Proteas Women against Ireland Women final match called off
e South African women's final match of the series against Ireland was abandoned due to bad weather without a single bowl being delivered at Willowmoore Park on Wednesday.
CWC: England cruise past New Zealand despite Sophie Ecclestone injury
The victory was overshadowed by an injury to England left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone - the world's top-ranked bowler in One-Day Internationals.
Ecclestone jarred her shoulder chasing a boundary early in the innings, bowling just four deliveries and taking one wicket before leaving the field. Linsey Smith struggled in the powerplay, conceding multiple boundaries, while New Zealand reached 89 for one.
Melie Kerr (35) and Georgia Plimmer (43) steadied the innings with a 68-run partnership, but once Kerr was caught off Alice Capsey and Plimmer trapped lbw by Charlie Dean, New Zealand folded to 168 all out. Capsey and Nat Sciver-Brunt took two wickets each, with Sophie Devine dismissed for 23 in her final ODI.
Chasing 169, England's openers Amy Jones (86 not out) and Tammy Beaumont (40) shared a 75-run partnership, followed by an 83-run stand between Jones and Heather Knight (33). Jones sealed victory with back-to-back fours, completing the chase in 29.2 overs. Danni Wyatt-Hodge briefly batted at number four but only faced seven deliveries.
The win confirmed England's second-place finish, meaning they would advance if rain disrupts the semi-final. While Ecclestone's fitness is uncertain, England head into the knockout stage with strong momentum, a settled batting order, and a versatile bowling attack. Meanwhile, Devine bid an emotional farewell to ODIs, leaving behind a celebrated career.
The Ashes: Australia go 2-0 up as Mitchell Starc shines at the Gabba
Australia defeated England by eight wickets in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane on Sunday, securing a 2-0 lead in the legendary series.
England given testing group as 2026 World Cup draw finalises global picture
England will head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup grouped with Croatia, Ghana and Panama, as the expanded 48-team tournament begins to take shape following Friday evening's draw.
The Ashes: Joe Root to the rescue as England clinch day one at the Gabba
England legend Joe Root rescued his team as they finished day one of the second Ashes test on 325/9 in Brisbane on Thursday night.