Tag: Cricket

‹ Back

Jason Smith over Tristan Stubbs: Inside SA’s bold call for the T20 World Cup

Adnaan MohamedColumns, Cricket, NewsLeave a Comment on Jason Smith over Tristan Stubbs: Inside SA’s bold call for the T20 World Cup
By Adnaan Mohamed

South Africa’s T20 Cricket World Cup squad announcement made one thing clear: the selectors are prioritising structure and balance over star power. No decision underlined that more than the inclusion of Jason Smith ahead of Tristan Stubbs.

On paper, it is a difficult call to justify. Stubbs is one of South Africa’s most proven T20 batters in recent seasons. His performances in the IPL, where he has averaged over 50 with a strike rate above 170, place him among the most effective middle-order players in the global game.

He is also already established in South Africa’s T20I setup and has experience across all three formats. With the World Cup taking place in India and Sri Lanka, leaving out a batter who has thrived in Indian conditions is a significant gamble.

Tristan Stubbs (Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x.com)

However, World Cup selection is about fit, not form alone. The choice of Jason Smith suggests the selectors believe this tournament will demand flexibility and game management rather than constant aggression. Smith is not in the squad to outscore opponents in ten balls; he is there to control innings when conditions or situations require restraint. On slower surfaces, or against high-quality spin, that role becomes increasingly valuable.

South Africa’s recent struggles in ICC tournaments have often followed a familiar pattern: strong starts undone by middle-order collapses or an inability to adapt when conditions shift. Smith offers a different profile. He can bat in multiple positions, rotate strike, and provide stability when the run rate tightens. These are not headline skills, but they are often decisive in knockout matches.

The broader squad composition reinforces this approach. Tony de Zorzi’s selection despite a hamstring issue, Ryan Rickelton’s omission despite strong domestic form, and Kagiso Rabada’s inclusion despite fitness concerns all point to a group built with specific roles in mind. The selectors appear willing to accept short-term risk in pursuit of a balanced, adaptable XI.

That does not remove the downside of leaving Stubbs out. T20 cricket remains a format where individual brilliance can outweigh careful planning. There will be matches where South Africa could use the immediate impact and power Stubbs provides. If Smith struggles to score quickly enough or fails to influence games, the decision will be questioned sharply.

In selecting Jason Smith, South Africa have made a clear statement. They are backing composure, versatility, and tactical discipline over explosive potential. It is a conservative call in a format that rewards boldness, but one rooted in a clear reading of conditions and tournament pressure. Whether that reading is correct will define the success or failure of their World Cup campaign.

South Africa Men’s Squad – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Aiden Markram (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans),
Dewald Brevis (Momentum Multiply Titans), Quinton de Kock (DP World Lions), Tony de Zorzi (World
Sports Betting Western Province), Donovan Ferreira (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen
(Momentum Multiply Titans), George Linde (World Sports Betting Western Province), Keshav
Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions), David Miller (Hollywoodbets
Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso
Rabada (DP World Lions) and Jason Smith (Hollywoodbets Dolphins).

Management
Shukri Conrad (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), Ashwell Prince (Batting
Coach), Piet Botha (Bowling Coach), Kruger van Wyk (Fielding Coach), Albie Morkel (Specialist
Consultant), Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Matthew Reuben (Performance
Analyst), Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist), Dr Salih Solomon (Team Doctor), Kyle Botha (Logistics and
Masseur), Lucy Davey (Media Manager) and Brian Khonto (Security Officer).

Group D Fixtures
Monday, 09 February at 15:30 SAST
South Africa vs Canada – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Wednesday, 11 February at 07:30 SAST
South Africa vs Afghanistan – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Friday, 14 February at 15:30 SAST
New Zealand vs South Africa – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Tuesday, 18 February at 07:30 SAST
South Africa vs United Arab Emirates – Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi

Betway SA20 Fireworks at Newlands as Super Giants outmuscle Rickelton’s masterclass

Adnaan MohamedCricket, NewsLeave a Comment on Betway SA20 Fireworks at Newlands as Super Giants outmuscle Rickelton’s masterclass
Adnaan Mohamed

Newlands crackled like a dry pitch under a blazing sun as Betway SA20 Season 4 burst into life with a run-fuelled spectacle that had the crowd riding every delivery.

On a night when bowlers were reduced to survival mode and boundaries flowed like a broken sight screen, Durban Super Giants emerged with a statement 15-run victory over MI Cape Town.

Eathan Bosch of Durban Super Giants and David Wiese of Durban Super Giants are congratulated for getting the wicket of Rassie Van Der Dussen of MI Cape Town during match 1 of the Betway SA20 season 4 between MI Cape Town (MICT) and The Durban Super Giants (DSG) held at the Newlands Cricket Stadium in Cape Town 2025 Photo by Shaun Roy / Sportzpics for SA20

The opener was a full-blooded slugfest: 449 runs, 25 sixes and 40 fours carved into the Cape Town evening. Yet even amid the chaos, one innings shimmered brighter than most. Ryan Rickelton’s maiden SA20 century was a knock of composure and class, a left-hander painting the Newlands canvas with cuts, drives and pulls in equal measure.

His 113 off 65 balls hauled MI Cape Town within sight of an improbable chase, but it was not enough to drag them over the line.

That was because DSG had already laid down a formidable marker. Their 232/5 was not just match-winning, but record-breaking, surpassing the 204/3 scored by Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the Season 2 final at this ground.

The foundations were poured early by an all-Kiwi opening partnership that batted as if operating on a different tempo. Devon Conway and Kane Williamson dominated the Powerplay, racing to 96 inside 8.3 overs with effortless precision.

The stand ended only after a moment of brilliance: Tristan Luus dismissed Williamson for 40 off 25 balls (7×4), but the real theatre came from MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan, who sprinted back from mid-off and flung himself full length to complete a stunning catch.

Still, the Giants refused to slow. Jos Buttler (20 off 12) and Heinrich Klaasen (22 off 14) ensured the pressure never eased, even after Trent Boult removed Conway for a fluent 64 off 33 balls (7×4, 2×6).

The closing act belonged to Aiden Markram and Evan Jones. Markram tore through the middle overs with a rapid 35 off 17 balls (5×4, 1×6), while Jones delivered the late blows, finishing unbeaten on 33 from just 14 deliveries (4×4, 2×6). By the time the innings ended, DSG had scaled heights that demanded something extraordinary in reply.

MI Cape Town’s chase quickly became the Rickelton show. With Rassie van der Dussen (2) and Reeza Hendricks falling early, the left-hander carried the innings with calm authority, once again underlining his affinity with Newlands.

The tempo spiked when debutant Jason Smith arrived. His blistering 41 off 14 balls (4×4, 3×6) swung momentum sharply, momentarily tilting belief towards the home side and igniting the stands.

But DSG kept finding cracks. Smith fell, followed by Nicholas Pooran (15) and Dwaine Pretorius (5), as wickets in the death overs tightened the screws.

Rickelton was granted a reprieve on 85 when Kwena Maphaka overstepped, recalling him after a catch in the deep. The lifeline allowed him to surge to his second career T20 hundred, but the finish remained steep.

With 22 needed from the final over, Eathan Bosch held his nerve like a seasoned closer. His figures of 4/46 told the story of controlled aggression as he removed Rickelton and slammed the door on MI Cape Town’s brave pursuit.

Season 4 has barely begun, yet Newlands has already delivered a reminder: in the SA20, hesitation is punished, courage is rewarded, and entertainment is guaranteed.

Betway SA20 Season 4: A Summer of Sixes, Stars and Succession

Adnaan MohamedCricket, Event Update!, News, PreviewLeave a Comment on Betway SA20 Season 4: A Summer of Sixes, Stars and Succession
By Adnaan Mohamed

South Africa’s summer blockbuster is ready for its opening scene. Betway SA20 Season 4 strides to the crease on Boxing Day at Newlands, where cricket royalty and fearless young guns will collide in a festive showdown packed with promise.

The countdown gathered pace in Cape Town as League Commissioner Graeme Smith addressed the media alongside a who’s who of SA20 captains: Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Keshav Maharaj and Tristan Stubbs. The message was clear: the league is no longer finding its feet, it’s sprinting between the wickets.

“I’m very excited. I think from our perspective, it has been three great seasons building up to where we are now,” Smith said.

“We are really looking forward to a great summer of cricket. The players on my left and right, having spoken to them this morning, are also really looking forward to performing well over the next coming weeks.”

Smith believes SA20 has become fertile ground for South Africa’s next wave of talent.

“We’re starting to see an influx of talent performing well. It’s an incredible opportunity for those youngsters to be exposed to the quality of the game, to learn and to use the League as a platform for them.

“It’s not just the 15 players that play for South Africa in the year, but another 60-odd players that have developed.”

A new chapter begins for Aiden Markram, who swaps Sunrisers Eastern Cape success for fresh challenges at Durban’s Super Giants.

“It’s exciting being with the new team,” Markram said. “The competition is such a great time of year in South Africa. I’ve said it now quite a few times, but guys really enjoy it. The fans love it.”

No player embodies SA20’s growth more than Tristan Stubbs. Once a Rising Star, the Gqeberha local now captains Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

“I’m really excited and just keen to get going. We sort of followed a similar blueprint to the first year. A lot of the team is based around local boys who know PE, live in and around PE. Just being a PE boy brings that culture and that extra fight to play for the team in front of a home crowd,” Stubbs said.

At Joburg Super Kings, Faf du Plessis is embracing a youthful revolution.

“I feel there was a shift in his (Fleming) style when it comes to looking at younger players and backing younger players,” Du Plessis said.

“This year especially we have a very young squad… That’s the nature of the beast of SA20.”

David Miller expects raw hunger to be the difference-maker.

“There’s going to be a lot of energy, enthusiasm from the youngsters… This is the month to enjoy the season and have a lot of fun and play extremely competitive cricket at the same time.”

New leadership also arrives in Centurion, where Keshav Maharaj eyes Highveld challenges.

“Every novel opens with a new chapter, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Maharaj said.

Defending champions MI Cape Town, meanwhile, lean on chemistry as Kagiso Rabada sharpens the attack.

“Familiarity is a key thing. You need to bond with your teammates,” Rabada said.

With opening-night tickets already sold out, SA20 Season 4 is shaping up as a summer where every ball matters, and the future of South African cricket swings freely.

Proteas Rise in India: Shukri and Temba leads a masterclass in resilience

Adnaan MohamedCricket, Features, NewsLeave a Comment on Proteas Rise in India: Shukri and Temba leads a masterclass in resilience
By Adnaan Mohamed

For years, touring India has felt like stepping into cricket’s equivalent of the “Death Zone” in brutal conditions, deafening crowds, and a cauldron of pressure where even great teams lose their bearings. South Africa has known that pain too well. Heavy defeats. Broken confidence. Tours remembered for their scars rather than their strides forward.

But this time, something powerful shifted.

In a story worthy of every athlete who has ever been told they’re not enough, the Proteas walked back into the lion’s den, and roared back even louder, sealing a historic 2–0 Test series win, their first in India in 25 years.

The victory was a reset, a reclaiming of identity, and a reminder of what’s possible when belief becomes bigger than fear.

A Captain Who Carries More Than the Badge

Temba Bavuma’s journey mirrors the heartbeat of modern sport in South Africa: resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to keep standing up when the world expects you to stay down.

Twice before he had toured India. Twice he came home with the kind of numbers and memories most athletes try to forget. Thrown into unfamiliar roles, navigating team turmoil, and battling his own form demons, Bavuma could easily have let those failures define him.

But the man who walked out in Guwahati was not the same athlete.

He was calmer. Clearer. Centered. A captain who had found his voice. A leader whose strength lay not in shouting orders, but in empowering others.

“Coming here, I would never have thought 2–0 would be the result,” Bavuma admitted.

“We know how dark it can be, so getting 2–0 here is an incredible achievement. We’ve painted ourselves into history.”

This is the language of someone who understands the trenches and knows what it means to climb out of them.

A Team Built on Trust, Not Ego

Under coach Shukri Conrad, the Proteas have become more than just a squad. They’re a collective built on shared ownership. Conversations are open. Roles are clear. Leadership is distributed like responsibility in a relay race, everyone carries the baton at some point.

“I’m a lot more assured as a person and as a captain,” Bavuma said.

“We have a lot of leaders in the team. Guys who add value in their own space. Guys I bounce ideas off. And I’ve learned to separate Temba the batter from Temba the captain.”

For athletes, this is gold: Identity is not a single performance. Leadership is not a solo act.

Champions Step Up When It Matters

Great teams need great moments. And South Africa found them everywhere.

  • Simon Harmer, returning to the very country where his career once stalled, produced the greatest bowling series by any visiting spinner in India: 17 wickets at 8.94. A statistic and a story built on grit.
  • Marco Jansen was a walking highlights reel: destructive bouncers, crucial runs, and a catch so athletic it bordered on impossible.
  • Aiden Markram reinvented himself as South Africa’s safest pair of hands, plucking a world record nine catches and steadying the mood whenever needed.

This wasn’t a win built on stars. It was built on synergy and those subtle connections athletes feel when the entire team is in rhythm.

Rising Above the Weight of History

India had lost just one series at home in 12 years. Their fans are famously unyielding. Their conditions notoriously unforgiving. And yet, the Proteas showed that history, no matter how intimidating, is only a backdrop, not a destiny.

Their 408-run win in the second Test wasn’t just dominance; it was a message:

This team is evolving. Growing. Believing.

For South African cricket, often weighed down by near misses and what-ifs, this was an emphatic reminder that the future can be bold, bright, and beautifully unpredictable.

What This Means for the Athlete in All of Us

Every athlete, whether you run trails, swim laps, hit gym reps, or chase PBs knows what it feels like to revisit a place of past disappointment. The doubt. The fear. The ghosts.

What the Proteas did in India is what everyone strives for:

  • To return to a place of pain, and rewrite the story.
  • To trust the process even when your stats say you shouldn’t.
  • To lead with humility, not ego.
  • To push through dark moments because the light ahead is worth it.
  • To discover that your greatest breakthroughs often hide behind your greatest failures.

Bavuma and his team won a cricket series and delivered a universal message of courage:

Your past is not a prophecy. Your setbacks are not your ceiling. Your biggest victories often arrive exactly where you once struggled most.

And sometimes, after 25 long years, everything aligns, and you finally conquer your Everest.

Tumi Sekhukhune Ready To Rise Again At The Icc Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

Tanika LaskeyFeatures, NewsLeave a Comment on Tumi Sekhukhune Ready To Rise Again At The Icc Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

As the Proteas Women gear up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Tumi Sekhukhune finds herself at a defining moment in her career. After battling through injuries and missing the 2023 home World Cup, the seasoned seam bowler is ready to prove her worth and represent her community of Daveyton, Johannesburg, with pride.

Overcoming Setbacks

For Sekhukhune, missing last year’s T20 World Cup was a significant setback. “It wasn’t a nice experience for me, especially because it was at home. Playing on a global stage in front of my family would have been very special,” she shares. However, this disappointment spurred her to work even harder.

“I had to sharpen my skills and reflect on what I could offer to the team,” she says. The aftermath of her recurring groin injury in 2022 and her exclusion from the World Cup squad led to both mental and physical challenges. “I had a mental breakdown. Sometimes you feel like you’re not enough, or that your skills aren’t enough.”

Motivated by her teammates and provincial coaches, including former DP World Lions coach and new Proteas Women fielding lead Bongani ‘Coach Fantastic’ Ndaba, Sekhukhune found a way forward. “I had coaches who helped me improve in specific areas, and taking small steps helped me stay motivated,” she adds.

Despite the challenges of regaining fitness, she maintained her focus. “Some days, I didn’t feel like doing anything, but I told myself to take it one day at a time.”

Pride in Representing Daveyton

Daveyton, her hometown, has always played a significant role in Sekhukhune’s journey. “Growing up in Daveyton shaped the person I am today,” she reflects. A multi-talented athlete who participated in handball, volleyball, and netball in her youth, Sekhukhune’s transition to cricket allowed her to showcase her skills on an international stage when she made her debut in September 2018.

Representing her community in the World Cup fills her with pride. “It’s special to see people from Daveyton supporting me, posting messages on social media, and knowing they’re 100% behind me. That connection really means a lot to me.”

Preparing for the World Cup

Securing her spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad is a milestone for Sekhukhune. “One of my main goals was to get selected for the World Cup. Now that I have, my focus is on staying consistent, ensuring I’m prepared, and being ready to seize opportunities when they come.”

Sekhukhune has also tailored her training to adapt to the challenging conditions in the UAE. “I spent more time in the sun, trying to get used to the conditions. Our tour of Pakistan before heading to the UAE helped me adjust to the heat.” As a senior player, she knows her role goes beyond just bowling. “It’s important for me to contribute as much off the field as on it. My bowling style suits these conditions, and with the team’s success last year, there’s pressure, but I’m ready for it.”

Personal Growth and Reflection

The past few years have provided Sekhukhune with opportunities for personal growth. “I had to unlearn certain habits and adopt new ones. It wasn’t easy, but it helped me improve both as a cricketer and as a person.” Her time away from the game allowed her to reconnect with family and friends. “I spent more time with family, friends, and my dog, which helped me stay grounded.”

She also pursued her studies during recovery. “My injury gave me time to focus on finishing my degree in Supply Chain Management in Logistics, and my family motivated me to continue my education.”

Advice to Future Proteas

Sekhukhune has learned the value of patience and discipline in overcoming setbacks. “Sports come with challenges and injuries, but it’s important to stay grounded. Do your gym work, train hard, and fuel your body with the right nutrients. When setbacks come, be disciplined and trust the process.”

For young girls dreaming of playing for the Proteas, her message is clear: “Cricket is a rewarding game, filled with ups and downs. Keep working on your craft, stay patient, and even if you fall down, you’ll rise again. Believe in yourself, and know that you are going places.”

Ready to Shine Again

Sekhukhune’s journey back to fitness and form is a testament to her strength and determination. As she prepares for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, she stands as a proud representative of her community, ready to make her mark once again. With the support of Daveyton and the lessons she’s learned along the way, Tumi Sekhukhune is poised to rise, carrying the heart of South Africa with her on the global stage.