Cricket

Jacques Kallis, the legendary South African all-rounder, has been hailed as the "most talented player" ever by former Australian captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting's admiration stems from Kallis' exceptional all-round abilities and impressive statistics throughout his illustrious career.Kallis, who played from 1995 to 2013, amassed 13,289 runs in 166 Test matches, averaging an impressive 55.37. He scored 45 centuries and 58 fifties, solidifying his place as South Africa's highest Test run-scorer. His highest score of 224 ranks him third globally behind Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar.As a bowler, Kallis claimed 292 wickets at an average of 32.65, with best figures of 6/54. He took five five-wicket hauls in Tests, making him South Africa's seventh-highest wicket-taker.In One-Day Internationals (ODIs), Kallis scored 11,579 runs in 328 matches, averaging 44.36. He hit 17 centuries and 86 fifties, with a top score of 139. He was South Africa's leading run-scorer in ODIs, ranking eighth globally.With the ball, Kallis took 273 wickets in ODIs at an average of 31.79, including five-wicket hauls. He stands as South Africa's second-highest wicket-taker in ODIs, behind Shaun Pollock.In 25 T20 Internationals, Kallis scored 666 runs at an average of 35.05 and took 12 wickets.Overall, Kallis scored 25,534 runs in 519 international matches, with 62 centuries and 149 fifties. His 577 wickets across all formats place him among South Africa's top bowlers.Despite his remarkable achievements, Ponting believes that Kallis is "one of the most underrated players ever" in cricket. He noted that Kallis' all-round abilities and impressive statistics should earn him a place among the all-time greats.

Temba Bavuma's injury woes continue to haunt South Africa as the Proteas captain is now in doubt for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Bavuma was ruled out of the third ODI against Ireland with an elbow injury, raising concerns about his availability for the Test matches starting on October 21.The injury is a recurrence of the same elbow problem that sidelined Bavuma during South Africa's T20 tour of India in 2022. It forced him to miss the subsequent tour of England and has plagued him ever since. Despite making a comeback ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup, Bavuma has been hampered by a series of injuries, including hamstring niggles and a left hamstring injury sustained during the Boxing Day Test against India last year.Bavuma's absence from the Test series against Bangladesh is a significant blow to South Africa's hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The Proteas have six Tests remaining in the cycle, and they need to win at least five of them to have a chance of reaching the final.In Bavuma's absence, Rassie van der Dussen will lead South Africa in the Test series. T20I captain Aiden Markram has been rested for this series.South Africa are also without allrounder Wiaan Mulder for the white-ball series against Ireland. Mulder has left the tour for personal reasons. The Proteas have already taken a 2-0 lead in the ODI series and will play the third and final match on Monday. The preceding T20I series finished level at 1-1.

India's triumph at the T20 World Cup under Rohit Sharma's leadership marked a historic moment, bringing home the ICC silverware in the shortest format after a 17-year hiatus. The victory was hard-fought, with South Africa dominating the run-chase in the final until Hardik Pandya's game-changing intervention.The turning point came in the 17th over when Pandya dismissed Heinrich Klaasen, who had been threatening to snatch the game away from India. With the Proteas needing just 40 runs from 24 balls and Klaasen in blistering form, India's hopes seemed to be fading.However, Pandya's strike ignited a shift in momentum. Speaking on the comedy show 'The Great Indian Kapil Show,' Rohit revealed the behind-the-scenes tactics employed by the Indian team to unsettle the South Africans."We all came together and said a few things to their batsmen, which I can't share here, but it was necessary because we had to win at any cost," Rohit said. "Even if we got fined after winning, it didn't matter. I told the boys to say whatever they wanted and we'd handle the umpires and referees later."Pandya's dream spell continued, as he also dismissed David Miller, South Africa's last hope. Suryakumar Yadav's spectacular catch at the boundary sealed the victory for India.Rohit and Virat Kohli subsequently announced their retirement from T20Is, leaving a legacy of success and inspiration for the next generation of Indian cricketers.

India's T20 World Cup triumph in June 2023 was a thrilling affair, with the team overcoming a daunting challenge against South Africa in the final. However, a lesser-known story from that match, revealed by Rohit Sharma on 'The Great Indian Kapil Show,' sheds light on a clever tactic employed by wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant that played a crucial role in turning the game in India's favor.As South Africa chased India's challenging total of 176, Heinrich Klaasen's blistering knock of 52 from 27 balls brought them to the brink of victory. With South Africa needing 26 runs from 24 balls, the momentum seemed to be slipping away from India.However, Pant's quick thinking and strategic delay in proceedings proved to be a game-changer. Pretending to have a knee niggle, Pant called for the physio and had his knee taped, effectively halting the game's progress.Rohit Sharma believes this tactic worked in India's favor, as it disrupted Klaasen's rhythm and gave India a chance to regroup. "At that moment, the batter wants the ball to be bowled quickly because he is in flow. We needed to break the rhythm," Rohit explained.After the resumption of play, Hardik Pandya dismissed Klaasen with the very next ball, bringing India back into the contest. David Miller's dismissal soon after further boosted India's chances, and they eventually clinched the victory in the final over.While Rohit Sharma acknowledges that Pant's ploy may not have been the sole reason for India's triumph, he believes it played a significant role in breaking South Africa's momentum and giving India a fighting chance.

Tristan Stubbs' maiden ODI century propelled South Africa to a resounding 174-run victory over Ireland, securing the Proteas' series triumph with a match to spare. The 24-year-old Stubbs unleashed an explosive 112 off 81 deliveries, adorned with eight boundaries and three towering sixes, as South Africa amassed a formidable 343-4 in their allotted 50 overs.Ireland's response crumbled under the weight of the Proteas' onslaught, as they were dismissed for a paltry 169 with nearly 20 overs remaining. The defeat marked their second consecutive heavy loss, following a 139-run setback in the series opener.Stubbs, who had impressed with a 79 in the first match, continued his ruthless form on Friday. He reached his century in just 75 deliveries, exposing the deficiencies of the Irish bowling attack despite their rotation of seven bowlers.The Proteas' middle order provided ample support to Stubbs. Kyle Verreynne contributed a solid 67 off 64 balls, while Wiaan Mulder chipped in with a brisk 43 off 34 deliveries. At the top of the order, Ryan Rickelton added to his 91 from the opening fixture with a valuable 40."I thought in the first game, myself and 'Ricks' got out back to back. Today I didn't want that to happen," Stubbs explained. "That was the big focus. I thought they bowled quite well. They made us hit to the big side. We were rotating nicely and that helped us get the runs."The only concern for South Africa was the injury to skipper Temba Bavuma, who was forced to retire with an elbow injury sustained while attempting to avoid a run out. Bavuma had scored 35 when he was forced to leave the field, and he remained off the field during Ireland's innings, with Rassie van der Dussen taking over the captaincy."I think I aggravated an old injury on my elbow. We will get to know in the next few days. Right now, I am at the mercy of the doctors," Bavuma said.Ireland's reply began disastrously, with openers Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling dismissed cheaply, leaving the team reeling at 7-2 after three overs. The Proteas continued to make regular breakthroughs, but tailenders Craig Young (29 not out) and Graham Hume (21) provided some entertainment with a 52-run last-wicket partnership.South Africa fast bowler Lizaad Williams, who had claimed a career-best 4-32 in the first match, continued his impressive form with figures of 3-36 from five overs."It was a tough day at the office," said Stirling.The three-match series concludes at the same Abu Dhabi venue on Monday.

South Africa's women's cricket team made a resounding start to their ICC Women's T20 World Cup campaign, crushing West Indies by 10 wickets in Dubai on Friday.West Indies, sent in to bat first, struggled to find momentum against South Africa's disciplined bowling attack. Stafanie Taylor's unbeaten 44 off 41 balls provided some resistance, but the Windies were restricted to a modest total of 118 for six.Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was the star of the show for South Africa, claiming career-best figures of 4/29. Marizanne Kapp also impressed with 2/14.In reply, South Africa's openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, made light work of the chase. Wolvaardt scored 59 off 55 balls, while Brits contributed 57 off 52 balls. The pair put on an unbroken 119-run partnership to seal the victory with 13 balls to spare.South Africa's bowlers set the tone for the match, maintaining a tight line and length to restrict West Indies' scoring. Hayley Matthews was the first to fall, caught behind off Kapp's bowling. Qiana Joseph was then bowled by Mlaba, and Kapp struck again to dismiss Deandra Dottin.West Indies' middle order failed to provide any substantial contributions, leaving Taylor stranded on 44. The Windies' total of 118 proved to be far too low against a clinical South African batting performance.Wolvaardt and Brits played with confidence and composure, rotating the strike and finding the boundary regularly. They never looked troubled by the West Indies bowling attack, and their partnership ensured a comfortable victory for South Africa.

South Africa, led by captain Temba Bavuma, have opted to bat first in the second ODI against Ireland in Abu Dhabi. This decision marks the second consecutive toss win for Bavuma in the three-match series, which South Africa aims to clinch with a 2-0 lead.Tony de Zorzi, South Africa's opener, has been rested for the match due to a soft tissue injury in his right knee. He sustained the injury while sliding to make a stop in the deep during the first ODI. Kyle Verreynne has been brought in as his replacement, while Bavuma will move up to open alongside Ryan Rickelton, who played a crucial role in the previous game with a 91-run knock.Nandre Burger, who missed the series opener, has been ruled out of the remaining tour, including South Africa's upcoming two-match Test series in Bangladesh, due to a lumbar stress reaction.Ireland, on the other hand, has fielded an unchanged XI from the team that lost by 139 runs in the first ODI. Paul Stirling continues to lead the side, with Andy Balbirnie, Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, and Stephen Doheny forming the core of the batting lineup.

South Africa's Laura Wolvaardt Anticipates Team's Peak Performance in Women's T20 World Cup 2024Ahead of South Africa's opening match in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 against West Indies, captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed optimism about her team's ability to reach their peak at the right time. The Proteas will face their Group B opponents at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday afternoon.Wolvaardt acknowledged the challenges of the tournament, stating, "We know it's going to be a tough competition, but we're confident in our abilities." She emphasized the importance of consistency and execution, adding, "We need to be consistent in all three departments of the game and execute our plans effectively."The South African skipper highlighted the team's recent performances as a source of encouragement. "We've been playing some good cricket lately, and we're starting to gel as a unit," she said. "We're looking forward to the challenge and believe we can make a strong impact in the tournament."Wolvaardt also praised the team's preparation, saying, "We've had a good build-up to the World Cup, and we're feeling well-prepared." She expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt to different conditions and strategies.The Proteas will be looking to make a statement in the tournament after a disappointing performance in the previous edition. Wolvaardt believes her team has the potential to go far. "We have a lot of experience in the team, and we're all hungry for success," she said. "We're determined to make a mark in this World Cup and show the world what we're capable of."

South Africa's T20I captain Aiden Markram recently addressed the media ahead of the T20I series against Ireland in Abu Dhabi. He discussed the team's recent ODI series loss to Afghanistan, his batting form, the promising newcomers in the squad, and the team's preparations for the upcoming busy schedule.ODI Series Loss to AfghanistanMarkram acknowledged the disappointing result in the ODI series against Afghanistan, but emphasized the lessons learned from the experience. He praised Afghanistan's quality as a team, particularly in their home conditions. Markram believes that the series exposed areas where South Africa needs to improve, and that each player can take away valuable insights to enhance their game.Batting FormMarkram admitted to a lean patch in his batting form, but expressed confidence in his ability to regain his touch. He emphasized that his focus is on contributing to the team's success, rather than chasing personal milestones. Markram believes that his recent unbeaten 69 in the consolation ODI win is a positive sign of his return to form.Promising NewcomersMarkram highlighted the significant role that the SA20 league has played in unearthing promising young talents for South Africa. He praised players like Nqabayomzi Peter, Jason Smith, and Ottniel Baartman for their impressive performances in the league. Markram believes that these players have the potential to make a significant impact on the T20I team in the future.Guiding NewcomersAs a senior player and leader, Markram emphasized his commitment to supporting and guiding the promising newcomers in the squad. He believes that sharing his experience and insights can help them develop their skills and adapt to the demands of international cricket. Markram aims to create a positive and supportive environment where the younger players can thrive.T20 World Cup FinalMarkram reflected on South Africa's journey to the T20 World Cup final earlier this year. He described the squad as a special group that had built a strong bond over many years. Markram believes that the team's unity and determination were key factors in their success. He also acknowledged the lessons learned from the final, which will help the team improve in the future.Busy ScheduleMarkram acknowledged the demanding schedule ahead for the South African team, including the upcoming India series, SA20, and Champions Trophy. He emphasized the importance of managing player workloads and ensuring that the team remains fresh and focused throughout the season. Markram believes that the team's depth and experience will be crucial in navigating the challenges of the busy schedule.