Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 31 October 12:30 pm

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

# We start with cricket: A new one-day Women’s World Cup champion will be crowned on Sunday, when South Africa takes on co-hostesses India in the final in Mumbai. This will be the Proteas’ first time featuring in the final. India previously played in the title decider in 2005 and 2017 when they finished as runners-up behind Australia and England, respectively. South Africa reached the final by thrashing England by 125 runs in the semifinal, while India beat defending champions Australia by five wickets yesterday.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s men take on Pakistan in the second T20 in Lahore today after winning the first encounter in Rawalpindi by 55 runs. No changes are expected to the tourists’ team, led by Donovan Ferreira while Aiden Markram is rested. It also features experienced wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, who reversed his retirement to play for South Africa again. The hosts are expected to bring in new bowlers after being outplayed on Tuesday. The final T20 will be played tomorrow, also in Lahore.

# Rugby: Japan’s coach, Eddie Jones, says his team is ready to give their all when they face the four-time world champions Springboks in London tomorrow. After narrowly losing to Australia last week, the Brave Blossoms now face an even tougher test. Jones says Japan must neutralise the Springboks’ forward power and high-ball game. The former England and Wallabies coach believes accuracy and quick play will be key, promising Japan will give it a red-hot go.

# Soccer: Desiree Ellis will coach Banyana Banyana for another four years after extending her contract until 2029. She took over from her predecessor, Vera Pauw, after the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Safa president Danny Jordaan says Ellis can now start preparing South Africa for next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after they qualified earlier this week. He says they also have to rebuild Banyana and look at alternatives and younger players for the future.

# And tennis: World number two Jannik Sinner is through to the Paris Masters’ quarterfinals for the first time. The Italian defeated Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo to keep alive his hopes of returning to the number one ranking. Sinner will face Ben Shelton next after the American defeated Russia’s Andrey Rublev. Germany’s Alexander Zverev continued his title defence with a straight-sets victory over Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Russia’s Daniil Medvedev beat Italian Lorenzo Sonego to remain in contention for the season-ending ATP finals.

Stay tuned for more news………….