Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 29 October 12:30 pm

Good day, let’s look at the latest sports news and scores:

# We start with cricket: The Proteas Women hope it’s third time lucky in today’s World Cup semifinal against England. South Africa lost to England in the penultimate rounds of the previous two one-day World Cups. On top of that, England beat the Proteas by ten wickets in the first match of this year’s tournament. But top-order batter Suné Luus says they won’t allow that statistics to affect them in Guwahati, India, today. She says they are just focusing on winning by playing good cricket. The Proteas are batting first.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s men defeated Pakistan by 55 runs in the first T20 in Rawalpindi. Reeza Hendricks scored 60 off 40 balls as the Proteas posted 194 for nine in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Corbin Bosch produced a career-best bowling performance, taking four wickets. He was backed by George Linde, who claimed three wickets, as Pakistan were bowled out for 139. The remaining two T20 matches will be played on Friday and Saturday, both in Lahore.

# Soccer: Banyana Banyana have booked their place in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after beating the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in the second leg qualifier in Soweto. The two nations locked horns in the first leg in Kinshasa last week, playing to a 1-all draw. A second-half goal from Thembi Kgatlana secured the victory and a 15th Wafcon appearance. A semifinal finish for South Africa would punch their ticket to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

# Rugby: Springbok utility forward Kwagga Smith expects a fast game on a hybrid pitch when they take on Japan at London’s Wembley soccer field on Saturday. Many Bok players have experience of hybrid pitches in the United Rugby Championship and the English Premiership and should know what to expect. Smith says he and other Boks based in Japan already arrived in London a week ago and could get acquainted with local conditions. He describes Wembley as an amazing stadium which should ensure a good contest.

# And, tennis: Britain’s Cameron Norrie stunned Carlos Alcaraz to reach the Paris Masters’ last 16. Norrie came from a set down to beat the Spaniard 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 for his first victory over the world number one. Alcaraz was competing for the first time since he won his eighth title of the season in Tokyo last month. There were also victories for American Taylor Fritz, Russia’s Daniil Medvedev and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. Alcaraz says he is disappointed with his level in the match:

Stay tuned for more news………….