Johannesburg, July 31 (IANS) Afghanistan will host South Africa for three-match ODI series from September 18 to 22 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The ODI series is the first-ever bilateral series between the two sides with all three matches to be played at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

South Africa has faced Afghanistan on two occasions in ODI cricket during the last two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups in 2019 and 2023.

This series will mark their first encounter since South Africa defeated Afghanistan in the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Trinidad and Tobago last month.

“We are excited to embark on this historic ODI series with Afghanistan, who have become a very competitive all-round team as evidenced by their recent performances in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and most recently at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. This is a significant milestone in our cricketing relations, and we look forward to a competitive and entertaining series,” said CSA chairman Lawson Naidoo in a joint statement with ACB released on Wednesday.

ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf added, “These fixtures were not initially part of our FTP. Still, based on our productive negotiations with our counterparts at Cricket South Africa, we concluded that we will host the Proteas for an ODI series in September. They are an excellent team, and we are eagerly looking forward to hosting them and playing them regularly in the future.”

Fixtures:

Wednesday, September 18

Afghanistan vs South Africa – Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE

Friday, September 20

Afghanistan vs South Africa – Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE

Sunday, September 22

Afghanistan vs South Africa – Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE

–IANS

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Paris, July 31 (IANS) Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu defeated Estonia’s Kristin Kuuba 21-5, 21-10 in the women’s singles Group M match on Wednesday at the 2024 Paris Games.

Sindhu secured the win in just 34 minutes and topped the group with two wins to advance to the round of 16 stage.

In her opening match, the ace Indian defeated Maldives’ Fathimath Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq.

Sindhu, who is playing her third successive Olympics, has never returned empty-handed from the Summer Games, having claimed silver at her debut Games at Rio 2016 before clinching bronze at the Tokyo Games.

–IANS

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Pallekele, July 31 (IANS) India skipper Suryakumar Yadav’s stellar performance has earned him a place among the cricketing elite, joining the ranks of players with the most Player of the Series awards in T20 Internationals.

The Indian T20I captain boasts five such accolades, trailing only former skipper Virat Kohli, who is on top of the list with six POTMs.

Suryakumar’s achievement places him alongside Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan and Australia’s David Warner.

With 71 T20Is to his name, he has amassed 2432 runs at an impressive average of 42.67.

The recent T20I series against Sri Lanka showcased SKY’s leadership, where he won the series 3-0 and scored 92 runs with two wickets. India secured a 3-0 series whitewash under his captaincy.

The final match, played on Tuesday at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, was a nail-biting affair as India held nerves to win the match in a super over.

–IANS

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New Delhi, July 31 (IANS) Atletico Madrid are in advanced talks with Chelsea over the signing of homegrown midfielder Conor Gallagher. The two clubs have been in discussion over the last days with a deal looking more likely. However, there have been no talks or agreements between the Madrid-based side and the player, says a report

Chelsea are currently in the United States of America for their pre-season tour, however given Gallagher’s participation the England side that reached the finals of the European Championship, Conor is currently not with the team and will join up with the squad once they return.

As reported by The Athletic, Chelsea would be okay with letting Gallagher leave this summer and hope to rake in a transfer fee close to 50 million Pounds for the English midfielder. There were also indications that Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspurs had shown interest in the 24-year old.

Ahead of their game against Club America on Thursday, head coach Maresca spoke to reporters and confirmed that ‘anything can happen’ in regards to the transfer situation.

“At the moment, Conor will be back with us when we are at Cobham,” he said. I think he is already at Cobham or he will be in the next few days to start to do something with Cole (Palmer) and Marc (Cucurella). Then he will train with us. When the transfer window is open, unfortunately anything can happen. Not only for Conor, but for all of the players.”

The midfielder had broken through to the Chelsea side in 2022 and has gone on to don the jersey in 136 appearances for the Blues garnering 18 goals and 13 assists. However, he is in his final year of the contract and the team is not willing to let him leave as a free agent next season. A contract extension could be on the cards too.

–IANS

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New Delhi, July 31 (IANS) The Indian cricket team, under the new leadership of head coach Gautam Gambhir, celebrated a commanding 3-0 series victory over Sri Lanka in the T20Is, with several players delivering standout performances. Among them, Rinku Singh emerged as a key player, earning the ‘Fielder of the Series’ award for his exceptional efforts in the field.

The accolade was announced in a ceremony held in the Indian dressing room after the thrilling final match of the series. The BCCI shared a video of the event on ‘X’, capturing the team’s camaraderie and the joyous atmosphere.

Fielding coach T Dilip named Ravi Bishnoi, Riyan Parag, and Rinku Singh as the contenders for the fielding honour. However, it was assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, who ultimately presented the medal to Rinku for his outstanding contributions.

In the decisive third T20I, held at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Rinku’s sharp reflexes and athleticism were on full display. His crucial catches and overall presence on the field played a significant role in stifling the Sri Lankan batting lineup, helping India maintain control throughout the match.

The game itself was a thrilling contest. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl, putting India to the test. The Men in Blue responded with a balanced batting performance. Shubman Gill led the charge with a composed 39 off 37 balls, while Riyan Parag and Washington Sundar provided a late surge, scoring 26 and 25 runs, respectively, and propelled India to a total of 137/9 in 20 overs.

Chasing 138, Sri Lanka’s innings was anchored by Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis, who scored 46 and 43 runs, respectively. Their efforts, along with a supportive knock from Pathum Nissanka, brought the hosts close to victory.

However, India’s bowlers held their nerve, with Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, and Rinku taking crucial wickets. The match came down to the final over, where captain Suryakumar Yadav defended six runs to force a super over.

In the super over, Washington conceded only two runs and taking two crucial wickets. India then easily chased down the target, with Suryakumar sweeping the first ball for a boundary, sealing the series win in style.

–IANS

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