3 Team Cricket

Three teams playing in the same match, eight players per side and some international stars on show - a new cricket format has been launched in South Africa

The match was held on Nelson Mandela International Day and raised funds for those involved in cricket who have suffered during the coronavirus pandemic

The Eagles was led by ex-South Africa captain AB de Villiers, while batter Temba Bavuma took charge of the Kites. The Kingfishers were captained by batsman Reeza Hendricks after pace bowler Kagiso Rabada had to withdraw

The match had originally been scheduled for 27 June but was postponed because of a ban on all sport in South Africa due to Covid-19. However, 3TeamCricket has now been given the go-ahead by the country's Minister of Sport De Villiers, who retired from international cricket in 2018, described the format as a "game changer. We have some very talented cricketers involved who are really excited to return to play with a bang," he said

Cricket South Africa (CSA) director of cricket Graeme Smith had said: "I know the players are itching to get back into action as well, which is why we as CSA are so excited about the Solidarity Cup

"It's a thrilling new format and a match that is working towards a greater good."

Result - Aiden Markram (70 from 33 balls) and A B De Villiers (61 from 24) helped the Eagles to 160-4 in their 12 overs, convincingly beating the Kites (138-3) and Kingfishers (113-5)