Sports

WTC Final: Confident Proteas Look to Past Glory at Lord’s for Inspiration

Published

9 months ago

June 10, 2025

As South Africa gears up to face Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final starting June 11, the Proteas are drawing inspiration from their memorable triumph at Lord’s in 2022.

The iconic venue, often hailed as the “Home of Cricket,” carries significant meaning for several South African players who were part of that remarkable win against England. In that August 2022 match, South Africa concluded the game in just three days, achieving an innings-and-12-run victory. Marco Jansen sealed the win with a blistering yorker that bowled James Anderson, while Kagiso Rabada’s fiery spell earned him a five-wicket haul and the Player of the Match title.

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Now, with a world title on the line, about half of that triumphant squad returns to the hallowed grounds of North London, eager to harness the confidence derived from their past performance for success on this grand stage.

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Pacer Lungi Ngidi, who formed a formidable opening partnership with Rabada in that match, sees their previous victory as a significant source of confidence heading into the final.

“We have very fond memories of our last visit here,” Ngidi shared with the ICC. “We believe we possess a lot of confidence, especially having played on this pitch before. While we know Australia has played extensively here, our win at Lord’s gives us belief.”

He continued, “Many discuss the unique slope at Lord’s for bowlers. We’ve observed our bowlers excel here, and our batters have scored runs. There’s a strong sense of confidence within the group.”

While the experienced players are accustomed to Lord’s unique challenges, several squad members are experiencing it for the first time. In the lead-up to the final, these debutants have been awestruck by the venue’s history and grandeur.

David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs were notably moved during their inaugural visit to the ground. “When we first arrived, everyone was on the balcony with their phones out,” Bedingham recalled.

Stubbs added, “Seeing the pavilion and its history; it’s surreal to think past players watched from that very balcony.”

Even for Ngidi, the allure of Lord’s remains ever-present. “Playing at Lord’s is a dream for every cricketer,” he expressed. “I was fortunate to have that experience before, and the excitement and nerves were something special.”

“Returning this time, my nerves are settled. It’s a massive title at stake, but what’s beautiful about Test cricket is that much of the process remains unchanged. Lord’s has an incredible atmosphere, and I enjoy how the crowd interacts with the players. It’s all very thrilling.”

As South Africa aims to secure their first ICC Test Championship trophy, the memories of past success at Lord’s may offer a crucial psychological advantage.

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Sports

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup: Pakistan Knocked Out, New Zealand Enter Semifinals

Published

4 days ago

March 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

Mumbai: Pakistan have been knocked out of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup despite securing a narrow win over Sri Lanka. With this result, New Zealand advanced to the semifinals from the Super Eight group.

In the Super Eight match held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan batted first and posted a strong total of 212 for 8 in 20 overs.

Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Fakhar Zaman gave Pakistan a flying start. They added 176 runs for the opening wicket. This became the highest opening partnership in the tournament’s history.

Farhan scored a brilliant 100 off 60 balls. He became the first player to score two centuries in a single edition of the tournament. Fakhar Zaman supported him well with 84 runs off 42 balls.

Chasing a target of 213 runs, Sri Lanka fought hard but fell short by 5 runs.

Sri Lanka had a poor start. Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for just 3 runs. Kamil Mishara scored 26 runs, while Charith Asalanka added 25 runs to steady the innings.

Later, Pawan Rathnayake and Dasun Shanaka played attacking knocks. Rathnayake scored 58 runs off 37 balls with four fours and three sixes. Shanaka smashed 76 runs off 31 balls, including eight sixes and two fours. Their partnership raised hopes of a Sri Lankan victory.

However, Pakistan bowlers held their nerve in the final overs. Tight bowling at the death ensured a narrow five-run win for Pakistan.

Despite the victory, Pakistan were eliminated from the tournament due to net run rate. As a result, New Zealand secured the second semifinal spot from the group.

Sports

Rinku Singh’s Father Passes Away After Battling Cancer

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: India cricketer Rinku Singh’s father Khanchandra Singh has passed away in Lucknow. He died at a hospital in Greater Noida, leaving the family in deep grief.

Khanchandra Singh was suffering from fourth-stage liver cancer. He was receiving treatment at Yatharth Hospital in Greater Noida. His condition became critical this week, and he was placed on a ventilator. Rinku returned home before India’s Super 8 match against Zimbabwe in the T20 World Cup to be with his family.

Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh expressed his condolences on X. He said he was saddened by the news and praised Rinku for his commitment to the team during such a difficult time.

Sports

West Indies Beat Zimbabwe by 107 Runs

Published

1 week ago

February 24, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports : West Indies cricket team defeated Zimbabwe national cricket team by 107 runs in a Super 8 Group 1 match.

Batting first, West Indies scored 254 for 6. Shimron Hetmyer led the charge with 85 runs off 34 balls. Rovman Powell added 59 runs. Their 122-run partnership helped the team post a big total.

Chasing 255, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 147 runs. Brad Evans scored 43 runs, but it was not enough.

West Indies dominated the match with powerful hitting and sealed a comfortable victory.