CENTURION, South Africa: Virat Kohli’s 141 not out carried India to 287-8 in its first innings in the second test on Monday, bringing his team within sight of South Africa’s 335.
Kohli registered a 21st test century, the standout performance for India as it tries to stay in the test and the series. India trails 1-0 in the three-test contest and, despite Kohli’s fight, was still 48 behind at SuperSport Park.
India lost Hardik Pandya for 15 to a run out early on the third day, with Pandya beaten by a throw from Vernon Philander because he carelessly didn’t ground his bat as he crossed the crease.
Kohli did get support from Ravichandran Ashwin, who made 38 in a partnership of 71 with Kohli for the seventh wicket.
Ashwin and Mohammed Shami (1) fell in quick succession just before lunch.
Kohli century keeps India going in 2nd test against SAfrica
Kohli century keeps India going in 2nd test against SAfrica
Iran cannot participate in World Cup, sports minister says
- “Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali said
- “Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist“
TEHRAN: Iran cannot participate in the 2026 World Cup after co-host the United States launched airstrikes against the country alongside Israel, killing its leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said on Wednesday.
The United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran nearly two weeks ago, killing the Islamic Republic’s supreme leader, leading to a region-wide conflict in the Gulf.
“Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” the minister told state television.
The World Cup will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
“Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist,” Donyamali said.
“Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence.”
In the draw last December, the Iranians were grouped with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. All three of their Group G matches were scheduled to take place in the US, two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
Iran was the only nation missing from a FIFA planning summit for World Cup participants held last week in Atlanta.
Reuters has contacted FIFA for comment.
