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DeutschIND vs ENG: Archer all set for cat-and-mouse face-off with Samson after T20 World Cup 2026 boomerang
However, the 30-year-old pacer showcased remarkable fortitude to spearhead England's upturn in fortunes, impressing especially during the powerplay. Archer has picked 10 wickets in seven T20 World Cup 2026 matches, recording eight dismissals during the powerplay which is the most by any bowler till the semi-finals. England have accounted for 18 wickets in the powerplay which is six more than India. Archer has also bowled 66 dots out of 114 deliveries in the opening six overs, which is the best tally in the ongoing edition.
'Archer's deliveries drift down leg-side when struggling'
Coach Zubin Bharucha, who has worked alongside the English pacer, dismissed concerns regarding his performance in the opening two matches. "Such express fast bowlers require regular competitive action to get into the flow. Archer's deliveries tend to drift down the leg-side when he is struggling and the wrist also seems a little bent, due to an improper follow-through and lack of synchronization" said Bharucha during an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com.
Archer's training sessions are very structured with focus on top-notch intensity. While critics have termed the pacer as lackadaisical, it couldn't be further from the truth. Archer is a very sharp and intuitive player who pays keen attention to every instruction, catching even Shane Warne off guard at one point.
Catching Shane Warne off guard
"Warne was once sharing an instruction during a meeting where it seemed like Archer was inattentive. However, he almost took Warne on regarding the communication afterwards, saying, 'You mentioned a certain thing but it didn't happen that way'. Warne later told me, 'We have to be careful around him. Jofra listens to everything'" jokingly shared Bharucha.
England will take on India in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium where Archer could generate extra bounce and movement on red soil. The pacer's action is very deceptive, leaving batters in no man's land while attempting to negotiate his deliveries. India managed to recover from a powerplay collapse against the USA but it certainly won't be as easy against Archer who will be England's trump card.
Interestingly, the 30-year-old fast-bowler has dominated proceedings against Sanju Samson so far, dismissing the batter thrice in five T20Is off short deliveries. Samson has scored 25 runs in 23 deliveries bowled by Archer, perishing while attempting to play the pull shot. The batter's record will certainly be a dampener for Indian fans, considering the increased expectations following his 97* against West Indies.
'Samson-Archer face-off will be cat and mouse game'
"It will be a cat-and-mouse game between Sanju and Jofra. Samson needs to be prudent because Archer could well be devastating if allowed to settle. I won't be surprised if he gets a third over upfront. Samson should get into position and use the pace, playing off the back foot. Attacking off the opening delivery or the final ball will be a wise call," stated Bharucha.
However, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma enjoyed success against Archer during England's tour of India in early 2025. The former smashed Archer for 61 runs off 33 deliveries while the latter accumulated 36 runs off 16 balls, by creating room and slashing the ball. Abhishek smashed 135(54) in the last T20I played against England at the Wankhede Stadium, where the 30-year-old pacer conceded 55 runs and picked one wicket. A cracker of a contest awaits.
Daily Dawg Chow 3/5; Browns tender six and introduce new coordinators
The latest Cleveland Browns coverage from Dawgs By Nature:
- Should Andrew Berry make big moves in free agency, or be selective? Browns Reacts Survey (Chris Pokorny) What approach should the Browns take with free agency? Aggression or selectivity?
- Cleveland Browns tender six of their seven exclusive rights free agents: who got left out? (Chris Pokorny) Cleveland secures a few players for 2026 before free agency.
- Browns roster: After Tytus Howard trade, CLE should look to add 3 types of players (Jared Mueller) The Cleveland Browns roster has a lot of needs but GM Andrew Berry should be selective in NFL free agency, trades
- Did the Browns answer any questions at the NFL combine? (Curtiss Brown) Did the Cleveland Browns actually share any news at the NFL combine? What do we know about roster, draft, free agency?
- Browns OT Tytus Howard profile: Everything you need to know (Barry Shuck) New Cleveland Browns OT Tytus Howard had a unique path to the NFL. His profile is an interesting one.
- Browns NFL draft: What is the best case scenario with 2 picks in 1st round? (Abby Mueller) The Cleveland Browns have some immediate needs that they should address in the first round of the NFL draft.
More Cleveland Browns news:
- Browns tender six exclusive rights free agents (clevelandbrowns.com) “The Cleveland Browns have made the following transactions: Tendered exclusive rights free agents (6):. TE Brenden Bates WR Malachi Corley LB Winston Reid”
- Ranking the Cleveland Browns Most Realistic Free Agent Targets (Sports Illustrated) “Which free agents can the Cleveland Browns realistically target in March? Here are a few names to keep an eye on.”
- Which top NFL free agents make the MOST SENSE for the Cleveland Browns? (WKYC) “Which top NFL free agents make the MOST SENSE for the Cleveland Browns? UCSS discusses free agency for the Cleveland Browns.”
- Browns’ possible draft pick is already enjoying time in Cleveland, and he has a connection to the city that would help him fit right in (A to Z Sports) “Cleveland Browns have a need at wide receiver and one of the best in the draft has been in the city lately.”
- Construction underway for future Cleveland Browns stadium (WFMJ.com) “There are also plans for the stadium to host large-scale events such as concerts, NCAA Final Fours and international soccer matches that can hold up to…”
- Browns Pegged Ideal Fit for Top Pending NFL Free Agent (Heavy.com) “USA Today’s Tyler Dragon called the Cleveland Browns the best fit for top left tackle free agent Rasheed Walker.”
- Could Kyler Murray go to the Browns? Shedeur Sanders hopes Cleveland will look the other way (Marca) “The Cleveland quarterback room could get crowded ahead of the 2026 NFL season, as neither Dillon Gabriel nor Shedeur Sanders has yet proven capable of…”
- Browns introduce new coordinators (Youtube) Quincy Carrier reports on the latest
Arsenal told how much their free transfer target wants
Leon Goretzka has emerged as one of the most sought-after players in Europe, and Arsenal are reportedly keen to secure his signature. The Gunners view him as an experienced figure capable of strengthening both their squad and dressing room dynamics.
A serial winner with Bayern Munich, Goretzka has continued to feature regularly under Vincent Kompany despite the knowledge that he will be leaving the club at the end of the season. His desire to join a team with strong prospects in European competition makes Arsenal a potentially appealing destination as he looks to continue his career at the highest level.
Arsenal Lead Interest
The Gunners are not alone in pursuing Goretzka. Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus and Tottenham have also expressed interest in signing the midfielder, making the race for his services highly competitive. Nevertheless, Arsenal appear well placed to add him to their squad, with reports suggesting that he is seeking a three-year contract worth approximately £100,000 a week.
While that figure is modest compared to some of the top earners at Arsenal, it makes the deal feasible for the club and increases the likelihood of a successful transfer in the summer. His experience, winning mentality and versatility in midfield are qualities that could have an immediate impact on Mikel Arteta’s squad.
(Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
Future Prospects
According to Tuttosport, Goretzka’s proposed terms indicate a clear interest in joining Arsenal, but he is expected to consider proposals from other clubs once his current contract concludes. The summer window will therefore be crucial, as Arsenal look to secure a high-calibre free agent who can contribute both on and off the pitch.
If successful, the move would not only bolster their midfield options but also provide the squad with a proven winner capable of influencing key moments in domestic and European competitions. Goretzka’s arrival could signal Arsenal’s intent to strengthen their ambitions at the top level.
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Tunisia cleared by FIFA to pick Rani Khedira, brother of former Germany star Sami, for World Cup
TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) — Tunisia has been cleared by FIFA to select Rani Khedira, a former Germany youth international and brother of Sami Khedira, for the World Cup in North America.
The 32-year-old Union Berlin midfielder is the younger brother of Sami Khedira, who played on Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning team. They are eligible for Germany and Tunisia through their parents.
The Tunisian soccer federation and FIFA announced late Wednesday that Khedira’s application to switch national eligibility was approved.
The federation posted a “Welcome Home” message on its Instagram account for Khedira to begin playing for the team known as the Eagles of Carthage.
Tunisia is in a World Cup group with the Netherlands, Japan and the winner of a European playoffs bracket this month that could be Ukraine. Tunisia's first two games are in Monterrey, Mexico, before playing the Dutch in Kansas City.
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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Iran v Australia: Women’s Asian Cup 2026 – live
Matildas lead 3-0 at half-time on the Gold Coast
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It’s obviously going to case a shadow over tonight’s match so, as a reminder, The Guardian is bringing you live updates on the crisis in the Middle East.
“These women are prisoners,” says Cyrus Jones, a human rights activist who will be attending the match. “Iranian security is up on their floor [of the hotel] at night. They can’t leave their rooms. They can’t use the public bathrooms. They’re monitored when they go for breakfast, when they get on the bus. They’re monitored in a way no other players from other teams are.
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