Category: South Africa

The tale of two close games

The tale of two close games

Posted on by Bobji

This World Cup has finally got it. Close games. That too, a couple of games in quick succession. The first half of the World Cup has more or less been one-sided. South Africa and Australia piled on the runs. South Africa even annihilated England to the tune of 399, and Australia was no different. They …

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Afghanistan and South Africa’s efficiency

Afghanistan and South Africa's efficiency

Posted on by Bobji

Last week saw some dominant displays from Afghanistan and South Africa. South Africa was absolutely brutal in disposing of their opponents except for The Netherlands, whereas Afghanistan, was at their clinical best against Pakistan. The domination of South Africa and the display of Afghanistan were not expected. Afghanistan have almost put their southern neighbour on …

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Their captain is the problem

Their captain is the problem

Posted on by Bobji

After it was Afghanistan, now it is the turn of the Netherlands to provide the next shock in the ODI World Cup. This time, it was South Africa who suffered the shock defeat. Twice in two World Cups, including T20, the Netherlands has toppled South Africa though, this time, they have not sent them out …

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South Africa on a roll

South Africa on a roll

Posted on by Bobji

What transpired yesterday at Lucknow was something unimaginable. Everyone was expecting a close contest between South Africa and Australia. Both are good sides with strong batting and good bowling attacks but no one would have expected that one of the bowling attacks would have an unforgettable day. It would not be an understatement to state …

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Some of cricket’s greatest rivalries

Cricket is a game that thrives on rivalries. Sport for that matter thrives on rivalries. Otherwise, there is no connect with the game. This article looks at some of cricket’s greatest rivalries. India vs Pakistan The India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense sporting rivalries in the world. This rivalry goes beyond just the sport, with a long-standing political and cultural conflict between the two nations. Whenever these two teams meet on the cricket field, it is a high-pressure affair that is watched by millions of fans around the world. The history of the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry dates back to 1952, when the two teams played their first test match against each other. Since then, the two teams have played each other in a total of 199 matches, with India winning 131 and Pakistan winning 74. The two teams have also faced each other in six ICC World Cup matches, with India winning all six. The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is known for its intense matches, with both teams fighting hard to win. One of the most memorable matches in the history of this rivalry was the 2007 T20 World Cup final, where India defeated Pakistan by just five runs. This match was watched by millions of fans around the world and is still talked about today. The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is not just about the matches played on the field. The rivalry goes beyond cricket, with both countries having a long-standing political conflict. This conflict is reflected on the cricket field, with matches between these two nations often becoming heated affairs. The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is also known for its passionate fans. Both countries have a huge fan base, with fans from both nations often traveling long distances to watch their team play. The matches between these two nations are always played in a packed stadium, with fans from both sides cheering their team on. In recent years, the India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has been affected by political tensions between the two nations. The two teams have not played a bilateral series since 2012, with their only meetings coming in ICC events. However, the rivalry between the two nations is still as intense as ever, with fans eagerly waiting for the next India-Pakistan match. In conclusion, the India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense sporting rivalries in the world. It goes beyond just the sport, with a long-standing political and cultural conflict between the two nations. Matches between these two nations are always high-pressure affairs, watched by millions of fans around the world. Despite the political tensions between the two nations, the rivalry between India and Pakistan on the cricket field is still as intense as ever. England vs Australia The rivalry between England and Australia in cricket is one of the oldest and most intense in the sport. The two nations have been playing against each other for over a century, and their rivalry has become one of the most celebrated sporting rivalries in the world. The rivalry between England and Australia is often referred to as "The Ashes" due to the tiny urn that is awarded to the winning team of the Test series between the two nations. The Ashes series has been contested since 1882, and it is one of the most fiercely contested events in cricket. The rivalry between England and Australia is not just about cricket. It is a rivalry that goes beyond the sport, with a deep cultural and historical significance. England and Australia have a long history of political, economic, and cultural exchanges, which has influenced their cricket rivalry. The England vs Australia cricket rivalry is known for its fiercely competitive matches, with both teams fighting hard to win. The two teams have played each other in a total of 353 matches, with Australia winning 144 and England winning 109. The remaining matches have been drawn or tied. One of the most memorable moments in the history of the England vs Australia cricket rivalry was in the 2005 Ashes series. England won the series 2-1, with the fifth and final test match being one of the most intense and closely fought matches in the history of cricket. The match went down to the wire, with England winning by just two runs, which is still considered one of the greatest moments in the history of cricket. The England vs Australia cricket rivalry is also known for its passionate fans. Both nations have a huge fan base, and fans from both sides are known for their witty and at times ruthless banter during the matches. The Ashes series is played in packed stadiums, with fans from both sides cheering their team on. In conclusion, the England vs Australia cricket rivalry is one of the most intense and celebrated sporting rivalries in the world. The two nations have a deep cultural and historical significance, which has influenced their cricket rivalry. The Ashes series is fiercely contested, with both teams fighting hard to win. The rivalry between England and Australia is not just about cricket, it is a rivalry that goes beyond the sport, with a deep cultural and historical significance. South Africa vs Australia The rivalry between South Africa and Australia in cricket is one of the most intense and competitive in the sport. The two nations have a long history of playing against each other, and their rivalry is often marked by fiercely contested matches. The South Africa vs Australia cricket rivalry dates back to 1902, when the two nations played their first test match against each other. Since then, they have played a total of 104 test matches, with Australia winning 51 and South Africa winning 27. The remaining matches have been drawn. One of the most memorable moments in the history of the South Africa vs Australia cricket rivalry was in the 1999 Cricket World Cup semi-final. In a closely contested match, Australia defeated South Africa by just one run, which is still considered one of the greatest matches in the history of cricket. The South Africa vs Australia cricket rivalry is known for its fiercely competitive matches, with both teams fighting hard to win. The two teams have a similar style of play, which often results in high-scoring matches with fast-paced action. The South Africa vs Australia cricket rivalry is also marked by the intense atmosphere in which the matches are played. Both nations have passionate fans who fill up the stadiums and create a lively atmosphere. The matches between these two nations are always played in front of a packed stadium, with fans from both sides cheering their team on. In recent years, the South Africa vs Australia cricket rivalry has been affected by controversies and clashes between the players. In 2018, the ball-tampering scandal involving the Australian cricket team in a test match against South Africa created a huge controversy and strained the relations between the two nations. In conclusion, the South Africa vs Australia cricket rivalry is one of the most intense and competitive rivalries in the sport. The two nations have a long history of playing against each other, with matches often marked by fiercely contested action. The rivalry is known for its intense atmosphere and passionate fans, with matches played in front of a packed stadium. While controversies have sometimes strained relations between the two nations, the rivalry between South Africa and Australia on the cricket field remains one of the most fiercely contested in the sport.

Posted on by Bobji

Cricket is a game that thrives on rivalries. Sport for that matter thrives on rivalries. Otherwise, there is no connect with the game. This article looks at some of cricket’s greatest rivalries. India vs Pakistan The India vs Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense sporting rivalries in the world. This rivalry goes …

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The role of a cricket captain

Cricket, like any other team sport, requires strong leadership to succeed. The captain of a cricket team is responsible for more than just making on-field decisions. They are the face of the team, the link between the players and the management and the driving force behind the team’s success. In this article, I will dwell on the various roles and responsibilities of a cricket captain. The role of a cricket captain. On-field decision making One of the most crucial roles of a cricket captain is to make tactical decisions on the field. They have to read the pitch, the conditions and the opposition team and make decisions that can swing the game in their team's favour. Once these things are studied, analysed and accounted for, the crucial decision of what to do if the toss is won must be decided. Here the captain can invite free and frank discussion with the team but the ultimate decision rests with the captain. There are so many instances of the captain being vilified for choosing the wrong option after winning the toss. The most famous instance is that of Nasser Hussain opting to bowl at the Brisbane Gabba all those years ago only for Hayden, Langer and Ponting to pummel the English bowlers into submission. Once, the team is on the field, he is all alone. Sure, the captain can always consult with the teammates but the flow of the game will be such that he will be required to take instant decisions based on nothing more than a hunch. The captain has to decide which bowler to use, when to change the field and when to declare or set a target. A good captain can sense the momentum of the game and make decisions that can turn the tide in their team's favour. Team selection: The captain plays a vital role in team selection. They have to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their team and pick the right players to fill the various positions. They have to consider the pitch and the conditions while selecting the team. They also have to factor in the form and fitness of the players before making a decision. A captain who can pick the right team can give their team a significant advantage. Being the captain is a thankless job. Far too many times, they are required to take some tough decisions. That is the reason Ganguly’s and Kohli’s decision of leaving the highest wicket-taker of their sides out of the playing eleven was hard to digest. They were based on sound cricketing logic rather than anything else. Motivation and inspiration: A captain is also responsible for motivating and inspiring their team. They have to instill a sense of belief and confidence in their players, especially during tough times. A good captain can lead by example, displaying a positive attitude and working hard on and off the field. They have to encourage their players to give their best and never give up. Captains lead by example is a phrase often heard in cricketing circles. It is not without reason. Motivated and performing captains often inspire the entire team to achieve greater heights that they may not have otherwise. Media and public relations: A cricket captain is also the face of the team in the media and public. They have to attend press conferences and interviews and handle questions from journalists and fans. They have to present a positive image of the team and communicate the team's goals and objectives. They also have to handle criticism and negativity in a professional manner. Captains can never lose their composure. The media may invent non-existent rivalries or rifts. Captains will have to deal with them calmly. Role model and mentor: Finally, a cricket captain is a role model and mentor for their players. They have to set an example in terms of discipline, work ethic, and team spirit. They have to mentor the younger players and help them grow and develop their skills. They have to create a culture of excellence and teamwork within the team. Far too often, Asian teams, especially Indian teams have this habit of seniors and juniors. The Indian teams of 70s, 80s and 90s were faction driven. Juniors were not treated well and as equal by the seniors. The situation was quite bad until the turn of the millennium. Ganguly changed all that. Now, it is a team of equals. Wrapping up the role of a cricket captain In conclusion, the role of a cricket captain is multifaceted and complex. They have to make tactical decisions on the field, select the right team, motivate and inspire their players, handle media and public relations, and be a role model and mentor for their team. A good captain can make a significant difference to their team's success, and their leadership skills can be the difference between winning and losing.

Posted on by Bobji

Cricket, like any other team sport, requires strong leadership to succeed. The captain of a cricket team is responsible for more than just making on-field decisions. They are the face of the team, the link between the players and the management and the driving force behind the team’s success. In this article, I will dwell …

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Should and can ODI cricket survive?

Should and can ODI cricket survive?

Posted on by Bobji

With Tests being the pinnacle of the game and T20 being the latest to capture the imagination of the spectators, where does that leave ODI cricket? There are growing chorus for ODI cricket to be scrapped altogether and keep it as a World Cup only event. Various cricketers have given lots of suggestions to change …

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The impact of technology on cricket

The impact of technology on cricket

Posted on by Bobji

Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world, well, atleast in the cricketing world. It has gone through many changes and evolutions since its inception. Technology has been at the forefront of these changes, bringing new innovations to the sport and changing the way it is played, watched, and managed. The impact …

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The new South Africa T20 league

The new South Africa T20 league

Posted on by Bobji

Another nation has brought into the T20 franchise cricket and that is South Africa. With 6 teams in the fray, lot of hopes are pinned on this league to bring in the much need revenue for Cricket South Africa. Cricket in South Africa is slowly losing steam. It can be gauged by an outsider from …

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New Zealand and South Africa performance review of 2022

New Zealand and South Africa performance review of 2022

Posted on by Bobji

Both the nations had a forgettable year. South Africa went from the sublime to the ridiculous. Whereas New Zealand were not even close to their performance leading upto the 1st WTC finals. Of the two, it will be South Africa who will be much more sad because here is a team, who was once a …

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