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Chris Rushworth held his nerve to defend nine of the final over to deny the efforts of Steven Mullaney as Nottinghamshire slipped to a three-run defeat against Durham in a thrilling finale at Trent Bridge.

Press Association30-May-2014
ScorecardChris Rushworth held his nerve to defend nine off the final over•Getty ImagesChris Rushworth held his nerve to defend nine of the final over to deny the efforts of Steven Mullaney as Nottinghamshire slipped to a three-run defeat against Durham in a thrilling finale at Trent Bridge.Rushworth conceded two twos from the first deliveries of the 20th to leave only five needed in four balls but responded with two dot balls. A single from the penultimate ball and a wicket off the last closed out victory.The home side appeared well in control of the contest after Mullaney’s four wickets had helped them reduce their opponents to 132 for 8 in the opening 20 overs. He then ended the match unbeaten at the crease on 26, but Nottinghamshire had only managed to get to 129 for 7 before time ran out.Mullaney was involved in the first wicket of the night, catching Mark Stoneman off Andy Carter, and, after the exit of Calum MacLeod, he had Paul Collingwood caught and bowled.He then added three more wickets in quick succession as the visitors slumped to 76 for 6, Phil Mustard the first and Ben Stokes following before the irrepressible Mullaney trapped Ryan Pringle lbw to take his second scalp in two balls.Carter got his third wicket by bowling Usman Arshad and with Durham on 108, Luke Fletcher struck to remove Gareth Breese, Michael Lumb diving to produce his third and best catch of the evening.Top-scorer Gordon Muchall helped the away side complete the innings without further loss, and they made an encouraging start with the ball as Chris Rushworth saw off Alex Hales and James Taylor.Lumb headed to the pavilion not long after and it was 24 for 3 before the hosts then stabilised a little. Samit Patel made 18 but departed with his side on 51 and Chris Read was next to go, leaving Nottinghamshire on 81 for 5 in the 15th over.The loss of Riki Wessels bowled by Stokes, was a blow in the 18th over but Sam Wood provided hope by smashing a six off the final ball of the penultimate over.It meant nine were required from the last six balls for a home victory, and for all they had done previously, Mullaney and Wood were ultimately unable to get their team over the line, with the latter being caught by Stokes off Rushworth as he tried to fire another six off the final delivery.

Queensland made a dream start in their campaign for a hat-trick of one-day titles, crushing Victoria by nine wickets in the season opener at the Gabba

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Oct-2014
Scorecard
Ben Cutting collected 3 for 13•Getty ImagesQueensland made a dream start in their campaign for a hat-trick of one-day titles, crushing Victoria by nine wickets in the season opener at the Gabba. The Bushrangers were sent in by Queensland captain James Hopes and rapidly capitulated to the pace of Mark Steketee, Ben Cutting and Luke Feldman, who skittled them for 111 in only 38 overs.Steketee, who made his one-day debut for the National Performance Squad during the winter, was playing his first game for Queensland and proved a handful, collecting 4 for 29 from eight overs. His wickets included those of Victoria’s captain Matthew Wade, caught behind for 13, and former skipper Cameron White, bowled for 6.Cutting picked up 3 for 13 and Feldman took 2 for 25 as Victoria’s batting line-up crumbled, with Peter Handscomb (20) the only man to get past the teens. Queensland’s chase could hardly have gone better as Usman Khawaja and Chris Hartley put on 93 for the first wicket and threatened to overtake Victoria without loss.However, on 38 Khawaja was stumped off the spin of Jon Holland, which brought Joe Burns to the crease. Burns (11 not out) and Hartley (46 not out) cruised past Victoria’s total in the 22nd over, ensuring that the first result of the newly-named Matador BBQs One-Day Cup was a thorough roasting of the visitors.

Eye-watering salaries are expected by any player at a top club these days, meaning wage bills across the continent continue to soar

UEFA has revealed the 20 clubs with the highest wage bills across the 2018 financial year in its annual Club Licensing Benchmarking Report, with Barcelona and Real Madrid once again splashing the most cash. 

A record 35 clubs in Europe boasted wage bills of over €100 million across 2018, while the Catalans have become the first side to boast a wage total in excess of €500m. 

Though La Liga's two biggest clubs have spent the most individually, Premier League sides make up nine of the 20 clubs with the highest wage bills.

Getty20Crystal Palace | €132m (£113m/$147m)AdvertisementGetty19Monaco | €133m (£114m/$148m)Getty Images18Leicester City | €134m (£115m/$149m)ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty Images17AC Milan | €150m (£129m/$167m)

ESPNcricinfo previews the first ODI between Ireland and Sri Lanka

Andrew Fidel Fernando and David Hopps05-May-2014Match factsTuesday, May 6, Clontarf
Start time 1045 (0945 GMT)Angelo Mathews could have a crucial role to play for Sri Lanka•Getty ImagesBig PictureSri Lanka will shudder at the thought of losing to an Associate nation for the usual reasons, but a drawn or lost series could also be particularly grim for interim coach Marvan Atapattu, whose audition for the permanent job begins with this trip.The loss of Thisara Perera has left the squad looking decidedly green, particularly in foreign conditions. Aside from Thirimanne, and increasingly, Angelo Mathews, few of the top order possess the temperament to thrive on early-season Irish pitches. Sri Lanka are without six frontline players, five rested seniors and Thisara Perera, who failed to acquire an Ireland visa thanks to his time at the IPL.Predictably, this leg of the tour is about blooding youngsters – particularly batsmen. Kithuruwan Vithanage and Ashan Priyanjan will almost certainly have places in the middle order, and while Priyanjan appears the frontrunner to take a place in Sri Lanka’s ODI squad to England, Vithanage has the chance to force himself into the mix.So consistent has been the narrative as Ireland inch ever closer towards acceptance among cricket’s elite that they should discover a few setbacks along the way has been hard for some to comprehend. Ireland’s defeat against Netherlands as they failed to qualify for the finals of World Twenty20 was one such moment. Time is, nevertheless, a great healer and six weeks on Ireland go into this week’s ODI series against Sri Lanka as the underdogs once again.Nine months out from a third World Cup appearance, there are issues – uncovered during the winter – that need addressing. Consistency in selection has been the cornerstone of recent success but chinks are appearing: Boyd Rankin’s decision to decamp, the retirement of Trent Johnston and the absence of John Mooney have brought uncertainty in the lower order. With little game time between now and the World Cup in Australia/New Zealand, there is scant opportunity for experimentation.Form guide Ireland: LWWLT (latest first)
Sri Lanka: WWWWW
In the spotlightMaking 23-year-old Dinesh Chandimal the T20 captain and ODI and Test vice-captain was always a gamble, but a year after he had been appointed, the selectors effectively conceded it had not paid off, when they relieved Chandimal of his leadership roles. Despite his foundering in Asia, Chandimal remains a good prospect, not only because of a Test record that remains decent, but because he has prospered in faster, bouncier conditions Sri Lanka batsmen often take years to master. Without a clot of seniors blocking out top-order spots in Ireland, Chandimal will likely have the chance to choose where he bats. He will probably be retained for the England ODIs regardless of his output in Dublin, but at least one good score against Ireland may help put the edge back into his cricket.Team newsIreland have six players released by their English counties to play in this series including captain Will Porterfield from Warwickshire and opening bowler Tim Murtagh from Middlesex.Ireland (possibly) 1 William Porterfield (capt), 2 Paul Stirling, 3 Ed Joyce, 4 Niall O’Brien, 5 Gary Wilson (wkt), 6 Kevin O’Brien, 7 Andrew Poynter, 8 Stuart Thompson, 9 Max Sorensen, 10 George Dockrell, 11 Tim MurtaghSri Lanka may be tempted to open with Upul Tharanga, in order to allow Lahiru Thirimanne a chance at batting at his favoured no. 3 spot, but that may create complications with the jostle for middle order positions. Fast bowlers Shaminda Eranga and Dhammika Prasad will also complete for a place.Sri Lanka (probable): 1. Kusal Perera, 2. Upul Tharanga, 3. Lahiru Thirimanne, 4. Dinesh Chandimal (wk), 5. Kithuruwan Vithanage, 6. Ashan Priyanjan, 7. Angelo Mathews (c), 8. Nuwan Kulasekara, 9. Sachithra Senanayake, 10. Dhammika Prasad/Shaminda Eranga, 11. Suranga LakmalPitch and conditions Expect it to be green and seaming: the question is just how green and seaming. If the hosts’ quicks can claim early scalps on a seaming surface, they may expose a middle order more used to taking risks and dominating than surviving and rebuilding.Quotes “The back-end of the innings is something we need to improve on in terms of death bowling and that was highlighted in the Holland game. The big things for ourselves is trying to take wickets in the middle overs because with the two new balls now, teams are aiming to keep wickets in hand and build a platform for the final ten overs or so.”

AB de Villiers has admitted “disappointment” at being overlooked as South Africa’s next Test leader but has pledged his full support for new captain Hashim Amla

Firdose Moonda05-Jun-2014AB de Villiers has admitted “disappointment” at being overlooked as South Africa’s next Test leader but has pledged his full support for new captain Hashim Amla. De Villiers was considered the frontrunner for the position Graeme Smith vacated in March and in an interview with ESPNcricinfo had declared himself “ready” to lead and give up the wicket-keeping gloves if necessary, but that was not enough to convince the selection panel.”I will not beat around the bush. I’m disappointed that I’m not the captain,” de Villiers told the Afrikaans newspaper . “Everyone has dreams and ambitions and hopes they will become reality but I accept the situation and will not let it come between me and Hashim. It would be very stupid of me if I let it affect my game and my role in the team. The choice is made. I wish Hashim all the best and will give him all of my support.”Although neither de Villiers nor convener of selectors Andrew Hudson would reveal when the former was informed about the decision, Hudson explained at Amla’s appointment on Tuesday that all the candidates for captaincy were consulted and gave their support to the selectors’ choice.”Processes were followed. We’ve spoken to the guys who were close and that little group of senior players are all supportive of Hashim,” Hudson said. “We said to the guys ‘This is what’s coming’ and the guys said they were behind it 100%. There’s this group of senior players – Dale (Steyn), Morne (Morkel), Faf (du Plessis), AB, JP (Duminy) – that are behind Hashim and they respect him. He hasn’t just got two or three guys that support him, he has got a core.”Amla also had the backing of his predecessor Smith, who tweeted a message, part of which read, “Congrats my bud and excited to watch you shape proteas test future,” while recent retiree Jacques Kallis called Amla’s promotion “well deserved.”The reasons for the selection committee’s unanimous recommendation of Amla, which the board ratified, was put down to “deciding who we thought was best for the job,” Hudson said, with a focus on ensuring the transition phase will be as smooth as possible. “Hashim is solid and sets an example and he can continue the team culture going forward,” Hudson said. “One of the great things is that 90% of what the team needs to be successful is already there and needs to be continued and I think Hashim’s leadership style will suit this continuum.”Amla’s previous reluctance to lead – as recently as last year he stepped down as vice-captain of the limited-overs squads – was not a concern for the selectors, who understood his thinking at that time. “It was about trying to get his batting right. Hashim is quite intentional. His intention was to get his batting right and he felt that was first port of call,” Hudson said. “Now that he is at that point where he is more comfortable than what he was with his batting, he feels he can contribute in other areas. Captaincy is one where he can leave a deposit that will far outlast the runs that he scores. He can influence youngsters and he is good with people.”Hudson also denied the selectors were motivated by any desire to break up a small controlling group, which the likes of Herschelle Gibbs had claimed was in operation. In his biography Gibbs said Smith, Kallis, Mark Boucher and de Villiers controlled the team and there were lingering whispers that power balance remained in place. “I don’t know how much of a clique there really was,” Hudson said. “I think a lot of it was speculation.”Hudson also brushed aside talk there was political pressure involved in Amla’s appointment, rather focusing on the positives of giving South Africa’s its first full-time captain of colour. “It’s great that we’ve got a player of colour as a captain but it wasn’t the reason why we chose him. We chose him on merit and in terms of his ability and on what we think the team needs in this next era.”Ultimately, the choice between Amla and de Villiers may have been made by, as one insider put it, the need to “maintain team stability” at a time of great change. With Smith and Kallis retiring in quick succession and leaving gaps to be plugged in the batting line-up, using a rookie keeper may not have been in the plans.That means, not for the first time, de Villiers will be asked to put service above self, but if there is one person who is willing to do that, it is him. He is already looking forward to the role he can play as Amla’s deputy at Test level and to ensuring South Africa return to the top of the Test rankings.”As vice-captain of the team I will closely work with Hashim and believe we can make a good combination,” de Villiers said. “I accept that it is not always moonshine and roses and you can’t expect things must always go your way. In the end, we are all working together in the best interests of South African cricket. I believe Hashim will make a success of the assignment. He is a very experienced and senior player and is a fine student of the game. We will all pull in the right direction do to make sure our cricket comes out on top again.”

Shaun Marsh will be scrubbed from Australia’s plans for South Africa unless he can prove his fitness for the tour match that precedes the first Test

Daniel Brettig29-Jan-2014Shaun Marsh will be scrubbed from Australia’s plans for South Africa unless he can prove his fitness for the tour match that precedes the first Test.As the national selectors ponder a possible replacement in the event that Marsh does not recover from a calf ailment, ESPNcricinfo has learned that the left-hander will be ruled out of Test calculations if he is unable to present himself fit to play in the four-day warm-up match in Potchefstroom, due to begin on February 5.The tour schedule is typically tight, as the first Test begins in Pretoria on February 12 before the second follows only three days later. The selectors are understandably reluctant to nurse any player through the vital first week of the trip, leaving Marsh with only a day or two at best to complete his recovery from the injury he sustained in the field during the final ODI against England in Adelaide on Australia Day.Instead of flying out with the majority of the touring party on Wednesday, Marsh remained in Perth for rehab work, with the Western Australia physio Nick Jones, who is liaising with his national team counterpart Alex Kountouris. Australia’s captain Michael Clarke was unsure whether any deadline had been put in place for Marsh or Jackson Bird, who has returned to bowling in Tasmania after complaining of a jarred back, and can be expected to fly out before the end of the week.”I spoke to the physio yesterday about Jackson, he bowled well yesterday and they wanted to see how he pulled up today and he has to bowl again today,” Clarke said. “Shaun was seeing the physio in Western Australia the last conversation I had with Alex [Kountouris] so they’re going to see how he goes over the next couple of days I’m sure, and fingers crossed they’re both going to be on a plane sooner rather than later to South Africa.”I don’t know how long they’re giving both players. Ideally I would like them to be on this plane now, but that’s not realistic. You’ve got to give them every opportunity, they’re an important part of our squad, they’re two very good players, and I’m positive they’ll both come up ok.”Should Marsh be ruled unfit, he is likely to be replaced in the tour party by Phillip Hughes, who narrowly missed selection for the initial squad, rather than the Ashes batsman George Bailey. The selectors have already been forced to replace one player in the original 15, James Faulkner requiring knee surgery and replaced by Moises Henriques.Australia boast an enviable record in South Africa, having not lost a series on the veldt since reunification. The 1994 and 2011 tours ended in drawn Test series, while the 1997, 2002, 2006 and 2009 tourists all enjoyed away victories. While the current South African side is undisputed as the world’s most accomplished, Clarke noted the similarity of conditions in Australia as a source of considerable comfort to his men.”A lot of teams in Test cricket are having success in their own backyard, but the greatest challenge is to be able to win away from home, so that’s what we face right now,” Clarke said. “We’re playing against a very good opposition … wicket wise, temperature wise and country wise there’s a lot of similarities, so that’ll help us become accustomed to conditions. But when you’re playing in front of your home fans we’ve seen the benefit of that this summer and that’s obviously going to help South Africa. We’ve got to be on top of our game.”Clarke was untroubled by the mishmash of cricket played by his touring party in the lead-up to the trip, as some followed their Ashes success with the ODI series against England, others moonlighted in the Twenty20 Big Bash League and still others played the first two days of second XI fixtures for unfamiliar states before their departure.”It’s only two weeks ago we were playing the last Test match, so I think guys have enough Test cricket under their belt now to be ready for this first Test match,” Clarke said. “The four-day game will certainly help get any cobwebs out if there are any, but guys have been playing whether it’s one-day cricket or the second XI competition.”Guys have enough cricket under their belt, it’s now a matter of adjusting to conditions as soon as we get there and continuing to play the same brand of cricket we’ve played this summer, with the same intent and the same attitude, that’s the key for me.”

AB de Villiers is the most likely candidate to succeed Graeme Smith as South Africa’s Test captain, but if he is to assume the additional responsibility it might mean a change in team structure

Firdose Moonda07-Mar-2014AB de Villiers is the most likely candidate to succeed Graeme Smith as South Africa’s Test captain, but if he is to assume the additional responsibility it might mean a change in team structure. Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and Shaun Pollock called de Villiers the “natural choice,” but warned he would have to stop wicketkeeping to accept the leadership.De Villiers is presently the Test team’s vice-captain, wicketkeeper and No. 5 batsman, and Boucher does not think he can take on any more. “I don’t think it’s viable for him to captain, bat in the top five and keep wicket,” Boucher said. “The ask is a lot. Maybe he can do it for a small period of time while South Africa look for another keeper but in the longer term, he’ll need to give up one.”There is recent evidence to back that argument, dating back to de Villiers’ appointment as ODI captain when Smith stepped down after the 2011 World Cup. That was de Villiers’ first leadership role, having not led at school or domestic level before, and his inexperience showed.With a strategy of a flexible batting line-up – which has since been scrapped – South Africa were a disorganised ODI unit for the first few months under de Villiers. He struggled to keep up with the pace of captaincy, quite literally, and was suspended for two matches against New Zealand in January 2013 for a slow over rate.That was de Villiers’ fourth series in charge, by which point he had already relinquished the Twenty20 captaincy to Faf du Plessis, and was meant to hone his skills in the job. The wicketkeeping gloves were taken away from him as well and at the time de Villiers said he felt he had more time to “communicate with my bowlers and get the field right.”De Villiers briefly resumed keeping, while Quinton de Kock was given time at his franchise to mature into a domestic player, but currently does not keep wicket in either T20s or ODIs. During that time he also developed into a sharper captain, particularly after the 2013 Champions Trophy, and led South Africa to an away series win over Pakistan, followed by a defeat to them at home, and a home victory over India.It was regarded as no coincidence that the improvement in his tactics came after he was unburdened from a treble-role. If the same logic is applied to the Test team, it will likely be de Kock who will take over as wicketkeeper. De Kock was recently contracted by CSA and made his Test debut in Port Elizabeth. He’s only 21 and has played only 21 first-class games but Pollock was not worried by his inexperience.”If they decide they want to go the de Kock route, they’ve got six Tests for him to settle into his role,” he said. Before the 2015 World Cup, South Africa will play two Tests against Sri Lanka in July, one against Zimbabwe and three at home against West Indies. The first of those assignments is the most challenging, given that Sri Lanka was the last place South Africa lost in, so de Villiers may be retained as gloveman for that.If South Africa want an alternative for Test captain, they won’t have to look much further than du Plessis. He captains T20 team, has led from school level, enjoys being in charge and has shown he has the ability. His has only played 14 Tests, but already boasts a batting average over 50 and the temperament to bat for days.Beyond de Villiers and du Plessis, South Africa don’t have many other candidates. Hashim Amla was vice-captain of the limited-overs sides but gave that up last February and said his decision was based on not wanting to take on the main role if needed. Alviro Petersen, who leads the Lions franchise, only has one hand on his spot as an opener and none of the fast bowlers have ever been considered captaincy material.Makhaya Ntini believes JP Duminy could captain in shorter formats because, “he has been playing and performing for long enough and he deserves it.” But Duminy is only settling into a more all-round role and it may prove too much to expect from him.South Africa’s options are limited to giving one of the shorter-format captains the Test job and Pollock thinks it could bring a breath of fresh air. “A lot of the tactics over the last 10 years have mainly been from Graeme’s head,” he said. “Even when he stepped down in shorter formats, the bulk of the strategies come from his thinking. It will be nice for someone to come with a new approach.”The Smith-era and all that came with it – the presence of Boucher and Kallis as seniors and the consistency brought by having the longest-serving captain – is now over. South Africa remain the top-ranked Test team but these major changes may make it tough for them to stay there for as long as they would like.They have a 12-point cushion over their nearest rivals, Australia, and Kallis hoped it was enough to tide them over until the new crop settle in. “There’s quite a bit of a gap between us and the rest so hopefully we can just hang in there for a little while,” he said. “We’ve got one or two series coming up where we can hold our own with a young side but we will also have to be patient for a while. There won’t be as much experience in the side but it’s by no means a weak side. The guys coming in are just as talented, they might just need some time but they’ll be there and there abouts.”

Mumbai taught Vidarbha lesson or two at the Wankhede, taking firm control at the halfway stage of their Ranji Trophy Group A match

The Report by Amol Karhadkar in Mumbai29-Nov-2013
ScorecardFile photo: Umesh Yadav’s seven overs were plundered for 57 runs•Getty ImagesMumbai taught Vidarbha lesson or two at the Wankhede, taking firm control at the halfway stage of their Ranji Trophy Group A match. At stumps on day two, after bundling out Vidarbha for 113 for a first-innings lead of 148, Aditya Tare and Ajinkya Rahane’s unbroken century stand for the second wicket helped Mumbai get to 179 for 1.With Tare and Rahane at their sublime best, any of Vidarbha’s hopes of stretching Mumbai in their first-ever Ranji clash evaporated. Ending the day trailing by 327 runs, Vidarbha seem to be headed for a huge defeat, and Mumbai, their third victory in four games this season.The Mumbai bowlers put up a joint effort to roll Vidarbha. Debutant left-arm medium-pacer Akbar Khan struck in his third over, bowling a heavy ball to opener Amol Ubarhande, whose defensive stroke deflected the ball onto the ground and then a bail. Medium-pacer Shardul Thakur, playing his first game of the season, struck soon after, forcing a nick off left-handed Ravi Jangid that rested in wicketkeeper Tare’s hands.Vidarbha were then banking on Faiz Fazal and Shalabh Shrivastava, whose centuries against Karnataka last week had helped Vidarbha raise 500-plus. However, Zaheer Khan changed ends after bowling an opening three-over spell and struck off successive deliveries to take the wind out of Vidarbha’s innings. He first caught Shrivastava in no man’s land with a sharp incoming delivery – the batsman could only manage to hole out to Siddhesh Lad at forward short leg. The next ball was down the leg, but the seasoned Hemang Badani’s nick was brilliantly latched on to by a diving Tare.Just before lunch, Fazal edged Abhishek Nayar to Wasim Jaffer in the slip cordon and Vidarbha were in danger of following on, going into lunch at 60 for 6. The only short spell of resistance came from Rashmi Parida, who moved from Rajasthan at the start of the season, and Akshay Wakhare, who added 39 runs for the ninth wicket before the latter was dismissed by Kaustubh Pawar’s dibbly-dobbly medium pace. Had it not been for Parida’s single and a no-ball by Akbar before he got rid of the last man Sandeep Singh, Vidarbha may well have started their second innings in as many sessions on the day.Once the pitch had eased out, Tare and Rahane made optimum use of batting-friendly conditions. Tare waged an assault right from the word go, hitting Sandeep – Vidarbha’s most effective bowler in the first innings – for three boundaries in the first over of the innings. The battering continued till the end of the day’s play, as Tare didn’t spare any of the Vidarbha bowlers.Tare raced to his second hundred of the season by tearing apart Umesh Yadav and Wakhare. He first plundered 16 runs off three successive short balls from Umesh, the first a four followed by maximums over long-on and midwicket. In the next over, he danced down the track and hit Wakhare for a huge six over long-off to complete his fourth first-class century. In the same over, Rahane followed Tare’s cue and sent Wakhare into the stands over long-on to complete his fifty.Earlier in the morning, Mumbai’s last two wickets added just seven runs, with centurion Jaffer the last man dismissed, giving Sandeep his fourth wicket. The bowler, however, injured his ankle while trying to stop a full-blooded drive off Tare’s willow in the final session, limping his way back to the dressing room.

A round-up of the Logan Cup matches on December 12, 2014

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Dec-2014A strong first-innings batting display from Matabeleland Tuskers set up the team’s 230-run victory against Mashonaland Eagles in Bulawayo. After being inserted, Tuskers posted 405 for 9 before declaring, thanks to fifties from Bornaparte Mujuru (86), Brian Chari (81) and Godwill Mamhiyo (60). Wellington Masakadza picked up five wickets for Eagles, but conceded 109 runs from his 27 overs. Eagles’ reply lasted only 48.1 overs, as the team was bowled out for 112. Ryan Burl was the only player to score in the twenties, as Tawanda Mupariwa, Brian Vitori and Sean Williams all picked up three-fors to run through the line-up inside four hours. With a 293-run lead in hand, Tuskers batted for just 24.1 overs in their second essay, declaring after scoring 94 for 4. This meant that Eagles needed 388 for the win, and once again, none of their batsmen were able to make a big score, as Vitori (4 for 30) and Keith Dabengwa (3 for 15) struck at regular intervals to dismiss the team in 76 overs.A seven-for from Tapiwa Mufudza in the second innings was the cornerstone behind Mountaineers’ nine-wicket win against Mid West Rhinos at the Kwekwe Sports Club. Mountaineers made the early running in the game, as Rhinos, batting first, were bundled out for 193 thanks to Natsai M’shangwe’s 4 for 45 and Tatenda Mupunga’s 3 for 39. Rhinos’ left-arm spinner responded with a five-wicket haul in Mountaineer’s innings, but Mountaineers were guided by half-centuries from Timycen Maruma (62), Roy Kaia (54) and M’Shangwe (61). They scored 317, earning a crucial lead of 124. Rhino’s opener Bradley Wadlan top-scored in his team’s second innings, hitting 60, but with no other batsman contributing more than 36, they were bowled out for 169. Mufudza collected 7 for 31 to dismiss Rhinos in 62 overs, meaning that Mountaineers needed just 46 to win. They overhauled that target in 5.3 overs, despite losing Kevin Kasuza early.

AB de Villiers, the South Africa captain, said he expected India to bounce back in the third ODI, after his side beat the visitors by 134 runs to win the second ODI and the series in Durban

Sidharth Monga in Durban08-Dec-20130:00

A big series win for SA – AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers said he was happy with the hold that South Africa’s bowlers had established over India’s batsmen•Getty ImagesBeat the No. 1 side by 141 runs. Beat them again by 134. In the first game, put them under a mountain of runs and straitjacket them with exceptional quick bowling. In the next, watch the same batsmen capitulate through low-percentage shots. This tour has all the makings of being to South Africa what the West Indies series was to India in November. And never mind what Dale Steyn feels, South Africa’s elder statesmen are not getting ahead of themselves. AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla both laughed heartily when asked if this Indian team was proving to be too easy, but they wouldn’t get drawn into making what could be seen as inappropriate statements that might come back to bite them later.De Villiers was at pains to not be seen as arrogant when ahead. When asked if it was becoming a bit easy, because it felt so from the outside, de Villiers repeated the “no” five times.”They are a world-class unit,” de Villiers said. “They are world champions. I can go for an hour if I talk about the Indian team. [I] still expect them to come back in the third ODI. A lot of pride to play for. It will be massive for us to beat them 3-0. A lot to play for. They are still a world-class unit. We will always have respect for them as a team.”After his press conference, de Villiers moved to the right, and gave unassuming Hashim Amla the seat in front of the microphones. Now Amla and Quinton de Kock have added more than 150 in back-to-back games against India’s bowling, becoming only the second pair in ODIs to do so. At times in the Durban ODI, it looked like they were not tested at all. Like de Villiers, Amla, too, was asked if the Indian bowling was “easy meat” for the openers.Amla let out a loud laugh and said, “You want such a controversial thing for me to say.”After everyone had had their laughs and drawn their own inferences, Amla went on to say: “Nothing at all like that. Fortunately for me and Quinny [de Kock] – to score runs you need things to go your way. In both games, we could have got caught with leading edges, caught third man… Things have just gone our way in the last two games. India have bowled well upfront. We haven’t gone off to blistering starts, just knocked it around a bit and bided our time. In the first game, AB and JP [Duminy] were the guys who did a bulk of the damage at the back end. Before that, they had bowled quite well. So there is no such thing as easy meat. We have fortunately got things going our way.”Having said that, de Villiers was pretty pleased his side had beaten the No. 1 side in ODIs so comprehensively in successive matches.”We are nowhere near the No. 1 team in the world at the moment even though we have beaten them two in a row now,” de Villiers said. “We know tournaments like the World Cup, they are about 11 games, this is just two in a row. It’s definitely a step in the right direction, but in a humble way we would like to work hard on our game and make sure we still compete with the best in the world consistently.”Steyn’s remarks that a few of the Indian batsmen might have been scared were still being talked about, but de Villiers also said that his batsmen have been setting up the games. He was “chuffed” that his lower order got him crucial runs in this match – especially the 29 in the last two overs – that turned a total just over par into a superlative one. Especially given South Africa’s bowling, which now seems to have established a hold on the Indian batsmen.”Hopefully, we did scare off a few of their batters going into the final ODI and the Test series,” de Villiers said. “It’s always nice to sort of scare a few batters going into a big series like this, especially a batting line-up like the Indian team has. I think they are very talented and to sort of get under their skin is always important, especially in home conditions.”