Van Heerden scored an unbeaten 107 off 57 balls, that helps South Africa win over Ghana at African Games
Team South Africa showed why they’re seen as the top pick to win the men’s cricket event at the African Games after they beat Ghana in their first Group A match on Sunday.
After winning the toss, Team SA decided to bat first at the Achimota Cricket Oval in Accra. They scored an impressive 237 for 2 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Ghana managed only 103-7, resulting in Team SA securing a massive 134-run victory.
Team SA started strong, losing their first wicket with the score at 11. But they were already putting pressure on the bowlers. Captain George van Heerden and Heinrigh Pieterse built a partnership of 106 runs before Van Heerden was dismissed. Then, Lehan Botha joined Van Heerden, and together they added another 120 runs in just 7.4 overs.
Van Heerden scored an unbeaten 107 off 57 balls, including eight fours and seven sixes, while Botha made 46 off 25 balls with five fours and three sixes.
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Team SA’s batting was dominant, scoring at a rate of 11.85 runs per over, before they turned to bowling against Ghana.
Ghana’s James Vifah fought bravely with 41 runs off 25 balls, but received little support. Only Kelvin Awala reached double figures for Ghana.
Team SA used seven bowlers, with Jesse Prodehl and Jason Raubenheimer taking two wickets each, while Botha and Pieterse also contributed to the wickets column.
It was a convincing performance by Team SA, who play against Kenya next.
Captain Van Heerden expressed his joy for the team’s strong start, highlighting the support he received from his teammates during his innings. He also remarked on the challenging conditions, noting the extreme heat. Despite the tough conditions, he praised the crowd and overall performance.
Team SA’s medal tally reached 93, including 25 gold, 30 silver, and 38 bronze medals, placing them third overall. This is a significant improvement from their performance in the 2019 Games in Morocco, where they finished fourth with 86 medals.
This is how Team SA fared on Sunday.
CRICKET
Men’s Group A: Team SA vs Ghana
Team SA 237-2 in 20 overs (George van Heerden 107no, Heinrigh Pueterse 62, Lehan Botha 46no).
Ghana 103-7 in 20 overs (James Vifah 41; Jesse Prodehl 2-10, Jason Raubenheimer 2-23, Heinrigh Pieterse 1-11, Lehan Botha 1-19)
Team SA won by 134 runs
BOXING
Women’s 50kg, quarter-finals
Thandolwethu Mathiba vs Zainab Adeshina (Nigeria)
TENNIS
Men’s singles, round of 32: Leo Matthysen won 6-0 6-2
Women’s singles, round of 32: Marilouise van Zyl won 6-1 6-2
Women’s singles, round of 32: Isabella Kruger won 6-1 6-0
TAEKWONDO
Women’s Under-53kg, quarter-finals
Palesa Ramokoka lost to Zeinab Hamadataher (Nigeria)