Colombo, Sri Lanka – South Africa’s Over-50s squad will be looking to close their IMC Over-50s World Cup campaign on a high note when they face West Indies in today’s 9th/10th place playoff at the St Thomas’s Grounds – Mt Lavinia. After suffering an 18-run defeat to the Caribbean side in their opening match, the Proteas are determined to settle the score and finish their tournament on a winning note.
A Campaign of Ups and Downs for South Africa
South Africa’s tournament has been a mixed bag of results, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency. The Proteas started their campaign with a hard-fought loss to the West Indies, followed by another close encounter against Australia, where they lost by four wickets. However, they bounced back with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Wales before suffering a heavy 156-run defeat against an in-form India side. Further losses against Pakistan (by five wickets) dampened their hopes of a strong finish, but two wins in the playoff rounds against Canada (by four wickets) and UAE (by seven wickets) have lifted their morale heading into today’s final fixture.
Key Players to Watch for South Africa
With their top run-scorer, Yahya Jiwa, unavailable for selection, South Africa will turn to other seasoned campaigners to deliver match-winning performances.
Andre Steyn has been a vital cog in the Proteas’ middle order, amassing 135 runs in the tournament. Since his first-ball duck against Australia, he has played crucial knocks, including 42 off 45 balls against Canada and an unbeaten 33 off 32 deliveries against UAE in the playoffs. With his aggressive approach, Steyn will be a key player against the Windies’ bowling attack.
Captain Mario Solomons has led from the front, showing composure in tight situations. His unbeaten 50 against Australia and an unbeaten 39 against Canada under pressure have highlighted his ability to steer his side through crunch moments. He will be eager to inspire his team one final time.
Another player seeking redemption is Dave Bakker, who scored a crucial 42 against West Indies in the group stage but has struggled to convert his starts since then. A stroke of luck and a big innings from him today could tilt the match in South Africa’s favour.
While South Africa’s batting has been inconsistent, their bowling attack has been spearheaded by Wiaan Smit, the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker with 16 scalps. His devastating five-wicket haul (5/21) in the previous encounter against West Indies single-handedly rattled the Caribbean top order. Smit, however, has yet to make a substantial impact with the bat and will be looking to end his tournament with a strong all-round performance.
In the bowling department, Russel Krug has provided key breakthroughs in crucial moments, taking 2/34 against the Windies, 3/65 against Australia, and 3/26 against Canada. His ability to strike when needed makes him a valuable asset in today’s game.
South Africa’s fielding and all-round contributions have been boosted by the presence of Russel Bennett, a former Springbok rugby player and Over-40s World Cup-winning coach. Despite a back strain forcing him to miss the UAE match, Bennett is back in the lineup today and will bring his experience and game-changing moments in the field.
Another exciting prospect is Andrew Emslie, who has grown in confidence after being promoted up the order. His composed 43* against UAE and 40 against Canada have proven his worth in the middle, and he will be key to anchoring the innings today.
Bowling all-rounders Wayne Tharratt, Goolam Taliep, and Riaan van de Rheede will also be critical in containing the Windies’ batting. Tharratt’s tight spells (1/14 against India and 1/30 against Canada) and van de Rheede’s new-ball swing (economy rate of 4.75 against India’s 318-run total) will be crucial in the powerplay overs.
Finally, Con Purchase, the Proteas’ left-arm spinner, has been a silent enforcer, applying pressure with economical bowling spells. His ability to dry up runs (0/21 in 9 overs against West Indies) will be vital in controlling the Caribbean middle order.
Craig Lyons, South Africa’s vice-captain and wicketkeeper, will be a key figure both behind the stumps and with the bat. Lyons has shown glimpses of his class, with scores of 21 against Australia and 32 against Wales, and will be keen to convert his starts into a significant contribution in today’s crucial match. His leadership in the field and ability to inspire his team will be invaluable in the Proteas’ quest for victory.
A Shot at Redemption Against Familiar Opponents
The previous encounter between these two teams saw South Africa come agonizingly close to victory. Led by Smit’s sensational spell, the Proteas had West Indies struggling at 117/6, only for wicketkeeper Anthony Sahadeo’s masterful 101* to turn the tide. Despite Jiwa’s resilient 55 and Bakker’s 42, South Africa faltered in their chase, falling 18 runs short.
With lessons learned from that match, the Proteas will be determined to execute their plans better this time. Their ability to build partnerships, manage middle-order collapses, and tighten their bowling discipline will be key to overcoming a confident West Indies side.
Aiming for a Strong Finish
With both teams out of title contention, pride is at stake in today’s encounter. For South Africa, it’s a chance to avenge their earlier defeat and finish their World Cup campaign on a high note. A win today would not only boost morale but also be a fitting send-off for the veterans who have fought tirelessly throughout the tournament.
Expect a fiercely contested match as South Africa and West Indies go head-to-head one final time in the IMC Over-50s World Cup 2025. The Proteas will be eager to showcase their resilience, skill, and determination in pursuit of a memorable victory.
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