Boston Red Sox legend Luis Tiant, one of the greatest Latin American-born pitchers in MLB history, has died, the league announced Tuesday. He was 83.
Tiant, the son of Negro Leagues pitcher Luis Tiant Sr., was born in Cuba, where he began his professional career. He was signed by Cleveland in 1961 and made his big league debut in ’64. He made the All-Star team in ’68 but was traded to the Minnesota Twins after a down year in ’69 and after being released by two different teams early in the ’71 season, his career appeared to be on the downswing.
The Red Sox gave Tiant a chance, though, and while he struggled in his first season in Boston, he was among the best pitchers in the league in 1972, posting an MLB-best 1.91 ERA.
Tiant went on to become a beloved figure in Boston, in part because he was an effective pitcher on some successful teams and also due to his unique style on the mound—marked by his distinctive windup in which he turned his body toward second base before firing the pitch.
Tiant’s most memorable season came in 1975 when he helped lead the Red Sox to the American League pennant. He was excellent in that postseason, pitching complete games in three of his four starts as Boston fell to the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series in seven games.
Tiant ended his career with stints with the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates and California Angels. His 229 career victories ranks fourth among Latin American-born pitchers behind Bartolo Colón, Dennis Martínez and Juan Marichal.
Manchester United completed a clean sweep of Premier League honours for October as Ruben Amorim claimed the Manager of the Month award and Bryan Mbeumo was named Player of the Month. The Portuguese coach led his side to three straight victories over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton, while Mbeumo’s three goals capped a standout month for the rejuvenated Red Devils.
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Mbeumo named PL's Player of the Month for October
Mbeumo’s blistering form has been rewarded with the Premier League’s Player of the Month award for October after a decisive contribution to Manchester United’s perfect run. Mbeumo finished ahead of nominees including Erling Haaland, Bruno Guimaraes and Matty Cash to claim the award. The Cameroonian forward played a starring role in all three victories, opening the scoring against Liverpool at Anfield, setting up Mason Mount in the 2-0 win over Sunderland, and firing a brace against Brighton at Old Trafford.
Across the month, Mbeumo recorded three goals and one assist, playing a pivotal role in United’s turnaround after a sluggish start to the season. His all-action displays reflected both his maturity and tactical intelligence under Amorim, who has given the 26-year-old the freedom to attack from the right-hand side while drifting into central positions.
Remarkably, this is the first time Mbeumo has won the honour, though he previously collected Manchester United’s internal Player of the Month prize in August. The accolade also marks a historic moment for Cameroon, with Mbeumo becoming only the second player from the nation to win the Premier League award, following Joel Matip’s success in February 2022.
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Amorim voted as the PL's Manager of the Month
While Mbeumo’s exploits grabbed the headlines, Amorim’s tactical brilliance earned him the Premier League’s Manager of the Month award. The 40-year-old guided United to a flawless October, overseeing statement victories that reignited belief at Old Trafford and re-established the club among the top four contenders. Wins over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton reflected not only improved performances but also a new sense of composure and identity under Amorim’s leadership.
The month began with a confident 2-0 win at Sunderland before United produced their finest performance of the campaign in a 2-1 victory away to Liverpool, sealed by a late Harry Maguire header. That result marked United’s first win at Anfield in over eight years and back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time this season. A 4-2 triumph over Brighton capped off a perfect run, as Matheus Cunha scored his first goal for the club and Mbeumo’s brace sealed Amorim’s dominance on the touchline.
Amorim credited his players for the achievement, saying: “The credit is not mine, the credit is for my players. They did really well, and our goal is to win the next one because it means we win football matches.”
The award also places Amorim in rare company as he becomes only the third Red Devils manager since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement to win the Premier League’s monthly prize, following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Erik ten Hag.
Man Utd's stunning return to form in October
Mbeumo’s form has been one of the defining factors of United’s October resurgence. Since joining from Brentford for around £65 million, he has slotted seamlessly into Amorim’s attacking structure, combining with Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko to form a dynamic, unpredictable front line.
Statistically, Mbeumo’s influence is remarkable. In just ten Premier League appearances this season, he has already scored four times and assisted once, while maintaining a pass completion rate of 80 per cent and an average of 2.4 shots per match. More importantly, his big-game temperament — exemplified by his early strike at Anfield — has earned him the trust of Amorim and the admiration of supporters. It’s little surprise he’s become one of the first names on the teamsheet.
For Amorim, October represented the turning point of his tenure. After a difficult start marked by injuries and inconsistency, United’s performances have mirrored his tactical clarity and adaptability. By integrating new signings quickly and building confidence among the squad’s core, he has succeeded in blending youthful energy with experienced leadership. His commitment to a 3-4-3 structure, despite criticism, has brought both balance and unpredictability to United’s attack.
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Man Utd looking to shake of Nottingham draw in November
Despite a disappointing 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, both Amorim and Mbeumo will aim to regain their stellar form as Manchester United enter a pivotal winter stretch. The Red Devils face crucial fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur, followed by clashes with Everton and Crystal Palace after the international break, with the opportunity to solidify their place among the league’s top four.
The signs of progress are undeniable, and Amorim’s tactical acumen and Mbeumo’s star quality have not only restored optimism at Old Trafford but also signalled a cultural shift.
Manchester United have bounced back from their 3-1 defeat away to Brentford last Saturday by beating newly promoted Sunderland 2-0 at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim needed those three points to alleviate the pressure that has been continuing to build over the last week.
The Red Devils took a lead early on, thanks to a sublime effort by Mason Mount. United’s number seven took his chance well, with a great first touch before firing into the back of the net to put his side ahead.
Just after the 30-minute mark, United doubled their advantage. This time, it was Benjamin Sesko who found the back of the net, getting onto the end of a flick on from a long throw. It means he’s now scored two goals in as many games for his new side.
United’s win also saw goalkeeper Senne Lammens, starting his first game since a deadline-day move, pull off several excellent saves. He kept Granit Xhaka out in the first half and made a late save with his feet to keep United’s clean sheet intact.
It was certainly a better day at the office for the Red Devils, with two of the standouts being Mount and Sesko.
Mount and Sesko’s stats vs. Sunderland
Since truly getting over his injury issues, Mount has been a key player under Amoirm. This term, he’s started the majority of games in the Premier League, with his performance against Sunderland showing exactly why United’s manager likes him so much.
His goal was very well-taken, with his perfect first touch controlling Bryan Mbeumo’s pass at knee height, before swivelling and firing past Robin Roefs.
It was an excellent team move for United, which consisted of 18 passes before Mount put the ball in the back of the net.
Sesko’s performance also stood out. His goal was simple, but encouraging for United fans. He occupied the six-yard box well and reacted quickly enough to turn the ball in. The two goals in as many games that he’s now scored will surely do wonders for his confidence.
Well, David McDonnell, chief Manchester United writer for The Manchester Evening News, seemed to think highly of Sesko’s efforts. He gave the Slovenian star a 7/10 for his afternoon’s work, describing his finish as a ‘classic poacher’s goal’.
As well as Mount and Sesko performed against Sunderland, there was someone who was arguably even better.
The standout United player vs. Sunderland
Aside from the two United goalscorers, there was a player who really stood out. Of course, Lammens made some decisive saves on debut, but even he was overshadowed by his Red Devils teammate.
It was a big day for former Sunderland loanee Amad, and he certainly delivered against the club where he truly made a name for himself a couple of seasons ago. Operating at right wing-back, the Ivorian star was a huge threat going forward.
The stats from the game certainly show how dangerous he was. Amad created three chances, more than both Mount and Sesko.
He also completed 100% of his passes and won eight ground duels with a 57% win rate. In contrast, United’s number seven won one out of five and their new striker just five out of 12.
Amad stats vs. Sunderland
Stat
Number
Pass accuracy
100%
Passes completed
38/38
Touches
62
Touches in the opposition box
5
Ground duels won
8/14
Ball recoveries
6
Chances created
3
Stats from Fotmob
Indeed, McDonnell was hugely impressed with Amad’s contribution against the Black Cats. He gave the attacker a 7/10 rating, the same as Sesko, and said he was a ‘constant threat down the right side’ for United against his former club.
It was a fantastic performance from the 23-year-old. He shone at right wing-back last season, and whilst it has been a slow start to this campaign, that performance against his former club will surely do him the world of good.
Now, Amorim will be hoping Amad can build on that performance after the international break, when United face arch-rivals Liverpool.
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Lunch India cruised past 400 on the second morning at Edgbaston, as Shubman Gill registered his new Test high score in a 203-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja for the sixth wicket. Jadeja fell shortly before the interval for 89, gloving a catch behind down the leg side off Josh Tongue, but Gill batted serenely to pass 150 for the first time in Tests.Gill and Jadeja added an unbroken 99 on the first evening, and reached their 100-run stand off the first ball of the day as Gill tucked Ben Stokes through the leg side. Gill played a rare false shot early on, edging Chris Woakes past second slip, but otherwise offered almost nothing while batting at a slightly higher tempo than he had on the opening day.England’s bowlers were frustrated by Jadeja’s habit of taking a step or two down the pitch before deciding whether or not to attempt a run, with Stokes and Woakes both exchanging words with him. Both Jadeja and Stokes were spoken to by the umpires – Sharfuddoula and Chris Gaffaney – and encouraged to avoid the ‘danger area’ on a good length.Jadeja marked his ninth 50-plus score against England with his trade sword celebration, and scored freely on both sides of the wicket. He and Gill exchanged sixes off Shoaib Bashir to take India past 400 – and take their partnership beyond 200 – before Tongue, unused for the first 85 minutes of the day, struck in his third over of the session.Tongue found some extra bounce with an 85mph/137kph short ball, which looped through to Jamie Smith via Jadeja’s glove, and bowled a hostile spell to Washington Sundar, India’s No. 8. But India were well on top by the lunch break, with Gill still unbeaten and batting with a combination of class and composure.
Less than a session’s play possible on day two as Surrey are made to work for wickets
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Jonny Bairstow made a hard-hitting 72•Getty Images
Yorkshire 376 for 5 (Wharton 78, Bairstow 72, Luxton 71, Bean 57, Lyth 47) vs Surrey Jonny Bairstow completed a punchy 72 off 90 balls during less than a session’s play possible on day two between his Yorkshire side and Surrey at Scarborough.Yorkshire are handily placed on 376 for 5 from 110.1 overs in this 10th round Rothesay County Championship fixture which has seen just short of a day wiped out by the weather.The White Rose county started today, at 1pm following a wet outfield, on 282 for five, with Bairstow on 19 and Matthew Revis yet to score.They went on to complete a fifth-wicket partnership of 88, which Bairstow aggressively led before miscuing Indian spinner Sai Kishore to deep mid-on.Despite sunshine for a good portion of the morning, umpires Nigel Llong and Russell Warren were concerned about the condition of some problem areas, including both bowlers’ run-ups, following some heavy rain late on day one and into the evening.Rain then arrived to prevent any play beyond 2.35pm. The umpires called things off at 4.40pm.Yorkshire started well. Bairstow twice drove Dan Worrall through the covers for four as the score ticked beyond 300.Shortly after, he swept left-armer Kishore for six en-route to a 68-ball fifty, his sixth of the Championship season and third against Surrey after two in the defeat at the Kia Oval in mid-May.By that stage, Yorkshire had moved to 334 for four in the 100th over.For large parts of this season, 35-year-old Bairstow has been reserved at the crease in Championship cricket.During the early stages of day two, however, he was noticeably aggressive.And while he had success, it also contributed to his downfall as he miscued an attempted loft over the top against Indian left-arm spinner Sai Kishore and holed out to deep mid-on, leaving the score at 364 for five.Revis had reached 34 and Will Sutherland six by the time the rain swept across this North Marine Road ground, and no further play was possible.Bairstow, whose late father David’s ashes are scattered here at North Marine Road, is awaiting the birth of his second child. He may have to leave this game at any point over the next three days should his partner go into labour.
Newcastle United struck victory late on against Fulham to escape from the lower levels of the Premier League and build on the Champions League victory over Benfica, which reminded fans of their attacking quality.
Though injury-hit Fulham proved pests at St. James’ Park on Saturday, nearly escaping with the spoils shared before Bruno Guimaraes’ late goal, slotted smoothly into the net after fine work from substitute William Osula, Benfica were outclassed, and Eddie Howe is beginning to get a tune out of his side.
The Magpies are all about evolution, and the rise of Sandro Tonali and Lewis Miley’s newfound confidence have seen the midfield refashioned, a glimpse of things to come shown over these past few weeks.
But evolution may come at some players’ expense, and Joelinton’s place in the Tyneside engine room is not quite so nailed-on as it once was.
Joelinton's Newcastle future
Joelinton’s is one of the most rousing success stories in the Premier League. Written off after his first couple of seasons in Newcastle as the club’s record signing, the wasteful striker has been repurposed as a physical beast of a midfielder, combining strength and smartness to bulldoze through to the final third.
But the 29-year-old has lacked clarity this season, and Miley’s form at number six and Jacob Murphy’s hints of promise in a dynamic midfield berth suggest the Brazil international may not be quite as indispensable as he once was.
Indeed, United blogger Thomas Hammond has even gone as far as to suggest that Joelinton might have reached “the start of the end”, still as crafty and physical as ever, but undoubtedly the weakest link in a midfield also comprised of Guimaraes and Tonali.
Joelinton has played 11 matches in all competitions this season, and he has only scored twice, both strikes coming against Bradford City in the Carabao Cup.
This is a natural part of any footballer’s career. Joelinton has plied his trade for the club for five years, and he has been an instrumental part of the rise.
But he’s not the only one who might be on borrowed time. In fact, there’s a mainstay who’s been on Tyneside for even longer, and he too is in danger of being replaced.
The Newcastle "legend" on borrowed time
Newcastle have signed some corkers over the past four years, but Howe’s brilliance can be found in the rebirth of several existing stars.
Joelinton is one, while Jacob Murphy is a marvel in polishing his skillset and becoming a purposeful player in a European squad. But Fabian Schar’s rise is just as impressive.
Once hailed as a “walking mistake” by journalist John Gibson, the 33-year-old arrived on a three-year deal from Deportivo La Coruna in 2018 for a nominal fee and ebbed and flowed through those first years on Tyneside.
But he kept working and won Howe over when the English tactician was appointed, not only with 237 total appearances in black and white to his name, but with 21 goals and ten assists and only Guimaraes above him on the outing tally since Howe’s arrival.
Howe’s Most-used Players at Newcastle
Rank
Player
Apps
1
Bruno Guimaraes
164
2
Fabian Schar
160
3
Dan Burn
159
4
Jacob Murphy
145
5
Joelinton
139
Data via Transfermarkt
But for all this experience, Newcastle’s newbies are starting to shine. Take Malick Thiaw, who arrived from AC Milan in a £34m deal this summer and has won Tyneside over with strong and dynamic defensive performances. The 24-year-old exudes composure and style on the ball.
A continuation of these five-star displays may make Schar’s berth in the team somewhat redundant. The Swiss international, after all, had sat through three of his past four available fixtures on the bench before being used as a second-half substitute during the weekend win over Fulham.
For Schar and Dan Burn to have forged such a steely alliance at the back is quite the thing. Below you see the partnership listed among the division’s greatest, and that duo have worked wonders in spite of injuries to the likes of Sven Botman.
As things stand, Schar, hailed as a “true legend of the club” by one Newcastle content creator, is among the list of ageing Newcastle players who face the end of their Toon careers come the close of the campaign.
Howe has rooted his project in the experience and intelligence of his mature squad, but with the likes of Guimaraes and Tonali and Botman all younger but cultured members of the squad, it may be that veterans such as Schar could depart having given so much to the city, and leaving at the right time at that.
Premier League 25/26 – Oldest Average XIs
Club
Players Used
Av. Age
Everton
19
28.0
Aston Villa
23
27.9
Newcastle
21
27.5
Fulham
22
27.5
Burnley
22
27.0
Data via Transfermarkt
Whether the defender pens another extension on his current deal remains to be seen, but there’s no question that his significance in Howe’s squad is diminishing after many years of tireless service.
He is less than two months away from his 34th birthday, and while there’s a sense he could still play a part in Newcastle’s journey, Schar may grow warm to the prospect of trying his hand somewhere new before the autumn years of his career.
like Joelinton, Schar might be on borrowed time, with signs that he is falling from a once-untouchable position in Howe’s line-up. But, as with Joelinton, the Switzerland native has worked so hard over the past several years, and if he is approaching the final stretch, he would leave with his head held high and with silverware in tow.
Newcastle's “outstanding” talent can help Woltemade reach Shearer levels
Eddie Howe has an outstanding star at his disposal at Newcastle United who can help Nick Woltemade reach Alan Shearer levels.
Tricampeão da América, o Corinthians inicia a trajetória em mais uma Libertadores Feminina nesta sexta-feira (6), em Bogotá, diante do Colo-Colo. Artilheira das Brabas em 2023 com 17 gols, a atacante Vic Albuquerque ressaltou a força do grupo que conquistou o título brasileiro em setembro e mostrou confiança para o primeiro confronto.
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– A nossa preparação foi muito bem feita, nos mínimos detalhes, desde a conquista do título brasileiro. Sabemos da qualidade das equipes que vamos enfrentar, mas tenho certeza que estamos preparadas para fazer uma boa estreia nesta sexta e iniciar nossa caminhada na Libertadores com o pé direito – disse Vic.
Maior artilheira da equipe feminina do Corinthians com 84 gols, Vic Albuquerque é também a atleta também já provou que conhece o caminho do gol na Libertadores, já que é a atleta que mais vezes balançou a rede com a camisa do Timão em jogos de Libertadores: 15.
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– A Libertadores é uma competição especial, era um sonho de todas nós e ter esses números, poder representar o Corinthians mais uma vez me traz um orgulho muito grande. Mas quando a bola rolar, os números não contam e precisamos seguir fazendo um bom trabalho para conquistar os nossos objetivos neste ano – analisou a camisa 17.
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O Corinthians integra o Grupo C da Libertadores Feminina, ao lado de Always Ready-BOL, Sportivo Limpeño-PAR e Colo-Colo-CHI, adversário na estreia nesta sexta (06), às 19h30 (de Brasília). A Conmebol vai pagar uma premiação recorde para quem vencer o torneio: 1,5 milhão de dólares (R$ 7,8 milhões). O valor representa um aumento significativo em relação à edição anterior, em que o campeão recebeu 85 mil dólares (R$ 445 mil).
Newcastle United will host Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, looking to secure their first Premier League win since the 13th of September, when they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Eddie Howe’s side are coming into the game off the back of a win in the Champions League. They overcame Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise, winning 4-0 thanks to two penalties from Anthony Gordon, a first-half strike from Nick Woltemade and a late goal from Harvey Barnes.
As for their opponents, Forest are yet to win under Ange Postecoglou. They’ve lost four of the six games their new manager has taken charge of, conceding 13 goals. One man who will be hoping to add to that tally on Sunday is Woltemade.
Woltemade’s start to his Newcastle career
It wasn’t necessarily going to be easy for Germany international Woltemade to hit the ground running in a Newcastle shirt. He joined for a club-record £69m, and was essentially replacing Alexander Isak, who would later join Liverpool.
Yet, the 23-year-old has taken to life at St James’ Park like a duck to water. The former Stuttgart striker has only played six games and 338 minutes for the club, but has found the back of the net three times already.
One man who has been impressed with Woltemade’s short Newcastle career so far is club legend Alan Shearer. Talking on The Rest Is Football Podcast, the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer said “I like what I see” from the German’s performances to date.
Woltemade made the perfect impression on his debut for the club. His first goal came in that aforementioned 1-0 win over Wolves at home last month.
He used his six-foot-seven frame to his advantage, rising highest to meet a well-delivered cross into the box.
Interestingly, the man who delivered that ball into the middle could return to the starting line-up on Sunday to help form an unstoppable partnership against Forest.
Howe’s secret weapon vs. Forest
Magpies boss Howe is certainly not short of options in attack this week against Postecoglou’s side. The Englishman could call upon Gordon and Anthony Elanga once again, who started in the Champions League. Alternatively, Barnes could get the nod from the start.
Another name in contention for a starting berth against Forest has to be Jacob Murphy. It was the 30-year-old who delivered that cross for Woltemade against Wolves to get his first Premier League assist of the season.
He’s coming off the back of a fantastic campaign in 2024/25, in which Jamie Carragher described him as a “revelation” out wide.
In 35 top-flight appearances last season, the London-born attacker scored eight goals and assisted 12.
Not only was he extremely proficient last season, but the former Norwich City star put up some excellent underlying numbers.
For example, he created an average of 1.6 chances and completed 0.9 crosses on average per 90 minutes.
Goals and assists
0.9
20
Chances created
1.6
42
Crosses completed
0.9
22
Forward passes
8.8
232
Take-ons completed
1.4
35
He also struck up an excellent partnership with Liverpool’s new number nine, Isak. According to Transfermarkt, the pair combined for 13 goals in the last two seasons across all competitions, a relationship which proved to be extremely effective for the Magpies.
Already, we’re seeing a similar dynamic play out between Murphy and his new teammate, Woltemade. The winger’s pinpoint cross onto the German striker’s head is a positive start, with the Newcastle record signing showing excellent centre-forward play in the penalty box.
This is a partnership that could hurt Forest on Sunday afternoon. Under Postecoglou, those donning Garibaldi Red have shown vulnerability at the back.
If Howe chooses to unleash Murphy alongside Woltemade, they could look to capitalise on that defensive frailty in a similar way to the goal against Wolves, and the relationship between Isak and Murphy.
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There are certainly positive signs in that sense for Newcastle, and if the winger can get Woltemade playing like Isak, starting from Sunday, that will be a huge benefit.
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ولم يسجل ريال مدريد أي هدف في آخر مباراة، ولأول مرة منذ 25 مايو 2024 أمام ريال بيتيس، يخرج الميرينجي متعادلًا سلبيًا. رجل مباراة ريال مدريد ورايو فاليكانو في الدوري الإسباني
حصل أندري راتيو لاعب رايو فاليكانو على جائزة رجل المباراة، حيث انتشر في كل مكان وتصدى لهجمات البرازيلي فينيسيوس جونيور.
Jediah Blades briefly threatened to be the hero with an outstanding spell of 3 for 29 but West Indies’ fielding once again let them down
Alex Malcolm26-Jul-2025Another composed unbeaten half-century from Cameron Green and some stunning hitting and catching from Glenn Maxwell helped Australia post a fourth straight win over a deflated West Indies in Basseterre.Green made an unbeaten 55 from 35 to steer Australia home to a target of 206 with three wickets and four balls to spare following a middle-order collapse. The chase had earlier been set up by 51 off 30 from Josh Inglis while Player-of-the-Match Maxwell smashed 47 off 18 at the top of the order. Second-gamer Jediah Blades briefly threatened to be the hero with an outstanding spell of 3 for 29 but West Indies’ fielding once again let them down.Related
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'He's playing beautifully' – Is Green Australia's new T20 middle-order fulcrum?
More than a finisher: David soars to new heights
Australia, by contrast, were flawless in the field with Maxwell taking two catches and combining with Green to complete a stunning catch on the rope to back up an excellent bowling performance. With Ben Dwarshuis and Tim David rested, Aaron Hardie and Xavier Bartlett grabbed their chance, taking 2 for 24 and 2 for 39 respectively, including three powerplay wickets to restrict West Indies. Nathan Ellis was sensational again bowling four overs for 21 runs while Adam Zampa and Sean Abbott also took five wickets between them.West Indies became the first team in T20I history to score 200 without anyone scoring more than 34, with Sherfane Rutherford top-scoring with 31.Bartlett and Hardie take powerplay wicketsAs well as Australia have bowled in this series, they had only taken one powerplay wicket in the first three games. The selection of Bartlett and Hardie changed that. Both men had success with hard lengths rather than swing up front. Bartlett cramped both Brandon King and Shai Hope on consecutive deliveries in different overs while Hardie benefitted from Maxwell’s superb catching at mid-on. Having caught Hope diving forward on the circle, he casually stretched up with the one hand to pluck a Roston Chase drive off Hardie.Jediah Blades struck crucial blows•Randy Brooks/AFP via Getty ImagesWest Indies kept hitting despite the regular loss of wickets. Rutherford, Rovman Powell and Shimron Hetmyer clubbed six sixes and seven fours between them. But none of them passed 31 as they all holed out with miscues. Mitchell Owen continued Australia’s fine catching with a brilliant diving effort running in from deep backward point to remove Hetmyer. When Powell holed out to hand Hardie his second, West Indies were 119 for 6 after 11.1.Mind-blowing Maxwell changes the gameShepherd and Jason Holder were unperturbed by the scoreboard. Shepherd’s hitting showed he could well be used as a full-fledged allrounder in this West Indies line-up. He mixed power and touch to maul Abbott. He lifted West Indies beyond 150 before the end of the 15th over but his dismissal summed up the difference between the two sides.Maxwell not only robbed Shepherd of a certain six but he ended his innings with the same stunning act. Shepherd clubbed Zampa flat to long-on and it looked to have easily cleared Maxwell. But he defied gravity and logic to jump as high as he could at full stretch to catch it with two hands and land on his left leg, which is still full of hardware from his fracture in 2022, before flicking it back to the waiting Green while momentum carried him over the rope. Maxwell’s two catches on the scorecard will be an unjust historical record of his contribution to the match.Australia’s death bowling was superb again, conceding just 41 from the final five overs which took an additional 55 minutes to complete due to a long rain delay between Ellis’ second ball of the final over and his third.Inglis and Maxwell cause déjà vuThere was a brief moment when West Indies’ fortunes defending a total might have taken a different turn. Blades found swing first up and pinned Mitchell Marsh lbw second ball. Marsh’s decision not to review it despite ball-tracking showing it pitched outside leg might have been the luck West Indies needed.Early swing for Blades and Holder saw a circumspect Australia score just 12 off the first two overs. But as soon as the swing disappeared, déjà vu set in. Inglis smashed seven boundaries in the next 11 balls. He added a four and a six off Matthew Forde’s first over of the series to raise a 50-run stand with Maxwell who contributed one run. Inglis reached his 50 off 28 balls and ended up facing 29 balls in the powerplay before holing out to deep square off a full toss outside leg.The lack of strike did not concern Maxwell nor did the field spreading outside the powerplay. He launched six sixes in typical Maxwell style, including three in three balls, to put Australia miles ahead of the required rate and briefly threatened to match Tim David’s record for the fastest T20I fifty by an Australian less than 24 hours after it was set as Australia cruised to 129 for 2 after 10.It’s the hope that kills youA Maxwell miscue off Akeal Hosein sparked a collapse and gave West Indies a chance at victory. Blades loomed as the unlikely hero. He made Owen miscue to deep cover point and Cooper Connolly to mis-hit one to mid-off in the space of three balls. He then had Hardie dropped twice in two balls, with Shai Hope spilling a catch down the leg side before Blades failed to grasp a return offering himself.But Green held his nerve to post his third half-century of the series. Every time West Indies bowlers threatened to close out a boundary-free over, he cleared the rope to ease the pressure. He reached his 50 off 30 balls with the required rate well under a run-a-ball despite Australia being six down. He offered a chance late with 11 to win, but Rutherford dropped a catch at deep midwicket to continue West Indies’ nightmare series.