Azhar Ali, who had replaced Shehzad in the ODI squad, did not find a place in the T20 squad
ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jan-2018
AFP
Opener Ahmed Shehzad, who had been dropped for the ODI leg of the New Zealand tour, has returned to Pakistan’s squad for the three-match T20 series. Azhar Ali, who had replaced Shehzad in the ODI squad, did not find a place in the T20 squad. The only other change from the ODI squad was the inclusion of batsman Umar Amin in place of Imam-ul-Haq.Shehzad’s recent form bodes well for Pakistan: he has scored 403 runs in seven innings in the ongoing Departmental One Day Cup at an average of 67.16 and strike rate of 100.24.With allrounder Imad Wasim yet to recover from the knee injury that had sidelined him from the ODI series, Mohammad Nawaz retained his place in the squad.”Imad Wasim was yet to recover from his knee injury, and was told to continue his rehabilitation at the NCA,” Inzamam ul Haq, the chief selector, said.Pakistan are presently two games into a five-match ODI series, with New Zealand prevailing in both contests via the DLS method. The first of the three T20s will be played on January 22 at the Westpac Stadium in Wellington, three days after the fifth ODI.Squad: Sarfraz Ahmed (capt &wk), Fakhar Zaman, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Aamer Yamin, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Rumman Raees, Umar Amin
Sri Lanka have lost nine ODIs in a row. Pakistan have won eight of their last nine. Is there any way for Sri Lanka to keep the series alive?
The Preview by Andrew Fidel Fernando17-Oct-2017
Big Picture
It didn’t seem so long ago that Pakistan were considered a modest ODI outfit playing an outdated form of the game. Their batting was too slow, their bowlers not penetrative enough, and their fielding conformed to stereotype. Now, suddenly, having beaten the world, they have begun to play like world-beaters. It is the newer players that have injected this fresh energy: the likes of Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan and Fakhar Zaman who have shaken things up. On Monday, Babar and Shadab, 23 and 19-years-old respectively, heaved their side to a win in a match they should have comfortably lost.The opposing camp can only look on with envy. There, despite the many changes over the last year, there have been no signs of reinvigoration. The nine-match losing streak is their worst in 30 years, their bowlers rarely take wickets, and even when they do – as on Monday – the batsmen fail to score the runs. What’s worse is that so many players who began their careers with promise have begun to flounder in this format. Dinesh Chandimal was once an outstanding limited-overs prospect, now he can barely hold a place in the XI. Milinda Siriwardana and Thisara Perera too – dazzling talents once, but inconsistent performers of late.Having won eight of their last nine ODIs now, Pakistan have begun to acquire an aura of indomitability. Having reduced them to 101 for 6 and still failed, Sri Lanka must be wondering what they have to do to win a match. That, in the middle of a series, SLC is trying to convince individual players to agree to play the third T20 is Lahore, is perhaps also drawing focus from the series at hand.Whatever the case, Pakistan now have the chance to lock down this series. Sri Lanka must reach for a special performance to break their abysmal streak.
Form guide
Sri Lanka LLLLL(completed matches, most recent first) Pakistan WWWWW
In the spotlight
It’s time to talk about Kusal Mendis. It has been 12 international knocks now since he last reached fifty. In ODIs alone, he has not made 40 in his ten most-recent completed innings. There is no pattern to his dismissals, which suggests his slump is largely a matter of confidence. But having for so long been Sri Lanka’s beacon while team-mates regularly collapsed around him, Mendis desperately needs runs in the series to stave off contenders for his position. Asela Gunaratne, Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews and Danushka Gunathilaka all await a return to the XI, after all.Thirty-three ODIs in, Babar Azam has seven ODI tons and six fifties. He is faster out of the gate than the likes of Virat Kohli – the challenge for Azam now is to maintain that intensity. Among his strengths is that Azam seems to have an innate understanding how to pace a big ODI innings – when to see a tough bowler out, and when to hit out. These are qualities that batsman often do not develop until they are experienced. With three more potential innings against what has been a poor Sri Lanka attack this year, Azam will aim to swell what is already an impressive average of 57.20.
Team news
Pakistan are likely to field the same XI, giving Ahmed Shehzad another run despite scores of 0 and 8 so far.Pakistan (probable): 1 Ahmed Shehzad, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Mohammad Hafeez, 5 Shoaib Malik, 6 Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), 7 Imad Wasim, 8 Shadab Khan, 9 Rumman Raees, 10 Hasan Ali, 11 Junaid KhanFollowing scores of 0 and 3, Milinda Siriwardana’s place in the XI may be under the microscope. The team management may persevere with Siriwardana, but if they drop him, Chamara Kapugedara is likeliest to enter the XI.Sri Lanka (probable): 1 Niroshan Dickwella, (wk), 2 Upul Tharanga (capt), 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Lahiru Thirimanne, 5 Dinesh Chandimal, 6 Milinda Siriwardana, 7 Thisara Perera, 8 Akila Dananjaya, 9 Jeffrey Vandersay, 10 Suranga Lakmal, 11 Lahiru Gamage
Pitch and conditions
Yet another hot, humid outing awaits the players in Abu Dhabi. The stadium is not typically a high-scoring venue, with 300 having been breached on only three occasions.
Stats and trivia
Babar Azam is the fastest batsman to seven ODI centuries, doing it eight innings quicker than the next-best batsman
Pakistan have won both previous bilateral series against Sri Lanka in the UAE. They beat Sri Lanka 4-1 in 2011, and 3-2 in 2013
Niroshan Dickwella needs 87 more runs to complete 1000 in ODIs. If he does it in the next innings – his 26th – he will be the fastest Sri Lanka batsman to the milestone, beating Roy Dias, who got there in 27
Quotes
“The batters need to get their act together. The skill is there, but they need to get their act together.” Sri Lanka batting coach Hashan Tillakaratne
Manchester United have been handed a blow in their efforts to land Sofyan Amrabat this summer, with journalist Santi Aouna reporting the player doesn't want to move to Old Trafford.
Is Sofyan Amrabat good?
The 26-year-old has spent the last three seasons plying his trade for Fiorentina and has continued to impress in Italy for La Viola this campaign. He played on 29 occasions for the club in the 2022/23 season, with 24 starts, and bagged one assist along the way.
It shows that the Morocco man has become a regular and reliable member of the squad and he also had a key part to play in their run to the Europa Conference League final, with a 13 further games in that competition. The midfielder was also a feature for Morocco in the World Cup last year, as they reached a historic fourth-place.
He's still in the middle of his twenties but already has 117 Serie A outings to his name, with a further 63 in the Eredivisie. Amrabat is closing in then on the big 200 game milestone already – proving his experience at a high level – and could hit that number over the course of the next campaign.
He likely will feature heavily again for whoever he plays for when you consider how durable and consistent he has performed in recent years, and his impact is proven by some of his stats over the last league season. With 158 passes into the final third for example, he ranked eighth of anyone in the entire Serie A in that category. He also had a progressive carrying distance of 4827 yards (ranked ninth in the league). Amrabat then is a midfielder who loves to not only carry the ball forward but can get it there through his passing and vision too.
Are Manchester United signing Sofyan Amrabat?
Now, having proven his ability to cut it with the best players in the league and on some of the biggest stages football has to offer, he is a wanted man. Man United in the Premier League have been heavily linked with a move for the midfielder and there are a host of other clubs all tracking his signature. It seemed as though the Red Devils had been leading the way for the Fiorentina man, with a recent report even stating they would be the side making a "decisive" bid for his services this weekend.
Now though, according to journalist Santi Aouna, Amrabat may not be heading to Old Trafford after all because "he is not interested".
The reporter states that whilst the 26-year-old will consider leaving Fiorentina for a big club, he doesn't fancy a move to the Red Devils and is instead holding out for a potential switch to La Liga, which is a dream of his. It means that even though a bid is on the table, it doesn't matter because Amrabat himself doesn't fancy a transfer switch.
sofyan-amrabat-premier-league-transfers-liverpool
It would be a blow for Erik ten Hag if this deal doesn't get done. Amrabat has been praised highly by some of the biggest names in football, with Luis Enrique stating that the midfielder "impressed him" more than any other player at the World Cup tournament in Qatar while members of the media have called his European performances "outstanding".
Perhaps the most pressing concern for Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea is the lack of depth in midfield.
This year, the Blues have lost Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Mason Mount, leaving the club moderately light in the centre of the park.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Moises Caicedo has been long-winded and well-documented as they’re yet to reach an agreement for the 21-year-old. The west London outfit recently had a bid of £70m rejected by the Seagulls, but previous reports suggested that the Ecuadorian could cost up to £100m.
Brighton’s stance has probably been hardened by Declan Rice’s £105m move to Arsenal, with the south coast side feeling they can acquire a similar fee for one of their biggest talents.
This frustrating process may force Chelsea in a different direction – and Marco Verratti has been suggested as a possible target.
What’s the latest on Marco Verratti to Chelsea?
According to Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol, Chelsea are one of several European giants who are keen on signing Verratti.
He revealed there’s a chance that the 30-year-old will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer. Although it is understood that the French club’s official position is that he’s not for sale, they may listen to offers that match their valuation, which is around £70m.
However, Atletico Madrid, Al-Hilal and Liverpool have also expressed interest in securing the Italian’s signature. Regarding the rumours around the Premier League sides, they are not confirmed and Solhekol believes it may just be intermediaries, agents, or representatives offering Verratti to Liverpool and Chelsea at this stage, as both clubs are in need of midfielders.
Nevertheless, given that the Reds are on the verge of losing Jordan Henderson and Fabinho – as well as the brazenly chaotic transfer dealings of the new Chelsea ownership – a move to either side could yet happen.
Would Marco Verratti be a good signing for Chelsea?
The 55-cap international has been an impeccable club servant for PSG, as in over a decade of service he has made over 400 appearances and won nine Ligue 1 titles.
His diminutive weaving stature and imperious technical elegance has helped him form a formidable reputation across the globe as one of the most talented midfielders.
This has been recognised by Pep Guardiola, who has emphatically underlined his praise for the 5 foot 5 magician, saying: “I’m in love with him. He is exceptional. Even under pressure, he manages to find those passes that allow the midfield to be free. He’s not a player for long passes but you can always count on him to build the game.”
His style of play has led to comparisons with Thiago Alcantara, as per FBref, as both relentlessly dictate the tempo of matches with their passing, intelligence and movement.
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This is mainly mirrored by their statistics on the ball as they average similar pass completion per 90 (92.6% vs 86.6%), progressive passes per 90 (9.81 vs 8.65), and successful take-ons per 90 (1.28 vs 1.33). Furthermore, these aforementioned figures place both men within the best 19% in Europe’s top five leagues among their positional peers for each of those metrics.
As well as this exemplary ball-playing competence, they also possess excellent and unexpected tenacity, ranking in the top 5% across the continent for tackles per 90.
Therefore, adding someone of this quality would be massive for Chelsea and would mean an exciting reunion with Pochettino.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has used a bizarre "war" analogy to describe in-form star Kai Havertz following his new-found form in red.
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Havertz scores vs Brentford and RC LensConfidence boost for the GermanArteta uses bizarre analogy to describe the playerWHAT HAPPENED?
The Arsenal boss claimed the German international will go to "war" when asked to, despite being a very humble character amongst the squad, following his two goals in as many games for The Gunners over the past week.
AdvertisementWHAT ARTETA SAID
Speaking on the upturn in form for Havertz, Arteta continued to praise the player ahead of the upcoming clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers. “First of all support him, like with any other player, and give him the tools and the time to show his qualities,” Arteta said in Friday's press conference.
“I think that’s what he’s doing. Everything is starting to come together. A lot of the things he was doing right, he’s continued to do and now obviously in front of goal, he’s being very efficient. He’s not someone that wants to be there in the frontline or at least he doesn’t show it in that way, but then if you ask him to go to war, he will be the first one down there, but he doesn’t want to take that credit and I think he deserved that credit on the day."
Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The 24-year-old has struggled to find his finest form since arriving at the Emirates Stadium in a eye-watering £65 million move from London rivals Chelsea this summer, with just one goal to his name in red prior to the fixtures against RC Lens and Brentford.
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WHAT NEXT FOR HAVERTZ?
As mentioned, Havertz and his Arsenal teammates are now preparing to host Wolves this weekend, as they look to build on the two impressive victories against Brentford and Lens in the last week. Arteta's side currently sit at the top of the Premier League heading into this weekends fixtures, with Manchester City following closely in second, just one point behind the leaders.
Fulham are now targeting Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi this summer and Mauricio Pochettino's side are open to selling him, according to reports.
Who will Fulham sign this summer?
In the past week, Whites transfer rumours have been seriously hotting up, both in terms of potential departures and signings for Marco Silva.
Fulham enjoyed a successful first full campaign back in the Premier League after being promoted from the Championship, comfortably avoiding relegation and finished mid-table.
While they couldn't quite do enough to seal European football for next season, the foundations to build are there, and it is believed the west Londoners are looking at strengthening a variety of positions.
Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, Japan international Ao Tanaka, Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres, Fenerbache defender Ferdi Kadioglu and Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez have all been linked in the past 10 days.
Meanwhile, it is believed top flight rivals are eyeing moves for star Fulham players Joao Palhinha and Antonee Robinson, with Leicester City also apparently looking to steal away club captain Tom Cairney.
If these rumours come to fruition, it could well be a busy summer at Craven Cottage, with news emerging of another target on their radar.
Hudson-Odoi, who spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, is apparently being targeted by Fulham.
That is according to The Guardian and reliable journalist Jacob Steinberg, who claims Fulham, Milan and Nottingham Forest have registered interest in the £120,000-per-week forward.
Chelsea are prepared to sell Hudson-Odoi, and could do so for just £15 million, with the winger looking likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
He's out of contract next year, and with just 12 months remaining on his current deal, Fulham could offer him the chance to remain in west London.
Hudson-Odoi has offers from the Middle East, though it is thought his preference is to remain in Europe at this stage.
What's been said about Hudson-Odoi?
Frank Lampard once tipped the 22-year-old for stardom at Chelsea, calling him an "incredible" player back in 2019 whilst claiming he could be "huge" for the Blues.
Fast forward to now, and that hasn't quite worked out, but Lampard isn't the only person to have seriously endorsed the winger.
FourFourTwo writer Mark White, taking to Twitter just last year, called Hudson-Odoi a "special" player and drew particular attention to his "unbelievable vision" and "sheer mentality".
Given he is available for just £15m, and Fulham are in need of forward depth, he could be a prudent option.
Tottenham Hotspur are keen on moving for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi this summer as Ange Postecoglou gets his transfer business underway in N17, according to journalist Dean Jones.
What's the latest transfer news involving Marc Guehi?
According to FootballTransfers, Tottenham are keen on Guehi this summer as they look to bring a defender into the building ahead of the new campaign.
Speaking to the outlet, journalist Steve Kay added: "Spurs are interested in signing Marc Guehi in the summer. Palace want £65m. Spurs apparently won't pay that – they're looking at paying around £45m. Tottenham have been looking for a young, versatile defender for quite a while now, and they have recently inquired about Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres."
Aside from Tottenham, Liverpool are keen on the £50k-a-week ace alongside Arsenal and Manchester United, according to The Daily Mail, which is a testament to his performances across the season.
As per Football Insider, pundit Gabby Agbonlahor tipped Spurs to make several defensive reinforcements this off-season and has tipped Guehi to move to N17, saying in an interview with the publication: “I think Spurs need three centre-backs. Guehi can be one of them, but I’d go out and get more. Lenglet and Ben Davies are not good enough either. You’ve got to have multiple top centre-backs if you want to go and win trophies. Look at Arsenal after they lost Saliba – it’s cost them the title.”
Writing in his column for GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has indicated that Spurs are indeed looking to pursue Guehi this window.
Jones stated when assessing potential defensive additions: "In the centre of defence Harry Maguire has been linked and that interest is genuine. One of the other Premier League options we should expect them to thoroughly look into is another England international in Marc Guehi at Crystal Palace.
"He is also admired by Arsenal but Spurs believe they could have the edge on them in terms of being able to offer regular first-team football, which is going to be vital in a season that leads into the European Championship – as he will aim to be part of the Three Lions squad. Max Kilman of Wolves is another option they have looked at while scouts have had pretty heavy focus on Serie A too."
Would Marc Guehi be a good signing for Tottenham Hotspur?
Guehi, who has been hailed as an "absolute tank", enjoyed a positive campaign for Crystal Palace and made great strides as he continues to develop into a distinguished Premier League central defender.
Over the course, the England international made 40 appearances in all competitions for Crystal Palace, registering one goal, as per Transfermarkt.
Marc-Guehi
WhoScored takes into account that Guehi managed to stay switched on during dangerous attacking phases and completed around 3.6 clearances per game in the English top flight.
As per FBRef, Guehi made 97 tackles and interceptions combined across the term, demonstrating his ability to win back possession with regularity.
With strong winds of change set to engulf Tottenham's playing squad over the next few months, Guehi joining the fold would be an intelligent piece of business by Lilywhites' boss Postecoglou.
Jason Roy is set to play only white-ball cricket until the end of the ICC Champions Trophy
George Dobell in St Kitts26-Feb-2017
Jason Roy made 79 off 43 balls with 66 of his runs in boundaries in England’s first warm-up match•Getty Images
Jason Roy is set to play only white-ball cricket until the end of the ICC Champions Trophy.Roy, England’s limited-overs opener, retains ambitions to play Test cricket. But, with the Champions Trophy identified as one of England’s prime goals for the summer, he is likely to be encouraged to concentrate on his white-ball skills until the end of the tournament in June. That means his next first-class match could come in the round of pink-ball games scheduled to be played under lights at the end of June.While Roy will be required to return from the IPL to play in the two ODIs against Ireland at the start of May, he is expected to be allowed to return to India for another couple of matches as soon as his England duty is over. He will then join the rest of the ODI squad in a training camp in Spain.He looked in fine form during the opening match of England’s Caribbean tour. Murderous against the short ball, he also drove well and improvised effectively against the spinners on his way to 79 from 43 deliveries. And while he did not field due to a bruised hand caused by a succession of tough fielding sessions, he is confident of being fit for Monday’s final warm-up match ahead of the ODI series.”It’s definitely difficult getting into different mind-sets,” Roy said. “It’s not really a technical thing; it’s more a mind-set thing. Especially going from red ball to white ball. T20 and 50-over cricket can be quite similar. So just playing white-ball cricket would be beneficial coming into the Champions Trophy.”Playing Test cricket is in my head. I want to play. I’ve told the coaches that it’s at the forefront of my mind that I want to be playing Test cricket. It’s on my radar. I just need to score some runs. Hopefully, I’ll get a good volume of white-ball runs and maybe that can push my case later in the year.”Roy hopes to resume his opening partnership with Alex Hales in the coming days. Hales is likely to join the tour party in Antigua after recovering from a hand injury and, while there is still some doubt as to whether he will be fit to play in the ODIs, Roy feels his partner’s record warrants a speedy return.”Hales will probably come straight back in, I would have thought,” Roy said. “He deserves that spot. So yes, I’d expect to open with him.”But competition for places is high. There is a big opportunity for Sam Billings. He is the real deal as well.”Life is pretty good for Roy at present. Enjoying every moment of his first visit to the Caribbean – “I wake up with a smile on my face every morning here,” he says – he is also looking forward to his first experience of the IPL and his first global ODI tournament.”I can’t wait for the Champions Trophy,” he said. “It’s a first Champions Trophy and first major 50-over competition for me so I’m hugely excited. We’ve such a good team spirit going, so it’s really exciting. To win the Champions Trophy would be a hell of an achievement for our group considering where we were a couple of years ago with the World Cup.”It’ll be my first time going to the IPL, as well. It’s a huge competition.”I woke myself up at 4am on the day of the auction and had at look at my phone. It said ‘Jason Roy: unsold’. I threw my phone on to the floor and was like, ‘I’m just useless’. Anyway, I was lucky enough to get picked up in the second round.”It’s not just about the money. Obviously that’s nice, but it’s about getting used to playing in front of massive crowds and, being an overseas player, the pressure is on to do well. I’ll get to play with and learn from different players. Being in the PSL with Brendon McCullum for a couple of weeks taught me a lot about cricket. These things all provide the foundation blocks for a big tournament.”Billings is also expected to return to the IPL after the Ireland games, but faces a fight to force his way into the Champions Trophy squad. He knows, though, that he can’t think about trying to retain his place if he is to bat with the freedom required in modern limited-overs cricket.”You can’t afford to think about repercussions,” Billings said. “If you’re thinking about keeping your place, you’re not concentrating on the ball coming down at you.”When I play at my best, I’m just expressing myself and taking the attack to the bowlers. I just try to keep as clear mind as possible and just go out and whack it, really.”George Dobell is a senior correspondent at ESPNcricinfo. He will be covering England’s tour of the Caribbean in association with Smile Group Travel, specialists in hosted supporters’ packages.
The former Fulham striker netted a stunning hat-trick to move his new side to the top of the table heading into the international break
Matches between Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal are always special encounters. 'The Saudi Clasico' is the most historic game on the Pro League calendar, as the competition's two most successful clubs face off in front of bumper crowds. But if there were any worries that the influx of foreign stars would blunt the rivalry at all, then there need not have been.
Friday's 4-3 win for Al-Hilal proved to be the Pro League game of the season so far, as the visitors came from 3-1 down at half-time to end their hosts 100 percent start to the campaign and claim top spot for themselves heading into the international break.
That they were able to move to the summit was, in part, also down to Al-Ahli losing their own perfect record in some style, as the newly-promoted outfit were thrashed 5-1 at Al-Fath, while Cristiano Ronaldo and co. at Al-Nassr continue to close the gap after their poor start to the season, and are now just four points off the top following a third successive league victory.
GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from the latest round of Saudi Pro League action…
WINNER: Aleksandar Mitrovic
Though the majority of fans at King Abdullah Sport City on Friday were there to see Al-Ittihad's star No.9, Karim Benzema, in action, is the was the striker on the opposition who stole the show, as Aleksandar Mitrovic truly announced himself in the Pro League with a superb hat-trick for Al-Hilal.
Having netted a stunning first-half equaliser with a brilliant volley, Mitrovic netted twice more after the break to haul Al-Hilal back into the contest, taking his tally to four goals from his opening three games.
If this is what the Serbia international is doing now, just imagine what he will be capable of once Neymar is fit and creating the opportunities for Mitrovic. The new league leaders have a genuine Golden Boot contender on their hands.
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LOSER: Karim Benzema
When Benzema limped off against Al-Wehda on matchday four, there were many who presumed the ex-Real Madrid man would miss Friday's Clasico, and so there was understandable relief when his named appeared on the teamsheet for Al-Ittihad's clash with Al-Hilal.
And that relief turned to joy midway through the first half, as Benzema scored a superb backheel goal to give his side a 2-1 lead as they looked to make it five wins from five to start the campaign.
From there, though, things went awry. While Mitrovic was scoring pretty much every chance that came his way at the other end, both Benzema and strike partner Abderrazak Hamdallah missed a number of opportunities that could have changed the course of the result.
WINNER: Yassine Bounou
While Mitrovic deservedly took the headlines after Al-Hilal's thrilling victory, the team were just as much indebted to their new goalkeeper, as Yassine Bounou wasted little time in staking a claim to be the best shot-stopper in the division.
Having arrived from Sevilla, the Morocco international made a number of saves during the Clasico, though he saved his best for last in Jeddah, rushing off his line to save with his chest to preserve all three points.
In a league where most of the big-name signings have been attackers, Al-Hilal may have pulled off a real coup by bringing in a top-quality 'keeper for just €21 million (£18m/$22.7m).
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LOSER: Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
For all the Al-Hilal celebrations, concerns remain over the form of Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who many expected to dominate the Pro League after the starring role he played for Lazio as they finished runners-up in last season's Serie A.
Instead, the Serbia international has already been sent off once, and against Al-Ittihad he made what could have proved to be a costly error, with his poor pass leading to the home side's third goal that could have put the game out of sight if not for Mitrovic's heroics.
Milinkovic-Savic and Ruben Neves were meant to form the most formidable midfield in the Pro League after being paired together by Jorge Jesus, but right now the former is letting the side down.
October 12, 2016 Start time 1330 local (1130 GMT)South Africa have an opportunity to inflict the first whitewash of Australia in a five-match series•AFP
Big Picture
South Africa couldn’t have asked for a better start to their summer. After having achieved their initial objective – a series win – they are in a position to inflict a whitewash against the top-ranked ODI side.The margins of victory reflect how South Africa have been dominant in every aspect. Two of the wins have come with more than 10 overs to spare, another by more than 140 runs. In the only match Australia threatened to come close, in Kingsmead, a freak performance by an out-of-form David Miller sealed the series.Miller apart, South Africa have been helped with contributions from Rilee Rossouw, Andile Phehlukwayo and Kyle Abbott, all of whom were considered fringe players coming into the series. That has meant South Africa are spoilt for choice, something Australia will covet.That Australian haven’t bowled South Africa out even once in the series reiterates the inexperience in their attack. But that doesn’t mean there are no other headaches. Australia have crossed 300 just once and have been bowled out for under 220 twice. Their over-reliance on big names hasn’t helped their cause. But they have the added motivation of trying to avoid being blanked.That they will have to do that at one of South Africa’s favourite grounds, in front of a sell-out crowd, will be a challenge. Newlands had earlier raised concerns about the match being scheduled on the same day as a religious holiday, , but it seems the enthusiasm is hardly affected by that.
Form guide
South Africa: WWWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first) Australia: LLLLW
In the spotlight
With seven wickets in four matches, Andile Phehlukwayo has underlined the difference between both sides so far. Phehlukwayo is not part of the national squad in any other formats yet, but his ability to change pace and his maturity in accepting the responsibility of bowling at the death could change that. He has proved himself handy with the bat too, and can further boost his claim to be an allrounder.Steven Smith and David Warner are the only two Australians to have scored a hundred so far. Smith, the captain, doesn’t seem to bring as much out of his men as Warner did when he led them to an ODI series win in Sri Lanka. Before the series, Smith said he hoped to continue riding the wave Warner had created, but now may be left wondering if his one-day leadership credentials could be measured against Warner’s.
Team news
South Africa are looking at bringing back their big bowling guns in search of a clean sweep. That means Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada may force one of Kyle Abbott or Phehlukwayo out of the XI. They may continue with two spinners, with Imran Tahir likely to be brought back in place of Tabraiz Shamsi, the left-arm wrist spinner. With the Tests looming, there’s merit in giving Shamsi a breather and allowing him to fully recover from a quad niggle. Others walking wounded include Rossouw, who hurt his finger, and Farhaan Behardien, who tweaked a hamstring. Both passed fitness Tests, but Temba Bavuma has been at training as cover, while Miller has made sufficient progress from his groin strain.South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Hashim Amla, 3 Faf du Plessis (capt), 4 Rilee Rossouw, 5 JP Duminy, 6 Farhaan Behardien/David Miller, 7 Dwaine Pretorius, 8 and 9 Andile Phehlukwayo/Kyle Abbott/Dale Steyn/Kagiso Rabada, 10 Aaron Phangiso, 11 Imran TahirHaving tried all their bowling combinations in vain, Australia could make their young attack draw straws to decide which of Chris Tremain, Daniel Worrall, Joe Mennie or Scott Boland has to play the final ODI. Usman Khawaja has not been used at all and may be brought in to add depth to the batting.Australia (possible): 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch/Usman Khawaja, 3 Steve Smith (capt), 4 George Bailey, 5 Mitchell Marsh, 6 Travis Head, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 John Hastings, 9 Adam Zampa, 10 and 11 Chris Tremain/Scott Boland/Daniel Worrall/Joe Mennie
Pitch and conditions
A cold front early in the week brought rain to Cape Town on Tuesday, but Newlands has a new drainage system which should keep the outfield dry should the rain stay away. Groundsman Evan Flint does not predict a run-fest, instead aiming for a surface that will offer the bowlers something as well. The weather is expected to be mild with temperatures in the teens, with a light breeze.
Stats and trivia
Australia have never lost all of the matches in a five-game ODI series. The last time they lost all the matches played in an ODI series was in 2006-07 when they were beaten 3-0 by New Zealand. The only other time they were blanked 3-0 was by England, in 1997
South Africa have beaten Australia 4-1 before, in a series in Australia in 2009
Quotes
“If you play against Australia, every little mental thing you can get on your side does play a role. It’s important for everyone to be in good touch. The one-percenters play a big role.”