In a shocking development, the South African Police Service which goes by the name of Hawks made headlines by arresting three former South African cricketers, Ethy Mbhalati, Thami Tsolekile, and Lonwabo Tsotsobe for their alleged role in match-fixing during the 2015/2016 domestic T20 Ram Slam Challenge.

These arrests were made after a whistleblower came forward in October 2016 to reveal the details of the heinous act of the trio. Following that development, a detailed investigation was launched by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation unit in a bid to assess the depth and gravity of the crime.

Details of their match-fixing charges

In a statement released on Friday, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) confirmed the arrests. Tsolekile and Tsotsobe were detained on November 28 and 29, respectively, while Mbhalati was apprehended on November 18.

Mbhalati made a brief appearance in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court with his case now being deferred to 20 February 2025. While for Tsolekile and Tsotsobe, the duo has been charged with five counts of corruption under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act. Their respective cases have also been deferred to 26 February 2025.

See also: Siddarth Kaul announces retirement from Indian cricket

Cricket South Africa’s crackdown on match-fixing scandals

The arrest of Mbhalati, Tsolekile, and Tsotsobe is not the first major scandal to be unmasked by Cricket South Africa (CSA). Prior to this corruption scandal, former Proteas cricketer Gulam Bodi was also identified and punished by the national cricketing body with a five-year jail term whereas Jean Symes and Pumi Matshikwe were given suspended sentences after pleading guilty in 2021 and 2022 respectively. 

Lieutenant General and head of the DPCI Godfrey Lebey praised the efforts of the investigation team for identifying the culprits and getting to the bottom of this match-fixing plot. “Corruption undermines the integrity of sport, and the Hawks are determined to safeguard the values of fairness and professionalism in all areas of society. We thank Cricket South Africa for their cooperation and commitment to addressing this scourge.”

This development solidifies Cricket South Africa's stance towards combating corruption in sports and highlights just how determined the cricketing body is to maintain the integrity of the game.

In their quest to explore exotic talent, the Perth Scorchers management stumbled upon a rare cricketing commodity during their visit to Bali earlier this year. Perth Scorchers women's coach Becky Grundy and high performance boss Kade Harvey were mighty impressed by what Ni Made Putri Suwandewi had to offer. Suwandewi, aged 29 is a rookie pacer who made her international debut for Indonesia in 2019. Gifted with a menacing inswinger and deceptive slower delivery, Suwandewi maintains a jaw-dropping economy rate of 2.97 RPO which is by far the best from anyone in the history of women's T20I cricket.

With veteran quick Piepa Cleary forced to wait on the sidelines due to a knee injury, the door was left ajar for the young Indonesian quick to feature in one of Australia's biggest cricketing carnivals. She has been signed in as an Associate rookie for the Scorchers ahead of the upcoming WBBL season. As per the current WBBL guidelines, franchises are allowed to enlist players from the Associate nations and then place them outside the 15-player squad.

More about the Indonesian fast-bowling sensation

Suwandewi has been a standout player for Indonesia and has starred in numerous international fixtures for her country in recent times. Ever since making her T20I debut, Suwandewi has snapped an unbelievable 49 wickets in 40 T20I wickets at a stunning average of 8.18. Moreover, her career-best economy rate also makes her a tough contender with the ball as well. 

The rookie fast-bowling sensation straight away left a lasting impression upon her arrival in Perth on Saturday where she quickly garnered the attention of some of the key members of the coaching personnel during a routine training exercise. Suwandewi also confessed that she had been observing the WBBL closely and expressed her desire to play her part in it someday. Despite being short in stature, Suwandewi is armed with all the necessary traits a premium fast bowler should possess making her a force to reckon with. 

What does the Perth Scorchers team management think of Suwandewi? 

During a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, Harvey, the high performance coach for the Scorchers showered heaps of praises on Suwandewi. Harvey believes that the 26-year-old is truly capable of performing on the big stage and expects her to play a decisive role for their side in the forthcoming WBBL edition. Her natural ability to extract sharp inswing movement coupled with a highly deceptive slower ball were some of the major traits that stood out for Harvey. While observing her closely during the training session, Harvey also learned that Suwandewi has great control over her length and can fire in the yorkers at will. 

Both Grundy and Harvey expressed their gratitude for acquiring the services of this young Associate pacer and truly recognized her importance to the side and what she brings to the table. The duo has acknowledged that the availability of international players through the course of the tournament will certainly be an ongoing challenge which is where Suwandewi's presence could prove quite handy. Despite hailing from an underprivileged cricket background in Indonesia, the depth of Ni Made Putri Suwandewi's skill makes her a rarity in modern-day cricket. 

Scorchers will open their account against Melbourne Starson on October 27 at the WACA where she is expected to work alongside the T20 WC-winning captain Sophie Devine who will take charge of the Perth-based outfit this season. 

Twenty20 (T20) has emerged as a revolutionary game format in cricket, captivating audiences with its fast-paced action and nail-biting finishes. From its inception to the rise of T20 leagues worldwide, the format has transformed the landscape of the sport, ushering in a new era of excitement and entertainment.

T20I Cricket: A Game of Thrills and Excitement

Introduced by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2003 for the inter-county competition, Twenty20 cricket was designed to offer a shorter and more dynamic alternative to traditional formats like Tests and One Day Internationals (ODIs). Its fast-paced nature and emphasis on aggressive batting and innovative strategies quickly garnered widespread popularity among cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

See Also: Sri Lanka Women secure a place in T20 WC

T20 Leagues: A Global Phenomenon

The exponential growth of T20 cricket paved the way for establishing various T20 leagues globally, each offering a platform for top players to showcase their talent on the grand stage. From the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the Big Bash League (BBL), these leagues have redefined cricketing fandom, attracting millions of viewers and generating substantial revenue.

Decoding the Success Stories

Among the plethora of T20 teams worldwide, a select few have etched their names in cricketing history with their remarkable achievements and unparalleled success. From the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) record-breaking exploits in the IPL to India’s stellar performances on the international stage, each team has contributed to the rich tapestry of T20 cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.

Let’s spotlight the top teams in T20 cricket, highlighting their remarkable win records and iconic moments on the field.

Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) stand tall as the epitome of success in T20 cricket, boasting 152 wins in 260 matches. Despite missing the IPL seasons in 2016 and 2017, CSK has consistently dominated the league, clinching five Indian T20 League titles and making a record 10 finals appearances.

Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians (MI) have etched their name in T20 cricket history with a staggering 152 wins in 280 matches. Led by the dynamic Rohit Sharma, MI has secured five IPL titles, making them the most successful team in the league’s history. Their relentless pursuit of excellence has solidified their status as the game’s true titans.

Indian Cricket Team

Team India’s dominance in T20 cricket is unparalleled, with 140 wins in 219 matches. From winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007 to showcasing their prowess on the international stage, India has cemented its status as a cricketing powerhouse in the shortest format of the game.

Pakistan Cricket Team

Pakistan holds a special place in the history of T20 cricket, with 138 wins in 236 matches. As the first team to win more than 100 matches in T20I cricket and the 2009 T20 World Cup champions, Pakistan has set the benchmark for excellence in the format.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) may have 135 wins in 262 matches, but their tenacity and resilience make them formidable in T20 cricket. With two IPL titles under their belt and a record 10 consecutive wins during the 2014-15 seasons, KKR has proved repeatedly that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Most Wins In T20s

1. CHENNAI SUPER KINGS – 152

2. Mumbai Indians – 152

3. India – 140

4. Pakistan – 138

5. Kolkata knight riders – 135