South Africa square things up with a crushing victory

South Africa’s recent form has been questionable. Be it a group stage exit at the ICC Champions Trophy or a 2-1 defeat at the hands of hosts England in the three-match ODI series just before the Champions Trophy, the South African side has failed to put up a formidable performance in the recent past.

Just when Africa would have imagined to put aside their limited-over woes, England applied salt on wounds with a formidable victory in the first test at Lords. A horror show by the Proteas saw them losing the opening fixture of the four match series by 211 runs.

In the second test at Trent Bridge, where the pitch wasn’t offering anything weird, South African bowlers propelled them to a mammoth 340-run victory. After electing to bat first, South Africa could just manage 335 on the scoreboard riding on half-centuries from Hashim Amla (78), Quinton de Kock (68) and Vernon Philander (54). England succumbed to some serious pace bowling by Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander and eventually were bundled out for a mere 205. Chris Morris and Keshav Maharaj picked up three-wickets each while Morkel and Philander picked up two.

Dean Elgar (80), Hashim Amla (87) and Faf du Plessis (63) helped Proteas to a commendable 473-run lead before Philander (three wickets) and Morris (two wickets) derailed England’s chase early on day four. Keshav Maharaj (three wickets) and Duanne Olivier (two wickets) finished up the English chase at a paltry 133 ensuring a memorable victory for South Africa. South Africa win, however, was magnified by some poor batting performances by the English batsmen. Joe Root, the skipper, was the lone English player to register a half-century (78 off 76 in first inning) in the entire match.

The third match of the four-test series will be played at the Oval in London from 27 July to 31 July.

Women’s World Cup: England & RSA battle it out in first semi-final

In a battle between robust bowling and mighty batting, South Africa Women will be up against host England in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017.

England have not made it to the finals since their title winning campaign in 2009. South Africa, on the other hand, are yet to make an appearance in the finals. South Africa, the pre-tournament favourites, won four out of their seven group matches (with one match ending without a result due to rain) to progress at number four in the table, the English side finished as the table toppers with six victories in seven matches.

In the second semi-final, India Women will face Australia Women on Thursday with the winners of the two semi-finals facing off for the prestigious trophy on Sunday.

Women’s Euro 2017: Germany held goalless, Russia stuns Italy

Consecutive six-time champions, Germany were held by Sweden as the match finished without a single goal being scored from either side. Germany, who had defeated their opponents in last 11 competitive matches, succumbed to the well organised defence, where the Swedish goalkeeper was hardly tested.

In another clash, Russia stunned Italy 2-1. While fine saves from the Russian goalkeeper Tatyana Shcherbak kept Italy away from the scoresheet for the longest time, a goal each from Elena Danilova and Elena Morozova the first 30 minutes itself ensured a Russian victory. A late strike from Ilaria Mauro proved too-little-too-late for the Italian side. Germany and Italy will face each-other next on Friday.