Senegal vs Egypt is the next FIFA World Cup qualifier match for the AFCON side of qualifications. Two months after locking horns in the Africa Cup of Nations final, Egypt and Senegal face off once again as they square off in the first of their two-legged World Cup playoffs clash at the Cairo International Stadium on Friday.

Senegal vs Egypt: Match Preview:

These two are currently the best teams in Africa, and it's kind of a misfortune that they are pitted against each other for a single ticket to the Qatar World Cup. Its either going to be Mohammad Salah or Sadio Mane traveling to Qatar end of this year.

This is also the rematch of the latest African Cup of Nations, which saw the Senegalese lift the trophy after a nail-biting final against the Egyptians. And that too after a penalty shootout.

Going on, Senegal had remained unbeaten throughout their qualification campaign, and had also scored the most number of goals in their group. Note that they had also conceded the least in Group H.

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Meanwhile, the Egyptians too had a similar campaign in the Qualifiers. They had an unbeaten run all through it, and had scored the most number of goals in the group, as well as had conceded the least.

It goes without saying than an intense rivalry has brewed up between these two squads, and definitely a fierce encounter is on the cards.

By the looks of things, anticipate a closely-fought match-up this Friday. Both teams will be extremely careful not to concede, and probability is very high that we are about to witness a goalless first half.

Team News:

Egypt:

One big advantage that Egypt has in this contest is that they have an experienced 22-man roster. They have five foreign-based players that include Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet and Omar Marmoush. Mohamed Salah is the Premier League's top score, recording 20 goals. He has 47 goals for the national team in his career. The midfield for Egypt will be anchored by Mostafa Mohamed and Mohamed Elneny. Both are having great success playing in the Turkish League.

Egypt will be without Ahmed Hegazzi and Akram Tawfik. Neither played in the African Cup of Nations. Ramadan Sobhi and Mohamed Hany will also be out, as they are listed as day-to-day.

Senegal:

Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly headline the African champions' squad. Goalkeepers Seny Dieng and Alfred Gomis will miss out due to inuries.

Senegal vs Egypt: Head to Head:

The two sides have clashed on 13 occasions in the past and Egypt have a narrow advantage with six wins to their name. Senegal were victorious in five matches, while two fixtures in the past ended in a share of the spoils.

Their most recent meeting came in the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations when both sides could not be separated in a goalless draw after two hours of action. Sadio Mane scored the winning penalty, having initially missed from 12 yards in regular time.

Recent performances in all competitions:

Egypt:

2-0 win over Liberia

1-0 win over Libya

3-0 win over Libya

2-2 draw against Angola

2-1 win over Gabon

Senegal:

3-1 win over Congo

4-1 win over Namibia

4-1 win over Namibia

1-1 draw against Togo

2-0 win over Congo

Senegal vs Egypt: Predicted Line-ups:

Egypt Predicted XI (4-3-3): Mohamed El-Shennawy (GK); Mahmoud Hamdy El-Wensh, Mohamed Abdelmomen, Ayman Ashraf, Ahmed Fatouh; Hamdi Fathi, Amr El-Sulya, Mohamed Elneny; Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet.

Senegal Predicted XI (4-3-3): Edouard Mendy (GK); Bouna Sarr, Kalidou Koulibaly, Abdou Diallo, Saliou Ciss; Pape Gueye, Nampalys Mendy, Idrissa Gana Gueye; Sadio Mane, Keita Balde, Ismaila Sarr.

SEN vs EGY: Dream11 Predictions:

El Clasico refers to a match between two of Spain's biggest teams, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The rivalry goes beyond the football field as Madrid, the capital of Spain and Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia's autonomous community, have shared their fair share of political tension over the years. 

Initially, the term was only used for the matches in the domestic Spanish championship, La Liga. Over the years, however, it's been globally recognised for every single meeting, such as in the UEFA Champions League or even domestic cup competitions like the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España.

With both teams boasting big budgets and reputations that appeal to world-class performers across the planet, their respective ranks have been loaded with match-winners over the years.

Read Also | Top 10 La Masia Graduates who ruled football

El Clasico: H-2-H breakdown of all statistics!

Here we have for you a breakdown of the games the two giants have played!

Most Appearances in El-Clasico

Former Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets has played 48 El-Clasico games, the most in the rivalry's history. Lionel Messi and Sergio Raoms follow him in the list with 45 El-Clasico games.

Most goals in El-Clasico

Former FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has scored the most goals in El-Clasico. Since making his first Clasico appearance in 2005, the Argentine legend has played a joint-record 45 matches against Madrid, scoring 26 goals. This includes two hat-tricks in 2007 and 2014.

Former Real Madrid forwards Alfredo Di Stefano and Cristiano Ronaldo share the second spot with 18 goals each.

With another century in the tri-nation series final against Sri Lanka, Smriti Mandhana now has extended her lead in the list of Indian players with the most centuries in Women's ODIs. The left-handed opener scored a staggering 116 from 101 balls to help India score 342 in the first inning in Colombo.

Here is a list of seven women batters with the most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.

Also Read: Most T20I runs for Indian Women's team: Smriti Mandhana at top

Most centuries by Indian cricketers (WODI)

7. Jaya Sharma | 2 Centuries

Former Indian batter Jaya Sharma was only the second female Indian cricketer to have scored a century in ODI cricket. She smashed two centuries in WODI cricket in her career.

While her first century had come against Pakistan during Women's Asia Cup 2005 in Karachi, she scored another one in a winning effort against Australia in 2007 in Chennai making her the first Indian women to score an ODI century at home.

The left-handed batter could've achieved the milestone a few years before had she converted a couple of nervous 90s into hundreds.

6. Jemimah Rodrigues | 2 Centuries

Jemimah Rodrigues etched her name in the record books with a blistering century as India Women posted 337/9 in 50 overs against South Africa Women in the fifth match of the Women’s Tri-Series 2025 at Colombo.

Rodrigues delivered a sensational knock of 123 runs off just 101 balls, anchoring the middle overs and setting the tone for a massive total. Her innings featured 15 fours and one six, scored at a strike rate of 121.78.

With this century, Jemimah has now joined the elite list of most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs. This is also Rodrigues' highest score in Women's ODIs after her 102 against Ireland Women earlier this year.

5. Thirush Kamini | 2 Centuries

Former Indian and Tamil Nadu opener Thirush Kamini played for India at a time when women's cricket wasn't really picking up in the country. Regardless, she did well in her limited opportunities and notched a ton twice in her ODI career that spanned 39 matches and scored 825 runs at an average of 25.78.

Kamini's maiden ODI hundred came in India's win over the West Indies in the 2013 ODI World Cup. She stroked a 146-ball 100 to power India to a total of 284/6 in the first innings. India won that match comfortably and Thirush Kamini was rightfully awarded the POTM award.

4. Punam Raut | 3 Centuries

The diminutive Indian batter Punam Raut was one of the pillars in Indian batting along with Harmanpreet, Smriti, Mithali and Veda Krishnmurthy. Punam has recorded three centuries in women's ODI cricket.

Punam smashed one WODI century at a home venue and two WODI centuries at neutral venues. Her highest score in this format is 109 not out against Ireland Women at Potchefstroom during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017.

3. Harmanpreet Kaur | 6 Centuries

Indian Women's Cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur is one of the finest batters in Indian women’s cricket history. The right-handed batter has scored six WODI centuries in her career. 

Apart from three home WODI centuries, Harmanpreet also recorded two WODI hundreds at neutral venues and one more at an away venue. Her highest WODI score is 171 not out against Australia Women during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 semi-final.

2. Mithali Raj | 7 Centuries

Former Indian cricketer and captain Mithali Raj (7805 runs) is still the only player to score 6000 and 7000 WODI runs. The leading WODI run-scorer was the previous record holder for most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.

She recorded seven WODI hundreds in her career.

While Mithali scored three WODI centuries at home, the right-handed batter recorded three WODI centuries at neutral venues and one at an away venue. Her highest WODI knock was 125 not out against Sri Lanka Women at Katunayake in 2018.

Also Read: Top 10 fastest centuries in Women's T20Is

1. Smriti Mandhana | 11 Centuries

Indian opening batter Smriti Mandhana is one of the best batters in the modern generation. The left-hander holds the record for most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs.

She achieved the record solely in January 2025 after scoring a 70-ball century against Ireland in the final ODI of a three-match series in Rajkot. It was her tenth WODI hundred. 

Mandhana has scored four WODI centuries at home, five WODI centuries in away venues, and two WODI hundreds at neutral venues. By scoring three out of four WODI home centuries in 2024, she also became the first Indian player to record three WODI hundreds in a calendar year.

Her record WODI score is 136 against South Africa Women in the 2024 Bengaluru WODI. 

In a dramatic turn of events, overseas players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) faced harrowing experiences due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to the indefinite postponement of the tournament.

The crisis, sparked by India’s strategic response to a terror attack in Palalgam on May 7, 2025, which claimed 26 civilian lives, left players like New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell vowing never to return to Pakistan and England’s Tom Curran in tears after a close call at the airport.

Read Also | In a first, 10 UAE batters retire out in ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025

PSL Halted Amid Regional Tensions

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially planned to relocate the remaining PSL matches to the UAE after tensions escalated. However, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) rejected the proposal, leaving the PCB with no choice but to cancel the tournament.

The announcement came shortly after the BCCI postponed the IPL for a week due to the same geopolitical concerns.

Overseas players were swiftly evacuated to Dubai via charter flights, from where they caught connecting flights to their home countries. Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, part of the Lahore Qalandars squad, recounted the terrifying ordeal, revealing that the airport they departed from was struck by a missile just 20 minutes after their plane took off.

“After landing in Dubai, we heard that a missile struck the airport 20 minutes after we left. The news was scary and sorrowful, but we felt relieved to be safe in Dubai,” Rishad told Cricbuzz.

Read Also | Foreign players asked to return to their country as IPL 2025 postponed for a week due to India-Pakistan tension

Daryl Mitchell’s Vow and Tom Curran’s Distress

Rishad shared the palpable fear among foreign players, including Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, and Tom Curran.

“Landing in Dubai, Mitchell told me he would never go to Pakistan again, especially in this kind of scenario. They were all horrified,” Rishad said.

Recounting Tom Curran’s emotional breakdown, Rishad added, “Tom went to the airport, but heard it was closed. He started crying like a little child, and it took two or three people to console him.”

Read Also | India-Pakistan War: How Indian athletes reacted to it

Family Worries and Player Anxieties

Rishad also spoke about the anxiety his family felt during the crisis. “Whenever I play, my family worries about the situation. When they heard about the bomb blasts and missile strikes in Pakistan, they were naturally tense. I tried to console them and assure them I was safe,” he said.

PCB’s Failed Attempt to Salvage the Tournament

According to Rishad, the PCB chairman attempted to convince players to continue the tournament in Karachi, downplaying the severity of the situation.

“The chairman tried to hide that there were two drone attacks the day before, which we later learned about. Almost all foreign players agreed that Dubai was the only safe option,” Rishad revealed.

The PCB eventually facilitated the players’ safe evacuation to Dubai, a move Rishad credited to the board’s efforts. “Thanks to the PCB chairman and the Pakistan Cricket Board, we reached Dubai safely by the grace of Almighty Allah,” he said.

In a display of strategic brilliance, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) women's cricket team executed a rare tactical move to secure a resounding 163-run victory against Qatar in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025.

The match, played under looming rain clouds, saw UAE retire their entire batting line-up after amassing 192 runs in just 16 overs, a decision that paved the way for a dominant performance with the ball.

They were 192/0 after 16 overs, but after forecasting the rain, Ahmed Raza, the head coach of the UAE Women's Cricket team, sent the whole batting lineup one after another to make them retire out.

Read Also | Most T20I runs for Indian Women's team: Smriti Mandhana at top

Explosive Batting Sets the Stage

Batting first, UAE showcased firepower at the top, led by captain Esha Oza's scintillating 113 off 55 balls, which included 19 boundaries and five towering sixes.

She was ably supported by Theertha Satish, who scored 74 off 42 balls with 11 fours.

The opening pair's aggressive batting took UAE to a formidable total, setting the stage for an audacious tactical gambit.

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A Bold Decision Under Overcast Skies

With rain threatening to disrupt proceedings, UAE's management and coach, Ahmed Raza, made a bold call at the 16-over mark.

Confident in their substantial score, they opted to retire out their entire batting line-up—a move akin to declaring in a first-class match but unprecedented in the T20I format. For your information, declaring the inning in T20Is is not allowed.

This allowed the UAE to immediately shift focus to their bowling attack, saving crucial time in a weather-affected contest.

Qatar Crumbled Under UAE's Bowling Might

The decision paid dividends as UAE's bowlers ran riot, skittling Qatar for a mere 29 runs in under 12 overs.

The clinical bowling performance sealed a mammoth win, significantly boosting UAE's net run rate and strengthening their position in the tournament.

Read Also | Most centuries by Indian cricketers in WODIs: Jemimah scores her second WODI ton

A Step Closer to the Super Three

This victory marks UAE's second consecutive win in the Asia Qualifier, positioning them favorably to advance to the Super Three stage. The top three teams from the group stage will progress to this phase, with the top two earning a coveted spot in the Global Qualifier in early 2026.

Due to the increasing conflict between India and Pakistan, BCCI has postponed the IPL 2025 for a week. BCCI gave this information on Friday. The board said that it has taken this decision keeping in mind the concerns of the players and the sentiments of the fans. The new schedule of IPL will be released depending on the situation.

At the same time, according to media reports, all foreign players have been asked to return to their country. Meanwhile, Cricket Australia and South Africa Cricket Board have expressed concern over their players. There are still 12 league matches and 4 playoff matches left in IPL 2025. The final of the tournament was to be held on 25 May.

Also Read: India-Pakistan War: How Indian athletes reacted to it

It is believed that India's tour of Bangladesh in August will be cancelled. The Asia Cup to be held in September will also be postponed. The remaining matches of IPL can be held in India in their place.

It is difficult for BCCI to bring back foreign players

The biggest challenge for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in resuming the IPL in May is to bring back foreign players. As soon as the IPL was announced to be postponed for a week, most of the foreign players returned to their respective countries. The remaining players will leave India by Saturday.

It will be interesting to see how BCCI brings back the foreign players and restarts the tournament. Because without them, it will be difficult to organize matches.

Players will start playing for the country

If the IPL resumes at the end of May, most of the foreign players will be able to return. The teams believe so. If these matches are played after May 25, it will be difficult for the players to return. The biggest reason for this is that many players will be playing for their national team then.

The final of the World Test Championship (WTC) is also scheduled to be held between the Australia and the South Africa at Lord's from June 11.

Starting the tournament is not easy

BCCI has kept all three grounds ready. Despite this, officials believe that it will not be easy to restart this competition now. All the teams were informed about this on Friday without any formal announcement. People from many teams are saying that all the remaining matches can be held at the end of the year.

Punjab-Delhi match had to be canceled midway

On the night of 8 May at around 8.30 pm, Pakistan attacked the borders of Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan of India with missiles and drones. During this time, a match was being played between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. It had to be stopped midway.

Gujarat on top, 3 teams out of the playoffs race

By the time IPL 2025 was halted midway, 57 matches of the league stage had been completed. The 58th match was halted midway. After 57 matches, Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore had the highest points in the points table with 16-16 points.

GT remained on top due to better run rate. Punjab was third, Mumbai fourth and Delhi fifth. Whereas Chennai, Rajasthan and Hyderabad teams were out of the playoff race.

Also Read: Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Is Rohit the greatest test opener since Virender Sehwag?

Gujarat-Bengaluru have 3-3 matches left

When the tournament was stopped, 4 teams had 2-2 matches left. Whereas 6 teams including Gujarat and Bangalore had not played 3-3 matches. A match was to be played between Lucknow and Bangalore in Lucknow on Friday, but the tournament was stopped before that.