The Proteas have a balanced side at their disposal with heavy hitters like Heinrich Klaasen to variety of bowling attack featuring the likes of Ngidi, Rabada among others.

Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand vs South Africa playing 11 live updates

India's batting mainstay Virat Kohli on Tuesday likened his match-winning effort in the Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia to the unbeaten hundred against Pakistan and singled out strike rotation as the most important aspect to succeed in the prevailing conditions here.
Kohli was not able to close the chase against Australia but his 84 off 98 balls went a long way in India comfortably overhauling the 265-run in challenging batting conditions.
Just like the game against Pakistan, quick singles and doubles formed the basis of his innings comprising only five boundaries.
"It (his innings) was pretty similar to the other day against Pakistan. It is about understanding the conditions and rotating the strike because partnerships on this pitch are important," said Kohli after receiving the player of the match award.
Kohli's fluent effort included 56 singles and four twos, indicating his exemplary fitness level.
"It all depends on the conditions and then I play my innings. My ..

Kohli was not able to close the chase against Australia but his 84 off 98 balls went a long way in India comfortably overhauling the 265-run in challenging batting conditions.

The Aussies were banking on Dubai's driest pitch, with six spin options packed into their XI. But either the pitch didn't deteriorate as expected, or Kohli's class nullified it-likely, a mix of both.

The Champions Trophy final will be played on March 9 at the Dubai International Stadium. The Indian triumph ensures that the grand finale will now be held in Dubai instead of Lahore, the original host

The SA vs NZ live toss will take place at 2 PM IST during ICC Champions Trophy 2025 second semifinal on March 5 (Wednesday)

The UCL Round of 16 between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will start at 1:30 AM (Mar 5).

UCL Round of 16

The live streaming of the UCL Round of 16 matches  will be available on the SonyLIV app.

The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 will begin on March 9 in the world-renowned health resort of Gulmarg, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah launching its official website here on Monday.
With fresh snowfall, Jammu and Kashmir is set to host the second leg of Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in Gulmarg from March 9 to 12, ensuring a world-class winter sports experience in one of India's premier snow destinations.
"The event, initially scheduled for February 22-25, was postponed due to insufficient snowfall," an official said.
The chief minister launched the official website for Khelo India Winter Games 2025 (kwig2025.com) at the Civil Secretariat here.
Speaking on the occasion, Abdullah extended his best wishes to the organizers and inquired about the arrangements and the finalization of dates for the event.
Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council Secretary Nuzhat Gul in her presentation said that event will now take place from March 9-12 in Gulmarg.
She provided details of the schedule, incl

Khelo India Winter Games

With fresh snowfall, Jammu and Kashmir is set to host the second leg of Khelo India Winter Games 2025 in Gulmarg from March 9 to 12, ensuring a world-class winter sports experience

The live streaming of the Manchester United vs Fulham FA Cup clash will be available on the SonyLIV app.

FA Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo can take a major step towards the Asian Champions League elite title in Iran on Monday, though Al-Nassr is not the only Saudi Arabian club in contention for the big prize.
Ronaldo has yet to win a major trophy since signing for the Riyadh club in December 2022 and victory over Esteghlal of Tehran in the two-legged Round of 16 tie would mean a place in the last eight for Al-Nassr.
The 40-year-old has won five UEFA Champions Leagues while Al-Nassr has yet to win one in Asia.
Domestically Al-Nassr is off the pace and its latest setback  a 2-1 defeat at Al-Orubah on Friday  saw it slip into fourth in the Saudi Pro League and increase the pressure on coach Stefano Pioli.
"We had many chances but could not score," said Pioli.
"We have a lot of games in a short period of time and only had two days rest before this game and now we have to get ready for another one in the Asian Champions League."
Ronaldo has been in good form in Asia scoring six goals in the group stage,

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo has yet to win a major trophy since signing for the Riyadh club in December 2022 and victory over Esteghlal of Tehran

The FA Cup could yet be a way for Manchester City to finish a disappointing season with a trophy.
City needed two goals from teenager Nico O'Reilly to come from behind and beat second-division side Plymouth Argyle 3-1 on Saturday to reach the quarterfinals of the only competition it still has a chance to win.
An eventful day in the competition also saw two notable red cards, a seven-minute VAR check, a handshake snub and a tense penalty shootout as Crystal Palace, Preston and Bournemouth also advanced.
The biggest talking point came in the early game where Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off for a wildly reckless challenge that left Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta needing 25 stitches on a cut to his ear.
Wolves' star forward Matheus Cunha was then also sent off in the final minute of extra time against Bournemouth for headbutting an opponent  having earlier scored a superb equalizer  before his team went on to lose on penalties.
City's win was relatively routine in .

Manchester City

The FA Cup could yet be a way for Manchester City to finish a disappointing season with a trophy

Real Madrid stumbled in the three-way race for the Spanish league title as Isco Alarcn guided Real Betis to a 2-1 comeback win over the defending champion.
The former Madrid player delivered a corner kick that was headed in by fellow midfielder Johnny Cardoso in the 34th minute on Saturday, cancelling out Brahim Daz's opener for Madrid.
Isco then put Betis ahead from the penalty spot in the 54th after he passed to Jess Rodrguez and Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger knocked the Betis forward down in the area.
Madrid's loss left it level on points with Barcelona, which hosts Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid moved two points clear of them both at the top of the table after substitute Julin lvarez scored to secure a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.
Kylian Mbapp was back starting for Madrid after missing one game because of a problem with a tooth. Coach Carlo Ancelotti substituted him with 15 minutes left, saying that his dental issue had impeded him from training properly and that 

Vinicius Jr Saudi Pro League Real Madrid

The former Madrid player delivered a corner kick that was headed in by fellow midfielder Johnny Cardoso in the 34th minute on Saturday, cancelling out Brahim Daz's opener for Madrid

It took more than seven minutes for the video-assistant referee to rule out a goal during FA Cup game between Bournemouth and Wolves despite a new semi-automatic offside system being trialed in the competition.
Milos Kerkez thought he had put Bournemouth 2-0 up in the first half with a header from a corner on Saturday, but the ball came off teammate Dean Huijsen  who was in an offside position  before going into the net.
A semi-automatic offside system is being used for the first time in English soccer in the fifth round of the competition, but rights-holder BBC reported that the technology could not be used for the incident as there was also a check for a possible handball. That meant the VAR had to review the situation manually before finally ruling that the goal should not stand  seven minutes after the ball had gone into the net.
During the lengthy delay, fans from both teams were chanting It's not football anymore.
The VAR system has been widely criticized for creating lengthy

Football, soccer

A semi-automatic offside system is being used for the first time in English soccer in the fifth round of the competition, but rights-holder BBC reported that the technology could not be used

This monumental faceoff is more than just a match-it's a celebration of football excellence, bringing together two of the most successful clubs in history.

RMA vs BAR

Liverpool manager Arne Slot was handed a two-match touchline suspension on Wednesday for his conduct toward match officials after the Merseyside derby against Everton.
Slot admitted to a charge that he acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behavior towards both the match referee and an assistant referee after the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park on Feb. 12, the Football Association said.
The FA said Slot has also been charged 70,000 pounds ($90,000).
Slot was shown a red card for his post-match conduct and has since said he regretted his actions.
Liverpool's next two domestic games are against Newcastle on Wednesday and Southampton on March 8, both in the Premier League and at Anfield.
Liverpool leads the league by 11 points.

Liverpool FC (Pic-Twitter)

Slot admitted to a charge that he acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behavior towards both the match referee and an assistant referee

Kylian Mbapp was not included in Real Madrid's squad for the Copa del Rey match against Real Sociedad on Wednesday.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti said Tuesday Mbapp was going to be available for the first leg of the semifinals in Basque Country, but the France star did not fully recover from a tooth problem and was left out of the traveling squad for the match.
Also not included were regular starters Thibaut Courtois and Federico Valverde, who are going to be rested by Ancelotti.
Mbapp had missed practice on Tuesday after having a tooth removed, according to Spanish media.
Mbapp has scored six goals in his last five matches in all competitions, including a hat trick in the return leg of the Champions League playoffs against Manchester City.
Brazil forward Endrick and Brahim Daz are the likely replacements for Mbapp in attack.
Barcelona and Atletico Madrid drew 4-4 in the first leg of the other Copa semifinal in Barcelona on Tuesday.

Kylian Mbappe,Kylian, Mbappe

Mbappe had missed practice on Tuesday after having a tooth removed, according to Spanish media

Real Madrid will be happy to have Jude Bellingham on their side despite a two-match ban, as his suspension is only effective in La Liga

Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad

Kylian Mbapp missed practice because of a tooth problem but will be available to play for Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey semifinal against Real Sociedad, coach Carlo Ancelotti said Tuesday.
Madrid, seeking its second Copa final in three seasons, will play the first leg of the semifinals at Sociedad on Wednesday.
Mbapp is traveling, Ancelotti said in the pre-match news conference. He had a problem with a tooth and couldn't train. He's traveling tomorrow and can play. Everyone who travels has a chance of playing the game.
Spanish media said Mbapp had a tooth removed.
Mbapp was scoreless in Madrid's 2-0 win against Girona in the Spanish league on Sunday, but he had scored six goals in his last four matches in all competitions, including a hat trick in the return leg of the Champions League playoffs against Manchester City.
Brazil forward Endrick would likely be Mbapp's replacement if the France star doesn't play.
The first leg of the other Copa semifinal will be played on Tuesday, 

Mbappe and Vinicius

Madrid, seeking its second Copa final in three seasons, will play the first leg of the semifinals at Sociedad on Wednesday.

The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is typically favored by batsmen, suggesting that a high-scoring match may be on the horizon. The team that wins the toss might choose to bat first.

Champions Trophy 2025 second semifinal: South Africa vs New Zealand key toss stats

he young Indian opener, who was seen practicing with the bat earlier on Tuesday, has now officially joined the ranks of India's greatest cricketers who have been backed by the iconic brand.

Shubman Gill

The highest successful chase against Australia in an ICC ODI tournament knockout match remains 261, achieved by India in the 2011 World Cup quarter-final in Ahmedabad.

India vs Australia semifinal CHampions Trophy 2025

The Dubai wicket has been spin-friendly in the tournament, and with runs on the board, the Jalandhar-born leg-spinner could pose a great threat to Indian batters, who struggled against New Zealand

Tanveer Sangha, Australia leg spinners

Venkatesh Iyer was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 mega auction for Rs 23.75 crore

Rahane named KKR new captain for IPL 2025 instead of Kolkata Knight Riders' costliest player

Ajinkya Rahane to lead defending champions KKR in IPL 2025. Photo: PTI

All-rounder Venkatesh Iyer says he is prepared to lead Kolkata Knight Riders if given the opportunity in the IPL 2025 despite having no captaincy experience at any levels in competitive cricket.
The reigning champions, who will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening game this season at the Eden Gardens, are yet to announce their captain.
Shreyas Iyer had led them to the title win in IPL 2024, but he was acquired by Punjab Kings in the mega auction and later named him as their skipper.
Definitely, I'm ready. Again, I've always said this: captaincy is just a tag. I believe in leadership. That is a bigger role to play, being a leader, Venkatesh told ESPNcricinfo.
There's no ambiguity surrounding this. I'll definitely do it, if it comes my way. There is no reason not to do it, he added.
Iyer said the captain needs to set an example by being a good role model".
"You don't necessarily need the tag of a captain to be a leader in your dressing room. You need to set examples.

Venkatesh Iyer of Kolkata Knight Riders plays a shot during Vivo Indian Premier League between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi (Photo: PTI)

The reigning champions, who will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening game this season at the Eden Gardens, are yet to announce their captain.

Reliance reportedly conducted brain-mapping studies, which showed IPL streaming ads resulted in up to four times greater engagement and memorability compared to rival platforms

IPL 2024 RR vs KKR in Guwahati washout scenario. Photo: Sportzpics

IPL 2024 RR vs KKR in Guwahati washout scenario

MS Dhoni has been an integral part of the Indian Premier League since its inception 17 seasons ago but the 43-year-old says he can still put his body through "six to eight months" of hard work to be fit for the lucrative league.
Chennai Super Kings retained Dhoni ahead of IPL 2025 auction, with the franchise once again reposing faith in the abilities of the former India captain, who has led the side to five IPL titles.
But having retired from international cricket nearly six years ago, Dhoni said it takes a lot of hard work to be fit and ready for two months of IPL.
"I only play a couple of months in a year, but I want to enjoy it the way I started playing, that's something that keeps me going," Dhoni said at Garuda Aerospace's 'Ascend' during the launch of Amaran Drone and Land Mine Detection Drone, here on Friday.
"But, of course, for that, I need to put in a lot of hard work for six to eight months because IPL is one of the toughest tournaments. Nobody really cares about how old

MS Dhoni

Chennai Super Kings retained Dhoni ahead of IPL 2025 auction, with the franchise once again reposing faith in the abilities of the former India captain, who has led the side to five IPL titles.

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