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Players will be paid match fees of PKR 10,000, a fall from the last edition, where players were paid PKR 40,000 per match

Danyal Rasool12-Mar-2025The PCB has slashed match fees for players participating in the upcoming National T20 Cup. Players in the tournament will be paid match fees of PKR 10,000 (US$ 35 approx.), a 75% fall from the last edition of the tournament, where players were paid match fees of PKR 40,000.It is an even bigger cut when compared to 2022, when players were paid PKR 60,000 as match fees for the tournament. Reserve players in the squad in this edition will be paid PKR 5000 (approx. US$ 17.50) per match.The cut in match fees feels more drastic when looking at the high spends at the PCB under current chairman Mohsin Naqvi.Last year, shortly after becoming chair, he said the money in PCB’s accounts was not meant to be “locked away” and would be spent on the players and in the service of Pakistan cricket.Related

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Since then, the PCB has embarked upon expensive but necessary stadium upgrades, and hired – and soon let go of – foreign coaches on expensive contracts, as well as five mentors on PKR 5 million a month each. It has also hosted a domestic one-day tournament that increased the prize money to participants tenfold.A PCB official told ESPNcricinfo that the decision to cut match fees for the National T20 Cup was not an outcome of financial concerns. Instead, the PCB feels the players’ earning opportunities over the season have risen with more tournaments in the domestic calendar, including the Champions T20 Cup, which took place in December 2024 (but with only five teams).The Champions Cup format of five elite teams of players is replicated in both a 50-over and first-class tournament. With a number of players also employed by a department (for tournaments such as the President’s Trophy) which pays them a monthly salary, the board believes the drop in match fees did not amount to an overall drop in earnings.The National T20 Cup starts on March 14, with 39 matches across three cities: Faisalabad, Lahore and Multan. The final will take place in Faisalabad on March 27. Several leading Pakistan international cricketers will be unable to feature, with the national side having left for New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs.

Rangers have endured a torrid time under new manager Russell Martin this season, and with a crunch Old Firm clash against Celtic on the horizon, things are already looking pear-shaped.

The Gers suffered a humiliating exit from the Champions League after being battered 9-1 on aggregate by Belgian side Club Brugge, adding to the pressure Martin is increasingly under amid a tough start to life in Glasgow.

Overall, Martin has won three, drawn four and lost three of his ten matches in charge since joining from Southampton in the summer, with the Teddy Bears shockingly yet to win a single Scottish Premiership game this season.

It quite simply isn’t good enough, and barring a dramatic turnaround, Ibrox chiefs and the 49ers may have to admit they made a mistake by appointing Martin – even if it is still very early days.

Rangers tipped to make "box-office" hire to replace Russell Martin

Speaking to The Mail, finance expert Andy Mason, who helped to broker the deal which saw Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises take over the club earlier this summer, has told Rangers to make a blockbuster hire – explaining why Martin may not be the right fit after all.

Mason went on to suggest who he believes is the perfect candidate to step into Martin’s shoes – now-former Fenerbahçe boss José Mourinho.

The ‘special one’ was unceremoniously sacked after failing to qualify for the Champions League via qualifiers, and he’s readily available for the Glaswegians to poach.

Of his ludicrously long list of honours, Mourinho boasts four ‘World’s Best Coach’ awards, three Premier League titles, two Champions League winners’ medals (with tournament underdogs) and has got his hands on a trophy at almost every club he’s been to (bar Tottenham and Fenerbache).

The 62-year-old doesn’t have long left in the beautiful game, so why not add a Scottish Premiership to his already-illustrious CV?

Rangers were advised on Sean Dyche before electing to hire Martin, but Mourinho would be a major coup.

Barcelona star Joan Garcia remains sidelined after a successful knee operation with the goalkeeper in danger of missing the Clasico showdown against Real Madrid in late October. The 24-year-old stopper, signed this summer from Espanyol for €25 million, has been ruled out for between four and six weeks after arthroscopic surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee.

Surgery sidelines summer signing

Barcelona confirmed on Friday that Garcia’s operation had been a success, though the recovery period will dictate just how many matches he misses. The injury is similar to the one suffered by team-mate Gavi earlier this week, although the damage was far more severe in the midfielder’s case as he has been ruled out for up to five months. Garcia’s prognosis is less drastic, but even four weeks on the sidelines leaves little margin before El Clasico scheduled on October 26. Six weeks out would all but guarantee his absence for the high-voltage fixture.

AdvertisementAFPFrom dream debut to cruel setback

Since arriving from city rivals Espanyol, Garcia had wasted no time cementing his place as Barca’s number one. Handed the gloves by Flick from day one, he started every match of the new campaign and quickly won over the fans with his command in goal. Conceding only five goals in seven league appearances, the Spaniard was lauded for his shot-stopping and composure, though he did draw criticism on Thursday after a loose pass led to Oviedo’s opener. Flick, however, defended his young goalkeeper, praising his overall form and leadership from the back.

Szczesny set to step back in

The setback means Wojciech Szczesny will be thrust back into the starting XI. The experienced Pole, who had already proven his worth last season during Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s spell out with injury, now has another chance to be Barca’s guardian between the sticks.

Speaking at Saturday’s press conference, Flick struck a defiant tone despite the blow.

"It’s not good news to have Joan Garcia out, he was fine. He got injured in the last game against Oviedo, but these things happen," he said. "Now, Tek is back, and if you look at the second half of last season, we won almost every game with Szczesny; he was there, and we won three titles with him. He’s a great goalkeeper, a great person, and I have no doubt about him.”

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Getty Images SportInternational break gives Barca breathing space

Barcelona will at least find some relief in the timing of the international break, which eases the fixture congestion during Garcia’s rehabilitation. Garcia is already ruled out of the Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain, a game that will go a long way to shaping Barca’s European ambitions. He will miss La Liga games against Real Sociedad, Sevilla and Girona, at least, before the Madrid match in late-October.

Newcastle United are “in the mix” to complete the signing of a player who was described as one of the “biggest revelations” from Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy.

Hopkinson excited about Newcastle role

David Hopkinson has been appointed as the Magpies’ new CEO, in the biggest development at the club since the international break got underway. The 54-year-old Canadian has admitted that he cannot wait to get started in his new role, as he looks to make Newcastle supporters embrace him.

“I’m getting into this with both feet. This is not some sort of transactional assignment for me. This is where I intend to make my home. This is the community I intend to represent on every stage imaginable.

“The CEO role has an ambassadorial component to it and I want to be a great ambassador for Newcastle United and ultimately for Newcastle. My intention is to become an adopted Geordie here, but you have to earn that.”

The summer transfer window may be closed, but that hasn’t stopped Newcastle being linked with potential future signings, with one exciting name now thrown into the hat.

Newcastle "in the mix" to sign Barcelona rising star

Speaking to The Boot Room, journalist Graeme Bailey reports that Newcastle will be “in the mix” to sign Barcelona youngster Marc Casado in 2026.

“Casado is a really interesting name to keep an eye on heading into 2026. Newcastle do need and wanted something extra in midfield and he is someone who does appeal. It remains to be seen if he is attainable in the near future, but if he is available, then Newcastle are likely to be in the mix.

“Newcastle could get a closer look at Casado in the Champions League this season as they welcome Barcelona to St James’ Park in the Champions League later this month.”

Casado is a big young talent with a bright future in the game, so the idea of Newcastle prising him away from Barca is a mouthwatering prospect, if they are able to.

The 21-year-old midfielder has racked up 42 appearances for the La Liga champions, registering six assists in that time, while scout Jacek Kulig hailed him as one of the “biggest revelations” during the 2024/25 campaign.

Whether Newcastle are able to entice Casado to St James’ Park remains to be seen, but if he is struggling to start regularly for Hansi Flick’s side, he may see a move elsewhere as best for his long-term development.

PIF have already signed Newcastle's new Elliot Anderson and he's "terrific"

Eddie Howe will hope he has his own Elliot Anderson now at Newcastle United in this terrific talent.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 8, 2025

At 21, he is a player with so many more years ahead of him, and he could be viewed as a long-term successor to Bruno Guimaraes at the heart of the Magpies’ midfield.

The Queensland government has confirmed its plans for the Olympic stadium with cricket having a key stake in the outcome

Andrew McGlashan25-Mar-2025The Gabba will be demolished after the 2032 Olympic Games, and cricket will move to a new 60,000-seater stadium in the Victoria Park area of Brisbane, which will be built for the Olympics.Queensland’s premier David Crisafulli announced the latest plans for Olympic infrastructure on Tuesday, with cricket a pivotal figure in the outcome, having been impacted by the uncertainty over what the state would do after going through various proposals since being awarded the Olympics in 2021.When Cricket Australia announced its seven-year international venue allocation in 2024, the Gabba was only guaranteed international cricket until next summer’s men’s Ashes amid the wrangling over whether the ground would be redeveloped or replaced.Related

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Is this the end for the Gabba?

“This decision gives us certainty about venues and scheduling which in turn allows us to ensure Brisbane hosts the very best possible international and domestic cricket,” CA said in a statement. “We strongly advocated building a stadium in Victoria Park together with Queensland Cricket, the AFL and Brisbane Lions, and cricket will play a major role in ensuring this significant investment delivers long-term benefits for cricket fans and the people of Queensland.”On behalf of the cricket community we want to thank the Queensland Government for seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to give the fans, the city and the state the stadium they deserve.”Cricket is returning to the Olympics for the 2028 edition in Los Angeles having only previously featured in 1900. Should it be retained for 2032, it is earmarked for Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena as well as the Gabba in what would shape as the ground’s final matches before it is knocked down.”Wouldn’t it be amazing to see the Australian cricket team win gold at an Olympic final? The Gabba’s swansong,” Crisafulli said at an event in Brisbane.The Gabba was initially set to be demolished and rebuilt for A$2.7 billion under the Labor government for the 2032 Games before that was scrapped amid a backlash over rising costs. It was then set for a $600 million facelift under Labor before those plans were also abandoned under the new government.

“We now stand at the starting line as Queensland prepares to unveil a signature stadium that will be known the world over”Queensland Cricket chief executive Terry Svenson

“The Gabba is at its end of life,” Crisafulli said. “It hasn’t been well maintained, and we do need a stadium to host this great show, and there is an opportunity for legacy play.”It became a choice between spending billions on temporary facilities and temporary stands that delivered no legacy, or securing the future of AFL [and] cricket at a new home.”Queensland Cricket welcomed the latest plans with the new stadium providing clarity over the future.”The Gabba has been wonderful venue for cricket for many years and has provided fans and players with countless memories – however the challenges the stadium faces are well documented, and we need to look to the future,” chief executive Terry Svenson said. “There is now the opportunity for Queensland to attract the world’s best cricket events, such as ICC events, men’s and women’s Ashes Series, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between Australia and India, as well has hosting the BBL and WBBL in a new purpose-built stadium.An artist impression of Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park for the 2032 Olympics•Queensland Government”Thirty years ago this week, the Gabba was in the very early stages of its major redevelopment as the historic Sheffield Shield Final was being played, with many ensuing highlights following in the past three decades.”Today’s decision gives us certainty after many years without clarity. We now stand at the starting line as Queensland prepares to unveil a signature stadium that will be known the world over.”The Gabba hosted its first Test in 1931 and has staged 67 men’s matches alongside two women’s Tests with the most recent being the rain-affected draw in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.It became the traditional starting point for Australian Test summers although that had changed in recent seasons with Perth staging the opening game as it will against England in 2025-26. The Brisbane Test is the second of the series and will be a day-night encounter.While it remains uncertain what international cricket the Gabba will host after next summer, it will likely stage at least white-ball matches and could still hold Test cricket again before being consigned to rubble.There is likely to be another new international venue in Australia prior to 2032 with Hobart’s proposed stadium, which will include a roof, set to be ready by 2029 as part of Tasmania gaining an AFL team.

Juventus coach Igor Tudor expressed his fury after his side conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Villarreal in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Croatian coach blamed missed chances and nerves for the draw but came to the defence of his centre-backs amid criticism for their sloppiness in recent matches.

Juventus’ draw with Villareal

An acrobatic finish from Fabio Gatti helped Juventus level early in the second-half after Villarreal had taken the lead in the first through Georges Mikautadze. With the score at 1-1, Francesco Conceicao capitalised on a misplaced pass from Villarreal captain Dani Parejo, ran through on goal and slotted it past goalkeeper Arnau Tenas in the 56th minute. Just when it looked like the Italians would take all three points, former Juventus player Renato Veiga scored in the 90th minute with a header from a corner, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTudor's frustrations and missed chances

In a post-match interview with , Juventus coach Tudor expressed his anger, saying: “I'm angry; you can't throw the game away in the final seconds because of a corner like that. It's disappointing because we had the game in hand.

“During half-time, I gave concrete instructions and asked them to be positive. Then Conceicao made the difference. Where did we go wrong? There's regret for not having closed it out sooner; we had two chances with [Jonathan] David and at 3-1 it would have been over. Too much frenzy and nervousness, too many simple misplaced passes.”

Finally, he accepted the shared point, adding: “We pushed hard in the second half, a great second half, they were better in the first. We'll take this point and move on.”

Tudor's defence of his backline

Juventus have conceded 11 goals in their last five games across all competitions, including seven against Inter and Dortmund. However, Tudor spoke highly of his defenders, believing they have done well and kept things from going worse. 

“The three at the back are all doing well, they keep the team afloat every game,” he added: “We're a bit lacking in ball possession, we're last in this statistic. The team is there, it would be nice to play at a high level for 90 minutes, but it's not easy. We also have our weaknesses and our difficulties.”

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Getty Images SportJuventus' clash against Milan and Allegri's return

Juventus are set to host Serie A table-toppers AC Milan on Sunday, and Tudor will hope his team can produce their best performance in what will be Massimiliano Allegri’s return to the Allianz Stadium.

Gohar’s three-for keeps Middlesex fighting but big deficit is on the cards

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay05-Apr-2025Lancashire 353 for 9 (Harris 134*, Jennings 55, Jones 40) lead Middlesex 260 (Robson 70, Holden 69, Aspinwall 4-32) by 93 runsMarcus Harris’s century on Red Rose debut helped Lancashire take charge on day two at Lord’s.The Australian Test opener, batting at No. 4, survived an early scare to share a stand of 120 for the fifth wicket with Luke Wells (38). It was Harris’ 30th first-class ton and he became the sixth overseas player to make a hundred on his debut for the county, a trend started by his fellow Australian, the late Andrew Symonds in 2005.Keaton Jennings earlier weighed in 55 enabling the visitors to reach the close on 353 for 9.The Middlesex bowlers toiled hard, with little luck, Zafar Gohar returning 3 for 77 on debut and Blake Cullen 2 for 70, the latter’s first County Championship wickets since he dismissed Mohammed Rizwan at Hove in May 2022, such have been the young seamer’s injury woes.The alliance between Harris and Wells turned the tide of a day where Middlesex had initially held sway.Their frugal bowling in the morning session especially led to a pedestrian scoring rate of two an over by the visitors on a slow, unresponsive pitch.Lancashire’s inability to break the shackles brought reward for the home side, Jennings departing to a sharp catch at slip by Robson off Ryan Higgins, shortly after raising his 50 with the aid of eight fours.The wicket came in a spell of six overs for one run from the Zimbabwean allrounder and the pressure he exerted affected other batters too.Josh Bohannon was in skittish mood from the off, edging one just short of Robson at slip before he’d scored. He’d got to 11 when he slashed at a slightly wider one from Higgins only for Leus du Plooy to grass the chance away to his right hand in the gully.Even so, there was further reward for the Seaxes shortly before lunch when Toby Roland-Jones found the edge of Michael Jones’ bat and wicketkeeper Jack Davies took a low catch away to his right.On the resumption, Bohannon briefly suggested he’d left his pre-lunch struggles behind him, driving Henry Brookes straight for four, but the introduction of Gohar proved his undoing.Bohannon played back to one from the slow left-armer which went on with the arm and crashed into off stump.And when Matty Hurst injudiciously hooked a short one from Cullen down the throat of Nathan Fernandes at long leg the visitors were 169 for 4, still almost 100 in arrears.Even Harris wasn’t exempt from such rushes of blood to the head, having charged Gohar on 11, inside edging the ball beyond both leg stump and wicketkeeper Davies. Had he not made the thinnest of contacts the stumping would have been a formality had he not been bowled in any event.Harris though resolved to make the most of his slice of fortune, knuckling down to take charge, driving with increasing authority before raising his 50 with his eighth boundary, a savage cut to the cover fence.As the home bowlers tired in the glorious evening sunshine he forged on to three figures reached via an edge out of the clutches of slip to third man.At the other end, Wells, though playing second fiddle, hit two huge sixes, one over mid-on to get off the mark and the stand reached 120 before he waved lazily at one to be caught behind with the lead at 27.Harris was reprieved on 123 when dropped at slip by Robson, but late wickets for the persevering home attack offered Middlesex some hope ahead of day three.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have had a frustrating start to the campaign and Vitor Pereira has been dealt an injury blow involving one of his key players.

Wolves turn focus to Everton clash after defeat at Newcastle

The Old Gold are still to pick up a point in the Premier League and find themselves rooted to the bottom of the table after a frustrating 1-0 loss to Newcastle United last weekend.

Despite a closely contested encounter with plenty of solidity from both sides, Nick Woltemade’s header proved to be the difference, and in a way, he also highlighted Wolves’ lack of attacking potency.

Furious at how the flow of the match was halted, Pereira vented his frustration on Match of the Day by claiming the officials’ willingness to dish out yellow cards slowed his side’s momentum.

He said: “I’m very proud of my team. I think we competed since the first minute until the last minute in a difficult stadium.

“In the end I have a question. How is it possible for a team to press and be aggressive and win duels if we got yellow cards? It spoiled our game. It’s not possible to be aggressive and compete at this level with yellow cards in the middle of the field.”

Nevertheless, their lack of creativity has had a knock-on effect in the final third, something that will need to be rectified as Wolves gear up for a crucial double-header against Everton in the EFL Cup before Leeds United visit Molineux this weekend.

Dele Alli could provide an out-of-window dose of inspiration for the Old Gold. However, Pereira has now been dealt another blow in his search for coolness in front of goal that will frustrate supporters.

Wolves fear Jorgen Strand Larsen injury is now 'more serious'

As relayed by The Yorkshire Evening Post, Wolves may be without Jorgen Strand Larsen for the visit of Leeds this weekend, after Pereira admitted last week the Norway international’s Achilles injury is ‘more serious’ than first feared.

Explaining that the timeline for his return can’t be set in stone, he said after Saturday’s defeat to Newcastle: “Day by day, it’s his Achilles tendon, we cannot push — we need to be patient.”

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During the summer, Strand Larsen was the subject of significant interest from Newcastle and was valued at around £65 million by the Old Gold, hence why he ended up remaining at Molineux.

In a frustrating turn of events, the 25-year-old may be missing a while longer and unable to add to his return of 16 goals and five assists in 41 appearances across all competitions since joining initially on loan from Celta Vigo last summer.

Tolu Arokodare made his debut in the defeat at St James’ Park, and he may now be called upon for the coming run of matches following his move to the West Midlands from Genk.

Former Napoli chief Pierpaolo Marino has criticised Kevin De Bruyne, accusing the ex-Manchester City maestro of "stepping on Scott McTominay's toes" and hindering the Scot's impact. Marino also added that De Bruyne's current level at Napoli is nowhere near enough to warrant a comparison with the ageless Luka Modric, who has been off to a sensational start for AC Milan.

Modric and De Bruyne mark eras at Madrid and Man City

Modric and De Bruyne brought an end to their illustrious careers at Real Madrid and Manchester City, respectively, after defining an era of midfield dominance at both clubs for 13 and 10 years. Though well past their prime, the two footballing giants have now chosen Serie A as their next destination.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSerie A careers off to a flier

While Modric joined AC Milan — a club the Croatian maestro passionately supported as a child — De Bruyne was signed by reigning champions Napoli. Both players have made an excellent first impression in their first five Serie A appearances, having earned praise from several former stars who predicted that Modric and De Bruyne would soon emerge as the league’s top two midfielders.

Over the weekend, Napoli and Milan played a closely-contested fixture, which ended 2-1 in the Rossoneri's favour. The victory saw Massimiliano Allegri's side go top of the table, level on points with the Partenopei.

Ex-Napoli chief speaks on Modric and De Bruyne comparisons

Although De Bruyne scored Napoli's only goal, he was substituted in the 72nd minute by Antonio Conte after Pervis Estupinan was shown a red card. The 34-year-old was left visibly frustrated and expressed his disapproval of the decision while coming off, prompting Conte to address the situation.

In the aftermath of the game, ex-Napoli general manager Marino was critical of De Bruyne. "Is De Bruyne still the player he used to be, or is he just a shadow of his former self? So far, he hasn't scored from a free kick or penalty, and according to our colleagues at TuttoNapoli.net, De Bruyne is now a problem for Conte," Marino told .

He added: "If he messes up simple things, then you see that the comparison with Modric, who at 40 has done what De Bruyne hasn't done so far in Naples, is merciless. Napoli changed a midfield that worked very well for De Bruyne, and at the moment, it's not working.

“De Bruyne is stepping on McTominay's toes, who is not performing with goals and finishing like last year, and it's obvious. The problem is significant. Kevin also disputes his substitution because he is convinced that he is making a great contribution. In this Napoli team, he has only made an impact by taking penalties, but you don't need a player of De Bruyne's calibre for that. In my Napoli team, Maurizio Domizzi took penalties, and he took them well." 

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(C)Getty ImagesWhen do Napoli and Milan play again?

Napoli will to return to winning ways and open their account in the Champions League when they welcome Sporting CP at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Allegri's troops will hope to stay at the top of the Serie A table when they face a tricky trip to in-form Juventus on Sunday.

Karun Nair’s comeback knock went in vain as DC imploded to lose by 12 runs

Shashank Kishore13-Apr-20252:00

What was the turning point in DC’s innings?

Mumbai Indians (MI) clinched a thriller they had no business winning; not certainly after a comeback knock for the ages from Karun Nair, who smashed a 40-ball 89 in a chase of 206. But Karn Sharma, their Impact Sub, cracked open the game with a three-wicket haul, to cause an implosion that ended with a hat-trick of run outs in the penultimate over as Delhi Capitals (DC) fell short by 12 runs.It meant there are no unbeaten teams left at IPL 2025. DC would rue the two points that were stolen right from under their nose, disrupting their run of four straight wins, as their homecoming at the Arun Jaitley Stadium was met with a heartbreak no one saw coming.For MI, this was only their second win in six games, but it’s the one that will reinvigorate a campaign that threatened to turn pear-shaped less than halfway in.Nair’s comebackSeven years after his most recent IPL half-century, and three years since he played in the tournament, Nair set the pace in DC’s chase after Jake Fraser-McGurk was out first ball.Coming off a ridiculous run of rich form in the domestic season, Nair’s takedown of Jasprit Bumrah in the powerplay – he picked 28 off nine deliveries, including three fours and two sixes – landed the early punches on MI.Karun Nair made his first IPL fifty in seven years•BCCINair was all wrist and hand-eye coordination – whipping Bumrah off his hip with nonchalance and being equally audacious by making room and carving him inside-out over deep extra cover for two sixes. Against spin, he was quick to pick lengths and sweep, and on an occasion reverse-sweep.He went into overdrive after bringing up a 22-ball half-century and looked set to get to three figures when a magic ball from Mitchell Santner got him. Expecting the wet ball to skid through, Nair played for a straight one, only to see the ball rip square and beat his push to hit top of off.Five balls later, when Axar Patel was out to a leading edge to give Bumrah his first wicket of the season, MI had some inkling of hope. DC were 145 for 4 at the end of that over, the 13th.The ball changeIPL’s new rule change that allows teams to ask for a new ball to counter dew after 11 overs into the second innings brought MI some much needed relief at the start of the 14th.Three balls in, relief turned into elation when Tristan Stubbs toe-ended a slog to make it four wickets in four overs. When KL Rahul fell in eerily similar fashion two overs later, the 16th, after being done in the air and off the pitch to top edge a return catch, DC were in the middle of a full-blown collapse.Even so, with 42 off 24 needed and two batters – Ashutosh Sharma and Vipraj Nigam who orchestrated a similar comeback against LSG – at the crease, DC still had hope that kept thinning when Trent Boult nailed five yorkers in a gun 17th over that went for just three runs.This is when Santner, who’d already bowled arguably the ball of the match to get Nair, bounced back after conceding a six and four to Nigam before deceiving him in the air to have him stumped. The relatively drier ball offered plenty of grip and turn, and Santner now had his second.Will Jacks and Ryan Rickelton combined to run out Ashutosh Sharma•BCCIThe hat-trick of run outsBumrah’s figures as he ran in for his final over, the 19th of the match read 3-0-34-1. With Ashutosh still in, DC had hopes. After refusing a single off the first ball, he hit him for two consecutive fours – a reverse ramped over short third followed by a thick outside edge.With the equation down to 15 off 8, Ashutosh carved a yorker-length ball to deep point and turned for a second that proved costly. The decision to run the second wasn’t the problem; that he had to run around Bumrah as he turned around at the non-striker’s end cost him a split-second which eventually had him short of the crease.Then Kuldeep Yadav and Mohit Sharma were run out off successive deliveries as MI ended with a hat-trick of run-outs to close out the game.Tilak shines after wristspin twins strikeTilak Varma was subbed out two games ago for being unable to force the pace. In his first outing after that, he made 56 off 29 in a tall run chase against RCB last week. On Sunday, he top-scored with 59 off 43 to help MI post 205.It was his eighth IPL half-century, astonishingly his first in a winning cause. The knock provided MI a base, which Naman Dhir maximised to provide the finishing kick.A floater in the batting order, Dhir 38 off just 17; his fifth-wicket stand off 60 off 33 with Tilak helping MI recover from the wickets of Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya in the space of six deliveries in the middle stages.DC’s wristspin twins Kuldeep and Nigam combined to pick up 4 for 64 off eight overs, after MI threatened to take the game away when Rohit Sharma began by imperiously driving Mitchell Starc for two fours and then scooping him for a six.Suryakumar Yadav, batting at No. 3 for the first time this season, and Ryan Rickelton too got off to starts but couldn’t convert. But just when it seemed as if MI would be restricted, they found saviours in Tilak and Dhir, who gave them a total to bowl at – those extra runs at the end seemingly making a wholesome difference to the result.