, it's important to win the match. I try to help the team as much as possible.

"The atmosphere afterwards [his goal] was unbelievable. It's something I've been dreaming about – jumping high in the stadium like that. My dream came true." 

However, he was quick to bring himself back down to earth, suggesting the best has yet to come from him in a United shirt, replying "no net yet," when asked if we had seen the best of him in the past couple of games.

"There's loads to come. I'm still getting used to it more and more to read the players, to be connected with them even more. I believe I can be even better and I will try to show that.

"It's my job to try to score as many goals as possible, try to win the game, try to help the team in every single situation and hopefully I get more moments like this." 

When asked on the main differences between the Premier League and the Bundesliga, the young striker focused on the physical demands of English football. 

"I would say it's way quicker and you have less time in general.

"This is one of the biggest changes I would say. Everyone is really physical and athletic, but I'm getting used to it. I'll come to this level soon."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportAmorim praises Sesko's performance

Ruben Amorim expressed his pleasure with the £60m man's performance. The Portuguese manager said: "He gives us a different type of profile inside the box, to use more crosses.

"He is going to improve the connection with this team-mates. How many times Senne [Lammens] kick the ball and he was there with the first touch? That is more important, especially in this league that we are thinking when there is a throw-in we have an extra guy who is big at the first post.

"All the characteristics of Ben, not just the goals, can help us to win games. We are happy with him, he puts a lot of pressure on himself that is not a bad thing but he has potential to do so much more."

Is Sesko finally the answer to United's No.9 problems?

Among the many, many issues that have plagued the Red Devils in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, finding a long-term option at striker has been one of the most persistent. Veteran options like Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edinson Cavani may have provided temporary respite, but the failures of young promising players such as Antony Martial, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, as well as bewildering stop gaps such as Odion Ighalo and Wout Wegworst, has left United without a reliable goal-getter for far too long. 

Hojlund's double for Napoli in the Champions League again raised the question of whether players are held back by the club's current state. Sesko's goal in the 3-1 defeat against Brentford, and in the win over Sunderland, therefore came at the most opportune time for Amorim and the club's decision makers. 

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Getty Images SportSesko will hope for form to continue after the international break

Sesko almost seemed disappointed that he would have to leave Manchester to hook up with international teammates ahead of Slovenia's World Cup Qualifiers against Kosovo and Switzerland.

He has a chance to solidify his standing with the Red Devils faithful upon his return. A winning goal against a reeling Liverpool side would be the perfect moment to start building his legend in the Stretford End. 

RCB end the season on a high and deny MI a direct finals berth

Vishal Dikshit11-Mar-20255:25

Mel Jones: ‘Phenomenal’ Perry played a different sort of innings

First-season champions Mumbai Indians (MI) finished the league stage second behind Delhi Capitals for the third year in a row, after failing to chase down 200 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Brabourne Stadium. Needing a win to top the table and seal a direct final berth, MI put on a shoddy fielding display that gave RCB a competitive total. In their reply, Nat Sciver-Brunt was the only batter to cross 23 as the hosts fell to their first loss at Brabourne in six games.RCB’s 11-run win was the third victory in a row for the team batting first at WPL 2025 after the early trend was heavily in favour of teams chasing. Their win that helped them off the bottom of the table was set up by a half-century from Smriti Mandhana, free-flowing strokeplay from S Meghana, Ellyse Perry’s anchoring role, and boundary-laden cameos from Richa Ghosh and Georgia Wareham.For MI, Sciver-Brunt did the heavy lifting after the losses of Hayley Matthews and Harmanpreet Kaur, but once she fell for a stunning 69 off 35 in the 15th over, MI had too much to score (71 runs) in too little time (31 balls) with no big names to follow.Meghana starts the engine, Mandhana changes gearsWith nothing to lose in this campaign, RCB came out all guns blazing in their last game and they did it audaciously by targeting MI’s best bowlers. Meghana clubbed Sciver-Brunt for two fours in the second over before seeing Mandhana end the third over with a four followed by a glorious straight six against Shabnim Ismail. Meghana then welcomed Matthews with 4, 6 and 4 but Matthews’ riposte came in the form of a 102.8kmh bouncer which she top-edged to short fine leg for 26 off 13.Smriti Mandhana scored a breezy 37-ball 53, with six fours and three sixes•BCCI

RCB finished the powerplay on 53 for 1, and Perry made MI pay for gifting her three lives. The next bowler to be carted all around was Amelia Kerr. Once her first ball – a long hop – was pulled for four by Perry, Mandhana swept her for six, flicked for four and swung her down the ground for a 22-run over. Briefly after MI pulled the run rate down from 9.62 to under 8.50 an over, Mandhana collected two consecutive aerial fours to reach her fifty off 35 balls.MI’s greasy fingers allow RCB to speed awayKerr’s second over was even more dramatic. She gave Perry a life on 16 when she failed to hold on to the ball that was smashed back to her. Two balls later, Mandhana, on 52, skied a sweep but Sanskriti Gupta put down a sitter at midwicket. That didn’t cost MI much as Mandhana found long-off on her next ball.What did cost MI was Perry’s life. She gloriously lofted Ismail for a six next over and drilled Parunika Sisodia for four after Ghosh had already collected two fours in the 14th over. Ghosh was also living dangerously. She miscued a couple of swings before tearing Ismail apart. A reverse-scoop edged for four, a mighty straight six and a scoop right over the keeper fetched 15 from the over to give Ismail figures of 0 for 41. Ghosh miscued Matthews for 36 off 22 next over but Perry and Wareham piled on more boundaries.The duo went after Amanjot Kaur – whose tight lines saw her concede just nine off her first three overs – for four fours all around, which included the reliable Sciver-Brunt putting down a dolly at deep midwicket after being distracted by the spidercam. Perry was dropped on the first ball of the last over, bowled by Kerr, that went for four. Wareham swept and reverse-swept Kerr for 4, 2, 4 and 6 to give RCB 199 with her scintillating 31 not out off 10 that helped them collect 65 off the last four.Kerr fails again, Rana lands the blowsMI’s opening woes continued as Kerr again failed to put on a decent score. While Matthews got going with spectacular hits off Perry, Kerr faced just nine balls in the first 30. Sneh Rana snared the two openers in consecutive overs when she had Matthews hole out to deep square leg and Kerr sky one towards cover for 9.Nat Sciver-Brunt struck a 29-ball fifty but received little support from others•BCCI

MI needed a big lift from 45 for 2 in the powerplay. Harmanpreet survived an lbw appeal and review from WPL debutant Heather Graham and found the gaps with two confident boundaries. But Mandhana brought back the wily Kim Garth and she foxed the MI captain with a back-of-the-hand legcutter that drew an edge which was pouched nicely by Ghosh. Sciver-Brunt keeps the runs comingDespite the captain’s fall, MI did not slow down, thanks to Sciver-Brunt. She often shuffled to off stump to target the slightly shorter boundary on one side and belted out one boundary after another. Wareham was dispatched straight down, Graham for consecutive fours, Rana was brought back and was given similar treatment in a 12-run over. But soon after Sciver-Brunt smoked Perry for a four and six in the 15th over, she miscued an offcutter which Perry settled under easily.The Sajana scare for RCBNeeding 71 to get from 31 from there was a tall ask for MI but their lower order didn’t give up. The charge was led by the hard-hitting S Sajana mainly at the end after the wickets of Yastika Bhatia, Amanjot and G Kamalini. With 44 to win from 12, Sajana packed some power against Garth’s slower ones and then with 24 to get from five, she hammered Perry in the ‘V’ down the ground for two sixes. She missed the next ball and then miscued one to be dismissed for 23 off 12 and MI fell short.