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South East Stars 118 for 4 (Scholfield 50*, Grewcock 2-18) beat Sunrisers 116 for 8 (Miller 39*, Jones 2-13, Stonehouse 2-17) by six wicketsPaige Scholfield continued her rich vein of form as South East Stars cantered to a six-wicket win over hosts Sunrisers at Lord’s to remain unbeaten in this season’s Charlotte Edwards Cup.The South African-born allrounder – currently only able to bat because of an ongoing niggle – and who had made two half-centuries already in the campaign, made her third in finishing 50 not out, reaching the landmark with the winning hit, her eighth four.In truth, the chase for 117 was not an arduous one, Sunrisers having earlier been restricted to 116 for 8, Emma Jones with 2 for 13 and Alexa Stonehouse with 2 for 17 the principal wicket takers, while teenage starlet Tilly Corteen-Coleman got a wicket with her first ball of the game for the second time in the tournament. Flo Miller produced the only resistance with 39 not out from 45 balls.Sunrisers were soon in trouble. Shortly after steering the first boundary of the innings through third, skipper Grace Scrivens slashed one from Stonehouse straight to point.Corteen-Coleman bowled Alice Macleod and Sunrisers’ leading scorer in the tournament Jo Gardner then spooned Stonehouse to Sophia Dunkley at cover to depart for only 1.Mady Villiers sparkled briefly with two fours and a five from an overthrow in her 14, but when she chipped Jones to Phoebe Franklin at midwicket the hosts were in disarray at 27 for 4.That they mustered any sort of score was largely down to Miller, who played the only of innings of substance, sending a full toss from Franklin to the fence before later pulling a short one from Jones down to the Tavern boundary.Others came and went. Jodi Grewcock contributing to her own downfall with a sloppy piece of running which saw her run out by Corteen-Coleman’s direct hit, while Jones picked up a second wicket with a caught-and-bowled to see the back of Eva Gray.Dunkley (24) was quickly into stride, caressing one through the covers in the opening over of the Stars’ reply before dancing down the pitch to strike the spin of Villiers back over the top.Skipper Smith, scratchy at first, caught the mood, twice depositing short balls from Gray to the midwicket boundary. However, both departed in the same over from Grewcock, Dunkley stumped by Amara Carr as she again ventured down the wicket, while Smith nicked one through to the keeper.Jones, promoted to four, should have departed in the next over, only for two fielders to collide meaning a simple catch at mid-on was grassed. The Cambridge University student of veterinary surgery failed to profit from the life, holing out in the deep soon afterwards.Stars, though, were ahead of the rate and simply needed a steady hand on the tiller and not for the first time in the campaign that proved to be Schofield, who swept and pulled with authority in another sparkling knock. And while Phoebe Franklin departed before the end, Stars sauntered home.

With the 49ers Enterprises looking to make their mark, Rangers are now reportedly set to sign a versatile forward who has become convinced by the Ibrox project ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 49ers' Rangers project

Set to complete their takeover of the Scottish giants, the 49ers will be hoping to turn things around at Rangers and transform the Gers into the dominant champions they once were. As seen at Elland Road and Leeds United already, too, the American owners are perfectly capable of leaving their mark on a club and achieving their goals.

However, with a new manager needed and Celtic’s Scottish Premiership dominance only growing stronger, the extent of the 49ers’ task at Rangers cannot be overstated. And they must get things right this summer.

To that end, a number of names have already been linked with the job at Ibrox. The likes of Rafael Benitez represent the experienced choice, whilst Steven Gerrard would perhaps be the one that splits the most opinions after how he left Rangers for Aston Villa in 2021. Meanwhile, other names such as Danny Rohl and Davide Ancelotti would certainly be intriguing to watch in their own right.

With the Scottish Premiership now concluded for another season too, the Gers may have their answer sooner rather than later over just who steps into the role. The end of the campaign also means the end of Barry Ferguson’s interim role in charge of the club, but he has reiterated his desire to take the permanent role more than once.

The interim boss told reporters in recent weeks: “Everybody’s got an opinion, I don’t care about people’s opinion, I know I can do the job. I know I’ve got a real good staff behind me. I’ve been asked this question two or three weeks in a row, I think it’s clear, it doesn’t scare me one single bit.”

Meanwhile, away from the dugout, it almost goes without saying that a large part of the 49ers’ project will be the recruitment that they go in pursuit of this summer, which looks set to start with a Paris Saint-Germain talent.

Rangers set to sign versatile PSG forward Oumar Camara

According to RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins, Rangers are now set to sign Oumar Camara from PSG this summer, with the versatile young forward convinced by the project in Glasgow. The teenager has captained PSG’s U19 side this season, but is set to secure a surprising move to Scotland in the coming months – likely becoming the first signing of the 49ers era.

Not just Butland: Rangers flop may have played his last game at Ibrox

Several Rangers players wont be at the club next season after the 2-2 draw with Hibs.

By
Ross Kilvington

May 17, 2025

At just 18 years old, whether Camara would make an immediate impact at Ibrox remains to be seen. The winger, who can play on both sides, has enjoyed an impressive season at youth level, scoring nine goals and setting up another four in 25 games in all competitions. After failing to feature for the first team, however, the young Frenchman looks set to leave in pursuit of senior football.

Whether Camara’s reported arrival is a sign of things to come at Rangers will also be interesting to watch, as the 49ers attempt to build their project and turn things around at the Scottish club.

Leeds United look likely to make a £15m+ player their first summer signing following promotion to the Premier League.

Leeds preparing for Premier League return

The Whites can officially start preparing for life back in the top fight after winning promotion from the Championship on Easter Monday. Daniel Farke’s side hammered Stoke City 6-0 with four goals from Joel Piroe in the first half, while Junior Firpo and Willy Gnonto also got on the scoresheet.

Burnley’s 2-1 win at Sheffield United later in the day meant the party could get underway at Elland Road, with the players joining thousands of Leeds fans in the celebrations.

Talking on Monday evening, Farke said: “Don’t scare me with the Premier League right now. All the clubs who were promoted are already relegated before we were promoted. It’s important to enjoy it. This club has had tough times in the last years, it’s important that our supporters celebrate it and embrace it.

“We’re back where we belong. The next step is to make this club an established Premier League club. You can be sure I will work with all my skills to make sure we do this. But this is something for in a few weeks. Right now we celebrate the first step, the most important one, to take this club where it belongs. Let’s see what we can do.”

Leeds now considering promotion move for "sensational" England international

Leeds United are already looking to the summer transfer window after smashing Stoke City on Monday.

ByBarney Lane Apr 21, 2025

The 49ers have been working behind the scenes on potential transfer targets, though, with the Whites looking to sign players who have Premier League experience. Now, an update has emerged on one attacker who has that.

£15m+ Manor Solomon likely to be Leeds’ first signing after talks

TEAMtalk shared a Leeds transfer update the day after the Whites officially won promotion, stating that the 49ers are looking to make at least six new signings ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Leeds and Farke want to sign a goalkeeper, a left-back, a midfielder, a winger, an attacking midfielder and a striker over the coming months, but the first addition of the window is likely to be loanee Manor Solomon on a permanent basis.

The report reveals that ‘talks having taken place already with Spurs over a permanent move’, with Leeds ‘optimistic that a permanent arrangement’ will be agreed. Tottenham and Daniel Levy value Solomon at £15m to £20m, and a development over a fee is expected soon.

Games

37

24

Goals

9

4

Assists

11

2

Solomon has starred on loan in the second tier this season, contributing to 20 Championship goals on the left hand side, striking up a positive relationship with Firpo. Farke will be delighted if the 49ers sign Solomon for Leeds on a permanent transfer, with the manager hailing the winger recently, saying earlier this month: “Always a joy to work with. A top character. Yes can be tricky, he’s emotional! Especially when he doesn’t finish a game. But top.”

With Liverpool looking as though they’re set to claim the Premier League title this season, Arne Slot has the chance to build on his first-season success next year.

The Reds have only lost two matches in the league to date, showcasing how impressive they have been during the Dutchman’s debut year at the helm after taking over from Jürgen Klopp.

Any chances of building on their success have been given a major boost after the news that Mohamed Salah signed a new two-year deal on Merseyside earlier today.

With the Egyptian set to continue at Anfield, the 46-year-old can turn his attention to the transfer market, targeting players who could allow for further success in the years ahead.

Slot’s wasted no time in identifying talents to add to his already impressive squad, making moves to land a player who could massively strengthen one department of the pitch.

Liverpool plotting summer move for talented attacker

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool have completed their scouting and are leading the race for Feyenoord’s talented winger Igor Paixao this summer.

The 24-year-old has registered 14 goals and 13 assists within his 41 appearances throughout 2024/25, with six of his contributions coming within the Champions League.

Despite the interest, they face strong competition from fellow Premier League side Arsenal and Serie A duo Atalanta and Napoli, with Slot needing to pull out all the stops to win the race for his signature.

The report also states that the Brazilian could be tempted by a move to England’s top flight, with a real belief that he has all the tools to be a leading talent in the division.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Paixao would set the Reds back this summer, he would be a superb addition – potentially being the club’s best left-winger since one star departed.

Why Paixao could be Liverpool’s best LW since Mane

Sadio Mané joined Liverpool in a £34m deal from Southampton back in the summer of 2016, with the Senegalese international thriving beyond all imagination during his time at Anfield.

The now-33-year-old registered a total of 269 appearances during his six-year stint at the club, notching 120 goals – helping them claim four major honours during his spell on Merseyside.

He was part of a phenomenal front three along with Salah and Roberto Firmino, with the trio undoubtedly being the key reason behind the success they endured under Klopp.

However, Mane would leave for Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022, with Luis Diaz subsequently having the responsibility of filling the void left by the fan-favourite.

Whilst the Colombian has impressed at times, he’s struggled to produce his best performance levels on a consistent basis, as seen by his tally of 10 goals in 30 league matches throughout 2024/25.

When comparing the 28-year-old’s stats with Paixao from the ongoing season, the Feyenoord star has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas – further showing why he’d be the Reds’ best left-winger since Mane.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “explosive” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed to register more combined goals and assists this season, whilst also registering more shots per 90 – showcasing his attacking qualities in the final third.

Games played

28

30

Goals & assists

21

15

Shots taken

2.2

2

Through balls completed

0.2

0.01

Tackles won

1.7

1.2

Crosses completed

3.1

0.7

Aerials won

50%

46%

He’s also completed more crosses and won more of the aerials he’s entered this campaign, offering Slot a more all-around presence than Diaz – having the tools to thrive should he move to Anfield.

Given the stats produced compared to the Colombian, it’s evident that he would be an upgrade on him, subsequently being the best forward since Mane, given the fact Diaz has been the man to fill the void.

Should Paixao reach anywhere near the levels achieved by the former Southampton ace on Merseyside, he would be a phenomenal addition, handing Slot the chance to build on his early success at the club.

Liverpool ready mega offer to sign an amazing hybrid of Trent & Van Dijk

Liverpool could be about to make another huge investment to partner Virgil van Dijk next season.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 10, 2025

The Blaze 256 for 6 (67, K Bryce 66) beat Durham Women 252 for 9 (Villiers 79, Windsor 54) by four wicketsThe Blaze clinched their place in the semi-finals of the Metro Bank One-Day Cup women’s competition after overcoming Durham Women by four wickets at Trent Bridge.Half-centuries by Ireland international Orla Prendergast (67 off 79) and Scotland captain Kathryn Bryce (66 from 72) broke the back of a 253-run target, the two allrounders adding 107 in 109 balls for the third wicket before experienced England allrounder Georgia Elwiss finished the job with an unbeaten 46 from 45.Half-centuries from Mady Villiers, who hit a career-best 79 from 88 balls including 12 fours, and Emily Windsor (54 from 75) helped Durham Women to 252 for 9 from their 50 overs after opting to bat first.A home semi-final next Wednesday will be guaranteed if The Blaze win at bottom-of-the-table Essex on Saturday. Durham could still finish in the top four by beating Surrey at home on Saturday, but would need other results to go their way.Elwiss, Kathryn Bryce and Kirstie Gordon took two wickets each for The Blaze, spinners Katie Levick and Villiers doing likewise for Durham.On a sunny morning, the visitors had suffered an early setback when Emma Marlow slipped when sent back and was run out. They finished the opening powerplay strongly to be 47 for 2 but had lost captain and key batter Hollie Armitage, caught at gully off a delivery that climbed on her late.Mia Rogers made 25 before chipping to extra cover but Durham looked well placed at 107 for 3 from 25.Villiers pulled Lucy Higham’s offspin for her ninth four in reaching 53 from 56 balls, finding the rope again in the same over. She picked up two more boundaries to pass her previous best of 70 in this format.Yet the home attack were disciplined enough to stifle Durham’s efforts to increase their scoring rate and began to reap rewards.Skipper Gordon broke the Villiers-Windsor partnership at 75 when Villiers, going back, was beaten by her left-arm spin and bowled. Elwiss, nigglingly accurate, bowled Bess Heath for her 200th wicket in women’s List A cricket.Windsor completed her half-century from 69 balls but had added only four more when she was stumped off Gordon. Phoebe Turner pulled Grace Ballinger for an impressive six over the longer boundary but was trapped in front by Elwiss.From 210 for 7 in the 45th, Durham’s cause was helped by Katherine Fraser slog-sweeping back-to-back sixes off Kathryn Bryce before miscueing Ballinger to backward point. Bryce bowled Grace Thompson but Levick and Sophia Turner scrambled another 14 off the last 11 balls.The Blaze matched Durham’s 10-over score for one wicket fewer at 47 for one, leg-spinner Levick having bowled Georgie Boyce off her front pad.Sarah Bryce was caught behind off Phoebe Turner but Prendergast clubbed Levick over the legside boundary to bring up a 50-stand with Kathryn Bryce from 45 balls and by the halfway point The Blaze were well on course to attain their target at 130 for two, a brace of boundaries off Phoebe Turner taking Bryce to her sixth half-century of the competition.Prendergast lofted Levick for a second maximum as she reached 54 from 60 balls, the partnership eventually ended when Bryce backed away to cut Levick and was bowled, leaving 82 needed in 19 overs.That had come down to 48 off 13 when Prendergast picked out deep midwicket. Michaela Kirk was caught behind chasing a third boundary in four deliveries off Villiers and Ella Claridge was bowled by Fraser but Elwiss, who at 34 years old has topped 900 all-format runs in her debut season for The Blaze, made sure there was no nervy finish.

Former Southampton manager Russell Martin is “still in contention” for what would be a stunning return to St Mary’s.

Though Southampton endured a dismal 2024/25 Premier League campaign, they were still expected to be strong contenders for an immediate promotion from the Championship. Having established himself with Reims and Lens in Ligue 1, Will Still was appointed as Saints manager in the summer.

Despite his obvious potential as a coach, Still was unable to make things click during what was his first job in English football. After winning just two matches out of 13 in the second tier, Still was sacked by the club who, at the time, were 21st in the league following three successive defeats.

Working as interim boss of the Saints, Tonda Eckert won his first game in charge against Queens Park Rangers. Having been called up temporarily from the Under-21s, Eckert has made a good start to his time in charge as Southampton pursue a permanent successor to Still.

Now, reports have indicated that Southampton, who are eight points adrift of the top six, could look to bring a former manager back to the club.

Martin to return to Southampton?

According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Martin is “still held in high regard at Southampton and has admirers in the boardroom”.

Taking over the Saints in 2023 after managing MK Dons and Swansea City, Martin guided Southampton to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.

Wedded to his patient, possession-based brand of football, Martin was sacked by the club in December 2024, in a season that saw the club become the first Premier League side to be condemned to relegation with as many as seven games remaining.

Martin was, in turn, hired by Rangers in the summer of 2025, going onto endure a terrible tenure in charge that lasted for just 123 days. Amongst other reported options, including Frank Lampard and Mark Robins, Martin’s current status as a free agent may mean he is more inclined to take the job.

Football Insider have reported that, whilst Martin being hired by Southampton would be “a surprise, his return has not been ruled out,” as the club do not blame him for the season that they endured in the top flight.

Having been called “unbelievable” by Flynn Downes, who Martin brought to Southampton, the 39-year-old has certainly proven himself at Southampton in the past. Given their current predicament and how badly Martin’s tenure at Rangers went, though, it remains to be seen whether Southampton push further for a reunion.

"Very intelligent" coach interested in Southampton job

Manchester United are, reportedly, ready to part ways with forward Joshua Zirkzee after an inconsistent stint at Old Trafford.

Impressing across a two-year stint with Bologna in Serie A, helping them qualify for last season’s Champions League, Zirkzee signed for Man United in the 2024 summer transfer window. Getting off to a brilliant start by scoring on his debut against Fulham, Zirkzee has since endured a tough time in the Premier League.

Having become well-known for the brilliance, both on the ball and in his playmaking, he had at Bologna, Zirkzee has struggled to showcase his best form in England.

In his maiden season with the Red Devils, Zirkzee netted just three league goals in 32 appearances. Towards the end of the season, manager Ruben Amorim started sometimes using the 24-year-old as an attacking midfielder in his preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.

Across the 2025/26 campaign, however, Zirkzee has made just four league appearances after 10 matches. In those games, the Dutchman has played less than 90 minutes collectively, something that has sparked rumours about his future at the club.

Zirkzee set to leave Man United

According to James Marshment of TEAMtalk, interest from elsewhere in Zirkzee is “growing” ahead of the January transfer window. Supposedly, as many as nine teams both in the Premier League and around Europe are considering a move for the Dutchman.

Joshua Zirkzee’s Man United Career in Numbers

Appearances

54

Goals

7

Assists

3

Yellow Cards

4

Zirkzee’s struggles in front of goal may have hampered his chances in the Man United first team anyway, but over the summer the club signed Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo in what was a complete revamp of their attack, pushing Zirkzee further down the pecking order.

The aforementioned trio are now finding form in Manchester. Amorim’s side are on a four-game unbeaten streak in the top flight, having beaten Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion before drawing with Nottingham Forest.

Although Man United would be willing to let Zirkzee leave, it would appear that the Red Devils are not yet ready to take a huge loss like they are with Jadon Sancho. Instead, the club would reportedly prefer to let him leave on loan “with or without an option to buy”, or for a minimum of £35m.

The hope, presumably, is that Zirkzee, who has been called an “absolute imposter” in the past, could find form somewhere else, with that perhaps leading the team who sign him on loan to permanently acquire him for a larger fee. Where Zirkzee ultimately ends up remains to be seen, but it is hard to see a clear path forward for the Dutchman at Old Trafford.

"Monster" is becoming Man United's own Gabriel

أعلن المستشار أحمد عبد الحميد بودي، رئيس اللجنة القضائية المشرفة على الجمعية العمومية العادية لنادي الزمالك ونائب رئيس هيئة النيابة الإدارية، عن عدم اكتمال النصاب القانوني لصحة انعقاد الجمعية العمومية العادية المقامة اليوم بمقر القلعة البيضاء، بعد تسجيل 1128 عضوا.

وبناء عليه يكلف مجلس الزمالك بجميع الاختصاصات فيما عدا بند الميزانية، حيث يتم إرساله إلى الجهة الإدارية المختصة، لإرسالها للجهاز المركزي للمحاسبات.

وضمت اللجنة القضائية المشرفة على عملية التسجيل في الجمعية العمومية العادية لنادي الزمالك كلًا من: “المستشار محمد سامح – المستشار محمد يسري – المستشار حسن الغزاوي – المستشار هشام قطب”.

طالع | تشكيل الزمالك أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية في كأس الرابطة المصرية

وحرص الكابتن حسين لبيب رئيس مجلس إدارة النادي، على التواجد في الجمعية العمومية العادية للقلعة البيضاء، ومتابعة سير إجراءات التسجيل بالجمعية قبل غلقها في السابعة من مساء اليوم.

كما حرص على التواجد كل من المهندس هشام نصر نائب رئيس النادي، وحسين السيد وهاني شكري وهاني برزي وعمرو أدهم ومحمد طارق ورامي نصوحي وأحمد خالد حسانين أعضاء مجلس الإدارة.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Vitória já tem um treinador definido para a próxima temporada. Em entrevista coletiva concedida à imprensa, no Barradão, o presidente Fábio Mota confirmou a permanência de Jair Ventura por mais um ano.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasVitóriaVitória tem temporada agonizante, se reinventa e fica na elite por um fioVitória09/12/2025VitóriaVeja artilheiro, garçom e números do Vitória na temporada 2025Vitória10/12/2025

✅ Clique aqui e siga o canal do Leão no WhatsApp para ficar por dentro das últimas notícias

— Peço desculpas pelos erros cometidos pela gestão, sempre foi tentando acertar. Mas vamos melhorar em 2026, já temos uma base montada. Por isso eu queria comunicar a todos que nós renovamos com o treinador Jair Ventura, que será nosso técnico por mais um ano. Esse era o principal objetivo dessa coletiva — declarou Mota antes mesmo do início das perguntas.

Contratado no final do mês de setembro para tentar salvar o time da zona de rebaixamento, Jair Ventura confirmou seu status de “bombeiro”, organizou a equipe e comandou a arrancada na reta final que manteve o Rubro-Negro na elite do futebol brasileiro. Depois da vitória contra o São Paulo no último domingo, a equipe fechou a Série A na 15ª posição, com 45 pontos.

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Jair Ventura fez 14 jogos à frente do Rubro-Negro, com sete vitórias, dois empates e cinco derrotas (54,7% de aproveitamento) e conseguiu, pela quarta vez na carreira, livrar uma equipe do rebaixamento. Ele já tinha passado por experiências similares no Sport, Juventude e Goiás.

➡️Veja artilheiro, garçom e números do Vitória na temporada 2025

Projeção para o Vitória em 2026

Agora Jair Ventura vai ter a oportunidade de não só apagar o “fogo”, como também conduzir um projeto a longo prazo no Vitória. A equipe estreia contra o Atlético de Alagoinhas no dia 10 ou 11 de janeiro, pela primeira rodada do Campeonato Baiano, no Barradão. A equipe ainda vai disputar a Copa do Nordeste, Copa do Brasil e Campeonato Brasileiro.

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— A ideia é que Rodrigo Chagas seja o treinador do Vitória no Baianão, usando alguns jogadores que vão voltar de empréstimo, como Pablo, que está no Guarani, José Breno e até mesmo Kauan, que não teve muita oportunidade no Vitória. Além de outros jogadores que também não tiveram chances no elenco. A nossa grande meta é o Campeonato Brasileiro — esclareceu Fábio Mota.

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Despite making only 160 for 7, Pakistan cruise to a 93-run win in their Asia Cup opener

Danyal Rasool12-Sep-20251:59

Jaffer: Looks like Haris has worked on his game

Mohammad Haris’ fifty and a bowling performance far too good for an outmatched Oman side helped Pakistan cruise to a 93-run win in their Asia Cup opener. Haris smashed 66 off 43 deliveries in an innings where none of his team-mates were quite able to match his power or timing with the bat as he helped Pakistan get up to 160.Oman received early encouragement when a ball that kept low trapped the dangerous Saim Ayub in front. Sahibzada Farhan’s off-colour form persisted in a scratchy innings as Pakistan stumbled along to 31 in the first five overs, and it was up to Haris to inject impetus into the innings.Related

'Confidence, backing is needed for any player' – Haris repays Hesson's faith

Sixteen came off the final powerplay over, and that was the start of the onslaught. Until then, Haris had 16 off 18. His next 25 balls produced 50 as Pakistan raced up close to eight runs per over, but once again, Oman pegged them back. Aamir Kaleem, the left-arm spinner, was the pick of the Oman bowlers as he had Haris drag on, before Salman Agha lapped a full toss off his first delivery to deep midwicket.It produced another barren spell for Pakistan and the boundaries dried up again. Fakhar Zaman struggled for timing and Hasan Nawaz, so often a hammer at the death, couldn’t get himself in and holed out off his 15th ball for nine runs. But a cameo from Mohammad Nawaz, who arrived in the 17th over, ensured Pakistan got past the 150-mark.Mohammad Nawaz contributed with both bat and ball•AFP/Getty Images

But Kaleem’s three wickets, and the overall assistance the Oman spinners got, suggested this might well end up being comfortably above par, especially in the face of Pakistan’s more accomplished spin options.And so it proved. A bright beginning for Oman’s batters was waylaid by a double strike from Saim Ayub in the powerplay. Nawaz and Pakistan’s two wristspinners Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed dried up the batters’ scoring options, and Oman began to bleed wickets. With the field spreading out and the asking rate rising, panic set in, and the innings began to capitulate. Oman slipped from 41 for 2 to 51 for 9 before being bowled out for 67; flashes of ability drowned under the gulf in quality Pakistan were able to bring to bear upon the contest.Haris takes chargeIt is knocks like these that keep Pakistan persisting with Haris through extended poor runs. He had scored just 54 runs in 11 innings before this game, but he was promoted up the order into the powerplay today. That is his strength, and having cut loose in the sixth over, he continued pumping the Oman bowlers, almost single-handedly maintaining Pakistan’s imposing run rate.2:11

Will Pakistan back this XI against India?

Farhan’s struggles at the other end threw Haris’ exploits into sharper relief. Even with the field spread out, Haris, having found his timing, continued to take on the boundary riders. His third six brought up just his second 50-plus score in the format, before a boundary the following ball saw him match his runs tally from the previous 11 innings. The 43 balls he faced for his 66 makes just this three deliveries short of his longest T20I innings in his 29-match career, and one that singlehandedly resurrected an innings that had begun to wobble.Pakistan spin lays waste to OmanSpecialist fast bowlers have dropped down the pecking order in T20I cricket under Mike Hesson, but playing just the one in Shaheen Shah Afridi still came as a bit of a surprise at the toss. Oman began the chase in a solid manner and were 32 for 2 by the end of the fifth over. But Saim Ayub had taken both those wickets, and Pakistan began to unleash the rest of their spinners on this line-up that may never had played against bowling of this quality.Abrar, Nawaz and Muqeem first asphyxiated them, and then the wickets began to fall. Muqeem took out Mohammad Nadeem to make it 41 for 3, and from thereon it was a procession. Nawaz got into the act before Muqeem doubled up the following over. Afridi and Faheem Ashraf helped themselves as Oman lost seven wickets for ten runs, imparting upon the scoreline a tinge of embarrassment Oman’s bowlers certainly did not deserve.