Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 26 June 12:30 pm

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

# We begin with cricket: South Africa thrashed the Netherlands by 88 runs in the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bristol to keep their hopes of making the semifinals. Tazmin Brits scored an unbeaten 114 as the Proteas Women posted 208 for one. In reply, Ayabonga Khaka took three wickets as the Netherlands were restricted to 120 for eight. To make the semifinals, South Africa will need to beat Bangladesh in their final game and hope that India loses against Australia, otherwise it will go down to net run-rate. 

# Rugby: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says the entire team is aligned on the expectations and standards going into the Nations Championship. South Africa will face England at Ellis Park in the opener in Johannesburg next Saturday, followed by Scotland in Pretoria on July 11 and Wales in Durban seven days later. Erasmus is satisfied that the necessary building blocks are in place. He is also pleased that players got invaluable game time against the Barbarians and Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, the experienced prop Rambo Kubheka will lead the Junior Springboks against Uruguay in their Pool A match of the Junior World Championship in Tbilisi, Georgia, tomorrow. Squad captain Siphosethu Mnebelele was named among the replacements for the SA Under-20s’ first pool match of the tournament. Coach Kevin Foote has opted for a split of five forwards and three backs on the bench for this clash against the South Americans. Kick-off is at 6:30 pm.

# Soccer: Nicolas Pepe scored twice to guide Ivory Coast to a 2-0 victory over debutants Curacao in Philadelphia, and reach the knockout stages for the first time in World Cup history. The Ivorians finished second in Group E and will face France or Norway on Tuesday. In New Jersey, Ecuador stunned already-qualified Germany with a 2-1 victory to reach the round of 32 as one of the highest third-placed teams. Sweden and Japan have both qualified for the knockout stage after playing to a 1-all draw in Dallas.

# And motorsport: The declaration of the weekend’s Formula One Grand Prix in Austria as a heat hazard means drivers can use a mandated cooling kit. Temperatures of over 31 degrees Celsius are forecast for Spielberg. The kit uses cooling liquid through a system of pipes in a fireproof top worn under overalls, but some prefer not to use it because of discomfort. The cockpit of a F1 car reportedly reaches temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius, meaning overheating is a serious concern because drivers wear several layers of clothing.

Stay tuned for more news………….