Colombo, Sri Lanka – South Africa’s Over-50s cricket team kept their IMC Over-50s World Cup dreams alive with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Wales in Colombo. With their tournament future hanging by a thread after losses to the West Indies and Australia, the South African veterans delivered a measured performance to chase down Wales’ 186-run target, securing their first win of the competition.
Wales’ Innings: A Solid Start but a Stifled Finish
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Wales started steadily despite the slight delay due to moisture on the pitch. Captain Iwan Rees (22 off 38) and Tim Hemp (40 off 79) navigated the early overs cautiously, ensuring the team built a foundation.
South Africa’s bowlers kept a lid on the scoring, with Con Purchase (3/43) and Goolam Taliep (2/47) making crucial inroads. The dismissal of Simon Wood for just two, courtesy of Taliep, set Wales back as they struggled for momentum.
Ali Bukhari (22 off 37) and Kelvin Bartle (43 off 42) injected some late energy into the innings. Bartle, in particular, played an explosive knock, smashing five boundaries and two sixes. However, wickets continued to fall at key intervals, and Wales closed their innings at 186/7 in 45 overs—a total that seemed competitive but not insurmountable.
South Africa’s Chase: A Rocky Start and a Calm Finish
The Proteas’ response was far from smooth. The early loss of Tyron Henderson (4) and Yahya Jiwa (7) to Bukhari’s sharp bowling had them on the back foot at 17/2 inside five overs. Munier Holiday (20 off 49) and Craig Lyons (32 off 42) attempted to steady the ship, but the slow scoring rate kept the pressure on.
When Lyons was trapped LBW by Julian Ballinger and Holiday was bowled by Rees, South Africa found themselves at 98/4 in the 23rd over. Wiaan Smit (29 off 38) and Dave Bakker (22 off 27) added crucial runs, but their dismissals kept the contest in the balance.
Enter Skipper Mario Solomons. The wicketkeeper-batsman played a match-winning cameo, striking eight boundaries in a rapid 39 off just 30 balls. Supported by Goolam Taliep (17 off 17), Solomons steered the Proteas home with 7.1 overs to spare, securing a much-needed win at 188/7.
Key Performances and Turning Points
- *Mario Solomons (39 off 30)**: His aggressive counterattack proved to be the difference in a tense chase.
- Ali Bukhari (3/36): The Welsh pacer threatened to derail South Africa’s innings early on.
- Con Purchase (3/43): A vital performance with the ball, removing key Welsh batters.
- Kelvin Bartle (43 off 42): Giving Wales a late boost, with some aggressive batting which included 4 fours, and 1 six.
South Africa’s Path Forward
With this victory, South Africa stays alive in the race for the semifinals but must keep winning. Their next challenge is against India, who have a mixed record of two wins and two losses. With further matches against Pakistan and Canada still to come, the road ahead remains tough, but this win injects fresh hope into their campaign.
South Africa MVP’s: Mario Solomons with the bat and Con Purchase with the Ball
South Africa may have started the tournament with setbacks, but they’ve found a lifeline. Can they build on this momentum and push for a semifinal berth? Their clash against India will be another do-or-die battle.
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