South Africa reach final and end Australia’s title defense at Women’s T20 World Cup

South Africa reach final and end Australia’s title defense at Women’s T20 World Cup
South Africa’s Anneke Bosch and Chloe Tryon celebrate after winning their Women’s Cricket T20 World Cup semifinal against Australia at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai, on Oct. 17, 2024. (Reuters)
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Updated 18 October 2024

South Africa reach final and end Australia’s title defense at Women’s T20 World Cup

South Africa reach final and end Australia’s title defense at Women’s T20 World Cup
  • Anneke Bosch led the way with 74 not out off 48 balls, including eight fours and a six, as the Proteas finished with 135-2 in 17.2 overs
  • Having beaten Australia for the first time in this tournament’s history, South Africa now await the winner of the second semifinal between West Indies and New Zealand in Sharjah on Friday

DUBAI: South Africa stunned defending champions Australia in the first semifinal of the Women’s T20 World Cup on Thursday, winning by eight wickets to reach their second straight final.

In a reversal from the 2023 final at Cape Town, South Africa chased down Australia’s 134-5 with 16 balls to spare. Six-time champions Australia had won three straight titles.

Anneke Bosch led the way with 74 not out off 48 balls, including eight fours and a six, as the Proteas finished with 135-2 in 17.2 overs.

She had support from skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who set the early pace with three fours and a six in scoring 42 off 37 balls.

Having beaten Australia for the first time in this tournament’s history, South Africa now await the winner of the second semifinal between West Indies and New Zealand in Sharjah on Friday.

The final will be played in Dubai on Sunday.

It ended Australia’s 15-match winning run in the tournament. Since 2009, it is only the second time in nine Women’s T20 World Cups that the six-time champions failed to make the final.

“It’s gonna be pretty hard to take. We just didn’t really show up tonight, and can’t afford to do that in tournaments like this,” Australia’s stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath said.

McGrath was skipper in the place of Australia’s star player and regular captain, Alyssa Healy, who suffered a foot injury earlier in the tournament.

South Africa had opted to bowl and made two vital early breakthroughs.

Opener Grace Harris was out caught for three off Ayabonga Khaka, while Georgia Wareham was caught off Marizanne Kapp for five runs.

Australia was down to 18-2 in the third over, but rescued by a 50-run partnership between Beth Mooney and McGrath.

Mooney top-scored with 44 off 42 balls, hitting two fours, and looked set to shepherd the innings to a competitive total.

Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba got the breakthrough — she dismissed McGrath in the 13th over for 27 off 33 balls.

The turning point came in the 17th over — Kapp ran out Mooney. Ellyze Perry scored 31 off 23 balls to take them past 100. But Australia failed to gather sufficient momentum in the final overs.

Annabel Sutherland provided the early wicket in the chase — she bowled Tazmin Brits for 15.

But Wolvaardt and Bosch seized initiative to put on 96 off 65 balls for the second wicket — South Africa’s highest partnership for any wicket against Australia in T20s.

Bosch brought up her 50 off 31 balls, and went on to score the tournament’s highest individual score.

Sutherland did get the breakthrough in the 15th over, but it was too little too late for the outgoing champions, who were thoroughly outplayed on the night.

Bosch was named player of the match for her unbeaten knock.

“My heart is racing. It was tough out there and I am just glad we got past the finish line. We knew we are capable and had a good tournament coming into this game. To restrict them under 140 tonight was outstanding,” she said.


Tadej Pogacar caps incredible season with record-equaling fifth Tour of Lombardy title

Tadej Pogacar caps incredible season with record-equaling fifth Tour of Lombardy title
Updated 6 sec ago

Tadej Pogacar caps incredible season with record-equaling fifth Tour of Lombardy title

Tadej Pogacar caps incredible season with record-equaling fifth Tour of Lombardy title
  • It capped an incredible season, which includes a fourth Tour de France title
  • Pogacar’s winning streak has come in consecutive years

BERGAMO, Italy: Tadej Pogacar crossed the finish line first at the Tour of Lombardy and held up his open hand, each finger representing the record-equaling five times he won the Italian classic.

It capped an incredible season, which includes a fourth Tour de France title, with a successful defense of the world road race crown as he matched Fausto Coppi’s five wins at the Italian race on Saturday.

“Seven years in a row I’ve said this is my best season so far, and I can say it again today,” Pogacar said after thanking his UAE Emirates teammates for their part in his victory.

Pogacar’s winning streak has come in consecutive years, while Coppi won the Lombardy event in 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949 and 1954.

The Slovenian cycling star completed the 241-kilometer (150-mile) race, which included six climbs, in 5 hours, 45 minutes.

Top challenger Remco Evenepoel was second, 1 minute, 48 seconds behind. Michael Storer finished third, more than three minutes behind.

Pogacar has won three of the five one-day “monument” races this season, after also prevailing in the Tour de Flanders and Liege-Bastogne-Liege. He is the first rider to do that since Eddy Merckx in 1969, 1971, 1972 and 1975.


Tiger Woods undergoes another back surgery, casting doubt on future comeback

Tiger Woods undergoes another back surgery, casting doubt on future comeback
Updated 2 min 52 sec ago

Tiger Woods undergoes another back surgery, casting doubt on future comeback

Tiger Woods undergoes another back surgery, casting doubt on future comeback
  • The operation adds to an extensive medical history for Woods, who has endured a string of surgeries on his back, knees, leg and Achilles over the past decade
  • The 15-time major champion’s latest setback likely rules out appearances in December’s Hero World Challenge, which he hosts, and the PNC Championship, where he has played alongside his son Charlie

NEW YORK: Tiger Woods has undergone his seventh back surgery – his second in just over a year – after doctors discovered a collapsed lumbar disc that had caused severe pain and mobility issues.

The 49-year-old golfer announced on social media Saturday that the latest procedure, a disc replacement, was performed Friday in New York.

“After experiencing pain and lack of mobility in my back, I consulted with doctors and surgeons to have tests taken,” Woods wrote. “The scans determined that I had a collapsed disc in L4/5, disc fragments and a compromised spinal canal. I opted to have my disc replaced yesterday, and I already know I made a good decision for my health and my back.”

The operation adds to an extensive medical history for Woods, who has endured a string of surgeries on his back, knees, leg and Achilles over the past decade.

He has not competed this year while recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in March, and it is unclear when – or if – he will return to competitive golf.

The 15-time major champion’s latest setback likely rules out appearances in December’s Hero World Challenge, which he hosts, and the PNC Championship, where he has played alongside his son Charlie.

Since surviving a 2021 car crash that nearly resulted in the amputation of his right leg, Woods has played only sparingly – just 15 official events in four years, often withdrawing mid-tournament due to pain.

His most recent competitive round came in the TGL simulator league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy, though his October surgery now makes participation in the league’s upcoming season improbable.


Italy boost World Cup qualifying chances with 3-1 win in Estonia

Italy boost World Cup qualifying chances with 3-1 win in Estonia
Updated 12 October 2025

Italy boost World Cup qualifying chances with 3-1 win in Estonia

Italy boost World Cup qualifying chances with 3-1 win in Estonia
  • The group winners qualify directly for the World Cup with the runners-up going into the playoffs

TALLINN: Italy’s hopes of at least making the World Cup qualifying playoffs were given a boost with a 3-1 win away to Estonia on Saturday thanks to goals from Moise Kean, Mateo Retegui and Francesco Pio Esposito.
Italy failed to qualify for the last two World Cups, twice missing out in the playoffs, and the dreaded backdoor route now looks their most likely chance after Norway’s 5-0 hammering of Israel in Group I earlier on Saturday.
The Norwegians are top on 18 points from six games. Italy have 12 points with a game in hand on their rivals and are three points clear of Israel. Estonia remain fourth on three points.
The group winners qualify directly for the World Cup with the runners-up going into the playoffs.
Italy raced into a fourth minute lead when Federico Dimarco played the ball into the feet of Kean who twisted and turned his way into the area before unleashing a shot into the far corner.
That was Kean’s fourth goal in three games for Italy, but the striker was forced off through injury shortly afterwards, replaced by Esposito whose only previous international appearance also came off the bench against Estonia in September.
Retegui won a penalty when fouled by Marten Kuusk but failed to convert as Karl Hein tipped his effort onto the post.
“The important thing is to create — missing goals and penalties can happen,” Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso told RAI Sport. “The boys are eager and continuing on the right path.”
The Italian forward made up for that miss when doubling the visitors’ lead seven minutes before the break. Riccardo Orsolini played a pass back from the byline and Retegui smashed the ball past Hein from just outside the six-yard box.

ESPOSITO OFF THE MARK
The second half was a tamer affair until Leonardo Spinazzola’s ball into the area was met first time by Esposito to net his first international goal in the 74th minute.
“I’m very emotional, these are things you can’t explain or fully grasp in the moment,” Esposito told Sky.
“I still need to process it, but I’m incredibly happy, everything happened so fast.”
Two minutes later and after Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma had been an onlooker for much of the game, the visiting keeper spilled Markus Soomets’ cross at the feet of substitute Rauno Sappinen for the easiest of tap-ins.
Italy host Israel on Tuesday where a win would cement second spot and, while they can still mathematically catch Norway on points, the Norwegians’ far superior goal difference means a playoff spot likely beckons for Gattuso’s side.
“There are many positive things, we have to follow our own path,” Gattuso told Sky.
“We’re not thinking about Norway or Israel. We know what we have to do and we hold on to the good we’ve done.”


UAE move closer to World Cup as late goals seal win over Oman

UAE move closer to World Cup as late goals seal win over Oman
Updated 11 October 2025

UAE move closer to World Cup as late goals seal win over Oman

UAE move closer to World Cup as late goals seal win over Oman
  • Caio Lucas hit the fortuitous winner seven minutes from time
  • The win moves the UAE to the cusp of their first appearance at the World Cup since 1990

DOHA: The United Arab Emirates struck late goals through Marcus Meloni and Caio Lucas to earn a 2-1 win over Oman in Doha on Saturday as Cosmin Olaroiu’s side battled back to keep their hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup alive.
Caio Lucas hit the fortuitous winner seven minutes from time after Meloni scored with a 76th minute header to cancel out an own goal by Kouame Kouadio that gave Oman a 12th minute lead.
The win moves the UAE to the cusp of their first appearance at the World Cup since 1990 with Olaroiu’s team only needing a draw away to Qatar on Tuesday to progress as winners of Group A in the fourth phase of Asia’s preliminaries.


The Omanis threatened in the early exchanges when Issam Al-Sabhi stole possession inside the UAE half only for the attack to fizzle out when his shot was eventually blocked. But it was not long before Carlos Queiroz’s side had taken the lead.
Ali Al-Busaidi’s cross from the left flew across the area to the feet of Amjad Al-Harthi whose shot took a deflection off Kouadio’s heel to beat goalkeeper Khalid Eissa low to his left.
Harib Abdalla’s introduction at the start of the second half injected much-needed urgency into the UAE attack, the forward twice calling keeper Ibrahim Al-Mukhaini into action.
With 14 minutes remaining the UAE deservedly pulled level, Meloni rising highest to meet substitute Ali Saleh’s inswinging cross from the left to beat Al-Mukhaini.
Seven minutes later Caio Lucas scored the winner, sending in a cross from the left that swung toward goal, bouncing on the turf inside the six-yard box and skipping beyond the keeper to earn UAE all three points.
The loss ends Oman’s hopes of automatic qualification but the Gulf state could still advance to another round of playoffs if the UAE defeat the Qataris by a large enough margin.
Japan, South Korea, Australia, Iran, Uzbekistan and Jordan have already taken six of Asia’s eight guaranteed spots at next year’s 48-team World Cup.


Norway sweep Israel aside 5-0 as Haaland scores hat-trick

Norway sweep Israel aside 5-0 as Haaland scores hat-trick
Updated 11 October 2025

Norway sweep Israel aside 5-0 as Haaland scores hat-trick

Norway sweep Israel aside 5-0 as Haaland scores hat-trick
  • Norway have now won all six of their Group I matches, boasting a goal difference of plus 26
  • Haaland marked a special milestone by netting his 50th goal for Norway

OSLO: Norway secured a commanding 5-0 win at home to Israel in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday, as Erling Haaland struck a hat-trick to celebrate his 50th international goal and helped move his side to the brink of a place at next year’s tournament.
Norway had tightened security ahead of the match due to scheduled protests, closing off the stands around a section of roughly 100 Israel supporters waving national flags.
Norwegian fans are divided over Israel’s participation in the World Cup qualifying competition due to the war in Gaza.
Norway have now won all six of their Group I matches, boasting a goal difference of plus 26 ahead of their remaining two fixtures against Estonia and second-placed Italy, who sit nine points behind with two games in hand.
Despite missing a twice-taken penalty early on, Haaland found his rhythm, scoring once in the first half and twice after the break to reach his 50-goal milestone and finishing the night with an incredible 51 in 46 internationals.
Israel added to their own misery with two own goals in the first half from Anan Khalaili and Idan Nachmias.

HIGH SECURITY

Ahead of Saturday’s game, hundreds of pro-Palestinian supporters gathered to protest outside the Norwegian parliament, with many wearing the jerseys of the Palestine national team.
Marching toward Ullevaal Stadium with Palestinian flags and flares, the protesters gathered outside, vowing to continue until kickoff as nearby buildings displayed pro-Palestinian banners hanging from balconies.
As Israel’s anthem played, loud boos echoed around the stadium, while large Palestinian flags and a banner reading “Let children live” were displayed in the stands.
On the pitch, Haaland came close to scoring early on when Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz showcased his brilliance. First, he produced a sharp reflex save, then denied Haaland from the penalty spot twice after the kick was ordered to be retaken.
The match was briefly halted when a pitch invader ran onto the field, capping off a chaotic opening 10 minutes.
Relief finally came for the home fans in the 18th when Alexander Sorloth broke down the flank and sent in a low cross that deflected off Israel forward Khalaili and looped into the net, giving the Norwegians a deserved lead.
In the 27th minute Haaland made up for his penalty miss and doubled the lead after a through pass from Sorloth.
A minute later Norway went three goals up as a panicked clearance from Peretz struck his defender Nachmias and rolled into the net for Israel’s second own goal of the match.

HAALAND REACHES FIFTY-GOALS MILESTONE
In the second half, Haaland marked a special milestone by netting his 50th goal for Norway, heading in Antonio Nusa’s cross in the 63rd. Nine minutes later an almost identical move saw Haaland score again to complete his hat-trick and seal a memorable night for the Manchester City striker.
The home fans stayed behind after the match, singing ‘Norway will go to the World Cup’ to the tune of Twisted Sister’s ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It,’ as they celebrated in the belief that the long wait since 1998 to reach the finals again is nearly over.
“We still have two matches left to go. It’s great to execute such a solid game today,” Nusa told TV2. “We just have to enjoy it. There’s still a lot of work to do but I’m just enjoying it.”