South Africa secured a commanding 233-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, thanks to a stellar performance by Marco Jansen. The tall left-arm seamer delivered career-best match figures of 11/86, propelling the Proteas to their fourth consecutive Test win and bolstering their chances of reaching the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025.

Jansen's performance was historic, marking the best-ever figures by a fast bowler at Kingsmead. His contributions were critical across both innings, starting with a devastating 7/13 that skittled Sri Lanka for a dismal 42 in just 14 overs – their lowest Test score.

A Batting Revival
After posting a modest 191 in their first innings, South Africa turned the tide with a dominant second innings. Skipper Temba Bavuma (113) and Tristan Stubbs (122) both notched centuries, driving the hosts to 366/5 declared and setting Sri Lanka an improbable target of 516. Bavuma’s leadership shone brightly, adding to his first-innings 70 and anchoring his side with maturity and flair.

Resilient Sri Lanka
Despite the daunting task, Sri Lanka displayed grit in their second innings. Dinesh Chandimal (83) and Dhananjaya de Silva (59) mounted a spirited resistance, compiling a 95-run partnership. Their efforts frustrated South Africa during the morning session, with the pair scoring 117 runs before lunch. However, De Silva’s untimely dismissal to Keshav Maharaj shifted the momentum back to the hosts.

Post-lunch, the wickets fell steadily. Chandimal became a victim of his own aggression, and Kusal Mendis’ composed 48 ended with an edge off Jansen, who completed his remarkable haul by uprooting Asitha Fernando’s stumps to seal the win.

Eyes on the WTC Final
The victory marked South Africa’s first Test triumph over Sri Lanka in Durban since 2000. With a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, the Proteas are well-positioned to push for a spot in the WTC final at Lord’s in June 2025. Their pathway requires winning two of their remaining three Tests – one more against Sri Lanka and a two-Test home series against Pakistan.

Reflections
Jansen was elated after his milestone performance, remarking, “It is every bowler’s dream to get 10 wickets in a Test match. I’m just glad it happened here.” His success was complemented by Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Gerald Coetzee, who each played vital supporting roles.

South Africa’s dominance showcased their growing depth and adaptability in Test cricket. With momentum on their side, the Proteas are building a formidable case as contenders for the WTC crown.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

England Women showcased their dominance by completing a 3-0 whitewash over South Africa in the T20I series, capping their performance with a resounding nine-wicket victory at SuperSport Park. Despite the disappointment, individual performances like Nondumiso Shangase’s gritty 31 offer a glimmer of hope as the Proteas Women turn their attention to the ODI series.

England’s Ruthless Efficiency
Electing to field, England’s bowlers quickly asserted their authority, dismissing South Africa for 125. Charlie Dean (3/26) delivered a clinical spell, with Lauren Bell (2/24) and Lauren Filer (1/28) adding to the pressure. The Proteas struggled in the powerplay, losing four wickets for just 42 runs.

A brief resurgence came from Suné Luus (21) and Annerie Dercksen (19), but it was Shangase who steadied the ship alongside Nadine de Klerk (19) in a vital 52-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Once the duo fell, England wrapped up the innings with ease.

In reply, England’s top order made light work of the chase. Danni Wyatt-Hodge smashed a rapid 53 off 31 balls, supported by Maia Bouchier (35) and Sophia Dunkley (24*). England sealed victory in just 11.3 overs, with Wyatt-Hodge delivering the final blow.

Nat Sciver-Brunt’s remarkable series, where she accumulated 126 runs without being dismissed, earned her the Player of the Series award.

Proteas Women Look to Regroup
Though outclassed, the Proteas found positives in Shangase’s composed batting under pressure. Reflecting on her career-best score, she praised her partnership with de Klerk for boosting her confidence.

“It wasn’t easy, but Nadine kept reminding me to believe in myself,” Shangase shared. “That support helped me stay calm and play my game.”

Turning the Tide: The ODI Challenge
The Proteas Women now shift focus to the ODI series, starting in Kimberley on Wednesday. Shangase believes the team has the skills to challenge England but stressed the importance of rediscovering their belief.

“We’ve beaten them before,” she said. “We know what we’re capable of—it’s about executing under pressure and playing to our strengths.”

The upcoming three-match ODI series offers a fresh opportunity to regroup and deliver a stronger performance. With games in Kimberley, Durban, and Potchefstroom, the Proteas will aim to capitalize on familiar conditions.

Key Fixtures Ahead
1st ODI: December 4 – Kimberley Oval
2nd ODI: December 8 – Kingsmead, Durban (Black Day ODI)
3rd ODI: December 11 – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
The series will be followed by a historic four-day Test in Bloemfontein, marking a landmark moment for women’s cricket in South Africa.

As the Proteas Women prepare for the next challenge, they’ll look to draw strength from their home crowd and past achievements to spark a turnaround against a formidable England side.
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]

South Africa stormed to a 233-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, courtesy of Marco Jansen’s career-defining bowling display. The 24-year-old pacer claimed 11 wickets for 86 runs, the best match figures by a fast bowler at the venue, as the Proteas took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Jansen Leads the Charge
Jansen’s dominance began in Sri Lanka’s first innings, where his devastating 7/13 bundled the visitors out for a paltry 42, their lowest Test total. He then delivered a decisive 4/73 in the second innings, sealing South Africa’s first Test win over Sri Lanka in Durban since 2000.

“It’s a dream come true for any bowler to take 10 wickets in a match,” Jansen said after the match. “Getting 11 wickets here is something I’ll always cherish.”

Proteas Build on Early Momentum
After a modest first-innings total of 191, South Africa took control with a powerful second-innings batting performance. Captain Temba Bavuma led by example, scoring a commanding 113, supported by Tristan Stubbs, who struck an impressive 122. Their centuries helped South Africa declare on 366/5, setting Sri Lanka an imposing target of 516.

Bavuma’s form, which included a vital 70 in the first innings, proved pivotal. His leadership has been instrumental in South Africa’s resurgence in Test cricket.

Sri Lanka Show Resistance
Chasing an enormous target, Sri Lanka put up a spirited fight on the fourth morning. Dinesh Chandimal (83) and Dhananjaya de Silva (59) combined for a 95-run stand, frustrating the South African bowlers. De Silva’s attacking half-century came off just 66 balls, while Chandimal displayed patience and resolve.

However, De Silva’s dismissal, caught at midwicket off Keshav Maharaj, sparked a collapse. Chandimal followed soon after, and Jansen wrapped up the innings by bowling Asitha Fernando, securing South Africa’s emphatic win.

WTC Final Hopes Alive
This victory marks South Africa’s fourth consecutive Test win, keeping their World Test Championship (WTC) final hopes alive. With three matches remaining – one against Sri Lanka and two at home against Pakistan – South Africa must win at least two to book their place at Lord’s in June 2025.

The Proteas’ dominance in Durban showcased their all-round strength, with contributions from both the batters and bowlers. As they look ahead to the second Test, South Africa’s confidence is high, buoyed by a captain in form and a bowling attack firing on all cylinders.

Jansen’s heroics, coupled with Bavuma’s leadership, highlight a team ready to compete on the world stage. The dream of a WTC final appearance remains very much alive.
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]

South African cricket has hit an economic six with Betway SA20 Season 2, which delivered a staggering R4.3 billion boost to the nation’s GDP. This remarkable achievement, detailed in an independent report, exceeds the R4.1 billion economic impact of the inaugural season, solidifying the tournament’s reputation as a cornerstone of both sport and socio-economic progress.

Cricket with a Cause
The 34-match competition, held across six cities from January 10 to February 9, 2024, demonstrated the profound ripple effect of sport on South Africa’s economy. Local businesses thrived, jobs were created, and growth was spurred, offering a glimpse of sport's transformative power.

Key findings from the report reveal:

8,077 annualized employment opportunities created
R1.5 billion in direct expenditure
R4.3 billion contribution to GDP
R998 million to household income
League Commissioner Graeme Smith celebrated the achievement, saying:

“The economic impact of Betway SA20 Season 2 underscores the League's growing influence on South Africa's economy and skills development. While our primary focus is delivering exceptional cricket, it is deeply rewarding to see the broader positive impact on our communities.”

Smith emphasized the League’s role in preparing South Africa for future global events, including the 2027 Cricket World Cup, highlighting investments in skill development and infrastructure.

Fan Frenzy and Record-Breaking Attendance
Season 2 was a showcase of South Africa’s passion for world-class cricket and entertainment. Spectators turned out in droves, with over 380,000 attendees across all six venues—an increase from Season 1. Highlights included 10 sold-out matches and a sold-out final for the second consecutive year. The League also drew nearly 6,000 international visitors and 38,000 inter-provincial spectators, underscoring its global appeal.

The League’s broadcast and digital footprint reached unprecedented heights, with Betway SA20 becoming the most-viewed event on SuperSport’s Premium Channel.

Looking Ahead: Empowering Future Generations
As the League looks to Season 3, there is a renewed focus on youth development and skills training. Initiatives include:

A significant intake of interns across operational departments, including six from the Laureus YES Programme.
Photography and digital internships.
Current cricketers shadowing the cricket operations team.
The launch of the Schools SA20 competition for over 600 boys’ and girls’ schools nationwide.
What’s Next?
Betway SA20 Season 3 kicks off on January 9, 2025, with defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape hosting MI Cape Town at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha. Fans can secure their tickets now at www.SA20.co.za.

As South Africa gears up for another thrilling season, Betway SA20 continues to prove that cricket is more than a game—it’s a catalyst for economic growth, community upliftment, and global excellence.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

South African rugby’s golden year continued in glittering fashion at the 2024 World Rugby Awards in Monaco, where Pieter-Steph du Toit was crowned World Men’s 15s Player of the Year, becoming the first Springbok to win the accolade twice. The 32-year-old flanker previously claimed the honor in 2019, and this year’s triumph solidifies his legendary status in the sport.

Du Toit’s recognition capped an extraordinary evening for South African rugby, with seven Springboks earning spots in the World Rugby Men’s 15s Dream Team: Du Toit, Eben Etzebeth (lock), Cheslin Kolbe (wing), Ox Nche (prop), Malcolm Marx (hooker), and midfield stalwarts Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel.

Springboks Lead Global Recognition
The awards reflected a year of dominance for the Springboks, who achieved an 84.6% win rate and added titles such as the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, the Nelson Mandela Challenge Plate, the Freedom Cup, and the Prince William Cup to their trophy cabinet.

SA Rugby President Mark Alexander praised the team, stating:"This recognition is a testament to the hard work and resilience of our players, coaches, and management. Pieter-Steph’s achievement of being named World Player of the Year twice is extraordinary, and having seven Boks in the Dream Team underscores the strength of our squad."

Other Highlights from Monaco
Breakthrough Player of the Year: New Zealand’s Wallace Sititi edged out South African flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, showcasing the bright future of global rugby.
Coach of the Year: Jérôme Daret of France, who led the men’s sevens team to Olympic gold in Paris, received the honor.
Men’s Sevens Dream Team: Blitzboks captain Selvyn Davids represented South Africa in the elite lineup.
Rugby for All Award: SA Rugby’s The Bag That Builds initiative, which transforms tournament waste into building materials for housing, was celebrated for its impact on sustainability and community upliftment.
Du Toit’s Historic Achievement
Du Toit now joins an elite group of multiple-time winners, having been nominated alongside Kolbe, Etzebeth, and Ireland’s Caelan Doris. His incredible work rate, leadership, and versatility were pivotal to South Africa’s success, earning him this coveted title again.

Reflecting on the accolade, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said: "Pieter-Steph embodies the spirit of this team. To have so many of our players honored at these awards speaks to their commitment and the unity within the squad. Rugby is a team sport, and it’s the collective effort that enables individuals to shine." Erasmus also highlighted the squad’s depth, with 50 players rotated during the season: "This achievement reflects the caliber of players we have and their ability to step up when called upon."

Du Toit’s triumph, alongside the collective achievements of the Springbok team, underscores a landmark year for South African rugby, Winning 9 out of their 11 games in 2024, including victories over the All Blacks, Ireland, England and Australia, further cementing their legacy on the global stage.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Johannesburg, South Africa — A new era in live entertainment is set to begin in South Africa with the opening of The Dome, a state-of-the-art venue launching in January 2025. Located in Nasrec, adjacent to the iconic FNB Stadium, this multi-purpose space will be South Africa's largest dedicated entertainment venue, boasting a capacity of over 10,500.

A joint venture between Live Nation, Stadium Management South Africa (SMSA), and Gearhouse South Africa, The Dome is Live Nation’s first permanent venue on the African continent. The move signals the company’s commitment to enhancing Africa’s live entertainment infrastructure, expanding the touring circuit, and creating opportunities for local and international artists.

A Hub for Pan-African Talent
The Dome aims to be a cultural hotspot for both South African and pan-African talent, featuring genres such as Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hip-Hop, Dance, R&B, and Pop. Nigerian sensation Tems is set to make history with her first solo headline show at the venue on 20 March 2025, marking a milestone for the region’s music scene.

Beyond concerts, the 6,000sqm multi-purpose facility will host conferences, exhibitions, product launches, and banquets, creating a versatile space that fuels economic growth and community engagement.

Driving Economic and Cultural Impact
Justin Van Wyk, CEO of Live Nation South Africa, highlighted the venue’s transformative potential:
"The Dome fills a critical gap in South Africa’s live entertainment industry, creating a platform to connect emerging and established artists with diverse South African audiences. It’s more than a venue—it’s a gateway to new opportunities."

Bertie Grobbelaar, CEO of Stadium Management South Africa, echoed these sentiments:
"This collaboration reflects our shared vision to empower local talent, drive economic growth, and create a vibrant cultural hub for Johannesburg and the Gauteng Province. We’re proud to play a part in this groundbreaking project."

Gearhouse South Africa, a leader in live event technology, brings its expertise to the partnership, ensuring The Dome meets the highest standards in audio-visual production, staging, and design. Joint CEOs Ofer Lapid and Nasser Abbas expressed their excitement:
"This partnership combines our shared passion for service excellence with a vision for creating unparalleled live experiences in Africa."

A New Era of Entertainment
Entirely designed, manufactured, and built in South Africa, The Dome represents a fusion of local innovation and global expertise. By hosting world-class events and fostering community initiatives like job creation and local business support, the venue promises to uplift Johannesburg and beyond.

Seasoned music fans, corporate clients, and budding artists alike can look forward to a world-class experience in a venue that’s set to redefine live entertainment in Africa.

Tickets for events at The Dome, including Tems’ headline show, are available at www.livenationentertainment.com.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

As anticipation builds for Season 3 of Betway SA20, the league has announced a landmark partnership with global logistics and supply chain giant, DP World. The agreement positions DP World as the official Global Logistics Partner of South Africa’s premier T20 cricket competition, which kicks off on 9 January 2025.

Innovation Meets Cricket Excellence
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to innovation and efficiency. DP World’s advanced logistics solutions will ensure the smooth operation of the tournament, setting a new standard for professionalism in the sporting world.

“Partnering with DP World marks a significant milestone for Betway SA20,” said League Commissioner Graeme Smith. “Their expertise will add immense value to our operations, elevating the overall competition experience for players and fans alike. Together, we aim to push the boundaries of what is possible in cricket.”

A Proven Partner in Sport
DP World’s influence extends far beyond logistics. The company boasts an impressive sports partnership portfolio, including collaborations with the McLaren Formula One team, the DP World Tour, and the Ryder Cup. They are also the Title Partner of Johannesburg's DP World Wanderers Stadium, which will host the SA20 Final on 8 February 2025.

“This partnership reflects our shared vision of innovation, excellence, and community impact,” said Mohammed Akoojee, CEO & MD for sub-Saharan Africa at DP World. “By connecting communities through cricket, we are demonstrating how logistics can go beyond business to create meaningful change.”

Empowering Communities Through Cricket
DP World’s Beyond Boundaries Initiative has already made waves in grassroots cricket development. The program repurposes shipping containers into cricket hubs, providing essential equipment to underserved clubs worldwide. In its inaugural year, the initiative distributed 10 containers and 2,500 kits globally.

With Betway SA20’s community outreach programs aligning with DP World’s mission, the partnership promises to leave a lasting impact both on and off the field.

Season 3: Cricket Meets Festivity
Season 3 begins on 9 January at St George’s Park, where defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape will take on MI Cape Town. The tournament will showcase a month of exhilarating cricket featuring top local and international talent.

For tickets and more information, visit www.sa20.co.za.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Fourteen South African cricketers secured contracts in the highly competitive 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) mega-auction held over two days in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The upcoming IPL season, running from 14 March to 25 May, promises nine weeks of uninterrupted franchise cricket, offering fans and players alike an extended showcase of talent.

The mega-auction, held every three years, saw 577 players vying for lucrative contracts during six intense bidding sessions. Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant stole the show, becoming the most expensive player in IPL history with a staggering ₹60 crore (R60 million) contract from Lucknow Super Giants.

South Africans in the Spotlight

Among the South Africans, Heinrich Klaasen emerged as the highest-paid, retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad for a whopping ₹49.3 crore (R49.3 million). Tristan Stubbs also maintained his IPL presence with Delhi Capitals, while pacer Kagiso Rabada fetched ₹21.4 crore (R21.4 million) following a fierce bidding war before being acquired by Gujarat Titans.

South Africa's burgeoning SA20 league played a pivotal role in connecting local players to IPL franchises. Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, and Kwena Maphaka earned contracts with teams aligned with their SA20 sides. Breetzke, a standout for Durban’s SuperGiants, will join Lucknow Super Giants, while Rickelton heads to Mumbai Indians after topping the SA20 scoring charts. Maphaka, just 18, secured a deal with Rajasthan Royals, underscoring his potential despite limited playing time in the SA20.

Notable Additions and Misses

Veteran fast bowler Anrich Nortje, despite recent injury setbacks, commanded ₹13.9 crore (R13.9 million) from Kolkata Knight Riders. Meanwhile, David Miller (Lucknow Super Giants) and Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings) also secured significant contracts worth ₹16 crore (R16 million) and ₹14.9 crore (R14.9 million), respectively.

However, several prominent South Africans, including Dewald Brevis, Keshav Maharaj, and Tabraiz Shamsi, went unsold, highlighting the intense competition and strategic team-building approaches. Spin bowling options, especially from India, dominated the auction, leaving even seasoned campaigners like Piyush Chawla without a buyer.

IPL 2025: A Platform for All
The IPL continues to be a melting pot of talent across age groups. Rajasthan Royals made headlines by signing 13-year-old Indian batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi for ₹2.1 crore (R2.1 million), while 40-year-old former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis earned a ₹4.2 crore (R4.2 million) deal with Delhi Capitals.

The 2025 edition of the IPL not only promises thrilling cricket but also reinforces the league’s status as a global showcase for emerging stars and seasoned veterans alike. For South African players, the tournament remains a vital platform for proving their mettle on the international stage
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Springboks will host Italy, Georgia, Australia, and Argentina in an action-packed 2025 season, SA Rugby announced. The fixtures include Tests in the Castle Lager Incoming Series and the home leg of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship. While venues and kick-off times are yet to be finalized, fans can mark their calendars for a thrilling lineup of matches.

Incoming Series: Italy and Georgia Return
Italy will return to South Africa for the first time since 2013, with back-to-back clashes scheduled for 5 and 12 July. The Azzurri have played only seven Tests on South African soil since their inaugural visit in 1999.

A week later, on 19 July, the Boks will face Georgia, providing the Lelos another opportunity to test themselves against tier-one opposition. This will be only their second Test in South Africa, following their historic 2021 clash in Pretoria during the British & Irish Lions series buildup.

Rugby Championship: The Reign Continues
The Springboks will begin their defence of the Rugby Championship crown with two home Tests against Australia on 16 and 23 August. The Wallabies, hosting the British & Irish Lions earlier that year, will present a tough challenge as both sides eye Rugby Championship supremacy.

South Africa will then head to New Zealand for two high-stakes encounters with the All Blacks on 6 and 13 September. The Rugby Championship concludes with a home Test against Argentina on 27 September and an away fixture against the Pumas on 4 October.

Details about the November tour to Europe, as well as venues for the All Blacks Tests and away fixtures, will be released in due course.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

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