Tag Futebol

West Ham United have now set their sights on welcoming a Premier League rival to become Nuno Espirito Santo’s first signing at the club, according to reports.

Frankfurt end interest in Fullkrug

It could be a fairly busy January transfer window on all fronts for West Ham as Nuno looks to mark his stamp on the side. The Hammers endured a frustrating summer transfer window and watched on as Graham Potter paid the price. In just under a month, however, they’ve got the chance to make up for lost time.

West Ham are brewing another Potts and he finishes just like Jarrod Bowen

West Ham United could have another Potts-esque academy gem on their hands who could be the next Jarrod Bowen.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 3, 2025

That should see a number of reinforcements arrive, but it could also spell the end for a handful of current stars. And one of those likely to leave is Niclas Fullkrug. The towering German has simply never got going at the London Stadium and now finds himself behind the pecking order to Callum Wilson.

He desperately needs a move away, but that move won’t come courtesy of Eintracht Frankfurt. Despite initial interest, the Bundesliga side have reportedly dropped out of the race to sign the former Borussia Dortmund man.

Where that leaves the 32-year-old is the big question. There reportedly remains interest from Italian giants AC Milan and there’s little doubt that a winter sale would be the best outcome for all parties.

In the meantime, the Hammers must look towards the transfer market for reinforcements of their own. Whilst a striker should sit top of their priority list, it is also worth noting that they could do with further competition for Alphonse Areola following Mads Hermansen’s struggles. And that could come courtesy of Jose Sa.

West Ham targeting Jose Sa move

According to Football Insider, West Ham are now targeting a move to sign Sa as Nuno looks to raid his old club in 2026. The goalkeeper was recently dropped by new manager Rob Edwards and could only watch on as his replacement, Sam Johnstone, also struggled between the sticks.

Sa, who is represented by the same agent as Mateus Fernandes, is certainly not short on experience. The 32-year-old has been in the Premier League for the last four years and has maintained his starting place for the most part. As backups go, he would be a solid option for West Ham.

The choice between Sa and Johnstone may be a tad more complicated these days, but it wasn’t so long ago that Gary O’Neil was full of praise for the former, saying in 2024: “There’s no headache, no. Johnstone was injured today. Jose’s trained really well and been excellent. Sam was injured, Jose was excellent and has always been ready. There’s no headache, it’s really clear where we go next.”

The goalkeeper’s arrival wouldn’t steal the biggest headlines at the London Stadium, by any means. Alas, it would solve Nuno’s frustrating Hermansen problem.

Nuno must cash in on West Ham star who's quickly becoming the new Di Canio

Former Houston Astros star Alex Bregman was the centerpiece of the Boston Red Sox' offseason, signing for $120 million over three years. The only issue: The Red Sox already had a franchise player at the hot corner.

Rafael Devers has been with Boston since 2017, winning the World Series a year later. He is a three-time All-Star with two Silver Sluggers to his name. One thing he is not is a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, while Bregman won that award just last year. Bregman has 6.5 career defensive wins above replacement (dWAR) while Devers's career mark is -3.6.

Even so, after the signing, Devers was reluctant to change positions, saying, "Third base is my position. That's what I've played." He added that he was not open to being the team's DH.

Less than a month later, and he's changed his tune.

"We spoke already, and I'm good to do whatever they want me to do," he said, per MLB.com's Ian Browne. "I'm here to help. I’ve already spoken with them about that and they know where I stand, but I’m just ready to play."

That is good news for the Red Sox as they gear up to contend in the AL East. Devers believes the team is ready for a World Series push.

"They can expect a better year than last year from me," he told Browne. "They can expect a lot from this team overall. I think the fans can expect us to compete for a World Series this year.”

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will this Manchester United team be under Ruben Amorim, with it likely to require patience – and the chequebook – for the Portuguese to turn the Red Devils back into true contenders again.

It is still early days, although the signs are promising following his first window in charge, with the summer arrivals of Senne Lammens, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko all making an impact to date.

That investment will surely be just the start as Amorim seeks to shake things up, however, with a turbulent 2025/26 thus far having again showcased the scale of the task at hand, with reinforcements needed all across the park.

At wing-back and central midfield, in particular, there remain problems to be solved, with January providing the perfect opportunity for the required upgrades to be found.

With that in mind, here’s a look at how United could shape up after the window closes, should all go to plan in this dream scenario…

1 GK – Senne Lammens

Perhaps up there with Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka as the bargain of the summer in Premier League terms, United’s £18m man is yet to taste defeat in his new surroundings, having hardly put a foot wrong to date.

He might not be the second coming of Peter Schmeichel – who is – but he’s certainly made a stronger first impression than Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, that’s for sure.

2 RCB – Matthijs de Ligt

Second time’s the charm for Matthijs de Ligt, with the Dutchman building on a solid, but unspectacular first campaign to emerge as arguably one of Amorim’s key lieutenants this time around.

The hero at the death against Spurs, the 26-year-old is the only member of the squad to play every minute in the Premier League this season. A future captain in waiting?

3 CB – Marc Guehi

So close to a last-gasp move to Liverpool over the summer, Marc Guehi is now for anyone’s taking heading into January, with a potential bargain deal on the cards amid his expiring contract.

Those at Anfield might still be frontrunners, but reports have suggested that United will also be in the mix for his coveted signature, with the England international a possible successor to the ageing, but influential, Harry Maguire at the heart of the backline.

4 LCB – Lisandro Martinez

Not seen in action since early 2025 due to an ACL injury, Lisandro Martinez is inching ever closer to a return to action – providing a significant boost for Amorim and co.

Luke Shaw, for what it’s worth, has held the fort impressively in the left-sided centre-back role of late, yet the Argentine – part of United’s new-look leadership group – looks destined to start when fit and firing again.

5 RWB – Amad

The Amad and Mbeumo combination endured some early teething problems, although in recent weeks, United’s right-hand side has been so effective, with the pair notably combining for the opener at Anfield last month, as well as in the game’s first goal against Spurs.

Such form – which also saw Amad net late on at the City Ground – will only serve to make it all the more concerning when the pair head to AFCON in December.

6 CM – Bruno Fernandes

The debate will rage on over whether this is Bruno Fernandes’ best position, but the 31-year-old – who came close to an exit over the summer – is still quietly pulling the strings from his deep-lying role.

Two goals, three assists and two penalties missed in the Premier League this season showcases that the Portuguese maverick is still bringing the usual chaos and consistency as the heartbeat of Amorim’s side.

There’s no dislodging him just yet…

7 CM – Carlos Baleba

He wants United – by all accounts – and United want him. So make it happen INEOS.

The midfield “monster” – as hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson – was touted with a £100m plus move to Old Trafford over the summer, although there might be some wriggle room in negotiations, considering his drop in form in 2025/26.

Those woes – which have seen him substituted at half-time on three occasions already – may be cause for concern, but at his best, the athletic, all-action 21-year-old could be the Casemiro successor that United are crying out for.

8 LWB – Federico Dimarco

The caveat to this next addition would be that if United and INEOS were to fork out for Guehi and Baleba, there would likely have to be notable sales made to balance the books, be it a figure like Joshua Zirkzee or Diogo Dalot.

The beauty of moving for Federico Dimarco is, however, that the Italian defender has just 18 months left on his current contract at Inter, ensuring an astute deal could be struck amid reported interest from Manchester.

At a time when neither Dalot nor Patrick Dorgu has nailed down that left wing-back role, signing a specialist like Dimarco would be the perfect upgrade for 2026.

9 RAM – Bryan Mbeumo

As already stated, Mbeumo and Amad are emerging as a deadly duo down the right flank, although it is clear to see who the main man in that pairing is, with the Cameroonian already scoring six times in 12 games following his £71m switch from Brentford.

Comfortable on either foot, or with his head, the 26-year-old is the ready-made attacking spearhead that Amorim needed. Long may his rampant form continue.

10 LAM – Matheus Cunha

While Casemiro may be approaching the climax of his United journey, with just six months left on his deal, the club do have a new Brazilian hero to cherish in the form of Cunha, with the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman already earning rave reviews at Old Trafford.

Powerful and elegant in equal measure, the 26-year-old has the makings of a future United star, although he will have to improve upon his return of just one goal to date.

Juan Soto came through in the clutch for the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the ALCS when he crushed a game-winning three-run home run in the 10th inning against the Cleveland Guardians.

While Soto and his teammates rode on the high of the fact that they're going to their first World Series in 15 years, there was one thing looming in the back of some of his teammates' minds: Soto is set to be a free agent this offseason.

Soto's future with the Yankees will likely be the first order of business in the offseason, as it seems that the general consensus is that the team wants to keep the outfielder. He's currently signed to a one-year, $31 million contract that was agreed upon to avoid arbitration.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. in particular really wants the Yankees to deliver a huge contract to Soto.

"Pay my guy! Pay Juan Soto!" Chisholm said during the locker room celebration. When asked by YES Network's Meredith Marakovits how much Soto should earn, Chisholm didn't hold back: "700 million!"

Giancarlo Stanton also talked about Soto's future on the team during the celebration, saying that the Yankees need to "bring him home."

The Yankees need to get through the World Series first, though. They will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or New York Mets for a chance to win their 28th title.

MatériaMais Notícias

Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro, Eliminatórias da Eurocopa e Copa da Argentina são os principais destaques deste domingo (15) de futebol. Confira onde assistir ao vivo e os horários das partidas.

RelacionadasGoiásMaguinho, Morelli e Allano voltam a reforçar o Goiás no BrasileirãoGoiás14/10/2023Futebol InternacionalPolônia x Moldávia: onde assistir ao vivo e horário do jogo pelas Eliminatórias da EurocopaFutebol Internacional14/10/2023GoiásCom modelo comemorativo de camisa, Goiás faz homenagem inédita à padroeira do clubeGoiás14/10/2023

+ Futebol total! Aposte R$100 e ganhe mais de R$800 com os jogos de domingo na Série B

+ Pra rechear o domingo! Aposte R$100 e ganhe mais de R$800 com as Eliminatórias da Euro

+ A sua carreira no futebol pode começar hoje. Garanta a sua vaga no curso Gestor de Futebol e capacite-se!

Gary Neville has slammed Arsenal and Mikel Arteta’s tactics in the wake of the 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Sunday.

Gunners rescue late draw against Man City

Although the Gunners will be disappointed not to take all three points against Man City, they will be pleased they managed to rescue a late draw, with Gabriel Martinelli equalising in injury time.

However, Arteta’s side have been widely criticised for viewing draws against Premier League title rivals as acceptable results in the past, and they are now five points behind Liverpool, who continued their perfect start to the season in the Merseyside derby.

In fairness, the north Londoners have already had some tough fixtures, but Arteta will be wary of not allowing a sizeable gap to open up too early, given that his side did not manage to recover from a relatively slow start last season.

Arsenal set Real Madrid price tag after blunt William Saliba reply to new contract offer

The Frenchman is a “dream” signing for Xabi Alonso’s side.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 20, 2025

Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast after the game, however, the former Manchester United defender appeared to point the finger at the manager for his tactical approach, which heavily focuses on dominating set-pieces. He claims all you need to deal with Arteta’s methods are tall players and a physically dominant goalkeeper who clears and claims crosses.

Neville said: “They’re a one-trick pony. Set-pieces are just such a large percentage of their chances and goals that you end up in a situation where you’ve just got to have big players in the box and a goalkeeper who comes and punches, and if you don’t you’re gonna get beat up on corners and set-pieces and free-kicks.

“Arsenal are not creating enough chances in these types of games. They’re scoring lots of goals from set-pieces, six out of their nine goals before this game have come from set-pieces, one of them was a penalty. Now that’s great that they’re good at set-pieces, but it’s not good enough.”

Neville right to call Arteta's tactics into question

In the post-match interview, Arteta appeared to suggest his side could have taken more from the match, saying: “At the very least [we deserved a point]. I’m so proud of my players, the way we played, the way we dominated almost every aspect of the game. Very disappointed not to win the game.”

However, it is difficult to agree, given that Viktor Gyokeres was largely anonymous, receiving very little service throughout the match.

Having recorded a total xG of 0.97, compared to 0.96 from City, a draw was probably a fair result, and as pointed out by Neville, Arsenal need to start creating more from open play.

After trailing for so long, Arteta will be happy his side managed to force their way back into the game, but the five-point gap that’s already opened up will be concerning, particularly considering the fixtures don’t get any easier, with Newcastle United away up next in the Premier League.

One of the biggest concerns emerging among the fanbase at Leeds United at the moment appears to be the lack of goal threat in the team in recent games.

The Whites have failed to score a goal from open play in the first four matches of a league season, failing to score in any of their last three games in the division.

Lucas Nmecha’s penalty in the 1-0 win over Everton on the opening day of the 2025/26 campaign is the only league goal that has been scored by the Whites since they won the Championship title.

Leeds scored a whopping 62 goals to avoid relegation in their first season back in the top-flight under Marcelo Bielsa in the 2020/21 campaign, with Patrick Bamford’s 17-goal haul standing out as the headliner from that attack.

Daniel Farke has to find a way to platform his attackers in a way that allows them to be as effective as Bamford was that season, because one of his forwards does have the potential to be a big threat in front of goal.

Leeds swooped to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer from Everton this summer and one of the reasons why they moved to bring him in was because he is a proven Premier League player.

Why Calvert-Lewin could be the goalscorer Leeds need

Despite his experience in the league, signing the 28-year-old centre-forward was a risky move by the Championship champions because he has not been at his best in front of goal for several years.

Per Understat, Calvert-Lewin only scored three goals from 8.85 xG in the Premier League for the Toffees in the 2024/25 campaign, which led to them deciding to allow him to depart from the club on a free transfer.

The 11-cap England international also missed 21 matches through injury in the 2024/25 and 2023/24 seasons combined, per Transfermarkt. This means that Leeds are banking on being able to help him avoid injuries in a way that he has been unable to do in recent years.

24/25

8.85

3

23/24

13.63

7

22/23

6.50

2

21/22

6.22

5

20/21

18.21

16

19/20

16.11

13

18/19

6.17

6

17/18

5.44

4

16/17

1.25

1

As you can see in the table above, Calvert-Lewin did score an eye-catching 29 goals in the Premier League between the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns for the Toffees, which shows that he does have the capability to score plenty of goals in the top-flight.

It is down to Farke to find a way to get the best out of the striker, though, and down to the player to take his chances when they come to build his own confidence back up.

If Leeds can get Calvert-Lewin firing at his best, then they could have their next version of Bamford from the 2020/21 season to fire them to safety in the Premier League.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

To help the former England international, Farke could revert to the 4-2-3-1 formation that served him so well in the Championship. The Whites scored 95 goals in 46 matches and racked up 100 points with that formation, before switching to a 4-3-3 in the Premier League to provide more stability in midfield.

It seems to have gone too far the other way, though, with the lack of attacking threat in the team at present, which is why the manager must go back to a 4-2-3-1 and unleash Wilfried Gnonto in a lesser-seen role for him to get the best out of Calvert-Lewin.

Why Gnonto could get Calvert-Lewin firing again

The bulk of the Italy U21 international’s appearances for Leeds in the 2024/25 campaign came on the left or the right flank, as he only played centrally in three of his 46 outings in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

Gnonto has also started this season as a wide option in the 4-3-3 formation, starting the first three matches on the left wing, but he has yet to deliver a shot on target or a ‘big chance’ created.

The move back to a 4-2-3-1 system could help to get the best out of the Italian forward whilst also providing Calvert-Lewin with more support and more creativity around him at the top end of the pitch.

As you can see in the graphic above, Gnonto would slot in behind the striker with Dan James on the right and Noah Okafor on the left flank, which would mean that Leeds have three attackers supporting the forward instead of two wingers and three central midfielders who are not specialist attackers.

The reason why Farke should unleash the Italian youngster, who Statman Dave once described as “electric”, in a central position behind Calvert-Lewin is that his career statistics suggest that he is at his best playing off a number nine.

Right wing (62)

14

10

Second striker (48)

20

7

Left wing (38)

7

4

Attacking midfield (18)

4

1

Right midfield (9)

2

0

Left midfield (7)

0

1

Striker (6)

2

0

As you can see in the table above, Gnonto’s best return of goals and assists combined per appearance in his career is as a second striker, which is a role he could play in a 4-2-3-1 in the hole behind Calvert-Lewin.

The former Zurich star scored nine goals and created ten ‘big chances’ in 26 starts in the Championship last season, per Sofascore, whilst playing as a winger, so imagine what he could produce as a regular starter as a second striker, which appears to get the best out of him.

Gnonto’s ability to score and create goals from central positions could benefit Calvert-Lewin in multiple ways, because the Italian’s goal threat could take some of the pressure off the striker and his creativity could provide the Englishman with the chances he needs to score.

As aforementioned, Calvert-Lewin needs plenty of chances to score and unleashing Gnonto as a second striker as part of a formation change that would improve the team’s attacking set-up could be exactly what Farke needs to do to get him firing.

Leeds messed up selling James & Gnonto upgrade who'd solve Farke's big issues

A star sold by Leeds United last year would solve the club’s current attacking problems as an upgrade on Dan James and Wilfried Gnonto.

1 ByDan Emery Sep 15, 2025

Kagiso Rabada has admitted to testing positive for recreational drug use and serving a provisional suspension, which led to his departure from IPL 2025 on April 3. At the time, Rabada’s team Gujarat Titans said he had returned home to deal with a “significant personal matter,” and did not indicate if or when he would return to India.”ESPNcricinfo understands that Rabada’s transgression took place during the SA20 in January-February this year. He represented MI Cape Town in that tournament. While the exact length of his sanction has not been confirmed, he has since traveled back to India and his return to play is imminent. Rabada has not played a match since March 29.Related

• Rabada sorry about drug use but 'won't be Mr-I-Apologise too much'

• WTC final-bound South Africa players to miss IPL 2025 playoffs

• SA hope Rabada puts ban behind him as WTC final beckons

• Kagiso Rabada returns home from IPL 2025 for personal reasons

In statement issued by Rabada through the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA), Rabada apologised for his actions and recommitted himself to the game.”As has been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from participating in the IPL for personal reasons,” Rabada said in his statement. “This was due to my returning an adverse analytical finding for the use of a recreational drug.”I am deeply sorry to all those that I have let down. I will never take the privilege of playing cricket for granted. This privilege is much larger than me. It goes beyond my personal aspirations.”I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to returning to the game I love playing.”I couldn’t have gone through this alone. I’d like to thank my agent, CSA, and Gujarat Titans for their support. I’d also like to thank SACA and my legal team for their guidance and counsel. Most importantly I’d like to thank my friends and family for their understanding and love.”Moving forward, this moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have always done, continuously working hard and playing with passion and devotion to my craft.”SACA have declined to answer questions relating to the matter while the South African Agency for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) is expected to release a statement early next week explaining the situation. SAIDS is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which means that any sanction SAIDS oversees would need to be ratified by WADA.In the last four years, there has only been one instance of an athlete receiving a one-month ban from SAIDS: powerlifter Matt Bekker, who was banned in April 2021 for testing positive for THC, which is found in cannabis. In November last year, New Zealand cricketer Doug Bracewell was effectively banned for a month for cocaine use – a sanction that was reduced from three months after Bracewell satisfactorily completed a treatment program. ESPNcricinfo has established that Rabada’s case is expected to be similar.There are no concerns from sources close to CSA over Rabada missing any more cricket, including the World Test Championship final against Australia in June.

Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a £60m opening bid for a “sensational” English star, who could now be open to a move to N17.

Tottenham looking to bolster attacking options despite Simons capture

Tottenham managed to get a deal for Xavi Simons over the line in the final stages of the summer transfer window, with Thomas Frank eager to bring in a new playmaker, given that James Maddison has been ruled out with an ACL injury.

However, Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard has since suggested there are some doubts over the signing of Simons, given that he was not always consistent enough in an RB Leipzig shirt due to concerns about his attitude.

Tottenham confirm takeover "interest" after Levy exit, several parties keen

There have been suggestions that ENIC could look to sell Tottenham Hotspur…

ByDominic Lund Sep 8, 2025

It remains to be seen whether the Dutchman can adapt to life in the Premier League, but it appears as though ENIC are pressing ahead with a move for a different attacker regardless.

According to a report from The Boy Hotspur, Tottenham are now plotting a £60m opening bid for Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, who is capable of playing on both wings and through the middle.

Spurs are said to be implementing a more aggressive transfer strategy following the departure of Levy, and they are now planning to test Villa’s resolve, although Unai Emery’s side are probably not inclined to accept £60m, given that they value Rogers at £100m.

The English attacker could now be open to a move to north London, with Frank’s side taking more concrete action towards securing his signature than Chelsea, who have also been named as potential suitors.

"Sensational" Rogers could kickstart new era at Tottenham

While ENIC have made it clear they have no plans to sell, Levy’s departure marks the start of a new era for Tottenham, who are now expected to be more willing to spend big in the transfer market.

As such, Spurs may be able to compete for Rogers’ signature, and there is every indication he could be a fantastic acquisition, having once again performed very well for Villa last season, picking up 19 goal contributions in 37 Premier League games.

Journalist Eduardo Hagn lauded the England international as “sensational” back in April, and he also proved himself in the Champions League, picking up four goals and three assists in 12 outings.

Rogers is clearly ready to take the next big step in his career, and with Tottenham planning to be more ambitious following Levy’s exit, a move to N17 could be ideal.

Fakhar Zaman made 84 in the chase of 331 in Lahore, but once he fell the hosts crumbled

Danyal Rasool08-Feb-2025

Glenn Phillips scored his maiden ODI century•Associated Press

A blistering onslaught from Glenn Phillips in the final six overs of the first innings helped New Zealand ease to a crushing win over Pakistan in the first ODI of the tri-series in Lahore. The visitors posted 330 thanks to Phillips’ 72-ball century, with 98 runs coming in the final six overs. Pakistan could never quite muster a convincing response, with all hopes pinned on a flying start from Fakhar Zaman. However, when Phillips – who could seemingly do no wrong – trapped him in front for a 69-ball 84, their resistance melted away, and New Zealand’s task became something of a cakewalk. To make Pakistan’s evening worse, Haris Rauf picked up an injury which prevented him from batting, and New Zealand won by 78 runs.New Zealand’s innings appeared a struggle until the 44th over, with Pakistan taking regular wickets, even if half-centuries from Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell kept them ticking along. On a flat wicket, Pakistan’s bowlers had done a stellar job restricting New Zealand’s scoring rate, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah combining for five wickets. So it seemed, anyway, until Phillips let loose, ripping apart Pakistan’s bowlers at the very end. He would score his last 77 runs in 32 balls, as New Zealand took momentum with them into the dinner break.New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat on what looked a dry, flat surface at the newly built Gaddafi stadium, but immediately ran into headwinds. Afridi continued his ODI wicket-taking form with one in his first over, inducing Will Young into a prod that got a nick through to the keeper. With Williamson largely subdued in the opening powerplay, run scoring came largely through a belligerent cameo from Rachin Ravindra. A couple of boundaries off Afridi either side of the wicket set the tone, and he had raced to 25 off 18 deliveries; 20 of them came through fours. But a slightly careless shot off Abrar Ahmed ended a nascently dangerous innings with Ravindra out caught and bowled.Williamson continued to consolidate, and for a while New Zealand had entered a rut. By the end of the 18th over, their scoring rate had fallen below four, with Mitchell looking laboured as he shuffled along, scoring 9 off his first 22 balls. The escalation came all of a sudden, and primarily through Mitchell, when he charged down the ground to loft Khushdil Shah over the sightscreen for six. Williamson began to come into his own, too as New Zealand began to milk the bowling, with the run rate beginning to tick upwards as the partnership approached three-figures.But Pakistan were maintaining a hold over the game by picking up regular wickets, and two in five deliveries pegged New Zealand back sharply. Afridi, once more, proved the partnership breaker, another gentle edge from Williamson that Rizwan comfortably pouched. The two-paced nature of the wicket went on to do for Tom Latham, who found the ball stopping on him as he chipped it up to midwicket.In Mitchell and Phillips, though, New Zealand’s two most potent late-overs bludgeoners were at the crease, and they would go on to prove it over the next hour. Mitchell was picking off the Pakistan spinners whenever their lengths dropped short; each of his five sixes came against spin, but it would also be his downfall. A harmless full toss from Abrar was clipped straight into midwicket’s arms, Mitchell’s disbelief writ large on his face as he walked away 19 short of a hundred.Fakhar Zaman’s quick fifty led Pakistan’s chase•Associated Press

But for Pakistan, that was the reprieve before the storm. Phillips had been sedate until the 42nd over, nudging it around for 29 off 43, but when Salman Agha was pumped back over his head for a six, there were signs he was awakening. Agha was dispatched for another pair of sixes in his following over, but it was when the fast bowlers returned that the beast was truly unleashed.A nudge off Naseem in the 47th over brought Phillips his half-century, but he wasn’t nearly done yet. Afridi was launched over deep midwicket and then scooped above short third for consecutive sixes, before Naseem was plundered for 17 in the 49th over. But the worst of the carnage was left for Afridi in the final over, which produced a whopping 25, bringing up Phillips’ maiden ODI century.The crowd was at full capacity and full pitch when Pakistan came out to bat, because Babar Azam was opening alongside Fakhar. The noise was for Babar, but it was Fakhar who sprung out of the traps, helping Pakistan to a brisk start in the Powerplay. But Babar’s start to opening – the first time he has done so since 2015 – was inauspicious, flicking a harmless delivery from Michael Bracewell straight into midwicket’s hands.Kamran Ghulam was similarly turgid, and the pressure fell squarely on Fakhar to produce a mammoth innings if Pakistan were to make headway in the chase. For a while, he offered them hope, taking down Mitchell Santner and Bracewell as he hurtled towards his century, but Ghulam and Rizwan were sent packing at the other end.The death knell for Pakistan was struck by Phillips in the 24th over when he skidded one on that trapped Fakhar plumb in front. With the asking rate rising above nine and 212 runs still to get, there was little realistic hope the lower-middle order would be able to get Pakistan close. It was reflected in the activity of the crowd, which streamed towards the exits.Tayyab Tahir and Agha tried to keep it going, building up a tidy little partnership, but even moments of brilliance went New Zealand’s way when Bracewell took a stunning catch diving to his right to send a disbelieving Tahir back to the pavilion.Thereafter, it appeared both sides were going through the motions, New Zealand doing enough to chip away at the lower order. The only bad news for the visitors was what appeared a nasty injury to Ravindra, who lost a ball in the lights as it went on to hit him flush in the face, and went off as blood streamed down his hair.The game itself was far more straightforward for New Zealand. Khushdil and Agha fell to spin within four balls of each other and, despite an entertaining little cameo from Abrar at the very end, Pakistan were merely delaying the inevitable. Matt Henry bounced out Naseem with 13 balls still to go; they are well placed in this tournament, and, it appears, well placed ahead of the Champions Trophy.