Cricket

England and South Africa will face off in a highly anticipated clash at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday, October 10, at 6 pm local time. Both teams are coming off impressive victories in their tournament openers and will be eager to continue their winning ways.England, led by Heather Knight, will rely on their experienced bowling attack, which features four spinners: Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, and Linsey Smith. The slow nature of the Sharjah pitch is expected to favor their spin-heavy approach. However, the team will need to improve their batting performance after struggling to reach a modest total against Bangladesh in their first match.South Africa, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, will be looking to build on their dominant win over West Indies. Their bowling attack, led by Nonkululeko Mlaba and Marizanne Kapp, was exceptional in that match, taking all six wickets. Chloe Tryon and Sune Luus are also expected to play key roles with the ball. The batting lineup, which features Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, remains untested, but they will be confident after their unbeaten partnership in the previous game.The match will be a rematch of the semi-final from the 2023 edition of the T20 World Cup, which South Africa won. However, England will be determined to avenge that defeat and maintain their dominance over their opponents.All-rounders Nat Sciver-Brunt for England and Marizanne Kapp for South Africa will be crucial players to watch. Sciver-Brunt provides balance with her ability to bowl and bat, while Kapp is a versatile performer who can swing the new ball and contribute with the bat.With both teams in good form and eager to prove their worth, the match promises to be a thrilling contest. England's experience in Sharjah could give them an edge, but South Africa's recent victory over West Indies will boost their confidence.

South African left-arm wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi has made a significant decision to opt out of his national contract with Cricket South Africa (CSA), effective immediately. This move allows him to become a free agent and participate more freely in T20 leagues worldwide without being bound by South African obligations.Shamsi's decision stems from a desire for greater flexibility during the domestic season. He aims to explore all available opportunities and prioritize his family's well-being. However, he remains committed to representing South Africa and will be available for selection in white-ball squads at major tournaments."This will not impact my ability or motivation to play for the Proteas in any way," Shamsi stated. "It has always been my dream to bring the World Cup home to South Africa, and no franchise league will ever be more important than playing for my country."Shamsi's last appearance for South Africa was in the T20 World Cup final against India in June. He has not been part of the ongoing tour of the UAE, where South Africa is facing Afghanistan and Ireland. The team has rested several senior players and used the matches to expand its player pool.One potential factor behind Shamsi's decision is CSA's decision to withdraw him from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) earlier this year to play for the Titans in the CSA T20 Challenge. This resulted in Shamsi missing six matches for the Karachi Kings and losing out on match fees.Another possible reason is CSA's requirement for contracted players to attend the CSA awards night, even if they are not award winners. Shamsi had to return home during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to attend the event, missing three matches for the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots and losing portions of his match fee.Match fees from overseas leagues are reportedly substantial and more lucrative than national contracts. The clash between the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge and the PSL in 2025 would have forced Shamsi to miss portions of the PSL if he remained contracted to CSA.Shamsi's decision follows a similar move by fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who opted out of his central contract earlier this year due to physical concerns and a desire to play more in T20 leagues.

India Women's Cricket Team Dominates in Second Warm-Up Win Ahead of T20 World CupThe Indian women's cricket team continued their impressive form in the lead-up to the Women's T20 World Cup, securing a 28-run victory over South Africa in their second warm-up match in Dubai.India's batters laid the foundation for the win, posting a competitive total of 144/7 against a formidable South African bowling attack. Smriti Mandhana (21), Harmanpreet Kaur (10), Jemimah Rodrigues (30), Deepti Sharma (35*), and Richa Ghosh (36) all contributed valuable runs.However, it was South Africa's Ayabonga Khaka who stole the show with an exceptional bowling performance. The pacer claimed five wickets for just 25 runs in her four overs, including three wickets in her final over to restrict India's total.Undeterred, India's bowlers responded magnificently in the second innings. Renuka Singh opened with a maiden over, setting the tone for a disciplined bowling display. Deepti and Harmanpreet also chipped in with economical spells, each taking a wicket.South Africa's openers, Laura Wolvaardt (29) and Tazmin Brits (22), provided a solid start, but India's spinners kept the middle order in check. Chloe Tryon (24) and Annerie Dercksen (21*) fought valiantly towards the end, but the chase fell short by 28 runs.The victory marks India's second consecutive warm-up win, following their 20-run triumph over the West Indies. The team will now turn their attention to the Women's T20 World Cup, which begins on Thursday in the UAE.India will open their campaign against New Zealand on October 4, followed by matches against Pakistan (October 6), Sri Lanka (October 9), and Australia (October 13).

Ireland's historic victory over South Africa in the second Twenty20 international on Sunday in Abu Dhabi marked a significant milestone for the Irish cricket team. It was their first-ever win over the Proteas in a men's T20I, tying the two-match series 1-1.Ross Adair's scintillating century, the third by an Irishman in a T20 international, propelled Ireland to a formidable total of 195 for 6. Adair's nine sixes, a new Irish T20 record, set the tone for Ireland's aggressive batting display. Captain Paul Stirling also contributed with a solid 52, forming a formidable opening partnership of 137 runs.South Africa's chase started promisingly, with Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke scoring half-centuries. However, Ireland's Mark Adair turned the tide with a devastating spell of bowling, claiming 4 for 31 in his four overs. His wickets included the crucial dismissal of Tristan Stubbs, who had threatened to take the game away from Ireland.South Africa's innings crumbled from 157 for 4 to 185 for 9, as Ireland's bowlers maintained their discipline and accuracy. The Proteas' hopes were dashed when Hendricks was dismissed for 51, leaving them with too much to do in the final overs.Ireland's victory was a testament to their growing strength in the T20 format. They have now won four of their last five T20Is, including a historic win over England earlier this year. The series tie against South Africa is a further indication of their progress and potential.The two teams will now shift their focus to the three-match ODI series, which begins in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Ireland will be aiming to continue their momentum and secure a series victory against one of the world's top cricketing nations.

Tazmin Brits, South Africa's opening batter, is embarking on a T20 World Cup journey that transcends the game itself. She plays for her mother, Zeldine, who is battling breast cancer. Despite her mother's absence due to treatment, Brits draws strength from her resilience.Brits' journey has been marked by adversity. She lost her father to Covid-19 in 2021 and suffered a life-threatening car accident in 2011. After contemplating suicide, she found solace in sports, returning to javelin and eventually switching to cricket.Her determination paid off as she made the national team and has become a mainstay at the top of the order. In the past year, she has scored her first and second ODI centuries, five of her 12 T20I fifties, and a maiden domestic T20 hundred.Brits attributes her success to her focus on strike rate, recognizing the need to improve for opportunities in major leagues. She also dreams of competing in the Olympics, with cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.Beyond her personal goals, Brits is driven by the desire to win a World Cup for South Africa. She believes it would be a transformative moment for the nation. As a symbol of her commitment, she plans to get a World Cup trophy tattoo if they win.October, the month of the T20 World Cup, also marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Brits will honor her mother's fight by dedicating her performances to her.

Afghanistan, having secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against South Africa, opted to bat first in the final encounter. The decision was made after winning the toss, with the hosts making three changes to their playing XI.Rashid Khan, the star leg-spinner who claimed a five-wicket haul in Afghanistan's 177-run victory in the previous match, was rested due to a hamstring niggle. In his absence, Nangeyalia Kharote and AM Ghazanfar will lead the spin attack.Afghanistan also included an additional seamer in 19-year-old Naveed Zadran, who will make his second ODI appearance. The other two changes saw left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi replaced by Fareed Ahmed, while opening batter Riaz Hassan was dropped for Abdul Malik, who will make his ODI debut.Afghanistan's decision to bat first meant that South Africa would once again face challenging weather conditions. Afternoon temperatures were expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius, with a real feel of around 46 degrees.South Africa, on the other hand, made only one change to their team, bringing in allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo for left-arm seamer Nandre Burger. The batting lineup, which has struggled against Afghanistan in the previous two matches, remained unchanged.

Afghanistan, riding high on their historic series win over South Africa, will be aiming to complete an unprecedented 3-0 whitewash when the two teams face off in the third and final ODI on Sunday, July 22.Afghanistan's remarkable success in the series has been built on their exceptional bowling performances, with South Africa being bowled out for under 150 in both matches. The Afghan bowlers, led by star spinner Rashid Khan and wicketkeeper-batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz, have been in devastating form. However, it is the emergence of young talents like AM Ghazanfar and Nangeyalia Kharote that has been particularly impressive.South Africa, on the other hand, will be desperate to salvage some pride and end the series on a positive note. Their inexperienced side has struggled to cope with the pressure, but they will be hoping for a better performance in the final match.The match will be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, starting at 5:30 PM IST. It will be live telecast on the Eurosport network and live streamed on the Fancode app and website.Afghanistan will be confident of completing the whitewash, but South Africa will be determined to avoid a humiliating 3-0 defeat. The stage is set for an exciting and potentially historic encounter.

Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz has etched his name alongside Indian batting legend Virat Kohli in an exclusive club. The 22-year-old Afghan opener has become the second player to score seven ODI centuries before turning 23, matching Kohli's feat.Gurbaz's latest century came in the second ODI against South Africa, where he smashed a magnificent 103 off 100 deliveries. This was his seventh ODI ton, putting him on par with Kohli, who also had seven centuries before turning 23.South Africa's Quinton de Kock holds the record for the most ODI centuries before the age of 23, with eight tons to his name. Gurbaz, who turns 23 on November 28, still has time to match or even surpass de Kock's record.In his 42 ODI appearances, Gurbaz has amassed 1,572 runs at an impressive average of 38.34. His seven centuries and five half-centuries highlight his consistency and ability to score big runs. His highest score of 151 remains a testament to his explosive batting style.Gurbaz's century played a pivotal role in Afghanistan's emphatic 177-run victory over South Africa in the second ODI. The Afghan team registered a famous series win, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.After Gurbaz's century laid the foundation, all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai unleashed a blistering 86 off just 50 balls, propelling Afghanistan to a formidable total of 311.In response, South Africa's batting woes continued as they were bundled out for a paltry 134. Rashid Khan was the star performer with the ball, claiming 5/19, while newcomer Nangeyaliya Kharote chipped in with four wickets.Gurbaz will have one more opportunity to match de Kock's record in the final ODI of the series. The Afghan opener will be eager to continue his impressive form and cement his place among the elite batsmen in world cricket.

Rashid Khan's heroic performance, despite battling a hamstring injury, propelled Afghanistan to a historic series victory over South Africa. The leg-spinner's remarkable figures of 9-1-19-5 dismantled the Proteas' batting lineup, securing a 177-run triumph in Sharjah.Khan's determination to stay on the field stemmed from his belief that his contribution was crucial to Afghanistan's success. Despite a month-long hamstring issue, he pushed through the pain, knowing that his presence could make a significant difference."I had a hamstring injury, but I tried my best to stay on the ground till the end," Khan said. "I knew my contribution would be key, so I had to go for it."Khan's injury woes have been a recurring theme lately. He missed the final week of the Hundred due to hamstring trouble and suffered a back niggle during Afghanistan's domestic T20 league. He also missed the one-off Test against New Zealand.On his 26th birthday, Khan's hamstring flared up again while batting. However, he refused to be sidelined, continuing to bat and eventually finishing with six not out off 12 deliveries."The love for this game is just pushing you to play," Khan said. "I thought I was able to bowl and stay in the field, so why not go for it?"Afghanistan's victory was marred by another injury concern, with half-centurion Rahmat Shah leaving the field with hamstring trouble. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi expressed optimism that Shah's injury was not serious."I talked with him, he's good inshallah," Shahidi said. "Hopefully he will be okay and play the other game."Afghanistan have clinched the series 2-0 but have one more match to play in Sharjah on Sunday. They will then have a break before their scheduled tour of Zimbabwe in December-January.