Captain George van Heerden notched up his maiden T20 century as Team South Africa started their African Games with a massive 134-run win over hosts Ghana at the Achimota Cricket Oval on Sunday.
The 20-year-old struck eight fours and smashed seven maximums en route to an unbeaten 107 off 57 deliveries, steering Team South Africa to a formidable total of 237/2 after electing to bat first after winning the toss.
Despite the early departure of opening batsman Maahir Joseph for 8, Van Heerden found invaluable support from Heinrigh Pieterse, who blazed his way to a rapid 62 off 34 balls with four fours and three sixes, alongside Lehan Botha, who contributed 46 off 25 deliveries (five fours and three maximums).
The bowling contingent, led by Jesse Prodehl with figures of 2/10 and Jason Raubenheimer with 2/23, restricted the hosts to a mere 103/7 on their course to victory.
All-rounder Botha struck first blood, dismissing Richmond Baaleri for 9 with a well-executed catch behind the stumps in the fifth over. James Vifah provided some resistance with a brisk 41 off 25 deliveries, including six fours and a six, before losing his wicket to Raubenheimer. A runout of Rexford Bakum for just 1, left the hosts reeling at 68-3 by the halfway mark.
Prodehl’s double breakthrough, dismissing opposing skipper Obed Harvey for 8 followed by the removal of Devender Singh for 9, increased Ghana’s woes, reducing them to 74/5 within 13 overs.
Pieterse joined the wicket-taking action, claiming the wicket of Micheal Aboagye for 5, while Raubenheimer secured his second wicket of the innings by dismissing Joseph Theodore for 1.
Kelvin Awala (13) and Godfred Bakiweyem (9) remained unbeaten as the hosts fell well short of the 238-run target.
Reflecting on the victory, van Heerden expressed his elation, stating, “I’m ecstatic about the result. Yes, I am happy about scoring a century, but I was well supported throughout my knock by the other batsmen, and to only lose two wickets was absolutely brilliant.”
He continued, “The bowlers backed it up nicely. During the innings break, we spoke about not resting on our laurels and ensuring that we set our own standards and show some fight.”
Acknowledging the challenges posed by the hot conditions, van Heerden added, “We always knew it was going to be tough coming up against the hosts in our opening match. It is extremely hot here – they say it’s 33 degrees, but it feels like 50. We had a good training week, but batting for long periods was tough today, and we felt it in the field, but the boys are getting used to the conditions.”
Team South Africa is scheduled to take on Kenya next on Monday at the same venue.
Team South Africa Men’s Squad
George van Heerden (captain, SU), Dylan Bester (UFS), Lehan Botha (SU), Ethan Frosler (NMU), Kyle Glennistor (NWU), Maahir Joseph (SU), Keagan Lion-Cachet (UP), Raps Motlhoaring (CUT), Lifa Ntanzi (UJ), Mini Ntobela (NWU), Heinrigh Pieterse (NWU), Jesse Prodehl (UWC), Jason Raubenheimer (CUT), Lwando Tywaku (UWC) and Aphiwe Yako (UP).
Group A Fixtures (all times local)
Sunday, 17 March at 13:50
South Africa beat Ghana by 134 runs at Achimota Cricket Oval, Accra
Monday, 18 March at 13:50
South Africa vs Kenya at Achimota Cricket Oval, Accra
Wednesday, 20 March at 09:30
South Africa vs Uganda at Achimota Cricket Oval, Accra
Semi-Finals and Final
Semi-Final 1
Thursday, 21 March at 09:30
A1 v B2* at Achimota Cricket Oval, Accra
Semi-Final 2
Thursday, 21 March at 13:50
B1 v A2 at Achimota Cricket Oval, Accra
Final
Saturday, 23 March at 13:50
Winner SF 1 v Winner SF 2 at Achimota Cricket Oval, Accra
Photo: Roger Sedres in Accra
