The highly anticipated third T20 match between England and South Africa, which was set to determine the winner of the series, was abandoned due to relentless rain at Trent Bridge on Sunday. The match, scheduled to begin at 14:30 BST, was called off by the umpires at approximately 16:20 after persistent rainfall prevented any play. This washout resulted in the series being drawn 1-1, leaving both teams without a decisive victory. The first match of the series had been shortened by rain, with South Africa emerging victorious, while England leveled the score with a record-breaking performance at Old Trafford. England’s Harry Brook expressed disappointment, stating, ‘It’s a shame the weather has ruined it again,’ but praised his team’s exceptional performance in the previous game. South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, acknowledged the frustration but emphasized the importance of building momentum ahead of the World Cup. The abandonment marks the end of England’s home summer cricket season, with an understrength squad set to begin a T20 series in Ireland on Wednesday, followed by white-ball fixtures in New Zealand in October.
分类: sports
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Former English schools champion makes history for Uruguay
In a dramatic finish at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Julia Paternain secured a surprising bronze medal in the women’s marathon, marking Uruguay’s first-ever medal in the event’s history. The 25-year-old athlete, whose family hails from Uruguay but moved to the UK when she was two, drew inspiration from her past victories in the English Schools 3,000m championships during the race. Ranked 288th globally and competing in only her second marathon, Paternain was not considered a contender for a podium finish. However, her determination and strategic pacing propelled her to a remarkable third place with a time of 2:27.23. Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir, the 2021 Olympic champion, clinched gold in a thrilling sprint finish, narrowly beating Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa by two seconds. Paternain, unaware of her exact position during the race, expressed shock and disbelief at her achievement. She credited her success to her focus and resilience, recalling her earlier triumphs in school competitions. This historic moment not only highlights Paternain’s personal journey but also underscores Uruguay’s growing presence in international athletics.
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Black Ferns beat South Africa to reach semis
In a thrilling Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash, reigning champions New Zealand showcased their resilience and skill to defeat a determined South African side 46-17. The match, held at Sandy Park in Exeter, saw the Black Ferns recover from a slow start to dominate the second half and secure their place in the semi-finals against Canada. South Africa, making their first-ever quarter-final appearance, opened the scoring through prop Babalwa Latsha, but New Zealand responded with tries from Theresa Setefano and Braxton Sorensen-McGee. Aphiwe Ngwevu’s try leveled the scores at halftime, but the Black Ferns unleashed a second-half onslaught with five tries, including doubles from Renee Holmes, Sorensen-McGee, and Kaipo Olsen-Baker. South Africa’s Lerato Makua scored a late consolation try, capping off a historic campaign for the Springbok Women. New Zealand’s clinical performance highlighted their title credentials, though their slow start and scrum penalties could be areas of concern ahead of the semi-finals. South Africa’s head coach, Swys de Bruin, praised his team’s legacy-building efforts, emphasizing the growth of women’s rugby in the country. The Black Ferns, unbeaten in World Cup matches since 2014, now turn their focus to Friday’s semi-final in Bristol.
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South Africa inflict record defeat on New Zealand
In a historic showdown at the Wellington Regional Stadium, South Africa delivered a commanding performance, defeating New Zealand 43-10 in the Rugby Championship. This marked New Zealand’s heaviest defeat in history, surpassing their previous 35-7 loss to the Springboks in 2023. The world champions showcased their prowess with six tries and an impressive 36 unanswered points in the second half, bouncing back from their loss to the All Blacks just a week prior. Key players like Cheslin Kolbe, who scored two tries, and Manie Libbok, who contributed 16 points through conversions and a penalty, were instrumental in the victory. South Africa’s captain, Siya Kolisi, praised his team’s fearless approach and self-belief, crediting their success to a united effort and strategic execution. New Zealand’s captain, Scott Barrett, acknowledged the Springboks’ dominance and admitted his team’s shortcomings, emphasizing the need for improvement. Meanwhile, in another Rugby Championship clash, Argentina edged out Australia 28-26 in a tense match in Sydney, with Santiago Carreras’ accurate kicking proving decisive. As the championship progresses, South Africa and New Zealand remain in close contention, with Australia currently leading the standings.
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The Africans to watch at the World Athletics Championships
The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo are set to be a spectacular showcase of talent, with over 2,200 athletes from across the globe competing for glory. Among them, a host of African stars are poised to make their mark on the world stage. The event, scheduled from September 13 to 21, will feature some of the most celebrated names in track and field, including Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, and South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodiso.
Faith Kipyegon, the reigning world champion in the 1500m and 5000m, is one of the most decorated athletes in Kenyan history. With three Olympic gold medals and four world titles to her name, Kipyegon is aiming to defend her titles and make history by becoming the first athlete to win gold in both distance events at more than one World Championships. Despite a recent setback in her attempt to break the four-minute mile barrier, Kipyegon shattered her own 1500m world record earlier this year, proving her dominance in the sport.
Prudence Sekgodiso, the 23-year-old South African middle-distance runner, is on a mission to break one of the oldest world records in athletics. After becoming the World Indoor champion in Nanjing earlier this year, Sekgodiso has set her sights on surpassing Caster Semenya’s national record of 1:54.25 and Czech runner Jarmila Kratochvilova’s long-standing world record of 1:53.28. ‘I just have to believe and know what I want and train hard for it,’ Sekgodiso told the BBC World Service. ‘It’s doable, but it’s a long-term goal for me.’
Letsile Tebogo, the 22-year-old Botswanan sprinter, made history at the Paris Olympics by winning the 200m gold medal. Despite a mixed season marred by a recurring hamstring injury, Tebogo remains optimistic about his chances in Tokyo. ‘I feel there is still a lot more in the tank that people need to see,’ he said. Tebogo, who claimed silver in the 200m and bronze in the 100m at the last World Championships in Budapest, will compete in both events again, aiming to showcase his true potential.
Other notable African athletes include Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet, who completed the Olympic double in the 5000m and 10,000m in Paris last year, and Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele, who clocked the fastest marathon time this year in Tokyo. With such a stellar lineup, the 2025 World Athletics Championships promise to be an unforgettable event, showcasing the best of African talent on the global stage.
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Could protests lead to Vuelta being abandoned?
The 2025 Vuelta a España, one of cycling’s most prestigious Grand Tours, has been marred by repeated disruptions caused by pro-Palestinian protesters, raising serious safety concerns for riders and organizers alike. The race, which is scheduled to conclude in Madrid this Sunday, has seen multiple stages shortened or altered due to protests, with one rider forced to abandon the competition after a crash caused by demonstrators running onto the course.
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Sri Lanka & Zimbabwe in Pakistan 2025
In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, Pakistan has emerged victorious in the ongoing One Day International (ODI) series against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. The series, which began on November 11, 2025, has seen Pakistan secure multiple wins, showcasing their dominance on the field. The matches, originally scheduled to be held in Lahore, were relocated to Rawalpindi due to unforeseen circumstances. Zimbabwe stepped in to replace Afghanistan, who withdrew from the series following an air strike incident in October that tragically claimed the lives of three players during a local tournament. Despite the challenges, the series has been a testament to Pakistan’s cricketing strength. Key highlights include Pakistan’s six-run victory in the 1st ODI, an eight-wicket win in the 2nd ODI, and a six-wicket triumph in the 3rd ODI. The series continues with more matches scheduled, including a final on November 29. Cricket enthusiasts can stay updated with live scorecards and match details as the action unfolds.
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New Oceania soccer competition hopes to raise level of the sport in the Pacific region
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at elevating the region’s soccer prowess on the global stage. The newly announced OFC Professional League, set to debut in January, will feature eight elite clubs from across the western Pacific. This historic league marks the first professional competition specifically tailored for the Oceania region, offering a structured pathway for players, coaches, referees, and administrators to refine their skills and enhance competitiveness. Among the selected clubs are Auckland FC and Christchurch United from New Zealand, Bula Boys from Fiji, Solomon Kings from the Solomon Islands, Hekari United from Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu FC, Tahiti United, and South Melbourne from Australia. Despite Australia’s departure from the OFC in 2006 to join the Asian Football Confederation, South Melbourne’s inclusion underscores the league’s cross-border appeal. The OFC Professional League aims to address the challenges posed by the region’s scattered populations and limited infrastructure, which have historically hindered international success. League manager Stuart Larman emphasized the league’s potential to provide high-level competition, with each club guaranteed at least 17 matches per season. This increased exposure is expected to better prepare OFC representatives for FIFA tournaments, including the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup. The league’s stringent licensing requirements will also drive improvements in governance, infrastructure, and sporting standards, fostering a more professional environment. Former FIFA and AFC executive James Kitching highlighted the potential for this cross-border model to inspire similar initiatives worldwide, reflecting FIFA’s evolving approach to league structures. The OFC Professional League will be officially launched in Auckland at the end of October, heralding a new era for soccer in Oceania.
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Need a vacation? Imagine how US Open tennis players feel during their long season
As the U.S. Open progresses, top tennis players like Aryna Sabalenka are revealing the importance of taking breaks during the season to recharge. Sabalenka, the reigning U.S. Open champion, skipped the Montreal event in late July to unwind on the Greek island of Mykonos. ‘The season had been really intense, and I felt low on energy,’ Sabalenka explained. ‘I needed a little break to come back stronger.’ Her decision highlights a growing trend among tennis professionals who face a relentless calendar. Alex de Minaur, seeded No. 8 at the U.S. Open, echoed this sentiment, stating that without such breaks, the grind of the season feels never-ending. De Minaur and his fiancée, Katie Boulter, often take short vacations after Wimbledon to reset mentally for the latter half of the year. However, not all players can afford or desire such breaks. Some, like Adrian Mannarino, prefer to maintain their rhythm by competing continuously. Mannarino, who recently became the oldest man to break into the ATP top 20, believes in focusing on work now and saving vacations for retirement. The concept of in-season vacations is unique to tennis, as team sports like the NFL or NBA offer ample off-seasons for rest. Boulter, who struggled after skipping breaks, emphasized the importance of prioritizing personal well-being. Meanwhile, Ajla Tomljanovic, who lost to Coco Gauff in the first round, advocates for players to make their own choices about when to take breaks. ‘If I need a vacation, I take it,’ she said. As the tennis season continues, the debate over balancing competition and rest remains a hot topic among players.
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‘No way!’ – Wiegman surprised by Burna Boy at Euro 2025 ceremony
In an unforgettable moment during the Euro 2025 victory celebrations, England women’s football team manager Sarina Wiegman was left in awe as her favorite artist, Burna Boy, made a surprise appearance on stage in front of Buckingham Palace. The event, which marked the Lionesses’ triumphant win, saw thousands of fans gathered in London to celebrate the historic achievement. Wiegman, known for her composed demeanor, was visibly shocked and delighted by the unexpected encounter with the Nigerian superstar. The celebration not only highlighted the team’s success but also underscored the cultural significance of music and sports coming together. This unique moment added an extra layer of excitement to the festivities, leaving fans and players alike with a memory to cherish.
