Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Chris Jordan ambushed India with blistering pace and trampoline bounce, taking the two-paced Ahmedabad track out of the equation and reminding the world why they are the No.1-ranked T20I side. England’s irresistible attack consigned India to 22 for 3 in first six overs – their second-lowest powerplay score in T20Is – and although Shreyas Iyer scored 67 off 48 balls, the hosts could muster only 124 for 7.In stark contrast, England stormed to 50 for 0 in their powerplay in the chase, with Jason Roy and Jos Buttler repeatedly mowing India’s depleted attack to the boundary. India captain Virat Kohli had promised a similar gung-ho approach from their top order on the eve of the series opener, but while the intent was there, the execution was awry.KL Rahul dragged a 141kph dart from Archer back onto his stumps for 1 and then Kohli backed away first ball to Adil Rashid, who had taken the new ball for England, swishing him in the air to mid-off for a duck. When Wood blasted out Shikhar Dhawan with a 148kph thunderbolt, India were 20 for 3 in the fifth over, with their top three having managed a mere five runs together.Iyer tried his best to give India’s bowlers something to defend, but that soon became next to nothing once Roy and Buttler got cracking. Both the England openers fell lbw to spin, but Dawid Malan and Johnny Bairstow took them home by batting at a similar high gear and throwing down the gauntlet to India for the rest of the series.England’s fast men crank it up
While India had packed their attack with three spinners – legspinner Yuzvendra Chahal and fingerspin-bowling allrounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar – England went the other way, recalling Wood, at the expense of allrounder Tom Curran, and pairing him up with Archer and Jordan.It was Archer who set the tone for England by removing Rahul and marking his return from an elbow injury with a second-ball strike. Like Rahul, Kohli and Dhawan, who was picked in place of the rested Rohit Sharma, looked hurried and were dismissed cheaply.While Archer and Jordan regularly hit 140kph, it was Wood who set the pulse racing by breaching 150kph. After bowling a sharp eight-over burst in Galle, Wood was rested for the red-ball leg of the India tour. He came back with a sharper spell in Ahmedabad and at one point he had even prompted Eoin Morgan into deploying a short leg for him.Quite fittingly, Wood capped his spell with a 149kph delivery that was just about diffused to third man. Archer returned at the death to get Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur off consecutive deliveries, but Sundar denied him a hat-trick.Shreyas Iyer brought up his third T20I half-century•BCCI

Iyer steps up
The second delivery that Iyer faced summed up the challenge posed by the pitch: Jordan hit a hard length, but the ball stuck in the surface and forced him to spoon a checked drive in front of cover. After Rishabh Pant failed to clear the longer square boundary and holed out for 21 off 23 balls, Iyer simply saw off England’s main bowlers and set about repairing the innings.Iyer smartly used the pace and bounce of England’s bowlers to his advantage, picking 36 of his 67 runs square of the wicket or behind square. He did go after the change bowlers – Sam Curran and Ben Stokes – and ultimately holed out in the last over of India’s innings with Dawid Malan pulling off a blinding catch at deep square leg. Barring Iyer, Pant was the only Indian batsman to cross 20.Roy, Buttler…and sustained hitting
India matched Chahal up with Roy early in the chase in an attempt to exploit the opener’s perceived weakness against spin. However, Roy muscled the legspinner for six first ball and then crunched him behind point for another boundary. Buttler, too, joined the fun, dashing out of the crease and swiping Patel over midwicket for six.All up, Roy took Chahal for 26 off 13 balls before the leggie pinned him in front. Sundar, who was held back until the 12th over, then trapped Buttler, but Malan and Bairstow rushed England to a 1-0 lead.

Aston Villa are pulling no punches in the transfer market this summer, with Unai Emery working day and night to gear his squad up for Champions League nights.

Five years on from their return to Premier League football, the Villa have enjoyed incremental growth and a season in the Conference League, but finishing in the top four last year has cemented their status as one of the country's elite, and opened the door to a whole new realm of opportunity.

Sure, Douglas Luiz was sold to Juventus in order to placate PSR, while record signing Moussa Diaby is in the process of a £51m transfer to the Gulf, joining Al-Ittihad, but the fact that such exits do not strike as a detriment to Emery's cause bears testament to the machine he has crafted in the Midlands.

Aston Villa Transfers: Summer 2024
Incomings	Outgoings
Amadou Onana (£50m)	Douglas Luiz (£42.5m)
Ian Maatsen (£37.5m)	Omari Kellyman (£19m)
Samuel Iling-Junior (£14.5m)	Tim Iroegbunam (£9m)
Jaden Philogene (£13m)	Morgan Sanson (£3.5m)
Lewis Dobbin (£10m)	Vijami Sisalo (£1m)
Enzo Barrenechea (£8m)	Calum Chambers (free)
Cameron Archer (n/a)
Sourced via Sky Sports

A host of signings have been made so far, the latest of which being the exciting £50m capture of Amadou Onana from Everton, but the central defence is as yet untouched. With the £100k-per-week Diego Carlos mooted for a departure and Tyrone Mings approaching the year mark of his ACL rupture, Villa might be wise to strengthen at the rear.

Aston Villa transfer news

As per Football Insider, Aston Villa are preparing to tussle with Liverpool for the signing of Juventus' Dean Huijsen, a 19-year-old centre-back who excelled out on loan with Roma last term.

His first real taste of senior action, the Netherlands native is highly regarded in Italy but Juve are keen to settle their financial concerns and could part ways if their €30m (£25m) asking price is met.

Villa's Champions League status gives them a fresh position of power in the market these days, but Liverpool are one of England's elite. However, having completed some dealings with the Old Lady this summer, Monchi will hope that such business hands his outfit the advantage here.

Dean Huijsen's 23/24 season in numbers

One year ago, Huijsen was gearing up for his first taste of senior action in Turin, having been snapped up by Juventus as a teenager, leaving Malaga and moving to Italy despite interest from Real Madrid's prestigious academy.

Huijsen was born in Amsterdam but has been raised in Andalusia since his fifth birthday and recently switched his international allegiance to Spain this year, having now earned his maiden caps with the U21s.

After making his professional debut off the bench as the Old Lady secured victory over AC Milan in Serie A last October, Huijsen transferred to Roma for a six-month loan spell, tasked with playing a role in Daniele de Rossi's first team.

It's safe to say that he passed with flying colours, showcasing his quality as a modern-day, complete centre-back after posting two goals and an assist across his 14 outings.

Praised for his "ridiculous" quality by analyst Ben Mattinson, the rangy defender stands at 6 foot 5 and looks to have the acumen and physique to make a marked impression under Emery's wing, with Villa likely able to offer him the platform to hone his talents and bloom into a leading top-flight player in the years to come.

He's young, yes, comparatively untested, also yes, but just take a look at his extraordinary strike against Frosinone, having entered the fray at half-time with just two senior starts under his belt.

Moreover, he proved to have the buds of a sharp ball-playing game, completing 88% of his passes in the Italian top flight, ranking among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted and the top 11% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Now, Villa must accelerate their interest – especially with Liverpool keen on a deal. While he's yet to kick a ball at Villa Park, Samuel Iling-Junior has already made the move to Emery's brood and Huijsen must follow suit.

Huijsen can be Samuel Iling-Junior 2.0

Iling-Junior, an Englishman, broke into Juventus' first team last season after signing for the club as a 16-year-old in 2020, leaving Chelsea's youth academy to venture to Italy.

His transfer to Aston Villa – along with midfielder Enzo Barrenechea, 23 – was orchestrated as part of Juventus' deal to sign Douglas Luiz, whose sacrifice was necessary as Monchi fought to overcome pressing PSR concerns.

Iling-Junior might not have played competitively for Emery's side yet but he's got bundles of potential down the left flank, playing 27 times last year, scoring one goal and providing two assists, though he only registered six starts across all competitions.

Like Huijsen, his talent is patent despite his limited match action, and Villa might just have something of a treasure on their hands, with the 20-year-old even described as an "assist machine" by journalist Michele Neri and praised for his "high energy and work volume as well as dreamy ball skills" by journalist Antonio Mango.

Most importantly, he regularly showcases skills that point toward success in the Premier League, with a rounded and athletically robust skillset: as per FBref, he ranks among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for progressive carries and the top 19% for tackles per 90.

Clearly, Iling-Junior is a top talent who could explode under Emery's management next season, and Huijsen must now follow him and Barrenechea toward England's Midlands to kickstart his career at a club that just continues to rise.

Imagine him & Williams: Aston Villa could sign a "clinical" star for £0

Unai Emery is in the market to sign a striker this summer…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 22, 2024

Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has responded to a cheeky request to "go easy" on Everton this weekend.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Hojlund in fine formScored brace against Bodo/GlimtUnited face Everton on SundayFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Hojlund has apparently promised to do "everything he can to score goals" this weekend after Everton loanee Jesper Lindstrom jokingly asked him to go easy on the Toffees this weekend. The Denmark striker scored twice in midweek against Bodo/Glimt, and Lindstrom messaged his countryman after the game, begging him to spare Everton a similar performance.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Hojlund has only scored one Premier League goal this season, but Everton are in beleaguered form, winning just one of their last five games, and sit only two points clear of the relegation zone. Lindstrom, who is on loan at Goodison Park from Napoli, has made eight league appearances for the Toffees this term.

WHAT LINDSTROM SAID

Lindstrom said: "I texted him after the game (against Bodo/Glimt) to congratulate him on his two goals but told him not to score this weekend.

"His reply was to tell me he would do his best to score goals. I knew him from when he was about 10 years old. He didn't seem much when he was young. His Danish team didn't believe in him and that's why he left for a club in Austria where he smashed it and then he went to Italy and smashed it there.

"There is a good reason why Rasmus is in Manchester – he's a good player. He has qualities – like you saw on Thursday with some good finishes."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Hojlund will hope to add to his Premier League goal tally against the Toffees this weekend, while Sean Dyche's side aim to put some space between themselves and the drop zone.

Leeds United have made four additions to their first-team squad during the summer transfer window, which officially opened for business last month.

Joe Rodon, Alex Cairns, Jayden Bogle, and Joe Rothwell have all come through the door to bolster Daniel Farke's options across the pitch, with a centre-back, a goalkeeper, a right-back, and a midfielder added.

One area of the pitch the Whites are yet to make an addition in, however, is the final third as they have yet to pounce on a winger or a striker to improve their forward line.

The West Yorkshire outfit have, though, been linked with attackers throughout the summer transfer window and one of them could be their next version of Raphinha.

Raphinha's magical play for Leeds

The Whites signed the Brazilian wizard from Rennes in the summer of 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa and he hit the ground running at Elland Road in the Premier League.

Across two seasons in the top-flight with Leeds, Raphinha showcased his ability to make a big impact in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Appearances

30

35

Goals

6

11

Assists

9

3

Big chances created

12

10

Key passes per game

2.1

1.9

As you can see in the table above, the South American right winger chipped in with 17 goals and 12 assists in those two campaigns to help his side avoid relegation both times.

Raphinha then completed a £55m move to Barcelona in the summer of 2022 and Leeds could finally replace the magician by landing another South American sensation who operates on the right flank.

Leeds' new Raphinha

In June, it was reportedly in the Brazilian media, via the Yorkshire Evening Post, that Leeds are keen on a deal to sign Fluminense forward Jhon Arias this summer, who had been the subject of a £14m offer from West Ham United at the time.

The 26-year-old ace has only produced one goal and two assists in ten Serie A matches this term but his form throughout 2023 and 2022 suggests that the potential is there for him to be a fantastic signing.

Like Raphinha, Arias is a South American right winger who could provide Leeds with a consistent stream of quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Appearances

33

29

Goals

7

7

Assists

10

7

Big chances created

15

4

Key passes per game

2.2

2.0

As you can see in the table above, the Fluminense forward racked up an eye-catching 14 goals and 17 assists across those two seasons

in the Serie A – two more direct goal contributions than Raphinha managed in the Premier League.

These statistics suggest that the Colombian whiz, who was described as an "unsung hero" by South American writer Nathan Joyce, has the quality to make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch.

Pablo Hernandez 2.0: Leeds join race to sign "magical" £19k-p/w EFL star

The Whites are one of a number of teams interested in signing the Championship whiz.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 27, 2024

Arias could arrive at Elland Road and be a Raphinha-esque figure on the right flak diue to his ability to both score and assist goals at an impressive rate, which is why Farke should swoop to land his own version of the Brazilian ace this summer.

خاطب مجلس إدارة اتحاد الكرة، برئاسة هاني أبو ريدة، الأندية خلال الساعات الماضية بشأن الجمعية العمومية المقبلة.

ومن المقرر أن تعقد الجمعية العمومية لاتحاد الكرة يوم 27 فبراير المقبل.

طالع.. اللجنة الفنية بـ اتحاد الكرة تصدر توصية بشأن مدربي المنتخبات الوطنية وعلم “بطولات” أن مجلس هاني أبو ريدة راسل الأندية من أجل الحصول على اقتراحاتهم بشأن البنود التي سيتم تعديلها في عمومية فبراير المقبلة.

وطلب أبو ريدة من الأندية، الحصول على المقترحات بشكل عام في ملف المسابقات وأي مقترحات أخرى ترغب في مناقشتها.

وتولى المجلس الحالي المسؤولية في اتحاد الكرة بشهر ديسمبر الماضي بالتزكية.

A different balance to the side and a new opening combination came together in Wellington

Andrew McGlashan08-Mar-2021

Mark Chapman could have an increasing role with the ball for New Zealand•Getty Images

Five series played for New Zealand this season, five series won. Australia pushed them close but their performance in the decider in Wellington was decisive.That in itself is not insignificant in a year that will include the pressures of a World Cup. The conditions presented by the unusual situation of the match being the fifth in three games on the same pitch was also not without value as it required the team, and captain Kane Williamson, to get creative after their heavy defeat on Friday.The masterplan revolved around two players who had not previously bowled for New Zealand: Mark Chapman, whose international scalps had come for Hong Kong before Sunday when he removed Glenn Maxwell, and Glenn Phillips who bowled for the first at the top level.Phillips’ offspin remains more of the work-in-progress but it appears likely to feature in New Zealand’s planning for the T20 World Cup. Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi, the latter named Player of the Series against Australia, are locked in the side but with Williamson’s reluctance to bowl himself other part-time solutions will be valuable.The combined return for Chapman and Phillips was 4-0-30-1, a much lower economy rate that the struggling Kyle Jamieson had managed before he was left out the rebalanced side for the last match.Related

Kane Williamson awarded Sir Richard Hadlee medal for fourth time

Ashton Agar and Ish Sodhi move up in T20I bowlers' rankings

Ferguson keeps his sights on Test cricket during comeback trail

RCB 'not too worried' about Jamieson despite struggles

Marin Guptill leads New Zealand charge to series victory

“We pride ourselves on adapting fast, when we lost the toss it would have been easy to think we’re behind the eight-ball again but I thought we bowled and fielded exceptionally well,” coach Gary Stead said a couple of days after being critical of them taking a backward step. “I thought some of Kane’s decision making around when he bowled the part-time spinners…was superb.”New Zealand have two more series remaining in their season – ODI and T20I contests against Bangladesh which stretch into early April – and it seems likely for the T20s that there will be some changes to the squad due to the proximity of the start of the IPL on April 9, although two of those who could feature – fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Adam Milne – have IPL contracts.Hamish Bennett, who was the unused member of the 13-man squad against Australia, can expect to get an outing or two while Chapman could get the chance to send down some more of his left-arm spin conditions permitting.New Zealand shuffled their batting order for the decider with Devon Conway partnering Martin Guptill in what became a rollicking 106-run stand that sealed the series. Conway took the place of wicketkeeper Tim Seifert, who struggled with the bat and slipped down the order, and Conway having the gloves may be a route explored. Phillips can also keep wicket, but his value in the outfield – and now with his offspin – will likely keep him away from the position.There is an eagerness in New Zealand for Finn Allen, the 21-year-old Auckland batsman, who has had a prolific time in recent months to be given a chance. He was on standby for the Australia series where there was briefly an injury doubt around Guptill and if Williamson misses the series against Bangladesh due to the IPL there could be an opening.The emergence of some new match-winners this season has been pleasing for Stead. “The guys have played well against three very good opponents…think it’s exciting that some different players have emerged,” he said. “You look at a Phillips and Conway, they have really stamped their mark on our team. The guys are playing with generally a lot of freedom.”The quality of your team over a long period is seen in the consistency you play with and I think we’ve got better at that.”Conway, who made an unbeaten 99 in the opening game of the series against Australia, currently averages 52.28 after nine T20I innings. He will be pushing hard for a place in the ODI side against Bangladesh – a format New Zealand haven’t played since their abandoned tour of Australia a year ago – although the likes of Henry Nicholls (who had an outstanding Ford Trophy), Ross Taylor and Tom Latham have been features of that side.

“I’m proud to have been involved in both the women’s and men’s programs…it has been a fantastic experience and opportunity.”

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Mar-2021Lachlan Stevens will step down as the Melbourne Renegades WBBL and Victoria women’s coach at the end of the season with the WNCL final against Queensland his final match.Stevens has been in the joint role for one season having taken over from Tim Coyle (WBBL) and David Hemp (Victoria). He is returning to his native Queensland for personal reasons.Stevens has held numerous roles in Victoria cricket and has also been part of three Sheffield Shield titles, a domestic one-day title and the Renegades’ 2018-19 BBL title.”I’d like to thank everyone at Cricket Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades – the players, my fellow coaches, support staff – everyone who has made this such an enjoyable place to do what we do,” Stevens said. “I’m proud to have been involved in both the women’s and men’s programs – from the inception of WBBL through to Shield titles with the men’s team. It has been a fantastic experience and opportunity.”Cricket Victoria general manager Shaun Graf said: “Lachlan’s transition between our programs over the last five years is testament to his ability to build great relationships and get the best out of cricketers – regardless of what stage they are at in their careers.”He’s a coach of outstanding character, a terrific mentor and a great exponent of skill acquisition for young cricketers.”Melbourne Renegades general manager David Lever lauded Stevens’ role amid the increasing professionalism of the women’s game. “He’s taken first time professional cricketers and guided them all the way through to the national team. Lachlan has led with integrity, empathy and grace mixed with immense tactical and technical cricketing knowledge.”Cricket Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades will commence the process for securing a new head coach shortly.

MatériaMais Notícias

A chateação tomou conta do Internacional após o duelo contra o Red Bull Bragantino. O Colorado vencia por 1 a 0 até o último minuto quando sofreu o empate.

+ Veja no aplicativo do LANCE! o resultado dos jogos da rodada

Na coletiva de imprensa, o técnico Diego Aguirre não escondeu a sua irritação e revelou que o elenco está muito triste.

‘Estamos tristes, se vão dois pontos muito importantes. Sentimos esse empate como se fosse uma derrota’, avaliou.

Recuperação

No fim de semana, o Internacional volta a campo para encarar o Corinthians, no estádio Beira-Rio.

RelacionadasVídeoVÍDEO: veja os melhores momentos do empate entre Internacional e Red Bull Bragantino pelo BrasileirãoVídeo21/10/2021BrasileirãoInternacional sai na frente, mas Bragantino empata no minuto final em partida atrasada do BrasileirãoBrasileirão21/10/2021Futebol LatinoLembra dele? Ex-Internacional detona a diretoria de atual clubeFutebol Latino21/10/2021

With the opening day of the Premier League season just over a week away, Leicester City are reportedly set to make an official offer in an attempt to sign a player who knows all about England's top flight.

Leicester transfer news

Whilst they haven't been able to splash the cash so far this summer, Leicester have still managed to welcome a number of reinforcements. The likes of Issahaku Fatawu, Caleb Okoli, Michael Golding and Bobby De Cordova-Reid have all arrived to hand Steve Cooper's side a boost as they look to simultaneously complete their business and avoid crossing the profit and sustainability line.

That said, the Foxes could still make at least one statement-signing before the window slams shut at the end of the month in what could yet strengthen Cooper's new side enough to avoid relegation at the first time of asking.

According to De Telegraaf in the Netherlands, Leicester are set to make an official offer to sign Steven Bergwijn from Ajax in a deal that could be worth close to €20m (£17m). Those at the King Power are reportedly unwilling to go above that price, however, in what could yet make negotiations difficult to sign the winger, who earns £75k-a-week in the Eredivisie.

Imagine him & Fofana: Leicester plotting move for "explosive" PL talent

Leicester City could seriously bolster their attacking options with this pair of new signings.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 7, 2024

Of course, Bergwijn is already a familiar name with Premier League fans, having previously played for Tottenham Hotspur from 2020 to the summer of 2022. It was in that time that the King Power became all too aware of the Netherlands international's quality, as he netted a dramatic brace to seal a 3-2 victory over Leicester.

If the winger does seal a move to the Foxes this summer, then it's fair to say that he'll have quite the making up to do.

"Great" Bergwijn would be an impressive coup

Whilst he was only able to show glimpses of his best form during his time at Spurs, Bergwijn may now have the opportunity to prove himself once and for all in the Premier League, courtesy of Leicester. For £17m, he would have to hit the ground running, however, as last season's stats showed he is more than capable of – scoring 13 goals and assisting a further five in all competitions.

Earning the praise of former Spurs manager Jose Mourinho after scoring a debut winner against Manchester City, the current Fenerbahce manager said via TNT Sports: "The goal was a great goal and so important for us. (It was) the icing on the cake of a very good performance. Independent of the goal his performance was very good, very solid, very mature."

Now an experienced player at 26 years old, Bergwijn could get the opportunity to become the main man at Leicester this summer.

Temba Bavuma calls Pakistan opener’s innings “incredible… the best I’ve come across”

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Apr-20212:23

Fakhar Zaman on his run-out: ‘Fault was mine as I was busy looking out for Haris Rauf’

For a little while, the memory may have drifted back to Abu Dhabi, over a decade ago, when Abdul Razzaq pulled off one of Pakistan’s most improbable heists against South Africa. In the end Pakistan – basically Fakhar Zaman – fell desperately close, closer than the 17-run margin suggests. But had they pulled it off, it would’ve been of a different order of magnitude of improbable from that memorable Abu Dhabi night, even accounting for the runs inflation in the years since.Pakistan were 70 for 2, 71 for 3, 85 for 4, 120 for 5, 186 for 6 and 205 for 7, all the while with Zaman at the other end, playing an unusually restrained innings. It was only after he got to his 100, at a shade under a run-a-ball in the 39th over that he really blew the game open. Pakistan were already seven down and 130 short at that stage, but a flurry of seven sixes across the next five overs, five of them off Tabraiz Shamsi, pulled Pakistan right back into it.In the process Zaman broke a few records, and though the manner of his dismissal ultimately grabbed the attention, once the dust of settles there a proper appraisal of this innings might begin. And it may well see his 193 rank among the greatest one-day innings played by a Pakistani. Temba Bavuma, the South Africa captain, thought it a bit more. “He played an incredible innings,” he said. “It’s the best I have come across. To chase down 340 single-handedly is always tough. But the innings he played was an incredible one. He remained quite clear.”Related

Fakhar Zaman, and the art of turning fortunes around

Quinton de Kock unlikely to face any sanction for Fakhar Zaman dismissal

The de Kock-Fakhar affair: MCC says 'up to the umpires to decide' if act was wilful

Fakhar Zaman's 193 not enough for Pakistan as series level

'Quite clever' – de Kock gets pat on the back from Bavuma for Fakhar run-out

It won’t be lessened any by the fact that he got so close to a second ODI double (that too in southern Africa).”I don’t regret not getting the double, I regret losing the match,” he said afterwards. “If we had won this it would’ve been amazing so my regret is about that. The situation was such that I was only focusing on getting the win, not the double. I couldn’t finish it but I’d take scoring less runs than this and winning the game.”Personally it was a timely innings. Zaman had been in lean ODI form for a while – this was his first hundred since May 2019 and he was averaging a touch over 25 in the period in between.Initially that seemed to be playing on his mind though it turned out that Pakistan’s stumbling start and the nature of South African wickets for openers played a bigger part in his early sedateness. He was going at over a run-a-ball before Babar Azam and then Mohammad Rizwan fell in quick succession, but he went from 25 off 21 to a fifty off 70 thereafter. It was around that period, with Pakistan five down and with Shamsi entrenched at one end, that he thought he would start going after it and felt that the chase was still on.Interestingly enough, it was a chat with Sarfaraz Ahmed – former captain and now part of the squad but no longer in the side – during a drinks break that convinced him to go for it.”Yes, to be honest [I thought we could win it even then], I think around the 25th over I just called Saifi [Sarfraz Ahmed], he knows my game, I talked to him and said ask Babar can I start playing my natural game because Shamsi was bowling with small boundaries,” he said. “At that time I was feeling that if I start hitting then I could win the game for Pakistan.”When wickets were falling and we were 200 for 7, I was just telling the others coming in to stick around. Don’t get out. Don’t worry about the runs, don’t get out. The wickets here, you can’t stop runs on so I was just telling them to stick around with me, don’t get out.”What became evident the longer the chase went was the absence of one durable partner. It was the lack of stickability at the top, in fact, that Pakistan were likely to rue the most.”If you’re the first batsman, or the number 11, the first 10-15 runs are very difficult on these pitches,” Zaman said. “On Asian wickets it isn’t like that but here it is. Unluckily not many of our top order got through 20-25 balls. Until you get through that start here, you don’t get runs. Babar got a little set but others didn’t so people got out quickly. Had anyone gotten set, it would’ve become easier but unfortunately it just didn’t happen.”