Tag: South Africa

The schedule for the all-format series between South Africa and Pakistan has been finalized, with the Proteas set to visit next month, sources confirmed on Thursday.

The tour will feature two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. According to the sources, the red-ball leg begins in Lahore on October 12, with the second Test to be played in Rawalpindi from October 20.

The series will also mark the start of Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.

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After the Tests, the focus will shift to white-ball cricket. The ODI series is scheduled for October 28 and 30, with the final match on November 2, all to be staged in Rawalpindi.

The T20I series will then follow on November 5, 8, and 9, with Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium likely to host the matches. The T20Is will serve as vital preparation for both sides ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

This will be South Africa’s second visit to Pakistan in 2025, following their participation in the February tri-nation series alongside New Zealand.

Tentative schedule of Pakistan-South Africa series

• 1st Test: October 12–16, Lahore
• 2nd Test: October 20–24, Rawalpindi
• 1st ODI: October 28, Rawalpindi
• 2nd ODI: October 30, Rawalpindi
• 3rd ODI: November 2, Rawalpindi
• 1st T20I: November 5, Faisalabad
• 2nd T20I: November 8, Faisalabad
• 3rd T20I: November 9, Faisalabad

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South Africa opener Tony de Zorzi has been sidelined from the ongoing ODI series against England after picking up a left hamstring injury during the opening match in Leeds.

The 28-year-old sustained the injury while making a diving stop to deny Jos Buttler a boundary on Tuesday.

Though his effort saved runs, de Zorzi was left in visible discomfort and had to leave the field. Team management later confirmed he would only bat if required.

With South Africa chasing a modest 132-run target, the left-hander was not needed in their seven-wicket win.

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He will now return home for scans to assess the severity of the injury.

Tony de Zorzi had come in place of Matthew Breetzke, who was sidelined with a hamstring issue of his own. However, Breetzke has since recovered and is expected to reclaim his spot.

South Africa have not named a replacement for de Zorzi, with the rest of the squad remaining unchanged.

The Proteas lead the three-match series 1-0 after their dominant display in the first ODI. The second match will be played at Lord’s on Thursday.

South Africa squad for England ODIs

Temba Bavuma (c), Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Lungi Ngidi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs.

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Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers opened up on the 2015 World Cup nerve-wracking semi-final against New Zealand, reflecting on the chat with pacer Dale Steyn before the final ball of the match.

Back in 2015, New Zealand defeated South Africa by four wickets with just one ball to spare to set up the final with Australia.

Speaking on the Beard Before Wicket Podcast, AB de Villiers reflected on the key moments, pressure, and the crowd at Eden Park during that semi-final

“We had so many chances to win that semi and I think we had Aussiey’s number in that final,” he said.

“Never know now, but we beat them quite a few times leading up to that. So, we had a bit of a mental edge, and I was incredibly excited to go and face them in the final, which obviously never happened, ” he lamented.

He also recalled the noisy crowd that day and the impact on South Africa while rueing the dropped chances.

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“That day at Eden Park, one of the hardest challenges of my life. It was so loud.  They [the crowd] did well to sort of intimidate us. I thought we played well, played a good game of cricket, just fumbled a couple in the field, and it is what it is now,” revealed De Villiers.

The batting maestro highlighted the pivotal moment before the final ball, revealing a chat with Dale Steyn.

“I had told Dale,’ You get that natural away shape, go hard length, cross seam, just fire it in, beat the bat,” he said.

“Looking back now, maybe a yorker. But at the time, I honestly thought that was the right plan. Hard length, he can hit it straight up, you’ve got him. And he pulled it off.”

Following that ball, De Villiers and the South Africa players became emotional and were seen lying on the ground.

“That’s why I dropped to my knees, because I immediately felt like, it’s on me. And that’s what you feel like—you know, that’s how we play the game, that’s how you want sportsmen to play: to put everything on the line and feel like you’ve got everything to lose,” he concluded.

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MACKAY: Records tumbled in Australia vs South Africa third One Day International (ODI) as Cameron Green hit the second-fastest century for the hosts here at Great Barrier Reef Arena on Sunday.

Opting to bat first, Australia amassed 431 runs in total, losing just two wickets in the process, within their allocated 50 overs, which shattered multiple records.

The total in the Australia vs South Africa match was the hosts’ highest at home and overall second-highest in ODIs, falling just three runs short of their remarkable 437 against the Proteas in Johannesburg in 2006.

With Cameron Green (118*), Travis Head (142), and Mitchell Marsh (100), all three batters scoring centuries, this marked the second time a team’s three batters have achieved tons.

The first instance was between South Africa and the West Indies in Johannesburg in 2015.

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Cameron Green, who hit 118* off 55 balls, entered the record books by smashing the fastest ODI century against South Africa and the second fastest for his country in the format.

Green surpassed Matthew Hayden’s record of a 66-ball century against the Proteas.

Glenn Maxwell’s 40-ball effort against the Netherlands in Delhi in the 2023 ODI World Cup holds the record for the fastest century for Australia.

Australia is playing in a dead rubber, since South Africa has already won the series 2-0. However, their openers Marsh and Head came out firing all cylinders with a mammoth 250-run partnership.

The duo’s partnership was the fifth highest for Australia, with the previous double century stand for Aussies forged between Glenn Maxwell and Pat Cummins for the eighth wicket in Mumbai in 2023.

At the time of filing this story, Australia were in command of the match with South Africa reeling at 135-7 in only 19.2 overs.

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MACKAY: Lundi Ngidi took five wickets after Matthew Breetzke and Tristan Stubbs’s half-centuries to steer South Africa to a dominant 84-run victory over Australia in the second ODI here on Friday.

South Africa showcased an impressive bowling performance at Great Barrier Reef Arena, dismissing Australia for 193 runs in 37.4 overs after their batsmen scored 277 runs.

Josh Inglis waged a lone battle for Australia with an 87-run knock, but could not find much support from the other end.

Lungi Ngidi led the bowling attack for South Africa, returning figures of 5-42. He was supported by Nandre Burger and Senuran Muthusamy, who took two wickets each, while Wiaan Mulder bagged one.

Earlier, Matthew Breetzke slammed a superb 88 and Tristan Stubbs 74 to help their team post a challenging 277.

Breetzke crunched eight fours and two sixes to continue his impressive form since making his debut this year. In his first four ODIs, he has posted a century and three half-centuries.

Stubbs was also impressive in an 87-ball stay before the visitors were dismissed in the final over.

Adam Zampa (3-63) was the pick of the bowlers while Cameron Green held four catches.

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South Africa started tentatively with Australia pacer Xavier Bartlett bagging both openers inside the first six overs.

The paceman had Aiden Markram, standing in as skipper with Temba Bavuma rested, caught by Travis Head at mid-wicket without scoring.

He then tempted Ryan Rickelton (8) to poke at a seaming ball with wicketkeeper Josh Inglis taking a fine diving catch.

But Breetzke relieved the pressure when Aaron Hardie came on, slamming the quick for two sixes and a four in an over to steer them to 56-2 after the 10-over powerplay.

He then built a breezy 67-run stand with Tony de Zorzi (38) and shared another 89-run partnership with Stubbs, before skying Nathan Ellis to Alex Carey in the deep.

Stubbs stuck around as wickets fell around him before Zampa tempted him into a slog down the ground with Green getting underneath it, before a late flurry from the tail.

The third ODI between Australia and South Africa will be played at the same venue on 24 August.

WATCH: Wiaan Mulder survives injury scare while bowling in second Australia ODI

MACKAY: South Africa all-rounder Wiaan Mulder endured a frightening moment during the second ODI against Australia here on Friday but managed to walk away unscathed before making an immediate impact with the ball.

The incident unfolded in the second innings when Mulder came on to bowl the 10th over after South Africa had posted 277 in their first innings.

On his very first delivery, Mulder lost his footing at the popping crease and collapsed awkwardly, sparking concern among teammates and spectators.

It appeared that his back foot slipped while landing, leaving him unable to balance his bodyweight through the delivery stride.

Fortunately, Wiaan Mulder managed to fall safely and avoided what could have been a serious knee or back injury.

The 27-year-old was quickly back on his feet and started his spell. Remarkably, he struck on the second ball of his spell, removing Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh (18).

The right-hander attempted a pull shot off a short delivery, only to mistime it into the mid-wicket region, gifting South Africa a crucial breakthrough.

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Earlier in the match, Wiaan Mulder contributed a valuable 26 off 21 balls with the bat, rounding off a strong all-round performance.

Notably, Australia were bundled for 193 in 37.4 overs while chasing a target of 278, losing the second ODI and the three-match series.

Josh Inglis waged a lone battle for Australia with an 87-run knock but could not find much support from the other end.

Lungi Ngidi led the bowling attack for South Africa, returning figures of 5-42. He was supported by Nandre Burger and Senuran Muthusamy, who took two wickets each.

The third ODI of the series will be played at the same venue on 24 August.

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AUCKLAND: Muhammad Abbas has been included in the 15-member squad of New Zealand A for the upcoming tour of South Africa, featuring three one-day matches and two four-day games.

The squad, carrying an average age of just 25, highlights the country’s growing depth, with 10 players already having international experience.

Nick Kelly will captain the white-ball side, while Joe Carter takes charge in the longer format.

Among the notable selections are Abbas, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Bevon Jacobs, and Rhys Mariu, all of whom have recently broken into the senior New Zealand team.

Foulkes made headlines on debut in Zimbabwe earlier this year, grabbing 9/75, the best-ever figures by a Kiwi in their first Test.

Abbas, meanwhile, introduced himself in style with the fastest half-century by a New Zealand batter on ODI debut, smashing 26 balls to reach the mark against Pakistan in March.

Wicketkeeper-batter Hay has also enjoyed a remarkable summer, setting a T20I world record with six dismissals in an innings and producing a match-winning 99* against Pakistan in Hamilton.

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Jacobs and Mariu have impressed in limited outings as well, registering key knocks on debut appearances.

The squad shows two changes from the one that toured Bangladesh earlier this year, with Jacobs and Test pacer Matt Fisher coming in.

Auckland’s Simon Keene, yet to feature for New Zealand A, also gets the nod after consistent domestic performances, which include a first-class century and three five-wicket hauls.

Northern Districts all-rounder Kristian Clarke misses out due to a side strain.

The team will be coached by former New Zealand batter Daniel Flynn, currently assistant coach at Northern Districts, who steps up to guide a national side for the first time.

He will be supported by high-performance coaches Bob Carter and Graeme Aldridge.

The squad departs on August 24, with the tour starting on August 30.

New Zealand A Squad for South Africa tour

Muhammad Abbas, Adithya Ashok, Joe Carter (red-ball captain), Josh Clarkson, Matt Fisher, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Curtis Heaphy, Bevon Jacobs, Simon Keene, Nick Kelly (white-ball captain), Jayden Lennox, Ben Lister, Rhys Mariu, Dale Phillips.

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JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Thursday announced eight venues for the highly anticipated ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.

The announcement came during the unveiling of CSA’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), where former Minister Trevor Manuel was appointed chair to oversee preparations for the tournament.

The ICC 2027 World Cup will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa, with South Africa staging a majority of the matches.

South Africa will host 44 out of 54 matches, with the remaining 10 games to be played in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

“The shortlisted venues include Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Bloemfontein, East London, and Paarl,” CSA said in a statement.

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Following the announcement, CSA chairperson Pearl Maphoshe expressed his views on the marquee event.

“CSA’s vision is to stage a global, inspiring event which will reflect the face of South Africa — diverse, inclusive, and united,” he said.

CSA president Rihan Richards also emphasized the significance of the event.

“Twenty-four years have passed since the last ICC CWC tournament took place on African soil. This makes the 2027 CWC a sought-after opportunity to create a unique platform for attracting new fans while engaging existing fans through digital innovation, connecting with the African continent, and the world,” he said.

ICC World Cup 2027 LOC:

Independent Chair: Trevor Manuel

CSA members’ council and board appointments

Johannes Adams, President of Western Province (non-independent)

Yunus Bobat, President of Kwa-Zulu Natal (non-independent)

Vuyani Jarana, (CSA Board member – non-independent)

Ministry Appointments:

Advocate Philip October, Non-Independent Director

Unathi Matthew Tshotwana, Non-Independent Director

Independent Directors:

Herman Bosman, Independent Non-Executive Director

Nomfanelo Magwentshu, Independent Non-Executive Director

Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Independent Non-Executive Director

Ravi Naidoo, Independent Non-Executive Director

Dr Stavros Nicolaou, Independent Non-Executive Director

Advocate Karrisha Pillay SC, Independent Non-Executive Director

CSA staff:

Pholetsi Moseki CSA CEO

Refentse Shinners, CSA Public Affairs Executive

Tjaart van der Walt, CSA COO

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South African off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen was on Thursday ruled out of the second ODI against Australia after being reported for a suspect bowling action.

The 31-year-old made his 50-over debut in the Proteas’ thumping 98-run victory in the first ODI at Cairns on Tuesday, taking 1-46 including the key wicket of Travis Head.

But in the match officials’ report, concerns were raised about the legality of his bowling action.

“The bowler will undergo an independent assessment of his bowling action at an ICC-accredited testing facility,” the International Cricket Council (ICC) said.

Under cricket rules, a bowler is allowed 15 degrees of flex in their bowling arm, but anything more is deemed illegal.

Subrayen remains available for selection while awaiting his assessment, but South Africa coach Shukri Conrad said he would sit out the second game of the three-match series on Friday in Mackay.

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“We just felt, together with ‘Subs’ (Subrayen), that less noise, get him away and out of the public eye (and) just make sure that he’s ok,” Conrad told cricket.com.au.

“That’s why his name’s not going to be on the teamsheet tomorrow.

“We will obviously rally around him and make sure that he’s in the best space,” he added.

It is another setback for South Africa, who are already without injured pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada.

Australia spinner Adam Zampa meanwhile, escaped with one demerit point as punishment for breaching the ICC’s code of conduct in the same match after he was caught swearing by a stump microphone.

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Aiden Markram hit 82 before left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj tore through the home side’s new-look batting order in the first Australia vs South Africa ODI in Cairns on Tuesday.

South Africa defeated Australia by 98 runs, thanks to the brilliance of Markram and Maharaj in the opening game of a three-match series.

Sent in to bat, Markram — opening for the first time in ODIs since 2021 — crunched nine boundaries in his 81-ball knock to power South Africa to a formidable 296-8.

Skipper Temba Bavuma (65) and Matthew Breetzke (57) also helped set the tone for the three-match ODI series.

In reply, openers Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head flattened South Africa pacemen as Australia raced to 60-0 after seven overs.

But the match flipped after the introduction of spin, with Maharaj conjuring rampant turn, and he picked up four wickets in his first 15 balls.

He finished with career-best figures of 5-33 from 10 overs as Australia were dismissed for 198 in the 41st over.

It was a strong bounce back from South Africa after their 2-1 defeat against Australia in the Twenty20 series between the teams.

Marsh played a lone hand with 88 off 96 balls in a disappointing batting effort from Australia, transitioning after the recent retirements of veterans Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell from ODI cricket.

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South Africa had been rocked by the news that quick Kagiso Rabada would miss the series with an ankle injury.

An unruffled Markram appeared to be cruising to his fourth ODI century before he was caught behind off left-arm quick Ben Dwarshuis in the 24th over.

A sluggish Bavuma was overtaken by Breetzke, playing his third ODI.

But South Africa lost three wickets for just seven runs with the fall of Breetzke, Tristan Stubbs (duck), and Dewald Brevis (six), before Bavuma kicked on.

After a breakout T20 series, ODI debutant Brevis hit a first-ball six — but then holed out to Head, who finished with 4-57.

Head’s excellent match continued with the bat until he was stumped for 27, providing debutant offspinner Prenelan Subrayen with his first ODI wicket.

Making his return since being axed from Australia’s Test team, Marnus Labuschagne (one) fell on his sixth delivery after unsuccessfully reviewing an lbw decision off Maharaj.

Cameron Green (three) and Josh Inglis (five) were clean bowled by a pumped-up Maharaj, who also had Alex Carey lbw for a golden duck.

Maharaj was unable to complete the hat-trick, but claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in ODI cricket when he knocked over Aaron Hardie (four).

The second Australia vs South Africa ODI will be played in the northern Queensland city of Mackay on Friday.

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