Pakistan captain Shan Masood scored 87 as the hosts reached 259 for 5 at the close of play on Day 1 of the second Test against a wasteful South Africa, who were poor in the field but kept in the contest by fine bowling in Rawalpindi on Monday.
Afghanistan faces a must-win situation against South Africa in their Group D match of the T20 World Cup after a defeat to New Zealand. South Africa, with a strong win over Canada, leads the group. The match is crucial for Afghanistan's chances of advancing to the Super Eight stage.
A look at the rookies from each of the 10 IPL franchises who are expected to make a name for themselves in the upcoming season.
With South Africa's seam attack featuring Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen and Australia having Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and the ever-dependable Josh Hazlewood in their lineup, the battle between the two sides' fast bowlers is likely to be critical in determining the outcome of the World Test Championship final, as per ICC website.
Australia took the upper hand in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's, ending day two on 144-8 in their second innings with a lead of 218 runs after wickets tumbled freely again on Thursday.
Kagiso Rabada took five wickets as they cruised to victory over West Indies
Kagiso Rabada became the youngest South Africa bowler to take seven wickets in an innings as the hosts took charge of the fourth and final Test against England on Sunday.
The kitty has become popular with viewers and has gone viral with one particular cheeky comment from Lahori Guy who tweeted: 'Black Cat contributed more in Karachi Stadium than Babar Azam.'
Ganguly feels it is the talented Indian batting line-up in DC that will make a difference in the tournament.
Graeme Smith emphasised the importance of getting off to a strong start in the upcoming Test series against India
The Pakistan Cricket Board in a bid to attract more crowds to the Test match have for the first time announced free entry for several enclosures.
Kagiso Rabada claimed a six-wicket haul on Thursday as South Africa bowled Sri Lanka out for 224 in their second innings to win the second Test by 282 runs with a day and a half to spare and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Sri Lanka failed to last the first session of the fourth day at Newlands, having resumed on 130-4 and being dismissed after just over 100 minutes of play.
Steyn, Nigidi still doubtful
Rabada trapped Smith leg before wicket on the opening day of the second Test at St George'sPark on Friday and appeared to brush against the batsman in his celebration as the Australian walked down the pitch.
Making a comeback to international cricket after a seven-month gap, Virat Kohli has perished for ducks in the first two ODIs against Australia.
Kagiso Rabada has said currently his thoughts are not towards participating in the cash-rich Indian Premier League which, though he did not rule out the possibility in the future.
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who took three wickets to take apart the Australian top order, has put South Africa in the driver's seat at the end of Day Four of the first Test here at the WACA on Sunday. - Scrorecard: The Proteas closed in on a first Test victory by reducing Australia to 169 for four, still 369 runs behind, at the end of the fourth day. Rabada, who took the price scalps of Shaun Marsh (15), Steven Smith (34) and Adam Voges (1), ensured that his side did not take their foot off the Aussie throats.
A recap of the action of the eighth week of IPL 2026.
VIn a dramatic turn of events on Day 3, India faced a resounding defeat against South Africa in the first Test as their batting lineup crumbled, managing only 131 runs in the second innings after the hosts posted a formidable 408 in their initial essay.
Temba Bavuma discusses the no-handshake policy in India-Pakistan cricket, South Africa's T20 World Cup chances, and Indian batters' struggles against spin.
South Africa's Kagiso Rabada became only the second bowler to claim a hat-trick on his one-day international debut when he wrecked Bangladesh's top order in the rain-hit first ODI of the three-match series on Friday.
The South Africa pacer was found guilty of a level two International Cricket Council code of conduct offence of "inappropriate and deliberate physical contact with a player" after shoulder-charging Australia captain Steve Smith when he dismissed him in the first innings.
South Africa captain Dean Elgar has opened up about his behind the scene conversation with Kagiso Rabada that fired up the senior pacer to deliver a game-changing spell in the second Test against India.
CSA's director Enoch Nkwe changed his stance, saying higher-level talks were happening between CSA, the BCCI, and IPL franchises, suggesting CSA had little choice in the matter.
Rabada, in a recent interview to a cricket website, had recalled an incident during an IPL game when he felt that Kohli lacked maturity.
Imam was in a hurry to reach his ton and, attacking the bowling, got an inside edge to Senuran Muthusamy's left-arm spin and was snagged at short leg by Tony de Zorzi's sharp catch.
New Zealand's Matt Henry experienced a week of highs and lows, from witnessing the birth of his son to delivering a match-winning performance in the T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa.
The New Zealand all-rounder, who has returned home, "sustained a groin injury during the IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 6", according to a statement from the Titans.
Rabada conjured up his lethal yorkers for the Delhi Capitals in their pulsating Super Over win on Saturday.
Tahir, at 40, also became the oldest player to win the cap.
South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada called upon sportspersons to fight for the right causes without 'shoving their opinion down anyone's throat.
Bosch's knock, which included 15 boundaries, helped South Africa to 301 all out at tea and a handy lead over the tourists, who scored 211 in their first innings.
IPL 2026 Week 6 featured Rohit Sharma's explosive return, Urvil Patel's record-equalling fifty, Finn Allen's maiden IPL ton and Rashid Khan's brilliant comeback spell.
Abhishek Sharma's recent struggles in the T20 World Cup have raised concerns, but experts believe his confidence remains intact and a strong comeback is imminent.
Rishabh Pant, who hit two centuries in the Headingley Test, now trails top-ranked batter Joe Root by just 88 points.
Also included is fast bowler Anrich Nortje, but in-form opening batsman Temba Bavuma will have to prove his fitness after injuring his hamstring against England on Sunday.
Pakistan moved themselves into a strong position, needing eight wickets to win while South Africa are chasing an imposing target as the first Test headed for an exciting conclusion.
Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell has come under fire for his comment on Proteas fast bowler Kagiso Rabada made during the first Test at the WACA in Perth, which offended the South African fans.
South Africa beat New Zealand by seven wickets in T20 World Cup game in Ahmedabad.
New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson says he can only marvel at the Indian superstar's craft as he operates at a "different level", one where great batters have their way even if bowlers try to contain them.
