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There’s rain forecast throughout the day but if we get a game, expect conditions to suit spin as the game goes on

Madushka Balasuriya17-Oct-20253:12

Preview: Pakistan search for their first win

Big picture – Pakistan’s battle to stay aliveIt’s that time of the tournament where the calculators come out as qualification permutations start being meted out in earnest. Heading into this game, of the two sides New Zealand are the ones with qualification for the semi-finals still in their hands; wins in their next three and they’ll be on an unassailable nine points – easier said than done, though, as India and England await after their bout with Pakistan.For Pakistan, things are a little trickier. Not only are they firmly bottom of the table with a solitary point, they also have the worst net run rate. All that said they’re still not mathematically eliminated, though with South Africa and Sri Lanka to follow after New Zealand, three wins in three would be a monumental feat. And even that would not guarantee qualification, with other results needing to go their way.But for the time being all these sides can do is focus their attention onto matters on the field. Pakistan will know that they haven’t been as bad as results suggest. Yes, their three defeats have been pretty comprehensive, but two were to pre-tournament favourites India and Australia. And against England, it was only rain that halted their push towards a first win.Related

Fatima Sana – a captain burdened, a fast bowler unrestrained

Fatima Sana has led from the front, picking up nine wickets across the tournament, and in her, Pakistan possess a potent weapon against most top orders – amplified by the fact that batting in Colombo has been at its most perilous in the first half of the innings. And in Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu they boast a pair of spinners that would challenge any batting line-up.Their batting, however, has let them down at this World Cup, and it’s here that New Zealand will seek to gain an advantage. New Zealand have shown glimpses of their prowess with both bat and ball across this tournament, but are yet to string it all together. They bundled out Bangladesh cheaply, but failed to consistently challenge batters in their matches against Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka.On the batting front too, there have been good performances – especially from Sophie Devine – but none that have managed to blow the opposition away. These will be areas they will be desperate to improve on, and a down-on-their-luck Pakistan might be just the opposition they would be eyeing to sharpen their blades.Form guideNew Zealand WLLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Pakistan LLLWLIn the spotlight – Baig and TahuhuFatima Sana has been doing the business with the new ball, but her new ball partner Diana Baig has struggled to hold down the fort at the other end. Baig, to be fair, has had a fairly prolific 2025, picking up 17 wickets so far in 12 WODIs. It is, in fact, the most successful calendar year of her career, but her economy rate has been on the high side – in a series against South Africa last month she conceded 8.83 an over, and even in a dominant performance against England she went at 8.33. With their batting misfiring, Pakistan will know they can ill-afford to leak runs.Lea Tahuhu took seven wickets across New Zealand’s opening three matches at this World Cup – her only three matches in 2025, in fact – but found herself on the bench against Sri Lanka. That decision was based on Chamari Athapaththu being perceived to have a poor match-up against left-arm seamers like Bree Illing. Pakistan are one of Tahuhu’s favoured opponents, with her economy rate across 11 WODIs against them just 3.70, so expect her to be back in the XI and with a point to prove.2:14

Sawyer: ‘We’ve got to be really wary of the Pakistan attack’

Team newsTahuhu is likely to be back in the XI, having sat out the washed-out match against Sri Lanka on tactical grounds.New Zealand XI (probable): 1 Suzie Bates, 2 Georgia Plimmer, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (capt), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Gaze, 8 Jess Kerr, 9 Rosemary Mair, 10 Eden Carson, 11 Lea Tahuhu.Pakistan haven’t been shy about changing up their XI, particularly their batting order. But considering the washout against England, they might stick to an unchanged side.Pakistan XI (probable): 1 Omaima Sohail, 2 Muneeba Ali, 3 Sidra Amin, 4 Aliya Riaz 5 Natalia Pervaiz, 6 Sidra Nawaz (wk), 7 Fatima Sana (capt), 8 Rameen Shamim, 9 Diana Baig, 10 Nashra Sandhu, 10 Sadia IqbalPitch and conditionsMore of the same from Colombo as far as the weather is concerned, with rain forecast throughout the day. If we do get a game, expect the pitch to suit spin as the game goes on.Stats and trivia Suzie Bates is 75 runs away from 6000 in ODIs. She is also 68 runs away from surpassing Charlotte Edwards to become the second-highest run-scorer in WODIs. Bates has scored 874 runs at an average of 72.83 against Pakistan, only bettered by Stafanie Taylor’s 1287. New Zealand hold a 15-1 win-loss record over Pakistan in WODIs, with their last defeat coming in 2017.Quotes”They’ve [Pakistan have] put some teams in some real tough spots, I think they had Australia 6 for 60. And then obviously the other night England was 7 for 70. So, their bowling attack is one that we’ve got to be really wary of. They’ve really challenged a couple of weeks or two of the top nations. So, yeah, been impressed in particular with their bowling.”
“We have a chance to go in[to the] semis if we win the next three matches. So maybe the scenario is open, so maybe we will win the three matches.”

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made his feelings about signing a new centre-back pretty clear in the summer, and that wish hasn’t gone away.

Their need for defensive reinforcements has become increasingly urgent. Almost every centre-half in Maresca’s squad has been either injured or unavailable at some point already this season, with Chelsea believed to be prioritising a new defender in January.

The Italian publicly called for a new central defender during the summer transfer window, but his requests went unheeded – a decision that came back to haunt the Blues when Chelsea were left with barely any options to face Liverpool just before the October international break.

Academy graduate Josh Acheampong did very well against Arne Slot’s Premier League champions after being thrown in the deep end during their dramatic 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge, with Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana all missing through injury or suspension.

Acheampong partnered Benoit Badiashile to great effect in that game, before they were both forced off with injuries in the second-half themselves, and Maresca will be very keen to avoid another mini-defensive crisis.

Maresca made his position on bringing in a new defender very well-known after the news of Colwill’s ACL injury in pre-season. The 22-year-old, who was Chelsea’s most reliable defender with 41 appearances last season, is expected to miss most of the 2025-26 campaign, but at least Badiashile could return after the international break.

Considering that Chelsea held talks over signing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in the summer, prior to the Spaniard’s Real Madrid move, a star centre-back has long been on the club’s agenda, and it will surely be right up there now.

At various points this season, Chelsea have had four or five defenders unavailable simultaneously, forcing Maresca to field inexperienced partnerships and admit he couldn’t provide adequate rest to those who remained fit.

Chelsea in pole position to sign Lautaro Rivero as part of 'ambitious defensive overhaul'

Now, according to reports from Spain, the Blues are planning an ‘ambitious defensive overhaul’ to finally grant Maresca’s wish.

Indeed, as per one Spanish media source, Chelsea have ’emerged as the favourite’ to sign highly-rated River Plate centre-back Lautaro Rivero — positioning themselves ahead of Atlético Madrid in the battle for one of South America’s most sought-after defensive talents.

The 22-year-old, who was handed his first Argentina cap in a 6-0 win over Puerto Rico last month, has apparently become a priority target for the Blues.

However, securing his signature won’t come cheap. River Plate have protected their prized asset with a contract running until 2028 and a release clause exceeding £88 million, which presents a significant financial obstacle, even for Chelsea’s ambitious owners.

Atlético are also monitoring Rivero’s situation as part of their own defensive rebuild, but they face financial limitations that leave them at a disadvantage in any bidding war with Chelsea.

Diego Simeone’s side are said to view him as a long-term target and hope not to spend too much, while Chelsea are believed to be keen on finalising the deal early doors. Those within the club are also confident they can put together a ‘compelling offer’ to tempt Rivero to London, so as things stand, BlueCo are in pole position for his services.

However, they might have to watch out for rivals Tottenham, as it’s been reported that Thomas Frank’s side are also pretty keen on Rivero.

It will take a lot of rain to stop England from scoring 35 runs or India from taking four wickets

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Aug-20253:37

Root: ‘Amazing spectacle to look forward to’ on fifth day

After the climax of The Oval Test spilled over into the final day because of poor light and rain in what has been a thrilling five-Test series, it’s fair to wonder what the weather on the 25th and last day of the series will be like.There is rain around, but there’s no reason to believe there won’t be time to get a result.Both England and India currently have a clear shot at victory, which keeps the possibilities of 2-2 or 3-1 still open. While England are just 35 runs away from lifting the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India need another four wickets, including that of Chris Woakes, who is ready to bat one-handed if needed despite a suspected dislocated shoulder, which is in a sling.The weather forecast for Monday in London says it will mostly be cloudy and breezy with a couple of showers in the afternoon, expected around 2pm local time (6.30pm IST). If the first session is clear, with an 11am local time (3.30pm IST) start, the Test shouldn’t go into the afternoon. According to BBC Weather, there is some chance of rain even around 1pm local time, which, again, might not affect the outcome.The weather has been a feature of this Test – it has rained on three of the four days so far. In the dying moments of the final session of the fourth day, it was bad light that forced the players off the field at around 5.30pm local time, when at least half-an-hour’s play was still left, apart from the extended half-hour which allows action to go on till 6.30pm. It started to rain soon after the players went off and stumps were finally called at 6.01pm.

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.

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.

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

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.

Cunha 2.0: INEOS to fast-track Man Utd bid for 'best winger in England'

Manchester United look set to make a huge move for one player in the upcoming January window.

ByEthan Lamb 6 days ago

Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 94 helped Perth reach their target of 165 with seven wickets to spare

AAP06-Dec-2025Beth Mooney has led Perth Scorchers back into the WBBL finals, executing the perfect chase against Brisbane Heat and ending Melbourne Renegades’ title defence in the process.Needing 165 for victory in a must-win game at the WACA on Saturday, Mooney hit an unbeaten 94 from 61 to help Perth reach the target with seven wickets and four balls to spare. The victory ensured the Scorchers would have a home final, knocked the Renegades out of the top four and handed the Heat the first winless season in WBBL history.With one game to play in the season, Hobart are guaranteed top spot and hosting rights for next Saturday night’s final at Ninja Stadium. Perth and the Melbourne Stars are also locked into finals spots, with the winner of the Sydney Sixers and Adelaide at North Sydney Oval on Sunday morning to join them.The WBBL’s finals system has third and fourth face off in eliminator on Tuesday, before the winner of that plays against second on Thursday for a spot in the final.The Stars could have wrapped up second spot on Saturday morning had they beaten the Sydney Thunder at Junction Oval, only for them to be well beaten. Instead Perth are now in second, and will stay there if the Strikers beat the Sixers on Sunday.Facing a tricky chase after Georgia Redmayne’s 57 helped the Heat to 164 for 7, Mooney took control of the game at the WACA. Australia’s veteran opener regularly picked balls up off her pads and hit them over the legside to the rope, hitting 12 boundaries in a near-flawless knock. The Scorchers’ chase threatened to wobble late when Maddy Darke (24) and Sophie Devine (13) fell, but Mooney held her nerve and Freya Kemp’s late hitting saw Perth home.The leading run-scorer in WBBL history, Mooney now has scores of 105, 75 and 94* for the season and will enter the finals as one of the league’s most dangerous players.

Darwish Rasooli could slot into the middle order for Afghanistan in Rahmat Shah’s absence, while Bangladesh might want to give their batting order a rejig

Mohammad Isam13-Oct-2025Big picture – 3-0 beckons for AfghanistanAfghanistan will be eyeing their first ODI series whitewash against Bangladesh when they play the third and final ODI of the series in Abu Dhabi.They stormed Bangladesh in the second game, bowling them out for just 109 defending a modest 190. Given how the confidence of the two teams have gone in opposite directions in this series, Bangladesh turning things around might not be on the cards. For Afghanistan, it is about fixing their batting a bit, while allowing their best bowlers to express themselves as they have so far.They took down Bangladesh swiftly on Saturday. Azmatullah Omarzai took three of the first four wickets to fall, Tanzid Hasan and Saif Hassan fell trying to manufacture shots. Najmul Hossain Shanto was run out. Rashid Khan then ran through the middle and lower order with his accuracy, Towhid Hridoy and Nurul Hasan attempting slogs and missing. Nangeyalia Kharote had Jaker Ali’s number in the middle of Rashid’s burst of wickets.Related

Bangladesh must 'play the ball, not the bowler' – Mushtaq

The bowlers had to do what they did since the batters hadn’t. Afghanistan struggled through the middle overs but Ibrahim Zadran made sure they hung around till the 45th over. Zadran struck just four boundaries in his 140-ball stay, underlining the importance of rotating the strike on the slow Abu Dhabi pitches. Despite the middle order hardly contributing, the likes of Kharote and AM Ghazanfar kept Zadran company.Compared to how Afghanistan have had several contributors, Bangladesh are finding it tough to locate even one or two. The batting frailties – they had scored 221 in the first ODI, which was knocked off with five wickets in hand – have weighed heavy on their overall approach.Afghanistan’s 190 was the lowest total batting first in 55 matches in Abu Dhabi. Bangladesh’s inability to chase down the small total was due to a misfiring top order, and how the middle-order batters surrendered to Rashid: “I think we have to sometimes play the ball, not the bowler,” Mushtaq Ahmed, their spin-bowling coach, said of the approach.Bangladesh’s bowling and fielding, however, have been good. They have tried to match Afghanistan’s spinners, while the pace attack has definitely bowled better than their counterparts. The bowlers have given the batters a chance. The batters, however, have not responded as expected.Form guideAfghanistan WWWLW
Bangladesh LLLWLIbrahim Zadran is the key man in the Afghanistan batting order•Afghanistan Cricket BoardIn the spotlight – Ibrahim Zadran and Mehidy Hasan MirazIbrahim Zadran is Afghanistan’s batting mainstay. He complements Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s aggression at the top, and then drops anchor for the middle-order batters, and if he continues to bat long enough, acts as the perfect foil for the big-hitting allrounders. Zadran’s strength lies in his adaptability, particularly between conditions. He also has the hunger for the big scores, as was evident in his 177 against England in the Champions Trophy this year. Zadran will once again be the key batter as Afghanistan look to make it 3-0 on Tuesday.Bangladesh’s captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz hasn’t been able to lift his team out of the funk. He is new to the job, but Mehidy is an established member of the ODI setup. There’s little question about his own ability to make half-centuries or take wickets, but that hasn’t translated into Bangladesh victories. He has an under-performing batting line-up, which has been the case for far too long. The onus is on him to change things around.Team news – Rasooli to replace RahmatRahmat Shah’s injury has opened the door for Darwish Rasooli to enter the middle order. They could also give an opportunity to seamers Abdollah Ahmadzai or Bilal Sami in place of the wicketless Bashir Ahmad.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), 2 Ibrahim Zadran, 3 Sediqullah Atal, 4 Darwish Rasooli, 5 Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), 6 Azmatullah Omarzai, 7 Mohammad Nabi, 8 Rashid Khan, 9 AM Ghazanfar, 10 Nangeyalia Kharote, 11 Abdollah Ahmadzai/Bilal SamiMohammad Naim and Shamim Hossain could give a break to Tanzid Hasan and the out-of-form Jaker. Nahid Rana could also get a game.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tanzid Hasan /Mohammad Naim, 2 Saif Hassan, 3 Najmul Hossain Shanto, 4 Towhid Hridoy, 5 Mehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), 6 Nurul Hasan (wk), 7 Jaker Ali/Shamim Hossain, 8 Rishad Hossain, 9 Tanzim Hasan/Nahid Rana, 10 Tanvir Islam, 11 Mustafizur RahmanPitch and conditions – slow pitches make batting a grindThe generally sluggish nature of the Zayed Stadium pitches have meant that both sets of batters have struggled to find boundaries in the middle overs. The weather continues to be sizzling hot.Stats and trivia: Rashid puzzle for Bangladesh Rashid now has six five-wicket hauls in ODIs, the second-highest for a legspinner behind Shahid Afridi, who has nine. Bangladesh’s 109 in the second ODI is their lowest score against Afghanistan. They couldn’t chase down 191 after Afghanistan made 190, the lowest score batting first in Abu Dhabi. Rashid has now dismissed Hridoy four times in ODIs, equal with Mushfiqur Rahim, as his most frequent Bangladeshi victim.

Pakistan are set to host Sri Lanka for three ODIs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, in the nine-day gap between the end of the South Africa tour and the T20I tri-series with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in November.Once Pakistan conclude their series against South Africa with the third ODI on November 8 in Faisalabad, they will head to Rawalpindi with just a two-day gap before facing Sri Lanka on November 11, 13 and 15 – all matches separated by just a day’s rest. The hosts will remain in Rawalpindi as the T20I tri-series also begins there, on November 17 against Afghanistan before the action moves to Lahore after the first two games.This will be the first time Pakistan host Sri Lanka for an ODI series since 2019, when the hosts had beaten Sri Lanka 2-0 in a three-match series under Sarfaraz Ahmed after the opening game was washed out in Karachi. Sri Lanka’s last visit to Pakistan was just before the 2023 ODI World Cup, when they had flown to Lahore for the Asia Cup.Related

• Pakistan to host SL, Afghanistan for T20I tri-series

• SA to open WTC 2025-27 campaign against Pakistan in Lahore

The ODI series is the latest addition to a busy home season for Pakistan, which starts with two Tests against WTC champions South Africa from October 12 to 24 in Lahore and Rawalpindi, followed by three T20Is and as many ODIs against them. The T20I tri-series will run from November 17 to 29.Pakistan recently won the T20I tri-series involving Afghanistan and hosts UAE in the lead up to the T20 Asia Cup, which begins on September 9. Pakistan’s first match is on September 12 against Oman, followed by a clash against arch-rivals India on September 14.

Dewald Brevis scored South Africa’s highest individual T20I score, their second-fastest T20I hundred off 41 balls and became the youngest South African to hit a century in this format as they put on their best score against Australia to square the series at 1-1 in Darwin with the decider to come in Cairns on Saturday.Brevis, who already holds the South African domestic record for the highest T20 score of 162, put on a mesmerising display in only his ninth T20I. He hit 12 fours and eight sixes for a total of 96 runs in boundaries and was excellent down the ground. More than half of his runs – 66 – were scored in the ‘V’, including six sixes and all but single-handedly built South Africa’s total. Brevis, who was dropped on 56, scored 91 of the 126 in a fourth-wicket partnership with Tristan Stubbs.Related

• Bosch handed demerit point for Dwarshuis send-off in second T20I

• Breathtaking Brevis betters du Plessis to smash SA's highest score in T20Is

• 'It's close to all guns blazing' – Australia plan to power through any T20 scenario

• Maphaka: I always want to come out on top of the fight

Four of Australia’s five bowlers conceded at 11 runs an over or more with Ben Dwarshuis the exception. His four overs cost just 24 runs but it was not enough to keep South Africa to a reachable total, despite their strength in chasing.This was the first time in nine matches that Australia had lost batting second, ending a record run of nine wins in a row, and the first time they had lost to South Africa in seven meetings. They would have required the highest successful chase in Australia to avoid that.There were moments when Australia were threatening, most notably at 104 for 3 in the 10th over, but were always behind the required run-rate. Tim David’s half-century was the only individual score over 26. Teenage left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka, who was expensive, and allrounder Corbin Bosch were the most successful of the wicket-takers and finished with three apiece. South Africa’s 53-run win was their biggest margin of victory over Australia.

Brevis takes down Maxwell and then gets to a hundred

Brevis led South Africa’s recovery from 57 for 3 in the seventh over. He was on 12 off eight balls when Lhuan-dre Pretorius walked down the pitch and was stumped off Glenn Maxwell but had already sent the offspinner over long-on. Much more was to come. Brevis made his way to 44 off 24 balls by the time Maxwell was brought back on, in the 12th over. South Africa were 99 for 3, Brevis’ partnership with Stubbs had grown to 42 and he was dominating proceedings but then he really stepped it up.Stubbs gave him strike after the first ball and Brevis brought up his fifty when he swung Maxwell over long-on for his fifth six. He barely had time to raise his bat before he lined up a Maxwell full toss and smashed it over cow corner for six more. Maxwell pulled the length back for his next ball and Brevis tried to force it for another six but miscued. Substitute fielder Matt Kuhnemann, on the field for David, was a long way off the rope at long-on and couldn’t hold the catch above his head.Brevis still hadn’t had enough. He sent the next ball over long-on again for a third six in the over. In four balls, Brevis moved from 44 to 66 and Maxwell’s over cost 24 runs. In total, it took Brevis just 16 deliveries to go from fifty to a hundred. He brought it up off Dwarshuis, who he swivel-pulled for four in the 15th over, which also gave Brevis plenty of time to add to his tally.Kwena Maphaka celebrates after removing Cameron Green•Getty Images

Australia limit the damage

At 179 for 3 after 16 overs, South Africa were in sight of a score in excess of 220 but Australia dragged them back a touch. Stubbs was a minor partner in the fourth-wicket stand with Brevis and keen to get going. He reverse-swept Adam Zampa for his third four but then sliced him to backward point where Kuhnemann took a simple catch. In the next over, Rassie van der Dussen holed out off Dwarshuis, whose back-of-a-length deliveries made him the pick of the bowlers. In the over after that, Bosch was castled by a Josh Hazlewood full toss that he tried to send into the stands but dismantled his middle stump. South Africa lost three wickets for 14 runs in 13 balls and had to rely on a strong finish from Brevis in the last 10 balls. They added 21 runs to finish two short of 220.

South Africa’s improved catching display

Australia put down two chances, Pretorius on 1 and Brevis on 56, with the latter proving costly, but South Africa just about learnt from their mistakes in the first match, where they dropped four. Pretorius had the first opportunity when Travis Head could not clear deep midwicket off Aiden Markram and he judged the catch well on the rope.Two overs later, Cameron Green sent Maphaka for back to back fours and was looking for a hat-trick. He pulled Maphaka to midwicket, where Nqabayomzi Peter dived forward to pluck the ball off the ground although lost his grip as he started to celebrate. The catch was checked by the third umpire who determined it was taken cleanly and Peter was in control.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Stubbs is earning a reputation he will not like after he spilled a second chance in as many matches. He was at deep square leg when David toe-ended Lungi Ngidi to him but despite making good ground, could not hold on. David was on 18, and he was also dropped by Stubbs in the first match, on 56. However, Stubbs made up for it when he got under a Mitchell Marsh skier off Bosch and pouched it safely at long-on. Brevis took another impressive catch when he ran to his left at deep midwicket as Maxwell mistimed a slower ball and was dismissed for 16.

David delivers again, but Rabada halts him

David was injured when he landed heavily on his right shoulder as he unsuccessfully attempted to stop a Brevis drive from going for four and was unable to field for the latter part of South Africa’s innings. However, he had few problems swinging the bat. His first runs came unconvincingly when he gloved Maphaka to fine leg for four but he middled the next two balls and sent them both for boundaries.David brought up a third fifty-plus score in four innings and second successive one in the series headlined by his second six which went all the way out of the ground. It was against legspinner Peter, whose third ball David hit into the crowd, that David launched the ball over deep midwicket and over the stadium’s roof. David put Australia in a promising position on 104 for 3 in the 10th over but was caught at cover off Rabada in the moment that turned the game South Africa’s way.