Daily Digest: Mohammad Hafeez the hero as Pakistan beat New Zealand to win T20I series

Sport360 staff 11:20 03/11/2018
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  • Good morning! The Sport360 Team is in place to bring you our top stories on Saturday morning.

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    TOP STORY

    Mohammad Hafeez rose to the challenge when it was needed most as he clattered a match winning 34no off just 21 balls to steer Pakistan to a series winning 2-0 lead over New Zealand in the second T20I played in Dubai last night.

    The game was evenly poised with New Zealand posting a demanding 153-7 off their 20 overs but 40 (off 41 balls) at the top of the order from Babar Azam, coupled with 38 (off 31) from Asif Ali put Pakistan in a position where Hafeez could capitalize, carrying them to a six wicket victory with two balls remaining.

    Earlier New Zealand’s total was built on the foundation of a sparkling 44 (off 28 balls) from opener Colin Munro, which was carried on by skipper Kane Williamson with 37 (off 34) and completed by some late hitting by Corey Anderson (44 off 25). Read our talking points from the match.

    FOOTBALL

    Jose Mourinho wants rejuvenated Anthony Martial to sign a contract extension and continue his journey to the top with Manchester United.

    In other news, Maurizio Sarri has not asked Chelsea’s board about a January transfer fund, instead preferring to focus on improving a squad he already considers “competitive”.

    In tonight’s games, Manchester United are away to Bournemouth (16:30), Real Madrid take on Real Valladolid (19:15), Arsenal are home to Liverpool (21:30) and Barcelona travel to Madrid to face Rayo Vallecano (23:45).

    CRICKET

    England completed preparations for next week’s first Test against Sri Lanka but questions remain over the likely composition of their side ahead of the trip to Galle.

    After Thursday’s play was washed out without a ball bowled England will have been relieved to get a full 50-over-a-side workout against a Board XI in Colombo, putting on 210 for six with the bat against the hosts’ 200 for seven.

    Opener Keaton Jennings probably did most to advance his cause, retiring on 45 after occupying the crease for 95 balls. It was not an innings of great style of dominance but there was determination and resilience, qualities England will need plenty of in the absence of the retired Alastair Cook.

    FEATURE OF THE DAY

    Our man Brendon Netto takes a closer look at the extraordinary numbers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have posted together.

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