Sports News 12:30 pm

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 4 October September 12:30 pm

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

# We kick off with cricket: The Proteas women are playing the Windies in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in their first match of the T20 World Cup. South Africa is currently fifth in the world rankings, only one position in front of the Windies. The Proteas also face Bangladesh, England and Scotland in Pool B. The top two teams in the two groups qualify for the semifinals, taking place on the 17th and 18th of this month. The final will be played in Dubai on the 20th.

# Next up, motorsport: South Africa’s Brad Binder clocked the fastest time in practice for the Japanese MotoGP, with championship leader Jorge Martin finishing third. Red Bull KTM rider Binder laid down the fastest lap ahead of Spain’s six-time world champion Marc Marquez in second. Spaniard Martin holds a 21-point lead over nearest rival Francesco Bagnaia in the overall standings with five races remaining. Italy’s Bagnaia, the defending world champion, finished seventh fastest.

# Rugby news: Lusanda Dumke will lead the Springbok Women into battle tomorrow when they take on Australia at the Athlone Stadium in Cape Town in the second round of the Women’s-15 Season 2. Dumke’s elevation into the starting team is amongst a number of changes made by Swys de Bruin and the coaching staff for this match, following their 31-24 win over Japan last weekend. De Bruin is expecting a tough match against Australia:

Meanwhile, two sets of brothers will run out for the Sharks in tomorrow’s second United Rugby Championship game on the road when they meet the Dragons in Newport, Wales. Springbok Jaden Hendrikse comes into the starting line-up, joining brother Jordan, with the Tshituka brothers, captain Vincent and Emmanuel, both playing in the back row. Jaden at scrumhalf is the only change head coach John Plumtree made to the starting-15. Phepsi Buthelezi and Francois Venter returns, with both named on the bench. Kick-off is at 6:15 pm.

# We close with soccer: Captain Kylian Mbappé won’t play for France in the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium. He is still getting rested after only recently returning from injury. Mbappé was a substitute for Real Madrid in Wednesday’s 1-nil loss to Lille. France’s match against Israel this coming Thursday had been moved to Budapest because of the security situation in the Middle East, and the country will take on Belgium in Brussels on the 14th. Italy tops Group A2 with France second.

Stay tuned for more news………….