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MUNDIAL is back with an essential issue for true football fanatics that documents the defining younger days of the biggest past and present stars

MUNDIAL is a printed football magazine released four times a year. Full of the best writing, photography, kits, boots, and stories from across the world, for their latest issue they’ve gone massive.

For MUNDIAL Issue 24, readers can choose from five different covers featuring football superheroes at early points in their career. There’s Erling Haaland at Dortmund, Lionel Messi during his formative years at Barcelona, the Brazilian Ronaldo at Cruzeiro, the 2004 version of Wayne Rooney, and Diego Maradona at Argentinos Juniors.

*Click here to get your copy of MUNDIAL Issue 24*

There are 116 pages of football magic inside, so we thought we’d give you an exclusive look at why you should get a copy sent to your door.

GOAL/MUNDIAL1. 100 YEARS OF FOOTBALL MANAGER

Romelu Lukaku a six-time Champions League winning manager with PSG? Eric Lamela a Balon d’Or winner? Ivory Coast winning the 2098 World Cup? If you’ve ever played Football Manager, you’ll know how addictive it is to try to take your team to glory. Writer Jonny Sharples played a century (100 YEARS!) of Football Manager as manager of Dinamo Dresden, Brighton Hove Albion, Hearts, and Celtic, and in Issue 24 reveals everything that happened along the way. Harry Kane, by the way? Oh, you’ll want to see what happens to Harry Kane.

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AdvertisementGOAL/MUNDIAL2. THEY SPOKE TO THE MAN WHO SIGNED MESSI

Lionel Messi has completed football in the last month, adding the World Cup to a trophy cabinet heaving with every piece of silverware that football can offer. But everyone starts somewhere, and in A Boy Called Lionel, MUNDIAL go to Barcelona to meet Carles Rexach, the man who found him in the first place and, after organising for him to play against a team full of the older kids at La Masia, told the club they had to sign him.

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GOAL/MUNDIAL3. THE TATTOOS OF BOCA JUNIORS

You’ve always wanted to go and watch Boca Juniors, haven’t you? Streets swarming with people yelling “DALE BOCAA!”, the smell of grills, the bumping beats of cumbia. In Issue 24, MUNDIAL take you to a Boca Juniors matchday with a focus on tattoos via the brilliant photography of Bombanera’s Pancho’s Monti.

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GOAL/MUNDIAL4. THE OLDEST CLUB (THAT USED TO BE) IN THE ENGLISH FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Notts County were formed in 1862 and have, until the 2018/19 season, been able to lay claim to being the oldest football team in the English football league. Now? They’re in the National League, England’s Fifth Tier, and MUNDIAL headed to the city of Nottingham to find out what was going on to try and get the club back to where they belong.

*Click here to get your copy of MUNDIAL*

Thiago Silva's wife, Isabelle, has been slammed by ex-Chelsea star Emmanuel Petit for her Twitter outburst against manager Mauricio Pochettino.

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Belle Silva wanted Pochhetino to be axed Later apologised for her 'personal outburst'Petit lashed out at her for taking out her opinions on social media WHAT HAPPENED?

Isabelle had publicly called for the dismissal of Pochettino on after the Blues capitulated against Wolves earlier in February, writing: " "It’s time to change. If you wait any longer it will be too late."

However, she realised her mistake and issued an apology soon after on the same platform that went like this: "I'm sorry that my personal outburst as a passionate Chelsea fan has caused such an impact. I'm passionate about the team, I thrive on victories and I'm saddened by defeats. We all want the same thing, a winning team, come on Chelsea!!"

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Isabelle has not been afraid to put forward her views on social media during her husband's stint at the West London club. However, Petit believes that the family members of players and staff should stay away from voicing their opinions on a public platform as it might lead to disharmony in the dressing room.

WHAT PETIT SAID

Speaking to Petit said: "This is exactly what happens in modern football. It could be his wife, his brother or someone close to the family. I totally disagree with it. It wasn't the first time his wife has spoken out and, to be honest, I was unhappy when I saw what she said because it was not the first time.

"She did it with (Thomas) Tuchel and with so many other people. Everyone is allowed an opinion but if my wife did it, I would be in trouble in the dressing room with players, staff, management and owners the following day.

"I can understand that some fans are happy with what she has done but I'm not happy about it, I'm not happy at all. Again, everyone has the freedom to say what they feel but you have to be very careful, especially when you criticise the boss and take a dig at the manager in the public domain like this. I really, really don't appreciate it. What she has said doesn't help anyone."

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Keeping aside off-the-pitch differences, Silva was handed a start by Pochettino during the 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace. The centre-back might keep his place in the line-up as the Blues are set to make a testing trip to Etihad to take on a marauding Manchester City in their next Premier League encounter on Saturday.

Craig Young, the fast bowler released by Sussex twelve months ago, chose a good moment to become just the ninth player to take a five-wicket haul on ODI debut as he stole a march in the race to make the plane for Australia and New Zealand

Ryan Bailey at Malahide08-Sep-2014
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsKevin O’Brien’s unbeaten fifty saw Ireland to a straightforward win after a Craig Young five-for restricted Scotland (file photo)•ICC/GettyThe fine margins between success and failure in sport, and cricket in particular, are often defined by the tenacity to grasp an opportunity when one comes about. Certainly Craig Young, the fast bowler released by Sussex twelve months ago, chose a good moment to become just the ninth player to take a five-wicket haul on ODI debut as he stole a march in the race to make the plane for Australia and New Zealand.Young’s growth into a new-ball bowler with an uncomplicated action is timely for Phil Simmons and the Ireland selectors, five months out from the start of the World Cup. Boyd Rankin’s decision to decamp and the retirement of Trent Johnston had left Ireland’s fast-bowling ranks drained, the latter’s shoes, in particular, proving too big to fill. Now, Ireland have a genuine heir apparent.A spate of injuries and fluctuating form had threatened Young’s undoubted potential – Sussex certainly thought so – but when it would have been easy to lose heart, the 24-year-old went away and returned to basics. An intense winter spent in Australia under the tutelage of Craig McDermott is reaping dividends. Figures of 5 for 46 were the eighth best return for a debutant in ODIs.A hostile spell, during which he extracted considerable movement and bounce, broke the back of Scotland as the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals despite run-scoring proving easier than the mid-September conditions may have suggested. Michael Leask’s maiden fifty apart, none of Grant Bradburn’s top order were able to show the application required to build a foundation upon which their bowlers could mount an attack; the absence of Kyle Coetzer and Matt Machan was certainly felt.Yet, this was by no means Ireland’s strongest hand either. George Dockrell would have hoped to get some overs under his belt after falling out of favour at Somerset but was forced to fulfil 12th man duties because of a niggling shoulder injury. The difference between the sides lies in the strength in depth. Andy McBrine, deployed as the frontline spinner, belied his relative inexperience to apply a stranglehold in the middle overs and did his chances of World Cup inclusion no harm with two wickets.For a long-standing rivalry reputedly fraught with neighbourly hostility, there has been much friction between the two sides of late. Scotland have now lost all four of their ODIs on Irish soil and 11 of their last 12 limited-overs meetings. While a humbling seven-wicket reversal did little to instil confidence ahead of a busy period of World Cup preliminaries, Ireland were, as is so often the case, ruthlessly efficient.An unbeaten half-century from Kevin O’Brien underpinned a leisurely chase as the Irish batsmen negated the early movement to quash any hope Scotland had of exposing an inexperienced middle order. O’Brien passed the landmark of 2000 ODI runs with an innings of consummate quality that underlined his importance to Ireland’s cause come February. In putting on an undefeated stand of 80 with Stuart Thompson, he ensured Ireland coasted to victory with 14 overs to spare.The limelight was not to be taken away from Young though. A nervy start was punished by Calum MacLeod, who hinted at the form that has seen him make an impression at Durham this summer with a couple of crisp strokes through the off side, but Young returned a couple of overs later to settle into his rhythm.Tall and well-built, he approaches the crease with a sense of purpose and seemed to catch both Hamish Gardiner and Preston Mommsen unaware with deliveries that got on to them a lot quicker than expected. Mommsen was left particularly bemused as a sharp delivery that pitched on middle, swung and then nipped away, managed to pierce his defences and clip the top of off stump.Leask provided some temporary resistance. On just his fourth ODI appearance, the 23-year-old showed maturity beyond his years to add a sense of stability to an otherwise abject Scottish batting display that was on the brink of submersion at 101 for 7 when Freddie Coleman was strangled down the leg side by Thompson’s first delivery. A 54-run partnership between Leask and Safyaan Sharif halted Ireland’s charge and added a semblance of respectability to Scotland’s effort. It was too little, too late though. It was fitting that Young returned to round off proceedings and complete his five-wicket haul to cap a performance that will surely see his name pencilled into Simmons’ World Cup squad.

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has said there will not be pressure on Saeed Ajmal to make an immediate impact

Mohammad Isam16-Apr-2015Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has said there will not be pressure on Saeed Ajmal to make an immediate impact. The offspinner is set to play against Bangladesh in the first ODI, his first international game since August 30 last year.”He is on the tour so we have expectations,” Younis said in Mirpur. “We won’t put him under pressure by telling him that you have been a match winner so come out and deliver the same. We know he is capable of delivering the goods for Pakistan and I am sure he will.”After being reported for a suspect action on August 9, Ajmal was banned from bowling a month later and underwent extensive remedial work on his action, with help from Saqlain Mushtaq. Ajmal was finally cleared to bowl in February this year, but did not play the World Cup.He played a couple of games for Pakistan A against Kenya in December last year as part of his rehabilitation programme, and took 1 for 45 in the practice match in Fatullah on Wednesday.Azhar ready for captaincy debut

Pakistan’s new ODI captain Azhar Ali felt welcomed into the side despite not having played in the format for more than two years.
“I was really welcomed by my team. They are all good bunch of guys. We are gelling together. I don’t think there is any problem,” he said.
Azhar was appointed captain after Misbah-ul-Haq retired from ODIs following the World Cup. He was a surprising choice given his lack of experience but Azhar said that he is excited about his captaincy debut on Friday.
“I really feel excited about this challenge. We have a very young side with a lot of energy. I am really looking forward to my captaincy debut tomorrow. It will be a great opportunity for me to play in the ODI as well.”

Younis credited Ajmal for reworking his action and said he has showed character to make a comeback. He was also happy with Ajmal’s spell against the BCB XI, but didn’t want to rush into judgment. Younis was confident Ajmal would return to his usual self soon enough, and wanted to give him ample time in the middle.”He worked really hard in the last eight months. Coming out of his situation, it needs some character. He has proved himself that he is still good enough that’s why we picked him for all three formats. He bowled quite well yesterday. I was very impressed with his outcome. It was his first 50-over game after a long time. I think to judge him at the moment is going to be tough but his experience and character will help him to come good for Pakistan.”Ajmal has taken 12 wickets at an average of 18.08 in seven ODIs against Bangladesh. The hosts’ stand-in captain Shakib Al Hasan questioned whether Ajmal would be as effective as he was earlier.”He is coming back after a long time. We have no idea whether the Saeed Ajmal of old will be playing against us,” Shakib said. “After such an incident, the effectiveness doesn’t always remain within a bowler. He can definitely do better than before or he may not. But we can tell after playing against him tomorrow.”Shakib said that like Ajmal, his Kolkata Knight Riders team-mate Sunil Narine had made a comeback in this season’s IPL after reworking his action. “Sunil played in the IPL after the Champions League last year. A bowler will be a little different after coming back from such a long gap. Those who have gone through these situations would know how it is to return from, for example, a long injury lay-off. We would definitely want him to bowl with less confidence.”

On a day of blue skies, a raucous crowd of 51,566, and some dreadful Indian fielding and bowling, Steven Smith’s 192 was a masterpiece that guided his side to 530

The Report by Daniel Brettig27-Dec-2014
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details3:13

‘India did not learn at all’

On Christmas Eve, it was pointed out in a local newspaper that for all Steven Smith’s recent achievements he had yet to conquer the MCG. Not once had he passed 50 in a Test match at Australian cricket’s colosseum.On a day of blue skies, a raucous crowd of 51,566, and some dreadful Indian fielding and bowling, Smith put that particular matter to rest. His 192 was a masterpiece of light and shade, determination and dominance, pace and patience. Smith was happy to play a minor role in no fewer than three significant partnerships on the second day, but in showing when to stick and when to twist he guided his side to 530.Having hoped to be chasing somewhere in the region of 300 when Australia’s fifth wicket fell at 216 on Boxing Day Afternoon, India were bereft of ideas against Smith, and were fortunate to reach stumps as tidily placed as 1 for 108. Shikhar Dhawan was winkled out by Ryan Harris, and Cheteshwar Pujara survived only through an untidy miss by Brad Haddin from the accuracy of Josh Hazlewood.M Vijay at least maintained his command of India’s top order, passing 50 for the fourth time in five innings and weathering some searing overs late in the day from Mitchell Johnson, who charged in with the crowd baying expectantly behind him. They had been roused to life early by Haddin’s free-spirited start alongside Smith.Stands of 110 with Haddin and 50 with Johnson set the scene for a rollicking union of 106 between Smith and Ryan Harris, who posted his highest Test score. In the end only the lure of a double-century before tea tripped up Smith, bowled when attempting to ramp Umesh Yadav to fine leg with last man Josh Hazlewood looking on.All India’s bowlers conceded centuries of their own, and none could find a way past Smith, who is finding exceptionally rare territory with his current glut of runs. Chris Rogers had ranked him alongside AB de Villiers on the first evening, and said it was “scary” how good Smith may yet become. In front of an appreciative MCG crowd, Smith scared the living daylights out of MS Dhoni.This was his third hundred in as many matches, making him the first Australian to pass three figures in each of his first two Tests as captain. Smith and Haddin looked assured as stumps neared on the first evening, and they resumed as though the interval had been only a few minutes rather than a night’s sleep.Haddin was untroubled by India’s short-ball fixation, playing one neat hook shot and another more outlandish overhead, cross-court forehand. This convinced Shami to revert to over the wicket, but when he did Haddin delivered the shot of the morning: an iron-wristed punch through point for which there was no need to run.A brace of boundaries in the following over from Ishant Sharma took Haddin to 50 – his first in 15 innings and a reassuring sight for the Australian selectors.Smith had announced his intent for the morning by gliding Shami through cover for three in the day’s second over, and a flurry of boundaries through cover, point and midwicket took him to the cusp of another century. Shami was obliging with a leg-stump offering that Smith flicked fine of long leg, and he cast his eyes on Phillip Hughes and the heavens upon notching his first Test hundred at the MCG.Haddin did not last much longer, snicking Shami behind while trying to leave one alone, but Johnson showed plenty of verve and power in a racy 28. A dance down the wicket to R Ashwin had Johnson stumped after a stand of precisely 50, and there was time for Harris to deliver one boundary of his own and Smith to pass 500 runs for the series before lunch arrived.Harris and Smith set a cracking pace in the afternoon, the No. 9 batsman briefly putting his captain in the shade with a series of hefty blows that reaped the majority of a hundred stand. A towering six over midwicket took Harris to his Test best, but next ball he was lbw to Ashwin just as spectators began thinking of a Harris hundred.Smith resumed the dominant posture in adding a riotous 48 with Nathan Lyon in 38 balls, and it was only in attempting a stroke of outrageous intent that the captain met his end. Given how well Smith had played to this point, it was hard to blame him.

The two top teams in MLS will meet in the MLS Cup finale after the Eastern Conference juggernauts took care of business

Two minutes, two goals, and one trip to MLS Cup final.

Echoes of DOOP will go long into the night in Philadelphia on Sunday night, and they'll probably ring out right until next week. After years of suffering and a 2021 campaign where they were oh so close, the Union are one game away.

The Union, the top seed in the Eastern Conference, took down NYCFC 3-1 on Sunday night to book a date with LAFC. As a result, the two best teams in MLS will face off for MLS Cup. What a game that will be.

For a few minutes, it looked like that matchup wouldn't come to be. NYCFC opened the scoring in the 57th minute through a goal from Maxi Moralez, Mr. NYCFC, who gave the 2021 champions a lead at Subaru Park.

But then came the blitz. Julian Carranza and Daniel Gazdag scored two in two minutes before Corey Burke added one more later. And so the DOOP chants rang out continuously as the Union moved one step closer to history.

GettyWINNER: Julian Carranza

He hadn't scored since August. Even as the Union continued to absolutely light up teams, Carranza couldn't find a goal.

Well, he sure found one on Sunday. And what a time to do it.

NYCFC's lead lasted eight whole minutes before the Carranza show began. His strike was completely out of nowhere as the Union pounced on an unsuspecting NYCFC, who were caught unprepared for a set piece.

Exactly two minutes later, there was Carranza again, heading a pass into the path of Gazdag. All of a sudden, the Union were in total control as Subaru Park erupted once, then again, and they never stopped the rest of the way.

The Union attack by committee with several players capable of making things happen. In this game, it was Carranza, who gave himself and his team plenty of reason to believe as they head toward MLS Cup.

AdvertisementGettyLOSER: Justin Haak

The headline is a little cruel because we aren't here to pick on Haak, who was placed into an uncomfortable position in an extremely difficult situation.

It wasn't Haak that lost NYCFC game, but rather a different battle. All week, NYCFC was forced to fight off the injury bug, and they lost.

Haak, a midfielder, was thrust into a starting berth due to the absence of Maxime Chanot. Haak was asked to play in a James Sands-esque role for just the second time, with the first being the second half of last week's Eastern Conference semifinal against CF Montreal.

It didn't work.

Haak struggled mightily during Philly's three-goal blitz, despite being relatively good up until then. He was caught out of position, much like the rest of NYCFC's backline on the first two goals, while he was absolutely bullied by Corey Burke on the third.

Haak is just 21, so there will be better days ahead in more comfortable positions. This just wasn't his day or his game, and it was one of the keys to NYCFC's undoing.

GettyWINNER: Andre Blake

It's a moment that may go overlooked, but never underappreciated.

Just moments after scoring the first, NYCFC came inches away from getting a second, denying Alexander Callens with a strong fist. Blake, effectively, saved the game in that moment and kickstarted a furious comeback that pushed the Union to the MLS Cup finale.

And no one deserved it more. Blake only had three saves in this game, but this moment was about the countless others that have come over the years. The former No. 1 overall pick is the club's longest-tenured player and almost certainly the best this team has ever seen.

From the Rais M'Bolhi era to an MLS Cup final appearance, Blake has been there for it all and, against LAFC's high-powered attack, Philly will be glad to have the Jamaican on their side.

Blake can win a game on his own sometimes. He really is that good. Can he do it against LA? We're going to find out.

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Getty ImagesLOSER: NYCFC's summer

It all just makes you what might have been.

This summer lost their best goalscorer, a legitimate MVP and Golden Boot candidate. They also lost their coach, who led them to an MLS Cup trophy last season.

And yet here they were, 30 minutes away from returning to the league's final game. Despite all of that, they came that close.

Could they have done it with Taty Castellanos up top and Ronny Deila on the bench? Maybe. Could this have been a different game if they kept those two for the rest of the season? Very possibly.

But there are no ifs, buts, or maybes in this game. NYCFC were what they were entering this game: talented, but just missing something. Between the injury glut and a destabilizing summer, they made it this far but just couldn't get over the hump.

It'll sting knowing that, but there's also a clear path forward for a team that does look set to remain among the elite if they get their winter signings right.

Chelsea duo Catarina Macario and Millie Bright showed their support for team-mate Sam Kerr after she suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

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Chelsea's Kerr ruled out with ACL injuryLikely to miss rest of the seasonTeam-mates showed support for forwardWHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea announced on Sunday that Australia star Kerr will be out for the rest of the season after sustaining the ACL injury. The news comes as a huge blow to Kerr and her Blues co-stars, and two of them took to social media to voice their support for the club talisman.

AdvertisementWHAT BRIGHT & MACARIO SAID

"My heart," England defender Bright wrote in an Instagram story with a broken heart emoji. "We got you and you got this."

United States Women's National Team star Macario wrote in a story of her own: "You got this mate. We are all with you."

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The 30-year-old has been a vital figure for Emma Hayes' team since joining in 2020, having helped fire them to four Women's Super League titles as well as three Women's FA Cups, two Women's League Cups and a Women's Champions League final. This season, she has scored nine goals and provided three assists across the WSL and Women's Champions League.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR KERR AND CHELSEA?

Kerr will undergo further tests to determine how long she faces on the sidelines. Chelsea, meanwhile, will look to continue their fight for the WSL, Women's Champions League, Women's FA Cup and Women's League Cup titles without the Australian sensation.

Kylian Mbappe will reportedly have to sack his own mother in order to secure a transfer to Real Madrid, with Fayza Lamari unable to act as his agent.

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France international represented by familyThey do not have FIFA licensePotential problem amid Blancos linksWHAT HAPPENED?

The France international forward is represented by members of his close family at present. However, that situation could cause issues when it comes to negotiating a potential switch to Spain.

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Mbappe continues to be heavily linked with Madrid as he is yet to extend a contract at Paris Saint-Germain that is due to expire in 2024. claims that in order to land a move to Santiago Bernabeu, the 24-year-old will have to sever professional ties with his mother.

DID YOU KNOW?

That is because a new FIFA rule dictates that transfers and contracts can only be discussed by licensed agents. Lamari is not listed on the FIFA Agent Platform, and is therefore unable to represent any player on an official basis.

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WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Lamari would be unable to obtain the relevant certificates until May 2024 and faces the threat of a fine if she continues to represent her son. There are, however, a couple of loopholes that could be explored as teams in Germany and England have blocks in place that prevent them from having to adhere to the FIFA regulations for now – meaning that Mbappe could head for the Bundesliga or Premier League if he wanted to keep his mother in place and speak with other clubs.

Not only did Tom Latham’s second century in consecutive Tests allow New Zealand to capitalise on the advantage of winning the toss in Dubai, his good form has solidified one of the team’s troublesome opening spots

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Nov-2014Not only did Tom Latham’s second century in consecutive Tests allow New Zealand to capitalise on the advantage of winning the toss in Dubai, his good form has solidified one of the team’s troublesome opening spots.Over the last five years, only one other New Zealand opener has managed to score two Test centuries – and Peter Fulton’s average remained in the mid-20s despite a hundred in each innings against England at Auckland in 2013. Latham’s opening stand of 77 with Brendon McCullum was also New Zealand’s best this year and batting coach Craig McMillan was understandably pleased with the 22-year-old’s effort.”It’s obviously exciting when you’ve got a young player like that batting at the top of the order, which it’s fair to say has been a problem for New Zealand for a number of years,” McMillan said. “As a batsman, once you score that first Test hundred, you almost feel like you belong. He played really well in the West Indies, had a couple of fifties, hadn’t quite got that hundred. So that was a real key for him.”It was a terrific knock, backing up that effort in the first Test. He is a very talented young player, who is disciplined in his game plan and his approach, he knows his key areas where he can hit the ball, knows when he has to defend… And his concentration throughout the day, at times it got pretty hot out there, it was an excellent all-round performance and one that we needed at the top of the order.”He’s shown the ability to bat long periods of time and if you’re going to score runs in these conditions against this opposition, you have to be able to occupy the crease and he did that brilliantly today.”Latham finished the day unbeaten on 137 and, having said before the Test that New Zealand needed to put Pakistan under pressure with a big first-innings score, played a leading role in their response to falling behind in the three-match series.”It was an excellent day,” McMillan said. “To get to the end and only be three down and to have one of your opening batsman still there on 130-odd was terrific. We had partnerships all the way through, we would have liked a couple of bigger partnerships but, there were a few things that we got wrong in the first Test that we’ve talked about, in terms of losing wickets in clumps, nullifying reverse swing and a few other things, and I think we did that by and large. So a lot of positives from the day.”In Pakistan’s last three Tests, they have batted first and then ground out the opposition – Australia twice and New Zealand – through attritional fast bowling and a varied spin attack. New Zealand have “laid a platform” to do the same themselves, McMillan said, with a score of 450 or more, which would mean Pakistan spending the best part of two days in the field before coming out to bat. If Latham continues at the crease, that outcome will be all the more likely.”Fair to say there’s a few smiles on the faces, probably more so the bowlers than the batsmen to be fair,” McMillan said. “I think the one given over here, even though you win the toss, that doesn’t guarantee you anything. If you have a good day and you play well, then it can put you ahead in the game. I think today we’ve laid a platform but there’s still a lot of hard work to do and Pakistan will come back hard tomorrow morning.”

Wicketkeeper and opening batsman Smit Patel’s unbeaten 50 helped Gujarat ace a tense clash against Punjab in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Bhubaneshwar

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Apr-2015
ScorecardThe Gujarat team poses with the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy•Rajnikant BaralWicketkeeper and opening batsman Smit Patel’s unbeaten 50 helped Gujarat ace a tense chase against Punjab to win their second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title in Bhubaneshwar. Chasing 118, Gujara finished with two wickets and one ball to spare.Punjab’s bowlers kept the defence of a middling total going by striking early, and reducing Gujarat to 19 for 2 by the fifth over. Smit and Rujul Bhatt stitched together a 35-run partnership but that brief period of stability was nearly undone after the side lost three wickets in as many overs to slip from 54 for 2 to 60 for 5 in the 12th. Another small partnership – this time for the sixth wicket between Smit and Jesal Karia – was followed by another slide, leaving Gujarat at 110 for 8 in the 19th over. Smit, however, kept his nerve and guided the side home, finishing unbeaten on 50 off 49 balls, his second successive T20 fifty.Earlier, Rohit Dahiya’s 4 for 15 limited Punjab to 117. Punjab had a promising start after being put in to bat as the openers added 23 in 4.4 overs before Dahiya broke the stand. Gujarat’s attack capitalised on the breakthrough and Punjab were quickly reduced to 76 for 5. Dahiya returned towards the end of the innings to limit them further, striking twice in the 19th over as Punjab ended their innings at 117 for 9.