Sat Jan 04 00:20:00 UTC 2025: ## South Africa Bats First Against Afghanistan; Dominant Wins Mark Domestic Cricket Day
**Johannesburg, South Africa & Various Locations –** Day one of the South Africa-Afghanistan Test saw the home side elect to bat first. Day two revealed Afghanistan trailing by 40 runs at the close of play. Meanwhile, a series of one-sided victories dominated the domestic cricket scene. Tamil Nadu achieved a resounding 10-wicket win with 240 balls to spare, while Assam, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Vidarbha, and Bengal also secured comfortable victories with significant balls remaining. Rajasthan clinched a nail-biting one-wicket win on the final ball, and Maharashtra won by 5 wickets with 15 balls remaining. Thunder secured a dramatic 4-wicket victory with no balls to spare. One match was abandoned without a ball being bowled.
In international news, Australia trailed India by 4 runs at the close of play in session two of their Test match. The match saw a number of key moments including the dismissal of Steve Smith by Prasidh Krishna just before lunch, and Rohit Sharma’s continued participation in Test cricket, despite earlier speculation about retirement. India’s bowling tactics, particularly their fuller length deliveries, were a key focus point, as was an impressive ramp shot from Australian batsman Konstas. The Australian innings also saw crucial wickets fall to Lyon and Boland. Australia’s Scott Boland received his maiden Test cap. The match further highlighted the success of Australia’s bowlers and sparked discussion about potential missed opportunities. The day’s play ended with Australia trailing, setting the stage for a tense conclusion.
First Piper 