ALL-ROUNDER DE VILLIERS STARS IN SOUTH AFRICA WIN

South Africa emerged victorious by a 146-run margin, formalising its entry into the quarter-final stage.

“It seems the only way they cannot score 400 runs is if we win the toss and bat,” Mohammad Tauqir, the UAE captain, had joked on the eve of his side’s ICC Cricket World Cup Pool B fixture against South Africa.

Tauqir raised quite a few eyebrows therefore by choosing to bowl first upon winning the toss on a beautiful batting strip at the Wellington stadium on Thursday (March 12), but his bowlers did reasonably well to keep South Africa to well under 400. Indeed, had it not been for a late blitz by Farhaan Behardien that brought 41 runs in the last 13 deliveries of the innings, South Africa might have finished a fair few short of 341 for 6.

UAE was never in the hunt at any stage, their final tally of 195 giving South Africa victory by 146 runs and formalising their entry into the quarterfinal stage, against opponents as yet undecided.

South Africa announce home season fixtures

South African cricket fans can look forward to a bumper home programme of international matches over the next 18 months involving series against New Zealand, England and Australia.

NZ tour of SA 2015

• 14 August : 1st T20I, Kingsmead, Durban

• 16 August : 2nd T20I, SuperSport Park, Centurion

• 19 August: 1st ODI, SuperSport Park, Centurion

• 23 August: 2nd ODI, Senwes Park, Potchefstroom

• 26 August: 3rd ODI, Kingsmead, Durban

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has a announced a detailed tour itinerary starting with England's tour to South Africa in December 2015 and January-February 2016, which will consist of four Test matches, five ODIs and two T20 Internationals.

This will be followed immediately by Australia's tour to South Africa in February-March 2016 when three T20 international matches will be played ahead of the 2016 edition of the ICC World Twenty20 in India.

Australia will then return later to South Africa in October 2016 to play three ODIs.

CSA has also finalised details of New Zealand's tour to South Africa in August 2015 when two T20 International matches and three ODIs will be played.

"It will be a season for our fans to look forward to," said CSA Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat.

"Our latest announcements will make next season one of the busiest programmes of home internationals we have had in a very long time.

"I am certain that our fans will enjoy competing against New Zealand, England and Australia, all in one season. New Zealand and Australia are both playing outstanding limited overs cricket at the moment while our Test series against England over the years have always been epic encounters.

"Playing three T20s against Australia just before the ICC World T20 is ideal for the Proteas. We are grateful to Cricket Australia for having agreed to split their visit to South Africa in 2016 so that we can deliver a full programme of fixtures."

CSA has also confirmed the schedule for the Proteas tour to Bangladesh in July this year. The sides will play two T20 Internationals, three ODI's and two Test matches over five weeks starting July 5.

Miller, Duminy madness sinks spirited Zimbabwe

south Africa fended off a spirited Zimbabwe to notch up a 62- win at the picturesque Seddon Park on Sunday (February 15).

South Africa, put in, rode on centuries from David Miller and JP Duminy to to 339 for 4 in its opening Pool B tie.

Chamu Chibhabha and Hamilton Masakadza made 64 and 80 respectively to give Zimbabwe hope of a successful run chase. That Zimbabwe was on 214 for 4 from 36 overs would have concerned AB de Villiers, the South African skipper. But soon enough, the bowlers were able to get their act together in getting Zimbabwe out for 277.