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Tag: South Africa

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Neeraj Chopra to shift training base from South Africa to Turkiye | More sports News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Reigning Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra has decided to shift his training base from South Africa's Potchefstroom to Antalya in Turkiye, as the star javelin thrower looks to commence his athletics season with one of the Diamond Leagues in Doha or Rabat.Neeraj will be heading to Gloria Sports Arena in Antalya in the first week of March for a period of 79 days.He will remain stationed there till the last week of May. Neeraj will be accompanied by his coach and biomechanics expert, Dr Klaus Bartonietz, and physio Ishaan Marwaha.His proposal was cleared at the 124th meeting of the Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) held here on Thursday. Neeraj moved to the North-West University in Potchefstroom on December 5 as part of his preparations for the Paris Olympic Games and will continue traini...
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Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer face contract axe over Ranji Trophy absence | Cricket News – Times of India

MUMBAI: Not playing in the ongoing Ranji Trophy may cost Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer heavily. Both Kishan and Iyer are likely to lose their central contracts when the BCCI announces the list, which is likely to be soon, TOI has learnt."The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, has almost finalised the list of centrally contracted players for the 2023-24 season too, which the BCCI will announce soon.Kishan and Iyer are likely to be excluded from that list, as both haven't been playing domestic cricket despite the BCCI's diktat to do so," a source told TOI.Kishan has been on an extended break "due to personal reasons" since coming back from the India tour of South Africa in December-January. He has been practicing with his Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya at Baroda, but has not turned out...
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New Zealand register maiden Test series win against South Africa | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Kane Williamson's century on Friday at Seddon Park in Hamilton helped New Zealand win a Test series against South Africa for the first time. The team triumphed by seven wickets in the second Test.In the fourth innings of a close Test in Hamilton, Williamson's unbeaten 133 was the driving force behind their 269-3 victory, completing a 2-0 series victory against the undermanned tourists.The Black Caps had not beaten the Proteas in 17 previous Test series dating back to 1931, having lost 13 and drawn four.As New Zealand completed their target of 267 late on day four, Williamson, 33, was systematic during a 260-ball stay, putting on an uninterrupted stand of 152 with Will Young, who hit 60 not out.Williamson has now scored seven centuries in seven Test matches, including two tons...
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2nd Test: David Bedingham’s century sets challenging target for New Zealand | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: South Africa's David Bedingham showcased his class with a magnificent maiden century, leaving New Zealand facing a daunting target of 267 to win the second and final Test in Hamilton.Bedingham's career-best knock of 110 anchored South Africa's second innings, supported by contributions from Keegan Petersen (43) and captain Neil Brand (34). Scorecard: New Zealand vs South Africa, 2nd TestThe tourists set New Zealand a challenging task, aiming to square the series 1-1 and prevent the Black Caps from securing their first-ever series win over the Proteas.On the third day, New Zealand found themselves at 40/1 in their second innings at stumps, still needing 227 runs to secure victory. Opener Tom Latham remained unbeaten on 21, while Devon Conway fell leg before wicket to Dane Pied...
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Sunrisers Eastern Cape hammer Durban Super Giants to retain SA20 title | Cricket News – Times of India

Sunrisers Eastern Cape secured a consecutive SA20 title, dominating the final with an impressive 89-run win over Durban Super Giants at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday.Opting to bat first, the defending champions Sunrisers posted a formidable total of 204 for three in their allotted 20 overs, fueled by Tristan Stubbs' unbeaten 56 off 30 balls and Tom Abell's brisk 55 in 34 deliveries.The Super Giants struggled from the outset and never seemed in control of the run-chase. They slipped to 69 for six, with Marco Jansen's left-arm pace proving devastating. He claimed figures of 5 for 30 as the Durban side capitulated to 115 all out.Last season, the Sunrisers clinched the inaugural title by defeating Pretoria Capitals by four wickets.The SA20 tournament holds stignificant importance for Cr...
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Spinners will play key role in upcoming T20 WC: Maharaj

South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj believes that spinners will play a crucial role in the upcoming T20 World Cup. File | Photo Credit: VIJAY SONEJI Cape Town South Africa's premier left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj is confident that slow bowlers will play a vital role on flat decks expected to be on offer during the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in the Americas in June. The ninth edition of the T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the West Indies and USA from June 1 to 29 this year. "Spinners will play a crucial role in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Wickets are getting better and boundaries are getting shorter. There is much need for a spinner in the team to provide control and variety," told PTI in an interview. "Hopefully, these T20 platforms can give spinners even bigger role to players comi...
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Daryl Mitchell to miss second Test against South Africa due to foot injury | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: New Zealand Cricket announced on Thursday that Black Caps batter Daryl Mitchell will be sidelined for the second Test against South Africa next week to prioritize his fitness for the upcoming home series against world champions Australia.Despite playing a pivotal role in New Zealand's resounding 281-run victory in the first Test against South Africa, Mitchell will be absent from the second match due to a persistent foot problem.The 32-year-old, who boasts an impressive record of five centuries in 31 Tests, will also be unavailable for the three Twenty20 matches against Australia scheduled for this month. This decision has been made to ensure Mitchell receives adequate treatment for his foot injury, which previously sidelined him during the home Twenty20 series against Pakista...
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1st Test: New Zealand thrash second-string South Africa by 281 runs | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Late on the fourth day of the first Test on Wednesday, New Zealand defeated an inexperienced South Africa team by 281 runs, securing a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.The Black Caps declared their second innings at 179/4, setting the Proteas an intimidating 529 to win at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval.Within the first twenty minutes, the home seamers easily removed openers Neil Brand and Edward Moore, but when Zubayr Hamza (36), along with Raynard van Tonder (31), shared a third-wicket stand of 63, the innings progressed slowly.After lunch, Kyle Jamieson (4-58) came out swinging and quickly removed both, but David Bedingham later proved to be an even bigger obstacle.In his third Test match, the 29-year-old right-hander finally replicated his first-class, prolific form at the hig...
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Watch: How India reached their fifth successive ICC U19 World Cup final | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: India's U19 cricket team narrowly edged past South Africa to secure a spot in the U19 World Cup final after a heart-stopping semi-final clash, registering a tense two-wicket victory at Willowmoore Park.Indian captain Uday Saharan's composed 81 guided his team to the brink of victory, before being run out with the scores level, Raj Limbani's decisive boundary off the next ball sealed the win for them.Saharan and Sachin Dhas (96) were instrumental in rescuing India from a precarious 32 for four, forging a crucial 171-run partnership for the fifth wicket, after South Africa posted 244 for seven.WATCH MATCH HIGHLIGHTS HERE:Reflecting on their partnership, Saharan emphasized the importance of taking the game deep, showcasing resilience under pressure.The star left-arm fast bowler ...
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‘It’s a real ‘pinch-me’ moment’: Rachin Ravindra on playing alongside Kane Williamson | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In a heartfelt tribute, New Zealand's young star Rachin Ravindra expressed admiration for Kane Williamson, describing the experience of batting alongside the seasoned 33-year-old as "very special."Following the conclusion of the first day of the Test match between New Zealand and South Africa in Mount Maunganui, Ravindra shared his sentiments, labelling the opportunity to share the pitch with his "idol" Williamson as a "pinch-me" moment.Reflecting on Williamson's century in the match, the 24-year-old couldn't contain his awe, describing it as "unbelievable" that the right-handed batsman continues to exhibit such prowess by smashing centuries. The admiration and appreciation from the emerging talent highlight the impact and inspiration that Williamson brings to the younger pla...
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Kane Williamson hits century to surpass Virat Kohli and Don Bradman | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In a remarkable display of skill and experience, New Zealand's seasoned batsman Kane Williamson outshone both Virat Kohli and legendary Australian cricketer Don Bradman in the Test hundreds list on Sunday.Williamson demonstrated his prowess, concluding the Day 1 of the first Test unbeaten with an impressive score of 112 (259) against South Africa at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.The veteran batsman commenced the year 2024 with a stellar performance, notching up his 30th Test century and forming an unbroken partnership of 219 runs with Rachin Ravindra (118*).This century propelled Williamson ahead of both Kohli and Bradman, who had accumulated 29 centuries each. Additionally, he equalled the tally of England's Joe Root, who also boasts 30 Test centuries.Facing a challenging ...
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South Africa’s second-string Test squad eager to make a mark in New Zealand | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: South Africa's second-string Test squad is prepared to make their nation proud in New Zealand, even with the majority of their regular players participating in the SA20, the country's T20 competition. Fast bowler Dane Paterson believes that the low profile of their players might work in their favor as they embark on the challenge of facing a full-strength New Zealand side.With eight uncapped players, including debutant captain Neil Brand, the 15-man squad is set to take on New Zealand in the first Test at Mount Maunganui on Sunday. While facing the prospect of continuing their unbeaten record in Test series against New Zealand seems challenging, Paterson is optimistic that the unfamiliarity of their squad might pose a challenge for the hosts.Paterson, who last played a Test m...
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South Africa’s Dean Elgar claims Virat Kohli once ‘spat’ on him during Test series

Former South Africa captain Dean Elgar has claimed that former India captain Virat Kohli once ‘spat’ on him during a Test series. Elgar said that the incident happened during the first Test at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali during South Africa’s tour of India in 2015. The four-match Test series was part of a lengthy series that also contained five ODIs and three T20Is. After winning the first Test by 108 runs, India had gone on to sweep the series 3-0 with one match being drawn. “Those wickets were jokes. Like playing on that… that surface there. And I came into bat and I was actually like holding my own against (Ravichandran) Ashwin and what’s his name Jeja (Ravindra Jadeja) (smiles) and Kohli, he like spat at me,” Elgar said on “Banter, with The Boys” podcast. “I said to him if you...
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India drops below Bangladesh in WTC rankings after defeat against England | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Following their shocking 28-run loss to England in the opening Test in Hyderabad, India has fallen to fifth place in the World Test Championship rankings, behind Bangladesh.Following their draw in the two-Test series against South Africa, India held the lead for a short while until Australia overtook them after their win against Pakistan.In terms of cumulative percentage points, Rohit Sharma's team has suffered, dropping from 54.16 following the South Africa series to 43.33 at present.In the first Test match in Hyderabad on Sunday, India were all out for 202 after needing 231 to win in the fourth innings. Tom Hartley (7/62) of England caused a collapse by twirling a web around the home team batsmen.In the most recent WTC rankings, Australia lead with 55 percentage points, and...
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India enter final of FIH Hockey5s Women’s World Cup | Hockey News – Times of India

In a thrilling semifinal victory on Friday, India secured a 6-3 victory over South Africa to move into the final of the FIH Hockey5s Women's World Cup. The last-four clash saw goals from Akshata Abaso Dhekale (7th minute), Mariana Kujur (11th), Mumtaz Khan (21st), Rutuja Dadaso Pisal (23rd), Jyoti Chhatri (25th) and Ajima Kujur (26th) for India.South Africa, with goals from Teshawn De La Rey (5th), captain Toni Marks (8th) and Dirkie Chamberlain (29th), initially took a defensive stance in the first half but still took an early lead with the game's first goal. But India quickly equalized with a powerful shot from Akshata. Toni Marks restored South Africa's lead, but Mariana Kujur's rocket shot soon leveled the score at 2-2.The second half witnessed South Africa's strong start testing In...
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Watch: Glimpses of Lasith Malinga 2.0 in Nuwan Thushara’s SA20 debut | Cricket News – Times of India

It didn't take much time for Nuwan Thushara to get into the thick of the action in his SA20 debut on Sunday when the Sri Lankan's death-over bowling reminded the cricket world of his countrymate and fast-bowling great Lasith Malinga. Playing for MI Cape Town against the Paarl Royals, Thushara registered impressive figures of 2 for 27 in his four overs to limit the Royals to 162/3. Thushara showed his death-over bowling skills when he dismissed Jos Buttler and Fabian Allen in the 18th over off back-to-back deliveries -- both bowled full, especially the one that dismissed Allen, which reminded of Malinga's toe-crushers. Watch Thushara's wickets in this video:It put Thushara on a hat-trick, but Mitchell van Buuren managed to prevent that.Interestingly, Thushara will be honing his skills un...
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Watch: India U-19 cricketer Arshin Kulkarni touches Jacques Kallis’s feet for blessings ahead of U-19 World Cup | Cricket News – Times of India

Two cricketers, who are generations apart, shared a heartwarming moment ahead of the ICC Under-19 World in South Africa, and the video that captured it has gone viral on social media.India's young sensation Arshin Kulkarni didn't miss the chance when he met South African legend and former allrounder Jacques Kallis ahead of the tournament.The video shows Kulkarni talking to Kallis and then touched his feet to take blessings, which visibly moved the Proteas legend.As a mementro from his meeting, the 18-year-old Kulkarni also took Kallis's autograph on his jersey. Kallis is currently the assistant coach of Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 league.The ICC under-19 ODI World Cup will be played from January 19 to February 11.India are placed in Group A of the 16-team tournament alongside Banglade...
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Shreyas Iyer Unfazed by Exclusion from Afghanistan T20I Series and England Test Series | Cricket News – Times of India

Middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer acknowledges fight for Test spot, gears up for England series with productive Ranji outing for MumbaiMUMBAI: Post Mumbai's comfortable win over Andhra on Monday, Shreyas Iyer spent around two hours in the nets to continue his preparation for the England Test series.During the time he spent in the middle-on the same BKC pitch where the match was played-he mostly faced Mumbai spinners Tanush Kotian, an off-spinner who is an established member of the team, Atharva Ankolekar, a left-arm spinner who made his First-Class debut in the last match against Bihar, and throwdown specialists. The idea to practice on a used wicket was in the anticipation of encountering turning conditions in the five-match series against the Three Lions which starts with the first Te...
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‘Modern-day batters aren’t patient anymore if there’s…’: Jacques Kallis | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Jacques Kallis, a modern-day legend with 45 Test centuries, has expressed his observation that modern-day batters tend to lack patience, often opting to hit their way out of challenging situations on pitches that are not easy to bat on.Kallis, who stands second to Sachin Tendulkar in terms of Test centuries, questioned whether the approach of aggressive batting on challenging tracks is the right strategy.The recent Test match between India and South Africa in Cape Town ended in just over two days, raising discussions about the nature of pitches and the balance between batting and bowling.Kallis' comments suggest a concern about the growing trend of batsmen favoring aggressive strokes over patient shot selection, especially on surfaces that offer assistance to bowlers. The deb...