Cricket

South Africa's women's cricket team concluded their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup with a convincing eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in the series decider. The Proteas chased down Pakistan's total of 153 with nine balls to spare, marking their joint fifth-highest successful chase in T20Is.Anneke Bosch, who retired four runs short of a half-century, played a crucial role in setting up the victory. Laura Wolvaardt and Annerie Dercksen contributed with 45 and 44 not out, respectively.Pakistan's bowlers struggled to contain South Africa's batters, with only Tuba Hassan proving economical. The Proteas batters effectively used their feet against spin, an area that has been a concern for them in the past.In contrast, Pakistan squandered the opportunity to post a larger total. Muneeba Ali and Gull Feroza provided a solid start, but their partnership was broken in the sixth over. Nida Dar, Pakistan's second-highest run-scorer in T20Is, was dismissed for 12, while Fatima Sana's 27 helped set up a strong finish.However, Chloe Tryon's left-arm spin proved difficult to get away, and Pakistan struggled to add quick runs in the latter stages of their innings. South Africa's attack, without Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka, kept Pakistan in check.Fielding remains a concern for both sides, with nine catches dropped across the three matches. South Africa and Pakistan will need to improve their judgement under the high ball ahead of the T20 World Cup in Dubai.

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 women's cricket team secured a thrilling ten-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of their three-game T20I series in Multan. Despite a shaky start, the Proteas managed to post a competitive total of 132 for 4, thanks to a crucial half-century from Tazmin Brits and a solid partnership with Sune Luus.Pakistan's chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost five wickets for just 47 runs. However, a resilient partnership between Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana brought them back into contention. The duo put on an unbroken 75-run stand, but it ultimately proved insufficient as South Africa held on for a narrow victory.South Africa's innings was anchored by Brits, who scored 56 not out off 49 deliveries. Luus contributed 27 off 27 balls, while Chloe Tryon provided a late cameo with 15 not out off 7. Pakistan's bowlers struggled to contain the Proteas, with Sadia Iqbal being the pick of the bunch with figures of 3-34.Pakistan's chase was hampered by a series of early wickets. Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka bowled superbly, taking two wickets each. Eighteen-year-old Seshnie Naidu made a memorable debut, taking a stunning catch and dismissing Sadaf Shamas with her second ball.Riaz and Sana played with great determination, but their efforts were not enough to secure victory. Riaz finished on 52 not out off 40 balls, while Sana scored 37 not out off 33. South Africa's fielding was sloppy at times, with three catches being dropped, but they managed to hold on for a hard-fought win.The victory gives South Africa an early advantage in the series. The second match will be played on May 26, followed by the third and final match on May 28.

Kepler Wessels: The Unique Cricketer with Centuries for Two NationsKepler Wessels stands as a remarkable figure in cricket history, being the only player to have scored over 1000 runs and centuries in Test matches for two different countries: Australia and South Africa. His extraordinary journey began when he left South Africa for Australia in search of international opportunities, as his home country was banned from world sports due to apartheid.Wessels' debut for Australia in the 1982-83 Ashes series against England was a resounding success. He made an immediate impact with a brilliant 162 in his first innings, setting the stage for a successful stint in Australian cricket. Over the next few years, he became an integral part of the Australian team, excelling in both Test and ODI formats.However, Wessels' career took a significant turn when South Africa was readmitted to international cricket in the early 1990s. He returned to represent his home country, becoming the captain of the South African team in their first Test match post-isolation against the West Indies in 1991-92. He also led South Africa in their first Cricket World Cup appearance since the 1970s in 1992.Wessels' crowning achievement for South Africa came in 1994 when he scored a magnificent 105 against England at Lord's. This century made him the only cricketer to have scored centuries for two nations in Test matches, a testament to his exceptional talent and adaptability.Throughout his Test career, Wessels amassed six centuries and 15 half-centuries, while in his ODI career spanning 109 matches, he scored one century and 26 fifties. His contributions to both Australia and South Africa were significant, leaving an enduring legacy in the sport.

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.

Afghanistan's spin wizard Rashid Khan is set to make a much-anticipated return to ODI cricket after a lengthy absence. The legspinner has been named in the 17-member squad for the upcoming three-match series against South Africa in the UAE, starting on September 18.Khan's return is a major boost for Afghanistan, who have been without his services since the World Cup last October-November. The 24-year-old underwent back surgery after the tournament and has since been restricted to T20 cricket.However, Afghanistan will still be without mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who is still recovering from a finger injury. Wristspinner Noor Ahmad has also been left out of the squad. Chief selector Ahmad Shah Sulimankhil said offspinner AM Ghazanfar will cover for Mujeeb against South Africa.Despite the absence of Mujeeb and Noor, Rashid's return provides a significant boost to Afghanistan's bowling attack. The legspinner has been in impressive form in T20 cricket since his comeback, taking 20 wickets in 15 matches in the IPL, T20 World Cup, and MLC.Afghanistan have also called up uncapped medium-pace bowler Bilal Sami, and top-order batters Darwish Rasooli and Abdul Malik for the ODIs against South Africa. Rasooli has played seven T20Is, Malik has played two Tests, while Sami is yet to represent Afghanistan in any format.Malik has been called up as cover for the injured opening batter Ibrahim Zadran, who is ruled out with an ankle sprain.The three-match ODI series against South Africa will be Afghanistan's first bilateral ODI series against the Proteas. It will also serve as preparation for the Champions Trophy early next year, for which Afghanistan qualified by finishing sixth in the league stage of the 2023 World Cup.

Rishabh Pant Recounts Suryakumar Yadav's Game-Changing Catch in 2024 T20 World Cup FinalIndia's wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has shared his light-hearted perspective on Suryakumar Yadav's extraordinary catch in the dying moments of the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa. The catch proved pivotal in securing India's thrilling seven-run victory, preventing South Africa from snatching the game from their grasp.Speaking on Tanmoy Bhat's YouTube channel, Pant recalled the tense moment when South Africa's big-hitting finisher, David Miller, almost turned the tide in his team's favor. Pant admitted that he initially believed Miller's shot would sail over the boundary for a six."When the ball was in the air, it felt like everything was gone. When it hit the bat, it seemed like a sure-shot six. The ball didn't cross the boundary line because of the Indian fans' prayers," Pant joked.The catch swung the momentum back in India's favor, ultimately leading to their victory. Reflecting on the team's achievement, Pant expressed his joy at winning the World Cup, a cherished dream for any cricketer. However, he also emphasized the importance of focusing on future challenges."I am not thinking much about it now because I feel in India, people forget after 10-15 days what you have done. So, it is important for you to forget these things as well. That moment will always be there with me, but now we have to move on and focus on what's next," Pant said.After being sidelined from Test cricket for nearly 20 months, Pant is set to make his return for India in the upcoming two-match home Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19.

The West Indies cricket team celebrated a resounding 3-0 series sweep against South Africa in the T20 International series, culminating in an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the final match at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba. The match was marred by rain, but the West Indies emerged triumphant, showcasing their resilience and dominance on home soil.Shai Hope led the charge for the West Indies, smashing an unbeaten 42 off just 24 deliveries. Nicholas Pooran provided valuable support with a rapid 35 off 13 balls. The revised target of 116 in 13 overs, set by the Duckworth-Lewis method, proved to be no match for the West Indies' aggressive batting approach. They reached the target in a mere 9.2 overs, hitting nine sixes and seven fours in the process.South Africa, batting first in the rain-shortened game, managed to post a modest 108-4 in their allotted 13 overs. Romario Shepherd's disciplined bowling played a crucial role in restricting South Africa's scoring, earning him the Man of the Match award. Shepherd's two overs yielded just 14 runs and two wickets.The West Indies' victory was a testament to their aggressive batting strategy in the shortened game. Captain Roston Chase praised his team's performance, saying, "We wanted to win the series 3-0. In a shortened game, we want guys to go and play their natural game. The guys came out and played brilliantly."South Africa's captain, Aiden Markram, acknowledged the challenges faced by his team but remained optimistic about future improvement. "Tough one today," Markram admitted. "Probably got the tougher of the conditions. That being said, we can improve as a team. It's going to take a little bit of time; there's a bit we can take from it, but it's never great to lose."The series win marks a resurgence for the West Indies, who displayed their resilience and skill to dominate South Africa and complete the clean sweep. It is a significant achievement for the team, who had previously suffered a disappointing loss to South Africa in the T20 World Cup.

In the final match of the T20I series between West Indies and South Africa, the hosts opted to bowl first after winning the toss. With the series already secured, West Indies made several changes to their lineup, including appointing Roston Chase as captain in place of Rovman Powell.West Indies brought back experienced seamer Obed McCoy and introduced spinner Fabian Allen into the team. This move meant sacrificing a batter, with Sherfane Rutherford making way for Shimron Hetmyer. South Africa also made changes, handing a debut to Jason Smith and giving Wiaan Mulder his first outing of the series.The match was delayed by an hour due to rain, but the skies cleared in time for play to begin at 4pm local time. West Indies' lineup featured Shai Hope, Alick Athanaze, Nicholas Pooran, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Fabian Allen, Gudakesh Motie, and Obed McCoy.South Africa's team consisted of Reeza Hendricks, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, Wiaan Mulder, Patrick Kruger, Bjorn Fortuin, Ottneil Baartman, Lizaad Williams, and Kwena Maphaka.