With several senior players rested, and Maharaj to lead, rising stars like Brevis, Breetzke and Pretorius eye key roles in the road to 2027

Firdose Moonda26-Jun-2025South Africa’s young squad to play in Zimbabwe in a two-Test series starting on Saturday provides a window into their next-best, with regular captain Temba Bavuma out injured and five other regulars being rested. They will be without their top order as Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs have been given time off and their new-ball pair of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, while Lungi Ngidi will only join the squad for the second Test.That presents an opportunity for those just on the fringes of selection for the first XI to make their case to play for the Test champions, ahead of a tough next cycle. These matches do not form part of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship (as Zimbabwe are not a WTC-playing country) so South Africa’s title defence starts in October with an away series in Pakistan, followed by a two-Test series against India in India in November. They will not play home Tests until they host Australia in October 2026. The cycle also includes home series against England and Bangladesh and two Tests in Sri Lanka. Coach Shukri Conrad has cast the net wide as he seeks to build depth, starting in Zimbabwe. So who are the new and newish faces? We’ve got the cheat sheet (and what a possible XI could look like, in batting order) here:1. Tony de Zorzi or Lesogo Senokwane The regular opener for the bulk of the last WTC, Tony de Zorzi suffered a thigh injury ahead of the New Year’s Test this year, where Ryan Rickelton scored 259, lost his place in the final. In isolation, that would seem an unfortunate set of circumstances which should see de Zorzi back in the frame as the incumbent but he will have to work to get his spot back. Before the niggle, de Zorzi had scored 44 runs in six innings, a deflating return at home after his career-best 177 in Chattogram. His dismissals have exposed a defensive shortcoming, especially against the full ball on the drive and he will want to show that has tightened up. Another option would be to use Lesogo Senokwane in his preferred opening spot. Senokwane was the fourth-leading run-scorer in the first-class competition and could make his debut in Zimbabwe.Related

• Ahead of Test debut, T20 star Brevis wants to be 'the same guy that plays all formats'

• Nortje injured again, Van der Dussen to lead newish-looking South Africa T20I side

• 'Together-together' – why South Africa's triumph matters on the long walk to freedom

• Conrad: 'We're the world champions, we create our own reality'

• Injured Bavuma out of Zimbabwe Tests, Maharaj named captain

2. Matthew Breetzke or Lhuan-dre Pretorius With one Test (and no runs) to his name, but a reputation for aggressive stroke play, this is Matthew Breetkze’s opportunity to show what he can do at the top of the order. He is 83 runs away from 3,500 in first-class cricket, including eight hundreds. So the pedigree is there but he may also be looking over his shoulder at the likes of Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who could leapfrog him in the national plans. At just 19 and with only seven first-class caps to his name, Pretorius is being fast-tracked but not without proof. He scored three hundreds in seven first-class matches last summer, including an under-pressure knock in the final.3. Wiaan Mulder or Zubayr Hamza This is the least certain position in South Africa’s Test XI and Wiaan Mulder did not appear a convincing solution in the WTC final. His 50-ball 27 in the second innings has repeatedly been described by Conrad as crucial to stabilising South Africa’s chase but there’s little doubt more will be expected of him in that position going forward. Either Mulder will be given the Zimbabwe series to try and make the spot his own or it will be given to a more traditional No.3, like Hamza, who played eight Tests between 2019 and 2024, and averages 46.73 in the spot.4. Dewald Brevis Arguably, the most exciting of the batting prospects, it is a matter of when, not if, Dewald Brevis will play for South Africa. He made good on the reputation he carried from finishing as the leading run-scorer in the 2022 under-19 World Cup last summer when he was the second-highest run-scorer in the first-class competition, where he averaged 47.75 and appears ready for the next step. Sidenote: He (and we) have dropped the “Baby AB” moniker as Brevis looks to make his own name.Dewald Brevis appears ready for the next step•Titans/ Gallo Images5. David Bedingham Much like Mulder, this is the series for Bedingham to really take ownership of his spot. He scored a composed 45 in the first innings of the WTC final and was there, on 21, at the end but a Test average of 35.55 with one hundred does not do justice to his first-class numbers. Bedingham has over 8,400 runs at an average of 50.38 and with extensive experience on the county circuit, is seen as someone South Africa can build a batting line-up around.6. Mulder/Senokwane/Pretorius One of the top-order batters may have to move down to No.6, where they will have to play a slightly different but equally challenging role. Mulder may be the most likely, especially if he has a big workload with the ball and is being considered for a spot lower down the order in the next WTC cycle.7. Kyle Verreynne South Africa’s regular wicketkeeper was not given the series off and comes in as a senior player. With 25 Test caps, he is second only to Keshav Maharaj in experience and also the most in-form batter of the squad. Verreynne scored three centuries in the last WTC cycle and hit the winning runs in the final and heads to Zimbabwe with major confidence.8. Keshav Maharaj Bavuma’s unavailability has opened the door for Maharaj to captain South Africa, a lifelong dream for the left-arm spinner. He has led his domestic team, Dolphins, in seven matches and South Africa in seven ODIs and five T20Is and though it’s unlikely he will ever do the job long-term, it reinforces his role as part of the leadership core. Maharaj will have a massive role to play in the subcontinent in this cycle and this series is a good tune-up.Prenelan Subrayen has been preferred over Senuran Muthusamy•SA209. Prenelan Subrayen With the number of matches in the subcontinent in mind, offspin-bowling allrounder, Subrayen has been picked ahead of Senuran Muthusamy. Subrayen has 242 wickets at 27.94 and was the second-highest wicket-taker in the first-class competition in the 2024-25 season. He took 34 wickets in seven matches at 23.17, including two five-fors and will play a part in South Africa’s next WTC cycle.10 and 11. Corbin Bosch or Kwena Maphaka or Codi Yusuf Zimbabwe, and especially Bulawayo, is known to be slow and low and difficult for pace bowlers so whoever South Africa pick can expect to be challenged. Corbin Bosch has played one Test and was part of the WTC final squad and is likely to play. He brings express pace (140kph plus) and will lengthen the batting line-up. Kwena Maphaka, who is 19 and also has a Test cap, offers the left-arm angle South Africa are missing with Jansen out but his workloads will have to be managed, especially as he is expected to feature heavily across formats. Codi Yusuf is certain to debut, and could play both matches, after a breakthrough home summer. He was joint-fifth in the first-class competition bowling charts and has taken 17 wickets in four matches for Durham in the County Championship, including two four-wicket hauls.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been given a boost in their pursuit of a new goalkeeper, amid claims of an offer being made by Fosun.

Wolves’ search for new goalkeeper after Sa and Johnstone struggles

No club has conceded more Premier League goals than the Old Gold this season, with both Sam Johnstone and Jose Sa being used by former manager Vitor Pereira.

In the 11 top flight fixtures to date, Johnstone has made seven appearances, conceding 14 goals, whereas Sa has turned out four times, letting in 11 goals.

New manager Rob Edwards will have a decision to make ahead of his first game in charge against Crystal Palace on Saturday, but looking further down the line, it looks as if he is after a new first choice shot-stopper.

Two names have been mentioned since Edwards arrived from Middlesbrough, one of which is Manchester City’s James Trafford.

Down the pecking order just months after returning to the Etihad from Burnley, Wolves are one of numerous clubs keen on signing the £30m Englishman.

City are open to a loan with an obligation to buy or a permanent exit in the New Year, with one Wolves insider telling TEAMtalk: “We need a keeper who can grow with the team. Trafford fits the profile perfectly.”

An enquiry has even been made by the Old Gold, although Trafford has his eyes on a move to Newcastle in 2026.

Meanwhile, Lazio’s Christos Mandas is another option for Wolves and Fosun as they look for a new ‘keeper, with Wolves ‘offering an initial loan deal with an option to buy’ for the Greece international which could be worth up to £8m.

Now, a new update has emerged regarding Mandas’ future, which looks likely to be away from Lazio if he gets his wish.

Wolves given boost in pursuit of Christos Mandas

According to a report from La Lazio Siamo Noi, Mandas is becoming a man in demand and has actually asked to leave Lazio in 2026.

La Liga side Getafe are in the race for the shot-stopper, alongside Wolves and their Premier League rivals West Ham and Bournemouth.

Mandas is expected to leave in search of more game time as he is yet to make an appearance in 2025/26 after featuring 18 times last season, nine of which came in the Europa League.

His agent Diego Tavano heaped praise on Mandas last year, calling him a “strong” and “great player”.

“Mandas is a strong player who had several suitors in Italy. Lazio were the fastest to act and he believed it was the right choice. Initially, the club considered sending him back to OFI Crete on loan, but then Sarri decided to keep him. He is a great player who has now established himself and I’m happy because it was not easy to fit in – he has been great this season.”

Wolves could be the club to offer him regular first-team football given Johnstone and Sa’s struggles and the fact Trafford doesn’t fancy a move to the Midlands.

Wolves now in advanced talks to sign maestro who could be Edwards' first signing

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued an apology after he clashed with a television cameraman in the wake of Saturday's disappointing Premier League defeat to Newcastle at St James' Park. Guardiola exchanged words with Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes after the final whistle and was also spotted confronting a camera operator in a bizarre exchange.

Guardiola apologises for behaviour at Newcastle

Guardiola faced the press again on Monday and took time out to apologise for his behaviour on Tyneside. The City boss appeared overcome by frustration at seeing his team beaten by Newcastle in feisty scenes on the pitch at full-time. He addressed the situation at a press conference ahead of his team's Champions League tie with Bayer Leverkusen and admitted he was not proud of his behaviour. Guardiola told reporters: "I apologise. I feel embarrassed, ashamed when I see it. I don’t like it. I apologised after one second to the cameraman. I am who I am. After 1,000 games I’m not a perfect person, I make huge mistakes. It’s not about that. What is for sure, I defend any team and my club, that’s for sure. The reason why is I want to defend my team and my club."

The City boss also explained his chat with Guimaraes, saying: "We have known Bruno for many, many years and every time after the game, even at the Etihad, we talk in the tunnel or wherever we talk, always. I don’t know what happened. Our paths always cross and I always have a good relationship with him. I love it. I’m an emotional guy, I love to talk and move my hands and my arms and everything."

AdvertisementAFPAnother landmark looming for Guardiola

Guardiola is now focused on Europe and a match that will bring up his 100th Champions League game in charge of Manchester City. The 54-year-old says his latest milestone makes him feel old, telling reporters: "I realise I'm getting old. Every game is a milestone. It's good. It means every season we've been there. It's a huge competition. It's special for the players. To challenge yourself with the best teams in Europe is incredible, a huge experience. For the club, in terms of reputation, prestige and financial issues it's massively important."

'One more point' – Pep wants qualification secured

The City boss also insisted that Saturday's loss had already been forgotten about and urged his team to regroup and secure qualification for the next phase of the Champions League. The Cityzens have three wins and a draw from their first four games and Guardiola says the clash with Leverkusen is crucial for his team.

"It’s immediately forgotten. That night, a little thought about what happened. It’s massively important the group stage, we have made incredibly good four games, even against Monaco away we played outstanding. Now we start the last four games, two at home two away, tomorrow against third in the table in the Bundesliga table. A massively important game to finish where we want to finish in the first eight. Win tomorrow and one more point and we qualify for the next round in front of the 24 teams. Tomorrow is important and we focus on what we have to do."

Guardiola was also asked about the defeat to Newcastle and whether it spelt the end of City's title hopes. He responded: "Losing four games in 12, we have to improve a lot. Mathematically, it's possible to win the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, the Champions League, and the Premier League. You are experienced journalists. Did you hear me talk about quadruples in November, December when we won the quadruple? No. It will not be an exception in this case."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPWhat comes next for City?

Man City will be favourites to win on Tuesday as the Cityzens possess a formidable record at home in the Champions League and have gone 23 matches without defeat in the group phase at the Etihad. Guardiola will be eager for his team to bounce back after defeat to Newcastle last time out, particularly as the their next game in the competition is against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Strained finances, infrastructural issues, the skewed economics of world cricket, the pressures of franchise cricket, and the effect of all these things on the talent pipeline that leads from the grassroots to the West Indies Test team. Last week’s innings defeat to India in Ahmedabad brought all these topics back into the spotlight.Various voices have called for financial support to help West Indies cricket address these issues. It has led others, in turn, to question why the ICC and other boards must step in to help. West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has a simple answer: West Indies helped the game grow immensely when they dominated world cricket from the 1970s to the 1990s but did not reap the financial rewards for it in the way that India, for example, have done over recent decades when the game has become far more lucrative.”Look, [it’s] the history we bring, or the history we have, and the legacy we have left on this game in all formats,” Sammy said, when posed this question two days out from the second Test in Delhi. “Obviously the way we play now, everybody will lean towards that. But if we take that aside, and understand the impact that the West Indies team have had in international cricket, I think all what we ask for, we deserve.Related

• 'We just need to get that start and kick on' – Chase waits for change to come for WI

• India look for clean sweep in cool Delhi as West Indies continue search for solutions

• West Indies hand maiden ODI call-up to Ackeem Auguste for tour of Bangladesh

• A batting-friendly pitch likely for second India-WI Test

• West Indies' Test-match batting a symptom of far deeper issues

“You know you speak to so many other teams. The inspiration that Vivian Richards’ team had, or the impact it had, even here in India, the impact these guys had on the next generation, West Indies contributed to that. I remember watching [West Indies playing] five Test-match series [around the world]. It’s like India now. Everybody wants India to tour, because that’s where the financial gains are. India brings that to the home territory. That was West Indies in the past.”But we did not reap those financial rewards. We were playing five Test matches, three-four months in one place, entertaining the world, where other parts benefited. So for now, when we, over the years, whether it be through lack of management, whatever it is, we are in need of those financial resources to help us grow and move forward, I think we deserve that. Because of the impact we’ve had.”West Indies lost the first Test against India by an innings•AFP/Getty Images

In the present moment, Sammy is aware he can only work with what is available to him in terms of the talent that’s ready to play Test cricket for the West Indies, and the facilities they presently have. He knows it’s unlikely that young players in the Caribbean will react to being picked for the West Indies team as he did back in 2004 when he learned of his selection to the ODI team when he was in the UK playing for an MCC Young Cricketers team.But Sammy feels there’s one area in which West Indies can and should still match other teams in: working hard and smart on their preparation.”For me as a coach, when I call a player and I tell him that he has been selected for West Indies, and I’m hoping that he accepts the selection, that tells us where our cricket is,” he said. “As a kid, I remember in 2004, me being at Lord’s, MCC Young Cricketers, and getting a call. Once I saw the area code 1268, I knew it was from Antigua, I was hoping it was a call from the West Indies Cricket Board, and how excited I was.”Times have changed. We [can] only work with what we have, and who’s willing. And the inability to match some of the franchises across the world [financially], it has been an issue.”But what I always tell these guys [is], if we complain about not having the best facilities, not having enough manpower like the other teams, not having the best technology, all these things which the other teams are superior to us [in], then why the hell are they still outworking us? The only way we could match up [and] compete at a consistent level is if we as the coaches and the players are prepared to outwork the opposition, and we’re not doing that.”So that’s where I’ve actually challenged them. When you practise, when you train, when you strategise, to be more precise, more purposeful. And I must say, again today, I’ve seen them starting to understand what we’re trying to do.”When Sammy, who had previously only been West Indies’ white-ball head coach, took over the Test team in April, the next three series they had lined up were against Australia at home, India away, and New Zealand away — all immensely challenging assignments. It has put in sharp focus the difficulty he has had as a coach in trying to establish a process-driven approach in the backdrop of constant external pressure stemming from results.”When I took on this Test job, I wanted to change the way we played, the results that we have,” Sammy said. “What we did was look at, especially from the batsmen, look at our most consistent batters in international cricket, whether it be T20, whether it be ODIs, whether it be Test matches, and put it together and see how best we could get a batting group. And that’s what we’ve done. It’s been, I think this will be the fifth Test match with that regime, and it’s not worked.”Mind you, when I look at the job I had, I saw Australia in the Caribbean, India in India, and New Zealand in New Zealand. I knew it was going to be very difficult. It will be probably the three most challenging series that we’ll have, whether it be home or away.”And I understand what we try to build. The director of cricket, the vision that we have, and also the players that we want to play. So I take all that into consideration. But what we cannot have, like I said is, against all the odds, the opposition is still outworking us. And that’s the biggest issue for me.”When I took on this Test job, I wanted to change the way we played, the results that we have”•Getty Images

“You don’t need talent to work hard. You don’t need talent to be motivated. It’s not a skill. The skill you need is to go and play. But the mindset. That’s what it takes. And I’m trying to continue to instil that in the guys.”Hopefully the guys who’ve gotten the opportunities [will start performing]. If it doesn’t work, obviously I’ve got to go back and see what’s there in the Caribbean. But again for me, dealing with all of that is just trusting the process. And don’t look at the result before the process has been executed.”West Indies’ long-running issues in Test cricket at a time when they have continually produced top-tier T20 talent, Sammy felt, had contributed to something like a self-perpetuating cycle of talent production in the Caribbean.”Growing up, we had heroes,” Sammy said. “[Brian] Lara, Sir Viv, [Curtly] Ambrose, [Courtney] Walsh, [Richie] Richardson. We had so many different heroes. Ian Bishop. So many, that me watching cricket with my father, I would say, ‘Oh, I want to be like this guy.'”There’s a challenge here now. I always challenge the guys [in the team], which kid in the Caribbean is watching you, and you are inspiring? If you notice, we’ve been, over the last decade, the format where the heroes come from has been the T20 format. And that’s why you see some of the direction in which the younger players are heading. That’s where the heroes are. That’s where they see people they want to be like from the Caribbean.”So it’s hard, but we will not stop trying, because winning builds and shows that it could be done, and we’ve not been able to do that for a long time.”The problems in West Indies cricket are so deep-rooted, and have taken root over so many years, Sammy felt, that he turned to a distressing metaphor for it: cancer.”I mean, the last time we won a series here in India, I was just born. My mom had just had me, in 1983. So the troubles that we have didn’t start now. In 1983, some great players were playing. So I know now I’m under the microscope, I’m in the middle, and we’re open to being criticised by everybody. But the root of the problem didn’t start two years ago. Something way back.”It’s like a cancer that’s already in the system. And you know, if you don’t beat cancer, you know what happens. And again, I think it’s Breast Cancer [Awareness] Month, so it’s a good way to put it, that our problems don’t lie on the surface. It’s rooted deep into our system. And that is something we will continue to change. The immediate thing is, try and encourage the guys, train better, better mindset and all these things. And hopefully steps could be taken in the right direction.”

Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh has taken the MLB by storm this year. The 28-year-old leads the league in dingers, won the 2025 Home Run Derby, and has his Seattle team firmly in the wild card race as we enter the latter part of the season.

Nicknamed "Big Dumper" for the exact reason you might think, Raleigh has become a fan favorite in baseball circles throughout the 2025 campaign—so much so, that he's now signing .

That's right, while he was in attendance at the Little League World Series ahead of his team's game against the Mets in Williamsport on Sunday, a fan thrusted a piece of their trusty throne in Raleigh's direction as he was signing autographs, and he obliged.

Here's a look at the hilarious interaction, via MLB analyst Ben Verlander on X:

A man of the people, Big Dumper is.

First pitch between Seattle and New York is set for 7 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN. We'll see if Raleigh can homer again.

MatériaMais Notícias

Novo técnico do São Paulo, Luis Zubeldía desembarcou no Brasil na manhã deste domingo (21) para assumir o comando do Tricolor. O argentino chegou acompanhado de três auxiliares, um preparador físico e um analista de desempenho e viaja hoje para Goiânia para acompanhar o duelo contra o Altético-GO, pela terceira rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro.

continua após a publicidade

➡️ A boa do Lance! Betting: vamos dobrar seu primeiro depósito, até R$200! Basta abrir sua conta e tá na mão!

Ainda no aeroporto de Guarulhos, o profissional comentou sobre os desafios de assumir o São Paulo e treinar no futebol brasileiro.

– É um grandíssimo desafio pelo que é o São Paulo, por tudo o que vocês sabem, mas cada clube que me contratou foi um desafio importante. Colocar um acima do outro não é legal. É um desafio lindo pela dimensão e por tudo o que é o futebol brasileiro – comentou Zubeldía.

Questionado sobre como pretende utilizar James Rodríguez na equipe, um dos maiores desafios dentro do São Paulo atualmente, o comandante ressaltou que as decisões serão adotadas pensando no bem coletivo.

continua após a publicidade

– Vamos seguir falando portas adentro dos detalhes e tomaremos decisões sempre pensando para o bem de todos. O mais importante é que a equipe ganhe hoje de um rival muito duro e depois teremos uma sequência de partidas. Trataremos de ir nos adaptando rápido e conseguir resultados – explicou.

➡️ Tudo sobre o Tricolor agora no WhatsApp. Siga o nosso novo canal Lance! São Paulo

Vale lembrar que Zubeldía já esteve no radar do São Paulo no início da temporada. Após a saída de Dorival Júnior para a Seleção Brasileira, a diretoria tricolor iniciou conversas com o argentino.

continua após a publicidade

No entanto, em razão da demora do argentino em responder o contato, o que gerou fortes críticas do coordenador Muricy Ramalho à época, o clube optou pela contratação de Thiago Carpini, que acabou demitido na quinta-feira (18).

A estreia de Luis Zubeldía à frente do São Paulo será na próxima quinta-feira (25), contra o Barcelona de Guayaquil, fora de casa, pela terceira rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Libertadores

Tudo sobre

Futebol NacionalJames RodríguezLuis ZubeldíaSão Paulo

The dog days of summer have come and gone and as the temperature in some parts of the globe begins to gradually drop, the temperature in MLB is rising. Division and wild card races are running hot as the calendar prepares to flip from August to September and contenders move ever closer towards solidifying playoff spots. The playoff picture in MLB is beginning to take shape but there is much still to decide. Can the defending champion Dodgers hold off a furious second-half push from the Padres to win the National League West division title? Can the Astros do the same against a surging Mariners club?

The final month of the regular season will provide the answers to these questions and more. But before all that, it's worth taking a look at the remaining schedules of each contender. Who has the toughest remaining schedule? Who has the easiest path?

Ranking MLB Contenders' Strength of Schedules

The following contending teams are ranked in order from easiest schedule to hardest schedule, in terms of opponent winning percentage.

Team

Strength of Schedule

Philadelphia Phillies

.493

New York Mets

.494

Detroit Tigers

.495

Kansas City Royals

.495

Houston Astros

.496

Cleveland Guardians

.497

Los Angeles Dodgers

.497

Milwaukee Brewers

.497

Cincinnati Reds

.498

Texas Rangers

.499

Toronto Blue Jays

.501

Boston Red Sox

.502

San Diego Padres

.503

Seattle Mariners

.505

New York Yankees

.506

Chicago Cubs

.506

Now, let's take a deeper dive into each team's schedule in the divisional and wild card races.

American League EastToronto Blue JaysPosition in Playoff Race: 1st in AL EastFangraphs Playoff Odds: 99.7%Biggest Remaining Matchups: vs. NYY Sept. 5-7, vs. BOS Sept. 23-25

Toronto will be battle-tested in the final month, as four of its final nine series will be against teams currently in the postseason picture.

Boston Red SoxPosition in Playoff Race: 1st AL Wild CardFangraphs Playoff Odds: 94.6%Biggest Remaining Matchups: vs. NYY Sept. 12-14, vs. TOR Sept. 23-25

Boston has it slightly easier than Toronto, as just three of its final nine series are against playoff teams. Six straight games against the Blue Jays and first-place Tigers to end the season is certainly a gauntlet, though.

New York Yankees Position in Playoff Race: 2nd AL Wild Fangraphs Playoff Odds: 98.1%Biggest Remaining Matchups: vs. TOR Sept. 5-7, vs. BOS Sept. 12-14

One thing is for sure: the Yankees will find out what they're made of in the season's last month. From Sept. 2 to the 14th, the Yankees, respectively, face the Astros, Blue Jays, Tigers and Red Sox. Blue Jays and Tigers and Red Sox, oh my!

American League WestHouston AstrosPosition in Playoff Race: 1st in AL WestFangraphs Playoff Odds: 90.8%Biggest Remaining Matchups: vs. SEA Sept. 19-21

The late-September series against the Mariners very well could decide the division. But games against the Yankees, two series against the Rangers and games against the Blue Jays loom large as well.

Seattle MarinersPosition in Playoff Race: 3rd AL Wild CardFangraphs Playoff Odds: 90.4%Biggest Remaining Matchups: vs. HOU Sept. 19-21

The Mariners' sneaky-tough schedule peaks in the season's final week with a pivotal series against the Astros and a test against the defending-champion Dodgers sandwiched around a series against the lowly Rockies.

American League Wild Card Race

Kansas City RoyalsPosition in Playoff Race: 4th in AL Wild Card chase Fangraphs Playoff Odds: 14.6%Biggest Remaining Matchups: vs. SEA Sept. 16-18

Kansas City has played its way back into the AL Wild Card race and will have a chance to at least cause mayhem with matchups against the Tigers, Guardians, Phillies, Mariners and Blue Jays in September.

Texas RangersPosition in Playoff Race: 5th in AL Wild Card chaseFangraphs Playoff Odds: 7.3%Biggest Remaining Matchups: vs. HOU Sept. 5-7, 15-17

Even after losing ace Nathan Eovaldi to a rotator cuff strain, the math still says the Rangers have a chance to make the postseason. And six games against the Astros in September give the 2023 World Series champs a chance to take destiny into its own hands.

Cleveland Guardians Position in Playoff Race: 6th in AL Wild Card chaseFangraphs Playoff Odds: 3.8%Biggest Remaining Matchups: vs. SEA Aug. 29-31, vs. KC Sept. 8-11, vs. TEX Sept. 26-28

The Guardians have had a nightmarish August but are still in the running for the AL Wild Card. Worst case, they muck up the plans of playoff-caliber teams like the Mariners and Red Sox. Best case, they take their nearly 4 percent playoff odds and make something crazy happen.

National League EastPhiladelphia PhilliesPosition in Playoff Race: 1st in NL EastFangraphs Playoff Odds: 99.8%Biggest Remaining Matchups: vs. MIL Sept. 1-4, vs. NYM Sept. 8-11, vs. LAD Sept. 15-17

Despite a three-game sweep at the hands of the Mets, the Phillies remain in the driver's seat for the NL East title. But four straight games against the Amazin's in mid-September could widen their lead or make this race very interesting.

New York MetsPosition in Playoff Race: 3rd NL Wild CardFangraphs Playoff Odds: 96.6%Biggest Remaining Matchups: vs. PHI Sept. 8-11, vs. SD Sept. 16-18, vs. CHC Sept. 23-25

The Mets can take one last shot at the division when they take on the Phillies later in September. But games against the Padres and Cubs present a chance for the Mets to rise up the standings and potentially secure home-field advantage for a Wild Card series should they end up as the first Wild Card.

National League WestLos Angeles DodgersPosition in Playoff Race: 1st in NL WestFangraphs Playoff Odds: 100%Biggest Remaining Matchups: vs. PHI Sept. 15-17, vs. SEA Sept. 26-28

As they look to hold into first place in the NL West, the Dodgers will benefit from a schedule that will see them play just two of their last nine series against current playoff teams.

San Diego PadresPosition in Playoff Race: 2nd NL Wild CardFangraphs Playoff Odds: 99.5%Biggest Remaining Matchups: vs. CIN Sept. 8-10, vs. NYM Sept. 16-18

The Padres don't have it as easy as the Dodgers, even though they do get to play the Rockies seven times in September. Games against the Reds and Mets will be pivotal for San Diego's standing in the Wild Card race, as well as its chances of catching Los Angeles.

National League Wild Card Race

Chicago Cubs Position in Playoff Race: 1st NL Wild CardFangraphs Playoff Odds: 99.5%Biggest Remaining Matchups: vs. CIN Sept. 18-21, vs. NYM Sept. 23-25

While the Cubs still have an outside shot at the NL Central title, their most likely path to the postseason is through the wild card, in which they currently hold homefield advantage for a potential series.

Cincinnati RedsPosition in Playoff Race: 4th in NL Wild Card chaseFangraphs Playoff Odds: 3.5%Biggest Remaining Matchups: vs. NYM Sept. 5-7, vs. SD Sept. 8-10, vs. CHC Sept. 18-21

The Reds have a golden opportunity to increase their playoff odds with September series against the Mets, Padres and Cubs, each of whom is ahead of them in the NL Wild card standings.

Strength of schedules and playoff odds are subject to change. Here are the latest, up-to-date strength of schedules and playoff odds.

After India A posted 413, they dismissed Australia A for 242 in 33.1 overs

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Oct-2025

File photo – Shreyas Iyer played his first List A game since winning the Champions Trophy•CREIMAS

Hundreds from opener Priyansh Arya and captain Shreyas Iyer set up India A’s demolition of Australia A in the first unofficial ODI in Kanpur on Wednesday. After rain allowed no play on Tuesday, the weather cleared for the series to get underway on the reserve day.After being asked to bat, India A posted 413 for 6 on the back of Arya’s 101 and Iyer’s 110. In response, Australia A were dismissed for 242 in 33.1 overs.Each of India’s top six had a strike rate of over 100, and five of their top six scored at least 50. Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, who had combined powerfully for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025, were reunited at the top for India A, putting on 135 for the opening stand in 20.3 overs. Iyer then took charge of the innings, hitting 12 fours and four sixes in his first List A match since the Champions Trophy in March earlier this year.Related

Iyer to lead India A in one-dayers against Australia A

BCCI okays Shreyas Iyer's request for six-month break from red-ball cricket

After years in Chennai heat, Gurjapneet Singh is now in India A spotlight

Rajat Patidar was originally named captain for the 50-over series against Australia A but Iyer replaced him, with Patidar taking charge of the Rest of India side in the ongoing Irani Cup in Nagpur. Iyer is on a break from red-ball cricket due to concerns about his back, but continues to be available for white-ball cricket.Riyan Parag (67) and Ayush Badoni (50) also hit half-centuries to propel India A to a mammoth total. Iyer’s dismissal in the 47th over left India A at 380 for 4, but Badoni and allrounder Nishant Sindhu took them past 400.Australia A used seven bowlers, with only Liam Scott going at less than seven an over.Chasing 414, Australia A had a good start: they were 116 for 1 in the 13th over, but Cooper Connolly’s wicket triggered a slide. They lost their last nine wickets for 126 and left almost 17 overs unused in their chase.Opener McKenzie Harvey top-scored for the visitors with 68 off 62 balls while captain Sutherland made 50 off 33 balls. Spinners Sindhu, Bishnoi and Badoni shared seven wickets among them.Gurjapneet Singh, who was making his List A debut, having been fast-tracked into the India A side, came away with 1 for 40 in five overs.India A will be bolstered by the arrival of Asia Cup hero Tilak Varma for the remaining two one-dayers.

Ayub smashed an unbeaten 71 off 38 balls after Pakistan’s seamers rolled South Africa over for 110

Firdose Moonda31-Oct-2025From the ruins of Rawalpindi, Pakistan rallied to level the T20I series against South Africa and romped to a nine wicket win in Lahore.The match was all but over in the first 10 overs, when South Africa slipped to 66 for 6 after stunning spells from left-arm quick Salman Mirza, playing in his sixth T20I, Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf. Pakistan used pace-off balls to excellent effect and South Africa put on one of their poorer displays of shot selection in a performance they will want to forget. Only one batter, Dewald Brevis, got past 20, and only one partnership did the same. With Lhuan-dre Pretorius on the bench, South Africa may want to rethink their line-up heading into tomorrow’s decider.On the other hand, Pakistan played the situation to perfection. Their bowlers read the surface well before the batters knocked off their target of 111 with 41 balls to spare. An opening stand of 54 between Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub set them up before Ayub and Babar Azam finished things off with an unbroken 58 for the second wicket. In the process, Babar became the leading run-scorer in T20Is.The series is 1-1 with the decider to come in less than 24 hours’ time.Salman Mirza’s figures of 3 for 14 were his best in T20Is•Getty Images

Mirza makes things happen

Mirza was given an opportunity ahead of fellow left-armer Shaheeh Shah Afridi and made an immediate impact. He set Reeza Hendricks up with an opening delivery that moved away from him and then brought the second one back in and found leg stump to dismiss him for a duck. In the next over, Mirza angled a couple into Tony de Zorzi’s pads, then went for the surprise short ball and de Zorzi missed his pull. That was a warning. Two balls later, Mirza went for a slower-ball bouncer and de Zorzi pulled to Abrar Ahmed at short fine leg.In between those dismissals, Quinton de Kock was caught at mid-off off a slower ball from Naseem Shah and dismissed cheaply for the third time since his comeback, and Naseem could have had more. Matthew Breetzke was dropped at short third off him, which only allowed Mirza to get a third. He delivered another cutter, beat Breetzke’s edge, and bowled him to leave South Africa 23 for 4 in the fifth over.

Faheem finishes off

Brevis threatened to take control with a quickfire 25 off 16 balls including three sixes, all hit cleanly, but mishit a slower short ball from Faheem to cover point. South Africa were in all sorts at 49 for 5 in the eighth over, and stand-in captain Donovan Ferreria could barely rebuild. He chopped a Faheem short ball onto his stumps at the end of the 10th over. Two overs later, George Linde went almost exactly the same way, playing the pull rather than cut, but also edging onto his stumps. South Africa were 73 for 7 but dragged things into the 20th over before getting bowled out for 110.Faheem Ashraf picked up four wickets•AFP/Getty Images

Super Saim

South Africa had made run-scoring look difficult but Ayub showed that was a fiction as he anchored the chase with his first fifty in a home T20I in a 360-degree display of hitting. He took advantage of any hint of width or anything slightly short and even had a bit of luck with two healthy edges that went for four. But the ninth over belonged to him; after an edge off Baartman went for four, he smashed a slightly short ball over long-on for six, then hit him over point for four, and then produced the shot of the night with a no-look pick-up over deep square leg for six. The over cost Baartman 21 runs and put Pakistan 29 away from victory with 11 overs left to play.

All hail Babar

After a duck on T20I comeback in Rawalpindi, expectation was high on Babar, especially on his home ground, and he was in the mood to deliver. He creamed the first ball he faced through the covers for four to send Lahore into a frenzy. Then he was stuck on 6 off 7 for two overs, with Ayub taking all the strike and carving big chunks off the target. Babar needed three more to overtake Rohit Sharma as the leading run-scorer in T20Is. He got there at the start of the 12th over with a single of Ferreira – his 4232nd run in the format – and the home fans knew exactly what he had achieved. Babar received appreciative applause from a packed crowd, and Ayub sealed the game with a six two overs later. Babar is now three runs ahead of Rohit, who is retired from the format.

Every UK TV fixture from the English Premier League, Championship, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1.

Football on TV today

A daily guide to football on TV in the UK for the upcoming round of fixtures in the major European leagues. This includes where to watch live football streams, as well as the fixtures and kick-off times. As well as this, all the info on Champions League, Europa League, Europa Conference League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup football can be found here.

Friday 21st November

Bundesliga, Championship, La Liga, Ligue 1

Time	Fixture	League/Competition	TV/Stream
19:30	Mainz v Hoffenheim	Bundesliga	BBC iPlayer, Bundesliga YouTube
19:45	Nice v Marseille	Ligue 1	Amazon PPV, Ligue 1+
20:00	Preston North End v Blackburn Rovers	Championship	Sky Sports Main Event
20:00	Valencia v Levante	La Liga	Premier Sports 1

Saturday 22nd November

Bundesliga, Championship, La Liga, Ligue 1, Premier League, Serie A

Time	Fixture	League/Competition	TV/Stream
12:30	Burnley v Chelsea	Premier League	TNT Sports 1
12:30	Bristol City v Swansea City	Championship	Sky Sports +
12:30	Charlton Athletic v Southampton	Championship	Sky Sports +
12:30	Coventry City v West Brom	Championship	Sky Sports Main Event
13:00	Alaves v Celta Vigo	La Liga	Premier Sports 1
15:15	Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao	La Liga	La Liga TV
17:00	Fiorentina v Juventus	Serie A	DAZN
17:30	FC Koln v Eintracht Frankfurt	Bundesliga	Sky Sports Football
17:30	Osasuna v Real Sociedad	La Liga	Premier Sports 1
17:30	Newcastle United v Manchester City	Premier League	Sky Sports Main Event
18:00	Rennes v Monaco	Ligue 1	Ligue 1 +
19:45	Napoli v Atalanta	Serie A	DAZN
20:00	Villarreal v Real Mallorca	La Liga	Disney +
20:05	PSG v Le Havre	Ligue 1	Amazon PPV, Ligue 1 +

Sunday 23rd November

Bundesliga, Championship, La Liga, Ligue 1, Premier League, Serie A

Time	Fixture	League/Competition	TV/Stream
11:30	Verona v Parma	Serie A	DAZN
12:00	Sheffield Wednesday v Sheffield United	Championship	ITV1, STV, Sky Sports Main Event
13:00	Real Oviedo v Rayo Vallecano	La Liga	Premier Sports 1
14:00	Auxerre v Lyon	Ligue 1	Ligue 1 +
14:00	Leeds United v Aston Villa	Premier League	Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League
14:00	Cremonese v Roma	Serie A	DAZN, TNT Sports 2
14:30	RB Leipzig v Werder Bremen	Bundesliga	Amazon PPV
15:15	Real Betis v Girona	La Liga	Premier Sports 1
16:15	Brest v FC Metz	Ligue 1	Ligue 1 +
16:15	Nantes v Lorient	Ligue 1	Ligue 1 +
16:15	Toulouse v Angers	Ligue 1	Ligue 1 +
16:30	St Pauli v Union Berlin	Bundesliga	Amazon PPV
16:30	Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur	Premier League	Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League
17:00	Lazio v Lecce	Serie A	DAZN
17:30	Getafe v Atletico Madrid	La Liga	Premier Sports 1
19:45	Lille v Paris FC	Ligue 1	Amazon PPV, Ligue 1 +
19:45	Inter Milan v AC Milan	Serie A	DAZN, TNT Sports 1
20:00	Elche v Real Madrid	La Liga	Premier Sports 1

Monday 24th November

La Liga, Premier League, Serie A

Time	Fixture	League/Competition	TV/Stream
19:45	Sassuolo v Pisa	Serie A	DAZN
20:00	Espanyol v Sevilla	La Liga	Premier Sports 1
20:00	Manchester United v Everton	Premier League	Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League