LOC Board Chairman Trevor Manuel hailed the appointments in a press release. He acknowledged Cricket South Africa’s support in the hiring journey and the ICC’s green light. Manuel emphasized the newcomers’ credentials: ‘Ngwenya and Khoza bring battle-tested experience from high-stakes events. Their strategic acumen and engagement skills will be game-changers for this landmark tournament.’

Approved unanimously post a thorough vetting process, these picks underscore the LOC’s commitment to excellence. The board highlighted their readiness to steer planning and delivery amid complex logistics.

Set to unfold from October to November 2027, this 14th World Cup edition spotlights a tri-nation hosting effort by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. It’s the second joint venture for South Africa and Zimbabwe after 2023, and Namibia’s inaugural bow as a host venue.

Match distribution favors South Africa with 44 games on eight home grounds. Zimbabwe and Namibia share the spotlight for 10 fixtures. Automatic qualification graces hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe. Top-8 ranked teams by March 31, 2027, follow suit. Qualifiers will decide the final quartet, with Namibia needing to qualify separately due to its non-full ICC membership status.

Stakeholders buzz with optimism, eyeing these appointments as catalysts for a flawlessly executed event that could redefine ODI legacies.

ODI action begins in Durban’s Kingsmead on September 24, shifts to Johannesburg’s Wanderers on September 27, and concludes at Potchefstroom’s JB Marks Oval on September 30. A preparatory two-day warm-up awaits on October 3-4 in Potchefstroom.

The Test leg intensifies proceedings: Durban hosts the opener from October 9-13, Port Elizabeth’s St George’s Park takes the second from October 18-22, and Cape Town’s iconic Newlands closes the series October 27-31.

Several 2018 tour veterans remain in contention for selection – Pat Cummins as skipper, alongside Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, and Josh Hazlewood. David Warner’s retirement post-ban and Cameron Bancroft’s diminished prospects shift the team dynamic.

Preceding this, Australia’s August home series against Bangladesh in northern territories will sharpen their edge. This tour not only tests current form but also symbolizes healing from past wounds, with both nations eyeing World Test Championship points and bragging rights in a storied rivalry.

During Monday’s third T20 at Benoni’s Willowmoore Park, the 36-year-old Kapp completed her bowling stint in the first innings before experiencing severe discomfort. Medical evaluations prompted the Proteas’ team doctors to enforce rest, prioritizing her recovery over immediate participation.

Replacing the seasoned campaigner is exciting prospect Faye Tunnicliffe from DP World Lions, earning her first senior call-up. This former U19 star caught attention at a Tshwane training camp last month and contributed to South Africa’s runner-up finish at the 2025 Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia.

Since her 2009 ODI debut, Kapp has amassed 162 appearances, delivering match-winning performances across formats. Her recent T20 efforts against Pakistan—1/25 and 0/11—underscore her value, especially in South Africa’s runner-up finish at the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.

Stakes are high in this ICC Women’s Championship series, pivotal for 2029 World Cup spots. Game one unfolds February 22 in Bloemfontein’s Mangaung Oval, with match two on February 25 at Centurion’s SuperSport Park, and the decider on March 1 in Durban’s Kingsmead.

Full Proteas squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Faye Tunnicliffe, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Sune Luus, Karabo Moso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe.

With Kapp watching from the sidelines, Wolvaardt’s side must adapt quickly, relying on emerging talents to maintain their competitive edge in global women’s cricket.

Guwahati is set to make its historic debut as a Test cricket venue on November 22, 2025. The city has previously hosted successful Women’s ODI World Cup matches, showcasing its capability for major events. This Test match further elevates the north-east’s profile in the cricketing world, bringing international red-ball cricket to an area with distinct winter daylight limitations.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, who hails from Guwahati, confirmed that play will commence half an hour earlier than the standard Indian red-ball Tests. “In winters, sunrise and sunset are very early here in north-east India. By 4 pm, the daylight recedes, and you can’t play much after. Because of that, we have decided to start early, so play will start at 9 am,” Saikia explained. This proactive measure aims to overcome the challenges posed by the fading light.

The revised schedule sees the toss take place at 8:30 am IST, with the first session running from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. A 20-minute tea break will be taken before the second session, which is slated from 11:20 am to 1:20 pm. Lunch will follow, from 1:20 pm to 2:00 pm, and the final session will conclude at 4:00 pm, with a potential extension of an extra half-hour if needed.

This innovative rescheduling ensures that players will not experience an uncharacteristically early lunch, helping to maintain their energy levels and competitive spirit throughout the day. The BCCI’s flexibility in adapting Test match management to regional environmental factors demonstrates a commitment to player welfare and the integrity of the game. This move is anticipated to benefit both India and South Africa as they compete in this physically demanding format.

The two-match Test series commences in Kolkata. The Guwahati Test, with its unique timing, promises to be a captivating encounter as both teams vie for supremacy. South Africa may face adjustments to the early starts and the specific pitch conditions influenced by Guwahati’s winter climate. India, enjoying the home advantage, is expected to capitalize on familiarity with the local conditions and weather patterns. Early starts could potentially favor bowlers who can exploit overcast conditions, while batsmen will need to adapt their game plans accordingly.

The swap of tea and lunch breaks, while seemingly a minor change, underscores the BCCI’s forward-thinking approach to fixture planning. These adjustments are designed not only to maximize playtime under natural light but also to enhance the viewing experience for fans. This flexibility, usually associated with day-night Tests, has been innovatively applied to a traditional day Test scenario. The rationale is simple: a practical decision to ensure the rhythm and energy of players are maintained, thereby upholding the quality of cricket played.

The 23-year-old speedster was only able to bowl 1.3 overs before experiencing visible discomfort, leading to his withdrawal from the match. Cricket South Africa has confirmed that further assessments will be conducted upon his return home to determine the severity of the injury and the subsequent recovery timeline. His absence would be a considerable blow, especially following the recent withdrawal of emerging left-arm seamer Kwena Maphaka due to a hamstring strain.

Coetzee has a recent history of fitness concerns, having missed the Champions Trophy due to a groin issue. He had only recently made his international comeback, featuring for South Africa A and earning selection for both the ODI and T20I squads for the Pakistan tour. The team will be hoping for good news regarding his condition to bolster their bowling options for a demanding schedule that includes a Test series and white-ball fixtures.

Initially, the match in Visakhapatnam seemed firmly in India’s grasp. South Africa, chasing 252, found themselves in a precarious position at 142/6. The momentum was clearly with the Indian bowlers, who had taken regular wickets. Earlier, India too had struggled with wickets falling consistently until Ghosh and Rana forged a crucial partnership, the fourth-highest for India in women’s ODIs, to guide them to 251. This total was widely considered defendable, especially with effective spells from bowlers like Kranti Gaud and Sneh Rana, who both claimed two wickets. Yet, the final ten overs proved to be the turning point.

Laura Wolvaardt had laid a solid foundation for the chase with a steady 70, keeping the scoreboard moving despite losing partners. Following her departure, Chloe Tyron continued the charge with a valuable 49. But it was Nadine de Klerk who ultimately sealed the deal for South Africa. Even after Tyron’s dismissal, de Klerk remained unfazed, smashing an extraordinary unbeaten 84 off just 54 balls, a performance filled with aggressive boundaries that snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. The Indian camp acknowledged that the pitch played better towards the end, a fact they themselves experienced during their batting innings but failed to adapt to during their bowling spell, ultimately leading to their first loss.

Rabada Had Left IPL 2025 Last Month After Playing Two Games for Gujarat Titans. At that time, it was said from gujarat titans that rabada had returned home to deal with a “Significant personal matter”.

According to an espncricinfo report, rabada’s transgression took place during the sa20 in January-februry this year. He represented mi cape ton in that tournament. The report further menfirmed that the exact length of pacer sanction has not been confirmed. Rabada has since traveled back to India and his return to play is immunity.

Rabada, who has not played a match since March 29, Issued a statement through south African cricketers’ Association (SACA) and apologized for his action.

“As have been reported, I recently returned to South Africa from Participating in the IPL for Personal Reasons. His statement.

“I am deeply sory to all there that I have let down. I will never take the private

I am serving a provisional suspension and I am looking forward to return to the game I love playing. I could go through this alone. I’d like to thank my agent, CSA, and Gujarat Titans for their support. I’D also like to thank saca and my legal team for their guidance and counsel. Most Importantly i’d Like to Thank My Friends and Family for their undersrstanding and love.

Moving forward, this moment will not define me. I will keep doing what I have Always Done, Continuous Working Hard and Playing with Passion and Devotion to My Craft, “He CONCLUDED.

However, the statement Didn’T mention what the recreational substance was for which he tested positive.

Rabada has played 70 Tests, 106 One-Day Internationals and 65 T20is for South Africa. He returned earlier this year from an injury.