The Proteas Veterans Over-50s showcased an exceptional performance throughout the Over-50s Africa Cricket Cup tournament held in Windhoek, Namibia, recently. They emerged victorious in the final, defeating the South Africa “A” team to clinch the title.
The Proteas Veterans team won all three of their matches in the tournament. They started strongly with a 101-run victory over Zimbabwe, followed by a commanding 305-run win against Namibia. In the final match against South Africa A, the Proteas Over-50s secured a hard-fought 28 run victory.
Wiaan Smit from the South Africa “A” team was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 324 runs at an average of 108. He followed this by taking 5 wickets at an average of 19,6 and an economy rate of 3,70 and was subsequently named the Player of the Tournament.
Mario Solomons, captain of the Proteas Veterans team, commended the Veterans Cricket Association of Namibia for hosting a successful tournament, and said that it was the perfect preparation for the International Masters Cricket (IMC) Over-50s World Cup to be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 09-23 February 2025.
Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa will join Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, UAE, Wales, England, Canada, USA, West Indies and hosts Sri Lanka in the 56 match tournament.
South Africa lost to England in the cup final at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town at the last Over-50s World Cup in 2023.