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Zimbabwe need their experienced hands to show the way, while Pakistan might be tempted to experiment with their XI

Danyal Rasool09-Nov-2020

Mohammad Hasnain celebrates after dismissing Zimbabwe captain Chamu Chibhabha•AFP via Getty Images

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After all the promise of a competitive ODI series, the T20Is have been something of a damp squib. Pakistan brought their top form to both weekend games, and illustrated the chasm that evidently exists between a Pakistani side that’s rapidly improving and a Zimbabwean unit that needs improvement desperately. teams As you might expect, if these two teams simply go through the motions, Pakistan will nearly always emerge on top and do so with relative comfort.If anything, the hosts may be slightly disappointed they weren’t challenged further to be able to assess how well some of the youngsters afforded opportunities this series would fare in that scenario. Haider Ali and Usman Qadir have both excelled, but they could have been undergoing net sessions for all the intensity of the contest. Haris Rauf’s pace has been enough to get him a cluster of wickets, but he may have to demonstrate more nuanced skills against more competitive opponents. And while Babar Azam has scored two sumptuous half-centuries, you wouldn’t expect any less of him against the quality of bowling he has faced; if anything, his frustration must centre on a failure to remain at the crease to knock off the winning runs. Pakistan have just turned up and not more, and so far, it’s been more than enough.Much of that is down to Zimbabwe. The visitors haven’t come close to a level of performance they will believe they are capable of. In two of the three ODIs, Zimbabwe pushed themselves to the limit. But in the T20Is, even the in-form batsmen have floundered, while with the ball and in the field, Chamu Chibhabha’s side has been – at best – lacklustre.You could level more scathing criticism at Chibhabha himself, who arguably shouldn’t be anywhere near this side based on his numbers over the past several years. When a frontline batsman who averages 13.24 over the past four years leads the side out on a challenging tour, it is of little surprise if he returns just 34 runs in five innings. It’s a level of performance that’s unacceptable for any international side whatever the ranking, and when the middle order doesn’t bail Zimbabwe out – as on Sunday – they fall apart alarmingly quickly.Form guide

Pakistan WWWLW
Zimbabwe LLLLW
Wesley Madhevere looked good while he was out there•AFP via Getty Images

In the spotlightThese are uncertain times for Fakhar Zaman, for whom being the leading run-scorer in the recent National T20 Cup doesn’t seem to have brought international T20 runs. In the format he should be most useful at, at home and against a mediocre attack, Zaman’s lack of confidence has been laid bare by the manner of his dismissal on Sunday. A low-percentage, ill-timed drive straight to mid-on sent him back for 5, the 16th consecutive T20I innings in which he has failed to reach 40. In that time, he has crossed 25 only once, and for all his domestic form, Zaman wouldn’t be able to complain if the Pakistan selectors – who have shown uncharacteristic patience with him – get twitchy fingers after another failure on Tuesday.Despite being the highest run-getter for Zimbabwe in the ODI series, Brendan Taylor’s twin failures in the T20Is may signal a deeper malaise. He, too, has crossed 40 in T20I cricket just once in the past 16 innings, though he has continued to produce cameos fairly regularly. But against Pakistan, he will need to take more leadership at the top of the innings, especially with Chibhabha out of form. If anything, it may relieve some pressure off the young shoulders of Wesley Madhevere, and give his bowlers something to defend if Zimbabwe are to bat first again.Team newsPakistan maybe open to some experimentation in the bowling. Mohammad Musa will be itching to get a game, while even Rohail Nazir could get a call-up with the series sealed.Pakistan (possible): 1 Fakhar Zaman, 2 Babar Azam (capt), 3 Haider Ali, 4 Mohammad Hafeez/Abdullah Shafique, 5 Mohammad Rizwan/Rohail Nazir (wk), 6 Khushdil Shah, 7 Imad Wasim/Faheem Ashraf, 8 Haris Rauf, 9 Wahab Riaz, 10 Mohammad Musa, 11 Mohammad HasnainZimbawe have been somewhat cautious, never quite ringing the changes this series. It would be a surprise to see that change, though with the series gone, they can afford to experiment.Zimbawe (possible): 1 Chamu Chibhabha (capt), 2 Brendan Taylor (wk), 3 Sean Williams, 4 Wesley Madhevere, 5 Craig Ervine, 6 Sikandar Raza, 7 Elton Chigumbura, 8 Tendai Chisoro, 9 Carl Mumba, 10 Richard Ngarava, 11 Blessing MuzarabaniPitch and conditions
The pitches prepared for this series have been dry and flat, and expect that to remain unchanged tomorrow. Rain should not be a factor.Stats and trivia
Sikandar Raza has batted 34 times in T20Is without being dismissed for a duck. The only active internationals with longer streaks are Kusal Perera (46), Faf du Plessis (47) and David Miller (68) Azam has scored six half-centuries in his last nine T20I innings Taylor needs 99 runs to become just the second Zimbabwe batsman after Hamilton Masakadza to tally 1000 runs in T20I cricket

كشف ظهير أيمن الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ريال مدريد، داني كارفاخال، عن خطوته المقبلة حال الرحيل عن صفوف الملكي.

وينتهي عقد كارفاخال في 30 يونيو 2026، بعدما تم تمديد عقده لموسم آخر عقب إصابته بقطع في الرباط الصليبي مع بداية الموسم وغيابه حتى نهايته.

ويبحث ريال مدريد في الوقت الحالي عن صفقة في مركز الظهير الأيمن للمستقبل وعينه على لاعب ليفربول ومنتخب إنجلترا، ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، الذي ينتهي عقده بنهاية الموسم.

اقرأ أيضًا | رونالدو: فينيسيوس كان الأحق بالكرة الذهبية.. وجلوب سوكر صادقة

وتحدث كارفاخال عن وجهته المقبلة حال الرحيل عن ريال مدريد في تصريحات لمجلة “Esquire” الأمريكية، وقال: “إذا تركت هذا النادي يومًا ما، فلن ألعب في أوروبا”.

وأضاف: “لن أريد مواجهة أو منافسة ريال مدريد في الدوري الإسباني أو دوري أبطال أوروبا، لقد طالبني خوسيلو بالمجيء إلى الدوري القطري وقال إنه يحتفظ لي بمكان في الظهير الأيمن”.

ويلعب خوسيلو بداية من الموسم الحالي مع نادي الغرافة ببطولة الدوري القطري بعد انتقاله من ريال مدريد بمقابل 1.5 مليون يورو في الصيف الماضي.

One of the areas where Manchester United need to add to the depth of their squad this summer is at centre-forward. Rasmus Hojlund is currently the only number nine at Old Trafford, and, despite an impressive debut season for the 21-year-old, has a big burden on his shoulders as United’s chief striker at such a young age.

During his first campaign as a Red Devil, United’s number 11 scored 16 goals and registered two assists in 43 games. That included ten strikes in 30 games in the Premier League, at an average of a goal every three games, and an impressive run of eight goals in seven games in the Premier League between December 2023 and February 2024.

In the Champions League, Hojlund performed well even though United crashed out at the group stages. He netted five times and was outscored by just five players, which is impressive given he was the only player to score five or more goals to get eliminated at the group stages.

The Dane’s first campaign at United was impressive and has given him something to build on next season. However, United still need a number nine this summer and have been linked with one player who could take some of Hojlund’s burden.

Man Utd target Serie A striker

The player in question here is Bologna and Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee. The former Bayern Munich player had an impressive season under Thiago Motta last term and has been linked with a move away from the club during the summer window.

According to a report from Sky in Italy via Sky Sports, the Red Devils are thought to be “keeping a close eye on developments” regarding Zirkzee’s future in Northern Italy, and he is thought to be “among a number of attacking options” that United are looking at.

However, Erik ten Hag’s side are not believed to be the only club interested in signing the 23-year-old. United’s Premier League rivals Arsenal are also thought to be looking at the Dutchman, but Italian giants AC Milan lead the way. The Rossoneri are thought to “remain in contact with his representatives” as per Sky Sports. Fellow Italian side Juventus are also interested.

A deal for Zirkzee would require interested clubs to activate his release clause, which is a reasonable £34m. He has two years left on his current deal at Bologna, but any offer which meets his exit clause means he will leave the club.

How Zirkzee would benefit Marcus Rashford

Despite missing out on the Netherlands’ 26-man squad for Euro 2024, Zirkzee’s campaign in 2023/24 was very impressive. He played 34 games for Bologna in Serie A, scoring 11 times and registering five assists. He also scored once and assisted two goals in three Italian Cup matches.

Football analyst Ben Mattinson described Zirkzee on X as “one of the most intelligent” strikers in the game right now, explaining how the Dutchman is a “facilitator of build-up play” and has “elite spatial awareness”, two key attributes of the forward's game which have been on show at Bologna all season long.

Indeed, Zirkzee is an excellent link player, able to drop deep to facilitate teammates and help spring passes forwards, before getting into the penalty box on the end of passes. This is reflected in his Fbref stats, with a tally of 2.81 progressive passes per 90 minutes showing just how well he can help progress play forward. It places the attacker in the top 17% of strikers in Europe. He also averages 0.91 passes into the penalty box per 90, which ranks him in the top 20% of strikers. His link-up play is second to very few.

This is certainly something that could benefit Marcus Rashford. The Englishman has played his best football on the left wing, partnered with a striker who is able to drop deeper and facilitate his explosive runs from out to in, driving towards the penalty box.

This was something on show with Wout Weghorst in 2022/23 but is also the reason Rashford had such a successful partnership with Anthony Martial, who has recently left Old Trafford following the expiration of his contract.

The Frenchman is a master at dropping deeper, pulling defenders away to create space and allowing teammates to bounce the ball off him.

His superb link-up player is a standout feature of his game, something noted in an article by Breaking the Lines in 2020. Rashford and Martial’s joint record shows how well they linked up. The Englishman has combined with Martial for goals more than any other player.

Games

193

Scored by Rashford, assisted by Martial

7

Scored by Martial, assisted by Rashford

14

Total

21

This is something that Zirkzee could bring to Old Trafford once more. He is also superb at dropping deep, pulling defenders away and linking play up. The Dutchman would help vacate space for Rashford to drive into the penalty box and get his shot away, his most effective method of finding the back of the net.

His heatmap, courtesy of SofaScore, from the 2023/24 Serie A season shows just how often he drops deeper, almost into a second-striker role. This would allow Rashford to explode because he can attack the space the 23-year-old has helped to create.

Zirkzee’s 2.28 live ball shot-creating actions per 90 minutes show just how much of a benefit he could be to Rashford. He ranks in the top 17% of strikers in Europe for this last season, a really impressive attribute, largely because of how easily he can help create something out of nothing.

Signing the Bologna star would allow United to get a lot more than a striker who scores goals. He is a different profile to Hojlund, who is a proficient channel runner, and an expert in the penalty box. Zirkzee adds depth and gets the best out of one of United’s best players, Rashford.

For a fee of just £34m, it seems like a very good deal for INEOS to do. Of course, the competition from the likes of Arsenal and Milan would be tough, but the Dutchman is a player who could elevate the United squad to new heights, and help Rashford rediscover his best form.

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1 ByTom Lever Jun 7, 2024

Ahead of their final Premier League game of the season, Brighton & Hove Albion announced that they would be parting ways with Roberto De Zerbi, bringing an end to a fruitful two-season period which saw the Seagulls qualify for the Europa League for the first time amid a sixth-place top-flight finish.

De Zerbi’s tenure was not without its challenges, with the Italian occasionally having to clarify question marks over his future, not only due to his personal desires, but interest from other clubs, such had been the success of his time on the south coast.

While the former Roma boss has said he is in no rush to return to football, Brighton must now act decisively in the off-season to appoint his successor. But who could Tony Bloom bring in to replace De Zerbi and continue the Seagulls’ current status as a strong and stable Premier League outfit with firm ambitions of Europe?

Here are 10 candidates who have been tipped for the vacant role at the Amex Stadium.

Manager

Current team

Odds

Graham Potter

n/a

4/6 fav

Kieran McKenna

Ipswich

4/1

Russell Martin

Southampton

8/1

Liam Rosenior

n/a

10/1

Garcia Pimienta

Las Palmas

16/1

Mauricio Pochettino

n/a

16/1

Ruben Amorim

Sporting CP

16/1

Erik ten Hag

Man Utd

18/1

Xavi

n/a

18/1

Steve Cooper

n/a

20/1

1 Graham Potter Free agent (Last job: Chelsea)

A move for Graham Potter this summer may not be the daftest idea in the world – and the former Seagulls boss is now the bookies' favourite, with Kieran McKenna expected to stay at Ipswich.

While seemingly backtracking by hiring their ex-boss could feel like a natural regression, let’s not forget it was at Chelsea that Potter left under a cloud, not Brighton. The Blues’ frantic search for the perfect boss (which appears to be forever ongoing) saw an abrupt end to the Potter project at the Amex – thanks to a record compensation fee for a manager.

So belatedly continuing that project may yet be appetising, though given the success of De Zerbi and the meticulous planning that the club put into selecting managers, Potter could seem a departure from that philosophy.

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ByRobbie Walls May 27, 2024 2 Kieran McKenna Ipswich Town

Kieran McKenna was previously a strong favourite to replace De Zerbi at Brighton following his exploits with Ipswich Town, who have enjoyed successive promotions up to the Premier League under the former Manchester United coach.

While the lure of a competitive top-flight side could easily have turned the head of a manager also reportedly being eyed by Manchester United, he is thought to be on the verge of signing a new deal at Portman Road to fend off any other interested parties.

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ByStephan Georgiou May 7, 2024 3 Russell Martin Southampton

Russell Martin’s first season at Southampton is not yet over, with his Saints side still vying for an immediate return to the Premier League via the upcoming Championship play-off final.

Perhaps what may be endearing him to the Brighton hierarchy is Southampton’s possession-based style of play, which could be appealing following the respective styles De Zerbi and Graham Potter.

As with McKenna, a move across the south coast at this juncture may require some convincing with promotion still a possibility. Moreover, this would seem a pretty experimental punt from the Seagulls for a team capable of challenging the European places next term.

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ByCharlie Smith May 23, 2024 4 Liam Rosenior Free agent (Last job: Hull City)

There would be something poetic about hiring former Seagulls defender Liam Rosenior, who was somewhat harshly dismissed as Hull City boss in recent weeks after taking them to the brink of the Championship play-offs.

However, whether he has the credentials is another matter, and taking an unnecessary gamble amid Brighton’s recent successes in the Premier League and exploits in Europe surely has to be regarded as unlikely.

5 Garcia Pimienta Las Palmas

Having spent most of his professional career at Barcelona, Garcia Pimienta has made a name for himself since departing the Catalan club for Las Palmas, who he steered to La Liga promotion and top-flight survival in their first season back.

In terms of a side arguably punching above their weight, you can perhaps see why he would have admirers on the British south coast, but considering what Brighton's short-term aims must be, you'd have to question whether he'd be able to replicate his successes in Spain with the Seagulls. This one feels more of a gamble.

6 Mauricio Pochettino Free agent (last job: Chelsea)

With Mauricio Pochettino now out of a job, you wouldn't be surprised if the rush to claim his services became a free-for-all among the elite clubs. With plenty of teams hunting for new managers in the off-season, the Argentinian is unlikely to be short of offers, which perhaps explains his position in these particular rankings.

One thing that may go against Brighton is the prospect of well-established European giants potentially having an eye on Pochettino, with the likes of Milan, Juventus and maybe even Manchester United requiring a new leader in charge.

7 Ruben Amorim Sporting CP

Given that Ruben Amorim entertained talks with West Ham over becoming their new manager, it would hardly be a surprise to see him jump ship from Sporting CP, despite having just led them to a relatively comfortable Portuguese domestic crown.

Though while that display of disloyalty towards his current club will have upset his own fans, it could make Seagulls chiefs think twice over appointing someone who could leave the club in a similar position if things go a little too well at the Amex.

8 Erik ten Hag Man Utd

Erik ten Hag may have just brought home the FA Cup – his second trophy in two seasons – at Old Trafford, but the job security of Manchester United's current boss is far from safe. Question marks will hang over his future until the club's imminent performance review meeting, which could well bring about the Dutchman's dismissal after a dismal Premier League campaign.

He may be under less pressure at a club like Brighton, but it's the absence of European football that might make this move unlikely, as Ten Hag was recently linked to the Bayern Munich job this summer, which hints at the kind of clubs that could lead the race for his next move should he part ways with the Red Devils.

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2 ByStephan Georgiou Oct 28, 2024 9 Xavi Free agent (last job: Barcelona)

Xavi's tumultuous reign at Barcelona came to an end recently, with the Spaniard's peculiar relationship with the board culminating in his sacking, despite leading Los Cules to the La Liga title just 12 months ago.

There appears to be an appetite for young managers right now, with Manchester United and Chelsea interested in the likes of Kieran McKenna and Enzo Maresca respectively, and at 44, the Barca legend is a spring chicken in managerial terms. Could he be asked to build a dynasty at Brighton?

10 Steve Cooper Free agent (Last job: Nottingham Forest)

Steve Cooper was loved at Nottingham Forest, and it is easy to see why, having taken the Reds back to the Premier League after decades away, before keeping them up and putting up a good fight the following season before owner Evangelos Marinakis pulled the trigger.

Previously touted as a potential future England boss, becoming Brighton manager wouldn’t appear to be something that would faze the Welshman, though with him being this far down the list of favourites, it may well be that the Seagulls have better options in mind.

MatériaMais Notícias

Lanterna do Campeonato Brasileiro, a Chapecoense tenta a sua reação no próximo fim de semana, quando encara o Juventude, no estádio Alfredo Jaconi.

Com apenas 5 pontos conquistados, o time de Jair Ventura precisa interromper a série de resultados negativos e para isso precisa melhorar o sistema defensivo.

Conhecido por montar times mais ‘fechados’, o treinador não tem obtido sucesso na Arena Condá e a Chape tem a zaga mais vazada com 23 gols.

Para entender o tamanho da gravidade de falhas no setor, o Bahia, que tem a segunda defesa mais vazada, aparece com 19 tentos, sendo que quatro deles foram no jogo contra o Flamengo.

Jogo invicto

A última vez que a Chapecoense saiu de campo no Brasileirão sem levar gols ocorreu na 3ª rodada, quando o time empatou sem gols contra o Ceará. Desde então, a Chape levou 17 gols, em 10 partidas.

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As Rangers gear up for a dramatic end to the Scottish Premiership title race, the Gers have been handed a boost in the form of some positive transfer news for Philippe Clement.

Rangers transfer news

It looks set to be a busy summer at Ibrox with a number of departures expected. The likes of Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, John Lundstram and Leon Balogun are all heading for the exit door upon the expiry of their current contracts as things stand. Lundstram's exit would be a particular blow given that Rangers had attempted to negotiate a fresh deal without any success.

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There is still some positive news ahead it seems, however. As per recent reports, Rangers are looking to turn loan deals for Abdallah Sima and Oscar Cortes into permanent switches this summer in what would hand Clement quite the duo on both wings next season.

It is the type of attacking duo that could see the Gers end Celtic's recent dominance and hand their boss a squad packed with talent ahead of his first full campaign – something one player will reportedly be a part of.

According to TeamTalk, Rangers believe that Jack Butland will stay put this summer despite previous interest from Premier League side Nottingham Forest. The shot-stopper has rediscovered his best form since completing a move to Ibrox last summer and looks set to reward their trust by declining a return to England in the coming months.

In the space of a year in Scotland, Butland's return to form could yet end with an England call-up in what would be quite the way to add the cherry on top of his career revival.

"Top-class" Butland is one of Clement's most important players

Any success that Clement may have at Rangers will undoubtedly be in some way credited to Butland, such is his importance under the Belgian. The Gers boss is well aware of his quality too, having compared Butland with the best he has worked with during his career.

Clement told BBC Sport when comparing Butland to Simon Mignolet: "Over more than 30 years, Jack together with Simon are the two best I have met. He is a really, really top-class goalkeeper for me.

"He almost didn't have a downfall [make a mistake] in all of our four months together. He is a top goalkeeper but also a top personality, because you can be a really good goalkeeper but not be a leader in the dressing room – but Simon and Jack both are. They're quite similar – they have some specific different qualities but they're both leaders with a lot of authority. But really natural, not forced."

It's the type of quality that earns Butland a reported £25k-a-week wage in a deal that should see the shot-stopper remain a Rangers player until at least the summer of 2027.

The 2023/24 season has been one of very few positives for Everton Football Club both on and off the pitch. They are currently struggling in the Premier League, with relegation still a very real possibility following Monday's 6-0 defeat to Chelsea.

Off the pitch, the Toffees have had two separate points deductions for a breach of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. The first was worth ten points originally before an appeal saw that get brought down to six points, with the second deduction being worth two points. The eight points they lost in total could well prove costly for the Toffees at the end of the season.

Sean Dyche’s side have been in poor form of late. They have won just one Premier League game in 2024, beating Burnley 1-0 at Goodison Park on the 6th of April. With six crucial games to go, they must pick up points against the likes of Nottingham Forest, Brentford Luton and Sheffield United, whilst any points picked up against Liverpool and Arsenal would be a bonus.

Recently, Dyche has favoured Ashley Young on the right-hand side, over Jack Harrison, with the Leeds loanee struggling for consistent game time after failing to start any of the last three league outings.

However, there might be a better option than both out wide, and with six crucial games to go, Dyche could turn to a man who could prove to be the difference between survival and relegation.

The player who could replace Ashley Young

The man in question here is Arnaut Danjuma, who is currently on loan at Everton from Spanish side Villarreal. The 27-year-old has also played for Tottenham and Bournemouth in the Championship, where he made a real name for himself.

His former manager with the Cherries, Jonathan Woodgate, described Danjuma as an “exceptional player” during the 2020/21 season which saw him score 15 goals and register seven assists in 33 Championship outings.

Sadly for Danjuma, he has struggled with injury issues of late. The Dutchman, who has six caps for his country, picked up an ankle ligament injury back in January against Fulham, meaning he missed nine games.

The 27-year-old did make the bench for Monday’s trip to Stamford Bridge on Monday. However, he is back to full fitness now and could be in contention to start against Forest this afternoon.

Arnaut Danjuma's season in numbers

When he has been fit, the 2023/24 season has proven to be a frustrating time for Danjuma. He has played just 20 games, 14 of which have come in the Premier League. In that time, he has managed just two goals, one in the top flight against Sheffield United, and one in the EFL Cup against Doncaster Rovers.

Despite a tough season, there is no doubting Danjuma’s quality. He is a quick, versatile attacker who can play out wide or at centre forward, who is very dangerous in transition, and with the ball at his feet.

Without a doubt, the winger's biggest strength is his ball-carrying skills. Whilst it is a small sample size, he is statistically one of the best in the Premier League amongst midfielders, according to Fbref. He averages 3.63 progressive carries per 90 minutes, which ranks him in the top 8% of Premier League midfielders. On top of that, Danjuma’s 1.66 carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes places him in the top 6% of midfielders in the Premier League.

Where Danjuma struggles is with his progressive passing. He averages just 0.91 final third passes, ranking him in the bottom 2% and 1.36 progressive passes, ranking him in the bottom 1%. This is something that could disrupt Everton’s attacking patterns, although if they support the 5 foot 10 dynamo with an overlapping fullback, and ensure they maximise the area he can carry the ball into, it could certainly still work.

Giving the Lagos-born speedster an opportunity from the start out wide could well prove to make a huge difference for Everton, with the aforementioned Harrison hardly deserving of a look-in after failing to score or assist since early February.

Whilst you lose the defensive nouse of Young by unleashing Danjuma, it gives Everton's attack more variety, whilst the veteran may also be needed at right-back due to the concerns surrounding Nathan Patterson and Seamus Coleman.

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At times, the Toffees' attack can feel rather one-dimensional, but bringing in a superb carrier like Danjuma could help them in transition and add another threat to their attack which could end up helping them survive this season.

Hosts find top-order stability that has been a stranger over the past year, thanks to Pieter Malan

Firdose Moonda in Cape Town06-Jan-2020

Pieter Malan works the ball to third man•AFP / Getty Images

Until all is said and done on Tuesday, whatever it is that may be said and done, it’s difficult to say anything definitive about this South African batting performance. They might go on to score more than 300 for only the fifth time in 18 innings since January 2018, or they might not. They might have their first centurion of the new decade, or they might not. They might, and it is a very small might, bat out the day for a memorable draw, or they might collapse.Whatever happens, they have already given themselves plenty to think about, a little to be a pleased out and a problem they won’t mind having from their performance on the fourth afternoon.With 71, Pieter Malan and Dean Elgar gave South Africa their second-highest opening stand in the last two years after Elgar and Aiden Markram put on 85 against India in Centurion. Malan and Zubayr Hamza then gave the team a second-wicket partnership of 52, providing top-order stability that has been a stranger to the South African line-up over the past year.In India, five of South Africa’s six innings started badly: 63 for 4, 70 for 8, 53 for 5, 16 for 3 and 36 for 5. At SuperSport Park, they were 32 for 2 and 29 for 3, so 126 for 2 is a much better position than South Africa have become used to and they have Malan to thank for that.ALSO READ: ‘I wouldn’t waste a referral like this’ – ElgarFrom the first over, Malan made it clear that he knew exactly where his off-stump is. He left extravagantly, shuffling across, shouldering arms and jutting out a hip almost every time. But he also defended confidently, came down the wicket to dead-bat James Anderson and was not rattled when he was forced back to shorter balls from Stuart Broad. He used his feet well against the spin of Joe Denly and Dom Bess and weathered the late storm served up by Ben Stokes.Malan fronted up to a nasty end to the day, when Stokes bent his back, turned up the pace and aimed for the body. The result was Malan being hit on the chest. No matter. He reached his first Test fifty in the next over, off 144 balls, with only two boundaries. Temperament, more than anything else, was what stood out about Malan.”The fight that he has shown today – he knows his game pretty well. He played the situation perfectly this afternoon,” Jacques Kallis, South Africa’s batting consultant, said. “He knows how to switch on and switch off. He is very organised and I was very impressed with the mental capabilities that he has got.”Kallis’ endorsement will go a long way to ensuring Malan has a decent run in the XI, something that seemed a distant possibility a week ago. Malan would not have played if Markram hadn’t fractured a finger while fielding at Centurion, but there’s an argument to be made that that should not have been the case. Like most of the South African line-up, he had a tough tour of India, with 44 runs in four innings, including a pair in Pune. Unlike Theunis de Bruyn and Temba Bavuma, Markram did not pay the price for his poor form.The three half-centuries he scored in early 2019 (one against Sri Lanka and two against Pakistan) saved him, but if Markram had been benched too, he couldn’t really complain. His latest injury has forced him to spend some time thinking about his approach, which, as was apparent at SuperSport, is positive but sometimes too risky.It also provided an opportunity for a more experienced first-class opener to make the step up, and Malan, on his home ground, has shown the value of his years. He has already done an impressive enough job to merit a place for the rest of this series, and perhaps even the winter tour to West Indies. Markram may have to work his way back in, through the domestic structures, and that’s no bad thing. Bavuma and de Bruyn are currently doing that and if Malan is anything to go by, they will return better players.That’s something for South Africa to think about in the months to come. On Tuesday, their only concern is to get through each ball. Not the runs, not the series situation, not the record that could be within reach. Just the next ball. “We’re going to face as many balls as we can and have a look at tea,” Kallis said.If they get there. Though batting on days three and four in cool, cloudy conditions was significantly easier than on days one and two in bright sunshine, that could change. Usually overhead cover assists the seamers but here the clouds kept the full-strength summer sun from opening up the cracks, specifically the one outside the right-handers’ offstump at the Kelvin Grove End. With warmer weather forecast for the final day and a second new ball due just before lunch, the smart money will be on the contest ending in England’s favour at some point in the afternoon.Even Kallis seemed to agree as he called it a “tough ask,” to chase down the target of 438, from which South Africa are still 312 runs adrift. But he wouldn’t be a professional sportsman if he didn’t also think it could be done. It was Kallis who, after Australia hit 434 against South Africa in ODI at the Wanderers, joked that the opposition were 10 runs short and the bowlers had done their job. If he offered anything similar here, it hasn’t been made public yet but what he did say is, at the very least, there is a chance for someone to make a name for themselves and the rest to see how it’s done.”It’s an opportunity for guys to put their hands up and become heroes,” Kallis said. “It’s in situations like this where you see what guys are made of and how good they are and how far we can go. No matter what happens, the team will learn a lot from this game and that’s exciting, especially with this young batting line-up that we’ve got.”

Manchester United have reportedly submitted a double offer for Bayern Munich pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

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Red Devils have lost Yoro to injuryWant further additions at the backApproach to Bayern has been rebuffedWHAT HAPPENED?

Erik ten Hag has made defensive reinforcements at Old Trafford a top priority for the summer transfer window. The Red Devils have already splashed out £52 million ($66m) on teenage centre-half Leny Yoro – only to see him ruled out for three months with a foot injury picked up during pre-season.

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United are now back in the market, with claiming that two players at the Allianz Arena are in their sights. An opening offer for Netherlands international De Ligt and Moroccan full-back Mazraoui has been knocked back.

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Bayern have made the Premier League giants aware that a bigger fee will be required in order to complete two deals. De Ligt and Mazraoui have been informed that they do not figure in long-term plans under new head coach Vincent Kompany.

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Both are said to have agreed personal terms with United, as five-year contracts wait for them to sign in England, but it remains to be seen whether the Red Devils can reach a compromise that suits all parties before the next recruitment deadline passes.

Nielsen makes 79 and Ahmed conjures 9 runs in closing stages to steal the game

Alex Malcolm24-Oct-2019

Harry Nielsen launches a six•Getty Images

A sublime 79 from South Australia youngster Harry Nielsen and some last-over heroics from Fawad Ahmed allowed the Prime Minister’s XI to squeeze home by one wicket with a ball to spare against a rusty Sri Lankan side in the T20 tour match in Canberra.Kasun Rajitha looked as though he had stolen the game when he dismissed Nielsen off the second ball of the final over with nine still needed for victory. Nielsen had batted magnificently to hold the chase of 132 together while his team-mates collapsed against a very skilful Sri Lankan attack. Nielsen was Rajitha’s third wicket and it left Ahmed and young ACT player Djali Bloomfield to score nine runs off the final five balls. Ahmed pinched a two through cover before Rajitha missed with an attempted yorker and Ahmed swiped it over midwicket for four. He scrounged two more straight of long-on to tie the scores only for Rajitha to deliver a wide to hand the game back to the Prime Minister’s XI.The home side had done their best to lose it after an impressive bowling display from the Sri Lankans. Pace and late swing from Rajitha and Nuwan Pradeep reduced the home side to 3 for 26 inside the first five overs. Chris Lynn’s lack of recent cricket was exposed as he was clean bowled by a full outswinger from Rajitha that knocked out leg stump. Lynn showed all three stumps and closed the bat face trying to whip to leg.Rajitha’s extra pace and late swing also undid Jason Sangha. He was caught superbly at slip by Kusal Mendis stretching high above his head after Sangha flashed hard on the drive.Lakshan Sandakan then bowled beautifully to rip through the middle order taking 3 for 21 from four overs. He was helped by some outstanding wicketkeeping from Niroshan Dickwella. He held the outside edge of Dan Christian from a Sandakan slider and produced two excellent stumpings to remove Mackenzie Harvey and Chris Green.But Nielsen stood firm. He had some luck, dropped in the deep by Bhanuka Rajapaksa off Sandakan on 27, but he showed tremendous skill and composure striking nine fours and a six in his 50-ball 79. The highlight was back-to-back boundaries off Danushka Gunathilaka. He skipped down the track to loft inside out over long-off for six before reverse sweeping the next ball past short third man for four.Earlier, the Sri Lankans were disappointing with the bat in their first match since sweeping the T20 series in Pakistan. They faced 52 dot balls in their 20 overs against a Prime Minister’s XI attack that only had three internationals.Gunathilaka felt he was unfortunate to be dismissed in the second over given out caught behind to Bloomfield. He even asked the umpire if there was DRS available before walking off. Mendis really struggled before holing out to deep square off Christian’s first ball.Only Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Oshada Fernando found any fluency, continuing their fine form from the tour of Pakistan. They struck five boundaries and four sixes between them but neither were able to capitalise on their starts. Rajapaksa was undone by a clever piece of bowling from Ahmed. He had late cut the previous ball for four and his eyes lit up again when he saw a similar length, but it was slid through quicker and straighter to knock out middle stump.Fernando looked in ominous touch, producing classical on drives and reverse sweeps during his 38, but was deceived by a Christian slower ball.Co-captains Christian and Peter Siddle were so confident the Sri Lankan tail would not wag they bowled spin in two of the last three overs of the innings. The home side also had the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison run out drinks at the fall of a wicket.