Cricket

South Africa and West Indies Kick Off Women's T20 World Cup CampaignDubai, United Arab Emirates - South Africa and West Indies will face off in the opening match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, February 10.South Africa's Form and SquadSouth Africa, the runners-up in the 2023 T20 World Cup, will be looking to continue their momentum after a 2-1 series win against Pakistan. Despite a poor overall record against West Indies, they have won three of their last four T20Is against them.The South African squad features experienced players like Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, and Ayabonga Khaka. They may opt for a spin-heavy approach by including 18-year-old legspinner Seshnie Naidu.West Indies' Form and SquadWest Indies, on the other hand, come into the tournament after a 2-1 series win in Sri Lanka. They have struggled in their warm-up games, losing to India and Australia.The West Indies squad is led by Hayley Matthews and includes star all-rounder Deandra Dottin, who recently returned to international cricket. They will be hoping to start their campaign on a positive note to boost their chances of reaching the semi-finals.India and New Zealand Set for Evening ClashIn the second match of the day, India will take on New Zealand at the same venue. India won both their warm-up games, while New Zealand had a mixed record.India's Form and SquadIndia, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, have named a strong squad that includes Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh. They have made a late call on the fitness of allrounder Shreyanka Patil and wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia.New Zealand's Form and SquadNew Zealand, captained by Sophie Devine, have been struggling in recent T20Is, losing ten straight matches. They have decided to move Devine to the middle order, with Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates opening the batting.Key Players to Watch* Deandra Dottin (West Indies): A powerful batter and all-rounder who can turn the game in her team's favor.* Shafali Verma (India): A young and aggressive opener who can provide India with a strong start.

South Africa Elects to Bat First in ODI Opener Against IrelandIn the inaugural One-Day International (ODI) match between South Africa and Ireland in Abu Dhabi, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma opted to bat first. The decision was made after assessing the pitch, which featured additional grass cover and a projected par score of 260-270.Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen returned to the South African XI after missing the recent Afghanistan series, which the Proteas lost 2-1. Andy Balbirnie, who was omitted from the T20I squad, made his ODI comeback as an opener alongside Paul Stirling.Ireland handed a maiden ODI cap to legspinner Gavin Hoey, while Stephen Doheny took over wicketkeeping duties. The Irish team also included Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Andy McBrine, Graham Hume, and Craig Young.South Africa's batting lineup featured Rickelton as the wicketkeeper, followed by Tony de Zorzi, Bavuma, van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, and Ottneil Baartman.The match marked the first time the two teams had faced off in an ODI since 2019. South Africa holds a 3-1 advantage in their previous ODI encounters.

The Women's T20 World Cup is set to commence on Thursday in Sharjah, with the likes of India, England, and South Africa aiming to dethrone the dominant Australia. The tournament, originally scheduled for Bangladesh, was shifted to the UAE due to political unrest.Australia, the defending champions, have won six of the nine editions of the tournament and will be the team to beat once again. Led by Alyssa Healy, they boast a formidable squad featuring Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, and Grace Harris. Their pace duo of Tayla Vlaeminck and Darcie Brown will also be key.England, the inaugural champions, will be buoyed by their recent Ashes victory over Australia. They possess a strong spin attack led by Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Charlie Dean. Veteran Nat-Sciver Brunt will provide experience and leadership in the batting department.India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, has consistently challenged Australia but has yet to win a major title. They will rely on their spin-heavy attack and the batting prowess of Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet, and Richa Ghosh.South Africa, who reached the final last year, will be determined to go one better. Led by Laura Wolvaardt, they have a balanced team that includes experienced players like Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon.The tournament will feature two groups of five teams each. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. Australia, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka are in Group A, while England, South Africa, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Scotland are in Group B.The pitches in the UAE are expected to favor spinners, which could benefit teams like India and England. The tournament promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with several teams capable of challenging Australia's dominance.

South Africa has announced a 15-man squad for their upcoming two-Test tour of Bangladesh in October, featuring a trio of spinners to combat the expected conditions. Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Piedt, and Keshav Maharaj will lead the spin attack, while Matthew Breetzke is the sole uncapped player in the squad.The tour, part of the World Test Championship, had been in doubt due to political unrest in Bangladesh. However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) gave the green light after a security assessment team inspected the venues in Dhaka and Chattogram."Bangladesh is always a tough place to tour," said South Africa red-ball coach Shukri Conrad. "We have chosen a squad for the conditions we are expecting to greet us."The three spinners will be supported by a pace attack consisting of Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, Dane Paterson, and allrounder Wiaan Mulder. Paterson and Piedt, both veterans, were part of South Africa's Test tour of New Zealand earlier this year.Breetzke, a highly rated top-order batter, has limited international experience with only eight T20Is to his name. However, he faces stiff competition for a Test debut with Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne all in the mix.Ashwell Prince, who previously served as Bangladesh's batting coach, will join the South Africa management team. His knowledge of the local conditions could prove invaluable.

South Africa's two-Test series in Bangladesh has been confirmed to proceed as scheduled, following a thorough security assessment by Cricket South Africa (CSA). The first Test will commence in Dhaka from October 21-25, while the second will take place in Chattogram from October 29 to November 2.CSA's decision to approve the tour stems from an "in-loco inspection" conducted by its operations manager, team security manager, safety and security consultant, and a representative of the South African Cricketers' Association. The delegation visited Bangladesh last week and submitted their recommendations to the board.South Africa's initial concerns regarding the security situation in Bangladesh arose from the anti-government protests that occurred in July-August. These protests led to the resignation of Sheikh Hasina's government and the relocation of the women's T20 World Cup to the UAE.However, CSA sources have since indicated that the situation in Bangladesh has "settled." The tour will proceed as planned unless any risks are identified in the ongoing security assessments.South Africa's participation in this series is crucial for their chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship final at Lord's next year. With only six Test matches remaining in the current cycle, they need to win at least five of their remaining games.The Proteas have already played six Tests, winning two, losing three, and drawing one. They currently sit sixth on the points table. All six of their series in this cycle have been limited to two Tests, as CSA prioritized the launch of the SA20 domestic T20 franchise competition and cost-cutting measures.South Africa's last Test series against Bangladesh was held in South Africa in March-April 2022. The Proteas' white-ball squads are currently in the UAE for a series against Ireland.

South Africa Opt to Bowl First in Second T20I Against IrelandIn the second T20I encounter between Ireland and South Africa in Abu Dhabi, both teams have made strategic adjustments to their bowling lineups. After a high-scoring affair on Friday, the teams have opted for different seam combinations.Ireland have replaced Craig Young with Graham Hume, while South Africa have included Lungi Ngidi in place of Ottneil Baartman. The batting lineups remain unchanged, with Ireland still missing Lorcan Tucker due to injury. Ross Adair will continue to open the batting for the Irish.South Africa's batting lineup remains intact, with Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton in good form. They will open the innings, followed by Matthew Breetzke at No. 3. All-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Patrick Kruger will bat at No. 6 and 7, respectively.This is the final match of the T20I series, which will be followed by three ODIs next week. Ireland have yet to defeat South Africa in their seven previous T20I encounters.Ireland XI:1. Paul Stirling2. Ross Adair3. Harry Tector4. Curtis Campher5. Neil Rock (wk)6. George Dockrell7. Mark Adair8. Fionn Hand9. Matthew Humphreys10. Ben White11. Graham HumeSouth Africa XI:1. Ryan Rickelton (wk)2. Reeza Hendricks3. Matthew Breetzke4. Aiden Markam5. Tristan Stubbs6. Wiaan Mulder7. Patrick Kruger8. Bjorn Fortuin9. Nqaba Peter10. Lizaad Williams11. Lungi Ngidi

South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, opted to bowl first in the opening T20I against Ireland at the County Ground in Bristol. The Proteas fielded a balanced attack featuring four seamers and three spinners, resting experienced pacer Lungi Ngidi.Ottneil Baartman and Lizaad Williams made their tour debuts, while all-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Patrick Kruger completed the seam attack. In the spin department, South Africa deployed left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin, legspinner Nqaba Peter, and Markram himself as an occasional offspinner.Ireland, missing captain Andy Balbirnie, handed Ross Adair an opportunity to open the batting alongside Paul Stirling. They also opted for a spin-heavy attack, including left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys, George Dockrell, and legspinner Ben White.Ireland have never defeated South Africa in a T20I, and the Proteas will be keen to maintain their dominance. South Africa's batting lineup features three opening batters, with Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton at the top of the order and Matthew Breetzke at number three.The match promises to be a competitive affair, with both teams looking to gain an early advantage in the three-match series.

Afghanistan and South Africa faced off in the third and final ODI in Sharjah, with Afghanistan aiming for a historic 3-0 clean sweep. Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first.The Afghan openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hashmatullah Shahidi, got off to a solid start, putting on 40 runs for the first wicket. Gurbaz was particularly aggressive, hitting a six and a four off Wiaan Mulder.However, South Africa struck back with the wicket of Rahmat Shah, who was run out for 14. Shahidi and Gurbaz continued to bat steadily, but the South African bowlers kept the pressure on.In the 13th over, Aiden Markram dismissed Gurbaz for 26, and in the 18th over, Lungi Ngidi removed Shahidi for 32. Afghanistan were now 72/3, and South Africa were firmly in control of the match.Azmatullah Omarzai and Ikram Alikhil put on a brief partnership of 30 runs, but both batsmen were dismissed in quick succession. Afghanistan were now 102/5, and their hopes of a big total were fading.Mohammad Nabi and Nangeyalia Kharote added 40 runs for the sixth wicket, but both batsmen were dismissed in the space of three overs. Afghanistan were now 142/7, and South Africa were closing in on victory.AM Ghazanfar and Fareed Ahmad added some late runs, but Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 189 in the 49th over. Ngidi was the pick of the South African bowlers, taking 3/34, while Markram and Mulder took two wickets each.In reply, South Africa got off to a solid start, with Tony de Zorzi and Temba Bavuma putting on 40 runs for the first wicket. However, Afghanistan struck back with the wicket of de Zorzi, who was caught behind for 20.Bavuma and Reeza Hendricks continued to bat steadily, but the Afghan bowlers kept the pressure on. In the 13th over, Rashid Khan dismissed Bavuma for 26, and in the 18th over, Mujeeb Ur Rahman removed Hendricks for 32.South Africa were now 72/3, and Afghanistan were firmly in control of the match. Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs put on a brief partnership of 30 runs, but both batsmen were dismissed in quick succession. South Africa were now 102/5, and their hopes of a big total were fading.Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder added 40 runs for the sixth wicket, but both batsmen were dismissed in the space of three overs. South Africa were now 142/7, and Afghanistan were closing in on victory.Andile Phehlukwayo and Bjorn Fortuin added some late runs, but South Africa were eventually bowled out for 189 in the 49th over. Rashid Khan was the pick of the Afghan bowlers, taking 3/34, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi took two wickets each.Afghanistan won the match by 10 runs, and with it, they completed a historic 3-0 clean sweep of the ODI series against South Africa.

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.