Prolific opener David Warner smashed a brilliant 122 but could not claim victory for Australia as they slipped to a 10-run defeat to South Africa in their Cricket World Cup clash at Old Trafford on Saturday, leaving them facing a semi-final against England.
The result allowed India to take over at the top of the round-robin table at the end of the first stage, meaning Australia will battle the host nation at Edgbaston on Thursday, while the Indians meet New Zealand at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
Already-eliminated South Africa chose to bat and a century from captain Faf du Plessis took them to 325 for six in their 50 overs, a total boosted by Rassie van der Dussen’s well-constructed 95.
Australia were in trouble early in their innings and a hamstring injury to number three batsman Usman Khawaja saw him retire hurt, and put the rest of his tournament in jeopardy, but they rallied magnificently before being bowled out for 315 with one ball remaining.
"We would have liked to have got the win but there are some real positives from the game," Australia captain Aaron Finch said at the post-match presentation.
"We fought ourselves out of a bit of a hole with the bat and Davie Warner got a magnificent hundred. Alex Carey also played a brilliant knock to get us close.
"It’s a bit frustrating but we can also learn from this as well. We still managed to get really close while not playing our best cricket."
South Africa have been poor with the bat in the tournament but found form on an excellent wicket for stroke-making and posted their highest total of the World Cup.
Du Plessis followed up his unbeaten 96 against Sri Lanka last time out with another controlled innings of 100 from 94 balls.
He put on 151 for the third wicket with Van der Dussen, who was caught on the boundary in the last delivery of the innings as he chased his maiden ODI ton.
Australia lost Finch (3) in the third over of their reply and were in further trouble when Khawaja hobbled off with the score on 20.
Steve Smith (7) was trapped leg before wicket by Dwaine Pretorius (2-27), before wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock effected a brilliant run-out of Marcus Stoinis (22) with a flick behind his back and then took a superb catch to remove Glenn Maxwell (12).
At that stage Australia were reeling at 119 for four but Warner continued to score at a run a ball and got to his 17th ODI hundred with fours off successive deliveries.
He put on a brilliant 108 in 90 balls for the sixth wicket with the excellent Carey (85 from 69 balls) to keep Australia in the hunt but miscued a Pretorius delivery and was superbly caught by a diving Chris Morris at mid-on.
A hobbling Khawaja (18) returned to the wicket late in the innings but, with his movement restricted, was bowled by seamer Kagiso Rabada (3-56).
"What a game, it's always a pleasure playing against Australia," Du Plessis said. "We wanted to at least go home with a small smile and today we got that as a team."
Zafar Gohar of Middlesex bowls during the Vitality Blast Men's T20 match between Kent Spitfires and Middlesex at The Spitfire Ground on July 13, 2025 in Canterbury, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens - ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
FORMER Pakistan international Zafar Gohar has been signed by the Oval Invincibles for the upcoming edition of The Hundred. The left-arm spinner was one of 32 players selected in the Vitality Wildcard Draft, the final round of player recruitment for the tournament.
Gohar, 30, was born in Lahore and played one One-Day International for Pakistan against England in 2015 and a Test match against New Zealand in 2021.
He represented Gloucestershire as an overseas player between 2021 and 2024 before joining Middlesex ahead of the 2025 season as a local player, having obtained a British passport, a statement said.
Now eligible to play for England, Gohar will take part in The Hundred for the first time. The competition runs from August 5 to 31.
Gohar said his move to Middlesex and aim to qualify for England were motivated by opportunities in domestic cricket. “I have put myself forward for the drafts in previous years but hadn’t been picked up before, so to now have the chance to play in The Hundred is very exciting,” he said.
Gohar is one of two British Asian players selected in this year’s Wildcard Draft, alongside fast bowler Ajeet Singh Dale, who has been picked by Welsh Fire.
Six other British Asian players were selected in the main draft earlier this year, including Rehan Ahmed, Jafer Chohan, Mahika Gaur, Saqib Mahmood, Adil Rashid and Saif Zaib.
The Wildcard Draft offers opportunities to players who were not selected earlier, based on their performances in the Vitality Blast.
Notable signings in this year’s Wildcard Draft include England fast bowler James Anderson, selected by Manchester Originals, and Rocky Flintoff, who joins Northern Superchargers. Flintoff, 17, will play under the coaching of his father, Andrew Flintoff.
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News of Braman's death has prompted tributes from across the NFL community
Diagnosed with rare and aggressive cancer earlier in 2025
Part of the Philadelphia Eagles' historic 2018 Super Bowl-winning team
Remembered for his generosity and commitment on and off the field
Who was Bryan Braman?
Bryan Braman was a professional American football linebacker best known for his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans. He played in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons, beginning his career in 2011. Braman was renowned for his prowess on special teams and his resilience as a player.
Braman reached the pinnacle of his sporting career during the 2017 NFL season, when he helped the Eagles secure their first Super Bowl title since the 1960s. Although he joined the team late in the season, his contributions were recognised and valued during the Eagles' victorious playoff run.
What happened to Bryan Braman?
Braman was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer in February 2025. He underwent an intensive 12-week treatment programme in Seattle, Washington. His illness was publicly acknowledged through a GoFundMe campaign organised by his friend William Jones, which aimed to raise funds for medical expenses, housing, and essential supplies.
Despite an initial target of $25,000, the fundraiser received overwhelming support and raised over $89,000. Among those who donated was former teammate and fellow NFL star J.J. Watt, who contributed $10,000 and shared a public tribute, writing: "Rest in Peace brother. Gone far too soon."
How has the football world responded?
News of Braman's death has prompted tributes from across the NFL community. His agent, Sean Stellato, shared a deeply personal statement, describing Braman as selfless and generous. "He gave me his bed every time I came to Philadelphia. He would threaten me if I didn’t stay with him. That’s how unselfish he was," Stellato told NBC affiliate KPRC.
The Houston Texans, where Braman spent a significant portion of his career, posted on social media: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Bryan Braman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Braman family during this difficult time."
What is his legacy?
Beyond his achievements on the field, Braman was admired for his character, loyalty, and kindness. He was known among peers as someone who always put others first. His passing leaves a gap not only in the football world but also among those whose lives he touched off the field.
Braman is survived by his two daughters, Blakely, aged 11, and Harlowe, aged 8.
Further details regarding his illness and funeral arrangements are expected to be shared by his family in due course.
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Sophia Dunkley of England bats during the 1st Women's Metro Bank ODI match
England Women post 258/6 in first ODI at The Rose Bowl
Sophia Dunkley top-scored with 83, sharing a 106-run stand with Alice Davidson-Richards
India Women reach 34/0 after 6 overs, needing 225 more to win
Smriti Mandhana and debutant Pratika Rawal remain unbeaten
Kranti Goud and Sneh Rana take two wickets each for India
England build solid total after winning toss
In the first match of the three-game ODI series between England Women vs India Women, the home side posted a competitive total of 258/6 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton, after choosing to bat first.
England’s innings was anchored by Sophia Dunkley, who struck 83 runs off 92 balls, including timely boundaries and smart rotation of the strike. She shared a crucial 106-run fifth-wicket partnership with Alice Davidson-Richards, who added a steady 53 from 73 deliveries.
Earlier in the innings, Emma Lamb provided a solid platform at No. 3, scoring 39 from 50 balls, while captain Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed 41 off 52 deliveries. Their top-order consistency ensured that England kept the scoreboard ticking throughout.
Dunkley’s knock came to an end on the final ball of the innings, bowled by Amanjot Kaur, as England closed at 258/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
India share the wickets
India’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Sneh Rana (2/31) and Kranti Goud (2/55) leading the attack. Both bowled their full 10-over spells, containing the scoring while picking up key wickets.
Amanjot Kaur and Shree Charani chipped in with one wicket apiece, with Amanjot dismissing the dangerous Dunkley at the death. Despite the strong partnership in the middle overs, India managed to restrict England to under 260.
India’s chase begins solidly
In reply, India got off to a calm and composed start. At the end of 6 overs, the visiting side reached 34 without loss, requiring 225 more runs from 264 balls at a required run rate of 5.11.
Smriti Mandhana, batting at her fluent best, is on 14 off 12 deliveries, while young debutant Pratika Rawal has shown early promise with 12 runs off 18 balls. The pair has rotated the strike well and punished loose deliveries, including two boundaries from both batters.
Mandhana's elegance was on display when she clipped Lauren Bell off her pads for four in the fifth over and followed it up with a crisp drive. Pratika too showed confidence, threading a boundary through cover-point off Kate Cross in the fourth over.
Match situation: India well placed in early chase
With a healthy scoring rate and all wickets intact, India appear comfortable in their pursuit of 259, though they will need to navigate the upcoming middle overs cautiously. The England pace attack of Kate Cross, Lauren Bell, and Sophie Ecclestone will look to break the opening stand early and expose India’s middle order.
As of the latest update:
India Women: 34/0 in 6 overs
Smriti Mandhana: 14 (12)
Pratika Rawal: 12 (18)
Kate Cross: 0/18 (3 overs)
Lauren Bell: 0/16 (3 overs)
Match details
Fixture: 1st ODI – England Women vs India Women
Venue: Utilita Bowl (The Rose Bowl), Southampton
Date: 16 July 2025
Toss: England Women won the toss and opted to bat first
Series: 3-match ODI series
Playing XIs
England Women: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Sophia Dunkley, Alice Davidson-Richards, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell
KING CHARLES met and consoled Indian cricketers at Clarence House on Tuesday, a day after their narrow defeat to England in the third Test at Lord's.
The King hosted the Indian team less than 24 hours after they lost the match by 22 runs in the final session of the last day. India, chasing a target of 193, were bowled out before the close.
The last wicket fell when Mohammed Siraj tried to block a delivery from Shoaib Bashir, but the ball spun back and dislodged the bail.
Charles told India captain Shubman Gill that he had watched the final moments of the game on television. Referring to the ball that dismissed Siraj, he said: "really annoying just to touch the bails".
India now trail 2-1 in the five-match series. The fourth Test is scheduled at Old Trafford next week, followed by the final match at The Oval in London.
Gill said, "He did tell us that the way our last batsman got out was quite unfortunate – the ball rolling on the stumps, and he was just asking us how did we feel after that.
"And we told him it was an unfortunate match for us, but it could have gone either way and hopefully we'll have better luck in both the next games."
(With inputs from agencies)
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Despite the fracture, Bashir returned to the field and dismissed Mohammed Siraj after tea on the final day of the Lord's Test. (Photo: Getty Images)
SHOAIB BASHIR has been ruled out of the remainder of England’s Test series against India, less than an hour after taking the final wicket in the third Test at Lord’s on Monday.
The 21-year-old off-spinner sustained a fracture to the little finger on his non-bowling left hand after dropping a return catch from Ravindra Jadeja during India’s first innings. He spent much of the match off the field due to the injury.
Despite the fracture, Bashir returned to the field and dismissed Mohammed Siraj after tea on the final day. Siraj defended the ball, which rolled back onto the stumps, sealing a 22-run win for England.
The win gave England a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. With Bashir now ruled out, the team is expected to bring in a new specialist spinner for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, starting 23 July. Liam Dawson and Jack Leach are among the options being considered.
Bashir has taken 10 wickets in three Tests during this series, with an average of over 54. His place in the team has been under discussion.
England captain Ben Stokes has continued to back Bashir.
“It was great that Bash was able to get that last wicket with everything he had to deal with this week,” Stokes said.
“He’s 21-years-old and he’s got a very badly broken finger. To go out there and bat for us and to be willing to sit there on the bench, waiting for his moment to come on and bowl, I think just proves how much it means to everyone who gets the opportunity to put the shirt on.
“Not even a couple of breaks is going stop anyone getting out there. To finish that game off was written in the stars.
“It’s not good news for Bash, it’s very disappointing for us as a team and for him, but I think the courage that he showed (was outstanding).”
The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed Bashir’s injury.
“England spinner Shoaib Bashir has sustained a fracture to his left finger and has been ruled out of the remainder of the Rothesay Test series against India,” the ECB said.
He is scheduled to undergo surgery later this week.
“England will name their squad for the fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford in the next couple of days.”