South Africa's Quinton de Kock has apologised after refusing to take a knee and says he is "not a racist".

 

The wicketkeeper-batsman made himself unavailable for the T20 World Cup win against West Indies because he did not want to make the gesture.

 

"I would like to start by saying sorry to my team-mates, and the fans back home," he said.

 

"If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so."

That was an exciting finish in the Pakistan v Afghanistan match with Asif Ali hitting four sixes in the 19th over to win the contest.

 

 

Superb from England, someone is going to have to play really well to beat us.

Yes, England are looking a class above the rest at the moment.

South Africa pulled off a frantic four-wicket win in the final over against Sri Lanka in the Men's T20 World Cup despite Wanindu Hasaranga's sublime hat-trick.

Former England batter Allan Lamb has been having treatment for prostate cancer.

 

The South Africa-born 67-year-old said he had recently completed a month of treatment following his diagnosis.

 

Lamb made his Test debut for England in 1982 and played at three World Cups, scoring 4,656 runs in 79 Tests during his career.

^ Was that post re Tries meant to be in the Rugby thread?

 

Thoughts and prayers are with Allan Lamb.

 

Fran Wilson has retired from international cricket. She won the World Cup (50 over competition) back in 2017.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/59074434

Yorkshire have been suspended from hosting England matches as the England and Wales Cricket Board delivered a devastating rebuke over the club's response to racism experienced by former player Azeem Rafiq.

 

An investigation found former spinner Rafiq had been a victim of "racial harassment and bullying" - but the club said it would take no action.

 

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) says the ban will last until the club has "clearly demonstrated that it can meet the standards expected".

 

The ECB board said it is "clear" Yorkshire's handling of the issue is "wholly unacceptable and is causing serious damage to the reputation of the game".

 

"Given recent events, it is clear there are serious questions regarding the governance and management of YCCC," the board added.

 

"The club's failure in relation to actions and responses to their own report represent a significant breach of its obligations to the game."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan says he was named in Yorkshire's Azeem Rafiq report but "totally denies any allegation of racism".

 

An investigation found Rafiq had been a victim of "racial harassment and bullying" while at the club.

 

Vaughan says the report states he told a group of Asian players, including Rafiq: "Too many of you lot, we need to do something about it."

 

But Vaughan says he "completely and categorically denies" saying that.

 

He said that the comments were alleged to have been made in 2009 while he was still a player at Yorkshire before a match against Nottinghamshire.

England have reached the semi-finals despite the defeat. Also Jason Roy is injured.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/59191796

Sadly, it has been confirmed that Jason Roy is out of the World Cup due to the injury suffered against South Africa. James Vince has been brought in.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/59199674

India coach Ravi Shastri said his players are "physically and mentally drained" as the pre-tournament favourites ended their disappointing T20 World Cup campaign with a nine-wicket consolation win over Namibia.

 

India chased 133 with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul both making half-centuries.

 

Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin took 3-16 and 3-20 in Namibia's 132-8.

 

India were unable to reach the semis after defeats to Pakistan and New Zealand in their first two games.

Australia will tour Pakistan for the first time in 24 years in March and April 2022.

 

The tour will include three Test matches, three one-day internationals and one T20 international, taking place in Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore.

 

The announcement comes just days before the two countries meet in Dubai in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.

 

"I am delighted to welcome Australia to Pakistan," said Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja.

India coach Ravi Shastri said his players are "physically and mentally drained" as the pre-tournament favourites ended their disappointing T20 World Cup campaign with a nine-wicket consolation win over Namibia.

 

India chased 133 with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul both making half-centuries.

 

Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin took 3-16 and 3-20 in Namibia's 132-8.

 

India were unable to reach the semis after defeats to Pakistan and New Zealand in their first two games.

I read this article. They are still going to be rather busy after the World Cup as well.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/59206954

 

As for their World Cup campaign, it wasn't what I was expecting.

I thought playing the IPL in the same country before the World Cup started would have given India an advantage but it seems it had the opposite effect.

 

I think England can beat New Zealand in the semi-final but the tournament winner might come from the other semi between Australia and Pakistan. England might have peaked too early.

And of course the two injuries (Tymal Mills and Jason Roy).

 

Think New Zealand weren't quite at the races in terms of strike rate in their last game, so agree we could beat them. Think Pakistan might be tough to beat, they are unbeaten in this tournament.

What a cock up that was at the end by the England bowlers. 166-4 might have been a bit below par but with New Zealand needing to score 57 from the last 4 overs, England should have defended that score.

Very disappointing by England, thought we were in a good position with the score at about 100 runs. Couldn't defend it.

 

Good luck to New Zealand.

Yorkshire have said they will launch an investigation after the club's head of human resources called a supporter "a coward" and accused the fan - and ex-player Azeem Rafiq - of "waging a campaign" against the club on social media.

Well done & Credit to NZ, showing real strength in depth and an outstanding performance from Mitchell.