Louis Trichardt-based cricketer Yahya Jiwa wasted no time in showcasing his class at the Over-50 International Masters Cricket World Cup, currently underway in Sri Lanka. On Sunday, he scored a half-century against the West Indies and followed it up with an impressive 85 against Australia on Wednesday.
After just two innings, Yahya had already amassed 140 runs in the tournament, joining the USA's Sanjeewa Weerasinghe as the leading scorer in the World Cup on Wednesday. (He has since moved to fourth position.)
On Wednesday, South Africa faced an unbeaten Australian side. Batting first, South Africa saw Jiwa open alongside Wiaan Smit. The pair built a solid 95-run partnership before Smit was dismissed. Jiwa continued his fine form, scoring 85 off just 78 balls before being bowled. South Africa posted a total of 264/9 in their allotted 45 overs, with captain Mario Solomons contributing an unbeaten 50.
South Africa was in a strong position to win the match, and with 15 overs to go, Australia still needed 125 runs. Tony Clark and Andrew Sharp put together a 113-run partnership to frustrate the South Africans. With 50 runs required off the last four overs, the Australian tail managed to get them over the line.
The tournament, however, had a rocky start for the Proteas. Their opening match on Sunday, played at the St Thomas College Grounds in Mt Lavinia, Colombo, saw them suffer an unexpected defeat to the West Indies.
Batting first, the West Indies saw opener Anthony Sahadeo produce a surprise performance, scoring an unbeaten 101. In his previous 24 matches, Sahadeo had averaged just 19, making his century all the more remarkable. The only other West Indies batsmen to reach double figures were Deonarine Deyal (14) and captain Zamin Amin (26), who batted at number 11.
South Africa's Wiaan Smit had a dream debut, taking 5/21 in nine overs to dismantle the West Indies' middle order. Russel Krug also contributed with 2/34 in six overs. The West Indies finished on 199/8 in their allotted 45 overs.
Chasing 200 for victory, South Africa looked promising at 98/2, with Jiwa opening and receiving early support from Munier Holiday (19). However, after Jiwa's dismissal, the team struggled. Despite contributions from Deon Kruis (10) and Dave Bakker (42), South Africa lost wickets in quick succession, eventually being bowled out for 181 in the 42nd over.
West Indies bowlers Sudesh Persaud (3/16 in eight overs) and Fareed Hosein (3/37 in nine overs) did most of the damage.
Speaking from his hotel room in Colombo on Monday afternoon, Yahya said the first match had been a wake-up call, and the team realised they needed to work harder to reach the semi-finals. "West Indies didn't win the game; we lost it," he said.
Yahya admitted he had hoped to score a century in the opening match but fell short. He added that the intense Sri Lankan heat and humidity had made conditions tough for the South Africans, while the West Indies' decision to start with spin bowling had restricted their scoring opportunities.
Commenting on Colombo, he described it as a pleasant place with friendly locals. He was looking forward to the clash against Australia.
South Africa played against Wales on Thursday (13 February). On Saturday, they will face India, and on Monday, they will play against Pakistan. Their final pool-stage match is against Canada next Tuesday. The games are being played at various venues across Colombo, Sri Lanka.