Tag: South Africa

KARACHI: The South Africa and New Zealand cricket teams have arrived in Karachi on Tuesday after playing their tri-nation ODI series clash in Lahore yesterday.

New Zealand, on the back of star batter Kane Williamson’s century, defeated South Africa by six wickets to book a spot in the tri-nation ODI series final here.

The Blackcaps comprehensively chased the 305-run target at the loss of four wickets and eight balls remaining courtesy of an 187-run stand between Devon Conway and Williamson.

The New Zealand squad, having fought valiantly in their recent matches, will take a much-needed break today to recharge their spirits.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, the South African players are set to engage in a rigorous practice session at 12:30 PM, honing their skills and strategies in preparation for the critical clash ahead.

On the other hand, the Pakistan team will not be training today. However, a pre-match press conference featuring Pakistan and South Africa is set to take place later in the day.

Tomorrow, all eyes will be on the newly-renovated National Bank Stadium as Pakistan and South Africa square off in a high-stakes encounter.

The stakes could not be higher, with the winner securing a coveted spot in the tri-nation series final on February 14, where they will face New Zealand in a battle for the trophy.

READ: ‘He is a world-class player’: Kane Williamson heaps praise on Babar Azam

LAHORE: South Africa batter Matthew Breetzke broke the 47-year-old world record for the highest score on ODI debut with his mammoth innings in the second match of the tri-nation series against New Zealand here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.

The 26-year-old opener’s brilliant knock of 150 off 148 balls including 11 fours and five sixes, made him the highest individual scorer ever on One Day International debut.

Previously, the record for the highest score on an ODI debut belonged to West Indies cricketer Desmond Haynes, who scored 148 runs in 1978.

Most runs scored on debut in ODIs:

Matthew Breetzke          150(148)               2025

Desmond Haynes            148(136)              1978

Rahmanullah Gurbaz       127(127)               2021

Colin Ingram                   124(126)             2010

Mark Chapman                124*(116)           2015

He also became the fourth South Africa batter to score a century on his ODI debut. The list includes Colin Ingram, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

With the help of Matthew Breetzke’s knock South Africa posted a strong total of 304-6 in their 50 overs.

The opener shared a 131-run fourth-wicket partnership with Wiaan Mulder which drove South Africa into a commanding position.

The debutant departed on 150 runs after playing a brilliant knock which included five sixes and 11 fours while on the other end, Mulder stood firm and amassed 64 runs on 60 balls.

Wiaan Mulder hit five fours and one six in his innings.

Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke each took two wickets in their ten overs, while Bracewell contributed with one wicket.

South Africa named four debutants in their playing eleven against New Zealand as their premier players were involved in a T20 League back home.

New Zealand brought in opener Devon Conway for Rachin Ravindra, who took a blow to the head during the fielding in the tri-nation series opening match against Pakistan.

Playing XIs

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Eathan Bosch, Junior Dala, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.

New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Ben Sears, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke

READ: Tri-nation series: Matthew Breetzke’s debut ton sets New Zealand 305 to win

LAHORE: Former Pakistan all-rounder and newly appointed South Africa bowling consultant Yasir Arafat on Saturday expressed optimism about the Proteas’ chances despite several key players missing from the squad for the tri-nation ODI series.

Speaking to the media after joining the South African camp, Yasir acknowledged the absence of major players but expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and potential.

“South Africa’s key players are not part of this series due to injuries or other reasons, but despite that, this is still a very strong team,” he said.

Recognizing the impact of missing experienced names, Yasir emphasized the opportunity for young players to step up.

“Of course, not having big names is a disadvantage, but it also gives new players a chance to learn and prove themselves,” he added.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Yasir Arafat, who joined the coaching staff of South Africa as a bowling consultant, praised the team environment and the culture of learning within the squad.

“I have only been with the team for two hours, but I can already see how good the team atmosphere is. South African players get a great chance to learn from each other,” Yasir Arafat remarked.

“They considered the conditions before bringing me in, and I will give my best to help the team,” he further added.

Yasir also lauded Pakistan’s recent coverage of Gaddafi Stadium’s renovation, acknowledging its significance in hosting major events.

“I have been following all the updates from England, and the way you covered Gaddafi Stadium’s transformation deserves appreciation,” he noted.

READ: PM Shehbaz Sharif shares piece of advice for Shaheen Afridi ahead of Champions Trophy

Former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat has joined the support staff of South Africa as the bowling consultant for the upcoming tri-nation ODI series.

Arafat reached Pakistan from London and joined South Africa’s training camp in Lahore ahead of their first match of the series against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 10.

Yasir Arafat has represented Pakistan in three Test matches, 11 ODIs and 13 T20Is from 2000 to 2012. He completed his ECB Level 4 coaching course from Loughborough University, becoming the first Pakistan Test cricketer to do so.

He has gained extensive experience as a bowling coach for various county teams, including the  Sussex and Surrey. Additionally, he has also worked with Australia’s renowned Big Bash League (BBL) franchise, the Perth Scorchers.

His coaching repertoire also includes serving as Pakistan’s High-Performance Coach as well as the bowling coach for the Hong Kong national team.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The tri-nation ODI series will be played from 8 to 14 February at the newly constructed Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi

Pakistan will take on New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, with the first ball to be bowled at 2:00 pm PST.

In the single-league tournament, New Zealand will take on South Africa on Monday, 10 February at the same venue in the day game. The match is scheduled to begin at 09:30 AM.

After the second match, the action will move to Karachi, where the home side will take on South Africa at the National Bank Stadium in a day-night match on Wednesday, 12 February.

The final of the tri-nation ODI series will be played between the top two sides on Friday, 14 February with the first ball to be bowled at 2:00 PM PST.

The tournament provides an opportunity for all three sides to prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to begin in Karachi on 19 February with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand.

READ: South Africa add two key players to squad for tri-nation ODI series

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday, added left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and right-arm pacer Lungi Ngidi to their squad for the first match of the upcoming tri-nation ODI series in Pakistan.

The tri-nation ODI series will begin today, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at the newly renovated Gaddafi Stadium.

Meanwhile, South Africa will play their first match of the series against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 10.

The tri-nation series holds significant importance for Pakistan as well as New Zealand and South Africa as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The final of the series is set to take place on February 14 at the recently renovated National Bank Stadium (NBS) in Karachi.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

South Africa initially announced an inexperienced 12-member squad, featuring six uncapped players, for the first match of the series. However, CSA added Shamsi and Ngidi to the squad to bolster their line-up for the aforementioned fixture.

“Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi have been added to the squad for South Africa’s first match of the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand on 10 February,” CSA announced.

For the unversed, Ngidi last played an ODI in October last year against Ireland, while Shamsi featured in the ODI series against Pakistan in December last year.

South Africa squad for first ODI of the tri-nation series

Temba Bavuma (c), Eathan Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Junior Dala, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Meeka-eel Prince, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne, Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi.

READ: Fortune Barishal edge Chittagong Kings to defend BPL title

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Wednesday announced a 12-member squad for the first match of the tri-nation series in Pakistan, with pacer Gerald Coetzee returning to the side after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the Test series against Sri Lanka.

The squad, featuring six uncapped players, is announced for their match against New Zealand, which is scheduled on 10 February at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

“Players will be added to the squad following the SA20 Eliminator between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Joburg Super Kings on Wednesday, 05 February,” CSA said in a press release.

Moreover, spinner Keshav Maharaj and explosive batter Heinrich Klaasen will be available for South Africa’s second ODI of the tri-series against Pakistan on February 12 in Karachi.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The squad for the remainder of the series would be announced on February 9 after the SA20 final.

It’s worth noting that the series will begin on February 8, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at Gaddafi Stadium.

The tri-nation series holds significant importance for Pakistan as well as New Zealand and South Africa as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

The final of the series is set to take place on February 14 at the recently renovated National Bank Stadium (NBS) in Karachi.

South Africa squad for first ODI of the tri-series

Temba Bavuma (c), Eathan Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Junior Dala, Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Gideon Peters, Meeka-eel Prince, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne

READ: New Zealand squad arrives in Lahore for tri-nation ODI series

LAHORE: The New Zealand cricket team arrived here on Wednesday for the tri-nation ODI series involving hosts Pakistan and South Africa.

The Kiwi squad landed via a private airline through Dubai, receiving a warm welcome upon arrival. The team will take a complete rest today to recover from the journey and recharge before hitting the field tomorrow.

New Zealand will take part in a joint training session with the home side at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

The series will officially begin on February 8, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at Gaddafi Stadium.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

It’s worth noting that South Africa will arrive in Pakistan on February 7 and will conduct their first practice session at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground on February 8.

The tri-nation series holds significant importance for Pakistan as well as New Zealand and South Africa as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Following their opening match in Lahore, the national team will travel to Karachi for their next fixture. Before that, New Zealand and South Africa will face each other before moving to Karachi.

The final of the series is set to take place on February 14 at the recently renovated National Bank Stadium (NBS) in Karachi.

New Zealand squad for Tri-nation ODI series

Mitchell Santner (c), Will Young, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Ben Sears, Will O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy

WATCH: PCB unveils PSL 10 logo ahead of milestone edition

The schedule for the training sessions of all three participating teams in the upcoming tri-nation ODI series has been finalized, with Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa set to begin preparations ahead of the tournament, which will take place from February 8 to 14.

Pakistan will hold their first training session at the Ghani Institute in Lahore on Tuesday afternoon, followed by another session at the same venue on Wednesday evening.

New Zealand’s squad, scheduled to arrive on Wednesday morning, will take part in a joint training session with the home side at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

The series will officially begin on February 8, with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opening match at Gaddafi Stadium.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, South Africa will arrive in Pakistan on February 7 and will conduct their first practice session at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground on February 8.

The tri-nation series holds significant importance for Pakistan as well as New Zealand and South Africa as they prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Following their opening match in Lahore, the national team will travel to Karachi for their next fixture. Before that, New Zealand and South Africa will face each other before moving to Karachi.

The final of the series is set to take place on February 14 at the recently renovated National Bank Stadium (NBS) in Karachi.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Nation Series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (wk)(c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, Saud Shakeel, Naseem Shah, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Muhammad Hasnain, Usman Khan, Haris Rauf.

Schedule

8 February 2025, Pakistan vs New Zealand (14:00)

10 February 2025, South Africa vs New Zealand (09:30)

12 February 2025, South Africa vs Pakistan (14:00)

14 February 2025, Final (14:00)

READ: PCB reveals ticket prices for tri-nation ODI series

KUALA LUMPUR: India bagged back-to-back ICC women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup titles after they thrashed South Africa by nine wickets in the finals courtesy of Trisha Gongadi brilliant all-round performance at the Bayuemas Oval on Sunday.

South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first which turned out to be a wrong decision at the end. The Proteas batters struggled throughout the innings in front of Indian bowling.

Parunika Sisodia made early inroad, dismissing opener Simone Lourens for a golden duck, while Shabnam followed with the vital wicket of the dangerous Jemma Botha, leaving South Africa in tatters at 20/2 by the end of the 4th over.

After losing their openers early, South Africa stumbled further when Aayushi Sharma removed Diara Ramlakan leaving South Africa at 29/3 by the end of the powerplay.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

However, a rescue effort from captain Kayla Reyneke and Karabo Meso steadied the innings, but both were dismissed in consecutive overs.

The Indian bowlers took advantage of the early wickets and never let South Africa recover. The whole team was bundled out for just 82 runs.

Gongadi Trisha was the star of the show, taking three wickets. Aayushi Shukla also contributed with bowling figures of 2-9 which included two maidens as well while Vaishnavi Sharma and Shabnam played a vital part with two and one wicket, respectively.

In reply, India started strongly with both openers adding 36 runs in four overs. Kayla Reyneke dismissed G Kamalini (8) courtesy of a brilliant catch from Simone Lourens.

Meanwhile, Trisha Gongadi continued her outstanding batting run, scoring an unbeaten 44 off 33 balls which included eight fours. She along with Sanika Chalke (26) guided India to a comfortable win in 11.2 overs, claiming the ICC Women’s Under-19 World Cup title for the second time.

Gongadi was awarded the Player of the Match and Series for his outstanding all-round performance in the tournament. The young sensation played a vital role in India’s triumph in the tournament by scoring 309 runs in seven matches and bagging seven wickets.

For the unversed, India had won the title in the inaugural edition in 2023 held in South Africa after beating England by seven wickets in the final.

READ: Australia crush England in women’s Test to complete Ashes whitewash

South Africa suffered a major blow ahead of the upcoming ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 as fast bowler Anrich Nortje was on Tuesday ruled out of the eight-team event due to a back injury.

The latest injury setback for the 31-year-old was announced by Cricket South Africa (CSA) a day after he was named in his country’s 15-man squad for the tournament in Pakistan next month.

Nortje, at his peak the fastest bowler in international cricket, underwent a scan on Monday, according to a statement by CSA, “which revealed the extent of the injury”. The statement did not specify the exact nature of the injury.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Anrich Nortje, who has played in 19 Tests, 22 one-day internationals and 42 T20 internationals, has not played any international cricket since the final of the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados back in June last year.

He had been in line to make a comeback against Pakistan last month but suffered a broken toe while batting in the nets.

Nortje was also ruled out of the ongoing SA20 franchise competition in which he was due to play for Pretoria Capitals. CSA said a replacement would be named later.

South African squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (wkt), Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.

READ: Champions Trophy 2025: compete list of announced team squads