South Africa beat Pakistan by 5 wickets in Over 50s Cricket World Cup

South Africa Over 50s team has defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets in the second round match played at Reddam House School Constantia, Cape Town South Africa.

Pakistan Over 50s team which won their opening match against Wales observed varying fortunes against the hosts in their second match of Over 50s Cricket World Cup. South Africa after winning the toss opted to field first. A decision that worked fairly well for the hosts as they reduced the Pakistani side to 65-6 at the end of 19th over. Muhammad Hafeez and Muhammad Jaffar Qureshi then stabilized the ship for Pakistan with an excellent partnership of 137 runs, ensuring that the Men in Green finished on a reasonable total of 206-9 in the allotted 45 overs. Muhammad Hafeez played a fantastic knock of 76(84) which included 7 fours and 3 maximums. Muhammad Jaffar Qureshi contributed a very well-made 67 runs off 76 balls with 4 fours and 3 sixes. Former Bermudian International Saleem Mukuddem was the star with the ball in hand for South Africa as he delivered a spell of 5-36.

A very well-poised execution from the Pakistani bowlers curtailed the Proteas Veterans in their chase for the most part as they lingered onto 117-5 at the 35.3 over mark. Saleem Mukuddem and Mario Solomons then unleashed ferocious striking capabilities as the duo gathered 90 runs in 8.1 overs to see South Africa through. Mario Solomons played a fabulous knock of 65*(73) which included 6 fours and 1 maximum. Saleem Mukuddem continued with his superb display in the batting domain as well and played a brutal knock of 48 runs on 24 balls, an inning which was composed of 2 fours and 4 sixes. Saleem Mukuddem was awarded ‘Player of the Match’.

In other World Cup matches, From Pool A: USA gave upset to Australia as they beat Australia by four wickets. Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 16 runs. Zimbabwe won their match against West Indies by four wickets.

In Pool B: England won their contest against UAE by 56 runs. Whereas, India overcame Namibia by eight wickets.