Five South African franchises will enter new rugby territory on Saturday when the take the field in the opening round of the Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup competitions in a watershed moment for SA rugby.

The Emirates Lions will get their first taste of European action against the Dragons in their EPCR Challenge Cup clash at 12h45 on Saturday at Emirates Airline Park, while the Toyota Cheetahs will meet Section Paloise at 15h00 at Stade du Hameau in Pau.

The three other SA franchises will make their Heineken Champions Cup debuts on Saturday with the Cell C Sharks meeting Harlequins at Hollywoodbets Kings Park at 15h00, while the DHL Stormers take on Clermont Auvergne at Stade Marcel-Michelin at 17h15, and the Vodacom Bulls lock horns with Lyon at Loftus Versfeld at 19h30.

SA’s four Vodacom United Rugby Championship teams, the Vodacom Bulls, DHL Stormers, Emirates Lions and the Cell C Sharks, will all be determined to build on their form against their northern hemisphere rivals last weekend, as they registered a clean sweep of victories in the Vodacom URC, but this will be a completely new challenge for the teams against fresh opposition.

The Emirates Lions have been in encouraging form this season, winning five of their eight Vodacom URC matches to date, and they are expected to back themselves against Welsh side the Dragons, who despite reaching the EPCR playoffs on three occasions (2007, 2015 and 2016) failed to progress beyond the pool stages last year after suffering defeats in all four of their games.

The Toyota Cheetahs will be looking forward to returning to top class club rugby after last featuring in the Guinness PRO14 competition in the 2020/21 season where they finished in fourth place on the Conference A log with six wins in 13 matches.

With French club Section Paloise, also known as Pau, coming off a disappointing 2020/21 season in which they failed to progress beyond the pool stages, they will look to challenge the Free Staters re-introduction into intercontinental rugby, and take advantage of their home conditions and crowd.

The Heineken Champions Cup is also expected to dish up a fair share of excitement as the Cell C Sharks meet English club Harlequins in Durban on Saturday in what is expected to be a thrilling clash.

The KwaZulu-Natalians come off a spirited fight against Ospreys in the Vodacom URC and will look to build on that when they take on the Quins, who come off back-to-back victories in the Gallagher Premiership and Premiership Rugby Cup against Gloucester and Bath respectively.

Similarly to the Durbanites, who boast a few Springbok players in their ranks, Harlequins have their fair share of top-class players in England’s Danny Care and Marcus Smith, as well as three Boks in André Esterhuizen, Wilco Louw and Stephan Lewies.

Having played for the Cell C Sharks earlier in their careers, Esterhuizen and Lewies will warn their team-mates of the warm Durban conditions, and given the quality of the two teams on offer, this match could end as a very tight scramble.

The DHL Stormers, who have had a good run in the Vodacom URC so far this season after winning the inaugural tournament, will be up against a strong-willed opponent in Clermont-Auvergne from France, who will want to make an early statement in the competition after finishing in fifth place last season.

Clermont also come off a few disappointing results in the French Top 14, but they managed to turn things around last week against Montpellier, and this will give them the mental boost they need going into this clash.

The Capetonians, however, will enter the match with confidence since they come off a three-match winning streak in the Vodacom URC.

Interestingly, five players in coach John Dobson’s touring squad have Heineken Champions Cup experience in Steven Kitshoff, Brok Harris (both props), Joseph Dweba (hooker), Deon Fourie (utility forward) and Alapati Leiua (centre).

The Vodacom Bulls, meanwhile, will enter their clash against Lyon in strong form on a four-match winning streak and after winning seven of their nine Vodacom URC matches.

With this being a home game and the Pretoria team boasting the bragging rights as the top points scorers in the Vodacom URC up to now, they should take some additional confidence into the clash at Loftus Versfeld.

The Vodacom Bulls will, however, be wary of the fact that Lyon earned their first ever European title last season after beating Toulon 30-12 in the EPCR Challenge Cup final, and they will look to build on that in what will be a new hunting ground for them this weekend.

Heineken Champions Cup fixtures (Round 1):

Cell C Sharks v Harlequins
Date: Saturday, 10 December
Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
SA Time: 15h00
Referee: Tual Trainini (France)
TV: SuperSport

Clermont Auvergne v DHL Stormers
Date: Saturday, 10 December
Venue: Stade Marcel-Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand
SA Time: 17h15
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
TV: SuperSport

Vodacom Bulls v Lyon
Date: Saturday, 10 December
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
SA Time: 19h30
Referee: Matthew Carley (England)
TV: SuperSport

EPCR Challenge Cup fixtures (Round 1):

Emirates Lions v Dragons
Date: Saturday, 10 December
Venue: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
SA Time: 12h45
Referee: Anthony Woodthorpe (England)
TV: SuperSport

Section Paloise v Toyota Cheetahs
Date: Saturday, 10 December
Venue: Stade du Hameau, Pau
SA Time: 15h00
Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
TV: SuperSport









[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Johannesburg, 29 November 2022 – Africa Cares Tennis Challenge which was set to take place this coming weekend at the DP World Wanderers Stadium has announced that the event will now be moved to Arthur Ashe Tennis Centre, still in Johannesburg.

The organisers of the Africa Cares Tennis Challenge have announced that due to the unexpectedly low ticket sales, they have decided to move the event to a smaller venue, which is more in-line with what the event stands for; which is to develop and promote tennis in South Africa, to all communities.

There were also concerns around forecasted weather causing delays in the building of the court structure, should the event still have taken place in the stadium. The Arthur Ashe Tennis facility has existing tennis court structures and has hosted many international tennis events.

Arthur Ashe was an (and remains the only) African American professional tennis player who won three Grand Slam singles titles. Arthur was an author, teacher, and activist who fought for civil rights and racial equality, not only in the United States but worldwide, particularly against the apartheid systems of South Africa. He was also the first black tennis professional player to play in South Africa’s National Championship.

The Arthur Ashe Stadium was erected in 1974 by him and was recently refurbished which sees current programmes at the centre that focus on both tennis and academics, something that Africa Cares Tennis Challenge is passionate about and feels that it aligns with its values.

Africa Cares Tennis Challenge aims to use sports as a vehicle to promote an international awareness-raising campaign for No Violence against Women And Children. The event is set to bring international and local tennis players including World Number 2 tennis player Ons Jabeur, former Swiss tennis player Martina Hingis, German-Jamaican Dustin Brown, American Sloane Stephens who has already arrived in South Africa this past weekend, South African Tennis players Khololwam Montsi and Isabella Kruger, British tennis player Francesca Jones, and Karolina Pliskova who is from the Czech Republic.
South African award-winning television presenter, radio personality, actress and social media personality, Bonang Matheba is set to be the official host of the event on both days.


[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Johannesburg, South Africa, 22 November 2022 – Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova also affectionately known as the #AceQueen by being the world’s best-serving female tennis player since 2015, is coming to South Africa! Pliskova will be playing at the Africa Cares Women’s Tennis Challenge that is set to take place on the 3rd and 4th of December at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
The former world number 1 of the Women’s Tennis Association is the new replacement of Romanian Tennis player, Simona Halep at the Africa Cares Tennis Challenge who is currently dealing with her suspension.
Karolina Pliskova who won her first WTA Tour Title in 2013, whilst beating Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the finals is ecstatic to not only showcase the necessary skills and discipline required to be a successful tennis player but using tennis as a vehicle for change on devastating issues such as gender-based violence.
“I am always happy to be a part of a good cause hence why I started my charitable project #AceQueen. So being a part of Africa Cares Women’s Tennis Challenge which is not only about tennis but is also a campaign on putting a spotlight on stopping gender-based violence in South Africa is commendable to be a part of whilst playing a sport I love,” said Karolina Pliskova.

the former world number one first-ever Czech female player is British tennis sensation, Francesca Jones. The 22-year old won three consecutive matches at the Australian Open in 2021, which helped her qualify for her first grand slam.
Francesca, who is born with a rare genetic condition called Ectrodactyly Ectodermal Dysplasia (EED) syndrome (she was born with three fingers and a thumb on each hand, three toes on her right foot and four toes on her left) has been an inspiration to many. This has not stopped her from participating and becoming a rising tennis star and is taking this opportunity at the Africa Cares Women’s Tennis Challenge to inspire those who feel as though they are limited because of any condition they have.
“As a person living with EED, I faced many obstacles but this did not stop me from participating in a sport that I enjoy. I am glad I get to show that to the crowd in South Africa and hopefully also help those who are experiencing any form of obstacles that anything is possible if you put your mind to it,” said Francesca Jones.
Joining Francesca Jones and Karolina Pliskova will be tennis players Sloane Stephens, Ons Jabeur, Dustin Brown, Martina Hingis, Khololwam Montsi and Isabella Kruger.

For those interested in watching this tournament live, tickets are available for purchase on https://www.ticketpros.co.za/portal/web/index.php

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The countdown to the SA20 is officially underway, and to celebrate 50 days-to-go until the much-anticipated opening game on 10 January, 20 000 tickets are available for only R20 across each of the opening games at the six venues.

From 09h00 this morning, the tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis on Ticketpros.co.za, with the promo applying to the first match at each venue. The exclusive promotion will run from 21 November 2022 until all the tickets are sold out.

Interest in SA20 tickets has been unprecedented since tickets went on sale on Monday 14 January.

Some of the best local and international T20, including players from England’s victorious ICC T20 World Cup team and the Protea stars will be in action in the inaugural competition from 10 January to 11 February, with MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals opening up the entertainment with an anticipated local derby at Newlands on 10 January. The semi-finals will be played at Wanderers in Johannesburg and Centurion on 8 and 9 February respectively, while Wanderers will host the grand final.


The tournament launch was a spectacular event with South African pop star Sho Madjozi and fellow South African band Mi Casa providing a taste of the entertainment that can be expected alongside highly entertaining cricket at SA20 matches.

SA20 promises a unique stadium experience where “sportainment” bursts into life that will entertain cricket enthusiasts, party people and families all under one umbrella through a combination of live DJ’s, musical performances, giveaways, prizes, big screens, fan cams, and a whole lot more packed into three hours of explosive action at six of South Africa’s world-class stadiums.

All 33 SA20 matches will be broadcast exclusively live on SuperSport in Sub Saharan Africa and Viacom18 Sports, India’s newest sports network, to India’s cricket-loving and passionate fanbase.

All ticket specials are subject to availability at all six stadiums.

Tickets are available at www.ticketpro.co.za and at all ticket offices at the stadiums.

For more information, please follow #SA20 on all social media platforms.
Twitter: @SA20_League
Facebook: @SA20League
Instagram: @sa20_league
TikTok: @sa20_league
Website: www.sa20.co.za

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Momentum Multiply Titans and Six Gun Grill Western Province secured convincing victories on day three of the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Four-Day Domestic Series.

Titans won by an innings and 142 runs against the ITEC Knights at SuperSport Park whilst Western Province won by an innings and 210 runs against the Gbets Rocks at the Six Gun Grill Newlands.

Western Province had declared on 557/2/5 on day two with a double century from Kyle Verreynne (201*), a century from Tony de Zorzi (163), and half-centuries from Edward Moore (71), and George Linde (70*). Salieg Nackerdien’s charges went on to restrict the Rocks to 202 and 145 runs in the two innings to secure their first victory in the competition.

A double century from Heinrich Klaasen (292), a century from Dean Elgar (137), and a fifty from Junior Dala (56*) powered the Titans to a first innings score of 648/10. The Tshwane-based men ensured a comfortable victory and bowled out their opponents for 243 and 263 runs in their innings.

In Division Two, the Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers declared on 611/5 after an unbeaten double century from Onke Nyaku (201*), a hundred from Blayde Capell (126), and another unbeaten century from Sean Whitehead (155*). This after Badgers bowled out Limpopo Impalas for 274 runs in their first innings. Impalas are currently on 108/2, trailing badgers by 229 runs.

In Gqeberha, Diego Rosier’s hundred (136) and a half-century from Matthew Breetzke (71), brought the Dafabet Warriors back in the match against the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, posting 390 in their second innings. Dolphins are currently 71/3, trailing Dolphins by 201 runs.

Ryan Rickelton’s unbeaten century (100*) saw the DP World Lions declare on 203/8 with a 396-run lead against the North West Dragons in Potchefstroom. Dragons are 56/2 and trailing Lions by 341 runs.

CSA 4-Day Series Fixtures: Thu – Sun: 17 - 20 November 22 (Stumps on Day 3)

Division One:

Six Gun Grill Western Province vs Gbets Rocks, Six Gun Grill Newlands, Cape Town (WP won the toss and elected to bat first.

• Western Province won by an innings and 210 runs
o Western Province: 557/5 in 125 Overs – K. Verreynne 201* (221), T. de Zorzi 163 (241), E. Moore 71 (104), G. Linde 70* (70)/ H. Viljoen 2/110, K. Gumede 2/121
o Rocks: 202/10 in 57.3 Overs – S. van Zyl 62 (88), S. von Berg 39 (37) / D. Paterson 3/41, T. Moreki 3/58
o Rocks: 145/10 in 61 Overs – S. von Berg 47 (62), 45 (114) / D. Paterson 3/20, N. Burger 2/21, B. Hendricks 2/24

Dafabet Warriors vs Hollywoodbets Dolphins, St George’s Park, Gqeberha (Warriors won the toss and elected to bat first.)
• Dolphins trail Warriors by 201 runs
o Warriors: 166/10 in 49.2 Overs – J. Hermann 51 (83), G. Stuurman 37 (42) / O. Baartman 3/21, E. Bosch 3/36.
o Dolphins: 285/10 in 85.2 Overs– A. Phehlukwayo 68 (142), E. Bosch 51 (92)/ Z. Abrahams 3/50, B. Swanepoel 3/53
o Warriors: 319/10 in 118.3 Overs – D. Rosier 136/259, M. Breetzke 71 (163) / O. Modimokoane 4/106, D. Dupavillon 2/117
o Dolphins: 71/3 in 29 Overs

North West Dragons vs DP World Lions, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom (Lions won the toss and elected to bat first).
• Dragons trail Lions by 341 runs
o Lions: 362/10 in 115.5 Overs – W. Mulder 115* (191), D. Hendricks 89 (161), / S. Muthusamy 4/86
o Dragons: 169/10 in 56.5 Overs – L. Senokwane 56 (119), N. van den Bergh 37 (81) / B. Fortuin 4/43, L. Sipamla 2/26
o Lions: 203/8 in 64.2 Overs – R. Rickelton 100* (164) / R. Meyer 3/33, E. Hawken 2/20
o Dragons: 56/2 in 26 Overs – W. Marshall 23* (61)

Momentum Multiply Titans vs ITEC Knights, SuperSport Park, Centurion (Knights won the toss and elected to field first)
• Titans won by an innings and 142 runs
o Titans: 648/10 in 128.5 Overs – H. Klassen 292 (240), D. Elgar 137 (191), J. Dala 56 (130) / N. van Heerden 5/111, M. Pretorius 3/122
o Knights: 243/10 in 65 Overs– G. Cloete 50 (91), G. Snyman 40 (35) / L. Williams 4/56, J. Dala 2/10, A. Gqamane 2/28
o Knights: 263/10 in 73 Overs – P. van Biljon 73 (126), M. Kleinveldt 58 (94) / S. Harmer 4/84, D. Galiem 3/36

Division Two:

Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers vs Limpopo Impalas – Recreation Ground, Oudtshoorn (Impalas won the toss and elected to bat first)
• Impalas trail Badgers by 229 runs
o Impalas: 274/10 in 86.3 Overs – L. Steenkamp 136 (188), N. Mahlaba 38 (105) / A. Malan 3/41, S. Whitehead 3/58
o Badgers: 611/5 in 178.1 Overs – O. Nyaku 201*(352), B. Capell 126 (225), S. Whitehead 155* (271)/ S. Langa 2/66, N. Mahlaba 2/168
o Impalas: 108/2 in 35 Overs – R. Haasbroek 43*(79) /

Eastern Cape Iinyathi vs Eastern Storm, Buffalo Park, East London (Iinyathi won the toss and elected to bat first)
• Iinyathi lead Storm by 105 runs (No play on Saturday due to rain)
o Iinyathi: 336/10 in 118.2 Overs – M. Nqolo 67 (150), N. Yikha 58 (118), J.P de Klerk 55 (102), M. Malika 52(106) / M. Pillay 2/30, A. Khan 2/40
o Storm: 231/10 in 59/2 Overs – K. Sekhukhune 90* (138), W. Coulentianos 50 (94) / T. Kaber 6/79, S. Ntuntwana 2/24
o Iinyathi: 0/1

AET Tuskers vs Northern Cape Heat, AET Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg – No play on Thursday due to rain.

• Heat trail Tuskers by 129 runs
o Tuskers:228/10 in 84 Overs – D. Ridgaard 73 (200), T. Kumalo 44 (111) / E. Kemm 4/55, J. van Dyk 3/38
o Heat: 99/3 in 28.4 Overs – E. Kemm 36*/S. Tait 2/21

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Ticket sales for SA20’s summer of cricket and entertainment opened in grand style in Johannesburg on Monday.

SA20 Commissioner Graeme Smith and South African music icons Sho Madjozi, Mi Casa and DJ Timo ODV showed the media and special guests in attendance how cricket and entertainment will merge to form a blockbuster inaugural SA20 League next year.

Priced between R50 and R200, fans will get to see captivating young talent like Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs and Donovan Ferreira play alongside seasoned veterans like ICC Men’s T20 World-Cup winning captain Jos Buttler, Faf du Plessis and Kagiso Rabada. There will be free entry for kids under six with scholars and pensioners eligible for a 30% discount.

SA20 will provide a non-stop “sportainment” vibe from 10 January when Newlands hosts the opening local derby match between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals, with Johannesburg's Wanderers Stadium due to host the grand final of the inaugural season of the 33-match tournament on 11 February.

“The momentum is building,” League Commissioner Graeme Smith said. “We have worked closely with the franchise teams to develop competitive ticket pricing where the public can attend more than one match. We invite lovers of cricket, those looking for a social day out with friends and families to all join us in January and February for a taste of SA20. It is going to be memorable.’’

Madjozi turned a standard press conference upside down when she interrupted renowned comedian Joey Rasdien and the proceedings, treating everyone to a lively music concert.

Fellow South African band MiCasa and selected DJ’s were also there to hype up the excitement as the six new SA20 franchises were showcased to the public.


“I’m so happy to be here. Cricket is a big passion of mine, and being able to merge it with my music and global franchise brands has me so excited for SA20. I can’t wait for the matches to start,” said Madjozi.

All 33 matches will be broadcast exclusively live on SuperSport in Sub Saharan Africa and Viacom18 Sports, India’s newest sports network, to India’s cricket-loving and passionate fanbase.

Fans should be on the lookout for ticket specials in the lead-up to the event, with all six venues offering limited offers to get involved in cricket’s biggest party including . the opportunity to turn fours into sixes, with ‘six for the price of four’ ticket specials running across all venues.

“Fans can look forward to quality and competitive cricket from the world-class players participating, add to that the presence of a host of newly crowned ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions including Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Sam Curran, Phil Salt and Harry Brooks, and we are set for explosive entertainment,” Smith said.

Each of the six SA20 franchises will have five home and five away matches, with games played every day, including eight double-headers spread around the country.

SA20 will be bringing a distinct flavour to the stadium experience, where cricket lovers, party people and families can gather for world class cricket. DJ’s, live musical performances, giveaways, prizes, big screens, fan cams, fun for the kids and a whole lot more packed into three hours of explosive entertainment.

SA20 tickets will go on sale from Monday, November 14. All tickets can be purchased online through the Ticketpros website here



Some of the key fixtures to look out for:
• Opening week
Tuesday 10 January
MI Cape Town vs Paarl Royals (Newlands 17h30 SAST)

Wednesday 11 January
Durban’s Super Giants vs Joburg Super Kings (Kingsmead 17h30 SAST)

Thursday 12 January
Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Pretoria Capitals (St George’s Park 17h30 SAST)

Friday, 13 January
Paarl Royals vs Joburg Super Kings (Boland Park, 13h30)
MI Cape Town vs Durban Super Giants (Newlands, 17h30)

Saturday, 14 January
Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape (Centurion, 13h30 SAST)
MI Cape Town vs Joburg Super Kings (Newlands, 17h30 SAST)

• Highveld Derbies
Tuesday,17 January
Joburg Super Kings vs Pretoria Capitals (Wanderers, 17h30 SAST)

Wednesday,18 January
Pretoria Capitals vs Joburg Super Kings (Centurion, 17h30 SAST)

• Second half of SA20 begins

Friday, 3 February
Joburg Super Kings vs Paarl Royals (Wanderers, 13h30 SAST)
Durban’s Super Giants vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape (Kingsmead 17h30 SAST)

Saturday, 4 February
Pretoria Capitals vs MI Cape Town (Centurion 17h30 SAST)

• Semi-Finals
Wednesday, 8 February
1st Semi-Final (Johannesburg, 17h30 SAST)

Thursday, 9 February
2nd Semi-Final (Centurion, 17h30 SAST)

• Final
Saturday 11 February
Wanderers 16h30 SAST


PHOTO CREDIT: SA 20
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Players from six different teams have been named in the Upstox Most Valuable Team of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.

Stars from champions England, runners-up Pakistan, semi-finalists India and New Zealand as well as Zimbabwe and South Africa all feature in the glittering line up.

Captain, wicketkeeper and opening batter Jos Buttler, fellow opener Alex Hales and seamer Sam Curran all make the cut for England after helping steer their side to a second ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title.

There are also spots for New Zealand star Glenn Phillips, India talisman Virat Kohli – the tournament’s leading run-scorer – Pakistan left-armer Shaheen Shah Afridi and Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza in the line-up.

The side was pulled together by a selection panel featuring commentators, former international players and journalists Ian Bishop (Convener), Mel Jones (both commentators), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (ICC Hall of Famer), Partha Bhaduri (Journalist, The Times of India), Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager of Cricket).

The Upstox Most Valuable Team of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 (in batting order) is:
1. Alex Hales (England) – 212 runs at 42.40
2. Jos Buttler (c/wk) (England) – 225 runs at 45.00 and nine dismissals
3. Virat Kohli (India) – 296 runs at 98.66
4. Suryakumar Yadav (India) – 239 runs at 59.75
5. Glenn Phillips (New Zealand) – 201 runs at 40.20
6. Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe) – 219 runs at 27.37 and 10 wickets at 15.60
7. Shadab Khan (Pakistan) – 98 runs at 24.50 and 11 wickets at 15.00
8. Sam Curran (England) – 13 wickets at 11.38
9. Anrich Nortje (South Africa) – 11 wickets at 8.54
10. Mark Wood (England) – 9 wickets at 12.00
11. Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan) – 11 wickets at 14.09
12th player: Hardik Pandya (India) – 128 runs at 25.60 and eight wickets at 18.25

Hales was featuring in his first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup since 2016 but rediscovered his fluency on the big stage with an impressive set of performances. The power-packed opener racked up a haul of 212 runs at a healthy average of 42.40 to help propel his team to victory in Sunday’s final in Melbourne. Hales struck a brilliant 86 not out to fire England to a memorable 10-wicket victory against India in the semi-finals, with Buttler also hitting a similarly eye-catching 80 not out as his side chased down an imposing target of 169 with ease. And further innings of 52 and 47 against New Zealand and Sri Lanka in crucial Super 12s matches proved equally significant to help England on their way to becoming the first country to hold both the ICC Men’s World Cup and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup titles at the same time.

England skipper Buttler was in similarly blistering form throughout the competition, scoring 13 runs more than his opening partner at an average of 45.00. He led from the front with that fine innings against India in the last four, while a further knock of 73 off 47 balls against New Zealand helped cap a potent opening partnership that consistently laid the foundations for the eventual champions.

Batting at No.3 is Indian superstar Kohli, who ended as the tournament’s highest run-scorer after scoring 296 runs at a stunning average of 98.66. Kohli kickstarted his campaign with a pivotal 82 not out against rivals Pakistan to anchor his side to a heart-thumping final-ball four-wicket victory.
And further knocks of 64 not out against Bangladesh, 62 not out against the Netherlands and 50 against England in the semi-finals helped round off an individual competition to savour for one of the greatest white-ball batters of the modern era.

Fellow Indian Yadav slots in at No.4 after finishing as the tournament’s third-most prolific batter with 239 runs overall.
Three half centuries against the Netherlands – 51 not out in Sydney – South Africa – 68 in Perth – and Zimbabwe – 61 not out off just 25 balls in Melbourne – helped haul his side into the semi-finals as he scored at a staggering strike rate of 189.68 throughout his six innings.

New Zealand star Phillips and Zimbabwe ace Raza occupy the No.5 and 6 positions, with Phillips’ stunning century – one of just two in the tournament alongside South Africa’s Rillee Rossouw – against Sri Lanka catapulting his team to a comfortable 65-run victory in Sydney. Another innings of 62 against England helped him reach a total of 201 runs at an average of 40.20, while for Raza, 219 runs and 10 wickets proved pivotal assets for Zimbabwe with both bat and ball.
He scored a polished 82 off his 48 balls in his country’s opening game against Ireland in Hobart, before further batting contributions against Scotland, Netherland and India – bolstered by a brilliant three for 25 as Zimbabwe stunned Pakistan in Perth – rounded off a tournament to remember.

Completing the middle order is Pakistan all-rounder Shadab, who grabbed an impressive 11 wickets at an average of just 15.00. The skilful leg-spinner bagged three-wicket hauls against Zimbabwe and the Netherlands, while a further four combined wickets against South Africa and Bangladesh saw him emerge as one of the tournament’s most influential slow bowlers. And he was similarly impressive with the bat, striking a solid 92 runs at an average of 24.50 to help fire his side to the final in Melbourne.

Curran and Nortje line up at No.8 and 9, with England ace Curran being crowned Player of the Tournament after a series of spellbinding bowling displays. The left-arm seamer claimed remarkable figures of 3 for 12 off his four overs in the final after getting his tournament underway with a similarly scintillating five for 10 against Afghanistan.
And further two-wicket displays against Ireland and New Zealand helped him grab a haul of 13 wickets at an average of 11.38 as England claimed the title in style. Another bowler who starred was pace ace Nortje, who functioned as a vital weapon in South Africa’s armoury after finishing with a tournament-best average of just 8.54. Nortje conceded just 94 runs while in the process of taking his 11 wickets as four scalps against both Bangladesh and Pakistan helped him become one of the competition’s most fearsome bowlers.

Rounding off the side at No.10 and 11 are fellow pace bowlers Wood and Afridi, who took nine and 11 wickets respectively for England and Pakistan. Despite being ruled out of the semi-finals and final through injury, Wood’s consistency throughout the Super 12s – spearheaded by three wickets against Afghanistan and Ireland – saw him finish the tournament with an average of just 12.00. And for Afridi, who also suffered an unfortunate injury in Sunday’s Final, his figures of four for 22 against Bangladesh and three for 14 against South Africa helped him emulate his new-ball heroics in last year’s tournament as Pakistan were narrowly denied in Melbourne.

Taking his place as 12th man is Indian all-rounder Pandya, who starred with both bat and ball by racking up 128 runs and eight wickets. The dangerous middle-order ace blasted 63 against England in the semi-finals after also taking key wickets against Pakistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe throughout the Super 12s.





[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The much-anticipated SA20 blasts off with an exciting Western Cape derby between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals at Newlands Cricket Ground on Tuesday, 10 January. The full match schedule of 33 matches to be played at six venues across the country was announced today, with only two months to go until the start of South Africa’s premier T20 League.
MI Cape Town will look to captivate the Newlands faithful with their star-studded line-up that includes Proteas spearhead Kagiso Rabada, Afghanistan spin maestro Rashid Khan, England’s six-hitting specialist Liam Livingstone, and South Africa’s teenage sensation, Dewald Brevis among others.
The Royals have assembled an equal galaxy of stars that is headlined by England white-ball captain Jos Buttler, along with his Lords’ 2019 World Cup-winning teammates Jason Roy and Eoin Morgan. They will be joined by Proteas trio David Miller, Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi, who are under the guidance of former Proteas all-rounder JP Duminy as head coach.
The opening game, along with the remaining 32 matches, will all be broadcast exclusively live on SuperSport in Sub-Saharan Africa and Viacom18 Sports to India’s cricket-loving and passionate fanbase.
“Releasing fixtures for the opening season is a milestone for us all at SA20," League Commissioner, Graeme Smith said. “It’s all getting very real, we certainly can’t wait to watch the world’s best go head-to-head. Fans can look forward to the blockbuster schedule kicking off with the popular local derby between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals on 10 January.
“Fans will be able to watch the best local and international T20 stars live in action at prime viewing times for the afternoon and evening matches. This is also an ideal broadcasting slot ensuring viewers around the world can also keep up with the enthralling entertainment,” Smith explained.
The action is relentless with the SA20 caravan moving around the country for two weeks, with at least one game every single day until Thursday, 24 January. Each team will play five home and five away matches, with fans finally getting a taste of what the IPL-owned teams will be bringing to the local flavour.
Among these matches is five visits to St George’s Park where the Sunrisers Eastern Cape and their 12th man, the famous brass band, will ensure every visit to Gqeberha is a memorable one.
The first Highveld derby between the Joburg Super Kings and Pretoria Capitals is set for the Wanderers Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, 17 January. The JSK squad is brimmed with speed merchants Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger, West Indian Alzarri Joseph and England’s George Garton who are all set to steam in at the Bullring. The Capitals will be equally up to the challenge, with Proteas speedsters Anrich Nortje and Wayne Parnell leading alongside Ireland’s Josh Little.
Everyone will be able to catch their breath for a week towards the end of January when the League takes a break for the three-match One-Day International Series between the Proteas and England. The action resumes at Kingsmead for the clash between hosts Durban's Super Giants and MI Cape Town on Thursday, 2 February.
Lance Klusener’s men will look to make their home-ground advantage count as this will be the first of only two matches played at Kingsmead in the second half of schedule with the remainder of the games all taking place at Wanderers and SuperSport Park in Centurion due to the ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup to be hosted in South Africa in February.
The grand final will be staged at the Wanderers on Saturday, 11 February, where the first-ever SA20 Champions will be crowned.
“The Wanderers has hosted many memorable finals throughout the years, we expect a full house in attendance to watch the first-ever SA20 Champions lifting the trophy. We are thankful to have the buy-in from all six franchises to make this season a success and we look forward to making this inaugural season of the SA20 something special for the fans!”

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

POTCHEFSTROOM: The Momentum Multiply Titans were crowned the 2022/23 Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 Challenge champions at the JB Marks Oval on Saturday.

Dolphins had won the toss and opted to bat first when Ayabulela Gqamane’s first ball dismissed leading run-scorer, Grant Roelofsen, without any runs.

Keegan Petersen (63 off 51) and Jon-Jon Smuts (69 off 50) remained calm and combined for a century to set the Dolphins up for a competitive total. Petersen’s knock consisted of six boundaries and two maximums whilst Smuts blasted eight boundaries and one maximum.

A brilliant penultimate over from Dayyaan Galiem, which only conceded three runs saw the departure of Smuts. Jason Smith (21* off 7) and Andile Simelane (8*) played well in the end to see Dolphins on 162/3 in 20 overs.

With the target set on 163 runs, the Tshwane-men paced their chase well to reach the required score with two balls to spare.

The Dolphins were well within their defence when Daryn Dupavillon (2/34) dismissed openers, Dewald Brevis (2), and Jiveshen Pillay (18)within powerplay. Theunis de Bruyn (32 off 19) and Sibonelo Makhanya (13) were caught by Eathan Bosch going for maximum points. Neil Brand (18 off 19 ) was caught and bowled by Smuts and Titans slipped to 98/5 in 14 overs.

Donavon Ferreira (40 off 25) and Dayaan Galiem (32* off 22) played the crucial knocks which took Titans over the line. The pair combined for 63-runs in the final five overs to take the match to an exciting finish. Ferreira was run out in the final over with Titans needing three from three. On the next delivery, Galiem smashed a boundary to end the innings on 165/6 and Titans were crowned champions of the CSA T20 Challenge.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

POTCHEFSTROOM: The Momentum Multiply Titans were crowned the 2022/23 Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 Challenge champions at the JB Marks Oval on Saturday.

Dolphins had won the toss and opted to bat first when Ayabulela Gqamane’s first ball dismissed leading run-scorer, Grant Roelofsen, without any runs.

Keegan Petersen (63 off 51) and Jon-Jon Smuts (69 off 50) remained calm and combined for a century to set the Dolphins up for a competitive total. Petersen’s knock consisted of six boundaries and two maximums whilst Smuts blasted eight boundaries and one maximum.

A brilliant penultimate over from Dayyaan Galiem, which only conceded three runs saw the departure of Smuts. Jason Smith (21* off 7) and Andile Simelane (8*) played well in the end to see Dolphins on 162/3 in 20 overs.

With the target set on 163 runs, the Tshwane-men paced their chase well to reach the required score with two balls to spare.

The Dolphins were well within their defence when Daryn Dupavillon (2/34) dismissed openers, Dewald Brevis (2), and Jiveshen Pillay (18)within powerplay. Theunis de Bruyn (32 off 19) and Sibonelo Makhanya (13) were caught by Eathan Bosch going for maximum points. Neil Brand (18 off 19 ) was caught and bowled by Smuts and Titans slipped to 98/5 in 14 overs.

Donavon Ferreira (40 off 25) and Dayaan Galiem (32* off 22) played the crucial knocks which took Titans over the line. The pair combined for 63-runs in the final five overs to take the match to an exciting finish. Ferreira was run out in the final over with Titans needing three from three. On the next delivery, Galiem smashed a boundary to end the innings on 165/6 and Titans were crowned champions of the CSA T20 Challenge.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]