Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 13 February 12:30 pm

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

# We begin with cricket: Unsung Zimbabwe stunned the mighty Australia by beating them by 23 runs in their T20 World Cup group match in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The African team posted a defendable 169 for two, spearheaded by Brian Bennett’s undefeated 64. Australia’s first wicket fell with just 13 on the board, and another three batters departed by the time they reached 29. Glenn Maxwell and Matt Renshaw fought back with a 77-run fifth-wicket partnership, but Australia was bowled out for 146 after Blessing Muzarabani took four wickets.

Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has meanwhile been sanctioned for disobeying the umpires’ instruction during Wednesday’s World Cup match against South Africa in Ahmedabad, India. He complained that pace bowler Lungi Ngidi’s armband was distracting him, saying he couldn’t see the ball properly. Nabi was fined 15-percent of his match-fee and given a demerit point for his prolonged argument with the officials, although Ngidi was ordered to remove the band from his bowling arm. The Proteas won the match in the second super over.

# Tennis: South Africa will face Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time in six years in their Davis Cup World Group Two tie at home in September. The team retained their place in the group after beating Montenegro 3-2 in their tie in Centurion last week. Captain Pietie Norval says they are confident the home crowd and local conditions will play a key role in helping them compete for a place in 2027’s World Group One promotion play-offs.

# Rugby: Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has made six changes for their Six Nations clash against Italy in Dublin tomorrow, as they look to bounce back from the 36-14 defeat against France. Ulster duo Robert Baloucoune and Cormac Izuchukwu will make their Six Nations debuts. There is a recall for wing James Lowe with Craig Casey named at scrumhalf. James Ryan partners with Joe McCarthy in the second row, while Edwin Edogbo is set to make his international debut after being named on the bench.

And, other news from the Six Nations is Scottish centre Huw Jones says his team is fired up to bounce back after losing to Italy in this year’s first weekend. They welcome England to the capital of Edinburgh tomorrow. England lost their last two matches against Scotland at Murrayfield, while the Scots were victorious in their last eight encounters with their old enemy in the competition. Jones realises England is regarded as favourites after winning their last 12 games, but says they want to take out their frustration on the visitors.

Stay tuned for more news………….