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New Jersey, June 9 (IANS) Injured Brazil forward Neymar is making “good progress” in his bid to be fit for the FIFA World Cup starting this week, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said.

The CBF issued the update after Neymar underwent an MRI scan to assess his recovery from a grade two calf strain in his right leg. It said the 34-year-old’s recuperation was “within the expected parameters”, adding that he would continue receiving treatment as part of a tailored program.

The CBF did not say when the Santos star would be fit to play, but local media reported he would be unavailable until at least the second group match, reports Xinhua.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, has not played for the national team since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023.

Since then, he has endured a series of injuries, including the latest calf strain sustained while playing for Santos in May.

Brazil will begin its World Cup campaign against Morocco on Saturday before facing Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

Brazil will be competing at the FIFA World Cup for a record-extending 23rd time next year. Indeed, the Selecao are the only side to have featured in every edition of the global showpiece, which is set to be staged for the first time across three host nations: Canada, Mexico and the USA.

Neymar has indicated the FIFA World Cup 202, starting Thursday, will be the last of his career. The 34-year-old made the statement in response to a social media post from FIFA showing images of Neymar’s career along with the words, “We’ve watched him grow up.”

He has not played for Brazil since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023. He has since suffered a series of injuries, the latest of which is a calf strain that could keep him out of Brazil’s opening match against Morocco on June 13.

–IANS

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Manchester, June 13 (IANS) Skipper Kathryn Bryce led from the front with a sparkling half-century before spinner Kirstie Gordon ripped through Ireland’s middle-order as Scotland registered a historic 40-run victory in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign opener at Old Trafford in Manchester on Saturday.

Defending 161/5, built around a match-defining 106-run partnership between sisters Kathryn and Sarah Bryce, Scotland produced a disciplined bowling display to bowl Ireland out for 121 in 19.1 overs and secure their first-ever win in Women’s T20 World Cup history.

Ireland’s chase suffered an early setback when Kathryn struck in the opening over, pulling off a sharp return catch to dismiss Alana Dalzell. However, Amy Hunter and skipper Gaby Lewis steadied the innings, helping Ireland recover to 35/1 at the end of the powerplay.

Hunter looked in fine touch, driving and pulling with authority as she raced to 39 off 36 deliveries. Alongside Lewis, she kept Ireland in the hunt, but Scotland gradually tightened their grip through spin. The breakthrough arrived in the eighth over when Katherine Fraser outfoxed Lewis, who was stumped by Sarah Bryce while attempting to advance down the track.

With the required rate climbing, Hunter continued to fight before Fraser delivered another crucial blow, bowling the Irish batter with a delivery that sneaked through her attempted reverse sweep. That wicket triggered a dramatic collapse from which Ireland never recovered.

The turning point came in Gordon’s sensational 13th over. The left-arm spinner removed Rebecca Stokell and Leah Paul in successive deliveries before bowling Alice Tector to complete a remarkable triple strike. Ireland slumped from 68/3 to 70/6 within six balls as Scotland seized complete control of the contest.

Orla Prendergast attempted to revive the chase with a spirited 33 off 23 balls, including four boundaries and a six, while Arlene Kelly contributed 15. But the mounting required rate and regular wickets proved too much to overcome.

Gordon finished with outstanding figures of 3/16 from four overs, while Fraser matched her tally with 3/18. Kathryn capped a memorable all-round performance with figures of 2/19 to go with her 60 off 39 balls earlier in the first innings.

Earlier, Scotland’s innings was transformed by the Bryce sisters after early wickets left them at 37/2. Sarah narrowly missed a half-century with 49, while Kathryn struck a commanding 60 as their century stand propelled Scotland to a challenging total.

The victory not only handed Scotland a dream start to their campaign but also ended their long wait for a breakthrough win on the Women’s T20 World Cup stage.

Brief scores:

Scotland 161/5 in 20 overs (Kathryn Bryce 60, Sarah Bryce 49; Ava Canning 3-27, Arlene Kelly 1-24) beat Ireland 121 all out in 19.2 overs (Amy Hunter 39, Orla Prendergast 33; Kirstie Gordon 3-16, Katherine Fraser 3-18) by 40 runs.

–IANS

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New Delhi, June 12 (IANS) Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes the selectors have already started planning for the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 in South Africa, with the inclusion of players capable of thriving in conditions that offer pace, bounce and movement.

Speaking ahead of India’s first ODI against Afghanistan, Pathan said the selection of tall left-arm pacer Gurnoor Brar reflects the team’s long-term vision for the World Cup in South Africa.

“Gurnoor Brar has been selected because the Indian management wants a bowler who can exploit the pace and bounce expected on South African pitches in the 2027 World Cup,” Pathan told Jio Hotstar.

“Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, he gets natural extra bounce. That will be a big advantage in those conditions,” he added.

Pathan also highlighted the importance of having batters who can counter steep bounce and identified Ishan Kishan as a valuable multi-dimensional option in the ODI setup.

“Along with good bowlers, you also need batters who can handle bounce. Ishan Kishan fits that role perfectly. He plays the short ball well, scores square of the wicket, and can serve as a backup opener, a backup at number three behind Virat, and a backup wicketkeeper,” he said.

The former India all-rounder added that the team management must focus on developing fast-bowling all-rounders, whom he believes will play a decisive role in South African conditions.

“I will be watching how many all-rounders get opportunities because fast-bowling all-rounders will be crucial in South Africa. Hence, I want to see Nitish Kumar Reddy get chances,” Pathan said

He also backed Shivam Dube to be given an extended run in the ODI format after impressing in T20 internationals.

“Shivam Dube has done well in T20Is, and now is the time to bring him into ODIs as well. They need as many opportunities as possible in the lead-up to the World Cup,” he added.

On Rishabh Pant, Pathan urged selectors not to shut the door on the dynamic left-hander despite his recent struggles in white-ball cricket.

“My suggestion to the selectors is not to completely ignore him. Yes, he has fallen behind in white-ball cricket. His form has not been great. But look at Ishan Kishan. He was out of the team too, but he used that as motivation,” Pathan said.

“He played domestic cricket, performed well, and led Jharkhand to a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win as captain. Rishabh should take inspiration from Ishan and keep working hard. He should not lose hope of making a comeback in white-ball cricket.”

With less than two years remaining for the 2027 World Cup, India will aim to test their squad depth and options in the Afghanistan series, which will commence on Saturday.

–IANS

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