Cricket

Los Angeles Knight Riders Triumph Over Seattle Orcas in Major League CricketIn a crucial match for the Major League Cricket 2024 playoffs, the Los Angeles Knight Riders emerged victorious against the Seattle Orcas at Church Street Park in Morrisville on Wednesday.Batting first, the Seattle Orcas posted a competitive total of 142/6, thanks to a blistering 89-run knock from Ryan Rickelton. The South African opener smashed six sixes and seven fours in his 52-ball innings.The Los Angeles Knight Riders, chasing a moderate target, relied on a solid partnership between Unmukt Chand and Jason Roy. Chand top-scored with a 62-run knock off 47 balls, while Roy contributed 28 runs.Despite a late surge from the Orcas, the Knight Riders held their nerve to chase down the target with five balls to spare. Saif Badar played a crucial cameo towards the end, ensuring the victory for his team.The win was a much-needed boost for the Knight Riders, who had lost their previous two matches. The Orcas, on the other hand, remain at the bottom of the standings after another disappointing performance.The Knight Riders' bowling attack, led by Sunil Narine, performed admirably, restricting the Orcas to a manageable total. Harmeet Singh, Lungi Ngidi, Cameron Gannon, and Keemo Paul all bowled well for the Orcas, but they were unable to defend their total.The Orcas had a chance to post a higher score, but a poor finish cost them the game. They were on track to reach 170 runs at one point, but they fell short by 10-12 runs.

South Africa has unveiled its 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking the long-awaited return of pace spearhead Anrich Nortje after a nine-month absence. Nortje, who has been impressing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will bolster a bowling attack that also includes Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, and Ottniel Baartman.Baartman, a standout performer in the inaugural SA20, has earned his maiden T20I call-up along with opening batter Ryan Rickelton. Rickelton, the leading run-scorer in the SA20, is expected to partner Quinton de Kock at the top of the order.The squad features a strong middle order of Aiden Markram (captain), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs. Left-arm spinners Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin, along with wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi, provide the spin options.Allrounder Marco Jansen is the lone allrounder in the squad, with Andile Phehlukwayo and Wiaan Mulder missing out. Faf du Plessis, who was expected to make an international comeback, has been overlooked, while Rassie van der Dussen and Matthew Breetzke have also been left out.Van der Dussen and Breetzke will, however, join a second-string South African side for a three-match T20I series against West Indies ahead of the World Cup. That squad also includes uncapped legspinner Nqaba Peter.The T20 World Cup is likely to be de Kock's final international appearance after he retired from ODI cricket last year. South Africa will be hoping to make a strong impact in the tournament, having reached the semi-finals in the previous edition.