Sharjah Cricket Stadium Hosts Historic 250th ODI Match

Sharjah Cricket Stadium Hosts Historic 250th ODI Match

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates has etched its name in cricket history by becoming the first venue to host 250 One-Day International (ODI) matches. This remarkable milestone was achieved during the Afghanistan vs South Africa match on Wednesday, marking a significant chapter in the stadium’s illustrious 42-year history.

Established in 1982, the Sharjah Cricket Stadium has witnessed countless thrilling and memorable matches. It has been the stage for some of the most iconic moments in ODI cricket, including the first-ever ODI match in 1971. The stadium has also hosted numerous World Cup matches, further solidifying its status as a global cricket hub.

Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe holds the second position with 182 ODI matches hosted, followed by Sydney Cricket Ground, Melbourne Cricket Ground, and R Premadasa Stadium with 161, 151, and 151 matches respectively.

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium is also the home ground for Afghanistan’s white-ball matches, adding to its significance in the cricketing landscape. In the match that marked the 250th ODI milestone, Afghanistan emerged victorious over South Africa by six wickets.

Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi and AM Ghazanfar, played a pivotal role in the victory, restricting South Africa to a mere 106 runs. The Afghan batters then chased down the target comfortably, with Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib guiding them to victory.

The match also witnessed a dramatic collapse from South Africa, who lost seven wickets for just 36 runs. Left-arm quick Farooqi was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming four wickets, while Ghazanfar chipped in with three.

The Sharjah Cricket Stadium’s achievement is a testament to its enduring legacy in the sport of cricket. It has been a witness to countless cricketing battles and has played a significant role in the development of the game. As the stadium continues to host more matches, it is poised to create even more unforgettable moments in the years to come.

Pakistan Levels T20I Series with 13-Run Victory over South Africa

Pakistan Levels T20I Series with 13-Run Victory over South Africa

Pakistan’s women’s cricket team displayed a remarkable performance in the second T20I against South Africa, leveling the series with a 13-run victory in Multan.

Pakistan’s batting lineup showcased a collective effort, with Muneeba Ali leading the charge with a blistering 45 off 34 deliveries. Her innings included six boundaries and two maximums, providing a solid foundation for the team. Sidra Amin contributed with a steady 37, while captain Fatima Sana and Nida Dar chipped in with valuable runs. Aliya Riyaz’s late cameo of 16 off 3 balls propelled Pakistan to a competitive total of 181 for 4.

South Africa’s chase got off to a promising start, with Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch forming a 50-run partnership. However, Pakistan’s left-arm spinners, Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal, proved to be a formidable force. Sandhu dismissed Wolvaardt for 36, while Iqbal accounted for Bosch and Nadine de Klerk in quick succession.

With South Africa needing 94 runs off 42 balls, Sune Luus and Chloe Tryon stepped up with an impressive 80-run stand. Luus remained unbeaten on 53 off 29 deliveries, while Tryon contributed a quickfire 30 off 16 balls. Despite their valiant efforts, they were unable to guide South Africa to victory.

Sandhu finished with impressive figures of 2 for 20, while Iqbal claimed 2 for 27. Their economical bowling and crucial wickets played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s triumph.

David Richardson: From Wicketkeeper to Cricket Administrator

David Richardson: From Wicketkeeper to Cricket Administrator

David Richardson, a former South African cricketer, left an indelible mark on the sport both on and off the field. His international debut in 1992 marked South Africa’s return to cricket after apartheid-induced isolation.

As a wicketkeeper, Richardson’s agility and reliable hands earned him 152 dismissals in 42 Tests and 165 dismissals in 122 ODIs. His contributions were instrumental in South Africa’s resurgence in international cricket.

Beyond his cricketing prowess, Richardson pursued a law degree, demonstrating his commitment to education. This legal expertise would later serve him well in his administrative roles.

Post-retirement, Richardson transitioned into cricket administration. As the ICC’s first General Manager of Cricket in 2002, he played a pivotal role in shaping the game’s governance and regulations.

In 2012, Richardson was appointed CEO of the ICC, succeeding Haroon Lorgat. In this capacity, he oversaw the sport’s global development and growth. His dedication and contributions to cricket administration earned him widespread recognition.

Richardson’s legacy extends beyond his playing and administrative achievements. He is remembered as a skilled wicketkeeper, a dedicated student, and a visionary administrator who helped shape the modern game of cricket.

Quinton de Kock's South Africa Availability Remains Uncertain

Quinton de Kock’s South Africa Availability Remains Uncertain

South Africa’s uncertainty over Quinton de Kock’s international availability continues, with the star batter omitted from another T20I series. De Kock, who has not announced a complete retirement from international cricket, missed the recent T20s against West Indies and will not feature in the upcoming matches against Ireland.

White-ball coach Rob Walter expressed uncertainty about de Kock’s future with the national team. “I don’t know, to be dead honest,” Walter said. “For the next little while, there will be no conversations between myself and Quinny as to whether he wants to play for South Africa again.”

De Kock’s absence has prompted South Africa to invest in other players, including Reeza Hendricks as an opener and Kyle Verreynne, Ryan Rickelton, and Heinrich Klaasen as wicketkeepers. However, Klaasen is currently unavailable due to personal reasons.

Walter emphasized that de Kock’s place in the team is not guaranteed, even if he expresses a desire to return. “There might be a conversation and also that conversation does initially mean it will lead to him being selected,” Walter said. “We have to just allow him to have his space, to play league cricket and to do what he needs to do. What will become more and more important is performance.”

De Kock’s decision to prioritize league cricket over international commitments has sparked a debate about the balance between franchise and national team obligations. South Africa’s decision to allow de Kock to miss a bilateral series in the lead-up to the 2024 T20 World Cup was seen as a significant shift in their selection policy.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding de Kock’s future, South Africa remains focused on preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup. They will play four T20Is at home against India in November as part of their preparations.

South Africa Rests Key Players for UAE Tour, Widens Player Pool

South Africa Rests Key Players for UAE Tour, Widens Player Pool

South Africa’s white-ball squad for their upcoming tour of the UAE has been announced, with several first-choice players rested as the team prepares for the Champions Trophy.

Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Tabraiz Shamsi, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen will all be absent from the ODI and T20I squads. Instead, the management has opted to widen the player pool and give opportunities to fringe players.

Allrounder Jason Smith, who made his T20I debut in the West Indies last month, has been given a maiden ODI call-up. Legspinner Nqabayomzi Peter, who has recovered from a shoulder injury, has also been included in the ODI squad.

21-year-old seam-bowling allrounder Andile Simelane has been named in both the ODI and T20I squads against Afghanistan. He has been part of South Africa Emerging and ‘A’ sides recently.

Lungi Ngidi, who suffered a right calf injury during the Caribbean tour, has recovered and is expected to lead the attack. However, Quinton de Kock, who has not confirmed his retirement from T20Is, does not feature.

Kwena Maphaka, who made his debut against West Indies, has not been included as he completes his final school examinations. Donovan Ferreira is the only other player from the West Indies T20I series who will not be on this tour, while Matthew Breetzke has been included in the T20I squad.

Aiden Markram, Reeza Hendricks, and Simelane are part of the ODI squad against Afghanistan, but not for the ODIs against Ireland. Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton are present only for the Ireland ODIs.

“We have decided to give opportunities to some of the fringe players as well as those who have impressed in recent weeks and months,” said Rob Walter, South Africa’s white-ball coach. “This has been a deliberate move from management, in line with our goal of building a wider pool of players to choose from, as we prepare for the major ICC tournaments taking place over the next 18 months, with a long-term view on the 50-over World Cup in 2027.”

South Africa Names Uncapped Duo for T20 World Cup Squad

South Africa Names Uncapped Duo for T20 World Cup Squad

South Africa has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE, featuring a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. The team will be led by star batter Laura Wolvaardt and includes seasoned campaigners like allrounder Marizanne Kapp, opener Tazmin Brits, and seamer Ayabonga Khaka.

Two uncapped players, 18-year-old legspinner Seshnie Naidu and 20-year-old seamer Ayanda Hlubi, have earned their maiden call-ups to the national team. Both players impressed during South Africa’s run to the final of the inaugural Under-19 Women’s World Cup last year.

The squad remains largely unchanged from the one that reached the final of the 2023 T20 World Cup, with the exception of wicketkeeper batter Mieke de Ridder, who replaces the retired Shabnim Ismail. Lara Goodall, Masabata Klaas, and Delmi Tucker have been omitted from the squad.

Nadine de Klerk, who is currently recovering from an Achilles’ injury, is expected to be fit for the tournament. The team will play three warm-up matches in Pakistan before heading to the UAE.

South Africa’s squad for the T20 World Cup:

* Laura Wolvaardt (captain)
* Anneke Bosch
* Tazmin Brits
* Nadine de Klerk
* Annerie Dercksen
* Mieke de Ridder
* Ayanda Hlubi
* Sinalo Jafta
* Marizanne Kapp
* Ayabonga Khaka
* Suné Luus
* Nonkululeko Mlaba
* Seshnie Naidu
* Tumi Sekhukhune
* Chloé Tryon

Traveling Reserve:

* Miané Smit

South Africa Women to Tour Pakistan for T20I Series Ahead of World Cup

South Africa Women to Tour Pakistan for T20I Series Ahead of World Cup

South Africa’s women’s cricket team will embark on a crucial tour of Pakistan in September as part of their preparations for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The Proteas will play three T20I matches against Pakistan in Multan from September 16 to 20, providing them with valuable match practice ahead of the global tournament.

The tour will mark South Africa’s second visit to Pakistan in just over a year, following their successful ODI and T20I series in September 2021. The Proteas emerged victorious in the ODI series, while Pakistan swept the T20Is.

CSA director of cricket Enoch Nkwe emphasized the importance of the Pakistan tour for South Africa’s World Cup preparations. “This T20I series against Pakistan is a critical part of our preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup,” Nkwe said. “It offers the team the invaluable opportunity to gain match practice, allowing us to refine our strategies and ensure that our players are in peak form.”

Nkwe also expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their collaboration in arranging the series. “We are incredibly grateful to the PCB for their collaboration and efforts in arranging this series,” Nkwe said. “This series not only helps us prepare for the World Cup but also strengthens the relationship between our two cricket boards as the Proteas Women visit Pakistan for the second time in a year.”

The Women’s T20 World Cup will be held in Dubai and Sharjah from October 3 to 20. Pakistan has been drawn in Group A alongside Australia, India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, while South Africa is in Group B with Bangladesh, England, Scotland, and West Indies.

The South African team will arrive in Multan on September 13 and depart for the UAE on September 21, the day after the final T20I against Pakistan. The Proteas will be looking to build on their recent success in Pakistan and gain valuable experience ahead of the World Cup.

England Announce Home Fixtures for 2025, India Series to Highlight Season

England Announce Home Fixtures for 2025, India Series to Highlight Season

England’s 2025 home cricket season promises an exciting array of fixtures, with both the men’s and women’s teams hosting major series. The highlight will be the five-Test series against India, which will run concurrently with a five-match T20I series between the women’s teams.

The season kicks off on May 21 with England Women facing West Indies in the first of three T20Is. The men’s team will then take on Zimbabwe in a one-off Test at Trent Bridge from May 22-25. This will be the first Test meeting between the two sides since the 2007 World T20.

The white-ball series against West Indies will follow, with three ODIs and three T20Is scheduled. The men’s team will then host India for a five-Test series, starting at Headingley on June 20. The women’s team will also face India in a five-match T20I series, beginning at Trent Bridge on June 28.

The Hundred is likely to occupy much of August, but England Men will conclude their international program with six white-ball games against South Africa before traveling to Ireland for a three-match ODI series.

In 2026, Lord’s will host its first women’s Test when India return for a one-off game. This will be a historic occasion, marking a significant milestone in the growth of women’s cricket.

ECB Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould expressed his excitement about the upcoming season, saying, “Staging England Men’s and England Women’s series alongside each other has been popular with fans and supported the continued growth of the women’s game.”

He added, “India touring is always a big draw and a highlight of any cricket summer. I’m delighted we’ll also be welcoming both West Indies teams back again for white-ball series, following this year’s men’s Test series.”

Kwena Maphaka Earns Proteas Call-Up After Stellar Year

Kwena Maphaka Earns Proteas Call-Up After Stellar Year

Kwena Maphaka, the standout performer at the Under-19 World Cup, has earned a call-up to South Africa’s senior team for their upcoming T20I series against West Indies. The 18-year-old fast bowler, who was named Player of the Tournament, has impressed with his pace and control, taking 21 wickets at an average of 9.71 in the tournament.

Maphaka’s inclusion is a testament to his rapid rise in the cricketing world. He made his provincial debut for Lions just before the World Cup and was subsequently picked by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024. His selection for the Proteas is a recognition of his exceptional talent and potential.

South Africa’s squad for the West Indies series also includes Jason Smith, a middle-order batter who was Dolphins’ top-scorer in the CSA T20 Challenge. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, with several regulars absent due to the recent T20 World Cup and upcoming CPL.

Quinton de Kock, who has not confirmed his international retirement, is the most notable absentee. Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje, David Miller, and Tabraiz Shamsi are also missing, while Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, and Marco Jansen are being rested.

Bjorn Fortuin, who was a reserve player at the T20 World Cup, will take on the main spin-bowling duties. Lungi Ngidi will lead the pace attack, supported by Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, and Lizaad Williams. Wiaan Mulder and Patrick Kruger provide seam-bowling allrounder options.

Rassie van der Dussen has been recalled after missing out on the T20 World Cup, but there is no room for Matthew Breetzke. Aiden Markram will continue to captain the side.

“This tour allows us to continue developing our player pool whilst maintaining the core of experienced players,” said South Africa’s white-ball coach Rob Walter. “It will also expose our emerging talent to quality international opposition.”

The three matches will be played at the Brian Lara Stadium from August 23-27. South Africa will be looking to improve on their performance in their previous T20I series against West Indies in May, which they lost 0-3.

Tony de Zorzi: Test Opener and Off-Field Entertainer

Tony de Zorzi: Test Opener and Off-Field Entertainer

Tony de Zorzi, the newly appointed Test opener for South Africa, has made a significant impact both on and off the field during the team’s tour of the West Indies.

Off the field, de Zorzi has showcased his comedic talents by hosting the team’s video tour diary. In a recent episode, he engaged in a pop-quiz on Olympic sports, designed a makeshift hurdles course, and conducted a spoof pitch report.

On the field, de Zorzi has acquitted himself well in his new role. In the first Test against West Indies, he scored a half-century in the first innings and a 45 in the second, helping South Africa set a challenging target.

De Zorzi’s approach at the crease has been influenced by the conditions in the Caribbean. He has focused on playing straighter shots, adjusting to the slower pace and harder ball. Despite the differences from his home pitches, de Zorzi has maintained his batting style while making subtle adjustments.

While he acknowledges the pressure to score his first Test century, de Zorzi remains philosophical. He believes it will come when it’s meant to and is confident in his abilities.

Beyond cricket, de Zorzi has embraced the culinary delights of the West Indies. He has particularly enjoyed the plantain, a popular snack in Guyana, where the second Test will be played.

De Zorzi’s performances and off-field antics have endeared him to fans and teammates alike. He has demonstrated his versatility and adaptability, both as a cricketer and an entertainer.

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