Cricket

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.

The West Indies' hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the Women's T20 World Cup have been dealt a blow with the injury to all-rounder Stafanie Taylor. The 33-year-old suffered a knee injury during Thursday's eight-wicket win over Bangladesh and was forced to retire hurt on 27.Taylor's injury is a major concern for the West Indies, as she is a key player in their lineup. She is a versatile all-rounder who can bat, bowl, and field, and her experience is invaluable to the team.West Indies captain Hayley Matthews said that Taylor's injury is a "knee problem" and that the team is "trying to look after her really well." Matthews also praised Taylor's fighting spirit and said that she "knows how to manage her body pretty well."The West Indies will face undefeated England in their last Group B game on Tuesday. Pool rivals South Africa are also in the running for a semi-final spot.Matthews said that the West Indies are "up for the challenge" of facing England. "If you want to be competing and winning World Cups, you're going to have to beat the best teams in the world," she said.The West Indies will need to win their last group game against England to secure a place in the semi-finals. If they can do that, they will be one of the favorites to win the tournament.

Sri Lanka's T20I squad for the upcoming three-match series against West Indies has undergone significant changes, with the return of Bhanuka Rajapaksa and the omission of former captain Dasun Shanaka.Rajapaksa, a middle-order batter, last played for Sri Lanka in January 2023. Despite his recent lack of form, he has been recalled based on his past performances and the team's need for hitters who can finish innings.Shanaka's absence is a notable one, as he has been a key figure in Sri Lanka's T20I setup. However, 22-year-old seam-bowling allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who made his debut against India, has retained his spot.Another notable omission is left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka, who has been deemed too expensive in this format. His economy rate of 9.75 after 15 matches is a concern for the team.Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera is also missing from the squad due to an injury that has kept him out of competitive cricket since July.The rest of the squad is largely predictable, with legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay making it into the squad after impressing as Wanindu Hasaranga's replacement during the ODI series against India. Hasaranga himself is also back in the fold.Dinesh Chandimal, who was named in the squad against India but has not played a match in this format since 2022, retains his place. His good performances in the Test format may have contributed to his selection.On the pace-bowling front, Sri Lanka have a variety of options, including slingers Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, left-armer Binura Fernando, and right-arm seamer Asitha Fernando.For spin bowling, the team has Hasaranga, Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, and Dunith Wellalage to choose from, with overs potentially coming from Kamindu Mendis as well.The T20Is against West Indies will begin on Sunday, with all three matches to be played in Dambulla.

Bangladesh and West Indies will face off in a crucial Women's T20 World Cup match in Dubai on Tuesday, with both teams aiming to boost their semi-final hopes.Bangladesh, led by Nigar Sultana, began their campaign with a victory over Scotland but suffered a setback against England. West Indies, captained by Hayley Matthews, lost their opener to South Africa but rebounded with a convincing win against Scotland.The match will be a test of the teams' ability to handle spin bowling, as the Sharjah Cricket Stadium has produced low first-innings totals and only two successful chases in this tournament.Bangladesh's batting has struggled in both games, but Sobhana Mostary has emerged as a key player. She top-scored against both Scotland and England, providing stability in the middle order.West Indies will be boosted by the return of left-arm spinner Zaida James, who missed the Scotland game due to a jaw injury. Her presence will strengthen their bowling attack, which has been led by Chinelle Henry.A win for West Indies would put them in contention for the top spot in the group, while a loss for Bangladesh would significantly damage their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

Scotland, led by captain Kathryn Bryce, opted to bat first after winning the toss against West Indies in their crucial ICC Women's T20 World Cup match in Dubai. Bryce expressed her team's intention to establish a competitive total and maintain a disciplined bowling performance. Scotland fielded an unchanged lineup from their previous encounter with Bangladesh.West Indies, on the other hand, made two alterations to their squad, with Chedean Nation and Ashmini Munisar replacing Zaida James and Shamilia Connell. Captain Hayley Matthews expressed optimism despite their significant defeat to South Africa in their opening match. Stafanie Taylor, who experienced knee discomfort in that game, was declared fit to participate.The match was played on the same surface used earlier in the day for the India-Pakistan encounter. The pitch was anticipated to be slightly sticky, favoring spinners and pace-off deliveries. With the game taking place under floodlights, fielding would once again be a crucial factor.Scotland's batting lineup consisted of Saskia Horley, Sarah Bryce, Kathryn Bryce, Ailsa Lister, Priyanaz Chatterji, Darcy Carter, Lorner Jack-Brown, Katherine Fraser, Rachel Slater, Abtaha Maqsood, and Olivia Bell.West Indies fielded Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle, Deandra Dottin, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Chenead Nation, Qiana Joseph, Afy Fletcher, Ashmini Munisar, and Karishma Ramharack.

West Indies' hopes of advancing in the Women's T20 World Cup hang in the balance as they await injury updates on key players ahead of their crucial match against Scotland on Sunday.A crushing ten-wicket defeat to South Africa on Friday was compounded by an injury to opening bowler Zaida James, who suffered a blow to the jaw while attempting a return catch. James left the field and underwent medical assessment, leaving her availability for the Scotland match uncertain.Captain Hayley Matthews also expressed concerns about Stefanie Taylor's fitness, who played through discomfort in her knee during her innings of 44 not out. Taylor is scheduled for a medical evaluation before training on Saturday.The intense heat in Dubai, with temperatures reaching 38° Celsius, also took its toll on several West Indies players. Matthews acknowledged the challenging conditions but expressed confidence in their ability to adapt.Despite the setbacks, Matthews praised Taylor's resilience and leadership. "She's a huge part of us and she has been to West Indies cricket from 2008," Matthews said. "Her importance within the team has never gone down, it's probably only gone up more and more as the years have gone on."West Indies will need to regroup quickly and find a way to overcome their batting struggles. Matthews and Deandra Dottin fell cheaply, leaving Taylor to carry the team's hopes.The match against Scotland is crucial for West Indies' chances of reaching the semi-finals. A victory would keep their hopes alive, while a defeat would likely end their tournament.

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 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.