South African fast bowler MitchellStarc has been relieved from the ongoing Australia tour of South Africa. Australia lost in 2nd ODI and lost the ODI series to the South Africa. Starc has been allowed to leave the tour to watch wife Alyssa Healy play for Australia Women in Sunday’s Women’s T20 World Cup final against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Once in a life time opportunity
In the ongoing women’s T20I world cup Australia beats South Africa by DLS method and paved the way for the finals. And the finals takes place between defending champion Australia and India who made their maiden entry in women’s world cup finals. As Australia lose the series to South Africa MitchellStarc has been relieved from the squad to travel Australia to watch his wife Alyssa Healy play in finals.
Starc and Healy
‘It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Mitch to watch Alyssa in a home World Cup final and so we were happy to allow him to return home to support his wife and be part of a fantastic occasion,’ said head coach Justin Langer.’
It is something we have been talking about for a while and, given Mitch has had a considerable workload in all three formats this summer, his heading home a couple of days ahead of the rest of the squad means he will have a chance to refresh ahead of our home and away ODIs and Twenty20 Internationals against New Zealand that will wrap up our season.
Mitchell Starc
Starc’s replacement
‘We have plenty of fast bowling options with us here in South Africa with Josh Hazlewood, Jhye Richardson and Kane Richardson all sitting out our previous match in Bloemfontein, and Mitch’s absence will offer one of them an opportunity to impress in Saturday’s match.’
Women’s T20I world cup finals
This year women’s T20I world cup seems to be special as it takes place on International Women’s day-March 8. Australia and India face for the first time in finals of the T20I world cup. After losing the Australia women’s Tri-series finals to Australia India is in keen to win this finals.
Kuldeep Yadav states how important this IPL going to be for him as performance in this year IPL would drag him in squad for upcoming T20I world cup. And he also mentioned Indian players regarding their performance and possibility of the players in T20I world cup squad.
Regards Dhoni
Indian former captain MS Dhoni who has been last seen in action against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup semifinal, a game India lost. He made himself unavailable for India’s international assignments post the WC exit and was eventually dropped from the BCCI’s list of centrally contracted players in January.
Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni arrived Chennai to start his his practice session with his team mates. This IPL performance is the only possible re-entry for his International carrier that too in upcoming T20I world cup set to begin later this year.
Regards Dhoni Kuldeep states that : “Mahi bhai obviously brings a lot of experience with him and he has given the Indian team a lot. So when a player like that is not playing, of course, you miss him. Both (Rahul and Pant) are keeping well so it has not made too much of a difference, but yes, you do miss his presence”.
“They are catching well and batting pretty well. I have not felt too much of a difference in that way. Every player has their good days and bad days and it’s important to back them when they have bad ones. It’s not that you play for one day, there are lots of days in a year for cricket,” he said.
KL Rahul’s 4th ODI hundred
View on Chahal and Jadeja
The 25-year-old then talked about playing along with Chahal by saying, “As far as wrist spin goes, it depends upon what the management decides. If there are two players who are very good at forming batting or bowling partnerships, it is always great for the team. So it will be good if we play together.”
Jadeja executes an un believable catch in the 2nd test match against New Zealand left every one to take a breath on his effort. Kuldeep also comment on Jadeja regards his multiple role with form in cricket.
“It’s all on the team combination. Jadeja has been playing very well as a batsman, bowler, and fielder. Because of him, the combination has become stronger. He gives a lot of depth to the batting. Whenever Chahal and I get chances we try to perform to our best,” he added.
Kuldeep Yadav who has been roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders is keen to make himself in the squad for the upcoming T20I world cup. Kuldeep believes that his performance in IPL world make him in the T20I squad. The chinaman-spinner has been out of the national side for quite some time now due to injury.
“I don’t feel anything went wrong. It depends on (the) combination (the team management wants),” Kuldeep was quoted as saying by PTI.
“In New Zealand the wickets were quite different, you might have seen that there were no spin tracks in Tests. Moreover, it was not a long Test series as well.”
Kuldeep Yadav keen to get himself in T20I world cup
Ravi Shastri belief
He also states that Indian head coach Ravi Shastri shows a lot of belief in him and has backed him a lot throughout the years.
“(Coach) Ravi bhai (Shastri) backs me a lot. He is open to everything. Whatever cricket I played till date, he has backed me a lot. It was a team decision keeping in mind the conditions.”
“I got plenty of time to plan as well. IPL is very important (for making a comeback in Indian team),” Yadav said.
“Every player wants to play more because the more you play, the more you improve. IPL is such a platform where you get to play regularly over the course of one-and-a-half months and it will in turn result in performance,” he added.
MS Dhoni
Not only Kuldeep focus to show his form in IPL, Indian former skipper and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni too comes under the list. The former Indian skipper was last seen in action against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup semifinal, a game India lost. He made himself unavailable for India’s international assignments post the WC exit and was eventually dropped from the BCCI’s list of centrally contracted players in January.
MS Dhoni in Chennai for IPL 2020
Dhoni arrived to Chennai to start his practice session along with the team mates. The three times IPL champion is in keen to register their fourth victory in this IPL session. As this IPL stands as main event for MS Dhoni’s return to the International matches fans expect him to show his glorious form in the match.
BCCI announced the IPL match fixtures previously but the coronavirus outbreak in India seems to great threat. But BCCI president Ganguly clearly states that IPL matches wont get any changes and also released an order states that IPL prize amount has been slashed down by 50 percent of the previous year.
Former Indian captain MS Dhoni has revealed that his IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has helped him learn the art of handling tough situations on and off the field. The 13th edition of IPL is set to begin from March 29 with an opening clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
Dhoni in practice
Dhoni’s slot in T20I world cup
Chennai Super Kings skipper MS Dhoni arrived to Chennai to start his practice session with team mates. The former Indian skipper was last seen in action against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup semifinal, a game India lost. He made himself unavailable for India’s international assignments post the WC exit and was eventually dropped from the BCCI’s list of centrally contracted players in January.
As pointed out by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly and India head coach Ravi Shastri, Dhoni’s international future depends on his performances in IPL 2020 which comes in to consider him in T20 World Cup planned later this year in Australia.
CSK assist Dhoni
“…CSK has helped me improve in everything, whether it was being a human being or being a cricketer, handling situations that are tough both in and out of the field and how to be humble once you are doing well,” Dhoni was quoted as saying on a show for the official broadcasting channel,” Dhoni was quoted saying for a promotional video by PTI.
Dhoni regards his pet name”Thala”
” ‘Thala’ basically means brother, so for me it’s more the abstract of the fans, the love and affection towards me is the reflection of that. Whenever I am in Chennai or down South they never call me by my name, they address me as ‘Thala’ and the moment someone calls me ‘Thala’ they are showing their love and respect but at the same time he is a CSK fan,” Dhoni added.
CSK CEO KS Viswanathan’s statement
A yellow flower bouquet was handed to MS Dhoni as the skipper received a hero’s welcome on his return to the city that loves and cherishes him.
“Dhoni will train at the MA Chidambaram stadium from March 2. He will practice with players who are available at that time,” CSK CEO KS Viswanathan said in Chennai.
“The full camp will begin on 19 March when all the players would have joined the squad,” he added.
Toss : South Africa Women won the toss and opt to bowl
Captain’s talk
Dane van Niekerk | South Africa skipper: We are gonna have a bowl with the rain around, you know what you want to get in the semi-final. Gets a bit easier. You know if you want to get into the finals you have to beat the defending world champions. Kapp hasn’t recovered, she’s out of the semi-final. Nadine de Klerk comes in for her.
Meg Lanning | Australian skipper: Wasn’t really surely to be honest. There’s potentially some rain coming so happy to let South Africa choose. It looks a good wicket, dry and hopefully we make the most of it. Molineux and Kimmince come in for Perry and Sutherland.
Squad
South Africa Women (Playing XI): Lizelle Lee, Dane van Niekerk(c), Sune Luus, Mignon du Preez, Laura Wolvaardt, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Trisha Chetty(w), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Australia Women (Playing XI): Alyssa Healy(w), Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning(c), Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen, Rachael Haynes, Nicola Carey, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Wareham, Delissa Kimmince, Megan Schutt
Australia batting
Host enters the ground with a keen to win this semi final to step into the final clash for the trophy against India. Healy and Mooney gets in the crease, Healy is on strike. Ismail opens the attack against Australia. Due to the climatic condition Australia decide to score high which place them in a safe position if the rain interrupt the match during South Africa’s batting.
Healy dismissed
As per the plan Aussies openers starts to strike in steady and controlled form to score high. After the catch dropped for Healy the pressure starts to raise but in the very next over Ayabonga dismissed Healy for 18 runs. This duo added 34 runs for the first wicket. Australian women’s skipper Meg Lanning gets in ground with an important role to do for their victory. At the end of power play Australia scored 48 runs for a wicket loss.
Mooney lose her wicket to Nadine de Klerk for 28 runs. Where the partnership raise to 34 runs as similar to the first partnership break, Aussis scored 68 runs in total. In the next over after the Mooney’s wicket Jonassen dismissed by N Mlaba for 1 runs. Ashleigh Gardner too retun pavilion for golden duck, Aussies seems to be in trouble as they loose 4 wickets for 71 runs.
Lanning
Nadine de Klerk’s triple wicket
Aussies then start to play in control in order to add some runs in the total. After 15th over Aussies crossed 100 runs for 4 wicket loss. Haynes lose her wicket to Nadine de Klerk when she scored 17 runs for 18 wickets. Nicola Carey and Lanning paired and dragged Australia to a descent score of 134 runs. Meg Lanning missed her fifty by one run and stands undefeated in ground.
Nadine de Klerk took 3 wickets
DLS method implemented
During the innings break rain starts which interrupted the South African batting. After the pitch verification DLS method implemented, according to which overs have been reduced to 13 from 20 out of that South Africa have to score 98 runs to make their entry into finals.
South Africa batting
South Africa enters the ground with a pressure due to the implementation of DLS method. Lee and van Niekerk gets in the crease, Lee is on strike. Schutt opens the attack against South Africa. Molineux dismissed Lee for 10 runs a very much needed wicket at the early stage for Aussies.
South Africa batting after DLS implemented
Three wickets in three consecutive overs-struggled Proteas
In the very next over Schutt dismissed van Niekerk for 12 runs, South Africa lose its two openers. In the following over Delissa Kimmince dismissed du Preez where she returned pavilion without scoring any. Three wickets in three consecutive overs a huge blow for South Africa.
South Africa struggled to score
Aussies won the semi-final
At the end of 10 over South Africa scored 66 runs for 3 wicket loss. South Africa is in need of 32 runs from 18 balls where Proteas need some big shots to make their way to finals. Schutt saved Australia by dismissing Sune Luus for 21 runs off 22 balls. New player Chloe Tryon gets in ground and struggled to make score. With 13 need of last over South Africa never had a chance to chase this. Finally Australia women won by 5 runs (by DLS Method – 2nd Inn reduced to 13 overs due to rain, Target 98).
South Africa women’s lost the semi final
Player of the match
Meg Lanning (Australia)
Batting : 49 runs off 49 delivery
Meg Lanning : That was very stressful, the way it rained during the day. The groundstaff here did an amazing job to get us on the field and we were lucky enough to get better weather. It was hard work as they bowled well and made it difficult on this skiddy wicket. It was difficult for us to get away as we lost a few wickets in the middle. It was nice to be able to contribute. It’s been raining a lot in Sydney but the wicket was good as the groundstaff prepared it early. Very thankful that we got to play.
Meg Lanning player of the match
Captain’s view
Dane van Niekerk | South African skipper: I felt good with the target we got. But we have to give credit to Australia for the way they bowled and we just came six short. We brought them back with the ball really well, they got off to a flier and we thought they’d get to 160. All the bowlers did really well, and credit to them for how they brought it back. It was very emotional to see the ladies like that. To come short every time is difficult , and we aren’t a team that blames anything or anyone; but unfortunately it just wasn’t our year and it wasn’t our day. It is a very talented team, Wolvaardt needs to get credit down the order. The way she has been going about her job is just incredible. It’s a strong side and everyone was in great spirits for the day. South Africa is a great place to come to for the next World Cup. Everybody will thoroughly enjoy South Africa.
Meg Lanning | Australian skipper: It was extremely tense. Even in the last couple of balls it just wasn’t safe. They needed 19 off the last over and we knew we had to nail it. But that’s T20 cricket for you; I was extremely nervous. We felt we had a good total without it being great. We felt that we needed to bowl really well to get the result we wanted. It was raining when we were coming out and we had a blueprint of how we had to bowl to them, from them. It has really just been about calming everyone down, the first few games just went on very quickly. We had to slow it down, and get back to playing the cricket that we wanted to. We weren’t good in the first couple of games and then the openers just set it up for us. It was just a mindset thing. We weren’t playing to our potential and the win against Sri Lanka perfectly set it up. India are a class side, they have been playing excellent cricket. We are going to have to play really well. We have been improving each day, it hasn’t been an easy road. We wanted to give ourselves a chance of playing in the finals, and now we just need to enjoy ourselves. We are travelling to Melbourne tomorrow, train on Saturday and play on Sunday. I doubt there’d be much sleep happening tonight. I wish the game was tomorrow itself. South Africa have played very well, hope Kapp is okay because you want the best players to be playing. They put up an excellent fight today and we had to go till the last ball.
India advanced to semi final in the womens T20I world cup 2020 as the rain abandoned the match against England womens in Sydney. According to the ICC rules India advanced to the finals despite of the un-expected incident that happened in semi. After the successful entry into finals Indian womens team start receiving wishes from everyone.
ICC rules
As per the ICC rules, both innings needed to have at least five overs to constitute a match. However, in ICC tournaments, the minimum over-limit goes to 10 overs per side. So if rain forces the match to be less than 10 overs per innings, the match is deemed as ‘abandoned’.
Virat Kohli’s wish Indian womens team
Indian men’s captain Virat Kohli congrats the team for their efforts in league matches that makes them to crown the first position in points table. Which in fact the main reason for Indian womens to enter into the finals match.
“Congratulations to the Indian Women’s team on qualifying for the @T20WorldCup final. We are proud of you girls and wish you all the luck for the finals. @BCCIWomen,” Kohli tweeted.
Congratulations to the Indian Women’s team on qualifying for the @T20WorldCup final. We are proud of you girls and wish you all the luck for the finals. 🇮🇳👏 @BCCIWomen
Former Indian opening batsman Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman too congratulated the Indian team on making it to the finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time.
“Would have loved seeing the semi-finals but Indra Devta ke aage kaun jeet sakta hai. Mehnat ka parinaam achha milta hai. A reward for Winning all the matches in the group stage. Congratulations @BCCIWomen and wishing you glory this Sunday #T20WorldCup,” Sehwag tweeted.
Would have loved seeing the semi-finals but Indra Devta ke aage kaun jeet sakta hai.
Mehnat ka parinaam achha milta hai. A reward for Winning all the matches in the group stage. Congratulations @BCCIWomen and wishing you glory this Sunday #T20WorldCup
“It would have been great to see the match, but many congratulations to @BCCIWomen for making it to the finals of the #T20WorldCup. A reward for winning 4 out of 4 in the group stages. Wishing the girls the very best for the finals on #WomensDay,” Laxman tweeted.
Would have been great to see the match, but many congratulations to @BCCIWomen for making it to the finals of the #T20WorldCup . A reward for winning 4 out of 4 in the group stages. Wishing the girls the very best for the finals on #WomensDay
“Would have been great to see the match, but many congratulations to @BCCIWomen for making it to the finals of the #T20WorldCup . A reward for winning 4 out of 4 in the group stages. Wishing the girls the very best for the finals on #WomensDay”
Congratulations @BCCIWomen on reaching the #T20WorldCup finals! Wishing you lots of success & tremendous victory ahead. Way to go!
Indian Sports Ministry also took to Twitter to congratulate Harmanpreet Kaur’s side for reaching the summit clash.
Many congratulations to our cricket #TeamIndia for making it to the finals of T20 Women’s World Cup.
Keep the spirit high ladies! 👏👏 All the best for finals.👍 pic.twitter.com/qFkarDFbIw
Lets hope for the Indian women’s to win the trophy in the finals that dated on March 8, International Women’s day at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.
Harmanpreet Kaur | India womens captain: “After losing the last semi-final, as a team, we realised that we have to work as a unit, and right now you will see that our team is working as a unit and we are not reliant on just one or two players.”
Heather Knight | England womens captain: “Poonam Yadav is a massive threat for them and is an improved bowler since the last World Cup. We’ve practised for her a lot, I thought we played her outstandingly in the last T20 World Cup and that was due to the preparation we had.”
Statics between India womens and England womens
India have a 4-16 record against England in all T20Is. They did, however, beat Heather Knight’s side once in the tri-series before this World Cup.
Poonam Yadav is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament so far with nine scalps. But, in seven T20Is against England, she has taken only five wickets at an average of 29.60 and SR of 30.0 – both the worst for her against an opponent in the format.
India’s spinners have taken most wickets in the tournament so far – 21 – while England spinners have been the most economical conceding at 4.33 runs per over.
Rain abandoned match
India made it to the finals
Match has been called off due to continuous rain in Sydney. Match abandoned without a ball bowled (no toss). India qualify for the final by virtue of finishing higher on the points table. As per the ICC rules, India made their way into the finals as they positioned them self in the top of the points table. England has been kicked out and India made their way into finals.
England vs India womens T20I world cup
Regards reserve day
Common logic would suggest so. For example, if there had been no reserve day in last year’s men’s 50-over World Cup semifinal for example, India would have progressed to the final!
The ICC has maintained that the T20 World Cups (for both men and women) are short, sharp events with reserve days factored in only for the final. Also, all the teams knew of the playing conditions and did sign on it much before the tournament began.
“Allowing for any other reserve days would have extended the length of the event, which isn’t feasible. There is a clear and fair alternative should there be no play In any of the semi-finals with the winner of the group progressing,” a spokesperson had said on the eve of the game.
England womens team
Captain’s view
Heather Knight | England womens captain: Frustrating, didn’t want the World Cup to end this way but not much you can do about this. Would have been good to have a reserve day perhaps. That loss to South Africa cost us. Not really, we expected to reach the semi-finals and that we did. Undone by the weather. Did feel like we had started to gain momentum in recent games and we were really ready for this semifinal. Yes, Sarah Glenn and Sophie (Ecclestone) have been great. So has been Mady. Not starting a tournament great has been a concern, so perhaps we can work on that (smiles).
Harmanpreet Kaur | India womens captain: It is unfortunate not to get a game due to the weather. But that’s how the rules go. In future, it would be nice to have a reserve day. From day one, we knew that we have to win all the games because if in case we don’t get any play in the semifinals, it will be hard for us. Credit to the team, we wanted to win all the games and we did it. Everybody is looking in great touch. Shafali and Smriti are giving us good starts, hoping they do it in the final too. Getting a good start is crucial, because T20 is a short format and it’s tough to come back once under pressure. We’re looking positive in the nets, and looking to give our best. Unfortunately, both of us (her and Mandhana) couldn’t produce the results but it’s good to see others stepping up. It means a lot for us because it’s our first final. As a team, we just want to go out there and play our best cricket. I feel that if we can play our best cricket, we will have a strong chance. We aren’t thinking about whom we want to face and just focusing on our game.
Aaron Finch | Australia: We are gonna bat first. Looks like a dry surface. Hoping to post a decent score, might spin later on. We did our best at Paarl, South Africa played well. Big part of it is bouncing back, keep learning as a group and get the job done today. With wet outfield, It’s going to be tough out there for the fielders. Running between the wickets will be an important factor. We have got one change.Agar comes in for Hazlewood. We have gone with an extra spinner. We are batting first, hopefully it deteriorates later.
Quinton de Kock | South Africa : We also would have batted first. I am little unsure how this wicket’s gonna play. There could be lots of theories, we are just focussing on the game. Unfortunately, Bavuma is out Jon Jon will bat at three for us. We are not worried about stats, we are just worried about how we play. We know that Australia will come out and play aggressively, we just need to be ready for that.
Squad
Both teams make one change. Ashton Agar comes in for Josh Hazlewood. For South Africa, JJ Smuts replaces Temba Bavuma
South Africa (Playing XI): Janneman Malan, Quinton de Kock(w/c), JJ Smuts, Kyle Verreynne, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi
Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Aaron Finch(c), Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey(w), D Arcy Short, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa.
Australia batting
Steady start from Aussies
Warner and Finch gets in the crease, Warner is on strike. Maharaj opens the attack against Australia. Warner and Finch played in patience in order to set a strong base for Australia. But Ngidi with his length delivery uprooted Warner, a lucky break through for South Africa after the dangerous player Warner returns pavilion for 35 runs. This duo gathered 50 runs partnership.
Ngidi missed a Hat-trick
Smith gets in ground and joins hand with Finch after an early wicket, Aussies struggled when Ngidi returns in 12th over. Ngidi almost got an hat-trick in that over by dismissing Smith(13) and Labuschagne(0) in the consecutive delivery. D Arcy Short faced the last ball of that over and prevent Ngidi from securing hat-trick.
Fewest match to 50 ODI wickets for SA:
26 Lungi Ngidi*
27 Lonwabo Tsotsobe
28 Imran Tahir
31 KG Rabada
32 Craig Matthews
33 Morne Morkel
Ngidi missed a hat-trick
Finch Half century
After the sudden fall Australia struggled to build partnership where D Arcy Short and Finch paired. This duo starts to strike aggressively to lift Aussies total, poor fielding from Proteas as they dropped two catches for D Arcy Short and one catch for Finch that will cost them. With an impressive sic Finch reached 50 runs. He has really taken his batting to the next level since taking over the captaincy.
Poor fielding from Proteas
Finch’s aggressive play comes to an end when Nortje dismissed him for 69 runs, where Australia scored 158 runs. Mitchell Marsh comes in and paired with D Arcy Short, and takes the lead. D Arcy Short takes the Finch position in striking and move Aussies further to score high. South Africa is in need to break this well settled partnership as they sums up more than 60 runs.
Finch dismissal
Couple of 69 saved Australia
Shamsi provide the necessary break through by dismissing D Arcy Short for the same 69 where Finch lost his wicket. Australia scored 224 runs for 5 wicket lose, with 8 overs left South Africa is in need to control Aussies from scoring further.
Lungi Ngidi took 6 wickets in total
Ngidi already took 3 top order wickets, and picked another 3 wickets while bowling to the lower order. Ngidi tooks Alex Carey(21) Pat Cummins(6) and Ashton Agar(9) and stunned Aussies. Ngidi’s spell which took 6 wickets in total restrict Aussies for 271 runs in total.
Best bowling figure for SA v AUS (ODIs):
6/22 Makhaya Ntini, Cape Town 2006
6/58 Lungi Ngidi, Bloemfontein 2020*
Best bowling figure at Bloemfontein (ODIs):
6/24 Imran Tahir v ZIM 2018
6/58 Lungi Ngidi v AUS 2020*
5/42 Lance Klusener v IND 1997
Ngidi pick six wickets in total
South Africa Batting
de Kock’s early departure
With a target of 272 to chase down, Janneman Malan and de Kock gets in to the crease. Janneman Malan is on strike. Starc opens the attack against South Africa. Starc dismissed South African skipper de Kock in the second ball he faced. de Kock return pavilion without scoring any, which leads Aussies to celebrate.
90 run partnership
After the early departure, JJ Smuts paired with Janneman Malan. South Africa seems unstoppable, Where Aussies struggled to break the partnership. This duo start to strike after a long gap of consuming balls. Janneman Malan start to strike aggressively but soon Smuts dismissed by Zampa for 41 runs that’s a very much needed wicket for Aussies. South Africa score 92 runs for two wicket loss.
Heinrich Klaasen’s half century
Kyle Verreynne gets in to the crease. Verreynne(3) return to pavilion after Janneman Malan reached his maiden fifty. Heinrich Klaasen gets in crease and dragged South Africa towards the victory. Heinrich reached his half century for 50 balls. He is carrying on from where he left off in the first game. Hundred in Paarl and follows it up with another important knock here at Bloemfontein. Zampa uprooted Klaasen for 51 runs.
Heinrich Klaasen
Janneman Malan’s maiden century
David Miller joins with Janneman Malan who stands in crease from the beginning and drag South Africa to beat the target. With an boundary in Starc’s over Janneman Malan reached his maiden ton. A maiden ODI hundred in his second game for the 23-year old Janneman Malan. There’s nothing half-hearted about the celebration though, sees the ball flying fine past the keeper and points to the badge on his helmet whilst soaking in all the applause from all corners of the ground. Miller engulfs him in a warm, tight hug and this means a lot to the Malan family.
Malam and Miller brings 50 run stand that plays crucial role at the end. With a boundary in Starc’s over South Africa reached their taget. A special win for the Proteas as they seal their first ever series (across formats) win in a year. Proteas bagged the series 2-0 with a game to go and to put icing on the cake, this is the highest successful chase at this ground.
Janneman Malan’s maiden century
Most ODI wins for SA against a team:
50 vs Australia (102 matches)*
50 vs Pakistan (79)
46 vs India (84)
44 vs Sri Lanka (77)
44 vs West Indies (62)
SA have won 10 of their last 11 ODIs against Australia — W W L W W W W W W W
Highest successful chase at Bloemfontein (ODIs):
272 by SA v AUS, 2020*
263 by ENG v SA, 1996
253 by NZ v ZIM, 2003
250 by SA v NZ, 2005
Players of the Match
Lungi Ngidi(South Africa) bowling : 6 wickets for 58 runs in 10 overs.
Janneman Malan(South Sfrica) batting : 129* runs off 139 balls.
Lungi Ngidi : “Very happy. I was given a challenge before the game by the coach; you have to knock over the top three and I came in with that mentality. I am using a lot of cross-seam and bit of scrambled seam as well which is beneficial and a lot of slower ones at the death. We have been told to work hard on our death bowling, so coming out with those skills and restricting a team is a good thing. I have been very confident right now and looking to keep the momentum going”.
Janneman Malan : “Fortunately, put the first ball away for a single. Compliments to the bowlers, it was brilliant, Jon Jon for steadying the ship, Heinrich for his run-a-ball fifty. There was a bit of a chat about targets after 30 overs. The partners kept me calm when I was itching a bit. They said “you need to bat through.” It was well composed by the team. With the sun going down, it was skidding a bit more, the ball got a little bit wet in the outfield and it (batting) was a bit easier.”
Players of the match
Captain’s view
Aaron Finch, Australia skipper: We were 20-30 short after the start that we got. Bowlers tried hard, but Klaasen coming in changed the momentum of the game, it was great batting. We just kept losing wickets at crucial times, when you got set batters batting for long periods, that makes a difference. We keep making the same mistakes along the way and we need to improve on that. Dew can’t be an excuse and we just couldn’t find that breakthrough to expose a new batter and that cost us.
Quinton de Kock, South Africa skipper: Obviously it is never good to lose a wicket early when you are chasing but having said that, Janneman and Smuts read the situation and played it well. I didn’t think that at all (of the surface being a 350+ one). They (Warner and Finch) came out with intent and played really well it was just about getting a partnership with the ball. It is great to have Lungi leading the attack in the absence of KG. It was the thing coming into the series, giving youngsters a chance, they have played a lot of franchise cricket and have learnt to play at that level but to come out here and show is great to see. It is great (that we have won the series) but we should not take the foot off the gas. It was about time (I won a series). It feels good that other guys have done well and backed me up.
The 35-year-old South African player AB De Villiers had announced his retirement from international cricket on May 23, 2018. However, he tried to stage a comeback in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 but was not able to reach an agreement with the management.
He gets his last chance to get in to the International team for the last time. South Africa’s head coach Mark Boucher has given AB De Villiers a deadline of June 1 to make himself available for the selection. Where he could make his international return for the Proteas lineup against Sri Lanka this year.
Deadline for other players too
Imran Tahir and Chris Morris are the other players who have been given the deadline along with AB De Villiers to make themself available if they want to make their slot in upcoming T20I World cup match. “The big one is the IPL so we decided to let those guys – the free agents if you want to call them that – do the IPL and then afterwards make themselves available,”Boucher added.
“We’ve still got quite a few games (before the World Cup). From the first of June, which is the Sri Lanka tour, those guys need to make themselves available. Whether we select them is another story. But they need to make themselves available if they want to put their hands up for a World Cup spot,” he added.
“I would love to. I’ve been talking to “Bouch” (new South Africa coach Mark Boucher), (new director of cricket) Graeme Smith and (captain) Faf (du Plessis) back home, we’re all keen to make it happen,” cricket.com.au had quoted De Villiers as saying.
“So I’m thinking of throwing my name in the hat and hoping that everything will work out,” he added.
After IPL AB de Villiers will be available for the selection to book a slot in the International match. Hope to see Mr.360 back in international matches soon especially in upcoming T20I World cup match.
After the outbreak of coronavirus, many assigned games have been changed in the 2020 calendar. The deadly disease, which has killed over 3,100 people and infected over 90,000 globally, has wrecked havoc on the international calendar of various sporting events across the globe and has even put the upcoming Tokyo Olympics under doubt.
England tour of Sri Lanka with precautions
The England team set to play two ICC Test championship fixtures in Sri Lanka starting March 19. England captain Joe Root states that their team will not shake hands with Sri Lankan players due to the raise of coronavirus threat. But instead use fist bumps for greeting during their tour in Sri Lanka.
Joe Root addressed the media on Monday on the issue of coronavirus as his team prepared to leave for the island nation. Root revealed that illness is a key issue and the team does not want a repeat of the South African where a plethora of their cricketers suffered from gastroenteritis and flu problems.
“After the illnesses that swept through the squad in South Africa, we are well aware of the importance of keeping contact to a minimum and we’ve been given some really sound and sensible advice from our medical team to help prevent spreading germs and bacteria,” Joe Root said as quoted.
Joe Root in Sri Lanka
Root regards Hand shake
“We are not shaking hands with each other, using instead the well-established fist bump, and we are washing hands regularly and wiping down surfaces using the anti-bacterial wipes and gels we’ve been given in our immunity packs,” he added.
“There is no suggestion that the tour will be affected, but of course it is an evolving situation so we are in regular contact with the authorities and will proceed as advised, but at this stage we fully expect the tour to continue as planned,” he added.
joe root avoids hand shake
Whitewash in 2018
Root also states that England team planned to whitewash the Sri Lanka in their home as in 2018. Where they whitewashed the Lankan’s in their own den [3-0].
“The conditions will be a bit different with the time of year we are going this time. The three games we played out there last time were all very close with less than 60 runs between the teams in the last two Tests.
“It was an exceptional performance last time and I think we can take a lot of confidence from that in terms of how to play out there. We respect how good a side they are in their own conditions and we’ll find ourselves up against a stiff challenge,” he added.
England will be it without their pace bowling spearheads in James Anderson, Jofra Archer, and Mark Wood- all of whom are grappling with an injury.
Coronavirus Outbreak in India
With few weeks away from Indian Premier League, out break of coronavirus in India threatens IPL fans. Indian Premier League has been set to begin from March 29 with an opening clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
IPL fans start to get confused regards the postpone of the IPL series, as IPL match fixtures has been announced earlier. Regards this threat BCCI President Sourav Ganguly claims that “there is no threat to the Indian Premier League due to the novel coronavirus outbreak”
The BCCI announced the new prize money and other cost cutting details for the upcoming IPL 2020.
Previous year prize amount
The winner of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will get a prize money of Rs 20 crore. As per the norm, 50 per cent of the prize money will go to the franchise with the rest being distributed among the players. The runner-up will receive Rs 12.5 crore. The sides finishing third and fourth receive Rs 8.75 crore.
Updated prize amount
A circular sent out by the BCCI states that the winner of the IPL 2020 final will get Rs 10 cr, the runner-up will receive Rs 6.25 cr, and the third and the fourth-placed teams (loser of qualifier 2 playoff match & loser of the eliminator play-off match respectively) will receive Rs. 4.375 cr each. The board has proposed a close to 50 per cent reduction in the playoff standing fund for 2020, a decision that is being hotly debated by the franchises right now.
IPL trophy
“The financial rewards have been reworked as a part of the cost-cutting measures,” the BCCI said in a circular sent to the franchises.
“The franchises are all in good health. They also have multiple ways like sponsorships to bolster their income. Hence the decision on prize money taken,” the Press Trust of India quoted a senior BCCI source as saying.
Hike in venue agreement
Previously franchises have to pay 30 lakh to host each IPL match to the respective state associations. That cost have been revised and increased to 50 lakh, means franchises have to pay 50 lakh to host the match.
Under the same agreement, the BCCI pays the state association the same money per match as the franchises. “That means, state associations will now earn Rs 1 cr per IPL match,” sources added.
Restrictions lifted- Players
“Only players who have played in less than two complete matches in the playing XI or as a concussion replacement during the season may be subject to a player loan. The loan window will start at 9am on the day following the 28th match scheduled for the season or once all the teams have played 7 matches each, whichever is later,” the BCCI has conveyed to the franchises. In IPL 2019, only uncapped Indian players could be loaned from one franchise to another during the season.
Auto no-ball introduced in IPL
After the successful implementation of pink ball test match, BCCI president Ganguly introduced Auto no-ball in IPL 2020. The BCCI introduce a new protocol for front/back foot auto no balls from this IPL. “In summary, the third umpire will take on responsibility for monitoring front / back foot no-balls,” the circular said.
Travel cost cutting
In a bid to further reduce costs, the BCCI has put new travel policies in place for its staff going forward. As against the earlier rule where more than three hours of flying time would make way for a business-class ticket for senior employees, they will now have to fly economy if the flying hours are less than eight. “Barring two or three senior-most employees, the rule will apply to all, including operational heads,” say those in the know.
Coronavirus threat
With few weeks away from Indian Premier League, out break of coronavirus in India threatens IPL fans. Indian Premier League has been set to begin from March 29 with an opening clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. Ganguly’s statement on IPL postpone issues due to coronavirus.
IPL fans start to get confused regards the postpone of the IPL series, as IPL match fixtures has been announced earlier. Regards this threat BCCI President Sourav Ganguly claims that “there is no threat to the Indian Premier League due to the novel coronavirus outbreak”.
Asked whether there is any threat to IPL due to coronavirus, Patel said, “There is no threat as of now and we are keeping a tab (on the situation).”
With few weeks away from Indian Premier League, out break of coronavirus in India threatens IPL fans. Indian Premier League has been set to begin from March 29 with an opening clash between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
The deadly disease, which has killed over 3,100 people and infected over 90,000 globally, has wrecked havoc on the international calendar of various sporting events across the globe and has even put the upcoming Tokyo Olympics under doubt.
BCCI president clarify the questions
IPL fans start to get confused regards the postpone of the IPL series, as IPL match fixtures has been announced earlier. Regards this threat BCCI President Sourav Ganguly claims that “there is no threat to the Indian Premier League due to the novel coronavirus outbreak”
Before the IPL India planned to have a 3 ODI match series against South Africa starts from March 12. South Africa already announced the 15 members squad for the India’s tour. On behalf of this Ganguly also states that” the South Africa series is on as per schedule and there is no threat. The three-match series is beginning with the first ODI on March 12 at Dharamsala”.
“Nothing in India. Not even discussed it (Coronovirus),” Ganguly said on Tuesday night.
Asked whether there is any threat to IPL due to coronavirus, Patel said, “There is no threat as of now and we are keeping a tab (on the situation).”
Another senior BCCI official said that the South African team was coming as per the schedule for the three-match ODI series.
CSK’s updates
Though corona threat raise its head in one side, one of the IPL team Chennai Super Kings starts their practice session in Chennai. Twitter has been flooded when Chennai Super Kings skipper Dhoni arrived to Chennai to start his practice along with Suresh Raina and other team players.
