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EXCLUSIVE — ISL 2025-26: Ashley Westwood, the wizard of Bengaluru FC, eyes similar magic at Kerala Blasters Ashley Westwood is no stranger to Indian football.He guided Bengaluru FC to the then top-flight title in his and the club’s first season in Indian professional football and won three trophies with the club, becoming a legend among its faithful.Last month, the former Manchester United academy graduate returned to coaching duties in Indian football after four years, taking charge of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL).“I was here from the start of the ISL when it was only a six-week league… and now it has developed into an eight to 10-month league. So, I’ve seen it all. It has had a tough time this last year. But like anything, it’s a work in progress, a process,” Westwood tells Sportstar in an exclusive interview. Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR Ashley Westwood’s record in Indian football: Teams managed: Bengaluru FC, ATK, Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters Total matches: 89 Wins: 46 Losses: 26 Draws: 17 Trophies: I-League x2 (2013-14, 2015-2016), Federation Cup (2014-15) But unlike Bengaluru, he finds himself in a precarious position at Kerala Blasters.The three-time ISL finalist has struggled for form this season, and with no wins in six matches, the Blasters parted ways with head coach David Catala, while their fan club, the Manjappada, boycotted matches citing mismanagement.“Football is challenging anyway. Sometimes you get fortunate, and you go into a club mid-season because a coach has done well, and you take over a team at the top of the league, but that’s very rare,” Westwood says.“Normally, if you go into a club halfway through a season, it’s because they’re not doing very well, because a manager has lost his job. Of course, with Bengaluru, it was a brand-new club. So, any challenge is good.”Westwood opened his Blasters stint on a forgettable note, losing 0-2 to the newly formed Sporting Club Delhi. However, he found the perfect opportunity to respond against Bengaluru FC in the match that followed, which the Blasters won for their first victory of the season.“I enjoy challenges. There’s lots of improvement to come, hopefully, and maybe we can do that. I’ve done it before in all the roles I’ve been in. So, I’m hoping to do the same again. Let’s see if we can keep improving things,” he says.The Achilles heel of the Blue Tigers? Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images There’s another side to Westwood beyond domestic football. He has managed two Asian sides, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Both pulled off significant upsets against India.In 2024, India lost to Afghanistan on home soil for the second time ever, which turned out to be one of the last matches under coach Igor Stimac. A year later, Hong Kong beat India in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Manolo Marquez, who had stepped into Stimac’s shoes, parted ways shortly after.So, is the Englishman a nemesis for India’s coaches?“No, it’s certainly not a personal thing. Coincidence happens in football. With me, I try to win every game, whoever it is,” Westwood says.“Predominantly, my record shows that I do win quite a few games, and unfortunately, a few of them have been against India. I don’t look at it as a scalp; I look at it as a game of football, and one that we won.”It was no surprise that Westwood was among the names circulating in Indian football circles as a potential coach of the Blue Tigers, first after Stimac and then after Marquez.“It’s (the question has) come around a lot of times. I’ve been close a lot of times. It hasn’t happened. I won’t comment on that particular job where they have a manager, of course,” he says. “But regardless of the job, I’ll concentrate on what I need to do, which is improve Kerala Blasters.”Winds of change at Kerala BlastersThere have been signs of optimism in the Blasters camp since his arrival. They have signed former Real Madrid Castilla winger Franchu, who scored the winner on his ISL debut against Bengaluru FC.“Hopefully, this carries on. It’s simple: you give everything in a relationship and, normally, you get it back. Football has a unique way of taking care of you if you take care of your work rate. That’s all we’re trying to do,” Westwood says.But the tactician will know that slip-ups could cost the team heavily, especially in a truncated season where each team plays each other just once. Kerala Blasters’ remai Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — April 14 Kerala Blasters vs Jamshedpur FC — April 18 Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC — April 23 Kerala Blasters vs Mohammedan Sporting — May 10 Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa — May 23 Despite the win, the Blasters remain second from bottom, and losses from here, especially against bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting, could see the club struggle to stay afloat in the top flight this season.“We won’t be in a relegation dogfight. That’s my belief, not an expectation. I’m confident in myself. . . There’s definitely an area for us to improve and get some wins. So, I’m not concerned about where they are. I’m just trying to look at where we might finish,” he says.Bengaluru FC earned a place in Indian football discussions in its maiden season under Westwood. The Blasters, who had slipped out of that discourse with underwhelming results, will look to tread a similar path under the same man in the dugout.Published on Apr 14, 2026 #EXCLUSIVE #ISL #Ashley #Westwood #wizard #Bengaluru #eyes #similar #magic #Kerala #Blasters

EXCLUSIVE — ISL 2025-26: Ashley Westwood, the wizard of Bengaluru FC, eyes similar magic at Kerala Blasters

Ashley Westwood is no stranger to Indian football.

He guided Bengaluru FC to the then top-flight title in his and the club’s first season in Indian professional football and won three trophies with the club, becoming a legend among its faithful.

Last month, the former Manchester United academy graduate returned to coaching duties in Indian football after four years, taking charge of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL).

“I was here from the start of the ISL when it was only a six-week league… and now it has developed into an eight to 10-month league. So, I’ve seen it all. It has had a tough time this last year. But like anything, it’s a work in progress, a process,” Westwood tells Sportstar in an exclusive interview.

EXCLUSIVE — ISL 2025-26: Ashley Westwood, the wizard of Bengaluru FC, eyes similar magic at Kerala Blasters Ashley Westwood is no stranger to Indian football.He guided Bengaluru FC to the then top-flight title in his and the club’s first season in Indian professional football and won three trophies with the club, becoming a legend among its faithful.Last month, the former Manchester United academy graduate returned to coaching duties in Indian football after four years, taking charge of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL).“I was here from the start of the ISL when it was only a six-week league… and now it has developed into an eight to 10-month league. So, I’ve seen it all. It has had a tough time this last year. But like anything, it’s a work in progress, a process,” Westwood tells Sportstar in an exclusive interview. Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR Ashley Westwood’s record in Indian football: Teams managed: Bengaluru FC, ATK, Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters Total matches: 89 Wins: 46 Losses: 26 Draws: 17 Trophies: I-League x2 (2013-14, 2015-2016), Federation Cup (2014-15) But unlike Bengaluru, he finds himself in a precarious position at Kerala Blasters.The three-time ISL finalist has struggled for form this season, and with no wins in six matches, the Blasters parted ways with head coach David Catala, while their fan club, the Manjappada, boycotted matches citing mismanagement.“Football is challenging anyway. Sometimes you get fortunate, and you go into a club mid-season because a coach has done well, and you take over a team at the top of the league, but that’s very rare,” Westwood says.“Normally, if you go into a club halfway through a season, it’s because they’re not doing very well, because a manager has lost his job. Of course, with Bengaluru, it was a brand-new club. So, any challenge is good.”Westwood opened his Blasters stint on a forgettable note, losing 0-2 to the newly formed Sporting Club Delhi. However, he found the perfect opportunity to respond against Bengaluru FC in the match that followed, which the Blasters won for their first victory of the season.“I enjoy challenges. There’s lots of improvement to come, hopefully, and maybe we can do that. I’ve done it before in all the roles I’ve been in. So, I’m hoping to do the same again. Let’s see if we can keep improving things,” he says.The Achilles heel of the Blue Tigers? Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images There’s another side to Westwood beyond domestic football. He has managed two Asian sides, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Both pulled off significant upsets against India.In 2024, India lost to Afghanistan on home soil for the second time ever, which turned out to be one of the last matches under coach Igor Stimac. A year later, Hong Kong beat India in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Manolo Marquez, who had stepped into Stimac’s shoes, parted ways shortly after.So, is the Englishman a nemesis for India’s coaches?“No, it’s certainly not a personal thing. Coincidence happens in football. With me, I try to win every game, whoever it is,” Westwood says.“Predominantly, my record shows that I do win quite a few games, and unfortunately, a few of them have been against India. I don’t look at it as a scalp; I look at it as a game of football, and one that we won.”It was no surprise that Westwood was among the names circulating in Indian football circles as a potential coach of the Blue Tigers, first after Stimac and then after Marquez.“It’s (the question has) come around a lot of times. I’ve been close a lot of times. It hasn’t happened. I won’t comment on that particular job where they have a manager, of course,” he says. “But regardless of the job, I’ll concentrate on what I need to do, which is improve Kerala Blasters.”Winds of change at Kerala BlastersThere have been signs of optimism in the Blasters camp since his arrival. They have signed former Real Madrid Castilla winger Franchu, who scored the winner on his ISL debut against Bengaluru FC.“Hopefully, this carries on. It’s simple: you give everything in a relationship and, normally, you get it back. Football has a unique way of taking care of you if you take care of your work rate. That’s all we’re trying to do,” Westwood says.But the tactician will know that slip-ups could cost the team heavily, especially in a truncated season where each team plays each other just once. Kerala Blasters’ remai Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — April 14 Kerala Blasters vs Jamshedpur FC — April 18 Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC — April 23 Kerala Blasters vs Mohammedan Sporting — May 10 Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa — May 23 Despite the win, the Blasters remain second from bottom, and losses from here, especially against bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting, could see the club struggle to stay afloat in the top flight this season.“We won’t be in a relegation dogfight. That’s my belief, not an expectation. I’m confident in myself. . . There’s definitely an area for us to improve and get some wins. So, I’m not concerned about where they are. I’m just trying to look at where we might finish,” he says.Bengaluru FC earned a place in Indian football discussions in its maiden season under Westwood. The Blasters, who had slipped out of that discourse with underwhelming results, will look to tread a similar path under the same man in the dugout.Published on Apr 14, 2026 #EXCLUSIVE #ISL #Ashley #Westwood #wizard #Bengaluru #eyes #similar #magic #Kerala #Blasters

Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

lightbox-info

Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

Ashley Westwood’s record in Indian football:

Teams managed: Bengaluru FC, ATK, Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters

Total matches: 89

Wins: 46

Losses: 26

Draws: 17

Trophies: I-League x2 (2013-14, 2015-2016), Federation Cup (2014-15)

But unlike Bengaluru, he finds himself in a precarious position at Kerala Blasters.

The three-time ISL finalist has struggled for form this season, and with no wins in six matches, the Blasters parted ways with head coach David Catala, while their fan club, the Manjappada, boycotted matches citing mismanagement.

“Football is challenging anyway. Sometimes you get fortunate, and you go into a club mid-season because a coach has done well, and you take over a team at the top of the league, but that’s very rare,” Westwood says.

“Normally, if you go into a club halfway through a season, it’s because they’re not doing very well, because a manager has lost his job. Of course, with Bengaluru, it was a brand-new club. So, any challenge is good.”

Westwood opened his Blasters stint on a forgettable note, losing 0-2 to the newly formed Sporting Club Delhi. However, he found the perfect opportunity to respond against Bengaluru FC in the match that followed, which the Blasters won for their first victory of the season.

“I enjoy challenges. There’s lots of improvement to come, hopefully, and maybe we can do that. I’ve done it before in all the roles I’ve been in. So, I’m hoping to do the same again. Let’s see if we can keep improving things,” he says.

The Achilles heel of the Blue Tigers?

Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China.

Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

lightbox-info

Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

There’s another side to Westwood beyond domestic football. He has managed two Asian sides, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Both pulled off significant upsets against India.

In 2024, India lost to Afghanistan on home soil for the second time ever, which turned out to be one of the last matches under coach Igor Stimac. A year later, Hong Kong beat India in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Manolo Marquez, who had stepped into Stimac’s shoes, parted ways shortly after.

So, is the Englishman a nemesis for India’s coaches?

“No, it’s certainly not a personal thing. Coincidence happens in football. With me, I try to win every game, whoever it is,” Westwood says.

“Predominantly, my record shows that I do win quite a few games, and unfortunately, a few of them have been against India. I don’t look at it as a scalp; I look at it as a game of football, and one that we won.”

It was no surprise that Westwood was among the names circulating in Indian football circles as a potential coach of the Blue Tigers, first after Stimac and then after Marquez.

“It’s (the question has) come around a lot of times. I’ve been close a lot of times. It hasn’t happened. I won’t comment on that particular job where they have a manager, of course,” he says. “But regardless of the job, I’ll concentrate on what I need to do, which is improve Kerala Blasters.”

Winds of change at Kerala Blasters

There have been signs of optimism in the Blasters camp since his arrival. They have signed former Real Madrid Castilla winger Franchu, who scored the winner on his ISL debut against Bengaluru FC.

“Hopefully, this carries on. It’s simple: you give everything in a relationship and, normally, you get it back. Football has a unique way of taking care of you if you take care of your work rate. That’s all we’re trying to do,” Westwood says.

But the tactician will know that slip-ups could cost the team heavily, especially in a truncated season where each team plays each other just once.

Kerala Blasters’ remai

Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — April 14

Kerala Blasters vs Jamshedpur FC — April 18

Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC — April 23

Kerala Blasters vs Mohammedan Sporting — May 10

Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa — May 23

Despite the win, the Blasters remain second from bottom, and losses from here, especially against bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting, could see the club struggle to stay afloat in the top flight this season.

“We won’t be in a relegation dogfight. That’s my belief, not an expectation. I’m confident in myself. . . There’s definitely an area for us to improve and get some wins. So, I’m not concerned about where they are. I’m just trying to look at where we might finish,” he says.

Bengaluru FC earned a place in Indian football discussions in its maiden season under Westwood. The Blasters, who had slipped out of that discourse with underwhelming results, will look to tread a similar path under the same man in the dugout.

Published on Apr 14, 2026

#EXCLUSIVE #ISL #Ashley #Westwood #wizard #Bengaluru #eyes #similar #magic #Kerala #Blasters

Sports news , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ashley Westwood is no stranger to Indian football.

He guided Bengaluru FC to the then top-flight title in his and the club’s first season in Indian professional football and won three trophies with the club, becoming a legend among its faithful.

Last month, the former Manchester United academy graduate returned to coaching duties in Indian football after four years, taking charge of Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL).

“I was here from the start of the ISL when it was only a six-week league… and now it has developed into an eight to 10-month league. So, I’ve seen it all. It has had a tough time this last year. But like anything, it’s a work in progress, a process,” Westwood tells Sportstar in an exclusive interview.

Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR

lightbox-info

Ashley Westwood’s success at Bengaluru FC wasn’t just about results, but two I-League titles and a Federation Cup gave it weight and permanence.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR

Ashley Westwood’s record in Indian football:

Teams managed: Bengaluru FC, ATK, Punjab FC, Kerala Blasters

Total matches: 89

Wins: 46

Losses: 26

Draws: 17

Trophies: I-League x2 (2013-14, 2015-2016), Federation Cup (2014-15)

But unlike Bengaluru, he finds himself in a precarious position at Kerala Blasters.

The three-time ISL finalist has struggled for form this season, and with no wins in six matches, the Blasters parted ways with head coach David Catala, while their fan club, the Manjappada, boycotted matches citing mismanagement.

“Football is challenging anyway. Sometimes you get fortunate, and you go into a club mid-season because a coach has done well, and you take over a team at the top of the league, but that’s very rare,” Westwood says.

“Normally, if you go into a club halfway through a season, it’s because they’re not doing very well, because a manager has lost his job. Of course, with Bengaluru, it was a brand-new club. So, any challenge is good.”

Westwood opened his Blasters stint on a forgettable note, losing 0-2 to the newly formed Sporting Club Delhi. However, he found the perfect opportunity to respond against Bengaluru FC in the match that followed, which the Blasters won for their first victory of the season.

“I enjoy challenges. There’s lots of improvement to come, hopefully, and maybe we can do that. I’ve done it before in all the roles I’ve been in. So, I’m hoping to do the same again. Let’s see if we can keep improving things,” he says.

The Achilles heel of the Blue Tigers?

Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China.

Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

lightbox-info

Team Hong Kong head coach Ashley Westwood (R) talks to Matthew Elliot Wing Kai Orr of Hong Kong (L) during the Asian Cup qualifier Group C match at Kai Tak Stadium on November 18, 2025, in Hong Kong, China.
| Photo Credit:
Getty Images

There’s another side to Westwood beyond domestic football. He has managed two Asian sides, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Both pulled off significant upsets against India.

In 2024, India lost to Afghanistan on home soil for the second time ever, which turned out to be one of the last matches under coach Igor Stimac. A year later, Hong Kong beat India in an AFC Asian Cup qualifier. Manolo Marquez, who had stepped into Stimac’s shoes, parted ways shortly after.

So, is the Englishman a nemesis for India’s coaches?

“No, it’s certainly not a personal thing. Coincidence happens in football. With me, I try to win every game, whoever it is,” Westwood says.

“Predominantly, my record shows that I do win quite a few games, and unfortunately, a few of them have been against India. I don’t look at it as a scalp; I look at it as a game of football, and one that we won.”

It was no surprise that Westwood was among the names circulating in Indian football circles as a potential coach of the Blue Tigers, first after Stimac and then after Marquez.

“It’s (the question has) come around a lot of times. I’ve been close a lot of times. It hasn’t happened. I won’t comment on that particular job where they have a manager, of course,” he says. “But regardless of the job, I’ll concentrate on what I need to do, which is improve Kerala Blasters.”

Winds of change at Kerala Blasters

There have been signs of optimism in the Blasters camp since his arrival. They have signed former Real Madrid Castilla winger Franchu, who scored the winner on his ISL debut against Bengaluru FC.

“Hopefully, this carries on. It’s simple: you give everything in a relationship and, normally, you get it back. Football has a unique way of taking care of you if you take care of your work rate. That’s all we’re trying to do,” Westwood says.

But the tactician will know that slip-ups could cost the team heavily, especially in a truncated season where each team plays each other just once.

Kerala Blasters’ remai

Kerala Blasters vs NorthEast United — April 14

Kerala Blasters vs Jamshedpur FC — April 18

Kerala Blasters vs Odisha FC — April 23

Kerala Blasters vs Mohammedan Sporting — May 10

Kerala Blasters vs FC Goa — May 23

Despite the win, the Blasters remain second from bottom, and losses from here, especially against bottom-placed Mohammedan Sporting, could see the club struggle to stay afloat in the top flight this season.

“We won’t be in a relegation dogfight. That’s my belief, not an expectation. I’m confident in myself. . . There’s definitely an area for us to improve and get some wins. So, I’m not concerned about where they are. I’m just trying to look at where we might finish,” he says.

Bengaluru FC earned a place in Indian football discussions in its maiden season under Westwood. The Blasters, who had slipped out of that discourse with underwhelming results, will look to tread a similar path under the same man in the dugout.

Published on Apr 14, 2026

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Deadspin | Flyers nip ‘Canes in shootout, clinch first playoff berth in 6 years <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28722493.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28722493.jpg" alt="NHL: Carolina Hurricanes at Philadelphia Flyers" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 13, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Trevor Zegras (46) controls the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Tyson Foerster scored the only goal of a four-round shootout, giving host Philadelphia a 3-2 come-from-behind win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday and sending the Flyers to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>Matvei Michkov and Trevor Zegras scored in regulation for Philadelphia (42-27-12, 96 points), which wrapped up third place in the Metropolitan Division. Dan Vladar stopped 24 shots and wasn’t beaten on any of Carolina’s shootout attempts as the Flyers won for the fifth time in six games.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>The Flyers will open the postseason with a series against the rival Pittsburgh Penguins.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Nikolaj Ehlers had a goal and an assist and Bradly Nadeau also tallied for the Hurricanes (52-22-7, 111 points), who clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference with the point despite the loss. Brandon Bussi made 21 saves as Carolina fell to 6-1-1 in the past eight games.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The contest was the penultimate game of the regular season for both teams.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Carolina’s Jackson Blake hit the goalpost while cutting across the slot about 1:15 into the five-minute overtime period.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>Philadelphia scored twice in the second period to tie the game 2-2.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>Michkov put the Flyers on the board 7:57 into the period when he scored from the left circle skating toward the net after taking a cross-ice pass from Denver Barkey.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>A power-play goal with 9:29 left in the middle period tied it. Zegras took a pass below the right circle, had the time to take a couple of strides to his left and put a shot past Bussi. Porter Martone assisted on the goal to stretch his point streak to five games (three goals, four assists).</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Nadeau scored 8:41 into the game. He connected on a one-timer from the slot, converting Ehlers’ pass from behind the net. Ehlers’ power-play goal with 4:30 left in the opening period made it 2-0. The shot from below the right circle and along the goal line caromed in off of Vladar.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Ehlers’ 25th goal came 25 seconds after Christian Dvorak went off for holding.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>The win by Philadelphia eliminated the Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets from the playoff contention. Those two teams battle in Columbus in a meaningless game on Tuesday.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>The Hurricanes rested Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, captain Jordan Staal, Andrei Svechnikov and defensemen Jaccob Slavin and Shayne Gostisbehere in anticipation of the upcoming playoffs.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Flyers #nip #Canes #shootout #clinch #playoff #berth #years

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Deadspin | Golden Knights snag division edge with victory over Jets <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28723707.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28723707.jpg" alt="NHL: Winnipeg Jets at Vegas Golden Knights" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 13, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Winnipeg Jets center Brayden Yager (29) eyes a loose puck in front of Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mitch Marner (93) during the first period at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Jack Eichel scored a goal and had three assists and Mark Stone added a goal and two assists as the Vegas Golden Knights moved a step closer toward a Pacific Division title with a 6-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Monday in Las Vegas.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>It was the fourth four-point game of the season for Eichel.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>Ivan Barbashev and Rasmus Andersson each had a goal and an assist, Noah Hanifin had two assists and Reilly Smith and Pavel Dorofeyev also scored for Vegas (38-26-17, 93 points), which moved two points ahead of the second-place Edmonton Oilers and three points in front of the third-place Anaheim Ducks.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Carter Hart made 21 saves for the Golden Knights, who improved to 6-0-1 since John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy as head coach on March 29. The win also extended the team’s point streak to a season-high nine games (6-0-3).</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Mark Scheifele and Gabriel Vilardi each had a goal and an assist and Connor Hellebuyck finished with 32 saves for Winnipeg (35-33-12, 82 points), which was eliminated from Stanley Cup playoff race during the game when the Los Angeles Kings secured the final Western Conference playoff spot with a 5-3 win over the Seattle Kraken.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Vegas took a 1-0 lead at the 7:38 mark of the second period on Stone’s 10th career short-handed goal. The score came at the end of a 2-on-1 rush that saw Eichel steal the puck near his own blue line and then make a crossing pass to Stone on the edge of the left circle. Stone one-timed a shot five-hole that squirted through Hellebuyck’s pads and slowly trickled over the goal line for his fifth goal in the past five games.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-7"> <p>The Golden Knights extended the lead to 2-0 near the end of the period when Smith, stationed in the slot, redirected Hanifin’s shot from the left point past Hellebuyck’s glove side.</p> </section> <section id="section-8"> <p>Barbashev made it 3-0 just 31 seconds into the third period, roofing a shot inside the right post off a no-look, behind-the net pass from Eichel.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Vilardi answered with a power-play goal on a deflection of a Colin Miller point shot at 2:34. Vilardi hit the 30-goal mark for the first time in his seven-season career.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Sixty-three seconds later, Andersson then made it 4-1 when he ripped a wrist shot from the right circle past Hellebuyck’s glove side.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Scheifele, who hit the 100-point mark with an assist on Vilardi’s goal, cut the deficit to 4-2 when he put in a rebound of a Kyle Connor shot at 4:41.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>The Golden Knights broke the game open with a pair of power-play goals after Scheifele picked up a double-minor for drawing blood on a high-sticking penalty on Andersson.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Dorofeyev got the first, his team-leading 37th goal and the 20th on the power play, at 5:42. Eichel followed when he scooped up a loose puck in the low slot and roofed a wrist shot into the top far right corner at 7:38 for his first power-play goal of the season.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-14"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Golden #Knights #snag #division #edge #victory #Jets

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Deadspin | U.S. submits World Cup roster with Chris Richards still on team Oct 10, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; United States defender Chris Richards (3) passes the ball during the second half at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Coleman-Imagn Images The United States finalized its World Cup roster, and Chris Richards is still on it. Mauricio Pochettino kept the injured defender on the 26-man roster when the U.S. men’s national team officially submitted the names to FIFA on Monday. Richards suffered torn ankle ligaments while playing for Crystal Palace last month, but it didn’t stop Pochettino from naming him to the World Cup roster about two weeks later. Richards, a 26-year-old center back and certain starter when healthy, is with the team at training headquarters outside Atlanta. Pochettino said over the weekend that the team hadn’t made a final decision over Richards’ World Cup fitness. “We need to see,” Pochettino said. “The next few days are going to be key, to see the possibility to be ready or not on the World Cup.” Richards can still be replaced on the roster before June 11, as the United States opens the tournament June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif. The U.S. is co-hosting the 48-team tournament with Canada and Mexico. The Americans beat Senegal 3-2 in a friendly Sunday, and they’ll have one more tune-up this Saturday against Germany. UNITED STATES WORLD CUP ROSTER Goalkeepers: Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Matt Turner Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Weston McKennie, Cristian Roldan Attacking midfielders/wingers: Brenden Aaronson, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, Alejandro Zendejas Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright –Field Level Media #Deadspin #U.S #submits #World #Cup #roster #Chris #Richards #teamOct 10, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; United States defender Chris Richards (3) passes the ball during the second half at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Coleman-Imagn Images

The United States finalized its World Cup roster, and Chris Richards is still on it.

Mauricio Pochettino kept the injured defender on the 26-man roster when the U.S. men’s national team officially submitted the names to FIFA on Monday.

Richards suffered torn ankle ligaments while playing for Crystal Palace last month, but it didn’t stop Pochettino from naming him to the World Cup roster about two weeks later.

Richards, a 26-year-old center back and certain starter when healthy, is with the team at training headquarters outside Atlanta. Pochettino said over the weekend that the team hadn’t made a final decision over Richards’ World Cup fitness.

“We need to see,” Pochettino said. “The next few days are going to be key, to see the possibility to be ready or not on the World Cup.”

Richards can still be replaced on the roster before June 11, as the United States opens the tournament June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif.


The U.S. is co-hosting the 48-team tournament with Canada and Mexico. The Americans beat Senegal 3-2 in a friendly Sunday, and they’ll have one more tune-up this Saturday against Germany.

UNITED STATES WORLD CUP ROSTER

Goalkeepers: Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Matt Turner

Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty

Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Weston McKennie, Cristian Roldan

Attacking midfielders/wingers: Brenden Aaronson, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, Alejandro Zendejas

Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #U.S #submits #World #Cup #roster #Chris #Richards #team">Deadspin | U.S. submits World Cup roster with Chris Richards still on team Oct 10, 2025; Austin, Texas, USA; United States defender Chris Richards (3) passes the ball during the second half at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Coleman-Imagn Images The United States finalized its World Cup roster, and Chris Richards is still on it. Mauricio Pochettino kept the injured defender on the 26-man roster when the U.S. men’s national team officially submitted the names to FIFA on Monday. Richards suffered torn ankle ligaments while playing for Crystal Palace last month, but it didn’t stop Pochettino from naming him to the World Cup roster about two weeks later. Richards, a 26-year-old center back and certain starter when healthy, is with the team at training headquarters outside Atlanta. Pochettino said over the weekend that the team hadn’t made a final decision over Richards’ World Cup fitness. “We need to see,” Pochettino said. “The next few days are going to be key, to see the possibility to be ready or not on the World Cup.” Richards can still be replaced on the roster before June 11, as the United States opens the tournament June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, Calif. The U.S. is co-hosting the 48-team tournament with Canada and Mexico. The Americans beat Senegal 3-2 in a friendly Sunday, and they’ll have one more tune-up this Saturday against Germany. UNITED STATES WORLD CUP ROSTER Goalkeepers: Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Matt Turner Defenders: Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Weston McKennie, Cristian Roldan Attacking midfielders/wingers: Brenden Aaronson, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, Alejandro Zendejas Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright –Field Level Media #Deadspin #U.S #submits #World #Cup #roster #Chris #Richards #team

Stein reports that the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat are the two teams pushing the hardest for Antetokounmpo behind the scenes. Stein also mentioned the Orlando Magic as a potential fit after the team hired Sean Sweeney as head coach last week. Sweeney comes over from the San Antonio Spurs, but also spent time in Milwaukee, where he grew extremely close with Giannis.

The Heat and Trail Blazers both always made sense as teams that could want to swing a bold trade for Antetokounmpo. Miami has been tied to the Greek Freak for years as a preferred destination. The Heat always chase stars under Pat Riley, and at 81 years old it makes sense that he would want to try for one more big fish. The Heat can offer a package including Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick in 2026 NBA Draft, a 2030 first-rounder, and a 2032 first-rounder.

The Blazers are natural trade partners for Giannis because they own first-round swap rights with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030 from Milwaukee’s failed trade for Damian Lillard. It’s fair to wonder if those picks are more valuable or less valuable under the NBA’s new lottery reform, and it’s worth noting that we could have a completely different system by 2030. Portland’s package could start with returning the pick swaps, adding Jerami Grant for matching salary, then sending a talented young player like Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe in the deal. Since Grant is widely considered a bad contract at this point with two years, $70.6 remaining on his deal, the Blazers also might need to add their unprotected 2032 first-round pick.

Will the Thunder get involved for Giannis after their Western Conference Finals flameout? Probably not. Sam Presti usually takes the longview, and his team wasn’t at full strength this year without injured stars Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for most of the series. The Thunder need to cut money for next season, not add an older player on a max contract.

I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends with Antetokounmpo accepting a max extension to end the trade speculation once and for all. It just feels more likely that he finally gets traded given how far away the Bucks are from contention.

Stein reports that an Antetokounmpo trade could happen within the next three weeks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst once termed that “the deal zone.” It sure seems like the deal zone for a Giannis trade has fully arrived. Stay tuned.

#Giannis #Antetokounmpos #biggest #trade #suitors #revealed #deal #zone #nearing">Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2 biggest trade suitors revealed with deal zone nearing Giannis Antetokounmpo is maybe, possibly, conceivably getting traded from the Milwaukee Bucks this summer. Bucks ownership has indicated that it will trade the 31-year-old superstar before entering the final year of his contract if he does not sign an extension this summer. There are a number of potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo, but two teams are emerging as the most aggressive suitors according to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein.Stein reports that the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat are the two teams pushing the hardest for Antetokounmpo behind the scenes. Stein also mentioned the Orlando Magic as a potential fit after the team hired Sean Sweeney as head coach last week. Sweeney comes over from the San Antonio Spurs, but also spent time in Milwaukee, where he grew extremely close with Giannis.The Heat and Trail Blazers both always made sense as teams that could want to swing a bold trade for Antetokounmpo. Miami has been tied to the Greek Freak for years as a preferred destination. The Heat always chase stars under Pat Riley, and at 81 years old it makes sense that he would want to try for one more big fish. The Heat can offer a package including Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick in 2026 NBA Draft, a 2030 first-rounder, and a 2032 first-rounder.The Blazers are natural trade partners for Giannis because they own first-round swap rights with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030 from Milwaukee’s failed trade for Damian Lillard. It’s fair to wonder if those picks are more valuable or less valuable under the NBA’s new lottery reform, and it’s worth noting that we could have a completely different system by 2030. Portland’s package could start with returning the pick swaps, adding Jerami Grant for matching salary, then sending a talented young player like Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe in the deal. Since Grant is widely considered a bad contract at this point with two years, .6 remaining on his deal, the Blazers also might need to add their unprotected 2032 first-round pick.Will the Thunder get involved for Giannis after their Western Conference Finals flameout? Probably not. Sam Presti usually takes the longview, and his team wasn’t at full strength this year without injured stars Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for most of the series. The Thunder need to cut money for next season, not add an older player on a max contract.I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends with Antetokounmpo accepting a max extension to end the trade speculation once and for all. It just feels more likely that he finally gets traded given how far away the Bucks are from contention.Stein reports that an Antetokounmpo trade could happen within the next three weeks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst once termed that “the deal zone.” It sure seems like the deal zone for a Giannis trade has fully arrived. Stay tuned. #Giannis #Antetokounmpos #biggest #trade #suitors #revealed #deal #zone #nearing

There are a number of potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo, but two teams are emerging as the most aggressive suitors according to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein.

Stein reports that the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat are the two teams pushing the hardest for Antetokounmpo behind the scenes. Stein also mentioned the Orlando Magic as a potential fit after the team hired Sean Sweeney as head coach last week. Sweeney comes over from the San Antonio Spurs, but also spent time in Milwaukee, where he grew extremely close with Giannis.

The Heat and Trail Blazers both always made sense as teams that could want to swing a bold trade for Antetokounmpo. Miami has been tied to the Greek Freak for years as a preferred destination. The Heat always chase stars under Pat Riley, and at 81 years old it makes sense that he would want to try for one more big fish. The Heat can offer a package including Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick in 2026 NBA Draft, a 2030 first-rounder, and a 2032 first-rounder.

The Blazers are natural trade partners for Giannis because they own first-round swap rights with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030 from Milwaukee’s failed trade for Damian Lillard. It’s fair to wonder if those picks are more valuable or less valuable under the NBA’s new lottery reform, and it’s worth noting that we could have a completely different system by 2030. Portland’s package could start with returning the pick swaps, adding Jerami Grant for matching salary, then sending a talented young player like Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe in the deal. Since Grant is widely considered a bad contract at this point with two years, $70.6 remaining on his deal, the Blazers also might need to add their unprotected 2032 first-round pick.

Will the Thunder get involved for Giannis after their Western Conference Finals flameout? Probably not. Sam Presti usually takes the longview, and his team wasn’t at full strength this year without injured stars Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for most of the series. The Thunder need to cut money for next season, not add an older player on a max contract.

I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends with Antetokounmpo accepting a max extension to end the trade speculation once and for all. It just feels more likely that he finally gets traded given how far away the Bucks are from contention.

Stein reports that an Antetokounmpo trade could happen within the next three weeks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst once termed that “the deal zone.” It sure seems like the deal zone for a Giannis trade has fully arrived. Stay tuned.

#Giannis #Antetokounmpos #biggest #trade #suitors #revealed #deal #zone #nearing">Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2 biggest trade suitors revealed with deal zone nearing

Giannis Antetokounmpo is maybe, possibly, conceivably getting traded from the Milwaukee Bucks this summer. Bucks ownership has indicated that it will trade the 31-year-old superstar before entering the final year of his contract if he does not sign an extension this summer. There are a number of potential landing spots for Antetokounmpo, but two teams are emerging as the most aggressive suitors according to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein.

Stein reports that the Portland Trail Blazers and Miami Heat are the two teams pushing the hardest for Antetokounmpo behind the scenes. Stein also mentioned the Orlando Magic as a potential fit after the team hired Sean Sweeney as head coach last week. Sweeney comes over from the San Antonio Spurs, but also spent time in Milwaukee, where he grew extremely close with Giannis.

The Heat and Trail Blazers both always made sense as teams that could want to swing a bold trade for Antetokounmpo. Miami has been tied to the Greek Freak for years as a preferred destination. The Heat always chase stars under Pat Riley, and at 81 years old it makes sense that he would want to try for one more big fish. The Heat can offer a package including Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, the No. 13 overall pick in 2026 NBA Draft, a 2030 first-rounder, and a 2032 first-rounder.

The Blazers are natural trade partners for Giannis because they own first-round swap rights with the Bucks in 2028 and 2030 from Milwaukee’s failed trade for Damian Lillard. It’s fair to wonder if those picks are more valuable or less valuable under the NBA’s new lottery reform, and it’s worth noting that we could have a completely different system by 2030. Portland’s package could start with returning the pick swaps, adding Jerami Grant for matching salary, then sending a talented young player like Scoot Henderson or Shaedon Sharpe in the deal. Since Grant is widely considered a bad contract at this point with two years, $70.6 remaining on his deal, the Blazers also might need to add their unprotected 2032 first-round pick.

Will the Thunder get involved for Giannis after their Western Conference Finals flameout? Probably not. Sam Presti usually takes the longview, and his team wasn’t at full strength this year without injured stars Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell for most of the series. The Thunder need to cut money for next season, not add an older player on a max contract.

I wouldn’t be shocked if this ends with Antetokounmpo accepting a max extension to end the trade speculation once and for all. It just feels more likely that he finally gets traded given how far away the Bucks are from contention.

Stein reports that an Antetokounmpo trade could happen within the next three weeks. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst once termed that “the deal zone.” It sure seems like the deal zone for a Giannis trade has fully arrived. Stay tuned.

#Giannis #Antetokounmpos #biggest #trade #suitors #revealed #deal #zone #nearing

India will need bigger contributions from its leadership duo of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana and its middle order as it seeks to clinch the three-match T20I in the deciding fixture at Taunton on Tuesday.

The series stands locked at 1-1, with each fixture exposing different issues with the Indian batting order. In the first T20I, openers Smriti and Shafali Verma were dismissed in the very first over. But Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia, who is back in the T20I setup after a recurring injury issues, did well to stabilise the Indian innings and help post a competitive score.

In the second fixure, however, India squandered a positive start with Harmanpreet and Yastika struggling to break free from a mid innings rut.

Harmanpreet, who did not feature in the opening game, returned to her usual no.4 slot in the 2nd T20I, which meant Yastika was brought up to No.3 in place of Jemimah who was pushed to no.5. The disruption didn’t work as Jemimah, slotted into a finishing role, strayed from her natural game and holed out trying to send the ball to the fence.

With the series locked at 1-1, a victory in the decider will not just be another overseas bilateral win but a shot in the arm for either team before the start of the Women’s T20 World Cup later this month.

India was ahead of England in the chase at the end of the PowerPlay (49/1 against England’s 35/1) with the required rate of 8.57. That soon climbed to 9.10 at the halfway mark and to 12.00 by the 14th, prompting India to retire out a struggling Yastika who never really got going. Harmanpreet’s own scoring rate — she has a tendency to take time to settle before exploding — wasn’t great as the pair piled on the dots.

One would have thought Richa Ghosh might be the candidate to send in place of Yastika to infuse some urgency into the chase. But it was Jemimah who was sent ahead of her. Richa was dismissed for another single digit score a few deliveries later.

Harmanpreet’s return and Yastika’s retention meant Bharti Fulmali had to warm the bench, but given India’s finishing troubles, the side might want to keep her in the mix. That said, all of this only points to a highly unsettled batting order, worrying signs with a World Cup around the corner.

For England, too, batting has been a concern, as Amy Jones’ 67 is the only half-century across two games while most of the other seasoned batters got starts but couldn’t carry on with the momentum for sustained periods of time.

Published on Jun 01, 2026

#INDW #ENGW #3rd #T20I #eyes #Smriti #Mandhana #middle #order #ahead #decider #Taunton">IND-W vs ENG-W 3rd T20I: All eyes on Smriti Mandhana, middle order ahead of decider in Taunton India will need bigger contributions from its leadership duo of Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana and its middle order as it seeks to clinch the three-match T20I in the deciding fixture at Taunton on Tuesday.The series stands locked at 1-1, with each fixture exposing different issues with the Indian batting order. In the first T20I, openers Smriti and Shafali Verma were dismissed in the very first over. But Jemimah Rodrigues and Yastika Bhatia, who is back in the T20I setup after a recurring injury issues, did well to stabilise the Indian innings and help post a competitive score.In the second fixure, however, India squandered a positive start with Harmanpreet and Yastika struggling to break free from a mid innings rut.Harmanpreet, who did not feature in the opening game, returned to her usual no.4 slot in the 2nd T20I, which meant Yastika was brought up to No.3 in place of Jemimah who was pushed to no.5. The disruption didn’t work as Jemimah, slotted into a finishing role, strayed from her natural game and holed out trying to send the ball to the fence.With the series locked at 1-1, a victory in the decider will not just be another overseas bilateral win but a shot in the arm for either team before the start of the Women’s T20 World Cup later this month.India was ahead of England in the chase at the end of the PowerPlay (49/1 against England’s 35/1) with the required rate of 8.57. That soon climbed to 9.10 at the halfway mark and to 12.00 by the 14th, prompting India to retire out a struggling Yastika who never really got going. Harmanpreet’s own scoring rate — she has a tendency to take time to settle before exploding — wasn’t great as the pair piled on the dots.One would have thought Richa Ghosh might be the candidate to send in place of Yastika to infuse some urgency into the chase. But it was Jemimah who was sent ahead of her. Richa was dismissed for another single digit score a few deliveries later.Harmanpreet’s return and Yastika’s retention meant Bharti Fulmali had to warm the bench, but given India’s finishing troubles, the side might want to keep her in the mix. That said, all of this only points to a highly unsettled batting order, worrying signs with a World Cup around the corner.For England, too, batting has been a concern, as Amy Jones’ 67 is the only half-century across two games while most of the other seasoned batters got starts but couldn’t carry on with the momentum for sustained periods of time.Published on Jun 01, 2026 #INDW #ENGW #3rd #T20I #eyes #Smriti #Mandhana #middle #order #ahead #decider #Taunton

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