An ICC panel picked the best Test and ODI teams of the year based on performances in the last 12 months. There’s no disagreeing with their wisdom but, had they gone by statistics alone, would their choices have been a bit different
Jan Oblak was the hero as Atletico Madrid came from 2-0 down on aggregate to ultimately defeat Inter on penalties in the Champions League last 16.
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Game went to penaltiesEnded 2-2 on aggregateOblak made two saves in shootoutGettyTELL ME MORE
Diego Simeone's men were 1-0 down from the first leg but staged a remarkable comeback despite going behind on the night at the Wanda Metropolitano, levelling the aggregate score at 2-2 before triumphing on penalties.
Alvaro Morata had a fine chance after 28 minutes as he was found unmarked in the box but his header was well saved by Yann Sommer. Soon after, Inter opened the scoring on the night after a surgical counter-attack that saw Federico Dimarco played in 12 yards from goal, and he scored with a first-time finish to give his side a two-goal cushion.
Atletico hit back immediately, though, as Inter failed to clear a through ball and Antoine Griezmann finished on the turn.
Marcus Thuram had a gilt-edged chance to put the game beyond Atletico in the second half but he blazed over with 15 minutes remaining. Memphis Depay, on for the ineffective Morata, hit the post in the 85th minute but the ball came back in just seconds later, and the Dutchman made no mistake.
The same could not be said of Rodrigo Riquelme, as he was played in brilliantly by Griezmann in the last minute of injury time and somehow blazed his shot over the bar.
The tie went to extra time, where Lautaro Martinez had perhaps the biggest chance, but he could only send a header wide.
And so it was penalties. Atletico won the shootout in dramatic fashion, as Alexis Sanchez and Davy Klaasen both saw their penalties saved by Jan Oblak, and Martinez blazed the ball over the crossbar to hand the hosts victory. Saul had missed for Atleti, but it mattered little in the end.
AdvertisementGettyTHE MVP
Jan Oblak! The Atletico 'keeper saved twice from the spot in the penalty shootout and appears to carry with him the aura of a truly elite goalkeeper. He made a couple of vital saves in normal time, but his most telling contributions came in the highest-pressure situation imaginable. A world-class showing.
GettyTHE BIG LOSER
Martinez endured a nightmare of an evening. Not only was he peripheral throughout the 90 minutes, he had a major chance to score an unmarked header in extra time but fluffed his lines, and then he blazed over the decisive penalty to hand Atletico a dramatic victory. It couldn't have gone much worse for the Argentine, who turned in almost the exact opposite of a captain's performance.
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GettyWHAT COMES NEXT?
Both teams have a quick turnaround for the weekend; Atletico face Barcelona in a huge encounter on Sunday in La Liga, while Inter play Napoli on the same day in Serie A.
Newcastle United have been linked with a move for a "special" player in the past, and their interest in him has now reportedly been reignited after an injury to Callum Wilson.
Newcastle eyeing midfielders and attackers
The Magpies have looked like a ragged side in recent weeks, with their season becoming increasingly affected by a combination of injuries and fatigue. Eddie Howe has suffered some desperately bad luck in the fitness department, losing what feels like a never ending list of players to injury, and in last weekend's 2-0 defeat away to Bournemouth in the Premier League, Newcastle seemingly had little left in the tank.
January transfers feel essential for the Magpies, with Sandro Tonali's ban meaning at least one midfielder is required to cover for him. Manchester City ace Kalvin Phillips is reportedly a target, while Ruben Neves heading to St James' Park also isn't out of the question.
While the midfield has arguably taken precedence, another attacker could be on the agenda, too, especially with concerns around the fitness of the likes of Miguel Almiron, Wilson and Alexander Isak. Barcelona's Ferran Torres has been earmaked as a target for Newcastle, and he could be an eye-catching addition midway through the season, or even next summer for that matter.
Newcastle still interested in Hugo Ekitike
According to a new twist from 90min, Newcastle's interest in Paris Saint-Germain attacker Hugo Ekitike has returned, as they look to seal a loan move for him in January after missing out on him in the summer.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike in training.
"Newcastle United have reignited their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike and are exploring a potential loan move for the 21-year-old, 90min understands.
"The Magpies failed with a €40m (£35m) bid to sign Ekitike from Stade Reims in the summer of 2022, with PSG going on to sign the striker on loan with an obligation to make the move permanent this year for €35m (£30m)."
Ekitike is someone with a huge amount of potential, so he could be viewed as a great long-term option for Newcastle if they go ahead with a buy option. The youngster is finding it really difficult to enjoy regular playing time for PSG at the moment – Ekitike has only played nine minutes of Ligue 1 action this season – and he could jump at the chance of a new challenge.
The 21-year-old has shown his worth in the past, scoring and assisting four times apiece for his current club, but he has often had to play second fiddle behind such illustrious teammates as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Howe could feel that he can turn Ekitike into a fantastic striker over time, giving him more regular football and making him a more polished all-round footballer, and he has been lauded by former Reims manager Oscar Garcia in the past, who said of him:
"There is something very special about him. He’s young, and he has the quality to become a very good player. He’s a young man with a lot of quality but also a lot to improve on, but he works hard in training."
Failure to sign a midfielder and some depth up front in January would feel like negligence by Newcastle, assuming the funds are available, and Ekitike looks like an exciting option to bring in.
The South Africa captain backs both quicks to deliver with the reverse-swinging old ball in Sri Lanka
Andrew Fidel Fernando in Galle11-Jul-2018To get your mind around exactly how ridiculous South Africa’s pace gifts are at present, consider this: Dale Steyn, almost certainly the greatest fast bowler of his generation, has the worst average among the frontline quicks in his squad. His 419 wickets have come at 22.32; Vernon Philander averages 21.46, Kagiso Rabada, 21.59, and Lungi Ngidi, 16.42. What makes the presence of these riches more incredible, is that Morne Morkel, one of South Africa’s best ever, retired in their previous series.Now, some of these stats are skewed. Ngidi has only played three Tests, all at home, and his record will probably worsen. Philander’s numbers are substantially skewed by a phenomenal home average of 18.27 – his average in Sri Lanka, from two 2014 Tests, is 76.But while Rabada also has modest figures in Asia, his only previous experience on the continent being his three Tests in India, there is a feeling in the South Africa camp that he is a much improved bowler now. If it is true that Steyn is not at his best following a series of frustrating injuries (coach Ottis Gibson described his bowling as “rusty” following the two-day practice match), here is the bowler that will assume the role of attack leader, South Africa believe. There is pressure on spinner Keshav Maharaj to shine on his first series in this part of the world, but captain Faf du Plessis still has plenty of faith in reverse swing, and in Rabada’s ability to extract it.”Dale has been the spearhead, but I think KG (Rabada) will take over that mantle. He’s got the skill, he’s got the pace and he’s got the control to do well in all conditions around the world,” du Plessis said on the eve of the first Test. “I have seen growth in him since the India tour. I think that’s what’s remarkable about KG, is how quickly he learns. That was his first subcontinent tour and I believe he’ll learn from that – the way he’s improved his control.”With his skills, he’s got the ability now to swing the ball both ways with a reverse-swinging ball, which is a skill that not a lot of bowlers have. And once again, pace against any subcontinent team is something you want try and expose. We’ll have to see to what extent the wicket allows for that. It’s good to see him bowling quick again after his recent injury. He looks hungry to perform in the series.”Not that Steyn is expected to fade away. When South Africa were last in Galle, he had claimed 9 for 99, using reverse swing to devastating effect in both innings, to propel his team to victory. This time around, Steyn’s pace may not be what it was four years ago, but his skill – particularly with the old ball – remain undiminished, du Plessis said. In fact, in a three-man pace attack, it is for those later overs that Steyn may be reserved.”Dale’s X-factor is how he picks up wickets with a reverse-swinging ball. His way of getting wickets with the new ball is getting it to move around a little bit with swing, and a little bit of seam, really consistently. But there’s a period of the game when Dale gets his tail up. He gets one wicket, and is up there with the most dangerous bowlers in the world, because he is so skillful, and he can get the ball to reverse swing at pace. I’m hoping to see Dale bowl really quick again. He hasn’t bowled for a long time, so he’ll be excited to get the opportunity. It’s a good sight to see when he gets the ball reversing, and he’s running in and keeping those legs really really fast.”In almost any other side in the world, a bowler of Ngidi’s potential would command a place in every Test, but signs are, he may have to miss out in Galle. While Steyn, Rabada and perhaps Maharaj are aggressively looking for wickets, du Plessis suggested that it is Philander who will be relied on to provide control from the other end.”With Vern, his control is exceptional,” du Plessis sad. “He won’t offer you much as a batter. Even if there’s not much grass and seam movement, Vern is still a guy that will hold a game for you. And then from the other side, from a captaincy point of view, you can bring a guy and try and get wickets.”
The Cape Cobras have discontinued the contract of South Africa pace bowler Wayne Parnell with immediate effect
Liam Brickhill25-Sep-2018The Cape Cobras have discontinued the contract of South Africa pace bowler Wayne Parnell with immediate effect. Parnell, 29, signed a Kolpak deal with Worcestershire last week, having just been part of the county’s Vitality T20 Blast success. That decision effectively brought his international career to an end, and his unavailability for national selection has now prompted the cancellation of his Cobras’ contract.”The board of the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras unanimously decided to discontinue Parnell’s Cobras contract,” Nabeal Dien, Cobras’ chief executive officer, said. “It was a tough decision, as he was a senior and successful member of the Cobras squad in the past, winning four awards at the Cobras Player Awards in 2015-16. He was voted Player of the Year at that awards ceremony.”Parnell last played for South Africa in October 2017 against Bangladesh and featured in just two matches during the Ram Slam T20 last season, battling injury before losing his national contract earlier this year.Parnell has a deal to play in the upcoming Afghanistan Cricket League in Sharjah, cutting into the time he would have been available to play domestic cricket in South Africa this season.”His decision to sign Kolpak and also to participate in the Afghanistan Premier League has made him available for the Cape Cobras for a very limited period, while he would also not be available for international selection in future,” Dien said.While limited availability may have played a part, it appears Parnell’s decision to follow the likes of Morne Morkel, Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw in taking up a Kolpak deal is at the crux of the Cobras’ decision. “We pride ourselves in being a conveyor belt for international South African players and it’s part and parcel of our mandate,” Dien said.Those concerns were echoed by Corrie van Zyl, Cricket South Africa’s general manager of cricket. “Every player who turns Kolpak, is one less that can be eligible for the South African team and therefore CSA needs to look at ways to protect itself against the loss of experienced and younger players,” Van Zyl said. “Our mandate is to produce players at domestic level who will represent South Africa.”We are concerned about the amount of players who have signed a Kolpak agreement, which makes them unavailable for national selection,” van Zyl added. “Although the experience of the Kolpak players is valuable, CSA needs to ensure that those players, who are still committed to playing for the Proteas in the future, are afforded the opportunities to develop.”Every franchise is entitled to select two Kolpak players in their playing eleven, but those Kolpak players must be paid from the franchise’s own funds, and therefore it is really up to the franchises to determine the value of that player to their team.”
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has done some exemplary work in taking his side into title contention just months into his reign, and there is a growing sense that the best is yet to come.
After enduring a testing, unrewarding 2022/23 campaign, finishing eighth in the Premier League, dismissing their fourth manager in as many years (Antonio Conte, proven winner), and acquiescing to the sale of world-class talisman Harry Kane.
One constant, like an immovable rock against the gushing tide, is chairman Daniel Levy, who has led from the boardroom with diligence if proving to be an elusive and enigmatic figure at times.
His no-nonsense negotiating has worked both ways over his career in London, and while Tottenham have experienced some difficulties over recent years, it is all coming together at present.
That being said, Levy, Postecoglou, and co will be determined to sustain this brilliant purple patch and put Tottenham in a place that will allow them to compete for major honours and European nights with regularity, with the club sure to be busy in the transfer market in 2024.
Tottenham's key transfer targets
If the recent rumours are to be believed, Spurs are seeking to suffuse future additions across the squad, not restricting the improvements to any one department.
The interest in Juventus winger Federico Chiesa is one murmuring to keep an eye on, with Italian outlet Calciomercato revealing that Tottenham and Newcastle United are monitoring his situation, with the Serie A side setting a £52m asking price.
Juventus forward Federico Chiesa.
Chiesa could bring some dynamism and impetus to the frontline but whether Levy is willing to meet such a high fee in the winter window remains to be seen, and, as such, it could be the defensive line that receives attention first.
According to a report in Spain, Borussia Monchengladbach centre-half Ko Itakura, aged 26, is in Postecoglou's sights as Tottenham seek to bolster their defensive ranks.
With his contract expiring in June and having yet to play this term, Eric Dier looks set to depart next year, and some reliable depth for Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven could be crucial over the coming years.
The Japan star could prove to be an astute and cost-friendly acquisition if Spurs are able to strike a deal to secure his services during the upcoming January transfer window.
Why Tottenham are interested in Ko Itakura
Itakura, formerly of Manchester City, has been an impressive figure in the Bundesliga since joining for €5m (£4m) in July 2022, having previously impressed on loan with Schalke 04 in the Bundesliga 2.
Die Knappen returned to the first division after suffering relegation and Itakura was at the heart of the success, starting 30 appearances, scoring four goals, completing 87% of his passes, and averaging 0.5 key passes, 3.0 clearances and 1.4 tackles and interceptions per game, as per Sofascore.
Japan's Ko Itakura
Now an integral member of Gerardo Seoane's squad, the 6 foot 2 titan started 22 times in the league last season, having impressed across seven displays so far this term, scoring twice, completing 89% of his passes, making 4.4 ball recoveries, 3.0 clearances and 1.7 tackles and interceptions per match.
He is clearly a robust and tenacious force at the back, and Tottenham could make good use of his qualities, having been originally signed by Manchester City in 2019 when he was 21 years old for his ball-playing ability and versatility as a centre-back and in a holding midfield role.
City reject turned "immense" modern defender
Such qualities seem to make Itakura a tailor-made replacement for Dier, who is poised for a poignant exit after completing 360 appearances for the Lilywhites.
As per FBref, the 22-cap international ranks among the top 13% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 12% for pass completion rate, and the top 6% for blocks per 90, emphasising his offensive value, crispness in possession and steely value in the rearguard.
The £32k-per-week colossus was once hailed as "one of the very best central defenders in the Eredivisie" by pundit Hans Kraay, who also remarked on the "incredibly fast" gem.
And according to the German Bundesliga's official website, his playing style aligns with one-time Tottenham phenom Jan Vertonghen's, with his 'rangy and quick' approach and regular deployment on the left side of the defence bolstered by a passing ability not too dissimilar to the Belgian's, who was once described as a "dominant centre-half" by The Times' Henry Winter.
To underscore his talent, Barcelona were hoping to sign the now-36-year-old in 2014, who boasted the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Andres Iniesta at the time; if Itakura is mentioned in the same breath this can only be a testament to his own pedigree in making impressive passes.
Vertonghen signed for Tottenham for around £10m in 2012 and played 313 games for the club, scoring 14 goals and supplying seven assists, leaving as a "Tottenham legend" – according to journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke.
Statistic
#
Appearances
444
Goals
15
Assists
9
Shots per game
0.6
Pass completion
86.5%
Aerial wins
2.4
Tackles per game
1.6
Interceptions per game
1.7
Clearances per game
4.7
*Sourced via WhoScored, since 2010/11
An assured passer and an active presence in stifling offensive threats, Vertonghen was crucial to the defensive might of Tottenham's team, and while he did not glean major silverware, he left his indelible mark on the Premier League after years of stalwart service.
Given that Itakura offers a similarly high output of defensive action, balances his craft and retains an impressive level of control with his distribution, he really could be the perfect heir, with his two-footedness also a factor.
By signing Itakura, Tottenham would not only secure a big upgrade on Dier but would wield a player of the same ilk as Vertonghen, who established himself as one of the finest defenders of Spurs' recent history, playing a central role in the halcyon days of Mauricio Pochettino.
It could prove to be a masterful signing as Postecoglou looks to strengthen his team and build it fit for title-winning purpose, with the knowledge that European exploits could lay just around the corner.
Levy and the Australian coach must now navigate the January transfer window to secure a deal for the Bundesliga ace at the start of next year, in order to bolster the squad for the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.
New Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl is looking to make his mark at the club, and he wants a new addition to boost his backroom team, according to an update from reliable journalist Joe Crann.
Watford 1-0 Sheffield Wednesday
The Owls have come crashing back down to reality this season after their memorable League One campaign last time around, which saw them promoted to the Championship after a dramatic win over Barnsley in the playoff final.
Xisco Munoz came in as manager during the summer, following the surprise exit of Darren Moore after overseeing a great season, but his time in charge proved to be disastrous, failing to pick up a single win.
He was recently sacked and replaced by Danny Rohl, who is an exciting young manager most well-known for being assistant manager for Germany and Bayern Munich in the past. The 34-year-old's first game in charge of Wednesday came away to Watford on Saturday afternoon, but despite battling bravely at Vicarage Road, they were beaten 1-0 late in the day, meaning they continue to be rooted to the bottom of the Championship table.
It is clear that Rohl will need to be able to bring in the players he wants, in order to do the best possible job, and exactly the same applies to his backroom team away from the playing squad.
Danny Rohl wants Sheff Wed signing
Taking to X on Monday morning, Crann dropped a new Sheffield Wednesday update, claiming that Rohl is keen on bringing in a goalkeeping coach of his choice, even though Nicky Weaver is impressing in the role:
"Danny Rohl is very happy with the work done by Nicky Weaver with SWFC's goalkeepers, but has confirmed that he is looking to bring in his own man for the role."
Rohl has clearly hinted at a new Sheffield Wednesday signing as well, saying:
“I’m trying, but we’ll speak about this position also in the next few days. At the moment we have Nicky and he is doing very well. But I have to decide in the next few days about this position.”
While this may sound harsh on Weaver, football is a ruthless business and Rohl will have his own ideas on exactly who he wants in a department that has caused plenty of fuss at Middlewood Road – let's not forget the club had just one 'keeper on the books in Cameron Dawson earlier this year.
In order for the Owls to battle their way out of the Championship relegation zone, they need everyone at the club to be pulling in the same direction, which is why Rohl being trusted to make the right appointments is the only way forward.
Danny Rohl
2023-
Xisco Munoz
2023-2023
Darren Moore
2021-2023
Tony Pulis
2020-2020
Garry Monk
2019-2020
Steve Bruce
2019-2019
Jos Luhukay
2018-2018
Carlos Carvalhal
2015-2017
Stuart Gray
2013-2015
Dave Jones
2012-2013
Wednesday have a huge battle on their hands to avoid a quickfire return to League One – they are already nine points adrift of Plymouth Argyle in 21st place – but Rohl does feel like an exciting appointment who will bring fresh ideas to the team.
Even if results aren't good to begin with, patience is required with him, and that may even still apply if the Owls are relegated at the end of this season.
With the new appointment of Mauricio Pochettino to Stamford Bridge as manager, Chelsea were meant to be entering a new era with a world-class manager steering them back to their previous best.
The Blues hadn't messed around in the transfer window either, breaking the bank to add the likes of Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, and more to their squad – notably paying £115m for the Brighton and Hove Albion central midfielder.
Yet, Pochettino's side find themselves in an unsatisfactory mid-table position at this current point in time with three defeats from their opening eight matches which included two narrow 1-0 home losses to Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.
Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo
An injury to young Blues talent Cole Palmer – who signed for the club in the recent transfer window from Manchester City – sustained on England U21 duty won't fill Pochettino up with much confidence either ahead of Arsenal hopping over to west London next Saturday.
How is Cole Palmer playing?
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder relocated from his place of birth in Manchester to Chelsea in order to get more first-team minutes, with Palmer frustrated by being on the periphery at at the Etihad under Pep Guardiola – making 41 first-team appearances under Pep over a number of seasons, contributing six goals and two assists.
He's made six appearances for Pochettino this campaign so far, scoring his first goal in his new colours versus Burnley in the Blues' last outing before the international break from the penalty spot.
He also assisted Chelsea's fourth goal of the afternoon at Turf Moor, linking up with another new signing in Nicholas Jackson who scored late on to clinch an impressive 4-1 victory.
Fans of the west London outfit will hope Palmer's injury isn't a serious knock, with manager Lee Carsley having commented on the injury situation directly after his young Three Lions side emphatically beat Serbia 9-1 in Nottingham, stating: “There are a few bumps and bruises and we will monitor Cole, but we will not be taking any chances”.
If he isn't fit, this could leave Pochettino with a selection dilemma.
But, this dilemma could be solved by starting a "forgotten" transfer buy at Stamford Bridge – as described by journalist Felix Johnston – who also featured for his country in that 9-1 demolition, in the form of Noni Madueke.
How is Noni Madueke playing?
The 21-year-old will be desperate to break into his Argentine head coach's first-team plans, especially if his fellow countryman, Palmer, is to be sidelined.
Madueke scored two goals in the win versus Serbia, the ex-PSV Eindhoven winger starring at the City Ground despite a lack of first-team opportunities afforded to him recently at Chelsea.
Speaking whilst with the England camp, the young attacker – who has only made 16 appearances for the Blues since signing from the Netherlands in January – is still confident he can break into the Chelsea starting line-up after signing for £29m in January this year.
Noni Madueke.
He said: "I love coming over here and showing everyone what I can do. It's a great squad, just as good as the last one. I've got a lot of belief in my ability and I'm sure things will click sooner rather than later. I think I've got it in me."
Despite having been cast out of late – after being an unused substitute against Burnley last time out – Madueke does appear to have the tools to be a real weapon for Pochettino, after previously recording 34 goal involvements in just 80 games for PSV.
As much as Palmer's thigh knock is a blow for the Blues, Madeuke could well benefit from his teammate's potential absence and seek to put himself back into Pochettino's good books when the international break is at an end.
Vivianne Miedema says that her recent start for the Netherlands "couldn't make the damage any worse" following the news that she needs knee surgery.
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Miedema started for Netherlands last weekThen left camp early to return to ArsenalDefends start after news she requires knee surgeryWHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall confirmed on Friday that Miedema requires 'minor knee surgery' just days after starting for the Netherlands against Spain. Asked about those minutes in the international break, which were followed by the forward having to leave the Dutch camp prematurely, he added: "She doesn't need a surgery because of those 45 minutes she played against Spain. She would have needed the surgery anyway. It was nothing that the Dutch team did that complicated this here or made the situation worse. It was a situation that needed to be fixed anyway."
AdvertisementWHAT MIEDEMA SAID
Miedema has now spoken herself about the situation, which comes just four months after her return from an ACL rupture. "It's the same knee again," she wrote in her column for . "I already knew this surgery was coming. We decided to join the Netherlands camp anyway to see if I could still contribute. In consultation with all the medical specialists, of course. I couldn't make the damage any worse. So what remains is another rehabilitation in which I'll listen to my body very carefully.
"I was just on the way back and felt myself getting stronger mentally and physically," she added. "Soon, I'll have to go back to the gym. It's hard and frustrating. When will this stop for me? But following my previous injury, I'm used to this now."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Miedema will be absent for 'several weeks', which is a real blow for an Arsenal team that still has a chance of winning the Women's Super League title and is in the semi-finals of the Continental Cup. The Gunners are already without three players who are at the CONCACAF W Gold Cup and Eidevall revealed on Friday that Amanda Ilestedt will be missing be Sunday's clash with rivals Tottenham, too.
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DID YOU KNOW?
Spurs beat Arsenal for the first-time in the history of the women's team in December. Prior to that, the Gunners were unbeaten in 14 meetings with their north London rivals, winning 11 of those in 90 minutes, two on penalties and drawing once.
Northants have singularly failed to live up to optimistic pre-season forecasts but they dug deep at the old Welbeck Colliery ground
ECB Reporters Network20-May-2018 ScorecardNorthants captain Alex Wakely finally found release from a tough start to the season as Northants overcame the defending champions, Nottinghamshire in the Royal London Cup.Half centuries from Wakely, Josh Cobb and Adam Rossington, backed up by some slow left-arm guile from Graeme White, helped Northamptonshire Steelbacks to a 49-run victory over Notts Outlaws at Market Warsop in the Royal London One-Day Cup.Northants posted 339 for 9 against the defending champions, with Cobb top-scoring with 78 from 90 balls, whilst Wakely made 72 and Rossington added 50.Harry Gurney, with 2 for 57, returned the pick of the bowling figures for Notts, with Jake Ball and Luke Fletcher also capturing two victims apiece.In reply, Notts failed to string any significant partnerships together and were bowled out for 290 with 3.4 overs remaining.Steven Mullaney followed up Thursday’s 70 against Lancashire with an innings of 71 but no-one else made a half century. White claimed three for 63 against his former county.At the start of the day, having been put in by Mullaney, Northants were able to build useful stands, almost at will, on a good track, with a lightning fast outfield.After Ball, playing on his home club ground, had removed Ben Duckett for 19, the home side came under pressure as Richard Levi, Cobb and Wakeley took the score beyond 200 with 17 overs still to be bowled in the innings.Cobb, who scored 56 against Leicestershire Foxes on Thursday, hit seven fours and three majestic sixes before hitting Billy Root’s off-spin out to Ross Taylor at deep square leg.Wakely, passing 50 for the first time this season, also hit two maximums before being yorked by Fletcher, after a fourth wicket stand of 65 with Rossington.In the quest for quick runs, over the closing overs, Steven Crook twice cleared the ropes as he sped to an unbeaten 45 from just 28 deliveries to put the target out of reach.The Outlaws lost four wickets inside the first 20.1 overs of their reply, including that of Riki Wessels, who made from 47 from 54 balls.White’s left-arm spin tore the heart out of the Notts middle order, removing Taylor and Samit Patel – before adding the prized scalp of the Outlaws captain to his list.Mullaney had reached his 50 from 47 balls, with six fours and a six and was keeping his side in contention until adjudged to be lbw when sweeping across the line.Billy Root made 36 and Fletcher plundered 29 from only 20 balls but his side’s race had been run long before then.The victory not only secured two points but also brought an end to a dreadful sequence of results for Northants, who hadn’t won in Nottinghamshire in any competition since 2003.