Tag: South Africa

GUWAHATI: Laura Wolvaardt’s magnificent 169 and Marizanne Kapp’s all-round heroics powered South Africa to victory over England in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup here at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

The emphatic win marked the first time that South Africa women have reached the World Cup final.

Set a daunting 319-run target, England crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for a mere 194 in 42.3 overs.

The Three Lions chase started on a bizarre note as they lost their top-three batters for ducks in the first two overs.

Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka wreaked havoc with the new ball, removing Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, and Heather Knight.

As a result, England were in deep waters with 3-1 in 1.1 overs.

After early setbacks, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey paired up and added 107 runs for the third wicket partnership. The stand provided them with some respite and increased their hopes of reaching the final.

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt made 64 from 76 balls, while Capsey scored 50 from 71 deliveries.

However, Sune Luus provided South Africa the much-needed breakthrough with Capsey’s dismissal. At this stage, England were 108-4 in 22.5 overs.

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Sciver-Brunt was involved in another partnership of 30 runs with Danni Wyatt-Hodge before a collapse that folded their innings. Wyatt made 30 from 34 balls with the help of five fours.

For South Africa, Marizanne Kapp picked up a five-wicket haul while Nadine de Klerk scalped two wickets.

Earlier, after being put into bat, South Africa racked up 319-7 in their 50 overs.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits laid a strong foundation with a mammoth 116-run stand for the opening wickets. Brits stuck 45 from 65, including six fours and a maximum.

England kept on taking wickets at regular intervals, but it was Wolvaardt’s knock for the ages that held South Africa’s innings. The skipper 169 from 143 balls was peppered with 20 fours and four sixes.

Marizanne Kapp also starred with the bat as she hit four boundaries and a six on her way to 42 from 33 balls.

For England, Sophie Ecclestone was the long, bright star in the bowling. She picked up four wickets in her quota of 10 overs.

The second semi-final between hosts India and defending champions Australia will be played tomorrow in Navi Mumbai.

READ: Persistent rain washes out India-Australia T20I opener

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez did not hold back after the national team’s 55-run defeat to South Africa in the opening T20I at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Hafeez criticised the T20I team, stating that the issue was not the pitch but the quality of cricket being played.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Hafeez drew a sharp comparison between the two sides, hinting that Pakistan’s struggles were rooted in execution and consistency rather than surface conditions.

“Nothing wrong with Pindi pitch, but the obvious difference is the standard of cricket. #PAKvSA. International league vs International team,” Hafeez posted.

His remark came after South Africa dominated Pakistan in all departments, led by Corbin Bosch’s fiery spell and Reeza Hendricks’s composed half-century.

Batting first, the visitors posted 194 for 7, with Hendricks anchoring the innings with 60 off 40 balls, laced with five boundaries and a six.

George Linde chipped in with a brisk 36 from 22 deliveries, while Tony de Zorzi (33) and Quinton de Kock (23) added valuable contributions.

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Mohammad Nawaz stood out with the ball for Pakistan, claiming three wickets for just 26 runs, while Saim Ayub picked up two.

Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed took one apiece.

In response, Pakistan faltered early and never recovered. Saim Ayub top-scored with 37 off 28 balls, hitting four sixes, while Nawaz provided late resistance with a 20-ball 36.

Sahibzada Farhan made 24 off 19, but none of the top-order batters could anchor the innings.

Babar Azam’s much-anticipated T20I comeback ended abruptly, as the former captain fell for a second-ball duck to Bosch in the sixth over.

Bosch was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa with 4 for 24, while George Linde and Williams added three and two wickets respectively, sealing a commanding win for the visitors and a 1-0 lead in the series.

READ: Babar Azam bags unwanted record with duck against South Africa

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma is set to return to action next month after being named in the squad for two World Test Championship (WTC) matches in India, having recovered from injury.

Bavuma, who led South Africa to victory in the championship final against Australia in London in June, missed the country’s recent series in Pakistan because he was having treatment for a calf strain.

South Africa were captained by Aiden Markram when they started their defence of their title by sharing the two-match series in Pakistan.

Bavuma has captained South Africa in ten Tests, winning nine and drawing one.

The squad announced by Cricket South Africa (CSA) includes the bulk of the players who were in Pakistan.

Off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen missed out despite playing in the first Test in the absence of Keshav Maharaj, who was recovering from injury.

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Durham batsman David Bedingham, who toured Pakistan but did not play in the Tests, made way for Bavuma.

The 15-man squad includes three front-line spinners in Maharaj, Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy, who took a combined 33 wickets in Pakistan.

Coach Shukri Conrad said the players had shown “real character” in sharing the honours in Pakistan after losing the first Test. South Africa lost the toss in both matches and had to bat second in spin-friendly conditions.

“We are expecting a similar challenge in India and many of the players who stood up for us in those conditions will again be key for us,” said Conrad.

“Pakistan was a squad effort, and India will demand the same. Every player has a role to play in ensuring we remain competitive in what is always a tough place to tour.”

South Africa Test squad

Temba Bavuma (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wkt)

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RAWALPINDI: The South Africa T20I squad has arrived here on Friday ahead of their three-match series against Pakistan, set to begin on October 28 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the team’s arrival through a video shared on its official social media channels, showing Proteas players checking into their hotel ahead of the series opener.

🛬 South Africa T20I team arrives in Pakistan ahead of the 3-match series starting 28 Oct in Rawalpindi 🏏#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/P5SGprRAU3

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 24, 2025

However, the visitors’ preparations have been dented by injuries to two key players, experienced batter David Miller and pacer Gerald Coetzee, both of whom have been ruled out of the white-ball series.

According to Cricket South Africa (CSA), Miller, who was slated to captain the side in the T20I series, sustained a grade one right hamstring strain. Scans conducted earlier this week confirmed the injury, forcing him to withdraw from the tour.

Meanwhile, Coetzee suffered a pectoral muscle injury during South Africa’s one-off T20I against Namibia earlier this month, ruling him out of both the ODI and T20I series.

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In response, CSA has made several changes to the touring party.

Matthew Breetzke and uncapped Tony de Zorzi have been drafted into the T20I squad, while Donovan Ferreira will lead the side in Miller’s absence.

Additionally, Ottneil Baartman has been named as Coetzee’s replacement in the ODI squad.

Following the Rawalpindi opener, the second and third T20Is will take place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on October 31 and November 1, respectively.

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The tour will then shift to Faisalabad, where both teams will contest a three-match ODI series from November 4 to 8 at the Iqbal Stadium, marking the city’s first international fixture in over 17 years.

Faisalabad last hosted an ODI on April 11, 2008, when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets.

Updated South Africa squads for Pakistan tour

T20I squad: Donovan Ferreira (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Matthew Breetzke, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams.

ODI squad: Matthew Breetzke (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile.

READ: Pakistan to don special kit in first T20I against South Africa

RAWALPINDI: The Pakistan men’s cricket team will wear a special pink-themed kit in the opening T20I against South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 28, as part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) initiative to support breast cancer awareness.

The PCB announced that the entire stadium will “turn pink” for the occasion, with the initiative held in collaboration with Pink Ribbon Pakistan as part of the board’s corporate social responsibility programme.

“The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will turn pink on 28 October when Pakistan take on South Africa in the first T20I of the three-match series,” the PCB said in a statement.

“As part of its corporate social responsibility, the Pakistan Cricket Board is supporting Pink Ribbon Pakistan to create awareness about breast cancer.”

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The home side will sport specially designed pink-themed kits, while South Africa’s players and match officials will wear pink ribbons in solidarity.

Coaching staff, commentators, and broadcasters will also participate by wearing pink ribbons throughout the match.

To further amplify the message, pink-branded stumps will be used for the fixture, and awareness messages will be shared during the live broadcast.

In partnership with the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Trust Hospital located at Kalma Chowk, Lahore, visitors will be offered free clinical examinations and screenings on the same day.

PCB Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmed Syed said the campaign reflects cricket’s ability to inspire social change.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board takes immense pride in using the power and reach of cricket to create awareness about causes that affect our society,” he said.

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“Through the Pink Ribbon campaign, we aim to highlight the importance of early detection and regular screening for breast cancer, which can save countless lives.

“This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility, and we are grateful to both teams, match officials, broadcasters and fans for joining hands in supporting this vital cause.”

Pink Ribbon CEO Umar Aftab also lauded the PCB’s efforts, calling the collaboration a significant step in raising national awareness.

“We are grateful to the Pakistan Cricket Board for supporting Pink Ribbon through this special cricket match,” he said.

“This collaboration aims to raise national awareness about breast cancer and highlight the importance of early detection.”

“Cricket unites our nation, and today, it’s uniting us for a life-saving cause.”

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COLOMBO: Pakistan captain Fatima Sana admitted her side’s failure with the ball cost them dearly as they slumped to a crushing defeat against South Africa in their must-win ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 clash here on Tuesday.

The rain-hit encounter, which was reduced to 20 overs per side, saw Pakistan fall well short of the revised target of 234, finishing at 83 for 7, a result that all but ended their hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

Opting to bowl first, Pakistan’s previously consistent attack was dismantled by a ruthless South African batting lineup that piled up a record 312 for 9 in 40 overs, their highest-ever total in a Women’s World Cup match.

Speaking after the game, Fatima Sana didn’t shy away from admitting that it was Pakistan’s bowling that faltered under pressure.

“I think today is the day bowlers didn’t perform well. We have to accept it,” Fatima said. “They played very well, but we needed to be calmer in those situations.”

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The 23-year-old skipper pointed to the difficult post-rain conditions as a key factor behind her side’s struggle to find rhythm.

“After the rain, the ball was wet, and it was hard for the bowlers to grip. We tried to bowl on the stumps but couldn’t execute our plans,” she explained.

Despite acknowledging the bowling collapse, Fatima suggested the pitch remained good for batting, but Pakistan’s batters lacked belief in chasing the steep target.

“We lost early wickets and couldn’t build partnerships,” she said. “The pitch was fine, we just didn’t believe enough. Maybe some batters didn’t have that belief.”

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COLOMBO: South Africa Marizanne Kapp starred with bat and ball to knock Pakistan out of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 here at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday.

The 150-run victory put South Africa at the top of the points table with five wins in six matches.

Meanwhile, Pakistan crashed out of the tournament with one game remaining against Sri Lanka.

Following a series of rain interruptions, the Women in Green were given a revised target of 234 runs in 20 overs as per the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) method.

However, they fell short, managing only 83 runs for 7 wickets, dashing their hopes of reaching a semi-final.

Sidra Nawaz top-scored for Pakistan, with 22* of 33 balls; however, none of the other batters could demonstrate a good batting show in front of clinical South Africa bowling.

For South Africa, Marizanne Kapp stood tall with the ball, picking up three wickets, whereas Nondumiso Shangase was equally good with her two wickets.

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Earlier, after opting to bat first, the Proteas Women racked up 312-5 in their allocated 40 overs.

Pakistan, however, were initially set to chase the 306-run target in 40 overs as per the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS).

After losing Tazmin Brits for duck only in the second over, the Proteas kept Pakistan bowlers at bay, courtesy of Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus’ solid 118-run partnership.

Wolvaardt top-scored with 90 from 82 balls, peppered with 10 fours and two sixes, while Luss struck eight fours and two sixes in her composed knock off 61 from 59 balls.

Albeit the highlight of South Africa’s innings was Marizanne Kapp’s 68 from just 43 balls, studded with six fours and three sixes

For Pakistan, Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu picked up three wickets each.

Playing XIs

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RAWALPINDI: South Africa middle-order batters Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi frustrated Pakistan with a century stand, but debutant Asif Afridi struck twice in the final session to put the home side on top at Stumps.

South Africa were 185-4 at the end of the second day’s play here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Tristan Stubbs remained unbeaten on 68 from 184 balls while Kyle Verreynne was not out on 10 from 25 deliveries. The Proteas are still trailing by 148 runs, Pakistan’s first innings total.

Following the tea break, Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi continued on their merry way, notching up half-centuries which kept the visitors afloat.

They added another 81 runs, bringing the total above the 150-run mark. However, Asif trapped De Zorzi lbw to break the 114-run stand.

The left-hander departed after scoring 55 from 93 balls with the help of two fours and a maximum. The long-awaited breakthrough opened the door for Pakistan in the fading light at the Pindi stadium.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Soon after, Asif removed Dewald Brevis for a duck to put his side on top in the Test match.

Besides, Asif Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, and Sajid Khan picked one wicket each.

At Tea, South Africa had scored 86 runs for the loss of two wickets, with Tristan Stubbs on 23 runs and Tony de Zorzi on 13 runs at the crease.

During the second session, Shaheen Afridi made an early breakthrough by dismissing Ryan Rickelton for 14 runs off 26 balls, leaving South Africa at 22-1.

Meanwhile, Aiden Markram kept the scoreboard moving with regular boundaries before falling to Sajid Khan after making 32 runs off 62 balls. His innings included four boundaries and a six.

Following Markram’s dismissal, Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs partnered effectively to prevent any further damage until Tea.

Earlier, Pakistan resumed the day at 259-5. Their lower order added just 74 runs as Maharaj ran riot, exploiting the surface with turn and flight to tear through the batting lineup.

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Salman Ali Agha and Saud Shakeel provided early resistance, adding a valuable 70-run stand that steadied Pakistan’s innings.

Shakeel compiled a patient 66 off 147 balls, his ninth Test fifty, while Agha contributed 45 from 76 deliveries with five boundaries.

However, once Maharaj broke their partnership, Pakistan’s resistance quickly faded. The left-arm spinner struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Agha and Shakeel in back-to-back overs before cleaning up the tail.

Shaheen Shah Afridi fell for a duck, Sajid Khan managed just five, and debutant Asif Afridi was the last to go.

Maharaj finished with outstanding figures of 7 wickets, marking one of his finest performances away from home and ensuring South Africa stayed alive in the contest.

Earlier, Pakistan had built a solid platform on day one through skipper Shan Masood’s 87 and Abdullah Shafique’s 57. The duo shared a crucial 111-run stand for the second wicket before South Africa’s spinners began to claw their way back.

READ: Mohammad Amir reacts to Shaheen Afridi’s appointment as captain

COLOMBO: Pakistan off-spinner Rameen Shamim expressed confidence in her side ahead of their crucial encounter against South Africa in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

Pakistan are winless in their World Cup campaign and are languishing at the bottom of the table with two points from five game. Their remaining fixtures are against South Africa– already qualified and hosts Sri Lanka.

The Women in Green have to win both of their matches and then have to wait for certain resuts going their way to advance through to the semis.

Their best chance to seal a memorable win against England came in the rain-abandoned encounter.

Pakistan had restricted England to133-9 in a match reduced to 31 overs side. In reply, Pakistan had their best start in World Cup as they scored 34 in 6.4 overs without losing wicket.

Yet, the weather in Colombo had the final say with match being washed out. However, the Green Shirts still have an outside chance to advance through to the semi-final.

Speaking in the pre-match presser, Rameen lamented on rain abandoned clash against England, hence halting their chances to claim vital points.

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“Yeah, obviously, rain is not in our control. We cannot control the weather. Yeah, unfortunately, we are upset because we were up to the mark against England,” she said.

However, the 29-year-old remained confident after putting England on the ropes in their previous encounter.

“But we are confident because we played some good cricket in the last two matches. And now we have to play against South Africa and Sri Lanka,” Rameen told reporters.

She emphasized home series which Pakistan had played against South Africa women before heading into the mega event and eyed victories in the remaining matches to end their campaign on good note.

“We are really prepared against them because we have played a series against South Africa before this World Cup. So, we know what to do in the next two matches, and our aim is just to win those two matches,” she said.

“We just want to win those upcoming matches and just leave our mark,” she concluded.

READ: Shafique credits ‘luck’ after laboured 57 against South Africa

COLOMBO: Nonkululeko Mlaba’s three-wicket haul, followed by gutsy half-centuries from Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, propelled South Africa to victory over Sri Lanka in the rain-hit 18th encounter of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

Set 121 Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) adjusted target in 20 overs, South Africa hit the winning runs on the last ball of the 14th over without losing any wicket.

Skipper Laura Wolvaardt made 60 from 47 balls, striking eight fours, while Tazmin Brits’ 42-ball 55 featured two sixes and four boundaries.

The duo forged an unbeaten 125-run stand, powering the Proteas to their fourth successive win, moving them into the second spot with an inch closer to the semi-final.

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Earlier, after opting to bat first, Sri Lanka were 45-2 when the rain arrived. After the rain break, the Islanders could only manage to score 105-7 in 20 overs.

The hosts’ innings could not get going as they lost wickets at regular intervals,  with Vishmi Gunaratne remaining the top-scorer with 34 from 33 balls. She struck six fours in her knock.

For South Africa, Nonkululeko Mlaba scalped three wickets in her four overs while giving away 30. Masabata Klaas also bowled well, picking up two in her five overs.

The defeat was Sri Lanka’s third, slimming their chances of advancing into the semi-final. They now languish on the points table with their remaining two fixtures against Pakistan and Bangladesh.

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