Sports

Bloemfontein, Feb 19 (IANS) Veteran South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has been ruled out of the upcoming women’s ODI series against Pakistan due to illness, said Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Thursday.

Marizanne, 36, experienced discomfort shortly after completing her spell during the first innings of the third T20I against Pakistan at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Monday. “Following further medical assessments, the Proteas Women's medical team has opted to rest her as a precaution,” added the CSA.

In her place, DP World Lions bowling all-rounder Fay Cowling has received her first national call-up. Fay, a former South Africa under-19 player, impressed selectors during last month’s national training camp in Tshwane. She was a part of the side that became runners-up in the 2025 Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia.

Marizanne, who has 162 ODI caps to her name since debuting in the format in 2009, had played two T20Is against Pakistan and returned with figures of 1-25 and 0-11 respectively. The seam-bowling all-rounder was instrumental in the Proteas’ recent successes at the international level, including being runners-up in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

The ODI series against Pakistan is a part of the ICC Women’s Championship cycle, which determines qualification for the 2029 Women’s World Cup. The ODI series opener will be played on February 22 at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein and is followed by the second game to be played at SuperSport Park in Centurion on February 25. The series concludes on March 1 at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.

South Africa women’s ODI squad: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Fay Cowling, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon, and Faye Tunnicliffe

--IANS

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Canberra, Feb 19 (IANS) Harmanpreet Kaur admitted India’s batting unit failed to take responsibility at key moments after the Women in Blue suffered a 19-run defeat to Australia in the second T20I at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Thursday, as the visitors lost momentum during a dramatic late collapse while chasing 164.

India were well placed in the chase at multiple stages, including a crucial middle-phase partnership between Harmanpreet and Smriti Mandhana that kept the required rate under control. However, the game shifted decisively when Mandhana was dismissed, followed by Harmanpreet’s departure in the 17th over, triggering a collapse that saw India lose six wickets for just seven runs.

Reflecting on that phase, Harmanpreet pointed to the loss of key wickets and the lack of finishing as decisive factors.

“We were looking for runs that time, but it happens when you're looking for runs; sometimes you collapse. While batting, we should have taken some more responsibility. My partnership with Smriti was very important. I think that was a crucial time when we lost Smriti's wicket. That was the turning point. Today was the first time we were batting, and now we know the pitch, and hopefully we'll plan better in the next innings,” she said after the game.

India had earlier made an encouraging start, with their openers capitalising in the PowerPlay and laying a solid platform. Harmanpreet then anchored the middle overs alongside Richa Ghosh, adding a vital 55-run stand that kept India firmly in contention. But Australia’s bowlers executed their death-over plans to perfection, with variations in pace and disciplined lines denying India the chance to close out the chase.

The target was set up by a commanding opening stand from Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney, who added 128 runs to give Australia early dominance. Although India’s bowlers fought back admirably to restrict further damage, the total proved competitive enough under pressure.

Despite the result, Harmanpreet emphasised that India could take encouragement from their bowling effort and the partnerships built during the chase, saying, "I think even though they started so well, after that, stopping them on a decent total, that was the biggest positive. Batting also, we had a few good partnerships, and it's only about taking the game deeper and one batter taking the responsibility in the end and finishing the game for the team."

--IANS

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Lucknow, Feb 19 (IANS) The Karnataka cricket team, under the leadership of Devdutt Padikkal, has ended the 11-year wait and reached their first Ranji Trophy final since the 2014-15 season. The team's qualification came after they took a first-innings lead against Uttarakhand in the semifinal played at the Ekana Stadium on Thursday.

The eight-time champions, Karnataka, will play the title clash against Jammu and Kashmir, who created history by reaching the finals for the first time by beating Bengal in the other semi-final.

The BCCI is yet to announce the venue for the final match, but sources have confirmed to IANS that Hubli is leading the race to host the clash. "It is understood that KSCA Rajnagar Stadium in Hubbali is leading the race to host the Ranji Trophy final. A JKCA official told IANS that it is likely the final will be held in Hubbali, though a formal confirmation on this hasn't come yet."

Speaking of the match, coming to bat after losing the toss, Karnataka batted for 194.4 overs and scored a magnificent total of 736 runs in the first innings, riding on the double century from the captain, Padikkal, who scored 232 runs of 330 balls.

Opener KL Rahul also continued his great form and played a brilliant knock of 141 runs, while Smaran Ravichandran showed his composure under pressure and hit 135 runs to take the team to a mammoth total.

Karnataka's bowlers dismantled Uttarakhand's batting unit and bowled them out for just 233 runs in 88.5 overs, giving a 503-run lead to the team, which proved to be crucial in their final qualification.

Vidyadhar Patil and Vijaykumar Vyashak led from the front for the team and took three wickets each, while Shreyas Gopal also chipped in two wickets.

Karnataka added 323 runs more to their lead in the second innings. With the help of a 127-run knock from Ravichandran and an 86-run unbeaten innings from Rahul.

Chasing an imposing target of 827 on the final day, Uttarakhand reached 260/6 in 62 overs before both captains agreed to call it a draw. Aditya Rawat remained unbeaten on 53, while Abhay Negi was not out on 57. Gopal took three wickets in the second innings, while Prasidh grabbed two and Vijay Kumar chipped in with one for Karnataka.

Brief scores:

Karnataka 736 & 323 (Smaran Ravichandran 127, KL Rahul 86 not out, Kruthik Krishna 52; Mayank Mishra 4-69) drew with Uttarakhand 233 & 260/6 in 62 overs (Abhay Negi 57 not out, Aditya Rawat 53 not out)

--IANS

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Canberra, Feb 19 (IANS) Georgia Voll's career-best 88 and a record opening partnership with Beth Mooney, along with bowlers delivering a clinical death overs bowling display, helped Australia beat India by 19 runs in the second women's T20I at the Manuka Oval on Thursday.

The result, also the first T20I win for Sophie Molineux as the side’s captain, meant Australia got their first points in the multi-format series and will aim to grab the T20I series when the third game happens at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

Georgia and Beth put on 128 runs for the opening wicket -- Australia's highest partnership against India in T20Is – as they posted 163/5. Georgia, batting with fluency and authority, struck 88 off 57 balls before falling to seamer Arundhati Reddy in the 15th over. Beth contributed 46 and fell four runs short of a half-century, before also falling to Arundhati, who finished with 2-30.

Australia's momentum changed dramatically after that opening stand, as from a commanding 128 for no loss in the 14th over, the hosts could muster only 49 more runs from their remaining 42 deliveries and lost five wickets in the process.

In reply, India's openers capitalised early, racing to 54 for no loss in the Power-play and threatening to make light work of the target. But Australia fought back sharply, claiming all of India's top-order in a four-over burst that shifted the momentum decisively, as the visitors reached 71/3 at the halfway mark.

Harmanpreet Kaur and wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh steadied the innings with a 55-run partnership that kept India's hopes alive. But a pivotal moment came in the 17th over when Kim Garth, mixing her pace cleverly, produced a slower delivery to dismiss Harmanpreet for 36. From there, it triggered a dramatic collapse, as India lost their last six wickets for a mere seven runs.

Ashleigh Gardner was the pick of Australia's bowlers with 3-22. At the same time, Kim, Annabel Sutherland, and Sophie each claimed two wickets as Australia's attack used variations smartly to defend what had appeared to be a below-par total. For India, they will rue a succession of promising starts that went unconverted into a big knock.

Brief scores:

Australia 163/5 in 20 overs (Georgia Voll 88, Beth Mooney 46; Arundhati Reddy 2-30, Renuka Singh Thakur 1-27) beat India 144/9 in 20 overs (Harmanpreet Kaur 36, Smriti Mandhana 31; Ashleigh Gardner 3-22, Annabel Sutherland 2-18) by 19 runs

--IANS

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Colombo, Feb 19 (IANS) Sri Lanka rode on a composed half-century from Pathum Nissanka and crucial late contributions from Pavan Rathnayake to post 178/7 in their Group B clash against Zimbabwe here at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka made an aggressive start as openers Nissanka and Kusal Perera attacked the new ball with confidence. Perera set the tone early with crisp strokeplay, pulling and driving with authority to score 22 off just 14 balls, including four boundaries.

Nissanka complemented him perfectly, showcasing elegant timing through the off-side and sharp placement square of the wicket as the pair raced to 54 inside five overs. Zimbabwe’s breakthrough came through Blessing Muzarabani, who dismissed Perera with a short ball, but Sri Lanka maintained momentum as Nissanka anchored the innings.

He brought up a fluent half-century off 34 deliveries, mixing controlled aggression with clever strike rotation. His knock of 62 off 41 balls, studded with eight fours, ensured Sri Lanka crossed the 100-run mark in the 12th over and remained firmly on track for a big total.

However, Zimbabwe’s spinners, led by Ryan Burl and Graeme Cremer, fought back effectively in the middle overs. Burl produced a sharp leg-break to stump Kusal Mendis for 14, while Cremer dismissed the well-set Nissanka with a superb catch at backward point, triggering a brief slowdown. Cremer’s variations and bounce proved particularly effective as Sri Lanka lost momentum between overs 12 and 15.

The innings regained impetus through a counterattacking cameo from Pavan Rathnayake, who scored a brisk 44 off 25 balls. Rathnayake injected urgency with inventive strokeplay, including two sixes and three fours, while adding valuable runs alongside Dasun Shanaka during a crucial phase.

Zimbabwe’s seamers struck back at key moments, with Muzarabani and Brad Evans picking up important wickets in the death overs to restrict Sri Lanka’s surge. Evans removed Rathnayake and Dushan Hemantha in quick succession, while Muzarabani finished with two wickets to keep Sri Lanka in check.

Despite the late strikes, Sri Lanka found a strong finish through Dunith Wellalage, whose unbeaten 15 off eight balls featured three boundaries in the final over. His late flourish ensured Sri Lanka collected 14 runs off the last six deliveries, pushing the total to a challenging 178/7.

Brief Scores: Sri Lanka 178/7 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 62, Pavan Rathnayake 44; Graeme Cremer 2-27, Blessing Muzarabani 2-38) against Zimbabwe.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Feb 19 (IANS) Skipper Shai Hope was not happy with the batting struggles of his side, especially in the Power-play, despite West Indies registering a thumping 42-run win against Italy in their last group stage match of the T20 World Cup 2026 played at Eden Gardens on Thursday, staying unbeaten and marching into the Super 8s in dominant fashion.

Batting first after losing the toss, West Indies posted 165/6 in 20 overs, led by captain Shai Hope, who struck a fluent 75. The total proved more than enough as fast bowler Shamar Joseph starred with four wickets to bowl Italy out for 123 in 18 overs.

Reflecting on the first innings, Hope felt his side could have pushed harder with the bat despite putting up a competitive score.

“I thought that the pitch was pretty decent. I thought we should have got a bit more on the board, especially looking at how the other wickets played, especially in the first couple of overs. I also said before, it’s a bit different when you’ve got a few up from there. And in that situation there, I just felt as though we could have put a bit more impetus into the innings, especially with the field,” Hope said.

West Indies lost a couple of early wickets but were steadied by Hope’s authoritative knock, before late contributions from Rutherford and Forde ensured a defendable total. However, the skipper stressed the importance of being more forceful in similar situations going forward.

“We’ve got to ensure that if we have to face that situation again, that we’re going to play the best to be a bit more forceful. But when crunch time comes, let’s ensure that you capitalise on those deliveries,” he said.

Defending the target, the West Indies bowlers kept Italy under pressure throughout the chase, striking regularly to prevent partnerships from developing. Hope credited the bowling unit’s growing confidence and consistency.

“They’re very good. It’s just executing really well, not just in this tournament, but even from a few series ago. We’re just taking the strides where we need to. I just feel as though the confidence and clarity that we’re finding in our bowlers gives us a lot more, I guess, clearer execution,” he said.

With the two-time champions finishing the group stage with a perfect record, Hope emphasised the need to stay grounded and focused on the present.

“I always look at the present, you know, those things that we pass. Yes, we’ve got to look at it and use those experiences to gain that momentum that we’re looking for. But again, this is T20 play. You’ve got to bring your best, your best on your game in a tournament, especially like this, the cricket World Cup,” he said.

As the West Indies head into the Super 8s unbeaten, Hope said the team would continue to take things one game at a time. “So, as much depth as we have, we’ve got to keep finishing. Four and four is a result; you want to be the next stage again. So let’s just take it one day at a time. Let’s see if he goes through,” he concluded.

West Indies will now head to Mumbai, where they will play their first Super 8 match against Zimbabwe at the Wankhede Stadium on Monday.

--IANS

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Bengaluru, Feb 19 (IANS) Rising Indian tennis player Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi is continuing her steady progression on the international circuit as she competes in the ITF Women’s Open W100 Bengaluru.

The 16-year-old from Coimbatore suffered a first-round exit in the singles main draw after going down in three sets to fifth seed Polina Iatcenko. However, she remains in contention in the doubles competition, partnering close friend and compatriot Shrivalli Rashmikaa Bhamidipaty to defeat an Indian pair and advance to the quarterfinals.

Having recently featured in tournaments in Mumbai and Pune, Maaya’s continued presence in professional events reflects her growing experience and development. Her progress has been shaped by strong early foundations in India and advanced training at the Rafa Nadal Academy.

Maaya’s journey in tennis began in Coimbatore, where she was introduced to the sport at a young age with encouragement from her parents. With access to quality coaching facilities nearby, she gradually shifted from playing recreationally to pursuing tennis professionally.

“I started taking tennis more seriously when I was 10 years old. Winning the Under-12 Nationals in 2022 was an eye-opener, it made me feel that maybe I could do something with the sport because I was enjoying it and felt happy on court. And when I entered the ITF juniors, I had a 25-match winning streak, won four tournaments in a row, and reached major quarterfinals and semifinals. Winning the J300 in Delhi also brought me closer to the Grand Slams, so it had been a great start for me so far,” she recalled.

Despite the singles setback in Bengaluru, Maaya views the current phase as an important period of growth.

“I feel it’s been a good period of positive growth. Right now, the focus is on amassing experience, competing against better players, and growing physically and mentally. Rankings and results will follow,” she reflected on her recent outings in the country.

The teenager also spoke about her connection with Bengaluru, a city that has played an important role in her early career.

“My first-ever tennis tournament was in Bangalore, an Under-10 tournament. I lost in the first round, but I still had a lot of fun and stayed at the venue the entire day. I’ve always liked playing in Bangalore. In the Under-14s, I had one of my better results here, and most of the times I’ve played these courts, it’s been very good for me.”

Looking ahead, Maaya plans to focus on clay-court preparation upon her return to the Rafa Nadal Academy, with the junior Grand Slams firmly in her sights.

“The environment is great at the Rafa Nadal Academy because you are surrounded by athletes, and I study there as well. It’s turned into a second home. I will now look to play more on clay courts, with the French Open coming up. The immediate aim is to do well in the Junior Grand Slams,” she stated.

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) hosted approximately 2,000 special guests at the Arun Jaitley Stadium during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 fixture between South Africa and the UAE.

The initiative included approximately 1,000 school students from various schools and welfare institutions across the capital. The students were invited to witness the international fixture live, offering many of them the opportunity to experience a global cricketing event from within the stadium environment.

Through this gesture, DDCA aims to encourage greater participation in sport, inspire young minds, and strengthen cricket’s connection with the next generation across diverse sections of society, DDCA said in a release.

Speaking about the initiative, DDCA President Rohan Jaitley said, “It was extremely encouraging to see so many young students experience an international cricket match for the very first time, and that too at a World Cup. For many of these children, this is not just a game but a memory that will stay with them for years to come. We believe sport has the power to inspire, and giving young minds the opportunity to witness cricket at the highest level is a small step towards nurturing that inspiration.”

In addition, 1,000 Delhi Police personnel, along with their family members, were invited to the match as a gesture of acknowledgement and appreciation for their service. The successful conduct of major cricketing events in Delhi is made possible through close coordination with the Delhi Police.

Their professionalism and timely assistance are vital to maintaining safety and order during matchdays. This initiative is a small token of appreciation and a step towards strengthening operational efficiency on the ground.

Jaitley added, “Our police personnel are an integral part of every match we host. Their commitment, discipline, and constant vigilance ensure that players and spectators can enjoy the game in a safe environment. Behind their unwavering sense of duty are their families, whose support fuels their service to the city. Through this gesture, we wanted to recognise and acknowledge the silent strength and sacrifices made by their families behind the scenes.”

He further stated, “We are glad that fans are showing up in large numbers to watch the World Cup in Delhi, and we would like to thank everyone involved in making the same possible.”

Underlining cricket as a means to unify communities, DDCA Vice President Shikha Kumar said, “Cricket has the unique ability to create shared spaces across generations and professions. When students and families of serving police personnel sit in the same stands during a World Cup match, it reinforces how sport can connect communities beyond social or professional boundaries. We are glad we could facilitate this experience for them."

DDCA Secretary Ashok Sharma added, “Behind every successful international fixture lies months of coordination, planning, and on-ground execution. The contribution of the Delhi Police is fundamental to that framework. Extending the World Cup experience to their families, alongside young students, reflects our commitment to recognising both operational efforts and the aspirations of the next generation.”

--IANS

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New Delhi, Feb 19 (IANS) Yorkshire County Cricket Club have secured the services of Australian fast bowler Jhye Richardson as an overseas signing for the opening phase of the 2026 County Championship season.

The 29-year-old pacer will feature in the initial block of red-ball fixtures, strengthening Yorkshire’s pace attack as they aim to mount a strong early challenge. Richardson will reunite with fellow Western Australian teammates Sam Whiteman and AJ Tye, who are also part of the county’s overseas contingent for the upcoming campaign.

Richardson brings valuable international and domestic experience, having represented Australia in four Test matches, including his most recent appearance during the Boxing Day Ashes Test. His standout performance in the longest format came during the 2021 Ashes series, when he claimed impressive figures of 5 for 42 at the Adelaide Oval. Known for his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace, Richardson has also taken 122 wickets in first-class cricket at an average of 20.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the move, Richardson said, “I’m really pleased to be joining Yorkshire. The history of the club and of Headingley goes without saying so to be coming here and playing red ball cricket for the first time is an immense privilege. Speaking with the coaches gave me a great sense of what the group are looking to achieve this year and I’m ready to get over and get started.”

Yorkshire’s General Manager of Cricket, Gavin Hamilton, welcomed the signing and highlighted Richardson’s potential impact.

“Jhye is a very impressive bowler who has performed exceptionally well, and he will really complement the team for that important first part of the season. His skillsets are ones suited to English conditions, and he can make things happen with that ability to push his speed into the high 80s. Getting Jhye is a huge boost for us, and his quality underlines our ambition to build a squad capable of seriously competing in the County Championship. He’s a proven player and we’re thrilled to have secured him,” he said in a statement.

--IANS

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Kolkata, Feb 19 (IANS) Captain Harry Manenti admitted his side struggled to put together a complete performance and lost wickets at crucial stages despite an encouraging show with the ball as Italy suffered a 42-run defeat against the West Indies in their last group match of the T20 World Cup 2026 here at Eden Gardens on Thursday.

West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph picked four wickets as Italy were all out for just 123 runs in 18 overs while chasing a 166-run target.

Speaking on the defeat, skipper Manenti said, “I’m really happy with our first few performances with the ball. We all know the power they possess, and to let them on a good wicket with a short side to 166, we’re really happy. That definitely set us back today and was similar to the England game. We just kept losing wickets in crucial times there today. Didn’t quite get a partnership going that was enough to win a game for you today."

Manenti, however, took pride in the group’s overall effort during the tournament. “I’m really proud of the whole group. There have been different stages in the tournament where the boys have been able to stand up and show their skill sets,” he said.

The skipper felt the team showed resilience at different stages of their first T20 World Cup campaign despite falling short of delivering a complete game.

“I think our ability to stay in a fight for a long period of time, especially when good cricketers and good players like England and the West Indies are able to take a few boundaries down and build some real momentum, and for us to bring it back at certain stages in those last two games has been exciting for us,” he said.

Manenti, however, accepted that consistency across all phases remains a challenge for the team. "We probably haven’t nailed a full game of cricket yet, which, you know, yes, we were good in the ball, we could have been slightly better. We were good against England, we could have been a lot better and again today, we showed some signs, especially with the ball. We just didn’t nail it in the bat today, unfortunately,” he noted.

He also underlined the importance of sustained support for Associate nations from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and demanded more playing opportunities for the teams to grow further.

“I think it’s important for all associate nations to be, you know, funded and well looked after from the top. It’s not always easy, and there are obviously portions of money that need to go everywhere.

“If we can continue to get cricket support from ICC and the other bigger nations, and then those sort of middle-tier nations to have a sort of and get playing more cricket, when we come to these events, hopefully we’ll be even more competitive… I think the more cricket we play together, the more chance we have of completing these games today and knocking over a big nation like West Indies or England,” he concluded.

Italy finished their campaign with only one win in four matches. They remained in fourth position in the Group C points table.

--IANS

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