Solidarity Cup rules, schedule, teams, TV times: All you need to know about South Africa's new format cricket tournament

All you need to know about South Africa's new format cricket tournament, one game featuring three teams and two halves

What is it?

The Solidarity Cup is a one-off exhibition match to be played in a new three-team format called 3TC, launched by Cricket South Africa.

When is it?

The game was due to take place on June 27 at SuperSport Park in Centurion, but was subsequently postponed until July 18.

All proceeds will go to those in the cricket community who have endured hardship through the coronavirus pandemic. The game will be played behind closed doors.

Cricket South Africa chief medical officer Dr Shuaib Manjra explained: “First of all it will be an empty stadium, we’re looking at the minimum number of people being there for the event to happen and be broadcast, which is about 200.

“The players will get in three days before and be kept in a sanitised eco-system… In the stadium, everyone will wear masks and doors will be kept open along with other safety measures.”

Who is involved?

AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada will lead three teams in the first match of its kind – 3TC (three-team cricket). Faf du Plessis, Chris Morris, Lungi Ngidi and David Miller are all also set to feature. South Africa women’s batsman Mignon du Preez will coach Rabada’s side.

Teams:

OUTsurance Kingfishers: Heinrich Klaasen (c), Faf du Plessis, Gerald Coetzee, Tabraiz Shamsi, Reeza Hendricks, Janneman Malan, Glenton Stuurman, Thando Ntini

Mr D Food Kites: Quinton de Kock (c), David Miller, Temba Bavuma, Anrich Nortje, Dwayne Pretorius, Beuran Hendricks, JJ Smuts, Lutho Sipamla

Takealot Eagles: AB de Villiers (c), Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Andile, Phehlukwayo, Rassie van der Dussen, Junior Dala, Kyle Verreynne, Bjorn Fortuin

How does it work?

The fixture will comprise 36 overs, with the game split into two halves of 18 overs each, with a halftime interval.

Teams bat for a 12-over period, which is split into two six-over sections, with the batting side facing each opponent for six overs. They face one opponent in the first half of the game and one in the second.

By the time halftime arrives, each team will have batted once. In the first half, teams rotate from batting to bowling to the dugout, with the order decided by a pre-match draw. In the second half, the order of batting teams is determined by the highest scores from the first half.

The game will be eight-a-side, meaning that after the fall of the seventh wicket, the last man will continue batting alone. He can only score an even number of runs, so as to retain the strike. If the seventh wicket falls in the first half, that innings ends. The last man standing would then resume his innings in the second half.

Bowlers can bowl a maximum of three overs each across the 12 overs, with one new ball to be used.

At the end of the game, the team with the most runs will win gold, followed by silver and bronze. A tie for the winner brings a super over, whereas a tie for second place sees the silver medal shared.

Where can I watch it?

The game will be broadcast on SuperSport 2 in South Africa, with coverage beginning at 10.45am CAT. In India, it will be shown on Star Sports 1 and 2. In the UK, viewers will be able to watch the game on the BBC Sport website, iPlayer and on the red button from 9.45am BST.

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