Springboks One Win From Series Glory, Proteas Lift Tri-Series Trophy as PSL Race Heats Up
South African sport delivered another action-packed weekend, with the Springboks moving within one victory of a series triumph over New Zealand, the Proteas lifting the T20I Tri-Series trophy in Namibia, and Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs both picking up important Betway Premiership wins. Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, were held to a frustrating draw in their CAF Champions League opener.
- Springboks One Win Away From Series Victory Against All Blacks
The Springboks are now just one victory away from claiming the series after defeating New Zealand 29-24 at a packed FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.
An estimated 86,000 fans watched South Africa take a 2-1 advantage in the series before both teams travelled together to the USA, arriving in Baltimore on Sunday.
The fourth and final Test takes place at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday, with the Springboks knowing that victory will secure the series.
For the All Blacks, only a win will be enough to force a 2-2 series draw.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is expected to name his matchday squad on Monday evening (SA time), with the final Test set to bring the series to a dramatic conclusion.
- Proteas Claim T20I Tri-Series After Crushing Zimbabwe
The Proteas ended their T20I Tri-Series campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Zimbabwe by 48 runs in Sunday’s final in Windhoek to lift the trophy.
South Africa posted an imposing 205/5 after choosing to bat first, with Jordan Hermann leading the charge with a rapid 53 from 29 deliveries.
The Proteas then produced an equally impressive performance with the ball, restricting Zimbabwe to 157 all out in 18 overs.
Captain Bjorn Fortuin played an important role in the victory, while Dewald Brevis was named Player of the Series.
The triumph capped a strong recovery for South Africa, who finished top of the round-robin standings with three wins from four matches after losing their opening encounter against hosts Namibia.
- Sundowns Go Top as Chiefs Survive Five-Goal Thriller
The early Betway Premiership title race continued to produce intrigue as Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs both collected three points over the weekend.
Sundowns edged Golden Arrows 2-1 at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday, a result that moved the Brazilians to the summit with 16 points from six matches.
They now hold a three-point advantage over Orlando Pirates, although the Buccaneers have a game in hand.
Later in the day, Kaizer Chiefs returned to winning ways with an entertaining 3-2 victory over Siwelele FC at Dobsonville Stadium.
Saturday’s matches offered less in front of goal, with both Sekhukhune United vs TS Galaxy and Chippa United vs Milford FC ending goalless.
With the season still in its early stages, Sundowns’ continued consistency and Chiefs’ return to winning form provide plenty of intrigue as the Premiership campaign develops.
Springboks One Win From Series Glory, Proteas Lift Tri-Series Trophy as PSL Race Heats Up (Graphic: SizaNazo365 | Images: Springboks, Cricket SA, Chiefs)
- Pirates Held in CAF Champions League Opener
Orlando Pirates began their CAF Champions League campaign with a frustrating 0-0 draw against La Cure Waves in Port Louis, Mauritius, on Sunday afternoon.
The Buccaneers were unable to find a way through a determined home side, leaving them with a point from their opening continental fixture.
The result means Pirates will need to be more clinical when the two teams meet in the second round match this Saturday, as they look to make progress in Africa’s premier club competition.