بعدما كان حديث العالم منذ حوالي أسبوعين، أصبح فيليكس زواير هو حكم مباراة الأهلي وبيراميدز في الجولة 31 من الدوري المصري على ملعب الدفاع الجوي.

فاز الأهلي في وقت سابق من هذا الشهر على بيراميدز في المباراة المؤجلة من الدور الأول بينهما على استاد القاهرة بثلاثية مقابل هدفين.

طالع أيضًا.. إيهاب الكومي يوضح حقيقة اعتذار اتحاد الكرة لـ رمضان صبحي بعد أزمة المنشطات

تلك المباراة أثارت جدلًا واسعًا من الناحية التحكيمية للإسباني خافير ألبيرولا روخاس، وانتظر الجميع من سيكون حكم مباراة قمة الدوري المصري هذا الموسم بين بيراميدز والأهلي في استاد الدفاع الجوي.

اليوم أعلن الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، أن فيليكس زواير سيقود طاقم تحكيم ألماني لقيادة القمة، بعد أقل من أسبوعين على قيادته نصف نهائي يورو 2024.

زواير كان حكمًا لمواجهة هولندا وإنجلترا في نصف نهائي يورو 2024، والتي انتهت 2-1 للمنتخب الإنجليزي بهدف قاتل عن طريق أولي واتكينز.

احتسب الحكم الألماني ركلة جزاء في تلك المباراة لـ هاري كين، ولكنه تلقى انتقادات بشكل غير مباشر من فيرجيل فان دايك مدافع المنتخب الهولندي وقائده.

قبل المباراة، كان زواير هو حديث وسائل الإعلام العالمية، وذلك بسبب موقف سابق مع جود بيلينجهام، عندما كان الإنجليزي يلعب في الدوري الألماني مع فريق بوروسيا دورتموند.

واقعة سابقة بين الحكم الألماني، ولاعب المنتخب الإنجليزي جود بيلينجهام، حيث وصف جود زواير أنه كان فاسدًا.

في ديسمبر 2021، كان اللاعب الإنجليزي قد خضع للتحقيق من قبل الشرطة الألمانية بعد تقديم شكوى جنائية ضده بسبب تصريحاته عقب الخسارة من بايرن ميونخ 3-2.

وقال بيلينجهام حينها: “بالنسبة لي لم تكن ركلة جزاء، ولم ينظر حتى هوميلز إلى الكرة، ولكن يمكنك معرفة ما يحدث في المباريات الكبرى، خاصة إذا أعطيتها حكمًا يئلاعب في نتيجة المباريات، فماذا تتوقع؟”.

تم إيقاف الحكم الألماني بعد ذلك لمدة شهرين، بينما غرّم الاتحاد بيلينجهام 40 ألف يورو.

تصريحات بيلينجهام كانت بناء على ما حدث في 2005، عندما تم إيقاف الحكم الألماني لمدة 6 أشهر بسبب قبول رشوة من الحكم روبرت هويزر.

ولم يتم الكشف عن تورط زواير إلا بعد مرور 11 عامًا في 2014، بعد تحقيق أجرته صحيفة “Die Ziet” الألمانية.

وذكرت التقارير أن قاضي الجنايات في ميونخ راينر كوخ، توصل إلى الحكم نيابة عن الاتحاد، وجاء في الحكم أنه لا يمكن إثبات أي خطأ متعمد ضد زواير، لكن صياغة الحكم انتهت إلى أنه قبل رشوة.

وتم تقليص حظر زواير إلى 6 أشهر بسبب تعاونه في التحقيقات ومحاكمة هويزر، الذي حكم عليه بالسجن لمدة عامين ونصف. من هو فيليكس زواير حكم مباراة الأهلي وبيراميدز؟

زواير صاحب الـ43 عامًا ولد في برلين عام 1981، ويعمل كـ سمسار عقارات في ألمانيا، وحصل على الشارة الدولية في 2012.

بايرن ميونخ هو أكثر الفرق التي أدار لها زواير مباريات، بواقع 45 مباراة في مسيرته، فاز خلالها العملاق البافاري في 35 وخسر 7 وتعادل في 3.

أدار زواير 6 مباريات نهائية حتى الآن في مسيرته، أبرزها كان نهائي دوري الأمم الأوروبية بين إسبانيا وكرواتيا في الصيف الماضي، وانتهى بركلات الترجيح للمنتخب الإسباني 5-4.

60 مباراة أدارها زواير في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، وكان نابولي صاحب نصيب الأسد من صافرة الألماني، بـ 4 مباريات، ويليه ليفربول بـ3 مباريات.

West Ham United are taking some time away from the field as their players embark on international duty; however, one of their star men has now been involved in a strange development, according to reporter Paul Brown.

West Ham's form and David Moyes future…

West Ham have struggled to get into a rhythm of consistency from game to game this season as they juggle both domestic and European footballing endeavours; nevertheless, David Moyes has managed to guide the Hammers to ninth in the Premier League table, with 17 points taken from their first 12 fixtures.

Following a run of just one win in six matches across all competitions prior to their last two encounters, West Ham have since defeated Olympiacos and Nottingham Forest to restore some stability at the London Stadium in light of recent questions over Moyes' future at the club.

Daily Mail reporter Sami Mokbel has explained that Moyes could depart West Ham at the end of the campaign, stating on the It's All Kicking Off podcast: "That question [over his position] will linger until David Moyes finally departs. I think he's going to depart."

He then went on to add: "'All the information that we have indicates that he will depart at the end of this season. I think there was a plan to do that last summer, at the end of last season, for him to move on. But obviously, then winning the European trophy, the Conference League kind of spun that direction on its head a little bit because how can you sort of open the door for your head coach to leave when he's just landed you your first trophy in decades?"

Undoubtedly, Moyes finds himself between a rock and a hard place at West Ham. Last term, he led the Irons to unprecedented success across their recent history by winning the Europa Conference League; however, speculation continues to persist surrounding his future, which will have been exacerbated by supposed tension between the Scot and technical director Tim Steidten during the summer window.

Now, reporter Brown claims that one of Moyes' arrivals during the same period is now caught up in a strange situation at the London Stadium.

Paul Brown stunned by James Ward-Prowse's England snub

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, reporter Brown has declared his surprise that James Ward-Prowse has once again been snubbed by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate for England's double-header against Malta and North Macedonia in EURO 2024 qualifying.

James Ward-Prowse's excellent form in 2023/24 – all competitions (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

17

Goals

2

Assists

10

Brown told the outlet: "I honestly find it very strange that Ward-Prowse is suddenly out of the England picture completely. He was being picked regularly ahead of some very strong candidates for a very long time when you could argue that he was in nowhere near the kind of form that he is now. I really don't think that it's a wise move by the England manager.

"I think he's in the best form I've seen him in for some time, and it doesn't strike me as terribly fair that he's no longer getting a look in. I think it's definitely one that Gareth Southgate should be questioned on."

Taking the positives, Ward-Prowse should be fresh to play a major part for West Ham upon the resumption of Premier League football after the international break.

As Paris Saint-Germain secured a 2-0 win against Marseille, Kylian Mbappe was the talking point as he was subbed off yet again by Luis Enrique.

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Mbappe subbed off yet again by EnriquePosts cryptic photo on social mediaEnrique tired of his decisions being questionedWHAT HAPPENED?

Just after the intense Le Classique clash hit the hour mark, Mbappe was hooked off by Enrique yet again and the Frenchman was visibly displeased with the former Barcelona coach. He has now posted a cryptic and downbeat photo on his Instagram with a move to Real Madrid inching ever closer.

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Enrique has been sidelining the World Cup-winning forward in the club's recent matches, as he claims that he is preparing the Parisian side for a future without Mbappe. The 25-year-old has all but confirmed his incoming move to Real Madrid next season. The Frenchman will join Los Blancos after years of speculation over his move to his dream club.

(C)Getty imagesWHAT ENRIQUE SAID

When talking on Prime Video after the match, Enrique was questioned about Mbappe, he said [via @GFFN on X]: "It’s always the same questions, it’s so boring, I’m the coach and I make the decisions."

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WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

Despite the growing tensions between Mbappe and Enrique, it is likely that the Frenchman will be a starter for PSG in their next match when they take on Rennes on Wednesday, April 3 in the semi-final of the French Cup.

Manchester United post-Sir Alex Ferguson no doubt been an exhausting ride for Red Devils supporters.

Where once a great legacy was forged in the 'Theatre of Dreams', proceedings have at times felt more aligned with a B-list pantomime. A new manager arrives a heroic figure of hope and then plot twist – he's the villain, with the players enduring mediocre form, his sniveling underlings.

Erik ten Hag came in with an air of heroism. After delighting Ajax fans in the Netherlands, his continental efforts brought him to Old Trafford. He initially spoke of Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola and the whole 'eras coming to an end' lark. However, his era has struggled to really take form, with the club currently languishing five points outside the top four.

One particular problem has been the Dutchman's penchant for signing players whom he has previously worked with, including Andre Onana and Sofyan Amrabat, with the addition of his one-time Ajax asset, Antony, proving especially disastrous.

The reasons Manchester United signed Antony from Ajax

That 'manager's favourite' dig is, on second thoughts, a little harsh. Yet, with Ten Hag's often dynamic, and title-monopolising Ajax – a formative Antony was a twinkling star in a progressive galaxy that the Amsterdam club are renowned for creating over the years. Brought in from Sao Paulo in 2020, the winger enjoyed a brilliant two years in red and white, winning back-to-back Eredivisie titles (2020-21, 2021-22) and one KNVB Beker (2020-21).

In that time, and in all 82 all-competition outings – the tricky Brasileiro totted up a direct goal involvement in basically every other game. He scored 24 goals and got 22 assists in his time at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

While the numbers and performances were impressive, of course the football itself and the way in which it was played, was front and centre. At Ajax, the winger was a beacon of creativity and arrived on European radars as a call back to Jogo Bonito-pushers of yesteryear.

Exploits in Amsterdam saw Antony follow his former boss to England

Admittedly, Antony's raw talent was a little bit of a gamble for Manchester United, yet Ten Hag was convinced his winger could make the step-up when he sealed an £86 million five-year-deal in August 2022.

What fans saw were mere glimpses of a talent more effective in the Dutch first division. Antony could make the 'step-up' in a way. But he could also make the step-over, random flick and then a bizarre spinning top move.

Losing half his value and finding an unwanted nickname

Antony won the 2023 EFL Cup with United, yet steadily, standards began to slip as the Premier League especially wasn't as accommodating to his flair-driven style compared to the Netherlands.

His near-€100 million tag started to look ever-steeper with every lacklustre outing. In his first Premier League season, Antony's return for 25 games was a mere four goals and two assists. This was especially underwhelming considering his last Eredivisie season saw him score eight goals and supply two assists in 23 games.

Now, as the 5 foot 9 trickster looks to better his previous term, he faces the prospect of having lost nearly half of his transfer value.

Where he once moved on for that £86 million, now, his value sits at £44 million (or €50 million) – representing a decline of £42m in just over 12 months. If that wasn't bad enough, the wideman's lack of end product leading to dwindling value also found him with the newfound nickname of "YouTube footballer" – courtesy of talkSPORT's Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent.

While time is still on his side to turn things around, the £200k-per-week enigma needs to start delivering the goods sooner rather than later.

Philippe Clement has enjoyed a dream start at Glasgow Rangers, but he must not get carried away just yet and keep his players grounded.

The Ibrox side have an excellent chance of winning their first trophy since May 2022 when they face Aberdeen in the League Cup final next month, while progress in Europe looks attainable.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, the Belgian may be able to delve into the market and sign a couple of players who could freshen up the squad while ditching a few who don’t seem to have a future at the club.

Ben Davies is a key example, and could he find himself moving away from Ibrox in the coming months?

Ben Davies’ season in numbers

The Englishman has been a regular in the Europa League, starting all four matches so far, yet he ranks 15th across the squad for interceptions per game (0.3) and seventh for possession lost per game (11.5), which suggests he hasn’t quite been at the races.

Domestically, Davies has started only four times in the Premiership so far, with the Gers conceding four goals across those matches.

For large spells during the summer, it appeared as though the former Liverpool centre-back was ready to leave the club, with Stoke City rumoured to be eyeing a swoop for him.

Nothing materialised, however, and he remains in Glasgow, until January at least. Clement must surely utilise the services of Leon Balogun on a more regular basis, especially judging by his displays under the Belgian.

Leon Balogun has impressed recently

While the decision to re-sign Balogun during the summer wasn’t exactly met with choruses of applause by the Ibrox faithful, his spell in Scotland between 2020 and 2022 was impressive.

Under the former QPR boss, however, he made just two appearances, in games that the Light Blues both won and it seemed as though his backup stature was working.

Under the 49-year-old, however, Balogun has started three of his first seven matches and performed admirably, especially against Livingston on the weekend.

The 35-year-old was a titan at the heart of the defence alongside Connor Goldson as he won all four of his ground duels along with nine out of his 11 aerial duels – working out as 86% of his total duels won – and the Livi forwards just couldn’t find a way past him.

The Nigerian wasn’t even dribbled past during the tie and made three interceptions, two tackles and four clearances in what was a commanding performance at a ground in which the club have occasionally struggled on in the past.

While not a long-term option for Clement, Balogun’s class has shone through over the last month or so and it's clear that the club have been better defensively in the games that he has started.

Rangers have yet to concede a goal from open play across Balogun’s five appearances thus far and this could make Clement’s decision on who should partner Goldson at the back slightly easier.

Davies has sparkled in spells, yet his lack of consistency could lead to him being moved on in the foreseeable future.

MatériaMais Notícias

Anunciado como reforço do Corinthians no início de novembro, Jonathan Cafú atuou duas vezes pelo Timão e ainda não somou 90 minutos em campo após quase um mês no clube. Esperando uma oportunidade, o atacante ganhou o apoio de seu último treinador antes de chegar ao Alvinegro: o brasileiro André Gaspar, que comandou o Al-Hazm, ex-equipe de Cafú, entre 2019 e 2020. O técnico, atualmente sem clube, detalhou as características do jogador.

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TABELA
> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão clicando aqui

– O Cafú é um jogador que obedece muito as funções táticas, mostra a mesma intensidade durante os 90 minutos, participa muito das transições, tanto ofensivas quanto defensivas. Ele gosta de atuar ali pelo lado esquerdo buscando o um contra um, trazendo pra dentro para finalizar. Ele tem tudo para dar certo no Corinthians. É um jogador aguerrido, de muita raça e vibração, e a torcida se identifica com atletas assim e acredito que vai se identificar com ele – disse André, que ressaltou que a adaptação no Corinthians é sempre mais complicada:

– Jogar no Corinthians não é fácil e o momento não é o melhor, é difícil um jogador chegar resolvendo, mas acredito que eles vão reverter essa situação o quanto antes, o Mancini é um grande amigo e tenho certeza que ele vai colocar a equipe brigando pelas primeiras posições no campeonato.

Fora de campo, o ex-comandante de Cafú garante que a personalidade do atacante é leve, e até relembrou a convivência no início ano, quando o futebol foi paralisado por conta da pandemia em todo o planeta.

– Ele tem um coração enorme, fora de campo é muito brincalhão, alegre, é amigo de todos. Quando veio a pandemia, a Arábia Saudita entrou em lockdown e após às 15h ninguém podia sair na rua, então ficamos eu, ele, Alemão e Muralha, os brasileiros da equipe, numa casa. Foi um mês muito bacana, aproximou ainda mais a todos nós. Para manter a parte física e nos divertir, jogávamos futevôlei, mas ele era o pé-frio da casa, não adiantava a dupla dele que ele não ganhava uma (risos).

Ex-jogador com passagens por Santos e Bragantino, André Gaspar iniciou a trajetória fora dos gramados exatamente na equipe do interior paulista, onde ficou de 2009 a 2014 entre as funções de auxiliar técnico e treinador. Em 2015, chegou como auxiliar no Daegu, da Coréia do Sul, onde ficou até 2019 – assumindo o cargo de técnico em 2017 – e se tornou ídolo ao levar o clube a conquistar a FA Cup da Coréia pela primeira vez na história.

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Arsenal are back in action this afternoon, as the Gunners return to the Emirates to host bottom of the table Sheffield United in match day ten of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

Last time out in the league, Mikel Arteta’s side were far from being at their best, scraping a late draw at Stamford Bridge as the squad showed resilience to claim a point from Chelsea after being 2-0 down.

The Blades arrive without a win this campaign, giving the hosts the opportunity to restore their confidence unless Paul Heckingbottom’s side can produce a stellar performance in north London.

Arsenal team news vs Sheffield United

Arsenal have had their fair share of injury woes so far in the season, with a host of first-team players having to miss out on games over the past few weeks due to niggles.

From Bukayo Saka’s absence against Manchester City to Gabriel Martinelli’s time on the sidelines due to a hamstring issue, the Gunners have had to weather some injury storms, with the rain now returning to fall on two players.

In his pre-match press conference, Arteta confirmed that his squad will be without both Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey for the next few weeks, as they have been dealt their latest round of poor injury luck.

Partey has already missed 30 days of the 2023/24 campaign to injury, while Jesus has been absent for 24 days, with Arsenal left to find solutions for the duo’s further upcoming absences.

Away from a headache over rotation to accommodate the latest wave of injuries, Arteta may opt to rotate due to a lower level of performance from some of his players, as club captain Martin Odegaard struggles to discover the form he showcased last season.

The stats to show that Mikel Arteta should drop Martin Odegaard

During the press conference, Arteta was quizzed about whether Odegaard needs a rest, as his dip in form has become more noticeable in recent weeks.

The manager responded in support of the Norwegian, suggesting that placing him in “better positions” will help him to “explore his qualities” once again, however, his sluggish performances of late could allow for competition to stem to increase form.

One player who could benefit from being introduced against Sheffield is Emile Smith Rowe, who has collected only three league appearances this season as he continues to battle for game time.

In the midst of Arsenal’s progression, it’s easy to forget just how good the Englishman was back in the 2021/22 campaign, where he netted ten goals in the league and prevailed as one of Arteta’s favoured creators.

By fielding the 23-year-old whiz against the struggling Blades, the Spaniard could not only give Smith-Rowe a chance to flourish once more, but hand himself further room to rotate in his squad, which would ultimately benefit the club.

Odegaard’s drop in performance level is most notable since Arsenal welcomed Spurs to the Emirates in the north London derby, where the skipper received a Sofascore match rating of 6.7.

Prior to the battle of north London, Odegaard hadn’t received a match rating lower than 7.2, and since that fixture in late September, he has only recorded two match ratings exceeding 7.0 in seven games, with the rest falling below par, via Sofascore.

Martin Odegaard vs Sevilla

Statistic

Figure

Touches

30

Key passes

0

Shots on target

0

Dribbles

0

Possession lost

6

Dribbled past

1

Figures via Sofascore

Talk of dropping the 24-year-old skipper stems from his most recent performance, where against Sevilla he was absent, as highlighted by his statistics that night in the table above.

Once hailed as “prolific” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Arteta could strike gold by unleashing Smith Rowe against Sheffield United, with the Gunners’ £40k-per-week asset capable of fighting for his place back in the squad, which is why Odegaard should be boldly ditched for him.

Celtic’s Alistair Johnston has helped Canada to the Copa America, but hopes “Lionel Messi stays on the other side of the pitch” when facing Argentina.

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• CanMNT involved in tournament opener
• Set to take on defending champions
• All-time great among the stars on show

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The CanMNT will have the honour of opening that tournament, which will take place in the United States, when facing the reigning champions on June 20. The contest will take place in Atlanta, with 80,000 fans set to be packed into the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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  Johnston, who played his part in Canada overcoming Trinidad & Tobago to secure qualification through the playoffs, is looking forward to lining up against the current holders of the prestigious World Cup crown. The 25-year-old full-back is, however, aware that he may come into direct competition with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi – which would present him with the biggest of professional tests.

• WHAT JOHNSTON SAID

  Johnston has said of facing the Inter Miami forward: “It’s exciting to have qualified and in the first match we’ve got Argentina which will be good. I hope Messi stays on the other side of the pitch! Even though it’s in America it will be 99 percent full with Messi jerseys so that’ll be fun but we’re kind of used to that now with the national team over there. It is the opening game, the opening ceremony, so I think they are expecting Messi to put on a show which is why they have put it on as the first one. So, yeah, it is my job as a defender to hopefully quieten that down but we are ready for the 80,000 screaming his name.

  “I have seen in the MLS how mental it is over there and I think it will be no different in Atlanta. I’ve never played against him before but I have a couple of friends who have and they say he is a joy. He looks like he is just walking about so you just turn your head for one second. You lose the ball and turn your head back and he is gone! But that whole Argentinian team is extremely talented – you don’t win a World Cup with just one player.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Messi inspired Argentina to Copa America glory back in 2021, as he landed a first senior honour with his country, and will be leading the charge once again this summer in a tournament that will include his 37th birthday celebrations.

Everton could be set to lose one of their senior players next year, with a fresh report revealing that the club have received interest from an admirer in the Premier League.

Everton's season so far

The Toffees have made a disappointing start to the new campaign having won just four, drawn two and lost six of their opening 12 games, and they have recently suffered a further blow to their position in the table.

Victories

Draws

Defeats

Brentford (3-1)

Sheffield United (2-2)

Fulham (1-0)

Bournemouth (3-0)

Brighton and Hove Albion (1-1)

Aston Villa (4-0)

West Ham United (1-0)

Wolverhampton Wanderers (1-0)

Crystal Palace (3-2)

Arsenal (1-0)

Luton Town (2-1)

Liverpool (2-0)

After being found guilty of a breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, Sean Dyche’s side have been handed a ten-point deduction, meaning that they now find themselves in the relegation zone, second from bottom.

The Merseyside outfit will therefore need to pull their squad together should they want to survive the drop this season, but there’s a chance that one player in particular could be heading for the exit door after attracting interest from a rival.

Goodison Park centre-back Ben Godfrey has made zero starts and one substitute appearance this season in the top flight, playing just a single minute of football (WhoScored – Godfrey statistics), and as a result of him falling so far down the pecking order, the 25-year-old’s possible availability has alerted a potential suitor.

Newcastle set sights on Ben Godfrey

According to 90min, Newcastle are interested in Godfrey and have already made their admiration known to Everton ahead of the upcoming transfer window in January.

“Having lost midfielder Sandro Tonali to a lengthy suspension for gambling breaches, bolstering at the heart of the pitch is thought to be a top priority for Newcastle, who are also keen to sign a new centre-back and have expressed an interest in both Lille's Tiago Djalo and Everton's Ben Godfrey.”

Everton should definitely sell "silly" Godfrey

Considering Godfrey’s severe lack of game time since the start of the season, Everton will know that he’s currently seen as no more than a fringe player, so sanctioning his sale – whether that be permanently or on a loan basis – would be completely the right decision to make in January.

The York-born talent currently ranks as Dyche’s 18th best-performing player out of 23 squad members (WhoScored – Everton statistics), showing how little of a chance he’s been given to make any kind of positive impact.

Standing at 6 foot exactly, the defender has also provided just three assists and is yet to score since joining the club from Norwich City back in 2020 (Transfermarkt – Godfrey statistics), so he’s even failed to get involved with the action at the other end of the pitch.

Furthermore, Godfrey, who has been panned for his “silly” decision-making by journalist Josh Bunting, currently pockets £75k per week – earning more than the likes of Seamus Coleman and Beto (Everton salaries) – so chiefs would perhaps be wise to get him off the books and use the extra cash to generate funds for future new signings.

Zimbabwe recovered from 129 for 4 to end the day at 236 for 5, as Bangladesh’s three spinners got through 67 overs on a slow, low pitch

The Report by Mohammad Isam03-Nov-2018AFPThe first day of Test cricket in Sylhet will be remembered for Sean Williams’ fine 88, which frustrated the Bangladesh spinners. Zimbabwe ended the day on 236 for five, and possibly feeling happier than the home side. PJ Moor and Regis Chakabva, batting on 37 and 20 respectively, played out the last hour without further damage after Williams fell on the brink of the final drinks break.Williams, who struck nine fours in his 173-ball stay, was involved in two partnerships that promised much before ending in the 30s, with Hamilton Masakadza and Sikandar Raza. The loss of those two batsmen in the second session left Zimbabwe at an uncertain 129 for 4; their best period came after that.Zimbabwe only added 64 in the middle session, in 31 overs, as they slowed down after Raza’s dismissal for 19. At one stage, Williams and Moor played out six successive maidens from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nazmul Islam. But they hung on, and their partnership grew in confidence, and grew to 72, after the tea break.Moor’s cover-driven boundary off Taijul Islam, in the second over after tea, injected life into the innings, and Williams struck the same bowler for successive fours through point and midwicket in his next over. More boundaries came after Moor successfully reviewed an lbw decision off Abu Jayed – the ball was easily missing leg stump. Moor slammed Jayed through point and lofted Mehidy over mid-off, while Williams swept Nazmul twice in one over, either side of the deep backward square leg fielder.Williams’ dismissal came against the run of play, when Mahmudullah brought himself on and found some turn to draw his edge, which Mehidy caught very well at slip, stretching fully to his left to complete the catch.Masakadza earlier had struck three fours and two sixes in scoring 52 in the first session. He was severe on anything too full, and hammered all his boundaries off Taijul, blasting him down the ground for both the sixes, and picking up his fours off either cuts or sweeps.But there was trouble at the other end. Brian Chari was bowled slogged Taijul across the line. Taijul then removed Brendan Taylor with a wonderfully flighted delivery that drew the batsman forward and went on with the angle to take his inside edge before the short-leg fielder, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, snapped up the tickle.Masakadza and Williams took Zimbabwe to 85 for 2 at lunch but in the first over of the middle session, Jayed trapped Masakadza with a delivery that moved sharply into his front pad.Williams and Sikandar Raza added 44 for the fourth wicket, with both batsmen picking up two fours each, before Nazmul picked up his maiden Test wicket, clean-bowling Raza through bat and pad for 19.Williams and Moor made a slow start thereafter but as their confidence grew, the Bangladesh spinners found it hard to beat their bat for 29 overs.Taijul finished with two wickets, having bowled 27 overs. Mehidy was tidy, not giving away too many runs, while Jayed and Nazmul took one wicket each without offering too much of a spark.