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رد أحمد عباس، الوكيل السابق لـ النيجيري إيمانويل إيمونيكي، لاعب الزمالك السابق، على تصريحات محمد عبد الوهاب عضو مجلس إدارة النادي الأهلي الأسبق، بشأن تدخله لرحيل اللاعب عن القلعة البيضاء.

وكان محمد عبد الوهاب، ، قد صرح بأنه كان سببًا في رحيل إيمانويل إيمونيكي عن نادي الزمالك، بعد تألقه بشكل كبير مع الفارس الأبيض.

وقال أحمد عباس، في تصريحات عبر برنامج “اللعيب”، على قناة “mbc masr”: “استمعت لتصريحات محمد عبد الوهاب، وللأسف هو لم يقصد منها شيء، فقط هو كان عنده حماس زائد، كمسؤول سابق في الأهلي ومُشجع، لكنه بالغ في تصريحاته”.

وتابع: “النادي الأهلي لم يكن له دخل تمامًا في الأمر، أساسًا لم يكن محمد عبد الوهاب مسؤولًا في ذلك الوقت موسم 1993-1994، كان يوجد المهندس عدلي القيعي، لكن القصة نفسها ليس لها علاقة بالقلعة الحمراء”.

وأضاف: “أنا كنت متواجدًا وقت توقيع إيمانويل إيمونيكي لنادي الزمالك، وعندما جددنا العقد كنت موجودًا أيضًا، وعندما وقع اللاعب لفريق سبورتينج لشبونة، كنت موجودًا أيضًا”.

طالع أيضًا | أحمد سليمان يطالب بمحاكمة شعبية لمجلس الزمالك السابق.. ويوضح تطورات أزمة سامسون

وتابع: “بالفعل اللاعب كان عنده عرض من نادي ديسبورج الألماني، وهذا العرض كان عن طريق مدرب منتخب نيجيريا وقتها، لأنه اشترط علي لكي ينضم اللاعب للمنتخب لا بد أن يكون محترفًا في أوروبا، والمدرب كان يسوق اللاعبين في أوروبا من أجل المنتخب”.

واستكمل: “مدرب نيجيريا أتى بعرض نادي ديسبورج الألماني، لكن المقابل المادي كان قليلًا، بالإضافة إلى أنه كان هناك بند في عقد إيمونيكي مع الزمالك، يسمح للأبيض بالحصول على 25% من قيمة عقده بعد بيعه لأي ناد آخر، إذًا العرض كان عن طريق مدرب نيجيريا، وليس لأي أحد في مصر علاقة بهذا العرض تمامًا”.

واستمر: “أنا رفضت العرض الألماني، ثم اتصل بنا مسؤولو سبورتينج لشبونة، ورئيس النادي حضر إلى هنا، وتم الاتفاق على رحيل اللاعب”.

وبسؤاله، هل توجد عروض لـ أليو ديانج؟ أجاب: “أنا أتيت بعرض للاعب في يناير، ولكن المسؤولين في الأهلي بالغوا، وكان العرض بـ 3 ونصف مليون دولار و4 مليون، من ناد في فرنسا وناديين من الإمارات، لكن مسؤولي القلعة الحمراء بالغوا في طلباتهم”.

Leeds United endured a tumultuous summer of vast change, but amidst all the turmoil, Daniel Farke could actually have pulled off a true masterclass…

Why did Luis Sinisterra leave Leeds United?

One of the big frustrations of the window was overseeing the late exit of Luis Sinisterra, who despite having been reintegrated back into the first-team squad still seemingly was pushing for a move.

Eventually, the Colombian got his wish, and AFC Bournemouth returned to Elland Road just weeks after snagging Tyler Adams to steal another of their key assets. Their relegation to the Championship just continued to plague their summer.

It was cited that earlier in the window there had been complications regarding the release clause of the winger, with his frustrations well-known given a bid was reportedly rejected despite his willingness to move.

So, when the Cherries came at the eleventh hour, Farke had lost his bargaining position.

Despite that, there was a slight positive to emerge from the move, as amongst the misery came Jaidon Anthony as a last-minute addition to sweeten the deal.

His arrival has gone hugely under the radar, and against all the odds it seems like the Whites could have secured a true star to help spearhead their promotion push, replacing the former Feyenoord flyer.

How good is Jaidon Anthony?

With experience already tackling the Championship once before, Farke has worked wonders to tempt the 23-year-old to drop down a level once again in order to help their promotion cause.

He noted, upon signing: “The year before last I got promoted from this division, I played a lot of games in it and I know it’s a really tough league, it’s really physical and very demanding. It’s exciting to come back now and try and push for another promotion."

That marked an outstanding year for the youngster, as he maintained a 7.16 average rating in the league, featuring 45 times and recording 15 goal contributions. On top of that, he remained a consistent creative threat as well as a tireless worker, also posting 1.3 tackles and 1.6 key passes per game, via Sofascore.

To outline just how sensational he was when it came to forging opportunities for teammates who often let him down, he only managed to conjure seven assists despite creating an unbelievable 18 big chances.

Such form had to draw praise, with his boss Scott Parker leading it: “Jaidon Anthony’s a player that goes under the radar massively, what he does for this team is nothing short of incredible at times.

“In possession, we see his qualities, his calmness, his silkiness when he makes good decisions but the stuff that goes unnoticed is his defensive side, what he brings to this team.”

Whilst Sinisterra boasts immeasurable qualities on the left flank, with pace, dynamism and tricks in abundance, it seems that Anthony has more than enough to make up for his absence.

Especially given the bar has hardly been set impossibly high, given the 24-year-old scored just five league goals all season last term, enduring a year regularly marred by injuries.

Farke would be replacing the somewhat unreliable brilliance of one winger for a proven star set to reignite his form of old in the Championship.

Given how this swoop has truly gone under the radar, the £11m-rated dynamo could prove to be Leeds’ secret weapon this campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur are now leading the race for Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson, as his current club may be forced to cash-in on him this summer, a report has revealed.

What's the latest Tottenham transfer news?

Journalist Ben Jacobs has recently suggested that Tottenham may "feel they're a little bit thin" at centre-back, but they are actively working on signing one before the deadline, having opened talks with Fulham over a move for Tosin Adarabioyo.

A new central midfielder is being targeted by Ange Postecoglou, with Chelsea's Conor Gallagher believed to be of interest, while the manager is also keen on a replacement for Harry Kane, with talks set to go ahead over Lille's Jonathan David and Gent's Gift Orban.

As such, it is clear Spurs are eager to strengthen the spine of their team, but they are also running the rule over new wide options, and Johnson has emerged as a key target, with Fabrizio Romano recently providing an update on their pursuit of the Forest man.

Speaking on X, the transfer expert said: "Tottenham, prepared to approach Nottingham Forest for Brennan Johnson this week. Ange Postecoglou has already approved this potential move,"

"Not easy deal as Forest already rejected big proposals but interest in Brennan is growing now."

Romano's update follows on from a report from Football Insider, which states Tottenham are now in pole position to sign the winger, who is also being targeted by Chelsea, and the deal could be done in the next week.

In the final days of the transfer window, Forest may be forced to cash-in on the Welshman, as they are struggling to comply with Financial Fair Play, after shelling out a considerable amount of money on signings last season.

The Tricky Trees will be hoping to receive a fee of at least £40m for their academy graduate, and the Lilywhites have been keeping tabs on him for some time, having left scouts wowed with some of his performances.

Read The Latest Tottenham Transfer News HERE

How many goals has Brennan Johnson scored?

Since breaking into the first team with his boyhood club, the 22-year-old has gone on to score 29 goals in 108 games, during which time he has amassed 12 assists, while he also picked up 13 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances for Lincoln City.

The Wales international has impressed the manager of his national side, Robert Page, who said in 2022: “He’s almost the finished article now and Forest have got a wonderful player on their hands.

“I’ve been to watch him a few times and he’s playing with freedom. He’s really enjoying his football.”

The versatile attacker, who is capable of playing in three positions, has scored two goals in 19 appearances for his national side, and he was impressive in front of goal in his debut Premier League season last term, scoring eight times in 38 matches.

Johnson's versatility could make him a great option for Postecoglou, and Tottenham will be hoping to get a deal over the line before the September 1st deadline, having put themselves in a strong position to win the race for his signature.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for a Premier League rivals' top target, and according to reports have now re-entered negotiations to secure his signature.

Who are Liverpool going to sign?

According to a print edition of Corriere dello Sport (via Paisley Gates), Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is hoping to secure the signature of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat this month, though face intense competition from Manchester United.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE..

The Merseyside outfit missed out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea and now face a scramble to restore their midfield, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson both completing transfers to Saudi Arabia this summer.

Amrabat is expected to command a fee of around €30m (£26m) and has been a prime target for the Red Devils for several months now, so Liverpool's hopes hang on swaying the Moroccan's head Anfield way.

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

Amrabat caught the eye and then some on the international stage last year, starring as the fulcrum to Morocco's exploits at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African nation to record a final-four finish.

Hailed as the "best central midfielder in the tournament" by reporter Carlo Garganese, the 26-year-old completed 85% of his passes, also making 2.3 tackles and 1.4 clearances per game in his string-pulling role in the centre of the midfield.

The standout attribute of Amrabat's game is his ball-playing composure, ranking among the top 6% of midfielders throughout Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 11% for passes attempted and the top 11% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

The £32k-per-week machine would thread the different facets of Klopp's Liverpool system together as the metronomic heartbeat, dictating the play and controlling the tempo.

He has already proved himself against the most formidable of Premier League opposition too, having been praised to have taken Declan Rice "to school" – as claimed by writer Muhammad Butt – in last year's Europa Conference League final, and while West Ham United secured a narrow victory on the night, the La Viola titan completed 91% of his passes, winning nine of his 20 duels and making four tackles.

With Amrabat's powerhouse-like presence in the middle, perhaps the burgeoning Curtis Jones could continue his rise to the fore, with the 22-year-old Englishman cementing a regular starting spot for himself at the business end of last term, coinciding with the Reds' late purple patch.

Indeed, Jones started the final 11 matches of the campaign and avoided defeat each time, winning seven, and was praised as the "complete #8" by one analyst & scout.

He ranks among the top 6% of midfielders for goals, the top 4% for pass completion, the top 14% for progressive carries, the top 3% for touches in the attacking box and the top 12% for tackles per 90.

What this illustrates is a roundedness, an all-engulfing hunger to his game, that allows Jones to thrive across the different elements to a thriving midfielder, and while he is just as slick in his passing as Amrabat, his forward-thinking approach suggests he would benefit from a creative focal point behind him.

Once dubbed an "absolute midfield monster" by WhoScored analyst Ben McAleer, Amrabat could be the fiery presence to reignite Liverpool's central verve, and his acquisition could fully unlock a rising star in Jones, who will be hoping to make a big impact this season.

Does the surname sound familiar?Shaheen was born in the Afridi tribe in the Khyber Agency in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan. The area mainly borders with Nangarhar Province in Afghanistan to the west, and ranges from the mountainous terrain of Tirah valley down to Peshawar. He was raised in a small town called Landi Kotal, always in the shadow of insurgency in the aftermath of 9/11. While his family remained there, Shaheen moved to Peshawar, using it as his base to play cricket.How much has he played so far?Initially a tape-ball cricketer, elder brother Riaz Afridi, who played one-off Test for Pakistan in 2004, pushed him to play with a hard ball. He was first selected for the FATA region in an Under-16 talent hunt programme, and became the leading wicket-taker for his region with 12 wickets at 16.17 in 2015. He impressed the national selectors in a high performance camp that was called for players who had impressed at U-16 level. His pace and fitness won him a ticket for an U-16 tour to Australia, even though his outing in New South Wales at the Bradman Oval in Bowral didn’t go well as he only managed four wickets in six games.He played another season on the U-16 circuit for FATA, snaring 19 wickets at 10.59, and elevating himself to the Under-19 circuit. He toured with the U-19 team in Sri Lanka, taking five wickets in three games.At home, he continued to shine on the U-19 circuit, featuring for Khyber Agency in PCB’s inter-district U-19 tournament, where he was the leading wicket-taker with 29 wickets at 18.07. His performance had him selected at inter-regional level for FATA – where once again he topped the table with 21 wickets at 12.48.What is so special about him?His settled action, his game awareness and his inswinger with the new ball. According to Mushtaq Ahmed, who discovered him at U-16 level, his fitness and height as a fast bowler are his best attributes. He is also handy with the bat in the lower order, and his big-hitting ability is an attractive feature. “He has great cricketing temperament and at a young was making a lot of sense with his field positions,” Mushtaq said. “His action is pretty repeatable and we didn’t really bother to work on it. It’s repeatable and that is what a coach wants to have in his bowler. He listens and picks things up very quickly.”How does he already have a BPL deal?He was handled by a sports management company based in Lahore. His agent Talha Aisham emailed Dhaka Dynamites videos of Shaheen’s bowling, and asked if they would be interested in signing him. They agreed, subject to a formal endorsement from Mushtaq, who is the Pakistan NCA head coach. Both Mushtaq and captain Kumar Sangakkara exchanged emails, and the deal was locked in for two years starting from 2017 for a sum of around Rs 1 crore.Why the attention now?He made a dream debut in first-class cricket, playing for Khan Research Laboratory against Rawalpindi, picking up 8 for 39 in 15 overs in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan premier domestic tournament. His innings figures are statistically the best on debut in first-class cricket in Pakistan. He signed off with nine wickets in the match.

Everton will hope to sign a new striker before the 2023/24 Premier League season kicks off in two weeks' time, and Salernitana's Boulaye Dia is being pursued.

Arnaut Danjuma has already been signed on a season-long loan deal from Villarreal, but the clinical Senegalese striker could complete the frontline as Sean Dyche looks to navigate away from the pit of the English top flight this season.

Everton have spent the past two campaigns battling against relegation and only survived the drop on the final game of the term this year, with Abdoulaye Doucoure's thumping finish enough to beat AFC Bournemouth and send Leicester City sinking into the second tier.

The lack of goal threat was the crux of the problem; Dominic Calvert-Lewin's injury issues were compounded by Neal Maupay's inept efforts – as the pair scored just three goals between them across all fronts – and the Toffees' manager is looking to address the issue and ensure the forthcoming campaign offers brighter fortunes.

Are Everton signing Boulaye Dia?

According to Tutto Salernitana – via Sport Witness – Everton have scheduled a fresh round of talks with the Serie A outfit to discuss the possibility of Dia's transfer to Merseyside.

The Blues are reluctant to pay the player's €25m (£21m) release clause and have instead opted to offer Maupay in the negotiations, with the Frenchman admired by the Salernitana hierarchy.

Should Everton sign Boulaye Dia?

Dia scored 16 goals and supplied six assists from 33 appearances in the league last year, integral for his team and praised as "absolutely fantastic" by pundit Marlon Harewood.

The 25-cap international ranks among the top 16% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals and the top 14% for assists per 90, also ranking among the top 17% for pass completion, as per FBref and boasts the dynamic skill set and fluidity that was missing at Goodison Park last season.

Salernitana only tied up a permanent deal for the 26-year-old Villarreal striker last month, completing the deal for a reported €12m (£10m) after he excelled on loan, with journalist Josh Bunting claiming that the sharpshooter is a real "handful".

Dia would link up with his international teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye at Everton, and could prove to be an astute addition and another move on the money when targetting Senegalese players, with Gueye having now racked up 142 appearances across two spells with the side.

Dubbed a "machine" by Thomas Tuchel when plying his trade for Paris Saint-Germain, Gueye still retains that intensity and industrious nature to this day, ranking among the top 4% of midfielders for tackles, the top 2% for interceptions and the top 10% for blocks per 90.

Dia could emulate the energy of his compatriot and pump life back into the Everton attack, with his tag as a 'handful' reference to his work rate and tenacity.

He would certainly bring something different to Dyche's team, and given that Salernitana are ostensibly interested in Maupay in a cash-plus-player transaction, it could be a move to suit all parties and ensure that the woes of the past few seasons at Goodison Park fall into distant memory.

An update has emerged on Southampton and their plans to add a third new signing to the group ahead of the 2023/24 Championship campaign…

What's the latest Southampton transfer news?

According to the Sky Sports transfer centre [19:33pm – 24th July], Russell Martin is eyeing up a swoop to sign Leicester City defensive midfielder Hamza Choudhury following the arrivals of Shae Charles and Ryan Manning.

The report claims that the Saints head coach has been a long-time admirer of the English enforcer and would now like to bring him to St. Mary's during the summer transfer window.

It states that the 25-year-old ball-winner has one year left on his current contract at the King Power but Enzo Maresca sees the gem as being part of his plans as it stands, which could make this a difficult deal for the club to complete.

How good is Hamza Choudhury?

The Foxes academy graduate is coming off the back of an excellent season on loan with Watford in the Championship and would, therefore, join Southampton as a proven second-tier performer who could slot straight into the team.

He is a combative midfielder who excels at winning possession back for his side on a regular basis and could be the club's next Oriol Romeu, who recently signed for Spanish giants Barcelona from Girona.

During his time at St. Mary's, the impressive Spaniard forged a reputation for being a tough-tackling holding midfielder. In his last season with the Saints, Romeu made 3.5 tackles and interceptions per game across 36 Premier League matches during the 2021/22 campaign.

That came after the 31-year-old brute made an eye-catching 4.7 defensive interventions per outing throughout the previous top-flight term, which was more than any other midfielder at the club managed.

Choudhury's form for Watford in the season just gone indicates that he has the ability to offer a similar level of defensive protection in front of the back four in a holding midfield position.

The £61k-per-week battler made an outstanding 5.3 tackles and interceptions per match across 36 league appearances for the Hornets. Whereas, no Saints midfielder produced more than 3.2 per outing during their Premier League campaign.

For his displays last season, the Leicester ace ranks in the top 1% of his positional peers across the Championship for interceptions per 90 (2.40) and within the top 3% for tackles per 90 (3.20), as per FBref.

This suggests that he is one of the best midfielders in the division when it comes to disrupting play and cutting out opposition attacks on a regular basis, which is what Romeu excelled at.

Choudhury's average Sofascore rating of 6.96, albeit at second tier level, would also have placed him third within Southampton's squad – only behind James Ward-Prowse and Mohamed Salisu – as one of their top-performing players.

Therefore, the strong warrior, who journalist Ben Jacobs claimed still has "huge potential", could be Romeu 2.0 for the Saints as a holding midfielder who can constantly win the ball back for the team with tackles and interceptions.

At the age of 25, he would also come in as a player with more room to develop under Martin's coaching and could be a long-term investment as well as a star with the quality to make an immediate impact.

Aston Villa have reportedly been offered the chance to sign La Liga starlet Nicolas Gonzalez, as Unai Emery bids to rejuvenate his side this summer.

The Spaniard has already hired talent from his homeland this transfer window, with Pau Torres making the switch from Villarreal to Villa earlier this month.

Now, it seems that the Midlands club aren’t finished with their shopping in Spain, if recent reports are to be believed.

Could Aston Villa sign Nicolas Gonzalez?

As reported by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo earlier this week, Gonzalez has attracted interest from the Midlands, with both Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers named as potential suitors.

The 21-year-old’s agent Jorge Mendes is reported to have offered the player to the clubs, with the possibility of him departing Barcelona this summer with his role in the squad next season unclear.

Valued by FootballTransfers at €14.3m (£12m), Emery could snatch a bright talent for a bargain this transfer window.

How good is Nicolas Gonzalez?

Lauded as a “diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the 21-year-old has returned to his boyhood club following a trialling loan spell at Valencia last term.

In a testing campaign for Los Che, the Spaniard gained some valuable minutes in La Liga, following on from his breakthrough season at Camp Nou.

A product of the infamous La Masia academy, Gonzalez is a player identified to have “excellent technique” and the ability to act as an “orchestrator” in the middle of the park, as described by Kulig’s scouting report of the talent.

For Villa, links to the rising star could come at a pivotal time of Emery’s reign, in which the Spaniard has the room and funds to tailor the squad to his liking ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

While the Villans are blessed with a number of gifted midfielders, capturing a La Masia product that’s valued by a club as influential as Barcelona could be a sign of things to come in a deal that could prove to be a very worthy investment.

The 6 foot 1 midfielder could prove to be the heir to Villa’s hero Douglas Luiz, who was the club’s best performer last season based on his average Sofascore match rating of 7.10.

The two bear many similarities expanding beyond their combative style of play and identical positions in game.

While Luiz rose to the top as the better defender between the two based on FBref comparisons from their respective 2022/23 league campaigns, the 21-year-old excelled in his distribution and threat going forward.

Averaging 2.24 tackles and 1.23 interceptions per 90, the Brazilian was an assured figure in Emery’s midfield who could one day be surpassed by the young Villa target, who averaged 1.73 tackles and 1.22 interceptions per 90.

The Barcelona DNA imprinted onto the Spaniard’s playing style is evident through his numbers, averaging a pass completion rate of 86.9% and making 5.19 progressive passes on average per 90.

Luiz followed closely behind in his passing numbers, averaging an 82.5% pass completion rate and 4.55 progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League, showcasing exactly how bright the talent of Gonzalez could be in Villa’s system one day.

The hope will be that Emery can once again utilise his La Liga connections to get a deal over the line…

Leeds United are "willing to listen to offers" for goalkeeper Illan Meslier this summer, according to a fresh update regarding his future.

Is Meslier likely to leave Leeds?

The Frenchman has been an impressive servant for the Whites since joining from Lorient in 2020 – he previously spent a season on loan at the club – emerging as an exciting young 'keeper with a bright future ahead of him.

Meslier was unable to prevent Leeds from going down to the Championship last month, however, and his form left a lot to be desired during a key point in the campaign. The £30,000-a-week Frenchman has a deal at Elland Road that runs until the summer of 2026, but it seems increasingly likely that he will move on the pastures new before the new season gets underway.

A fresh update certainly suggests that that is the case, with Meslier seemingly closer than ever to heading out of the Leeds exit door this summer, with the club under new owners in the 49ers Enterprises.

What's the latest on Meslier future?

According to Football Insider, the Whites are "willing to listen to offers" for Meslier in the coming weeks, with the 23-year-old told by those at Elland Road that he is "free to leave", should his valuation be met.

The report goes on to add that "Leeds had previously hoped to secure a £40million-plus fee for Meslier, but his poor form in the final months of the 2022/23 season means that a bid of £30million could now seal a deal."

In truth, it would be a big surprise if Meslier was still a Leeds player come the opening game of the season at home to Cardiff City in August, with a move away now looking on the cards.

Ideally, the Whites would keep hold of him, given his long-term potential – Jack Harrison has hailed him as "talented" and "fantastic" – but it is understandable why he wouldn't want to be playing Championship football next season, with Leeds also looking to bring in some funds.

For that reason, Leeds should cash in on Meslier, with his current contract situation putting them in a strong bargaining position, allowing what should be a hefty amount of money to go toward new signings.

While the Frenchman's form was undoubtedly poor at times in 2022/23, it will still be a blow to lose one of the most gifted young players at the club, but the hope appears to be that the sale can end up benefiting the Whites in the long term.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details1:38

McGlashan: NZ batting beginning to look a little flaky

AB de Villiers had called on his batsmen to take responsibility for an innings and he showed the way in Wellington as South Africa surged to a crushing 159-run victory. De Villiers’ controlled 85, during which he became the fastest player to 9000 ODI runs, turned the tables after a middle-order slide, then the pace bowlers combined with unnerving accuracy to dismantle New Zealand for 112 in the 33rd over.

Another Latham duck

6 Number of lower scores at home for New Zealand than the 112 they made against South Africa. This was also New Zealand’s lowest score against South Africa in ODIs. The previous lowest was 134 at Newlands in 1994.
3 Ducks scored by Tom Latham in his last four innings. Latham has scored 13 runs in this period.
5 Consecutive fifties for Quinton de Kock in ODIs. He equaled the record for most consecutive fifties for South Africa joining Jonty Rhodes. The overall record for most consecutive fifties is held by Javed Miandad who made nine such scores in 1987.

On a slower-than-normal pitch that offered assistance for seamers, especially in the evening, South Africa’s 271 for 8 – bolstered by a seventh-wicket stand of 84 in 10.4 overs between de Villiers and Wayne Parnell – had the makings of a demanding chase and it soon proved that way.Kagiso Rabada, back in the side after missing Christchurch, set the tone with an exemplary new-ball spell. He was followed by Andile Phehlukwayo and Dwaine Pretorius who removed the cream of New Zealand’s batting by nabbing Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor in the space of five deliveries. The pair bowled nine overs between them in their first spells, returning figures of 4 for 16, in the sort of seam-friendly conditions that could be on show in the Champions Trophy. Pretorius finished with 3 for 5 from 5.2 overs.New Zealand had entered this match buoyed by their batting performance at Hagley Oval, but this display will raise a few concerns as they fell in a heap in a manner not often seen. Tom Latham collected his third duck in four ODI innings and there was another failure for Neil Broom.They had made one change, replacing legspinner Ish Sodhi with the pace of Lockie Ferguson and may ponder if that was correct after he went for 71 in his 10 overs – the most expensive bowling performance of the day.Quinton de Kock, with his fifth 50-plus ODI score in a row, and Faf du Plessis led South Africa to 114 for 1 in the 23rd over but then followed a collapse of 5 for 66. Colin de Grandhomme gave New Zealand the control they strived for, claiming two wickets in four deliveries and bowling his 10 overs straight through, while Mitchell Santner produced another impressive performance of left-arm spin.De Grandhomme removed du Plessis who riffled a drive low to mid-off, then in what is becoming a habit on this tour, de Kock picked out the leg-side field having set himself for a century. He hung his head and could barely drag himself off.De Villiers was greeted by a hostile delivery from Ferguson which rammed into his gloves but quickly ticked off the five runs he needed to jump past Sourav Ganguly to top the 9000 list. However, senior batsmen came and went. JP Duminy, who had struggled for fluency, was run out by a direct hit from Tim Southee at backward point and David Miller chipped a low catch to midwicket which was upheld by the third umpire.AB de Villiers scored his 51st ODI half-century•AFP

In each of the three matches in this series, someone from the lower order has stepped forward for South Africa. It wasn’t Pretorius this time – he was bowled by Ferguson – but Parnell helped de Villiers stop New Zealand in their tracks.De Villiers had been above a run-a-ball early in his innings, but bided his time as he lost partners for the closing overs. Back-to-back boundaries off Ferguson, rasping shots through midwicket and cover, hustled him through the 40s and the half-century came from 59 deliveries. He went from 39 off 51 balls to 85 off 80; it was not one of de Villiers’ more explosive innings, but it was a masterclass in repairing damage, judging conditions and not overreaching.And his efforts were soon put into context. Latham middled a square drive but picked out point. Dean Brownlie then feathered to the keeper off Rabada who found considered seam movement and proceeded to work over Williamson.Williamson was dropped at slip on 4 by Hashim Amla off Parnell and alongside Taylor weathered the new balls for a period although scoring was always hard work and the pressure did not relent.Phehlukwayo had conceded just four runs into his third over when Williamson, trying to dab the ball to third man, played into his stumps and in the next over, Taylor fell across a full, straight delivery from Pretorius. He was not far off walking for the lbw decision. The stuffing had been knocked out of New Zealand’s innings and there was precious little else on offer. Broom’s poke outside off against Phehlukwayo was a poor shot and Pretorius’ miserly spell, as he nipped the ball around off the seam under the lights, also accounted for Mitchell Santner.New Zealand’s total was their lowest completed innings at home since being bowled out for 73 by Sri Lanka, in Auckland in 2007, and the result their heaviest runs defeat to South Africa.