MI Cape Town secured a 33-run victory over Paarl Royals in the first Cape Derby of SA20 Season 3. Reeza Hendricks hit a stylish 59, supported by Rassie van der Dussen's 43. Kagiso Rabada's exceptional bowling turned the game in MI Cape Town's favour. George Linde and Rashid Khan further dismantled the Royals, restricting them to 139/9.
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Tejal Hasabnis played a crucial role in India's six-wicket victory over Ireland in Rajkot, scoring an unbeaten 53 off 46 balls. Hasabnis' performance, alongside Pratika Rawal's half-century, helped India chase 239 comfortably. The match marked Rajkot's debut as a women's cricket host, with Sayali Satghare receiving her cap from captain Smriti Mandhana.
Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib was fined 15% of his match fee for dissenting against an umpire's decision during the second T20I against Zimbabwe. Naib mocked the umpire's rejection of an LBW appeal with a mock prayer, despite the unavailability of DRS. He accepted the sanction, receiving one demerit point. The incident occurred during Afghanistan's 50-run victory, leveling the series 1-1.
Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket on December 18. He last appeared for India in the Adelaide Test of this Border Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Ashwin ended his career with 537 Test wickets. Fellow cricketers praised his contributions to the sport. They called him a legend and a match-winner. Ashwin will continue to play franchise cricket.
MI Cape Town secured a 27-run victory over Pretoria Capitals in a SA20 contest, eliminating the Capitals from playoff contention. Dewald Brevis scored an unbeaten 73, and Reeza Hendricks added 77 runs. Despite a lightning interruption, the match saw 417 runs scored. Pretoria Capitals' coach acknowledged missed opportunities and emphasized the need for better squad composition for future tournaments.
Tom Alsop's unbeaten 85 off 60 balls led Gulf Giants to a six-wicket victory over Sharjah Warriors in ILT20, successfully chasing 171 for 6 in the final over. Tom Curran supported with 26 not out. Zimbabwean pacer Blessing Muzarabani took 3 for 32, helping to restrict the Warriors, who had strong contributions from Jason Roy and others.
India's use of Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute for Shivam Dube in the fourth T20I against England sparked debate. Dube was struck on the helmet, and Rana took three crucial wickets, including Liam Livingstone's. England's captain Jos Buttler questioned the move, while Kevin Pietersen felt it wasn't a like-for-like replacement. India's bowling coach Morne Morkel defended the decision.
SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith highlighted the league's uniqueness due to its professional and competitive franchises, strong local and international player rosters, and passionate fan support. He emphasised the positive global image the league projects, with filled stadiums and exciting matchups. Season 3 starts with Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs MI Cape Town.
Fakhar Zaman is set to return to international cricket for Pakistan's Champions Trophy after an eight-month break due to illness and fitness issues. He criticizes the PCB's handling of player selection and expresses optimism about young talent Saim Ayub's recovery from an injury.
South African all-rounder Corbin Bosch had a remarkable start to his Test career, taking a wicket with his first delivery against Pakistan. Bosch dismissed Shan Masood, sparking a top-order collapse that saw Pakistan fall from 36/0 to 56/4. Bosch's debut performance shifted the match in South Africa's favor, adding to the legacy of South African pacers.
Johnson Charles' explosive 71 off 33 balls powered Sharjah Warriorz to a dominating nine-wicket win over Dubai Capitals in ILT20, with the chase completed in just 11.5 overs. Notable innings included a brutal 28-run over against Zahir Khan. Tom Kohler-Cadmore added 54 not out. Warriorz's crucial victory boosts their playoff prospects.