6.3 C
Manchester
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Home Blog Page 40

Understanding the Importance of Number Plate Regulations in the UK

Number plates are a vital part of vehicle identification in the UK, playing a significant role in ensuring road safety, law enforcement, and maintaining order in the vehicle registration system. As a vehicle owner, it is essential to understand the rules and regulations surrounding number plates, as failure to comply with them can lead to fines, penalties, or even legal issues. The rules governing the design, display, and usage of number plates in the UK are quite specific and are set out by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
 
The UK has strict rules in place that govern the design and display of number plates. These regulations are intended to ensure that number plates are easily readable and recognizable, both for law enforcement and the general public. There are specific guidelines that all number plates must adhere to:
  1. Font and Size: Number plates must be made using a specific font that complies with the British Standard for vehicle registration plates. The characters must be a particular size and typeface, which is designed for visibility and clarity. The most commonly used font is the “Charles Wright” font, which is clear, legible, and easily recognizable from a distance. The characters on the plate must be 79mm high, with a stroke width of 50mm, and there should be a space of 33mm between each character.
  2. Colour Scheme: Standard UK number plates have a specific colour scheme: white for the front plate and yellow for the rear plate. The background of the plate must be reflective to ensure visibility in low light conditions. The characters must be black to create a sharp contrast with the background, making the plate easy to read in any lighting.
  3. Registration Mark: The number plate must include a unique registration mark that identifies the vehicle. The registration mark consists of two parts: the first part, which indicates the area where the vehicle was first registered, and the second part, which includes the vehicle’s unique number.
  4. British Standard and Manufacturer’s Mark: All UK number plates must display a small symbol, known as the “BS AU 145d mark,” indicating that the plate is compliant with the British Standard. Additionally, number plates must include a manufacturer’s name or code to verify that they were produced by an approved supplier. This ensures that the number plates meet the legal requirements for quality and reflectivity.
  5. National Flags and Suffixes: Number plates may also display a national flag, such as the Union Jack, to indicate the country of registration. Drivers can also choose to include a suffix on the plate, which is typically the country of origin (e.g., GB for Great Britain). However, this must be positioned according to the specific regulations, and no other symbols or logos are allowed.
 
Private Number Plates: What You Need to Know
 
In the UK, private or personalized number plates are very popular. A private number plate allows a vehicle owner to have a unique combination of letters and numbers, often reflecting their initials, name, or other personal identifiers. While private number plates can be a fun way to make a car stand out, there are certain rules that must be followed:
  1. Complying with DVLA Regulations: Even though private number plates are customized, they still need to comply with all the general regulations set out by the DVLA. This includes the font, size, and layout. Additionally, private plates cannot be used to mislead other road users into thinking the vehicle is younger or older than it actually is. For instance, using a plate that appears to be from a newer registration period when the vehicle is actually older is illegal.
  2. Number Plate Transfer: If you decide to sell or transfer your private number plate to another vehicle, you must follow a specific procedure. This involves applying to the DVLA for a retention certificate or transferring the plate directly to another vehicle. Services like Regplates can assist with this process, ensuring that the transfer is done legally and that all the required paperwork is completed.
  3. Securing a Private Plate: If you’re considering purchasing a private number plate, you can either buy one directly from the DVLA or through private dealers. However, it’s important to make sure the plate you purchase adheres to all legal requirements. Using a trusted supplier ensures that your new plate is compliant and won’t result in fines or other penalties.
 
Common Number Plate Offences and Penalties
 
Failure to comply with the number plate regulations can lead to significant consequences. Some common offences related to number plates include:
  1. Illegible Plates: If your number plate is not clear or readable due to dirt, damage, or incorrect font, you could face a fine of up to £1,000. It’s important to keep your plates clean and in good condition to avoid any issues with law enforcement.
  2. Using Fake Plates: Using a number plate that does not match the vehicle’s registration or using fake plates to avoid identification is a serious offence. Offenders can face heavy fines, penalty points on their driving license, and even a criminal record in some cases.
  3. Incorrect Display of Plates: Displaying the number plate incorrectly, such as using an incorrect font, size, or character spacing, can result in a fine of up to £1,000. It’s essential to ensure that your number plates comply with the legal guidelines.
  4. Displaying a Plate Not Assigned to Your Vehicle: If you are found displaying a number plate that is not assigned to your vehicle, such as a plate from a different car or a plate that has not been properly transferred, you could face fines and legal consequences. Always ensure that the number plate on your vehicle matches its registration and is in accordance with the DVLA’s rules.
 
How to Stay Compliant with Number Plate Regulations
 
To ensure that your vehicle is fully compliant with number plate regulations, follow these simple tips:
  1. Check Your Number Plates Regularly: Regularly inspect your number plates to ensure they are clean, legible, and in good condition. Replace any plates that are damaged or worn.
  2. Use Approved Suppliers: When buying a new number plate, make sure to use a registered supplier who adheres to DVLA guidelines. This ensures that your new plates meet all the required legal standards.
  3. Avoid Modifications: While it’s tempting to personalize your plates, make sure any modifications you make are within the boundaries of the law. For instance, don’t change the font, size, or character spacing in a way that makes the plate illegible.
  4. Seek Professional Help for Plate Transfers: If you wish to transfer or sell a private number plate, it’s a good idea to seek assistance from a professional service like Regplates. They can help ensure that all the paperwork is completed correctly and that the process is carried out legally.

Uniti – The Open Gateway API Platform Designed for Revenue Growth

0

Uniti is revolutionising the Open Gateway landscape for mobile network operators, transforming network APIs into immediate revenue. This advanced monetisation platform eliminates uncertainty, providing a fully operational solution that drives sales from day one. No delays, no complexity—just instant, scalable revenue generation.

Unlike conventional API platforms that require operators to handle sales independently, Uniti is built with a singular focus: revenue from the outset, backed by expert go-to-market support.

Monetise APIs in Minutes – No Coding Required

Uniti makes API monetisation effortless, removing the need for coding, specialist teams, or complex integration processes. With a five-minute setup, operators can start generating revenue straight away.

By connecting through their existing infrastructure, operators can begin monetising APIs within minutes.

Unlocking the Full Value of Network Intelligence

Mobile operators possess highly valuable assets—customer data and network intelligence—yet leveraging them effectively has been a persistent challenge. Uniti solves this by managing both the technical and commercial aspects, ensuring APIs are not just deployed but actively generating revenue.

“Other platforms give operators the tools and say, ‘Now go sell it.’ We start from revenue and provide everything needed to go to market successfully,” said Gautam Hazari, Chief Technology Officer.

“With Uniti, operators don’t just get an API platform – they get a fully managed monetisation engine and the go-to-market experience that’s our core business.”

Built for Speed, Powered by Results

  • Zero Development Costs – Uniti is ready to deploy with no need for in-house API expertise.
  • Proven Success – Already live with three operators and expanding.
  • CAMARA-Certified APIs – Ensuring seamless, industry-standard integration.
  • Ultra-Low Latency – Delivering the high-performance API experiences enterprises demand.
  • Revenue-First Approach – More than just API exposure; Uniti includes a built-in commercial strategy.

Shaping the Future of Operator-Led Monetisation

Uniti is not just an API platform—it represents a fundamental shift in business strategy. By streamlining API connectivity and monetisation, Uniti enables operators to transition effortlessly from traditional telecom providers to technology-driven businesses.

Move from ‘How?’ to ‘Right now’.

For further information, visit www.sekura.id/uniti, email [email protected], or contact Matt Cooper, Head of Global Marketing.

Preparing warehouses for extreme weather: A comprehensive guide​

0

Weather in the UK has always been unpredictable, but in recent years it is fair to say that it is becoming even more so. This means that it is important to prepare for all types of conditions, all year round.

If your warehouse is unprepared for extreme weather, it could mean having to close, contributing to a loss of valuable business – a prospect that no company wants to face.

Read on as we look at how to prepare your warehouse against extreme weather including storms, floods and heavy snow.

What is extreme weather?

Extreme weather refers to any bad, or frequent, weather event that can cause a major disruption. In the UK we have been seeing an increase in extreme weather as global temperatures are on the rise as a result of climate change.

For the last few summers, the temperatures have reached extremes in the UK. However, this is not the only extreme weather that we need to contend with. Over the last few decades, rains have continuously become heavier. When it rains it is wetter and it rains for longer than we’re used to and this can cause flooding which can have a devastating effect on any business. 

With these heavy rains, we’re also seeing an increase in the number of storms with strong winds, downpours of rain and plenty of thunder and lightning. It doesn’t stop there either. In the winter we have been experiencing significant amounts of ice and snow and this is something that as a country we are ill-prepared for. Even the smallest snowfall can cause hazardous driving conditions and can impact the loading bay and other parts of your warehouse.

Conduct a risk assessment

The first step that you should take to prepare your warehouse for extreme weather conditions is to conduct a risk assessment. This will help you to identify any potential weather-related hazards and vulnerabilities that may exist and that are specific to your location and buildings.

Risk assessments might include any flood-prone areas or that may cause issues in strong winds. It is also important to evaluate the potential impact that these hazards may have on your warehouse and your employees in practical senses.

Develop an emergency response plan

Once you have been able to identify any potential risks you need to develop an emergency response plan tailored to the needs of your warehouse. This plan should outline any procedures that you might need for evacuation or shelter as well as emergency communications in the event of severe weather. It is a good idea to designate roles and responsibilities to key employees. Plus, ensure that all employees are trained to understand how to respond to emergency protocols.

Your emergency response plan should be reviewed and updated regularly to account for any changing conditions within the warehouse. It’s a good idea to check whether there have been any changes in key employees and adapt to any lessons you might have learned from previous events.

Regular maintenance

You must carry out regular maintenance on your buildings to ensure that they are not damaged. This includes checking the roof for any loose panels that could come off during heavy winds. You should also ensure that your guttering is clear in case of flooding and even that your door seals are undamaged. That way, in the event of a particularly cold spell, the temperature in your buildings will not drop too low.

Having a robust plan in place and checking it regularly will help you to ensure that your warehouse is prepared for any extreme weather. Ensure that your staff are trained and up to date when it comes to dealing with extreme weather in your warehouses. More importantly, keep monitoring weather conditions to ensure you are fully aware when extreme weather is headed your way. 

 

Manchester’s Raju Sauces announces new distribution with Ocado.com 

Helping redefine global flavours, Manchester-made Raju Sauces hosted an event with culinary experts and food lovers, as the company announced its ​listing​ with Ocado.com.
Celebrating diversity through food, the event in Manchester’s Spinningfields was led by award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Raju Sauces, Zee Ahmed, who was joined by food industry experts to discuss how global influences are changing the way we eat and the way we think about food.
In a survey conducted on behalf of Raju Sauces, nearly seven in 10 people (67%) described their taste as global and inspired by diverse flavours from different cultures. Discussing this, the panel included leading nutritionist Sarah Osborne and Steph Buttery, founder of Japanese-inspired soft drinks brand, Chu Lo.
Zee Ahmed, founder of Raju Sauces said: “Raju is more than just a brand, it’s a catalyst for change. Whilst food and culture have always been intrinsically linked, our thinking around cultural perceptions and misconceptions, especially related to ethnicity and authenticity, have not always moved with the times. This panel was a platform for such debate and we want to thank all our panellists and guests.
“We’re very excited for more people than ever before to sample our products, thanks to our new partnership with Ocado.com, where you can buy the full range of Raju Sauces.”
Drawing on South Asian inspiration, Raju creates unique sauces that elevate everyday dishes with new and exciting flavours including Hot Lime Pickle, Sweet Chilli Mango and Tangy BBQ Tamarind.
The partnership with Ocado.com marks a major milestone for the company, which was founded just a year ago and already has a loyal fan base, including the support of one of the world’s most iconic football clubs. To celebrate, Raju is releasing a series of new recipes showcasing different ways to use the sauces.
Meri La Bella, oils, vinegars and sauces buying manager at Ocado Retail said: “We’re delighted to be the first major supermarket to stock Raju Sauces and are really excited to be introducing Raju’s range of flavours. “

Manchester Digital Campus and city centre park get planning approval

A major government office complex bringing 7,000 civil service jobs to Manchester alongside a new urban park have been given planning consent to be built in Ancoats.
Manchester Digital Campus will be a state-of-the-art hub constructed on the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats after the city’s planning committee approved the Government Property Agency’s (GPA) scheme yesterday.

The campus will bring together a number of civil service departments with a focus around digital skills and create employment opportunities and economic benefits in the region.

The state-of-the-art campus will bolster Manchester’s digital and tech sector, driving economic growth.

New city centre park

Alongside the new campus, the new park will improve access to quality green space in Manchester city centre, creating a connection to the existing Cotton Field Park behind and through to Ancoats and New Islington.

The park space has been designed in collaboration with landscape architects Planit-IE following public consultation.

A central lawn and plaza will create a green buffer to Great Ancoats Street, with various tiered gardens navigating the different level changes across the site, alongside play areas, paths and tranquil areas to escape the noise of the city. The park has been designed to make sure that it is fully accessible.

The site will accommodate new walking and cycling routes, helping to link to other city centre active travel investment in Ancoats, Northern Quarter and out towards the Etihad Campus.

Delighted

Mark Bourgeois, CEO at the GPA, said: “We are delighted with the decision and are grateful for the support of the many stakeholders in Manchester. The GPA team is proud to be working on this exciting project in support of the Government’s growth mission.”

The GPA exchanged contracts to acquire five-and-a-half acres of the former Central Retail Park in Ancoats from the city council in May last year with a view to constructing a state-of-the-art digital campus.

Both the agency and Manchester City Council have been working together on the plans for Ancoats, culminating in a parallel proposal for the digital campus and an adjacent public park.

The council and the GPA held a joint consultation around emerging plans for the former retail site in August and September last year, inviting local residents, businesses and other stakeholders to help guide proposals to create the new government digital campus – delivered by the GPA – and a new city centre park space, delivered by the council.

Council leader Bev Craig said: “Gaining planning approval for both the GPA’s digital campus and the latest city centre park is the launchpad for the transformation of this site.

“Our ambition has long been to bring the former retail park back into active use and working in partnership with the GPA we are delivering a quality, low carbon development that will bring 7,000 civil service jobs to Manchester in the coming years.

“The new digital campus plays to Manchester’s strengths. We have fostered one of the fastest growing tech and digital communities in the UK, with a growing international reputation. The transformation of this brownfield site supports our ongoing growth in the sector, which translates into quality employment and development opportunities for our residents.  

“The new park is a welcome addition to our city centre green spaces and a reimagining of the former retail site that has for many years acted only as a barrier to the community behind – and an eyesore in one of the most exciting parts of our city.”

Four people fined for flytipping in Bury

Four people have been fined for dumping their waste on the streets of Bury.

Fixed penalty notices of £400 were served on three of them for offences of fly-tipping at Wash Lane, Bury; Hurst Street, Bury; and Rainsough Brow, Prestwich (pictured).

A fourth person was fined £75 for littering at Haslam Street, Bury.

More than 200 fines have been issued for littering and fly-tipping across Bury in the last three years, and more than 20 people have been prosecuted in court.

Councillor Alan Quinn said: “Fly-tipping is a crime, and offenders know exactly what they are doing. That’s why we will take action against these people who choose to blight our borough.”

Fly-tipping is illegally dumped rubbish on a road, pavement, or open space. It can come from a household or a business, and the amount of dumped rubbish can range from one bag to a large lorry load.

To report fly-tipping, visit www.bury.gov.uk/flytipping

Is a Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro a Better Buy Than Apple’s iPhone 16E?

Apple’s latest iPhone 16E has launched at £599, offering a budget-friendly alternative within its lineup. However, for a similar price, buyers could instead choose a certified refurbished iPhone 15 Pro, available from £565 on sites like BackMarket—a decision that might provide greater value.

While the iPhone 16E is designed as an entry-level phone, a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro delivers superior performance, featuring an A17 Pro chip, a triple-lens camera system, and a flagship-level experience.

Sam Wilson, Founder of Gadget GoGo, notes: “Many assume buying new is always best, but a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro can offer more power, better features, and even cost less.”

Beyond cost-effectiveness, choosing refurbished technology also supports environmental sustainability. The world faces an ever-growing e-waste crisis, with 62 million tonnes produced in 2022, an 82% rise since 2010. By 2030, this number is set to reach 82 million tonnes, with smartphones playing a major role in this issue.

Wilson further comments: “Every refurbished iPhone sold is one less device wasted and a step toward tackling e-waste. Extending a phone’s lifespan isn’t just good for your wallet—it’s a smarter choice for the planet.”

Thanks to strict refurbishment processes, certified pre-owned iPhones deliver high-end performance while offering a more sustainable alternative to buying new.

For those seeking premium features at a lower cost, a refurbished iPhone 15 Pro may be the best choice.

Halal-Certified Cat Food to Launch in the UK for the First Time

Pet owners across the UK will soon have access to the nation’s first HMC halal-certified premium cat food. Hurayra HALAL Pet Food is set to introduce its dry cat food range in May, with a wet food selection to follow later in the year, marking a milestone in the UK pet industry.

Founded by Yorkshire entrepreneur Aihtsham Rashid, Hurayra Pet Food is leading the way in ethical and halal-certified pet nutrition. Aihtsham stated: “As a cat owner myself, I was frustrated by the lack of high-quality, ethically produced, halal-certified pet food. I knew there had to be another solution, so I set myself the challenge of becoming the first UK-based halal-certified premium pet food manufacturer. Now, after two years of hard work and overcoming significant industry challenges, Hurayra is ready to redefine pet nutrition.”

Working closely with veterinarians and pet nutrition experts, Hurayra’s cat food is made from ethically sourced, high-quality ingredients. It contains no grain, wheat, or soybean fillers, ensuring both nutritional excellence and strict adherence to halal standards. Additionally, the packaging is made from recyclable materials, reinforcing the company’s dedication to sustainability while keeping its products both premium and affordable.

Aihtsham adds: “Pet owners can now provide their cats with a nutritious and ethically sound diet without compromise.”

Customers will have the convenience of purchasing directly from the Hurayra website, where they can enter details such as their cat’s weight to receive a personalised feeding plan tailored to their pet’s needs.

Aihtsham is no stranger to innovation. When a Muslim community in Stornoway, Scotland, sought to establish the island’s first mosque, he “dropped everything” to support the project. His dedication resulted in the first mosque in the Outer Hebrides, a historic achievement that gained worldwide attention. Now, with Hurayra Pet Food, he is once again challenging norms—this time in the pet food market. His vision is to create a brand that upholds quality, integrity, and ethical values, offering a trusted option for conscientious pet owners.

Hurayra’s dry cat food will be available exclusively through the company’s website, www.hurayrapetfoods.com, starting in May. Registrations are now open for customers eager to be among the first in the UK to try this pioneering product, with options for both one-off purchases and subscription-based deliveries.

Manchester man jailed for violent assault on former partner

0

A Manchester man has been jailed for violently assaulting a former partner at a hotel in the early hours of New Years Day.

Antonio Francitti (63) of Bowdon, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday, where he was sentenced to 26 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to two counts of intentional strangulation and assault causing actual bodily harm.

The court heard how Francitti had been in a relationship with the woman between 2021 and 2024, but she had made several attempts to separate from him in the 12 months prior to his attack.

Francitti (pictured) was desperate for the victim not to leave him and manipulated her by buying her expensive items, following her and accessing her mobile phone activity to the extent where the victim resorted to speaking in code when messaging her own family.

Officers then attended the scene to speak to the victim, who disclosed that she felt obliged to join Francitti for several nights in London over the New Year period.

Returning to their hotel in the early hours on January 1, Francitti became violent, grabbing her around the neck with considerable force and used his other hand to cover her mouth and nose, causing bruising and swelling. Due to the pressure on her neck, she fell unconscious.

She also recalled being on the floor of her hotel room at some point during her semi-conscious state and being dragging her backwards face down, causing severe carpet burns and further facial bruising and swelling.

Upon regaining consciousness, the victim immediately wanted to return home, but Francitti refused to let her out of the hotel room, expressing concern that questions may be asked regarding how she sustained her injuries.

Eventually returning to Cheshire that day, the victim disclosed to her family the circumstances of what had occurred and officers were subsequently called. The victim was initially hesitant of reporting the incident to police, through fear of repercussion.

The victim showed police her injuries, which included two chipped teeth, bruising and swelling to both eyes, forehead and cheeks, and an injury to her left ear where her earring had been pulled out.

Inspector Matt Chapman said: “No one should have to endure the kind of violent behaviour that Francitti subjected his victim to. His violent rage left his victim scared of coming forward and disclosing what he had done to her through fear of repercussion, even as going so far as to create a narrative to cover for his actions.

“Despite this, thanks to the bravery of the victim and the evidence gathered during our investigation, Francitti will now be held accountable for his actions.

“The process of coming forward and disclosing to your family and police the abuse you have endured can be incredibly difficult and upsetting. I would extend my thanks and commend her bravery and courage in recounting everything that had occurred over that 48-hour period that helped us secure a conviction against man who made her life a misery for well over a year.”

ICC Champions Trophy – Afghanistan v South Africa: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch on TV and prediction

The state of play

Afghanistan embark on their first ever ICC Champions Trophy campaign as they take on South Africa at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday.

The two sides go into the tournament in contrasting form, with Afghanistan beating Zimbabwe away from home in their most recent ODI series.

Hasmatullah Shahidi’s side has won their last four ODI series going into the tournament which also includes a 2-1 victory against South Africa.

South Africa’s pre-tournament preparation has been less successful after failing to win a single match in the recent tri-series held in Pakistan which saw them miss out on the final. Before that, they were whitewashed 3-0 by Pakistan at home.

Afghan captain Shahidi believes that previous win will give his side some invaluable confidence heading into the opener at the National Bank Stadium

“Between 2019 and now there’s too much difference and just recently we beat them [South Africa] in Sharjah – 2-1 – so we have that confidence with us and we are not under pressure anyway,” Shahidi said at his press conference on Thursday.

“Because right now we are focusing what we can do in this tournament and I believe that our team is more ready for this tournament and we are focusing on our own team. There is no pressure on us.”

A blow for Afghanistan sees spin whizzkidd Ghazanfar ruled out due to injury. Still, they boast plenty of spin in depth in the form of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi and Nangeylia Kharote

The Blue Tigers are also expected to have the support of the crowd in Karachi with many Afghanistanians residing in the area.

“First of all, about people here – there are a lot of Afghans,” Shahidi added.

“They live here in Karachi and in Pakistan and also a lot of Pashtun people, I think, they support us. So yeah, yesterday there was a lot of crowds shouting for us [during training] and it feels good and it give us confidence that we have supporters here and about our performance.”

And while it is their first appearance at the ICC Champions Trophy, Shahidi insists they will not just be going to make up the numbers.

“We are doing very good and, in this tournament, we are here to compete here and our aim is to win the final,” Shahidi said.

“We are not here just to participate here in this tournament. We are definitely 100% looking to win this event and at the same time because we played a lot of quality cricket from last two years and it’s a good chance for us because the boys are very experienced and these conditions are also suitable for us.

“So we have a good chance and let’s start it from tomorrow and hopefully we start with the win and we go with the same momentum throughout the tournament.”

Despite not winning a single ODI since October and currently being on a six-match losing streak in the format, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma insists his side go into the tournament in high spirits.

“It’s for us as a group to connect strongly again and to remind ourselves about how we want to play,” Bavuma, who led South Africa to the World Cup semi-finals in 2023, said.

“That confidence and knowing comes from how we have performed as a group. These guys have all known each other for the past four or five years.

“There’s no baggage coming into this tournament, we are looking forward to playing our best cricket.”

Expected line-ups

Afghanistan:  Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi

How to Watch

The ICC Champions Trophy can be watched in the UK on Sky Sports. Friday’s coverage starts on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket at 0830.

In India, it is being shown on the JioStar network with JioHotstar providing live streaming. On television, in addition to the English feed, coverage will also be available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada across Star Sports and Sports18 channels.

Prediction

Afghanistan come into the tournament in better form and perhaps with more familiarity amongst their squad, with South Africa’s group barely playing alongside each other in the last few years.

The Blue Tigers are many people’s dark horses to go far in the tournament and they could put one foot in the next stage here, which we are expecting them to do.

Afghanistan to win