Player doing anything he can to quit Leeds as he buys house in new country

A player is "doing everything he can" to quit Leeds United in the summer, and it is believed he's already bought a house in another country.

Leeds chasing promotion in exciting Championship top-two race

2023/2024 has been one of the most exciting Premier League promotion races in recent memory, as three Championship high-flyers battle it out for an automatic spot in world football's most prestigious division.

Report shares concerning off-field news out of Leeds United on Archie Gray

He’s been catching the eye.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 3, 2024

Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Leeds are neck-and-neck with barely anything separating the trio as we head into the final few games of the campaign, and a place in the top two is really anyone's for the taking.

Kieran McKenna's Ipswich hold a slender two-point advantage at the top of the tree as things stand, while Leicester sit just one point behind them in second. Leeds trail the pair in third but only by a single point right now, and a lot will depend on the result of Leicester's game against West Brom early this afternoon.

Leeds United 0-1 Blackburn Rovers

Leeds United 0-0 Sunderland

Coventry City 2-1 Leeds United

Leeds United 3-1 Hull City

Watford 2-2 Leeds United

Even if Enzo Maresca's Foxes beat the Baggies, Leeds will still only be two points off an automatic spot by the time they face Middlesbrough on Monday, so Whites boss Daniel Farke has every hope that he can secure his side's place back in the big time.

"We are in a privileged position and we want to use it," said Farke ahead of Leeds' crunch clash with Boro.

"We are having a top-class season with a remarkable points tally. We [have been] by far the best team in the second half of the season. We are more or less leading this league. The lads are playing a fantastic season.

"Our last line-up: [Illan] Meslier, experienced but young. [Joe] Rodon and [Ethan] Ampadu – our rivals are more experienced. [Ilia] Gruev and [Archie] Gray – our rivals have more experience. Our attackers, [Crysencio] Summerville, 21, [Willy] Gnonto 20, [Georginio] Rutter 22 and [Joel] Piroe 24 – our rivals have more experience. I don't want to buy success – I want to build for success. I don't want to be in the Premier League for one year spending money and then being out of it for 10 years. We want to be there for a long, long time."

If Leeds do secure promotion, they'll have a few decisions to make on wantaway players, and one of them is versatile defender Marc Roca.

Roca doing "everything he can" to leave Leeds this summer

The Spaniard, currently thriving on a loan spell at Real Betis, has made 24 La Liga appearances under Manuel Pellegrini – bagging two goals and two assists to boot.

Real Betis midfielder Marc Roca.

Roca didn't have a great time at Leeds last season when they were relegated from the top flight, and the possibility of him being reintroduced at Elland Road is waning by the week. Indeed, according to reports in Spain, Roca is doing "everything he can" to leave Leeds for Betis permanently, and it is believed he's already bought a house in the country.

The report says it is increasingly likely that the 27-year-old will be a Betis player next term, so Roca may well have played his last game in Yorkshire already.

VÍDEO: Crespo diz que São Paulo lutará pela melhor posição, mas ressalta: "Nunca disse que somos candidatos ao título"

MatériaMais Notícias

Após a derrota diante do Santos, por 2 a 0, neste domingo (20), o treinador Hernán Crespo comentou sobre o início de Brasileirão do São Paulo. Após as primeiras cinco rodadas, o time segue sem nenhum vitória, mas o treinador fez questão de ressaltar que o time mira a briga no topo da tabela, porém afirmou que nunca classificou o time como candidato ou favorito ao título.

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Newcastle handed potential boost over future of “superb” hero this summer

Newcastle United have been given a potential boost following a piece of off-field news that has emerged regarding a "superb" player.

Newcastle transfer news

This summer promises to be a busy one at St James' Park, with new signings hopefully coming in to boost the squad while certain key players move on to pastures new.

In terms of possible additions, Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White has emerged as an option to come in, having stood out as one of his side's best players this season. Tottenham are also believed to be providing stiff competition, and the north Londoners could have the edge if they qualify for the Champions League.

Morgan Gibbs-White celebrates for Nottingham Forest

Newcastle are also reportedly leading the race to sign highly rated Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande in the summer transfer window as Eddie Howe aims to strengthen his defence following long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.

Meanwhile, Juventus youngster Matias Soule is another possible target for the Magpies. Currently playing on loan at Frosinone this season, scoring 10 goals in 30 Serie A appearances, he has been compared to Lionel Messi in the past.

In terms of those who could leave Newcastle at the end of the season, the likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have all been linked with moves away in recent months, with the club no doubt desperate to keep hold of certain stars.

Newcastle boosted over "superb" player's future

According to a fresh update from The Telegraph, Bruno Guimaraes has bought a new £4m home in Northumberland, hinting that he could be staying put at Newcastle this summer.

The report states that the Brazilian "has given the strongest indication yet that he intends to remain" at St James' moving forward, in what would act as a significant boost for the Magpies.

Bruno has to be seen as one of the most important figures for Newcastle to keep hold of, considering he is entering his peak years, unlike Trippier and Wilson, for example.

Granted, the 26-year-old hasn't necessarily had his best season in 2023/24, with Howe's side finding things tough in general, but he has still chipped in with four goals and six assists in the Premier League. Alan Shearer has lauded him, too, with the Magpies legend saying of him on Match of the Day last season:

“He was superb. The way he handles that ball under pressure and is able to ping that ball into the forward players, he’s so comfortable on the ball, particularly if you give him this amount of space. His weight of pass was superb and the way he controlled that midfield. They got into so many good areas because of his ability, he never looks flustered and [always] looks in control of the ball – he never panics."Retaining Bruno's services could feel as important as any new signing this summer, and the hope is that he sees his future at Newcastle for as many years as possible. "Genius" manager considering Newcastle move after offer presented by agent

He recently left his last position.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 20, 2024

Gio Reyna transfer ruled out? USMNT star drops future hint after Nottingham Forest loan flop & Borussia Dortmund exit talk

Gio Reyna has hinted at having a future with Borussia Dortmund, with the USMNT star suggesting that a summer transfer is not on the cards.

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  • Midfielder endured tough time in England
  • Linked with clubs across Europe
  • Delighted to be back in BVB squad
  • Getty

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    The 21-year-old was tied to a new contract by BVB during the winter transfer window, but also allowed to link up with Nottingham Forest on a short-term loan. A spell in the Premier League did not play out as planned, with game time proving to be in short supply.

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    There has been plenty of talk regarding a move away from Signal Iduna Park for Reyna, but he is delighted to be back in those surroundings and has no intention of bidding farewell to them any time soon. The United States international figured for Dortmund in a 2-0 friendly win over Aston Villa.

  • WHAT REYNA SAID

    Reyna stepped off the bench in that contest and is pleased to be back among familiar faces after a testing period in his career that also included a disappointing group stage exit at the 2024 Copa America: “Back in the best stadium in the world! Season 24/25. Let’s go!!!”

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  • WHAT NEXT?

    Those are not the words of somebody pushing for a switch elsewhere, with Reyna seemingly keen to add to the 121 appearances that he has made for Dortmund since making a senior breakthrough. There is, however, still plenty of time before the next transfer deadline passes and anything is possible.

Boehly must cash in on Chelsea man who dropped a 2/10 v Arsenal

Chelsea's hopes of qualifying for Europe for next season were dealt another blow as they were hammered 5-0 by rivals Arsenal at The Emirates on Tuesday night.

The Blues, who lost in the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Saturday, had the chance to move level on points with Newcastle United in sixth place with a win in North London.

Instead, Mauricio Pochettino's side were swept aside with ease by Mikel Arteta's men, including a brace from former Chelsea man Kai Havertz, and remain in ninth with six matches left to play in the Premier League.

One player who must now be sold by Todd Boehly in the summer after his display against Arsenal, and the general standard of his performances this season, is centre-back Benoit Badiashile.

Benoit Badiashile was worse than Axel Disasi against Arsenal

Whilst neither player covered themselves in glory, Badiashile was the worst of the two centre-backs for Chelsea, as Axel Disasi outperformed him.

Axel Disasi

Firstly, GOAL reporter Tom Maston handed the left-footed defender a dismal match rating of 2/10, citing his 'abysmal' play in possession and slow reactions to close down opposition attackers, whilst Disasi earned a score of 4/10.

Former Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand claimed that Arsenal "destroyed" Badiashile in his post-match analysis for TNT Sports.

Minutes played

90

90

Duel success rate

57% (4/7)

100% (4/4)

Pass accuracy

90%

99%

Error led to shot or goal

1

0

As you can see in the table above, Disasi was far more reliable in possession, did not make any direct errors that led to shots or goals, and was dominant in physical duels, whilst his defensive partner fell short in those metrics.

Badiashile did not cover himself in glory for either of Havertz's goals, with the ball going in behind him for the first and the defender giving him far too much space to find the corner for the second, and allowed Ben White to drift off the back of him for his first.

Why Todd Boehly must cash in on Benoit Badiashile

Italian giants AC Milan were linked with an interest in the French titan earlier this month, and Boehly must take advantage of any potential suitors and sell him this summer.

The 23-year-old dud, who has been an unused substitute in two of the last three matches, has only been handed nine league starts by Pochettino this season, which does not suggest that the Argentine boss trusts him to play regularly at the back.

Benoit Badiashile

He has made one error that led to a shot, one that led to a goal, and given away one penalty in those nine starts – one major error every three starts on average.

Badiashile has been at Chelsea for over a year, since his move from Monaco in January of last year, and is yet to prove that he has what it takes to be a top performer in the Premier League.

Therefore, the 2/10 flop, who was just 'destroyed' by Arsenal, should be brutally sold – if Milan act upon their interest – by Boehly to make way for a, hopefully, higher-quality replacement in the summer transfer window,

Chelsea eyeing "unique" Poch replacement who'd be perfect for Caicedo

The Blues are looking at a possible swoop to appoint the Premier League head coach.

ByDan Emery Apr 22, 2024

New Zealand seek inspiration in Williamson territory

Big picture

New Zealand are in Kane Williamson territory in Tauranga, but he could just rest his left shoulder with the series already lost. Two back-to-back losses in the fashion they did have raised questions of their finishing abilities, ‘chokers’ to some if social media is a barometer. They’re currently in that kind of space where they’ll gladly take a win, however it comes.Colin Munro’s return to form makes it one headache less and he walks into a venue where he has two hundreds and a half-century in five innings at an average of 61.40 and strike rate of 193. But New Zealand’s recent dip in form, including the Australia whitewash, remains a larger worry as they constantly fight to remain in public memory.Spirit of Cricket – like their juniors were lauded for at the Under-19 World Cup – is fine, it’s also time to win. This message may not be explicitly written or told to them, but the players will know deep down that in a World Cup year, every opportunity counts and they should make the headlines for wins too. Not just being the nearly men who win hearts.Two weeks ago, India were playing in Bengaluru. Then having traversed several time zones to play in Auckland, Hamilton and Wellington in the space of five days, India are in Mount Maunganui. Camping here for three days should give them as much joy as they’ve derived from winning back-to-back Super Over thrillers.India’s uninhibited approach to a T20 innings is a refreshing change. Batsmen aren’t worried about preserving their wickets, the team is open to being flexible, Virat Kohli has no problems batting out of position and KL Rahul keeping wickets lends better balance. Manish Pandey, who struggled to break into the first XI earlier, is a beneficiary of this change.Injuries to their frontline fast bowlers in the format – Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Deepak Chahar – have pushed them to test their reserves, and the replacements have all delivered at some stage. Shardul Thakur, for example, has proven to not just be a swing option but also a death-bowling option. His hitting doesn’t quite make the lower order seem brittle anymore.Navdeep Saini gives them bristling pace, Jasprit Bumrah the consistency. Shivam Dube is also getting into the rhythm of bowling regularly, thereby accruing valuable experience that should help him should he be on the flight to Australia for the T20 World Cup. The result of the bowling rejig has meant one of their wristspinners, mostly Kuldeep Yadav, has had to sit out. The team management may as well give him a go come Sunday.

Form guide

New Zealand LLLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
India WWWWW

In the spotlight

Sanju Samson is a fine white-ball striker but desperately needs a score to back his ability. With Shikhar Dhawan likely to be slotted back into the squad as soon as he’s fit, Sunday could be Samson’s final opportunity at making amends.Tim Seifert’s half-century that complemented Munro’s in Wellington went unnoticed because of the frenzied finish. He strikes at 137 in 24 T20Is, enough indication of his hitting abilities. New Zealand will want him to finish off games with the bat as the next part of his learning. With the gloves, he’s proven to be as tidy as they come.

Team news

Whatever is written here can only be speculative, because Saturday was a travel day, with no training session or press conferences to provide any markers. Rishabh Pant is yet to get a game, so there is a case for the team management to bring him in and rest Rahul. If Kohli chooses to rest, it could mean Rohit comes back to lead. And if they want to bring in Kuldeep Yadav, it could be at Yuzvendra Chahal’s expense.India (likely): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Sanju Samson, 3 Shreyas Iyer, 4 Manish Pandey, 5 Rishabh Pant, 6 Shivam Dube, 7 Washington Sundar, 8 Shardul Thakur, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Navdeep Saini, 11 Jasprit BumrahMartin Guptill didn’t come out to bat in Friday’s Super Over because of a collision with Scott Kuggleijn on the field. Williamson’s status isn’t yet clear. However, New Zealand may want to rest him with an eye on the ODI series to follow.New Zealand: 1 Martin Guptill, 2 Colin Munro, 3 Tim Seifert (wk), 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Tom Bruce, 6 Daryl Mitchell, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Ish Sodhi, 9 Tim Southee, 10 Hamish Bennett, 11 Scott Kuggleijn

Pitch and conditions

The town is built around a hill and the wind patterns aid swing. It could be hard for bowlers running in against the breeze, but the surface is one with true bounce and good carry. It should be full of runs.

Stats and trivia

  • The average first innings score in the five games that have produced a result at Bay Oval is 199
  • New Zealand’s dot-ball percentage at the death has been 34. India have scored significantly faster, and have a dot-ball percentage of just 25 in the same period
  • The team batting first has won each of the five games here

Sir Jim Ratcliffe "planning" Man Utd talks with "terrific" 40 y/o manager

Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe are thought to be “planning talks” with a Premier League manager over possibly replacing Erik ten Hag.

Man Utd manager rumours

The Red Devils still have the chance to win silverware in the FA Cup which could salvage what has been a disappointing second season under Ten Hag. An early Champions League exit alongside an underwhelming Premier League campaign has resulted in plenty of speculation over Ratcliffe making a big change in the Old Trafford dugout.

Man Utd have made important offer to sign record-breaking teenager

He’s been catching the eye in England.

ByCharlie Smith Mar 26, 2024

There hasn’t been a shortage of possible candidates to take over from Ten Hag, although his future appears to be a 50/50 call at this moment in time. Initial talks have reportedly been held with Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, whereas England boss Gareth Southgate has also been heavily linked as a leading candidate.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou is another to be mooted as an option after impressing in north London, and surprisingly, Brentford’s Thomas Frank has been named as the new top target.

However, yet another new name has now emerged in the last 48 hours, one that could come as a real surprise to some.

Man Utd “planning talks” with Gary O’Neil

According to ESPN senior writer Mark Ogden, Man United and Ratcliffe are now “planning talks” with Wolves manager Gary O’Neil.

Within his report, Ogden says that INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, is leading the attempts to build a new coaching structure with a possible new head coach.

It is added that O’Neil ‘has been made aware of United's interest, with senior figures from the club expressing a desire to discuss his intentions’, however, ‘the role that they may be prepared to offer is not known’.

O’Neil only took over at Wolves days before the new season and impressed in an opening weekend defeat at Old Trafford. Since then, he has guided his side to a number of impressive wins, including against Manchester City and has his side in the top half of the table above the likes of Newcastle United and Chelsea.

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil before a Premier League game.

Prior to his time at Molineux, O’Neil was in charge of Bournemouth, where he was hailed by pundit Danny Murphy, who said: “I’ve got to give Gary O’Neil a mention. His first managerial post, he’s been terrific. He conducts himself well, he’s proactive with his substitutions.

“He always sets them up positively. They’re not a negative side. They always try and go after the game and he deserves credit again. The team was really well balanced, well structured. It played confidently. It didn’t look like a side struggling down the bottom.”

You could argue the 40-year-old, who plays a 4-2-3-1 system, is still inexperienced as a manager, so taking control at Old Trafford could be viewed as a huge gamble by Ratcliffe and INEOS, but it looks as if it will be one to keep an eye on.

James Milner 'getting flashbacks' to Jurgen Klopp under new Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler as veteran backs young manager to thrive in Premier League

James Milner is "getting flashbacks" of Jurgen Klopp under Fabian Hurzeler as the Brighton manager is striving to make a mark in the Premier League.

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Hurzeler is PL's youngest-ever permanent managerIs influenced by Klopp's styleMilner has noticed tangible similarities with KloppWHAT HAPPENED?

Brighton & Hove Albion made a groundbreaking decision by appointing Hurzeler as their new head coach, a move that has set the football world abuzz. At just 31 years old, Hurzeler has become the youngest full-time manager in Premier League history, an achievement that underscores the club’s willingness to embrace youthful dynamism and fresh ideas.

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Hurzeler's rapid rise to prominence is no fluke; it is a testament to his remarkable work ethic and tactical ingenuity, traits that were on full display during his tenure at FC St Pauli as he guided them to the Bundesliga 2 title in the most recent season. Winning 20 out of 34 matches, Hurzeler’s side was a model of consistency, blending tactical discipline with a motivational approach that brought out the best in his players.

WHAT MILNER SAID

Milner, who has experienced considerable success at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, has already drawn parallels between Hurzeler and his former manager as he couldn't help but notice the similarities between Hurzeler’s style and the approach that made Klopp one of the most respected managers in the world.

“I’m getting flashbacks,” Milner remarked with a smile during an interview with

"There is a good mix of the last manager [Roberto De Zerbi], who was build-up orientated, but maybe a bit of Jurgen Klopp thrown in. In terms of how we defend especially, the focus is on high intensity, counter-pressing and quick reactions to turnovers. The manager has put his own stamp and intensity on things, he wants us to play front foot with and without the ball."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Hurzeler's approach is reminiscent of Klopp’s famous gegenpressing, a tactic that relies on swift pressure after losing possession, aiming to regain the ball high up the pitch and catch opponents off guard.

"A few of the sessions we've done and a few tactical ideas have been familiar, which is great," Milner continued. "I'm very familiar with the Klopp style, and hopefully that means I can help some of the boys with a few of the defensive patterns. I'm pretty comfortable with it, and can help translate.

"I get to learn from a new manager. I'm learning every day. I had a fantastic time under Roberto last year but now it's a fresh start, with some positive changes. I've been really impressed with the manager so far, I'm excited to work with him."

محاضرة فنية خاصة لمساعدة الحكام على قراءة خطط لعب فرق الدوري المصري

قررت لجنة الحكام بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم برئاسة ياسر عبد الرؤوف، عقد جلسة خاصة لحكام الدوري المصري، وذلك لشرح بعض الخطط والفنيات.

وكانت لجنة الحكام قد شهدت أزمات قوية خلال الأيام الماضية، مما ترتب عليها إقالة لجنة الحكام وتشكيل لجنة جديدة برئاسة ياسر عبد الرؤوف، بجانب كل من توفيق السيد وتامر دري وعزب حجاج.

وجاءت تلك الجلسة وفقا لتعليمات الاتحاد الدولي لكرة القدم، وتم عمل محاضرة فنية خاصة لحكام الدوري المصري الممتاز “دوري نايل”.

طالع أيضاً.. بينها منع التعامل مع السوشيال ميديا.. لجنة الحكام تصدر 13 قرارًا جديدًا لقضاة الملاعب

وقام محلل الأداء محمود شاكر بشرح طرق لعب فرق الدوري المصري للحكام، لمساعدتهم على قراءة خطط لعب فرق المسابقة، وتوقع تحركات اللاعبين خلال المباريات.

New Zealand contrive to lose in Super Over again as India go 4-0 up

Needing just seven from the final over, the hosts lost four wickets in six balls

Shashank Kishore31-Jan-20203:55

Kohli’s direct hit, Thakur’s variations, Pandey’s fifty

India won the Super Over Seven runs needed off six balls. Seven wickets in hand. Ross Taylor, who has played more T20 matches than the rest of his side combined, on strike. Surely, New Zealand couldn’t lose from that kind of position , right? Think again.Having endured a mixed day with the ball until then, Shardul Thakur delivered a stunning final over to deny New Zealand in regulation time, as the hosts inexplicably lost four wickets in the space of six balls.New Zealand then sent out Tim Seifert and Colin Munro, their half-centurions from earlier in the evening, to outsmart Jasprit Bumrah in the Super Over. In Hamilton, New Zealand failed to defend 17 in the shootout. Here, they scrambled to 13 after Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul failed to latch on to skiers.There, Tim Southee sat on haunches as Rohit Sharma muscled him for two sixes to win the game. On Friday, he took the ball again, this time trying to deny Rahul and Virat Kohli. He saw the first two balls being clobbered for 10, and had Rahul caught at deep square leg off the third. India needed four off three.Where New Zealand slogged when faced with this equation in regulation time, Kohli calmly nudged the ball towards mid-on, who was right at the edge of the ring, to scamper back for a second with Sanju Samson. With two needed off two, Kohli lent the finishing touches with a muscular pull to the midwicket fence as India completed another remarkable win, to lead the series 4-0.Southee was left heartbroken again, as were the New Zealand fans.The final over mayhemIn Hamilton, the first ball off the final over was a juicy full toss that Taylor walloped over deep midwicket. Here, Thakur delivered an excellent slower ball. Taylor went for his favourite hitting arc but dragged it to Iyer in the deep.But Daryl Mitchell eased the nerves by lofting the next ball over mid-off for four. Pressure relieved, right? Wrong. New Zealand were just entering into their nervous breakdown territory.From three off four, they tried to steal a bye, only to be outsmarted by Rahul, who was ready with his gloves off to effect an underarm flick to catch Tim Seifert short after he had made what should have been a match-winning 57.The pressure was on Mitchell Santner as he took strike. It was his superb catch off Kohli earlier in the evening that triggered a panic of sorts for India. His middle-order slow down with Ish Sodhi – they finished with four for 52 off eight overs – helped restrict India to 165. After all that, he still had to win it with the bat. With three needed off three, he picked a single towards midwicket and slipped while turning for the second.Two runs. Two deliveries. The pressure is on the bowler. He misses by an inch and it could be curtains. Here, Thakur calmly lands a superb knuckleball on a length, gets it to deviate just a wee bit. Santner goes for a glory hit and slices it to Shivam Dube at mid-off. Mayhem. Tension.In the IPL final last year, Thakur had faced a similar situation. Except, he was batting with Chennai Super Kings needing two off one ball for the championship. Lasith Malinga outsmarted him then with a slower ball. Does he now try and replicate that? It’s unlikely Thakur’s mind would’ve veered towards that game, but he delivers a superb wide yorker-length delivery. Santner can only jam it towards deep cover. New Zealand can’t scamper back for the second, and rue another meltdown.Tim Seifert played a good hand•Getty Images

What happened prior to that?Six and out against Sri Lanka in Pune. Six and out against New Zealand in Wellington.This was Sanju Samson’s opportunity to prove why he should have been an automatic pick on tour, and not as an injury replacement. However, the shot he played – a slog across the line in the third over after hitting the most gorgeous flick that there is – was forgettable. He had the full 20 overs at his disposal, but fell in the second.Then the New Zealand spinners got into the act. Much before he came on to bowl, Santner left a mark in the fifth over. After Kohli had first flicked and then ramped Hamish Bennett for successive boundaries, Santner leaped towards his right to grab a leading edge and send back India’s captain.Southee, leading in Kane Williamson’s absence, then turned to Sodhi in the seventh over and he struck off his third delivery to remove Iyer with a googly. Off his next over, he had Rahul holing out to deep midwicket for 34. He soon had his third when Shivam Dube was out slogging to long-on for 12. In arguably the windiest cricket-playing city, India weren’t done in by swing and seam, but loop and guile.Pandey cashes inAt 88 for 6 in the 12th over, India needed Manish Pandey’s calmness over his unorthodox shot-making. When he walked off for an unbeaten half-century, they had been treated to a mix of both. Pandey played out the spinners calmly, took the innings deep, and trusted his lower-order colleagues. Thakur, especially, repaid that faith by walloping 20 important runs in a 43-run stand for the seventh wicket. Pandey’s was an industrious innings; he managed just thee fours, yet maintaining a healthy strike rate. He finished with 50 off 36, his third T20I half-century, to give India a lift.Munro tees offEarly struggle against pace gave way to frenzied hitting from Colin Munro as he brought up a 38-ball half-century to set up New Zealand’s charge. Munro was particularly severe against Washington Sundar, who kept getting swept into the arc between deep square and deep midwicket. This allowed Seifert a chance to get his eye in. New Zealand needed 71 off 51, and with nine wickets in hand, victory was well in sight. Munro relaxed, and paid the price.A combination of Thakur’s relay throw from deep cover and Kohli’s game awareness from the edge of the ring at cover helped run out Munro as he was ambling through for a second run. In the same over, Tom Bruce was bowled around his legs, deceived by Yuzvendra Chahal’s drift. The game turned, asking rate mounted and India applied the brakes. For all that, the game should’ve never gone into a Super Over. It did, and for that, New Zealand will have only themselves to blame.

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