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South Africa vs New Zealand semi-final The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as South Africa take on New Zealand in the second semi-final of the T20 Cricket World Cup 2026. The Proteas, led by captain Temba Bavuma, are looking to make it to their first-ever T20 World Cup final, while the Kiwis, captained by Kane Williamson, are seeking to reach the final for the third time. South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first, with Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks setting the tone with a 50-run opening stand. The Proteas eventually posted a competitive total of 180-6 in their 20 overs, thanks mainly to some late fireworks from David Miller, who blasted 24 off just 11 balls. New Zealand's chase got off to a steady start, with Finn Allen and Devon Conway putting on 45 runs for the opening wicket. However, the Kiwis lost their way slightly in the middle overs, with the Proteas' bowling attack keeping them in check. With 38 needed from the final three overs, New Zealand looked like they would fall short, but a stunning late cameo from Glenn Phillips, who hit an unbeaten 21 off just seven balls, kept his team's hopes alive. As it stands, South Africa are ahead by eight runs with four balls remaining, and the Proteas' fans will be hoping their team can hold on to secure a historic final spot. For New Zealand, it's a chance to salvage something from what has been a disappointing campaign so far. Score: South Africa 180-6, New Zealand 172-4 (17 overs) Radio commentary is available on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, with highlights and analysis set to follow the match.#South_Africa #David_Miller #Finn_Allen #Devon_Conway #Glenn_Phillips #New_Zealand #Quinton_de_Kock #Temba_Bavuma #Reeza_Hendricks #Kane_Williamson #T20_Cricket_World_Cup_2026

UK Stock Market Calms But Oil Prices Rise Over Fears Iran War May Drag On The UK stock market has calmed down after a volatile start to the week, but oil prices have continued to rise amid concerns that the conflict in Iraq may drag on for longer than expected. The FTSE 100 index ended the day up 0.3% at 7,143 points, having fallen as much as 1.5% earlier. The oil price surge came as Iran's Revolutionary Guards vowed to exact revenge on the United States and its allies after the killing of top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike last week. Brent crude oil rose $2.10 a barrel, or 3%, to settle at $70.50. Despite the continued turmoil in the Middle East, investors seemed to take comfort from comments by Saudi Arabia's crown prince that his country is "prepared" to increase its oil production if needed. The kingdom has been working closely with the US and other global leaders to contain the fallout from the crisis. The rise in oil prices came as the global benchmark hit a 2019 high of $71.30, but it was still below the peak reached during the height of tensions between Iran and the West last summer. The increase in oil prices has raised concerns about inflation and the impact on consumer spending, particularly for households already feeling squeezed by the rising cost of living. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates for the third time this year was seen as a positive development for investors, who had been worried that the central bank might hike rates in response to the oil price surge. The rate cut has helped to boost investor confidence and reduce concerns about the potential impact of higher borrowing costs on the economy. The ongoing uncertainty over the conflict i...#Iraq #Iran #Saudi_Arabia #United_States #US_Federal_Reserve #Qasem_Soleimani #FTSE_100 #Brent_crude_oil

Indie dev says 'best I can do is sentient tofu' after fans demand a male protagonist—they respond oh yeah, actually Mr Tofu works fine, thanks Everyone got what they wanted. Kind of. #Indie_dev #male_protagonist #works_fine #sentient_tofu #Tofu_works #fans_demand

Piet Botha leans on Kagiso Rabada's fire in Blackcaps T20 World Cup semi-final The Proteas' Piet Botha has called upon the services of star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to help guide the team through their highly anticipated T20 World Cup semi-final clash against the Blackcaps. The match, set to take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the world's top cricket teams. Botha, who has been instrumental in the Proteas' impressive campaign thus far, believes that Rabada's explosive bowling will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match. "Kagiso is an absolute game-changer," Botha said during a pre-match press conference. "He's got the ability to take wickets at any stage of the game, and his pace and accuracy are simply unmatched." Rabada has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, claiming 12 wickets at an average of just 11.33. His impressive stats have earned him a reputation as one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world. The Blackcaps, meanwhile, will be looking to capitalize on their own strong form, having won four consecutive matches to reach the semi-finals. Captain Kane Williamson has praised his team's resilience and adaptability, stating that they are well-equipped to handle whatever challenges the Proteas may throw at them. "This is what it's all about – we've worked so hard to get to this point, and now we're eager to give it our best shot," Williamson said. "We know the Proteas are a formidable opponent, but we're confident in our ability to rise to the occasion." The highly anticipated match promises to be an electrifying encounter between two of the world's top cricket teams. With Rabada and the Blackcaps' star all-rounder Jimmy Neesham set to do battle, fans can...#Kagiso_Rabada #Kane_Williamson #Jimmy_Neesham #Melbourne_Cricket_Ground_MCG #Mark_Boucher

Kagiso Rabada Backed to Step Up in Semifinals Despite Poor Luck in T20 World Cup 2026 South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada has been backed by his team-mate Temba Bavuma to bounce back from a string of misfortunes and step up in the semifinals of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Rabada, who has been one of South Africa's most successful bowlers over the years, has had a hard luck run in the tournament so far. In the group stages, Rabada picked up four wickets but his efforts were not enough to help South Africa win two crucial matches against New Zealand and Pakistan. He also went wicketless in another match against Sri Lanka. Despite this, Bavuma believes that Rabada has the quality and experience to turn things around in the knockout stage. "Rabada is a world-class bowler and he knows how to perform under pressure," Bavuma said in an interview. "He's had a bit of tough luck so far but I'm sure he'll bounce back strong in the semifinals. We've got a lot of faith in him and we're expecting big things from him." Rabada has been working hard with the South Africa coaching staff to fine-tune his skills and adapt to different conditions. His team-mates are also confident that he will make amends for his poor form. "Kagiso is a fighter," said South Africa captain Heinrich Klaasen. "He's always been known for his ability to bounce back from setbacks and I'm sure he'll do the same in the semifinals." South Africa face Australia in the first semifinal on Saturday, with Rabada expected to play a key role in their bowling attack. Despite the poor luck, Rabada remains a potent threat and South Africa will be relying on him to help them reach the final of the tournament.#Sri_Lanka #Australia #Pakistan #South_Africa #Kagiso_Rabada #New_Zealand #Temba_Bavuma #ICC_Mens_T20_World_Cup_2026 #Heinrich_Klaasen

Temba Bavuma Puts His Money On Struggling Kagiso Rabada To Deliver In T20 World Cup Semifinal South African all-rounder Temba Bavuma has put his money on struggling fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to deliver something special ahead of the T20 World Cup semifinal against Pakistan. Bavuma, who has been a consistent performer with the bat for the Proteas, believes that Rabada's ability to bowl yorkers and mix up his pace can be a game-changer in the crucial encounter. Rabada, who was one of the most feared fast bowlers in international cricket just a few years ago, has struggled for form in recent times. However, Bavuma is confident that the left-arm quick can rediscover his mojo and make a significant impact in the semifinal. "I think Kagiso has been working really hard on his game and he's got the ability to bowl yorkers and mix up his pace," Bavuma said. "If he can get it right, I think he can be a real handful for the Pakistani batsmen. We're all backing him to deliver something special in the semifinal." Bavuma also praised Rabada's work ethic and dedication, saying that the fast bowler has been putting in extra hours at training to improve his game. "Kagiso is someone who always puts in a lot of hard work and he's never satisfied with just doing enough," Bavuma said. "He's always looking for ways to get better and I think that's one of the reasons why he's such a talented bowler." The semifinal between South Africa and Pakistan will be played on November 10 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the winner advancing to the final of the T20 World Cup.#Pakistan #South_Africa #Kagiso_Rabada #T20_World_Cup #Temba_Bavuma #Melbourne_Cricket_Ground

ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Top 5 Performers For South Africa Including Markram, Ngidi The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand was an intense match that went down to the wire. In a thrilling encounter, South Africa managed to edge out their opponents by just four runs, thanks in part to some outstanding individual performances. Here are the top five performers for South Africa, including Aiden Markram and Lungi Ngidi. Aiden Markram's impressive 54-ball 74-run innings was instrumental in setting up South Africa's total of 177/5. His partnership with Quinton de Kock (33) laid the foundation for a strong start to the innings. Markram's aggressive batting style, which included four fours and three sixes, ensured that he finished as the top scorer for his team. Lungi Ngidi's impressive bowling figures of 3-23 in four overs were crucial in restricting New Zealand's scoring options. His ability to bowl yorkers at will and also extract pace from a good length made him a nightmare for the Kiwi batsmen. Ngidi's three wickets included the scalp of dangerman Devon Conway, who was dismissed for just five runs. The other top performers for South Africa were Temba Bavuma (34), David Miller (23), and Kagiso Rabada (2-29). Bavuma's 31-ball innings featured three fours and a six, while Miller's 21-ball knock included two fours. Rabada's wickets came at crucial stages of the match, as he ensured that New Zealand never got going. Overall, South Africa's top five performers played a key role in securing their spot in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final. With Markram and Ngidi leading the charge, they will be confident of making a strong...#South_Africa #David_Miller #Devon_Conway #Aiden_Markram #Kagiso_Rabada #New_Zealand #Quinton_de_Kock #Temba_Bavuma #Lungi_Ngidi #ICC_T20_World_Cup_2026

Gyro Spin vs Side Spin: What Baseball Tells Us About Lungi Ngidi's Devilish Slower Balls The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has been a treat for cricket fans, with bowlers like Lungi Ngidi showcasing their skills on the field. The South African pacer is known for his ability to bowl slower balls that can deceive even the best batsmen. But what makes these deliveries so effective? To find out, we can turn to an unlikely source: baseball. In baseball, spin is classified into two main categories: gyro spin and side spin. Gyro spin refers to the rotation of the ball around its axis, which creates a unique movement that can make it difficult for batters to hit. Side spin, on the other hand, is the amount of rotation imparted onto the ball as it moves through the air. When it comes to Lungi Ngidi's slower balls, the key is not just the speed but also the spin he imparts onto the ball. His deliveries often feature a combination of both gyro and side spin, which makes them extremely difficult for batsmen to read. According to baseball coaches, when a pitcher throws a ball with significant gyro spin, it creates a "dead zone" around the strike zone. This means that any bat swing made in this area will likely result in a weak or ineffective hit. Ngidi's slower balls often feature this type of spin, making it challenging for batsmen to make solid contact. The side spin, on the other hand, adds an extra layer of complexity to the delivery. When a ball moves through the air with significant side spin, it creates a "curve" that can cause the ball to drop or move in unexpected ways. This makes it even more difficult for batsmen to anticipate where the ball will go. In Ngidi's case, his slower balls often feature a combination of both gyro and side spin. This...#Cricket #Lungi_Ngidi #ICC_Mens_T20_World_Cup_2026 #South_African_pacer #Gyro_spin #Side_spin #Baseball

The Doorknob Twist: How Lungi Ngidi Learned Cricket's Deadliest Slower Ball from Dwayne Bravo South African pacer Lungi Ngidi has been making waves in the cricketing world with his deadly slower ball, which has left many batsmen struggling to cope. But few know that this delivery was actually taught to him by none other than West Indian legend Dwayne Bravo. In a recent interview, Ngidi revealed that he had spent hours working on his slower ball during a training stint with the Caribbean all-rounder. "I was trying to perfect my slower ball and I was struggling," Ngidi said. "Then I asked Bravo to help me out and he showed me how to do it." The slower ball in question is a variation of the traditional off-cutter, but with a crucial twist - instead of cutting the ball in sharply, it hangs back and drops down slightly, making it almost impossible for batsmen to get under it. Ngidi credits Bravo's guidance for helping him master this tricky delivery. "I remember Bravo telling me that the key was to make sure the ball didn't bounce too much," Ngidi said. "He showed me how to grip the ball differently and how to release it at exactly the right time, so that it would drop down rather than cutting in." The fruits of Ngidi's labor were evident during the recent T20 World Cup, where he used his deadly slower ball to devastating effect. His victims included some of the world's best batsmen, including Australian captain Aaron Finch and England's Jos Buttler. Ngidi's slower ball has also been praised by fellow cricketers, who have expressed admiration for his ability to adapt and innovate. "Lungi is a very clever bowler," said South African teammate Tabraiz Shamsi. "He's always looking for ways to improve and that's what makes him so effective." As the cricketing world continues to marvel ...#Jos_Buttler #Dwayne_Bravo #T20_World_Cup #Lungi_Ngidi #Tabraiz_Shamsi #Aaron_Finch

Lalit Modi's Big Praise For Jay Shah: "Cricket Will Only Expand Under You" Lalit Modi, the former IPL Commissioner, has heaped praise on Jay Shah, the current Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), saying that under his leadership cricket will only expand globally. Modi, who was involved in the Indian Premier League's (IPL) early days and played a crucial role in its success, believes that Jay Shah has the vision and ability to take Indian cricket to new heights. Modi, known for his sharp business acumen and innovative approach to sports management, has been impressed by Jay Shah's leadership style and his ability to connect with people. "I have seen Jay Shah's passion for cricket and his commitment to the game," Modi said in an interview. "He is a leader who can inspire people and bring them together towards a common goal." Modi also praised Jay Shah's vision for Indian cricket, saying that he has a deep understanding of the game's global dynamics and the challenges it faces. "Jay Shah has a unique perspective on cricket," Modi said. "He knows what works and what doesn't work in today's cricket world. He is not afraid to take risks and try new things, which is essential for the growth and development of the game." Modi also praised Jay Shah's ability to build relationships with people from different backgrounds and cultures, saying that this is a crucial aspect of his leadership style. "Jay Shah has an incredible talent for building bridges between people," Modi said. "He can connect with anyone, whether it's a player, coach or administrator. This ability to build relationships will be essential in taking Indian cricket forward." Overall, Lalit Modi's praise for Jay Shah is a testament to the confidence that many people have in his leadership abilities and his commitment to growing the game of cricket.#IPL #BCCI #Lalit_Modi #Jay_Shah #Indian_Cricket