Glasgow Rangers are back in action once again in the Scottish Premiership this evening as they prepare to take on Kilmarnock away from Ibrox.

The Light Blues are looking to finally get back to winning ways after frustrating draws with Falkirk and Dundee United in their last outings in the league under Danny Rohl.

A 98th-minute penalty from Nedim Bajrami salvaged a point against Dundee United, and the Gers head coach may want to make several changes to the team after that disappointing showing, including dropping Bojan Miovski from the side.

Why Bojan Miovski should be dropped

The Macedonia international has been a regular starter in the Premiership, starting nine of his 11 appearances in the league (Sofascore), and led the line on Wednesday night.

Miovski lost three of his five ground duels and four of his five aerial duels, per Sofascore, against Dundee United, whilst he also missed his only ‘big chance’ in front of goal, which sort of sums up his season so far.

The former Aberdeen marksman has lost 69% of his duels and missed five ‘big chances’ to go along with his one goal in his 11 league outings, per Sofascore, which shows that he has struggled physically and in front of goal in a Gers shirt.

These statistics show that the 26-year-old striker has not delivered enough quality on the pitch, in or out of possession, which is why Rohl should drop the forward from the starting line-up for this clash with Kilmarnock this evening, to give Danilo or Youssef Chermiti a chance to lead the line.

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

Miovski is not the only player who should be dropped from the side that started against Dundee United, though, as Connor Barron should also be ruthlessly ditched.

Why Connor Barron should be dropped

Rohl should drop the Scotland international from the starting line-up because his performances in the last two league games have not been at a high level.

Barron started against Falkirk and Dundee United alongside Nicolas Raskin in the middle of the park, ahead of Mohamed Diomande, but failed to offer enough quality on or off the ball.

Minutes

76

90

Pass accuracy

90%

83%

Big chances created

0

0

Tackles made

0

1

Fouls committed

2

1

Ground duels won

3/6

1/5

Aerial duels won

0/1

0/2

As you can see in the table above, the former Aberdeen star lost the majority of his physical duels across both games, including 86% against Dundee United, whilst he did not create any ‘big chances’ for the team.

This shows that Barron has been a lightweight in his duels in recent games, as opposition players have found it too easy to get the better of him, which has made the Rangers midfield too easy to play against.

On top of struggling out of possession, the 23-year-old central midfielder has no goals, no assists, and no ‘big chances’ created in 12 appearances and seven starts in the Premiership this season, per Sofascore.

He does not offer much of a threat at the top end of the pitch and that has played a part in Rangers scoring just one non-penalty goal in 180 minutes against Falkirk and Dundee United.

Rohl has Diomande, who scored in his last league start against Livingston, available for selection and should bring him into the team to replace Barron for this clash with Kilmarnock this evening.

The Ivorian talent, who is off to the African Cup of Nations later this month, produced five goals and nine assists in midfield for the Scottish giants in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, which shows that he has the quality to make an impact in the final third when he is at his best.

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It is down to Rohl, though, to unleash him alongside Raskin against Kilmarnock tonight to provide him with another chance to remind the supporters of his quality before his absence due to international duty, because Barron has not done enough in his place.

Manchester United could sell Kobbie Mainoo to Chelsea in order to fund a move for an exciting new midfielder in 2026.

Man United squad in need of new signings

The Red Devils are preparing to face Bournemouth on Monday amid several availability concerns for Ruben Amorim.

Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt remain absent for the Cherries’ trip to Old Trafford, but striker Benjamin Sesko could feature after a foot injury.

There remain doubts over whether Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo can feature before jetting off to the Africa Cup of Nations, but Amorim is hopeful United can cope without them.

Mason Mount is among those the Portuguese is sure to lean on, especially after putting in a man-of-the-match display at Molineux on Monday.

“He’s a very, very smart player,” Amorim said. “He’s really technical because sometimes to be a technical player is not just having fun with the ball – it’s the quality of the pass, the reception, how to receive the ball. In these things he’s really smart.

“He can balance our team quite well so he’s a very good player.”

INEOS want to strengthen the manager’s squad in the upcoming transfer windows while maintaing financial stability, and are now eyeing one of the Premier League’s rising stars.

Mainoo sale set to fund move for Wharton

Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider he’s heard United are lining up a one in, one out swap of two England internationals.

The Guardian have also confirmed United’s interest in Wharton, alongside Liverpool and Real Madrid, with Crystal Palace set to demand “more than £80m”.

Wharton’s camp have made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football, with agent James Featherstone telling talkSPORT last week: “We’ve got a plan. It doesn’t have to be achieved right at this moment.

“He’s got his in-game and in-season goals, so he’s got to do his bit, and the rest will take care of itself in a very structured and calm way to ultimately maximise his talent.”

Man Utd can replace Amad & Mbeumo by signing "best winger in the country"

Manchester United have the opportunity to soften the blow of Amad Diallo & Bryan Mbeumo’s absence.

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Ethan Lamb

2 days ago

Manchester United’s poor form under Ruben Amorim has continued, with the Red Devils currently on a run of just one win in their last five matches.

However, Fabrizio Romano has recently confirmed the higher-ups at Old Trafford will continue backing the Portuguese manager and are not considering a change.

That could mean Amorim is once again backed in the January transfer window, as INEOS look to find players who are better suited to his infamous 3-4-2-1 system.

Indeed, they spent over £200m in the summer to sign a new-look attack and Senne Lammens as their new goalkeeper.

If recent reports are to be believed, United will be dipping back into the market in January.

United’s latest transfer target

There have already been several reports linking United to a new midfielder, a clear focus for them over the next two windows.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Two of those are English duo Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, although there could be a sizeable price tag for each Three Lions international.

Instead, the Red Devils have been linked with a more budget-friendly option. According to a report from Football Insider, Olympiacos midfielder Christos Mouzakitis is ‘definitely on the radar’ of the 13-time Premier League champions.

However, this is not going to be a straightforward deal for United to do. Mouzakitis is said to be wanted by ‘probably every big club in Europe right now,’ so it’ll be tough competition for Amorim’s side.

Real Madrid, for example, are one of the sides vying for his signature, although United are ready to ‘push’ the LaLiga outfit for his signature.

At a fee of just £30m, it represents great value, especially in January.

Why Mouzakitis would be a good signing

There is no doubt that 18-year-old Mouzakitis, who turns 19 on Christmas Day, is one of the most talented young midfielders in Europe.

That was recognised earlier this week when he won the 2025 Golden Boy fans’ choice award.

Indeed, it is clear to see why the Greek international, who already has seven caps for his country, is so highly rated. Despite being so young, he’s already played 52 times for Olympiacos, bagging two goals and assisting six in that time.

One of the real positives to Mouzakitis’ game is the fact that he is a versatile player. Whilst he has played most of his career as a number eight, the teenager has also operated in a deeper role for Olympiacos.

Como scout Ben Mattinson is someone who has been full of praise for the Athens-born midfielder. He even said Mouzakitis’ profile is “similar to Granit Xhaka,” suggesting he is a true controller in the middle of the park, just like the Swiss veteran.

Indeed, his underlying numbers perfectly highlight just how good he is in possession. For example, the 18-year-old 1.73 passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes.

That number ranks him in the top 6% of midfielders in Europe over the last 365 days.

Mouzakitis’ key stats in last 365 days

Stat (per 90)

Number

Percentile

Key passes

1.42

80th

Passes into penalty box

1.73

94th

Progressive passes

5.99

76th

Shot-creating actions

3.78

90th

Ball recoveries

5.83

86th

Stats from FBref

Of course, going into the next couple of windows, United would love to bring a player like Wharton to Old Trafford.

Described as “very calm, composed, and a joy to play with” by Eberechi Eze, he is one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe.

However, his price tag could be a sticking point for United. The Eagles are said to want £100m for their prized midfield asset.

That would be a club-record deal for the Red Devils if they were to pay that fee.

Signing Mouzakitis, though, could be the dream alternative. Mattinson has previously said he would “compare him” to Wharton.

Like the Blackburn-born midfielder, he is a true controller in the middle of the park.

Not only are their profiles similar, but he’d also save United £70m, according to their reported price tags. That is a huge saving which could weigh into INEOS’ thinking, in a window where they need to spread their money out to sign a few players.

Signing Mouzakitis represents a deal for the present and future, saves them a fortune and helps them sign a needed profile in midfield. It certainly seems like a great option for United.

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Chelsea have made an approach to sign a Premier League star, and it happened right after they lost against his side in the top flight.

Chelsea look to arrest recent slide with Everton win

The west Londoners desperately need to rediscover their winning formula when they welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, with their title charge now unraveling.

Enzo Maresca’s side have endured a torrid spell recently, failing to taste victory in their last four games across all competitions.

This dismal run has seen them tumble to fifth in the Premier League, now eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal in what appears an increasingly forlorn title pursuit.

Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League defeat against Atalanta was particularly damaging, leaving Chelsea 11th in the European competition’s league phase and facing an uphill battle to secure automatic qualification to the last 16.

They also lost 3-1 to Leeds at the start of December and followed that up with a frustrating goalless stalemate at Bournemouth.

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Maresca has attracted criticism for excessive squad rotation, making more changes than any other manager in the Premier League throughout 2025/2026.

More worryingly, no top flight side has squandered more points from winning positions at home this season than Chelsea’s eight, and Everton travel to London in a very good mood.

The Toffees have won four out of their last five matches, keeping clean sheets in all of those games, and a first win at Stamford Bridge since the 1990s would allow them to leapfrog Chelsea in the table.

Nothing but all three points will do for Maresca and co as they look to end what has been a memorable 2025 on a high.

Away from the pitch, Chelsea are being linked with a host of players ahead of 2026 and the January transfer window, with Sunderland star Noah Sadiki now attracting their interest.

Chelsea make 'direct contact' for Sunderland star Noah Sadiki

The versatile 20-year-old has been a key player for Regis Le Bris’ side as they make a fairytale start to their first season back in the Premier League for eight years.

Sadiki is a mainstay for this year’s surprise package, starting all 15 of their games so far, and he put in an excellent performance at Stamford Bridge back in October.

The Black Cats ran out 2-1 winners over Chelsea in west London, and Sadiki’s performance motivated BlueCo to ‘immediately’ inquire Sunderland over his availability.

That is according to Sky Sports Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, who also explained via X that Chelsea are now in ‘direct contact’ to sign Sadiki ahead of January.

The Belgian made over 40 appearances for Union Saint-Gilloise last season and helped them win their first Jupiler Pro League title in 90 years, with Sadiki now taking to England like a duck to water.

Le Bris lavished praise on the young midfielder right after snapping him up from USG, calling him a ‘rare’ talent, and this is clearly showing now.

Young, versatile and in fantastic form, Sadiki ticks a lot of boxes for Chelsea, and he could be an excellent alternative to the constantly-injured Roméo Lavia in the middle of the park.

تحدث مدرب أتلتيكو مدريد، دييجو سيميوني، في مؤتمر صحفي اليوم قبل مباراة الفريق أمام برشلونة ببطولة الدوري الإسباني.

ويحل أتلتيكو مدريد ضيفًا على برشلونة، في مباراة مقدمة من الجولة التاسعة عشر للدوري الإسباني، وتقام غدًا الثلاثاء على ملعب “سبوتيفاي كامب نو”.

وافتتح سيميوني الحديث بشأن كلمات فليك مشيدًا بأتلتيكو مدريد، وقال في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “آس” الإسبانية: “لا أعلق أبدًا على آراء الآخرين؛ لكلٍّ رأيه الخاص، نواصل العمل على التحسين كفريق، لدينا مجال أكبر بكثير للتحسين مما أظهرناه”.

وأضاف: “المباراة التي نتوقعها واضحة جدًا، لديهم هجوم مذهل، وأسلوب لعب قوي جدًا، وعلينا أن نكون أقوياء للمنافسة، علينا أن ندفع المباراة إلى أقصى حد ممكن لنتمكن من إلحاق الضرر بهم”.

وإذا كان برشلونة هو المرشح الأوفر حظًا، رد: “إنه فريق أثبت جدارته، لا يغيرون استراتيجيتهم الهجومية وخط دفاعهم المتقدم، لديهم خيارات متعددة”. 

اقرأ أيضًا | هاجمه ريال مدريد.. حكم مباراة برشلونة وأتلتيكو مدريد في الدوري الإسباني

وسُئل سيميوني عن الدرس المُستفاد لفريقه من مباراتي آرسنال وليفربول بدوري الأبطال، وأجاب: “إنها مبارياتٌ مختلفة، ولكلٍّ منها أسلوبه الخاص، سنرى كيف سنؤدي غدًا”.

وكان أتلتيكو مدريد تعرض لهزيمة من ليفربول بنتيجة 3-2، وتلقى هزيمة برباعية دون رد من آرسنال.

وأشاد بلاعبه خيمينيز، مؤكدًا: “إنه لاعب بالغ الأهمية بالنسبة لنا، أتمنى أن يحافظ على مستواه”.

وعن دي بورجوس، حكم مباراة الغد، رد سيميوني باقتضاب: “لا أعلق عادةً على الحكام، أحترمهم كثيرًا، وأحاول مساعدتهم”.

وبشأن صورة فليك ورافينها عقب مباراة برشلونة وألافيس، أتم: “هذا طبيعي، فنحن بشر ولدينا مشاعر، من السهل أن نرى ونطلب أشياءً من على مقاعد البدلاء، اللعب ليس سهلاً، ولعب مباريات متتالية أمرٌ معقد، من وجهة نظرنا، نسعى دائمًا للأفضل”.

Tottenham Hotspur’s attack in 2025/26 has massively failed to deliver at present, as seen by the measly figures produced by those in such an area of the pitch.

Richarlison is currently the Lilywhites’ top scorer in the Premier League this campaign, but the Brazilian has only managed to score five times in his 14 appearances to date.

Micky van de Ven is the only other player within Thomas Frank’s squad to net more than two goals in England’s top-flight, further showcasing the lack of talent in the final third.

Fellow centre-back Cristian Romero also netted a double in the 2-2 draw against Newcastle United on Tuesday night, with the Argentine rescuing a point at St James’ Park.

However, the January window presents an opportunity for Frank and the hierarchy to add needed quality to the attacking department to aid their chance of success.

Spurs looking to bolster their forward line

In an attempt to improve the options within the final third, Spurs have identified Porto striker Samu Aghehowa as a potential option ahead of the January window.

The 21-year-old has been in tremendous form during the 2025/26 season, as seen by his tally of 12 goals in his 20 appearances for the Portuguese giants.

However, such a deal would certainly be a hefty one for Frank’s men, with his current employers demanding a fee in the region of €80m (£70m) to part ways with their talisman.

Samu isn’t the only attacker currently being considered by the Lilywhites hierarchy ahead of the winter window, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo also another target.

According to Sky Sports, Frank’s men have started to intensify their efforts to land the 25-year-old winger, who has already registered nine combined goals and assists this campaign.

They also state that Liverpool are also in the race for his signature, but Fabio Paratici’s early efforts have seen the Lilywhites take the lead in the hunt for his services.

Why Semenyo could be Spurs' new Heung-min Son

Heung-min Son is a player who massively exceeded expectations during his decade in North London, with the South Korean international one of the best to wear the Spurs shirt.

He joined as an unknown quantity to many supporters back in the summer of 2015, but after a decade at the club, it’s safe to say he cemented himself as one of their best-ever attackers.

The winger racked up a staggering total of 173 goals in his 454 appearances for the club, even racking up 101 assists – often being to the go-to man alongside Harry Kane.

However, Frank was unable to rely upon the 33-year-old after taking the reins, with the attacker departing in a £20m deal to join LAFC during the summer window.

Son, who was capable of impressing with both feet, has left a huge hole on the left-hand side of the Lilywhites’ attack, something which has been a huge issue for the Dane.

That could be about to change in the coming months, especially if the hierarchy are able to secure a move for Semenyo in the upcoming transfer window

The Ghanaian international, who has demonstrated his two-footed ability this campaign, has also produced numerous impressive figures – with his underlying figures showcasing his qualities in possession.

Semenyo, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by teammate Justin Kluivert, has managed 0.69 goals and assists per 90, a tally higher than any player in the Spurs squad.

Such a tally ranks him in the 97th percentile of all other attackers in the division, showcasing his incredible ability to produce the goods in front of goal.

Games played

13

Goals & assists

9

Goals & assists (per 90)

0.69

Shots on target

1.1

Take-ons completed

1.8

Carries into opposition box

1.4

Aerials won

2.3

Progressive passes

3.8

He’s also registered 1.1 shots on target and 2.3 aerials won per 90, with both figures also ranking him higher than 95% of other wingers in the Premier League.

Semenyo is an all-round talent who can either go alone or provide the goods for those around him, with £65m potentially being an excellent price for a player of his quality.

Other stats, such as 1.8 take-ons and 1.4 carries into the final third per 90, further highlight his talent in possession, which could hand Frank the talent he craves in attacking areas.

It’s unclear if the board will manage to get a deal over the line in the coming months, but if they want to reach the next level, a move for Semenyo is an absolute must.

His skillset is scarily close to that of Son, with the Ghanaian having the chance to emulate the South Korean and make his own history should he move to North London.

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2 ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

O goleiro Cássio se despediu do Corinthians neste sábado (18), no CT Joaquim Grava, recebeu homenagens e, em meio a muitas perguntas, falou sobre o atual titular da meta do Timão: Carlos Miguel, de 25 anos. O arqueiro conquistou a vaga entre os 11 do Timão recentemente, e vem fazendo boas partidas com a camisa do clube paulista. O Timão, inclusive, corre o risco de perder o goleiro.

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➡️ Siga o Lance! Corinthians no WhatsApp e acompanhe todas as notícias do Timão

➡️ Acredita que o Timão avançará em primeiro no grupo da Sul-Americana? Se liga nas odds: 1.53

– O Miguel é um cara de muita qualidade, tem jogado bem e tem muito potencial. Agora depende dele, ele é o titular absoluto, agora é sequência, uma situação nova. Temos uma amizade muito boa, nunca tivemos problema, ele tem uma história de vida de superação, é lindo de falar – disse o goleiro.

Cássio disse, inclusive, que nunca imaginou ficar por 12 anos no gol do Corinthians, portanto, é muito difícil falar sobre Carlos Miguel nesse quesito, já que é um jovem goleiro que ainda tem muito pela frente.

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– O Corinthians não precisa ir atrás de goleiro, tem muita gente boa aqui, dois excelentes treinadores de goleiros, eu com certeza construí a minha história por conta desses dois grande profissionais. Desejo muito sucesso a todos ele e o Corinthians está bem servido de goleiro – completou Cássio.

➡️ Veja tabela com datas e horários de todos os jogos do Brasileirão

+ Corinthians oficializa saída de Cássio: veja o que sabemos sobre a rescisão do goleiro

Sobre o fim de seu ciclo com a camisa do Corinthians, Cássio afirmou que já vinha se preparando para este momento, e que deixa o clube em paz e pela porta da frente.

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– Eu creio que eu vinha me preparando, lógico que o Miguel vinha bem, mas se eu ficasse aqui, eu “ia para a porrada” para disputar a posição. Mas acho que o ciclo acabou mesmo, eu olho para trás e vejo um ciclo bem feito, com respeito, com o presidente aqui, com a sala cheia, então saio pela porta da frente, vendo que tudo funciona – completou.

Tudo sobre

CorinthiansFutebol Nacional

This will be his first captaincy stint at any level

Edited PTI copy13-Nov-2025

Varun Chakravarthy is currently the No.1-ranked T20I bowler•AFP/Getty Images

India spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been named Tamil Nadu captain for the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, beginning November 26. Narayan Jagadeesan will be the vice-captain.Varun played a handy role in India’s recent T20I series win in Australia, taking five wickets across three completed matches. This will be his first captaincy stint at any level. He replaced M Shahrukh Khan in the role and was appointed ahead of R Sai Kishore and Jagadeesan, both of whom have prior captaincy experience.India left-arm seamer T Natarajan is also part of the squad, as is his fellow left-arm seamer Gurjapneet Singh. Two more left-armers, Sai Kishore and M Siddharth, will lead the spin attack.Tamil Nadu are having a modest run in the ongoing Ranji Trophy and are placed sixth in their group after two losses and two draws in four games.In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, they are in Elite Group D alongside Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Tripura, Jharkhand and Saurashtra. They will open their campaign against Rajasthan in Ahmedabad.Tamil Nadu squadVarun Chakravarthy (capt), Narayan Jagadeesan (vice-capt, wk), Tushar Raheja (wk), VP Amit Sathvik, M Shahrukh Khan, Andre Siddarth, Pradosh Ranjan Paul, Shivam Singh, R Sai Kishore, M Siddharth, T Natarajan, Gurjapneet Singh, A Esakkimuthu, R Sonu Yadav, R Silambarasan, S Rithik Easwaran (wk)

Azhar Ali has resigned from his position at the PCB as selector and head of youth development, ending a 12-month stint in that role. The departure, which was not publicly announced by either Azhar or the board, has been confirmed by ESPNcricinfo.ESPNcricinfo has learned Azhar’s departure came after an extended period of simmering differences in outlook between the former Pakistan captain and the board. Matters eventually came to a head after Sarfaraz Ahmed was reportedly appointed – though, again, not officially confirmed by the board – as the head of Pakistan Shaheens and Under-19 sides, with his remit extending to the organising and managing of tours, as well as conducting training camps.It is understood Azhar felt the appointment of Sarfaraz in a role that aligned closely with his own set of responsibilities led him to feel his position had become untenable. He sent in his letter of resignation earlier this week, which the PCB accepted.Azhar, who captained Pakistan in Tests and ODIs, was first brought into the PCB as a member of the selection panel for Pakistan’s men’s national side in October 2024. A month later, he had the role of youth development head tacked on, one which was publicly announced by the PCB at the time.The official announcement of his appointment on the PCB’s website stated that he had been “tasked with shaping the future of Pakistan cricket by designing and implementing comprehensive youth cricket strategies, establishing robust grassroots cricket structures and talent pathways, collaborating with regional cricket associations to strengthen age-group programmes, educating emerging cricketers under the PCB’s Pathways Programme, and organising seminars and clinics to build awareness of off-field development essentials for aspiring players”.The next major assignment for a Pakistan age-group side comes at the 2026 Under-19 World Cup, which runs from January 15 to February 6, and will take place in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Co-hosts Zimbabwe, Scotland and England are in Pakistan’s group at the competition, which Pakistan have won twice – in 2004 and 2006.

A target of 144 was chased by Pakistan with 24.5 overs remaining, giving them a third consecutive ODI series win over SA

Hemant Brar08-Nov-2025Abrar Ahmed bamboozled South Africa with a career-best 4 for 27 to give Pakistan a series-clinching seven-wicket win in the third and final ODI. This was Pakistan’s third ODI series win in a row over South Africa.Batting first on a slow, low Faisalabad pitch, South Africa started strongly with Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius adding 72 for the first wicket. They were 106 for 2 at one point but Abrar dismantled them with three wickets in two overs. In the end, South Africa were bundled out for a mere 143 in 37.5 overs.Pakistan started the chase tentatively but Saim Ayub’s unbeaten 77 off 70 balls helped them reach the target with almost 25 overs to spare.Ayub, in the first innings, opened the bowling with Shaheen Shah Afridi. South Africa captain Matthew Breetzke had hoped for runs on the board in a big game but Pakistan set defensive fields and conceded only ten runs in the first four overs.Then, in the fifth, Afridi bowled a back-of-the-hand slower ball. De Kock spotted it early and lofted it over the bowler’s head for a four. Afridi went pace-on for the next ball, only to be drilled down the ground for another boundary.Haris Rauf, who returned to the side after serving a two-match ban, came into the attack in the seventh over and induced an outside edge of Pretorious’ bat. It would have been a regulation catch for first slip had there been one. Instead, the ball raced away for four. Pretorius rubbed it in by smashing Rauf for two more fours in the next three balls.The pair brought up their third successive fifty stand before Salman Agha had Pretorius caught at long-off for 39. Tony de Zorzi fell soon after, chipping Agha tamely to extra cover.Saim Ayub goes aerial•Associated PressDe Kock carried on and reached 7000 ODI runs. He became the second-fastest to the mark, behind countryman Hashim Amla, getting there in 158 innings. He brought up his fifty with a reverse-swept four off Mohammad Nawaz but was lbw two balls later when he tried to slog-sweep the spinner.Abrar ran through the middle order with a three-wicket burst. Debutant Rubin Hermann was the first to go, bowled after failing to pick the googly. Donovan Ferreira was next, bowled after missing a sweep and then having the ball clip the exposed leg stump. Corbin Bosch was bowled first ball, undone by the low bounce.There was no hat-trick for Abrar but he had Breetzke caught behind in his final over to hasten the end. South Africa’s lower order tried to resist but Afridi wrapped up the innings with two wickets in two balls.Pakistan did not have a smooth start to their chase as Nandre Burger dismissed Fakhar Zaman for a duck for the second successive game. Burger moved the ball both ways and it took Pakistan 14 balls to score their first run. Both Ayub and No. 3 Babar Azam were circumspect at the start. In fact, Ayub took ten balls to open his account.However, the wait was worth it. Burger bowled a length ball and Ayub drove on the up through covers for four. That opened the floodgates as Pakistan hit eight fours and two sixes in the next five overs. By the tenth over, the scoreboard was reading 59 for 1.Babar was run out for 27 when going for a third run, but Ayub was unstoppable. Although not always in control of his shots, Ayub did not hesitate playing them. He often took the aerial route, bringing up his fifty off just 39 balls. It paved the way for what turned out to be a comfortable win in the end.