The Veterans Cricket Association of South Africa (VCASA) has sent a strong 16-man squad to Colombo, Sri Lanka, ahead of the fourth International Masters Cricket Over-50s World Cup, which is set to take place from February 9 to 23. The tournament will see some of the world’s best veteran cricketers battle it out for the prestigious title, with South Africa determined to make their mark on the global stage.
South Africa’s Road to Glory
South Africa has been placed in Pool B, where they will face West Indies, Australia, Wales, India, Pakistan, and Canada. The competition is expected to be fierce, but the team is motivated to build on their silver medal finish in 2023, when they reached the final in Cape Town.
Pool A consists of England, UAE, USA, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and hosts Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each pool will progress to the semifinals on February 20, followed by the final on February 23 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
South Africa has already tasted success in Veterans Cricket, having won the Over-40s World Cup on home soil last year. The Over-50s squad will look to replicate that triumph and bring another title home.
Experienced Leadership and Strong Squad
The South African team is led by captain Mario Solomons (Western Province) and vice-captain Craig Lyons (Lions). Both players bring a wealth of experience, having been part of the squad that finished as runners-up in 2023.
The squad is a mix of seasoned veterans and talented newcomers:
- Batting Strength: Deon Kruis, Tyron Henderson, Russell Krug, Andrew Emslie
- All-Rounders: Russell Bennett, Yahya Jiwa, Con Purchase, Wayne Tharratt
- Bowling Attack: Munier Holiday, Dave Bakker, Wiaan Smit, Riaan Van de Rheede
- Squad Manager: Hennie Fourie
The experience of Solomons, Lyons, and Taliep, who were part of the 2023 squad, will be crucial in leading the team in Sri Lanka.
VCASA’s Optimism and Support
VCASA Chairperson, Roger Moult, shared his excitement and confidence in the squad ahead of the tournament:
“We are incredibly proud to see our squad representing South Africa on the global stage. The Over-50s World Cup is proof of the passion and longevity of the game. Our team is ready to embrace the challenge. With a strong mix of experience and skill, we are confident that the players will give their all and make the country proud. We look forward to an exciting tournament and the opportunity to showcase the spirit of South African cricket.”
South Africa’s Fixtures at the World Cup
The Proteas veterans will kick off their campaign against the West Indies on February 9. Their full fixture list is as follows:
- February 9 – vs West Indies (St Thomas’s Grounds, Mt Lavinia)
- February 12 – vs Australia (Burgher Recreation Club)
- February 13 – vs Wales (Mercantile Cricket Association Grounds)
- February 15 – vs India (DS Senanayake College)
- February 17 – vs Pakistan (Puijitha Uduwana Sports Academy Grounds)
- February 18 – vs Canada (Colombo Cricket Club)
If they finish in the top two of Pool B, they will progress to the semifinals on February 20, followed by the final on February 23 at the R Premadasa Stadium.
South Africa’s Quest for the Title
With a blend of experienced veterans and skilled newcomers, South Africa has a strong chance of lifting the trophy. The team is motivated by past successes and is eager to make history on the international stage.
Fans back home will be watching closely as the Proteas veterans take on the challenge, hoping to see them bring home the Over-50s World Cup title and cement their legacy in Masters Cricket.
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