Worse than Bajrami: 2/10 dud is Rangers' biggest waste of time since Lammers

Glasgow Rangers failed to win in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since they appointed Danny Rohl in their 0-0 draw with Falkirk at Ibrox on Sunday.

The Light Blues failed to score a goal in a home game against Falkirk for the first time this century, and it was a disappointing all-round display from the hosts.

Rangers were unable to find the back of the net from three ‘big chances’ and 1.07 xG, per Sofascore, and had to settle for one point and no goals in front of their supporters.

Despite the underwhelming performance and result, there was a positive for Rohl to take away from the match, as Nedim Bajrami showed that he has something to offer.

Why Danny Rohl must unleash Nedim Bajrami

The Albania international came in for his first start of the league season, having made six substitute appearances before Sunday, and his performance on the left flank suggests that he has been underused.

Bajrami ended his 75 minutes on the pitch with four dribbles completed, two chances created, and ten duels won, per Sofascore, which shows that he put himself about physically, moved forward with the ball with intent, and looked to make things happen in the final third.

Last season, the former Sassuolo man scored two goals and created four ‘big chances’ in 15 starts in the Premiership, to go along with one goal and six ‘big chances’ created in eight starts in the Europa League, per Sofascore.

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Meanwhile, one of the summer signings, Thelo Aasgaard, has failed to prove himself to be an upgrade on Bajrami and now looks to be the biggest waste of time since Sam Lammers.

Why Thelo Aasgaard may be the new Sam Lammers

Rangers signed Lammers from Atalanta for £3m in the summer of 2022, to bolster Michael Beale’s attack, and the attacking midfielder produced two goals and two assists in 31 games for the club, per Transfermarkt.

The left-footed flop spent the second half of that season on loan at Utrecht before being sold to FC Twente for an initial fee of £2.5m that could rise to £4m one year after joining the Gers.

This shows that Lammers was more or less a waste of time for the Light Blues because he rarely contributed on the pitch and he left Ibrox for a similar fee to the one that he was brought in for.

Rangers paid £3.5m to sign Aasgaard from Luton Town in the summer, only £500k more than Lammers cost, and he is, unfortunately, treading the same path that the Dutchman walked.

The Norway international, whom Heart & Hand content creator David Edgar dubbed “rotten” last month, has scored one goal and provided one assist in 21 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, which is an even worse return than the Twente star ended his Ibrox career with.

Aasgaard, who was handed a 2/10 player rating vs Falkirk by IbroxNews, has as many red cards as goals, after he was sent off against Celtic in the semi-final of the League Cup, and, as aforementioned, he has not proven that he is an upgrade on the player that he was brought in to replace, Bajrami.

Starts

15

8

Goals

2

1

Key passes

28

9

Big chances created

4

0

Assists

1

1

As you can see in the table above, the Liverpool-born midfielder has not scored goals or created chances at a more impressive rate than the Albanian did in the Premiership last term.

The same is true for their respective form in the Europa League. Last season, Bajrami scored one goal and created six ‘big chances’ in eight starts, per Sofascore, whilst Aasgaard has no goals and no ‘big chances’ created in five outings in the competition in the 2025/26 campaign.

If the 2/10 Norwegian flop’s dismal form at the top end of the pitch continues and Bajrami gets more chances after his bright showing against Falkirk, then his future may already be in doubt when the January transfer window opens.

Like Lammers, Aasgaard may have to look at his options in January and see if there is a loan or a permanent option for him to go elsewhere, unless he can turn his form around in the coming weeks.

Rohl must bin Rangers flop who was even worse than Aarons vs Falkirk

Danny Rohl must replace this Glasgow Rangers flop in January to solve a glaring issue in the squad.

ByDan Emery Dec 1, 2025

For now, though, the former Luton and Wigan star looks to be the biggest waste of time since Lammers because of the fee he was signed for and the lack of consistent performances on the pitch.

Man Utd now preparing £87m bid to sign "superb" star similar to Declan Rice

Manchester United are pursuing new reinforcements in January and could now be set to submit a bid for one of Europe’s most high-profile midfielders.

Man Utd looking towards the January window

Admittedly, the Red Devils have enjoyed a mixed start to the Premier League season and will now look to take advantage of the chance to move up a few places within a tight collective of sides all vying for a spot in the European slots.

On Monday, Manchester United’s frustrating defeat at home to Everton brought back some old scars that have been a feature of Ruben Amorim’s tenure at the club, with his side unable to break down a spirited Toffees outfit despite having a man advantage for most of proceedings.

Falling flat in attack, Joshua Zirkzee’s emergence after failing to earn a regular place in the side this season was questioned by BBC Radio Manchester’s Gaz Drinkwater, who believes Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount should’ve been brought into the starting side instead.

He said: “Bring Mount and Kobbie Mainoo into the starting XI. He obviously doesn’t see Mainoo as a midfielder because he can’t get in the team in that position. Amorim sees him as a number 10 or maybe even a false-nine type player where maybe they [the front three] interchange a bit.

“I don’t understand the logic of bringing in a totally cold Joshua Zirkzee into the game, who has basically had zero minutes this season, and he did nothing.”

Man Utd plotting "bargain" deal to sign "imposing" Ligue 1 defender who scouts love

He could complete Amorim’s back three.

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 27, 2025

Without doubt, the Red Devils will need to recruit wisely in January as they begin to feel the effects of a hefty schedule, and they could now be set to lodge a bid for a high-profile midfielder.

Man Utd ready bid for Federico Valverde

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are preparing a £87m bid for Federico Valverde, and he may be allowed to depart amid a spate of up and down performances for Real Madrid.

The Uruguay international may now be set for a change of scenery and would be open to a move elsewhere, potentially re-establishing himself as the central part of a project at Old Trafford.

Five similar players to Federico Valverde

Declan Rice

Arsenal

Bernardo Silva

Manchester City

Eduardo Camavinga

Real Madrid

Nicolo Barella

Inter Milan

Moises Caicedo

Chelsea

All data courtesy of Football Transfers

Labelled “superb” by Thibaut Courtois, Valverde has registered four assists in 17 appearances across all competitions this season. Overall, he has scored 32 times and laid on 35 goals for his teammates in 340 appearances for Los Blancos, cementing himself as a fan favourite.

Amorim is confident that his versatility, quality and combativeness could form a new dynamic in the engine room as they look to reclaim their place among the elite of English football.

Real Madrid aren’t totally closed off to selling Valverde, creating a scenario that could work out for all parties if the 27-year-old makes a headline-grabbing move to English shores.

Not Calvert-Lewin: Leeds flop may be on borrowed time because of Harry Gray

Leeds United decided to revamp their options in the centre-forward position in the summer transfer window after they won promotion from the Championship.

The Whites swooped to sign experienced striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer from Everton to be Daniel Farke’s first-choice number nine for the Premier League season.

So far, though, the former England international has scored one goal and missed nine ‘big chances’ in eight appearances in all competitions, per Sofascore, for Leeds, with five ‘big chances’ missed in the top-flight.

Because of his struggles in front of goal for his new club, Calvert-Lewin may be worried and looking over his shoulder at emerging academy talent Harry Gray.

Why Harry Gray will have Leeds strikers worried

The 17-year-old centre-forward, who made his first-team debut against Stoke in the Championship last season, has been on fire for the club’s academy, and could be a future star for Farke.

Gray has scored four goals in four Premier League 2 matches for the U21s side this season, per Transfermarkt, whilst he also scored a hat-trick against Scunthorpe United in the National League Cup.

This means that the teenage forward has plundered seven goals in all competitions for the young Whites, whilst Calvert-Lewin has scored one goal for the first-team.

Gray also scored eight goals in 11 matches for the U18s before making the step up to the U21s, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he has been a regular goalscorer for several seasons.

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His impressive goalscoring form will have the current Leeds strikers worried because he appears to be on course to crash into the senior side to take one of their spots in the squad, if he can translate his academy form over to the first-team.

The Leeds striker on borrowed time because of Harry Gray

Despite his struggles in front of goal in the Premier League this season, it is not Calvert-Lewin who is on borrowed time because of Gray’s potential. It is Lukas Nmecha.

The former Germany international joined on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, as the first signing of the summer, and scored on his debut from the penalty spot against Everton.

Since that debut goal, Nmecha has rarely been seen by supporters, despite featuring in every match, as he has been used as a late substitute in almost every game.

Lukas Nmecha’s Premier League season

Opposition

Minutes

Everton

12

Arsenal

32

Fulham

70

Newcastle United

21

Wolverhampton Wanderers

1

Bournemouth

1

Tottenham Hotspur

11

Burnley

24

West Ham United

3

Stats via Transfermarkt

No Leeds player who has featured in all eight games has played fewer minutes than Nmecha, per WhoScored, as he is the only player to have played in every match without hitting at least 242 minutes.

Calvert-Lewin, on the other hand, has started six of his seven appearances in the Premier League, playing 534 minutes in total, which suggests that his place in the squad is not under as much threat as Nmecha’s is.

Unlike the former Toffees man, Farke does not seem to trust the German centre-forward to play significant minutes in games, which does not bode well for his future at Elland Road.

Nmecha’s return of five goals in all competitions in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns combined, per Sofascore, does not suggest that he is likely to catch fire in front of goal and establish himself as a regular starter.

Aaronson 2.0: Phil Hay saw no way back for Leeds flop, now he's "ruthless"

This Leeds United star was the original Brenden Aaronson at Elland Road.

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Therefore, it may be the former Wolfsburg number nine who is on borrowed time because of Gray’s emergence as an incredibly exciting striker prospect at U21 level, as the 17-year-old could break through and take his place to compete with Calvert-Lewin for a starting berth in the not-too-distant future.

Corinthians: reunião do Conselho tem pressão por impeachment de Augusto Melo e prazo definido para esclarecimentos

MatériaMais Notícias

Insatisfeitos com o início da atual gestão do Corinthians, sobretudo com as denúncias envolvendo o contrato de patrocínio máster com a VaideBet, conselheiros de oposição tentaram pautar o pedido de impeachment do presidente Augusto Melo na reunião ordinária que aconteceu na noite desta segunda-feira (28), no Parque São Jorge. A situação, no entanto, segue em processo de análise pela Comissão de Justiça do clube alvinegro.

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Presidente do Conselho Deliberativo corintiano, Romeu Tuma Júnior terá 20 dias para receber o relatório e marcar uma reunião extraordinária onde Augusto precisará esclarecer as acusações de que uma “empresa laranja” havia participado da intermediação no acordo com a empresa de apostas.

Ainda que o encontro desta semana no Parque São Jorge não estivesse com as polêmicas recentes em pauta, alguns conselheiros pediram a palavra e se manifestaram sobre, entre eles o ex-diretor de futebol Rubens Gomes. Principal aliado político de Augusto Melo na eleição presidencial, Rubão foi desligado do cargo de direção cinco meses após o início da administração, por conta de desentendimentos com o mandatário corintiano, principalmente por conta do contrato com a “Vai de Bet”.

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Mesmo que Augusto ainda tenha que passar por uma série de interrogações no Conselho, membros da oposição afirmam nos bastidores que as denúncias feitas através da imprensa, e que estão sendo investigadas internamente, já dão materialidade para que seja solicitada a destituição do presidente.

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Para que a abertura do processo de impeachment seja levada adiante, a maioria mais um dos conselheiros precisam assinar uma petição com a solicitação e estarem presentes na reunião onde a pauta será discutida. O órgão possui 200 conselheiros, onde os opositores não são maioria. Porém, pessoas eleitas através da situação atualmente mudaram de lado, parte deles articulados por Rubão. Atualmente, os membros estão divididos.

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A tendência é que um próximo encontro ocorra entre o fim de junho e início de julho, já a fim de discutir as denúncias recentes, mas com chances relativas de que o pedido de impedimento de Augusto Melo prossiga. Enquanto isso, os opositores vão seguir a pressão em cima de Romeu Tuma Júnior, para que o presidente do Conselho Deliberativo acelere os processos.

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Augusto MeloCorinthiansFutebol Nacional

Australia's second-lowest total at home vs India, Bumrah levels with Kapil Dev

All the stats highlights from Australia’s innings in Perth where they were bowled out for 104

Sampath Bandarupalli23-Nov-20240:47

What made Bumrah stand out?

104 Australia’s first-innings total in Perth is their second lowest in home Tests against India, after the 83 all-out in Melbourne in 1981.It is also Australia’s third-lowest total in home Tests since 1985 and their fourth-lowest total in the format against India.46 Lead in the first innings for India in Perth, the fifth highest by any team making 150 or less while batting first. The highest is a lead of 71 runs for England, who were bowled out for 113 while batting first against Australia in 1888 in Sydney.Related

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2 Previous instances of India claiming a first-innings lead in men’s Tests, despite scoring 150 or less while batting first. They took a five-run lead in the 2002 Hamilton Test against New Zealand, despite getting bowled out for only 99 while batting first and claimed a first-innings lead of 13 runs against England in the 1936 Lord’s Test, despite making only 147.37 Total runs by Australia’s top six batters in the first innings, the lowest for them in a men’s Test innings at home since the 22 runs they scored against West Indies in the 1978 Brisbane Test.97 Runs aggregated by India (59) and Australia (38) before the fall of the fifth wicket in their first innings in Perth. This is the lowest in a men’s Test match since the 67 runs by India and West Indies in the 1987 Delhi Test.Australia’s top-order batters made a total of 37 runs•AFP/Getty Images2 Number of partnerships across the first two innings in the Perth Test to survive ten or more overs. Rishabh Pant and Nitish Kumar Reddy added 48 runs in 14.1 overs for the seventh wicket for India, while Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood put on 26 in 18 overs for the tenth wicket for Australia.Each of the other 18 partnerships added less than 20 runs, the joint most in the first two innings of a men’s Test match.254 Total runs scored by India (150) and Australia (104) in their first innings at Perth. It is the lowest first-innings aggregate in a Test match in Australia since the 242 runs in the 1981 Test between the hosts and Pakistan at the WACA Stadium.9 Five-wicket hauls for Jasprit Bumrah in Tests outside Asia, the joint most by an Indian, alongside Kapil Dev. It was Bumrah’s second five-for in Australia. He has two each in England and West Indies, and three five-wicket hauls in South Africa.5 for 30 Bumrah’s bowling figures in Perth are the best by an Indian captain in men’s Tests since Kapil Dev’s 8 for 106 against Australia in the 1985 Adelaide Test. Bumrah is also the first Indian captain with a five-wicket haul in Test cricket since Anil Kumble in the 2007 Melbourne Test.

Hulk faz acusação contra o VAR após empate do Atlético-MG com o Bahia

MatériaMais Notícias

O atacante Hulk ficou na bronca com a arbitragem do empate entre Atlético-MG e Bahia. Após o final da partida, o jogador questionou por que o árbitro Bruno Arleu de Araújo não revisou um possível pênalti para o Galo e acusou que o VAR está mandando no futebol.

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— O que não pode é fugir da responsabilidade. Infelizmente, o VAR está mandando no futebol brasileiro — disse.

Hulk ainda completou dizendo que, como o lance era interpretativo, o árbitro teria que assumir a responsabilidade de revisá-lo no monitor do VAR.

— Lance interpretativo quem define é o árbitro, quem manda no jogo é o árbitro. O árbitro decide se é mão ou não é, mas ele assume a responsabilidade de ver o lance. Cara, é triste para a gente. Não sei se foi pênalti, mas em lance interpretativo o árbitro tem de assumir a responsabilidade e olhar o VAR. Infelizmente, fica essa indecisão, por isso tem a reclamação no final – concluiu.

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Na reta final do segundo tempo, o Atlético-MG de Hulk pressionava o Bahia e teve bola alçada para a grande área. Alan Kardec disputou no alto com Biel, que tocou com o braço na bola. Bruno Arleu não marcou pênalti, e o VAR manteve a decisão de campo.

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The Furthest the Brewers Have Gone in the MLB Playoffs

After posting MLB's best record during the regular season and getting off to a 2–0 lead against the Cubs in the National League Division Series, the Brewers are hopeful they can bring home their first World Series title to Milwaukee this year.

The Brewers have made the playoffs for the third consecutive season and seventh time in the last eight years, but the franchise historically doesn't have a ton of success come October.

As Milwaukee looks to change their playoff fortunes, here's a look at their postseason history.

Have the Brewers Ever Won a World Series?

The Brewers have never won a World Series title. They are one of five teams still seeking their first championship, along with the Padres, Rays, Rockies and Mariners. Seattle is the only other of those teams alive in the 2025 MLB playoff race.

What Is the Furthest the Brewers Have Gone in MLB Playoffs?

The furthest Milwaukee has advanced in the playoffs is the World Series, which they reached in 1982. They lost to the Cardinals in seven games in that series, and have not returned to the World Series since. The Brewers won three of the first five games of the series, but St. Louis rallied to win Games 6 and 7 to claim the title.

Milwaukee Brewers Full Playoff History

Here's a look at the Brewers' postseason history since the franchise first began play in 1969. The '25 season marks their 11th playoff berth.

Playoff Result

Times Occurred

Last Year Occurred

Missed Postseason

46

2020

Lost in Wildcard Series

4

2024

Lost in Division Series

3

2022

Lost in Championship Series

2

2018

Lost in World Series

1

1982

Can the Brewers Win a World Series This Year?

Milwaukee is certainly a contender to win the World Series this year. The Brewers currently hold a 2–0 lead over the Cubs in the NLDS, and if they can win at least one more game, they will already be within one round of the franchise's second World Series berth.

Milwaukee finished the regular season with the best record in baseball, and proved throughout the year they could beat some of the top teams in the sport. They went 6–0 against the Dodgers, and 2– vs. both the Mariners and Blue Jays during the regular season. The Brewers will of course need to replicate that late in the postseason, but they definitely have the potential to win it all.

Luis Diaz 'clearly' didn't deserve red card for Achraf Hakimi foul as Toni Kroos criticises referee for key decision in Bayern Munich win

Toni Kroos has hit out at the decision to send off Luis Diaz during Bayern Munich’s win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, insisting that "it wasn't a red card”. The German and Real Madrid legend believes referee Maurizio Mariani was influenced by Achraf Hakimi’s injury rather than the tackle itself. Diaz, however later apologised publicly, while Bayern backed their forward.

Kroos weighs in after Diaz red card sparks controversy

Bayern’s statement 2-1 win away at PSG in the Champions League was overshadowed by a highly debated refereeing decision. Colombian international Diaz, who had scored both goals for Bayern in the first half, was shown a straight red card following a VAR intervention for a tackle on PSG full-back Hakimi. Initially given only a yellow, referee Maurizio Mariani changed his decision after reviewing the incident on the monitor, citing excessive force and danger to the opponent.

Hakimi, who left the field in clear pain and in tears, was later diagnosed with a syndesmosis tear and deltoid ligament damage expected to keep him sidelined for around eight weeks. 

The moment dramatically shifted the tone of the match, even as Bayern held on for a crucial away victory to extend their winning run under Vincent Kompany to 16 straight matches across competitions. The incident has since become the primary talking point across European football, with varying opinions from pundits, former officials and players, and one of the most vocal critics has been the German legend Kroos.

Advertisement'It wasn’t a red card' – Real Madrid legend questions referee’s judgement

Speaking on his podcast, Kroos was emphatic in his belief that the referee made the wrong call. “For me, it’s clear: it wasn’t a red card,” Kroos said, insisting that the referee “let Hakimi’s injury have too much of an influence on his assessment of the play.”

The German argued that the challenge itself, while forceful, did not indicate malicious intent from Diaz. “If Hakimi had gotten up after the challenge, nobody would have reviewed the play.”

Kroos also turned his attention toward the role of the VAR team, suggesting that replay slow-motion angles can distort reality, “In situations like these, the referee should judge the action itself, not the consequences.”

His position echoed the sentiment of several Bayern players, including Joshua Kimmich and Josip Stanisic, who suggested that the injury may have influenced the decision. However, Kimmich admitted upon reflection that “seeing the replay and how he catches him, you can understand the referee showing a red card.”

Getty Images SportRegret and support after a night of mixed emotions

Diaz addressed the incident after the match, posting a message on Instagram that said: “Football always reminds us that in 90 minutes, the best and the worst can happen… I wish Hakimi a quick return to the pitch.”

Bayern boss Kompany expressed sympathy for PSG and Hakimi, citing Bayern’s own past injury experiences with Jamal Musiala, while also defending the Colombian winger. 

“I hope Hakimi recovers soon, it’s terrible. We went through the same thing last year with Musiala. I don’t think Diaz meant any harm; it was just an unfortunate incident in a high-intensity match,” said the Belgian coach.

Despite the controversy, Diaz’s performance before the red card reinforced his growing importance under Kompany, decisive, direct, and ruthless in transition. Kroos then moved to tactical commentary, praising Bayern’s bravery in pressing PSG high and suggesting their superiority would likely have produced the same result, regardless of Hakimi or Diaz's presence. 

"Bayern were clearly superior and could have gone into halftime 3-0 or 4-0 up. I don't think PSG would have created any danger with eleven against eleven," he said.

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Getty Images SportBayern maintain momentum while PSG face injury concerns

Bayern sit top of the Champions League table and will turn their attention to domestic action, where they face Union Berlin next, a fixture Kompany warned could become a “trap game” after the emotional and physical intensity of Paris.

For PSG, the focus is now on recovery and rotation, and Hakimi’s absence adds further pressure on coach Luis Enrique, who is already dealing with Ousmane Dembele’s injury, who also left the pitch earlier in the game due to a calf injury. The French champions need solutions on the flanks, especially with decisive Champions League fixtures still ahead.

Ajaz and the Wankhede, the roots go deeper with each wicket

Mumbai presented an opportunity for New Zealand, and they rallied around Ajaz to script some serious history

Alagappan Muthu04-Nov-20241:24

Manjrekar: Have to take your hats off to Ajaz

For the majority of the 23.1 overs that they bowled together, Glenn Phillips and Ajaz Patel were in sync. But there was this one moment where one got the other in a little bit of trouble.Phillips, for some reason, decided he needed a warm-up. He’d been holding one end up for most of the three-match series but just after the afternoon drinks break on Sunday, his shoulders needed some loosening up. Ajaz offered to help and quickly regretted it because unlike most bowlers, who lob it into the hands of a team-mate, Phillips just fired one in.Poor Ajaz. He had to track back at top speed to avoid being hit. Finally, he was struggling, like every other spinner that’s ever toured India. Muthiah Muralidaran had to shell out 574.5 overs to scrape the 40 wickets he has in this country. His offbreaks had a habit of playing non-consensual ding-dong-ditch. Those sweet batters. They’d be there one minute and, whether they liked it or not, gone the next.Related

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  • WTC final scenarios – India need to beat Australia 4-0 to qualify on their own

  • 'We're just a bunch of Kiwis taking on the world'

  • Stats – New Zealand Ajaz Patel on a high

Ajaz’s overs count is still in the 100s – 197.1 – and yet he’s already got his name on 32 dismissals. He took a third of that in one innings in Mumbai in 2021, and now another third in one match, ahead of which he had the cheek to thank his hosts for giving him the opportunity to work his magic at the Wankhede again. He was sure they’d have the good sense (aka superstition) never to let New Zealand play a Test here for as long as he was still active.”To be honest, after my ten-for, I wasn’t sure whether I’d get another opportunity to play out here again throughout my career,” Ajaz said last Wednesday, “So I’m very grateful that the BCCI have scheduled a game out here.”So is a country whose entire population can fit inside Mumbai with space to spare. Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond was following the game as it ebbed and flowed. “I gave a little fist pump when Ajaz went through the gate–” his face broke into a smile at this point, almost as if he was picturing Washington Sundar’s stumps hitting the floor again. “– on that last wicket. I’m absolutely delighted for the players.”ESPNcricinfo LtdThey were delighted for themselves too. Ajaz was lost inside a group hug from two Toms and a Daryl. Matt Henry, from short fine, was running up to join them, but took a detour towards the other spinner who had been fielding at deep midwicket. Phillips received his own group hug and eventually the two group hugs became one long huddle.Henry had dropped a catch off Phillips in the first innings. Even when it happened – with the mistake and its potential repercussions still fresh – New Zealand made sure to pull Henry back from the void. They’d done the same when substitute Mark Chapman dropped a catch just minutes before. This wasn’t just about camaraderie. New Zealand knew that cricket in the subcontinent changes on a dime. So they needed their players to be focused. They understood that catches can sometimes go down but shoulders simply cannot.On Sunday, with Rishabh Pant leading a little recovery and the Wankhede willing him on, Tom Latham stood next to Ajaz and instigated a low-five. Pant vs Ajaz was the whole match and Pant was winning. He was 53 not out and India had gone from 29 for 5 to 92 for 6 and the target was only 55 runs away. But Latham knew his best bet was still his left-arm spinner and so as he began his spell after lunch, he did his bit at lifting him.8:53

Vettori: ‘New Zealand’s win is great for Test cricket’

Four balls later, Ajaz got rid of Pant. He had 4 for 197 on this tour coming into the Mumbai Test. Over the last three days, he’s picked up 11 for 160 and a fairly high-profile admirer as well.”I think he’s just really consistent,” former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori told ESPNcricinfo. “His action is repeatable. The ball he bowls is repeatable. And he gets a lot of revolutions on it. He has a lovely seam position and for him to be consistently be able to put pressure on these great Indian batsmen, I thought New Zealand set some amazing fields to allow that pressure to maintain. All those things in combination put together another incredible Wankhede performance from him.”As everybody was preparing for the presentation, Ajaz was looking up at the stands, raising the ball up high, a smile made all the more visible by its contrast with that incredible beard. He has roots here in Mumbai. He keeps making history here as well.”Everyone knew how hard it was with only two Test match wins [for New Zealand in India] in 80 years and a lot of trying,” Vettori added. “You’d have to go back to the great Sir Richard Hadlee’s era to get one win. So he could only get one win. So for this team to come here to get that first one and then to win a series is probably one of New Zealand cricket’s greatest achievement.”

Dodgers Win 2025 World Series — Sports Illustrated's Best Photos

The Dodgers and Blue Jays delivered a thrilling 2025 World Series that came down to the wire, with Los Angeles coming from behind late Saturday night to capture a winner-takes-all Game 7 for their second straight crown. was on site throughout the Fall Classic in both Los Angeles and Toronto. Here are some of our favorite images from the World Series.

  1. Dodgers Win Back-to-Back World Series Titles
  2. All Eyes on Shohei Ohtani
  3. Blue Jays In First World Series Since 1993
  4. Epic Game 3
  5. Fans Pack Rogers Centre and Dodger Stadium

Dodgers Win Back-to-Back World Series Titles

Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto was named the 2025 World Series MVP. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was beaming with pride after Game 7. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Dave Roberts has a moment with Dodgers catcher Will Smith. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Anthony Banda’s back tattoo commemorates Los Angeles winning the 2024 World Series. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
The Dodgers rush to the mound in the immediate aftermath of Game 7’s series-ending double play. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Will Smith and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated

All Eyes on Shohei Ohtani

There’s no doubt that Shohei Ohtani had a memorable World Series with the Dodgers, finishing the seven-game series with a .333 batting average. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
In Game 3, Shohei Ohtani reached base nine times and hit two home runs. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Shohei Ohtani became the first MLB player to record four hits and five walks in the same game during Game 3. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
In Game 4, Shohei Ohtani made his first World Series start. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Shohei Ohtani allowed four runs across six-plus innings in Game 4. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated

Blue Jays In First World Series Since 1993

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made his World Series debut along with his Blue Jays teammates in Toronto’s return to the Fall Classic after more than 30 years. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. batted .333 with two home runs and eight walks in the World Series. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Addison Barger hit the first pinch-hit grand slam in World Series history during the Blue Jays’ Game 1 victory. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Despite being injured, George Springer hit .333 with one double, one RBI and five hits in the four games he played of the World Series. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated

Epic Game 3

Freddie Freeman hit a walkoff home run in the bottom of the 18th inning to help the Dodgers win Game 3. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
View of the scoreboard just prior to Freddie Freeman’s walkoff homer. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
The Dodgers greet Freddie Freeman at the plate after winning Game 3. / Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated

Fans Pack Rogers Centre and Dodger Stadium

Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated
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