NORTH SOUND, Antigua: South Africa had to work hard to earn an 18-run win over the fast-improving United States in the opening game of the Super Eight at the Twenty20 World Cup on Wednesday.
Andries Gous made an unbeaten 80 off 47 balls for the US — against country of his birth — to move atop the batting chart at the World Cup before South Africa restricted the Americans at 176-6.
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada claimed 3-18 and spinner Keshav Maharaj got the prized wicket of US captain Aaron Jones for a duck — no runs — to finish with 1-24.
Quinton de Kock had earlier made a rampant 74 off 40 balls and Heinrich Klaasen provided the perfect finish with 36 not out in the South African total of 194-4 after Jones won the toss and elected to field.
“Pretty happy with the performance as a whole,” South Africa captain Aiden Markram said. “A couple of overs here and there we need to tidy up … but the wicket definitely changes and gets a bit slower, and they were a lot less sloppy.”
Despite four straight wins during the group stage, South Africa had been struggling in the power play throughout the tournament with its top score of 38 in the first six overs against Nepal.
But de Kock opened in friendlier conditions for batters in the West Indies than in the US as he smacked fast bowler Jaspeep Singh for three straight sixes in a 28-run over during the power play that provided South Africa momentum for a big total.
De Kock and Markram (46 off 32 balls) dominated both spinners and the pacers as they raised a solid 110-run stand after Saurabh Netravalkar (2-21) had provided the early breakthrough by getting the wicket of Reeza Hendricks in his second over.
Left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh (2-24) got plenty of grip off the slow wicket and squeezed the runs when he had de Kock caught in the deep and then David Miller offered a tame return catch to the spinner off the first ball he faced.
De Kock’s first half-century in the tournament featured five sixes and seven boundaries as he utilized the short boundaries on one side of the wicket with his perfect pull shots before he missed out on Singh’s full toss.
“We’ve had some tricky wickets so it was nice to spend sometime in the middle today,” de Kock said. “The USA put us under pressure toward the end. It was a great game.”
Netravalkar, who bowled a sensational Super Over in the United States’ historic win over heavyweights Pakistan in the group stage, struck immediately in his return spell when Markram was brilliantly caught by diving Ali Khan at deep backward point off a full pitched ball.
But Klaasen used all his T20 experience in the last five overs and struck three sixes while Tristan Stubbs also hit two fours in his 16-ball unbeaten 20 which lifted South Africa total.
Steven Taylor provided the US a confident start with four boundaries and a six in his quickfire knock of 24 off 14 balls before he ballooned a catch at mid-on as Rabada struck twice off his first two overs in the power play.
South Africa pulled back nicely through Maharaj, who had Jones caught behind for a five-ball zero, and when Corey Anderson’s stumps were knocked back by Anrich Nortje in the 10th over, the US still needed 124 for victory.
But Gous and Singh (38) revived US hopes as they came down hard on wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi (1-50) and added 91 runs for the sixth-wicket stand. Gous completed his half-century with two successive big sixes against Nortje as the batting pair brought down the target to 28 off the final two overs.
However, Rabada bowled a brilliant penultimate over for just two runs and also had Singh caught at mid-wicket that fizzled out the US hopes of another upset.
“Hard to take a defeat after coming so close,” Jones said. “We did lack discipline in the bowling at times, (but) once we play good cricket we can beat any team in the world. We need to be a lot more disciplined.”
Co-host West Indies and England are the other teams in Super Eights Group 2 and will meet in St. Lucia later Wednesday.
South Africa works hard to beat United States in Super Eight at T20 World Cup
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South Africa works hard to beat United States in Super Eight at T20 World Cup
- Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada claimed 3-18 and spinner Keshav Maharaj got the prized wicket of US captain Aaron Jones for a duck — no runs — to finish with 1-24
Cricket’s corruption problem remains an ongoing concern
- Former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara, one of cricket’s most respected figures, has warned that the proliferation of franchise leagues increases the opportunities for match-fixing
Behind the glitz of the recent Indian Premier League auction and Jay Shah’s conspicuous presence at a recent meeting of the 2032 Brisbane Organizing Olympic Committee, lies cricket’s darker side. One aspect of that side is corruption in the form of match-fixing. Recent examples have shown that it is an on-going threat.
Earlier this month, Kumar Sangakkara, one of cricket’s most respected figures, highlighted the threat during a conference in Colombo. The former Sri Lankan captain warned that the proliferation of franchise leagues increases the opportunities for match- and spot-fixing. The conference was chaired by Sumathi Dharmawardena, who is also the independent chair of the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit.
The unit’s outgoing chair, Alex Marshall, has previously identified poorly managed minor leagues as a breeding ground for corruption. It is not clear if this description extends to the Abu Dhabi T10 league, which concluded its eighth edition on Dec. 2. Over its lifetime, it has had its share of controversy. Last year, eight individuals were charged with breaching the game’s Anti-Corruption Code following an investigation into the 2021 edition.
One of the accused, Sunny Dhillon, an assistant coach, has been banned for six years, backdated to Sept. 13, 2023, when Dhillon was provisionally suspended. Dhillon was convicted of trying to change or affect the outcome of, or parts of, matches. And failure or refusal to provide full information regarding any approaches or invitations received that relate to corrupt conduct. He was also accused of failure to cooperate with the corruption investigation without providing a valid reason. This is a long charge sheet.
Amongst the others who were charged, former first-class cricketer Ashar Zaidi was banned for five years having admitted to facilitating corruption. Parag Sanghvi and Krishan Kumar Choudhary, co-owners of the Pune Devils, for whom Zaidi played, were each banned for one year. Sanghvi admitted to placing bets on matches and Choudhary failed to cooperate with the investigation. Both bans were backdated to Sept. 19, 2023. This seems rather lenient.
Another player, Nasir Hossain, a former Bangladesh international, was banned from all cricket in early 2024 for two years, with six months of those suspended. Less fortunate was UK-based club cricketer Rizwan Javed, who received a ban of 17 years and six months. This was based on a failure to respond to charges, which included an attempt to fix, contrive or influence improperly, matches or aspects of matches on three separate occasions.
Scrutiny of the league has returned this year, precipitated by a series of unusual front-foot no-balls. On Nov. 22, UAE bowler, Hazrat Bilal, playing for the Morrisville Samp Army, overstepped the popping crease by a large margin. This necessitated adjustments to the camera frame before replays could be shown. Several of his teammates were observed laughing at the replay.
Four days later in a match between the Delhi Bulls and the Bangla Tigers, former Sri Lanka skipper, Dasun Shanaka, conceded 30 runs off his first three deliveries, including four no-balls, of the penultimate over of the Delhi Bulls’ innings. Such a performance is guaranteed to raise eyebrows. The website, Cricket Addictor, has suggested that Shanaka is facing match-fixing allegations.
Sri Lankan cricket has had its own issues of corruption, as have other sports in the country. In 2019, Sri Lanka's parliament introduced a series of activities deemed to be corruption-related, along with a list of penalties. These followed an investigation by the ICC anti-corruption unit into Sri Lankan cricket. The country is believed to be the first and only Asian nation to criminalize corruption in sports.
Hopes were raised that the removal of a discredited government by a decisive public mandate in September 2024 would lead to further meaningful transformation. Sunil Gamage is the new sports minister and he has acknowledged the rampant corruption, abuse, nepotism and dishonesty in the country’s sporting landscape. Further measures to reform this have yet to emerge.
The problems have certainly not gone away. In Sri Lanka’s own T10 Super League, for which the final was on Dec. 19, the Indian owner of the Galle Marvels franchise was arrested in Colombo on Dec. 12 over match-fixing allegations. During his court hearing, Prem Thakur testified that he was prepared to provide a confidential statement to the magistrate regarding the accusations, under Article 127 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Allegedly, the arrest was based on a complaint by a player in his franchise who refused to accede to Thakur’s match-fixing request.
This is the first edition of Lanka T10. It is run by Sri Lankan Cricket in partnership with T Ten Sports Management group, which organizes the Abu Dhabi T10 and the Zim-Afro T10 events. It was due to commence in 2023 but was postponed owing to financial issues. Almost half of the round robin matches were rained off, which may have reduced the potential for illegal activity.
The appointment of Marshall in September 2017 at the ICC coincided with the rise of franchise cricket and the concomitant potential increase in corruption activity. However, it is not limited to the franchise world. In his book, “Playing to Fix,” Paul Radley has provided a fine-grained analysis of the illegal activities into which members of the UAE team were drawn when the team was on the brink of qualifying for the 2019 World Cup.
One part of the unfolding story is the role of the ICC anti-corruption unit and the processes and procedures which Marshall and his team had to follow in order to obtain proof of illegal activity and, ultimately, convictions. The story also reveals how the illegal activity of teammates wore down morale and performance amongst those who were not involved.
Every accusation and conviction strikes at the heart of cricket’s integrity. The need for vigilance has never been greater. Sangakkara emphasized the need for proactive measures, such as player education programs and confidential reporting mechanisms, designed to prevent illegal activity.
The ICC has these in place but, as the central governing body, it lacks overall control of franchise leagues, which are subject to local board control. This is not always robust. Cricket’s administrators and leaders have a huge responsibility to ensure that the game’s sanctity is protected and preserved. It is not evident that adequate mechanisms are in place.
New Zealand crush England by 423 runs in third Test
HAMILTON, New Zealand: New Zealand tore through England’s batting Tuesday to post a crushing 423-run third Test win and send seamer Tim Southee into retirement on a winning note.
The hosts completed a dominant performance in Hamilton by claiming seven wickets in 41.2 overs on day four as England crumbled for 234 to complete their fourth biggest Test defeat in terms of runs.
It was New Zealand’s equal-highest victory by runs, representing a complete reversal from the first two Tests, which England won easily to clinch the three-match series.
Southee finished with 2-34 in his 107th and final Test, ending the career of one of New Zealand’s finest players.
He finishes with 391 Test wickets, second only to Sir Richard Hadlee among New Zealanders.
New Zealand only needed to take nine second-innings wickets for victory as Ben Stokes did not bat.
The England captain suffered a hamstring injury on Monday and a team spokesperson said he would only bat “if required.”
After resuming at 18-2, England never threatened their enormous target of 658, their hopes dwindling further when losing Jacob Bethell for 76, Joe Root for 54 and Harry Brook for just one before lunch.
They looked comfortable for the first hour before Root departed, having put on 104 for the third wicket with Bethell.
England’s greatest run-scorer was trapped lbw, attempting to sweep left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner.
Having been given not out, New Zealand successfully reviewed, with ball-tracking showing the ball would have hit the middle stump.
It left 33-year-old Root 28 runs short of becoming the fifth player to score 13,000 Test runs.
Brook, who scored match-winning centuries in each of the first two Tests, was out cheaply for the second time at Seddon Park, caught behind off a sharply rising Will O’Rourke delivery.
Left-hander Bethell batted fluently, striking 13 fours and a six, until he swung at a wide Southee delivery to be caught at deep point
Ollie Pope (17) was bowled attempting to reverse scoop pace bowler Matt Henry before Gus Atkinson’s hard-hit 43 ended when caught in the deep off Santner.
Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse fell cheaply, also trying to hit Santner out of the ground.
All-rounder Santner justified his recall by taking 4-85 to finish with seven wickets in the match, alongside scores of 76 and 49 with the bat.
NEOM, Rajasthan Royals celebrate cricket program’s second season
- Program records 85 percent increase in participation and closes with a thrilling final
NEOM: The second season of the NEOM and Rajasthan Royals’ cricket program for NEOM employees and contractors drew to a successful close over the weekend (Dec. 13) with a thrilling men’s final.
The spectacular finish, hosted by Alfanar Global Development at the cricket ground in NEOM, capped a great season, with an 85 percent increase in participation compared with the first season, said a press release issued on Monday.
The cricket program is part of NEOM’s multiyear partnership with Rajasthan Royals, a popular Indian Premier League team.
Building on the 2023 pilot program, the Season T10-style tournament contest featured 146 matches and 84 teams from more than 150 companies, with some exceptional talent on show and the tournament taking another step forward in NEOM’s commitment to nurturing a physically active society.
In an exciting final played in front of 2,000 spectators and cricketing legends Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara, Tabuk Tigers emerged victorious against NESMA Fighters in the final game of the six month competition.
The curtain-raiser to the decider featured an exhibition match between two women’s teams in recognition of NEOM’s inaugural women’s cricket initiative, which was introduced this season.
Prince Saud bin Mishal Al Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, said: “We are delighted to support NEOM’s cricket partnership with the Rajasthan Royals, which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of developing and growing the sport at every level.
“By developing a vibrant cricket community, we aim to inspire widespread participation and to further establish cricket as a key contributor to the Kingdom’s sports ambitions.”
Jan Paterson, managing director of NEOM Sport, said: “NEOM's partnership with Rajasthan Royals is reflective of our commitment to fostering an inclusive community and driving lasting social impact through sport. Building on the success of last year’s pilot program, we are thrilled to continue developing cricket as a platform for growth, inclusion and opportunity across NEOM.
“Together with the SACF and the Rajasthan Royals, we are creating pathways for men, women, boys and girls to actively engage in cricket while strengthening community ties and contributing to the growth of the sport across the Kingdom,” Paterson added.
Manoj Badale, lead owner of Rajasthan Royals, said: “Transforming society through cricket is central to everything the Royals do, and our partnership with NEOM aligns perfectly with this purpose. Beyond the boundaries of the game, this collaboration is about fostering participation, inclusivity, and active lifestyles.
“Over the past couple of years, cricket has shown its ability to connect and inspire communities, and we are thrilled to be a part of this mega initiative that has brought the NEOM communities closer.”
Capturing the spirit of community and competition, NEOM and Rajasthan Royal’s cricket program supports NEOM’s vision in the development of cricket and redefining livability by placing sport and physical wellness at the center of lifestyles, in alignment with the Kingdom’s national sports strategy.
NEOM’s partnership with Rajasthan Royals highlights its drive to become a global destination for sports through collaborations with renowned organizations, championing livability for its residents and contributing to NEOM’s dynamic economy.
Tabuk Tigers win second season of NEOM community cricket program
- Participation surged by 85 percent compared to the inaugural season in 2023, with 84 teams representing more than 150 companies
NEOM: The Tabuk Tigers edged out NESMA Fighters to take the honors in the second season of the NEOM cricket program, held in partnership with Indian Premier League team Rajasthan Royals.
The final, played in front of a 2,000-strong audience that included cricketing icons Rahul Dravid and Kumar Sangakkara, marked the end of a six-month competition featuring 146 matches. The day also featured an exhibition match between two all-female teams.
Participation surged by 85 percent compared to the inaugural season in 2023, with 84 teams representing more than 150 companies competing in a fast-paced T10 format.
Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, emphasized the broader significance of the program.
“By developing a vibrant cricket community, we aim to inspire widespread participation and further establish cricket as a key contributor to the Kingdom’s sports ambitions,” he said.
Jan Paterson, managing director of NEOM Sport, added: “This partnership with the Rajasthan Royals underscores our commitment to fostering an inclusive community and using sport as a platform for growth and opportunity.
“By creating pathways for men, women and young people to engage in cricket, we’re strengthening community ties and advancing NEOM’s vision of a physically active society.”
Manoj Badale, owner of the Rajasthan Royals, said: “This collaboration is about more than cricket, it’s about fostering participation, inclusivity and active lifestyles. Cricket has the power to inspire communities, and we’re proud to be part of an initiative that has brought NEOM’s residents closer.”
With 84 teams and a growing community of players, NEOM’s cricket program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national sports strategy, which aims to promote sporting participation and enhance quality of life.
‘A mess’ — how cricket’s power dynamics are playing out in a congested calendar
- The game gives the appearance of having been hijacked by national, commercial and self-interests
Over the past two weeks this column has observed the storm clouds gathering menacingly above the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. Mostly, they gave dim hope of clearance. Suddenly, on Dec. 6, they rolled back and light seemed to shine through.
Avoidance of the head-on collision between India’s unblinking refusal to play in Pakistan and the latter’s refusal to accept a hybrid model seemed possible, allowing preparations to proceed.
India’s inalienable position, based on security fears, provided it with the balance of negotiating power, quite apart from its commercial strength. Pakistan backed itself into a corner by failing to accept the hybrid model. Under that proposal, India will play its matches on neutral territory, possibly the UAE.
Pakistan’s logic for denial was expressed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif who, in discussion with chair of the Pakistan Cricket Broad and Minister of Interior Mohsin Naqvi, said: “Pakistan’s honor comes first, and everything else follows.”
The only way out of this deadlock, other than the nuclear options of postponement, cancellation or total change of location, was a shift in stance. The first was the PCB’s suggestion that its players would not be safe in India. This was rebuffed by India, as Pakistan played there in 2023. Secondly, the PCB proposed an extended hybrid model by which Pakistan would not travel to India to play in two future ICC tournaments hosted there — the Women’s 2025 ODI World Cup and 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted with Sri Lanka. In these tournaments, the PCB seeks to be treated on the basis of equality and respect.
This translates into repudiation of “one-sided arrangements,” whereby Pakistan traveled to play in ICC events in India, such as the 2023 ODI World Cup, but India did not reciprocate by playing in Pakistan. It is a bold call, seeking to challenge India’s pre-eminent position in cricket’s power politics.
Some may argue that it is overdue. It is unlikely the PCB has forgotten the humiliation which it suffered in the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in the 2023 ODI World Cup group match. The 132,000-capacity arena was populated entirely by blue shirted, partisan Indians.
It seems a little bit of respect might resolve the issue but it is slow to emerge. In an attempt to have the extended hybrid model codified, the PCB is understood to have requested a written assurance from the ICC that it would be implemented for events to be hosted by India up to 2027. The request has caused ridicule on Indian social media and an impasse in relations between parties.
There have been abundant behind the scenes meetings, cancelled meetings, negotiations and discussions between ICC and country board members. The crisis is a drama featuring a new chair and a new order at the ICC, entwinement of board chairs and politicians, deep, long-lasting nationalist pride and sentiment, power and influence and, not least, money, driven by broadcasting contracts.
Somewhere in all of this lies the game. Cricket gives the appearance of having been hijacked by national, commercial and self-interests. The ICC’s outgoing chair does little to dispel that judgement.
Greg Barclay was in post for four years. During his tenure, the international game has become impossibly congested, a “mess” in his words. Even he admitted being unable to keep abreast of all the matches and tournaments taking place simultaneously.
The feeling is shared. This is the price of growth, so coveted by the game. It is not going away because there is nothing to stop it, other than the removal of funding.
Earlier in the year, Barclay described the ICC as not fit for purpose, a remarkably forthright indictment of the impotency of the organization he led. The view seems to be based on concerns over an outdated financial model which may fail to generate sufficient funds to sustain growth.
Furthermore, internal change is hampered by an imbalanced structure which comprises 12 full members and 96 associates, each with an agenda, three more dominant than the others and possessing superior voting rights. The ICC is unlikely to dissolve itself, so the future lies along the same structure but now with a highly connected Indian in charge.
In this context, Pakistan’s lone wolf approach must be judged. Naqvi has said: “We will do whatever’s best for cricket” and “We need to settle this once and for all.” What may be best for cricket can be interpreted in several ways. Attempting to curb India’s power may be one. A lack of desire to rock the boat too energetically in return for some respect may be another. Recognition that the only real solution is a hybrid model tempered by commensurate compensation for Pakistan is most plausible.
Meanwhile, the tournament’s schedule is still to be released. The parting of clouds was temporary and the ICC was unable to capitalize on the opportunity. In that vacuum, mischief appeared on Dec. 9 in a promotional feature released by the tournament broadcaster, Star Sports, which failed to mention Pakistan as the host nation. Unsurprisingly, social media tensions were inflamed to boiling point.
Despite Pakistan’s push back, the power balance remains firmly with India. The national and diplomatic tensions between the two spill over into relations between the respective cricket boards. Having been granted hosting rights, Pakistan has its pride and aspiration to protect, as well as infrastructure investment. In attempting to exercise its rarely given hosting rights, it has challenged the status quo, a risky venture.
A believer in conspiracy theory might suggest that India laid a trap by delaying, or being allowed to delay, its decision not to travel to Pakistan until the last minute. Pakistan does seem trapped, assailed by Indian media. It stands to lose heavily if it does not participate in the tournament. Last week, common sense might have saved the situation. This week, respect is required to avoid Pakistan being shrugged off.
The mess to which Barclay referred is not limited to the international schedule. It clearly applies to the Champions Trophy.
