Cricket

South Africa and New Zealand emerged victorious in their respective Women's T20 World Cup matches on Saturday, strengthening their positions in the tournament. However, their ultimate fate remains uncertain as they face formidable opponents in the remaining group stage fixtures.South Africa cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Dubai, restricting their opponents to a modest 106-3. Tazmin Brits led the chase with a steady 42 off 41 balls, while Anneke Bosch contributed 25. Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon guided the team home with unbeaten knocks of 13 and 14, respectively.Despite their victory, South Africa's semi-final hopes hinge on the outcome of England's remaining matches. England, with two wins from three games, is likely to secure a semi-final berth, leaving South Africa and West Indies vying for the final spot. West Indies, the 2016 champions, have a better net run-rate than South Africa but face a daunting task against England in their final group game.In Sharjah, New Zealand dominated Sri Lanka, chasing down a target of 116 with 15 balls to spare. Georgia Plimmer, a 20-year-old opener, impressed with a 53-run knock, while captain Sophie Devine sealed the victory with a six. New Zealand's victory keeps them in contention for a semi-final spot, but their fate depends on the results of India's match against Australia and their own clash with Pakistan on Monday.India and Australia, the defending champions, remain the frontrunners in Group A, with both teams boasting perfect records after three games. New Zealand's chances of reaching the semi-finals will hinge on their ability to overcome Pakistan and the outcome of the India-Australia match.

South Africa's fate in the T20 World Cup hangs in the balance after their seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Despite their impressive start with wins over West Indies and Scotland, a loss to England and a slow chase against Bangladesh have left their semi-final hopes uncertain.The Proteas' bowling attack, led by Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka, restricted Bangladesh to a modest 106. However, their fielding and spin bowling were less effective, allowing Bangladesh to settle into the game.In pursuit of the target, South Africa's top three batters were all dismissed before reaching 22, but Kapp and Chloe Tryon guided the team to victory with 16 balls to spare. Despite the win, South Africa's net run-rate dropped from 1.5 to 1.38, potentially putting them at a disadvantage in the semi-final race.The outcome of the final group game between West Indies and England will determine South Africa's fate. If England wins both matches, South Africa will likely qualify for the semi-finals. However, if West Indies wins one match, South Africa's chances will depend on their net run-rate.South Africa's spin bowling coach, Paul Adams, has played a crucial role in motivating the team. His pre-match poem, "Stay in the Game," has inspired the players to stay focused and united.Tazmin Brits, South Africa's leading run-scorer in the tournament, has also emphasized the importance of self-belief and a positive mindset. She has learned to be less critical of herself and is determined to improve her strike rate in the powerplays.As the tournament enters its final week, the margins for error will become even narrower. South Africa will hope that their slow chase against Bangladesh does not come back to haunt them and that they can secure a semi-final berth.

Bangladesh, led by captain Nigar Sultana, opted to bat first after winning the toss against South Africa in their final league match of the T20 World Cup in Dubai. With Bangladesh's chances of reaching the semi-finals dwindling, Sultana expressed her desire to "take back something for the country."Bangladesh made a solitary change to their lineup, replacing Taj Nehar with left-handed opener Murshida Khatun. South Africa, on the other hand, remained unchanged, with captain Laura Wolvaardt emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive victory to enhance their net run rate.The pitch conditions presented challenges for batters, with one square boundary stretching 63 meters and the other 57 meters. The wind blowing in that direction made the boundaries appear shorter. Commentator WV Raman predicted that the surface would favor spinners, urging batters to use their feet effectively.Bangladesh Playing XI:1. Dilara Akter2. Shathi Rani3. Sobhana Mostary4. Nigar Sultana (c, wk)5. Murshida Khatun6. Shorna Akter7. Ritu Moni8. Fahima Khatun9. Rabeya Khan10. Nahida Akter11. Marufa AkterSouth Africa Playing XI:1. Laura Wolvaardt (c)2. Tazmin Brits3. Anneke Bosch4. Marizanne Kapp5. Sune Luus6. Chloe Tryon7. Annerie Dercksen8. Nadine de Klerk9. Sinalo Jafta (wk)10. Nonkululeko Mlaba11. Ayabonga Khaka

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Kiwis Aim to Bounce Back, Sri Lanka Seek Consolation WinSharjah, United Arab Emirates - New Zealand and Sri Lanka will face off in a crucial Women's T20 World Cup match on Tuesday, February 28, at 2 pm local time.New Zealand, who began the tournament with a comprehensive victory over India, suffered a heavy defeat to defending champions Australia in their second match. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have lost all three of their matches so far, including a disappointing loss to India that eliminated them from semi-final contention.Sri Lanka will be looking to end their losing streak against New Zealand, having broken a 12-match drought last year with a historic 10-wicket victory in Colombo. Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama were the stars of that match, and they will be key players for Sri Lanka once again.New Zealand, meanwhile, will be eager to bounce back from their loss to Australia and strengthen their chances of reaching the semi-finals. They will be relying on legspinning all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who has been one of their most consistent performers in recent times.Bangladesh vs South Africa: Proteas Aim for NRR Boost, Bangladesh Seek ResurgenceDubai, United Arab Emirates - Bangladesh and South Africa will clash in a Women's T20 World Cup match on Tuesday, February 28, at 6 pm local time.Bangladesh have lost their first two matches of the tournament, while South Africa bounced back from a defeat to England with a big win against Scotland. The Proteas will be looking to continue their momentum and improve their net run rate, while Bangladesh will be desperate to get their campaign back on track.South Africa will be led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, who is the tournament's leading run-scorer so far. She will be supported by a strong bowling attack led by Ayabonga Khaka and Marizanne Kapp.Bangladesh, meanwhile, will be hoping for a better performance from their batters, who have struggled to score runs in the tournament so far. Captain Nigar Sultana will be key for them, both with the bat and behind the stumps.

Temba Bavuma, the South African Test captain, has been ruled out of the first Test against Bangladesh due to a muscle strain in his left triceps. The injury was confirmed after scans revealed the extent of the damage. Aiden Markram will lead the Proteas in Bavuma's absence for the first Test, which begins in Dhaka on October 21.Bavuma's injury is a significant blow to South Africa's hopes of a successful tour of Bangladesh. The 32-year-old has been in good form in recent months, scoring a century in the second Test against England at Lord's in August.With Bavuma out, Markram will take over the captaincy for the first time in a Test match. The 28-year-old has captained South Africa in limited-overs cricket, but this will be his first experience leading the team in the longest format.Markram will be supported by a strong leadership group, including vice-captain Keshav Maharaj and senior players Kagiso Rabada and Dean Elgar.In addition to Bavuma's injury, South Africa have also been dealt another blow with the news that Nandre Burger has been ruled out of the series with a lumbar stress reaction. Burger was expected to play a key role in the bowling attack, but his absence will force the Proteas to reshuffle their plans.Dewald Brevis and Lungi Ngidi have been added to the squad as replacements for Bavuma and Burger. Brevis is a highly-rated young batsman who has yet to make his Test debut, while Ngidi is an experienced fast bowler who has played 17 Tests for South Africa.South Africa will be hoping to bounce back from their disappointing performance in the ODI series against Ireland, where they lost 2-1. They will be confident of their chances against Bangladesh, who they have beaten in their last two Test series.

South Africa and Scotland faced off in a crucial Women's T20 World Cup match in Dubai, with both teams seeking redemption after recent defeats. South Africa, who had previously defeated West Indies, opted to bat first to avoid the scorching afternoon heat and give their bowlers a break. Scotland, on the other hand, was still searching for their first victory after a disappointing loss to West Indies.South Africa's batting lineup, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, got off to a solid start. Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits put on a 40-run opening partnership before Brits was dismissed for 20. Marizanne Kapp and Anneke Bosch then contributed valuable runs, with Kapp scoring 27 and Bosch adding 22.However, Scotland's bowlers fought back, with Abtaha Maqsood and Rachel Slater taking two wickets each. Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk provided some late fireworks for South Africa, but the Proteas were eventually restricted to 130/6 from their 20 overs.In response, Scotland's chase got off to a shaky start as they lost early wickets. Kathryn Bryce, the captain, and Sarah Bryce tried to steady the ship, but both fell short of substantial scores. Priyanaz Chatterji and Lorna Jack-Brown showed some resistance, but South Africa's bowlers kept the pressure on.Nonkululeko Mlaba and Ayabonga Khaka were particularly impressive, taking two wickets each. Scotland eventually fell well short of their target, finishing on 87/9 from their 20 overs.South Africa's victory keeps them in contention for a semi-final berth, while Scotland's hopes of advancing are fading. Both teams will be looking to bounce back in their remaining matches.

Scotland and South Africa will face off in their first-ever women's cricket match in any format on Tuesday in Dubai. Scotland, making their T20 World Cup debut, have lost their first two matches, while South Africa are coming off a seven-wicket defeat to England.Scotland's hopes of reaching the semi-finals are slim, as they sit bottom of Group B with a negative net run rate. South Africa, on the other hand, can move to the top of the group with a big win.South Africa's Nonkululeko Mlaba is the tournament's leading wicket-taker with five scalps, and she will be a key player to watch in the match.In the second match of the day, India will take on Sri Lanka in Dubai. India lost their opening game to New Zealand but bounced back with a six-wicket win over Pakistan. Sri Lanka have lost both of their matches so far and are bottom of Group A.India's captain Harmanpreet Kaur is a doubt for the match after suffering a neck injury in the win over Pakistan. Smriti Mandhana will be a key player for India, as she looks to give her team a strong start.

South Africa and England, two formidable teams in women's cricket, clashed in a highly anticipated match in Sharjah. South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt, after winning the toss, opted to bat first on a pitch expected to favor slow bowlers. England's captain, Heather Knight, concurred with Wolvaardt's decision, indicating that she would have also chosen to bat.Both teams entered the match with impressive victories in their opening encounters. South Africa had comfortably defeated West Indies, while England had effortlessly overcome Bangladesh. Consequently, neither side made any changes to their starting lineups, both opting for a spin-heavy approach.The winner of this crucial match would ascend to the top of Group B. South Africa's batting lineup featured Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Derckson, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, and Ayabonga Khan.England's batting order consisted of Maya Bouchier, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones, Danielle Gibson, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Linsey Smith.The match promised to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. The outcome would have a significant impact on the standings in Group B and the teams' chances of advancing to the knockout stages.

South Africa has secured an unassailable lead in the three-match ODI series against Ireland after winning the first two matches. The third and final ODI is currently underway, with Ireland winning the toss and electing to bat first.South Africa's playing XI features Ryan Rickelton as the wicket-keeper, along with Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen (captain), Kyle Verreynne, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, and Ottneil Baartman.Ireland's playing XI includes Paul Stirling as the captain, Andy Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wicket-keeper), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young, Graham Hume, and Fionn Hand.The match is being played at the Malahide Cricket Club Ground in Dublin, Ireland. South Africa is looking to complete a clean sweep of the series, while Ireland will be aiming to salvage some pride and avoid a whitewash.South Africa has been in impressive form throughout the series, with their batters and bowlers performing consistently. Reeza Hendricks has been the standout performer with the bat, scoring two half-centuries in the first two matches. The bowling attack has been led by Lungi Ngidi, who has taken five wickets in the series so far.Ireland, on the other hand, has struggled to match South Africa's intensity. Their batting has been inconsistent, and their bowlers have been unable to contain the South African batters. Paul Stirling has been the only bright spot for Ireland, scoring a century in the first match.The third ODI is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams looking to end the series on a high note. South Africa will be confident of completing a clean sweep, while Ireland will be determined to avoid a whitewash.