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Leeds United have just under two weeks left to finish any of their remaining business for the summer transfer window.

Who have Leeds signed this summer?

The Whites have not been particularly active in bringing players to Elland Road as they have only signed Ethan Ampadu, Sam Byram, Joe Rodon, and Karl Darlow so far.

However, they have allowed the likes of Marc Roca, Brenden Aaronson, Max Wober, Rasmus Kristensen, Rodrigo, Jack Harrison, and Robin Koch to depart either on loan or permanently.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Bringing in a striker appears to be on the cards for the Whites before next month’s deadline as they have been linked with a swoop for Venezia star Joel Pohjanpalo, who has a release clause worth €4m (£3.4m).

How good is Joel Pohjanpalo?

The Finland international is coming off the back of an impressive season in the Serie B and he could be the man to lead the line for the club this term.

His performances in Italy suggest that the quality is there for him to be the go-to player for goals for Leeds, which would make him Daniel Farke’s next version of Pohjanpalo’s compatriot Teemu Pukki.

The now-MLS star enjoyed a terrific spell with the German head coach at Norwich as the pair worked together during two title-winning Championship campaigns, in which time the centre-forward was his top-scorer.

Pukki plundered an exceptional 29 and 26 goals respectively across the two seasons as the Canaries lifted silverware on both occasions to secure promotion up to the Premier League.

Farke will now be hoping to reach the top-flight with a second division club for the third time in his career in England and Pohjanpalo’s goals could help him to do that, as Pukki’s did at Carrow Road.

Last season, the Finnish ace, who was once dubbed "dangerous" by journalist Josh Bunting, caught the eye with an impressive return of 19 goals in 35 Serie B starts for Venezia, whilst he was also a provider for his teammates with seven assists.

Pohjanpalo averaged an excellent Sofascore rating of 7.19 for his performances in Italy, which is higher than any Leeds player managed last season in the Premier League.

Pukki averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.10 during the 2020/21 title-winning season and a score of 7.22 throughout the 2018/19 term. This suggests that his compatriot is able to deliver consistently brilliant displays to a similar standard.

No Whites forward scored more than 14 league goals last term and no current player produced more than five strikes. This suggests that the Venezia star has the potential to be Farke’s outstanding scoring option through the middle of the pitch.

Pohjanpalo would be an exceptional striker for the Yorkshire-based outfit if he is capable of translating his form from Italy over to England, based on his sublime displays over the last 12 months.

Therefore, the £3.4m-rated talent could be Farke’s next Pukki as a free-scoring Finland international whose goals could help his side to push for promotion back to the Premier League.

His goal return for Venezia shows that he has the quality to be a reliable scorer and that could allow him to be a match-winner on a regular basis for the Whites, which could lead to vital points being won throughout the campaign.

Arsenal may have already spent big this summer, but that has not stopped the rumour mill from continuing to link them with even more stars…

Is Nicolo Barella coming to Arsenal?

The latest could actually prove to be the most influential, with Italian outlet Calciomercato suggesting that the Gunners could be set to swoop for Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.

Having been linked with Newcastle United earlier in the window, with a touted £50m fee likely pushing them towards their eventual Sandro Tonali deal, this is a switch that could now prove imperative in perfecting Mikel Arteta's squad.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

The report states that they hold concrete interest in the Italy international, as they note him as a direct replacement for Thomas Partey.

This move could hold links with the potential sales of Folarin Balogun and Takehiro Tomiyasu too, both of whom have been touted with an Emirates exit. Football Transfers value the 26-year-old at €56m (£48m).

What kind of a midfielder is Nicolo Barella?

Given he is noted as someone who would instantly usurp their current Ghanaian midfield general, it is therefore expected that he would slot in nicely beside another summer signing, Declan Rice.

As a combative, physical yet elegant defensive presence, the former West Ham United captain would likely benefit from such a mobile midfielder who can both aid his role in screening the backline, but also push forward to offer an offensive impetus.

The former quality is succinctly shown in his data from last term, as he posted a 7.08 average rating in the Serie A, bolstered by his 1.6 tackles and 4.4 total duels won per game, via Sofascore.

However, with the goalscoring vacancy left in the engine room by the departure of Granit Xhaka, Barella could step up to occupy this role too, given he posted 12 goal contributions in the league alongside 1.6 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

The Swiss international only scored one more goal and one more assist than the Inter gem during what turned out to be his final Premier League season.

By covering both bases with this acquisition, whilst also having Rice as a mainstay in the midfield too, Partey would swiftly become obsolete, not least due to the fact has recently turned 30 and no longer fits in with the youth-focused philosophy in north London.

Barella would fit Arteta's system with ease, capable of retaining possession but also providing that attacking impetus needed to take the fight to Manchester City. Having starred as a number six or a number eight, he could slot in beside either Jurrien Timber or Oleksandr Zinchenko, allowing them to invert and form a solid midfield two, or push forward alongside Martin Odegaard as Xhaka did so well last campaign.

He is hard-working yet economical with the ball, as talent scout Jacek Kulig once sought to support the former after he branded the Italian a "little warrior" for his relentless efforts combined with his 5 foot 8 stature.

Jurgen Klopp has even been alerted to his talents, noting back in 2022:

"That Barella is not able to play is not bad for us. He's a really good player, a really good player and I like him a lot. He has all the things you want from a midfield player: he is aggressive, he is technical, he can run for ages and all these kinds of things. That's a top-class player."

To be revered by such a fine manager is testament enough to suggest he is ready for the step up, to avenge his recent Champions League final disappointment against the Cityzens by helping Arsenal beat them to the Premier League.

For all the excitement his potential arrival could bring, Partey would surely become surplus to requirements.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri, as Julen Lopetegui seeks reinforcements this summer.

The Spaniard has endured the hardships of leading a club bruised by Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions, admitting he is “worried” about the current squad he is taking into the 2023/24 campaign.

The Old Gold must act fast and find a solution to their business woes, with the club facing an uphill battle when the season commences should improvements not be made.

Could Wolves sign Hannibal Mejbri?

As reported by Tunisian journalist Mahmoud Missaoui, Hannibal has gathered significant interest this summer.

The 20-year-old looks set to leave Manchester United on loan, with the Old Gold – as well as Luton Town and Leicester City – eyeing the midfielder.

With just one year remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, the youngster is expected to gain Premier League experience to aid United into making a decision over his future, with his market value currently sitting around £4m.

How good is Hannibal Mejbri?

Picked up by the Red Devils in 2019 from AS Monaco, the Tunisian has occupied the centre of midfield in the club’s academy for the majority of his stay, before moving to the Championship last term to endeavour on a loan spell.

Hannibal made 38 appearances in the second tier for Birmingham City last season, scoring one goal and assisting five in a year that cemented him as having the potential to be a top central midfielder in England.

Hailed as “phenomenal” by Blues manager John Eustace, the 20-year-old made a fast impression at St Andrew’s, proving that he can perform at senior level to give his club an insight into what he could one day offer.

Now that the Tunisian has gained valuable experience in the Championship, Premier League minutes are the next step to his development and future at United, posing a potentially exciting opportunity for Wolves.

Identified as a “roaming playmaker” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Red Devills academy gem was dubbed the “Tunisian Modric” by the scout for his “highly technical” approach to play and commanding nature in the middle of the park.

A potential swoop for a player with such attributes could come at a perfect time for Lopetegui, who must find an heir to departed captain and key presence Ruben Neves, whilst adhering to financial constraints.

While the youngster is far from the finished article, his numbers in the Championship last term suggest that he could be a fundamental asset to the Spaniard’s squad in its present state, with him showcasing similar strengths to Neves.

Averaging 2.13 progressive carries per 90 for Birmingham City, the 20-year-old highlighted his ability to venture upfield, as well as suggesting his eye for creativity in more advanced areas with an average of 1.62 key passes per 90, via FBref.

The Portuguese gem averaged 0.83 progressive carries and 0.95 key passes per 90 at Molineux last season, suggesting the potential that Hannibal’s services could offer Lopetegui in his absence.

Defensively, the United starlet dominated too, averaging 2.31 tackles and 1.20 interceptions per 90 in the Championship, relaying his raw but rounded skill set in the engine room.

With the 2023/24 campaign just around the corner, the Spaniard could ease a host of woes by recruiting the hungry young talent, which could give Wolves a glimmer of hope after the dull summer they’ve endured so far.

Manchester United's deal to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana is still "absolutely on and absolutely close to being completed" despite reports suggesting otherwise, claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Is Andre Onana coming to Manchester United?

United have been making positive steps in the transfer window so far this summer, starting with the signing of Chelsea's academy star and former poster boy Mason Mount for a fee reported to be just £55m.

However, it was the goalkeeping position that needed the most attention after another poor season from David De Gea made his position as the club's number one increasingly untenable, and with his recent departure from Old Trafford, the need became even more acute.

Luckily, the Red Devils appear to have made good progress on their deal to sign Cameroon international Onana, with Fabrizio Romano reporting last week that the player had agreed to personal terms with the three-time European champions.

That said, the deal has been held up somewhat as United and Inter butt heads over the final fee for the player, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Italian giants want £51m for their star man, whereas Erik ten Hag's side refuse to go above £43m.

This was followed by an update from Rudy Galetti who stated that there has been an apparent breakthrough made, as they've verbally agreed a fee but final details are still being discussed.

However, these sorts of disagreements and delays are to be expected in deals of this magnitude, and fans shouldn't be too worried about the deal falling through as the next round of talks are expected to begin on Thursday, per Fabrizio Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel:

"I am told that on Thursday, so in the next 24 hours, there will be a new round of talks to try and get this deal done. So, waiting for this new round of talks and waiting for the Andre Onana deal to be completed.

"It was a tense day yesterday (Wednesday) in terms of exchange between the two clubs, but the deal remains absolutely on and absolutely close to being completed, so this is a normal exchange at this stage of the deal when both sides are trying to have the best advantage on this situation.

"So, deal on and Thursday new talks to get it done, but Andre Onana remains very close to Manchester United."

Is Andre Onana a big upgrade on David De Gea?

The "masterful goalkeeper", as described by his former and potential future boss, ten Hag, is coming in to replace a former Premier League-winning goalkeeper, but how does he stack up to him?

In terms of their performances in their domestic leagues last season, the Inter man slightly edges it with an average rating of 7.13 from Sofascore. In contrast, the former Atletico man averaged just 6.96.

When it came to shot-stopping, again, Onana came out slightly ahead with a save percentage of 72% in the league to De Gea's 70%.

The biggest point of difference is in their passing ability. Where the 32-year-old could only average a passing accuracy of 68%, the 27-year-old achieved a pass accuracy of 79% in Serie A.

A final important difference is that, according to Sofascore, the Spaniard made two errors that directly led to a goal last season. In contrast, the former Ajax star didn't make a single error that directly led to a goal in the league for Inter.

United should do all they can to sign the keeper that former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop claimed "ticks all the boxes."

أعلن الاتحاد الأوروبي لكرة القدم “يويفا” العقوبات ضد نادي برشلونة بعد مباراتي باريس سان جيرمان في دور الثمانية من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وخرج برشلونة من البطولة بعد الخسارة أمام باريس سان جيرمان بنتيجة 4-1 في ملعب “مونتجويك” يوم الثلاثاء الماضي.

ووجه يويفا اتهامات إلى نادي برشلونة بسبب الشغب وإشعال الألعاب النارية والسلوك العنصري من جماهير الفريق الكتالوني في مباراة “حديقة الأمراء” بالذهاب والتي أقيمت يوم 10 أبريل.

اقرأ أيضًا.. مبابي عن مستقبله بعد فوز باريس سان جيرمان على برشلونة: اتخذت قراري النهائي

وقرر الاتحاد الأوروبي فرض غرامة على برشلونة قدرها 2000 يورو بسبب إشعال الألعاب النارية و5000 يورو أخرى عن الأضرار التي لحقت بملعب باريس سان جيرمان.

وطلب يويفا من نادي برشلونة أن يتواصل مع باريس سان جيرمان لتسوية الأضرار التي سببتها الجماهير وإصلاح المقاعد المكسورة.

بجانب ذلك، تم تغريم برشلونة 25 ألف يورو ومنعه من بيع التذاكر للجماهير لمباراته المقبلة خارج الأرض بسبب الإهانات العنصرية التي خرجت من مشجعي النادي الكتالوني.

وأكد “يويفا” بحسب ما نشرته صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” أن تلك الغرامة هي تحذير لنادي برشلونة وإذا تم تكراره مرة أخرى سيكون هناك عقوبة أكبر.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in Sporting CP ace Goncalo Inacio, as Mauricio Pochettino eyes a rebuild at Stamford Bridge ahead of his first season in charge.

The Blues are expected to have a new look ahead of the 2023/24 campaign after a disastrous year in the Premier League seeing them record their lowest league finish since 1994.

With just 11 wins and 38 goals in 38 games, the Argentine will have a busy summer in west London with another spending spree on the horizon after Todd Boehly’s £600m gamble across last season’s windows.

What’s the latest on Goncalo Inacio to Chelsea?

As reported by news outlets in Spain, relayed by CaughtOffside, Chelsea are ready to challenge Liverpool for the signature of Sporting CP centre-back Goncalo Inacio.

The report claims that the two Premier League clubs are ‘two of the candidates’ interested in the 21-year-old, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint Germain also listed.

It’s reported that the central defender has a release clause of €45m (£39m), with his contract running until 2026 in Lisbon.

What could Goncalo Inacio offer to Chelsea?

After allowing Kalidou Koulibaly to depart to Saudi Arabia in a deal with Al-Hilal worth £20m, the Blues will be a centre-back short going into the new season, sparking rumours that they will eye a new defender this window.

The players departing Stamford Bridge isn’t the only thought process regarding the future of the back line, with star player Thiago Silva turning 39 years old shortly after the start of the new campaign.

At just 21, Inacio could provide Chelsea with a long-term presence in central defence, and a player showing glimpses of being capable of taking the reins from the Brazilian veteran.

Hailed as a “complete” defender by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the young star has cemented himself as a firm starter in Sporting’s set-up.

With an average match rating of 7.01, the youngster contributed to seven clean sheets in 33 Liga Portugal appearances via Sofascore, just three clean sheets fewer than Chelsea recorded in the entire Premier League season (10).

Standing at 6 foot 1, the Almada-born gem is an assured presence in Sporting’s back line, flexing a 90% passing accuracy rate as well as sitting in the top 2% of centre-backs in the league in terms of progressive passes, with an average of 9.04 per 90, via FBref.

Praised by Kulig as “playing like an experienced 30-year-old veteran”, the youngster could, therefore, be a strong candidate to act as Pochettino’s heir to Silva. That is further backed up by his numbers this season.

The 21-year-old won 3.9 duels per game with a 59% win rate, as well as making an average of 1.2 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 1.9 clearances per game, as per Sofascore.

Silva, on the other hand, won 1.5 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 4.4 duels per match, rather similar statistics.

While Chelsea have some defensive talent in their arsenal, it would be a strong signing for Boehly should the Blues further their pursuit of Inacio, who at a price lower than familiar to the west Londoners, could prove to be a worthy investment for years to come.

The Napier City Council is set to launch an inquiry into the abandonment of the second Chappell-Hadlee ODI at McLean Park on Thursday, according to a report

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Feb-2017

The Napier City Council is set to launch an inquiry* into the abandonment of the second Chappell-Hadlee ODI at McLean Park on Thursday, according to a report. Not a ball was bowled despite there being no rain for four hours after the scheduled start of play.A series of inspections were made by Kumar Dharmasena and Chris Brown, the on-field umpires, even as the ground staff worked on the square and the outfield, but overcast skies made efforts to dry damp patches of the outfield futile. After multiple inspections, the outfield was deemed too dangerous.This is the second successive ODI that has been washed out in Napier. Last year’s ODI against Pakistan was also called off without a ball bowled.Mike Hesson, the New Zealand coach, later said the ground “wasn’t even close” to being fit for play. “We were given a start time which was a bit on the keen side because there was still casual water around the outfield. As we warmed up you’d throw balls and water would spray. As we did so, more water came to the surface so it actually got worse rather than better which was unexpected.”The ground was unfit for play. It wasn’t even close, to be fair. One of those aspects is player safety but you also need to be able to play a game of cricket, whether it be diving around or digging your knee into the ground, whether it be slipping over, or the ball landing and plugging.”The washout also casts shadows over the possibility of the ODI between New Zealand and South Africa scheduled for March 1. Napier City Council, which owns the ground, is expected to initiate an independent review.NZC’s chief operating officer Anthony Crummy also said the matter had to be looked into. “We did have some rain today but not enough to have the game being abandoned. We really need to have a look at what has happened,”Crummy said. “We understand that Nelson Park [next door] and other grounds are dry so something has gone wrong here and we need to understand what that is.”There was a brief possibility of a start when umpires confirmed a 4.45m start for a 37-over game, but two inspections later, the umpires deemed the ground far from ready. Aaron Finch, the Australia captain, labelled the ground condition “extraordinary”.”There was a good handful [of puddles] but they were in really key spots – backward point, cover, square leg – those spots that are hot spots in the field,” Finch said. “Particularly in around the ring it was quite soggy and slippery, and the water was splashing up quite a bit.”Along with management, we both [Finch and New Zealand captain Kane Williamson], once we started warming up, we realized that at 4 o’clock that they were a bit unsafe and then threw it over to the umpires from there. To be honest, it just didn’t improve. I don’t think the Super Sopper did a hell of a lot, to be honest. It’s just one of those things – for a place that hasn’t had rain for 11 weeks, it was quite extraordinary.”Hesson said it was too early to say if he would be comfortable having his team return to the venue for the South Africa ODI next month. “I’ll be interested in the outcome of the review because we can’t have a day like today,” he said. “You have got two teams fizzing to play, a great crowd, and you haven’t got a huge amount of rain, but the outfield was not even close to fit for play which is very frustrating for everybody.”We were training on Nelson Park 100m away and the ground was bone-dry four hours ago, and the outfield here is not. There’s clearly an issue here, I don’t know what that is, but they need to have that review and we’ll know more.”Napier mayor Bill Dalton, according to the , said an independent expert will look at the ground on Friday, and they would do “everything to make sure we have future games”. “We have a world-class groundsman [Phil Stoyanoff] who has prepared this park for many years,” Dalton said. “We have a rich history of games in Napier and will do everything to make sure we have future games.”It was only one small area of the park that was deemed not dry enough. I know people who walked over that area and couldn’t see what the issue was. But I’m not an umpire, or a cricketer and can’t make those calls.”*11.05am GMT, February 2. The article has been corrected to reflect that the review will be initiated by the Napier City Council, and not NZC as previously stated

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a huge stride forward in their pursuit of Ange Postecoglou's top summer target, leaving their rivals in the dust…

What's the latest on James Maddison to Tottenham Hotspur?

That is at least the thoughts of journalist Jacob Steinberg, who, writing for The Guardian, issued an update on Spurs' pursuit of Leicester City star James Maddison.

Although the creative star has been embroiled in a transfer battle between the Lilywhites and Newcastle United, now the former have reportedly pulled away as the frontrunners as Eddie Howe seeks to prioritise the signing of Sandro Tonali.

The 26-year-old is still waiting for someone to rescue him from the relegated Foxes, but a bid is not expected with immediacy. For now, they seem content with revelling in their new status as the favourites to secure this top-tier playmaker.

Could James Maddison emulate Kevin De Bruyne?

Given Postecoglou is due to set up his new team in his classic 4-3-3 formation, he will be desperate to add some much-needed creativity to a midfield that has been starved of it for some time now.

Fortunately for him, Maddison would be one of the best players he could have hoped to add to his squad, with his availability a huge bonus.

His addition could even emulate that of the league's best creator, with Kevin De Bruyne the template for someone seeking to copy perfection.

The Belgian star has been Manchester City's key player for years now, most recently notching ten goals and 31 assists on his way to securing a famous treble.

However, the 31-year-old has much more in common with the England international than just their penchant for scoring and assisting, to which Maddison also recorded 19 goal contributions of his own last term in the league.

When comparing their respective league campaigns on FBref, both share eerily similar pass completion percentages (73.3% v 73.4%), shots on target per 90 (0.78 v 0.98), shot-creating actions per 90 (6.55 v 5.01) and touches in attacking penalty area per 90 (100 v 103). It is also worth noting that one starred for one of the greatest club teams in history, whilst the other was relegated.

It is therefore no surprise to see the latter lauded for his "elite" assets by Statman Dave, given he comes so close to the man Jamie Redknapp dubbed "the best midfield player in the world".

Perhaps being surrounded by a boosted level of quality could allow Maddison to creep even closer to the legendary De Bruyne, supplementing the likes of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min to bolster his numbers.

Valued at just €37.3m (£32m) by Football Transfers, this could prove one of the coups of the summer to truly kickstart Postecoglou's reign in north London.

Newcastle United have made contact regarding a deal to sign Barcelona forward Raphinha this summer, according to reports.

Is Raphinha leaving Barcelona?

The Brazilian international only swapped the Premier League for La Liga last summer when he arrived at Camp Nou in a big-money move from Leeds United. He’s made 50 appearances in Catalonia to date, but there's a chance he could already be hitting the road once again.

Xavi’s right-sided winger still has another four years remaining on his contract, but after establishing himself as the manager’s joint second top-performing offensive player during his debut season, is attracting interest ahead of the upcoming window, in particular from St. James’ Park.

Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Fabrizio Romano revealed last month that the Magpies, alongside top-flight rivals Chelsea, both hold an “interest” in the 26-year-old, but it sounds like it’s Eddie Howe who is the first to make an official move.

Are Newcastle signing Raphinha?

According to Spanish outlet Sport (via Sport Witness), Newcastle have “already made a first approach” to enquire about a deal for the man called a "phenomenon" by his international teammates. Barcelona’s attacker is “keen to continue” where he is, but it’s stated that the northeast outfit will “insist” on signing the player regardless of his stance.

The Magpies have “positioned themselves” and “would be willing to pay a fee” to bring him to St. James’ Park. The Blaugrana have made it clear he could “only leave” if they received an offer in excess of €80m (£68m), and the opportunity to play in the Champions League could end up “convincing” him to join.

Should PIF splash the cash on Raphinha?

Newcastle will already know what Raphinha is capable of having played against him several times during his spell at Leeds, where he was dubbed “frightening” by members of the media, and with that impressive form having continued since joining Barcelona, PIF should definitely test the waters by making an offer.

Barca’s left-footed gem, who is represented by D20 Sports, clocked up 14 goal contributions (seven goals and the same number of assists) in 36 La Liga appearances last season, with this high standard of displays seeing him collect six man-of-the-match awards.

The World Cup participant was also a major threat when providing for his fellow teammates having recorded 172 crosses and 117 shot-creating actions, which were both higher than any other member of his squad, as per FBRef, so should he put pen to paper in the near future, he would only improve Howe’s attacking ranks even further.

Sharing the new ball in conditions that initially encouraged seam and swing, Hardik Pandya and Umesh Yadav ran through New Zealand’s top order to set India up for a six-wicket win in the first ODI in Dharamsala

The Report by Karthik Krishnaswamy16-Oct-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details4:46

O’Brien: NZ batsmen didn’t read the pitch right

Sharing the new ball in conditions that initially encouraged seam and swing, Hardik Pandya and Umesh Yadav ran through New Zealand’s top order to set India up for a six-wicket win in the first ODI in Dharamsala. From 65 for 7, New Zealand recovered to post a relatively respectable total thanks to Tom Latham, who became the tenth batsman to carry his bat through an ODI innings, and Tim Southee, who struck a 45-ball 55 at No. 10, but a target of 191 was never really going to test India.Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma got India off to a solid start with a 49-run opening stand, and Virat Kohli took over thereafter, as he does so often in chases big and small, and his unbeaten 81-ball 85, full of trademark cover drives – the straight-bat punched variety as well as the wristy flat-bat swishes – guided India home with 101 balls remaining. He brought up the winning runs with a cleanly struck six off Ish Sodhi, skipping out of his crease and clattering the sightscreen behind the bowler.Sent in to bat, New Zealand would have been disappointed to get bowled out with 37 balls still remaining in their innings. There was swing early on, a bit of seam movement, and a tendency for the ball to stop on the batsmen occasionally, but nothing so devilish in the conditions to cause their top order to collapse so rapidly.Opting to bowl first, India sprang a bit of a surprise by handing Hardik Pandya the new ball ahead of Jasprit Bumrah, but the allrounder soon showed why MS Dhoni may have taken this decision.Fifteen minutes before the toss, Pandya had received his ODI cap from Kapil Dev. He may also have absorbed some lessons about new-ball bowling from the great man: where he has bowled predominantly short in his 16 T20Is so far, Pandya here pitched the ball up and swung it away from the right-handers, while consistently hitting the high 130s.Having produced two edges and a play-and-miss from Martin Guptill in his first over, Pandya broke through with one that straightened towards off stump, forcing the batsman to play from the crease and nick to second slip.Then, Umesh Yadav removed New Zealand’s two most accomplished batsmen. Kane Williamson slashed the last ball of his third over to third man; then, off the first ball of his fourth over, Ross Taylor, late to withdraw his bat from the line of the ball, edged a perfectly-pitched outswinger to the keeper.India frustrated Corey Anderson by bowling into his body and denying him room to free his arms, and he made 4 off 13 before seeing a rare glimpse of width and flat-batting Pandya uppishly to the right of mid-off, where Umesh completed a stunning diving catch. The same combination of bowler and fielder then sent back Luke Ronchi, who flicked in the air to mid-on.When Kedar Jadhav, given the ball for the first time in his ODI career, sent back James Neesham and Mitchell Santner with successive deliveries in the 19th over, New Zealand’s innings seemed unlikely to last beyond the 30th over.Watching all this from the non-striker’s end, Latham may have felt slightly puzzled, because he had looked utterly at ease at the crease, playing close to his body, and driving crisply through the covers and down the ground. He needed someone to stay with him. Doug Bracewell did that for 45 balls before flicking Amit Mishra to short midwicket, helping New Zealand past 100, before Southee arrived at the crease.He could have been out for 2, but Umesh let him off by dropping a straightforward chance at fine leg after he had skied a pull off Bumrah. Southee thanked Umesh and hit two fours in the same over, off the unfortunate Bumrah, punching him on the up through the covers and pulling him through midwicket.He then skipped down the pitch to Mishra and lofted him inside-out over the covers before launching the first six of his innings, off Axar Patel, over long-off. Before this match, Southee had hit a six every 24 balls, roughly, in his international career. This one came off his 25th ball, evidence of the restraint he had shown initially.He hit two more sixes on his way to his maiden ODI half-century before skying Mishra to cover in the 42nd over. By then, he had scored 55 out of a partnership of 71 for the ninth wicket. With only No. 11 left for company, Latham went after Mishra, chipping him inside-out for four and slog-sweeping him for six off successive balls, but the innings wasn’t to last too much longer. Almost as soon as he had Ish Sodhi in his sights, Mishra trapped him on the crease with one that hurried on straight, legspinner foxing legspinner.