Cricket

Afghanistan and South Africa faced off in the second ODI in Sharjah, with Afghanistan winning the toss and electing to bat first. The match witnessed a flurry of boundaries and some impressive bowling performances.Nandre Burger opened the bowling for South Africa, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Riaz Hassan got Afghanistan off to a solid start. Gurbaz was particularly aggressive, hitting two boundaries in Burger's first over. Lungi Ngidi replaced Burger and immediately made an impact, dismissing Hassan for 10.However, Gurbaz continued to dominate, hitting a six and two more boundaries off Ngidi's bowling. He was eventually dismissed for 30 by Bjorn Fortuin, who was introduced into the attack for the first time.Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi steadied the Afghan innings, but they were both dismissed in quick succession by Ngidi. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi then put on a 50-run partnership to revive Afghanistan's innings.Nabi was eventually dismissed for 32, but Omarzai continued to play aggressively, hitting two sixes and a boundary off Fortuin's bowling. He was eventually dismissed for 50, leaving Afghanistan on 150/6.Ikram Alikhil and Rashid Khan added some valuable runs in the final overs, helping Afghanistan reach a respectable total of 189/8.In response, South Africa lost Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi cheaply. Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram then put on a 50-run partnership to stabilize the innings.However, Afghanistan's bowlers kept the pressure on, and Markram was eventually dismissed for 30 by Rashid Khan. Bavuma continued to fight, but he was eventually dismissed for 51 by Nangeyalia Kharote.Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne added some late runs, but South Africa fell short of their target, finishing on 175/8. Rashid Khan was the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan, taking 3/38.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to bilateral fixtures with Afghanistan, despite criticism over the Taliban's repressive policies towards women. CSA believes that isolating the Afghan men's team would be ineffective and unjust, as it would punish innocent players for the actions of their government.CSA's stance aligns with the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has expressed concern over the lack of a women's team in Afghanistan but has not imposed a ban. The ICC recognizes the complexities of forcing the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) to field a women's team, given the potential risks to their safety.CSA argues that gender advocacy in cricket should not come at the expense of innocent administrators and players. It points to its own history of isolation during the Apartheid era, which did not effectively promote change. Instead, economic sanctions proved more effective in breaking the regime's resistance.CSA also acknowledges the progress made by the ACB in promoting women's cricket prior to the Taliban's takeover. In 2020, the ACB pledged contracts to 25 female players and organized a training camp. However, the Taliban's ban on female participation in sports has halted these efforts.The South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) supports CSA's position, calling for the promotion of women's rights while recognizing the challenges faced by the ACB. South Africa's ODI captain, Temba Bavuma, has also expressed his support for women's rights.CSA's decision to continue playing Afghanistan has drawn criticism from some quarters, including Lawyers for Human Rights, which argues that it tacitly endorses the Taliban regime. However, CSA believes that engagement and dialogue are more effective than isolation in promoting change.

Afghanistan and South Africa Clash in Sharjah ODI OpenerThe first ODI between Afghanistan and South Africa commenced at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with South Africa winning the toss and electing to bat first. The pitch, measuring 70 yards in all directions, appeared flat but slightly slow, favoring spinners.South Africa's innings began with a boundary from Reeza Hendricks off Fazalhaq Farooqi's first delivery. However, Farooqi struck back in the next over, dismissing Hendricks for 10 runs. Tony de Zorzi joined Hendricks at the crease and played a steady innings, scoring 25 runs before being caught by Rashid Khan off AM Ghazanfar's bowling.Aiden Markram, South Africa's captain, came in at number three and played a patient knock, scoring 30 runs off 45 deliveries. Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne also contributed with scores of 20 and 15, respectively.Afghanistan's spinners played a significant role in restricting South Africa's scoring rate. Ghazanfar finished with figures of 2/35, while Rashid Khan conceded just 20 runs in his 10 overs.In reply, Afghanistan lost Reeza Hendricks early on, but Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership. De Zorzi scored 35 runs before being dismissed by Ghazanfar, while Markram went on to make 60 runs.Afghanistan's middle order struggled to build on the platform set by the openers. Tristan Stubbs and Kyle Verreynne both fell cheaply, leaving South Africa in a strong position.However, Afghanistan's spinners fought back, with Rashid Khan and Ghazanfar taking two wickets each. South Africa eventually reached a total of 189/9 in their 50 overs.

South Africa's Test and ODI captain, Temba Bavuma, has joined the South African Cricketers' Association (SACA) in condemning the gender-based discrimination that prevents women in Afghanistan from participating in sports and other aspects of public life.Bavuma, who spoke ahead of South Africa's departure to the UAE for a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan, emphasized the unique perspective that South Africans have on human rights abuses, given their own history of legalized race-based segregation. He reiterated the call for women's rights to be respected."I support the idea of inclusivity and caring for women," Bavuma said. "We want everyone to have a fair chance within society, and we know that that is something that is relevant to us as a country in South Africa."SACA had previously issued a statement acknowledging Cricket South Africa's (CSA) right to schedule fixtures against Afghanistan but also urging CSA to use its leverage to advocate for the protection and respect of women's rights in Afghanistan.CSA has not yet commented on whether it plans to make any statements or gestures in support of Afghan women but continues to discuss the issue of women's cricket in Afghanistan through the ICC.Both white-ball coach Rob Walter and Bavuma have left the decision of whether to engage Afghanistan on the field with CSA."I think I've got to respect the fact that there are people in positions who have that responsibility to speak more eloquently and articulate a little bit more of it," Bavuma said.Australia is the only board that has actively withdrawn from competition against Afghanistan, while the ECB has also indicated it will not schedule series against them. Both Australia and England continue to play Afghanistan at ICC tournaments.South Africa has never played against Afghanistan outside of a World Cup in either ODIs or T20Is. This bilateral series marks the first time the South African team and CSA have had to consider the ethical implications of playing against Afghanistan, which has not had a women's team since becoming Full Members in 2017.Apart from its shared history of legalized discrimination, South Africa also faces an epidemic of gender-based violence (GBV). The country has been ranked as one of the most dangerous for women globally. In response, there have been various initiatives against GBV, including in cricket.

The one-off Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand was abandoned on Friday (September 13, 2024) without a ball being bowled, marking only the eighth time in Test cricket history that such a situation has occurred.The first two days of the game were canceled due to a wet outfield, raising significant concerns about the preparedness of the Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Sports Complex. The remaining three days were then washed out due to persistent rain.Despite bright sunshine on the first two days, no play was possible as the umpires cited "players safety" as a concern. The midwicket area was a particular concern. To address the issue, groundsmen brought in dry sections of grass from the practice area to "transplant" in the midwicket zone.While the BCCI tried to assist by providing additional machinery and the Delhi Delhi & District Cricket Association and Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association helping out, it was a little too late.Afghanistan, who were granted their Test status in 2017 and have played only nine international red-ball games before this fixture, were the hosts. It was the first time Afghanistan, who don't get to play too many Tests with big nations, was scheduled to take on New Zealand.This fixture was, however, not a part of the ICC's World Test Championship cycle. As for the stadium, match referee Javagal Srinath's report on the preparedness of the venue will go a long way in deciding its fate.

The Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik Stadium in Noida has faced severe criticism after the one-off Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand was abandoned due to unplayable ground conditions. Despite four days of scheduled play, not a single ball was bowled, leaving both teams and fans disappointed.The ground's condition was a major concern, with wet patches and standing water in various areas. The groundstaff struggled to prepare the surface in time, and the covers proved insufficient to protect the entire ground from heavy rainfall.The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) expressed frustration over the infrastructure, while media reports highlighted the mismanagement and lack of preparedness. However, an alleged stadium manager, who remained anonymous, denied any wrongdoing.Speaking to 93.5 Red FM, the manager claimed that critics were not understanding the situation and that "people want content." He defended the pitch preparation, stating that it met the demands of Afghanistan's coach, Jonathan Trott.The manager also pointed to the heavy rainfall as the primary cause of the abandonment, emphasizing that even the nearby Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi had canceled matches due to the downpour. He argued that the Afghanistan team was aware of the ground's conditions and had trained in rainy conditions.Despite the manager's explanations, the stadium's reputation has been tarnished. The incident has raised questions about the quality of infrastructure and the ability of Indian stadiums to host international matches during the monsoon season.

Ground staff at the Greater Noida stadium in Uttar Pradesh, India, resorted to desperate measures on Tuesday as they attempted to dry out the pitch for the Test match between Afghanistan and New Zealand. The match, which was scheduled to begin on Monday, has been delayed due to incessant rainfall and the poor condition of the ground.Despite the sunshine on Tuesday, the outfield remained soaked, and the chances of play appeared slim for a second consecutive day. On Monday, the New Zealand players were seen throwing rugby balls around as they waited for play to resume, but both teams spent the morning of Tuesday marooned at their hotels.Groundsmen dragged out tarpaulin to cover areas of the pitch in anticipation of more rain, while others held electric fans over some of the worst wet patches. They also dug up a wet patch in the cover-point and mid-wicket region and filled it with dry soil and fresh turf.Umpires were due to hold another inspection to assess a possible start time at a venue that is hosting its first Test match and where drainage is basic.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has offered Afghanistan venues to train and host matches outside their troubled nation, including in Lucknow and Dehradun. However, those grounds were busy with local leagues, and Greater Noida was chosen as the venue for this Test.Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officials have expressed disappointment over the condition of the ground, calling it "a huge mess" and stating that they will not return to the venue in the future.The Test match is only Afghanistan's 10th in their history, and the delay has been a major setback for the team. New Zealand, on the other hand, will next travel to Sri Lanka for two Tests before returning for three more against India.

South Africa's white-ball squad for their upcoming tour of the UAE has been announced, with several first-choice players rested as the team prepares for the Champions Trophy.Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Tabraiz Shamsi, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen will all be absent from the ODI and T20I squads. Instead, the management has opted to widen the player pool and give opportunities to fringe players.Allrounder Jason Smith, who made his T20I debut in the West Indies last month, has been given a maiden ODI call-up. Legspinner Nqabayomzi Peter, who has recovered from a shoulder injury, has also been included in the ODI squad.21-year-old seam-bowling allrounder Andile Simelane has been named in both the ODI and T20I squads against Afghanistan. He has been part of South Africa Emerging and 'A' sides recently.Lungi Ngidi, who suffered a right calf injury during the Caribbean tour, has recovered and is expected to lead the attack. However, Quinton de Kock, who has not confirmed his retirement from T20Is, does not feature.Kwena Maphaka, who made his debut against West Indies, has not been included as he completes his final school examinations. Donovan Ferreira is the only other player from the West Indies T20I series who will not be on this tour, while Matthew Breetzke has been included in the T20I squad.Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, and Simelane are part of the ODI squad against Afghanistan, but not for the ODIs against Ireland. Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton are present only for the Ireland ODIs."We have decided to give opportunities to some of the fringe players as well as those who have impressed in recent weeks and months," said Rob Walter, South Africa's white-ball coach. "This has been a deliberate move from management, in line with our goal of building a wider pool of players to choose from, as we prepare for the major ICC tournaments taking place over the next 18 months, with a long-term view on the 50-over World Cup in 2027."

The Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathak Cricket Stadium in Greater Noida is set to make history as it becomes the 124th venue and Noida the 95th city to host an international Test match. Afghanistan will face New Zealand in a one-off Test starting Monday, marking a significant milestone for international cricket.The stadium, managed by local authorities, is the 30th ground and Noida the 23rd city in India to host a Test match. Afghanistan has a strong familiarity with the venue, having played five One-Day Internationals (winning three) and six T20 Internationals (five wins) there since 2017.However, the Test match faces a potential challenge due to persistent rain in Greater Noida. The groundstaff has been forced to cover the playing area with tarpaulins, and the forecast predicts occasional thunderstorms throughout the five-day match. The stadium's drainage system is also a concern, with only one super-sopper being used to dry the ground.Despite the weather concerns, both Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and New Zealand skipper Tim Southee expressed their hope for clear weather and a playable match. The match referee will have the authority to assess the field conditions and determine if they are suitable for play.The Test match will be a test of the stadium's capabilities, as it lacks the advanced equipment and resources found in other international venues in India. The drainage system and the availability of super-soppers will be crucial factors in ensuring the match can proceed smoothly.