Team South Africa suffered a narrow two-wicket loss against Uganda in a low-scoring thriller at the Achimota Cricket Oval on Wednesday.
Defending 95, South Africa’s bowlers managed to take the game to the death with Uganda needing 11 off the final over and it was Brian Masaba (14*) who was up for the challenge.
The right-hander struck two lusty sixes off the first and last ball of the over to secure a win for his side and inflict heartbreak for South Africa.
South Africa headed into the game knowing that a win was a minimum requirement to qualify for the semifinals but the result means they finished third on the points table behind Uganda and Kenya.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, South African captain George van Heerden struck a hard-fought 44 off 45 balls (1 four, 2 sixes), with Aphiwe Yako (18*) the only other batter to register double figures.
Bilal Hassan and Alpesh Ramjani were the chief destroyers for Uganda with their return of 4-10 and 3-9 respectively.
Roger Mukasa then led the reply with an anchoring 41 off 54 balls (3 fours) at the top of the order but regular strikes from South Africa took the game down to the wire.
Lehan Botha (2-15) and Jason Raubenheimer (2-20) both claimed two wickets apiece, while Heinrigh Pieterse (1-18), Eathan Frosler (1-3) and Yako (1-27) picked up a wicket each, but it was Uganda that ultimately prevailed.
13th African Games
— Uganda Cricket Association (@CricketUganda) March 20, 2024
Game 3 - Result
South Africa 🇿🇦 95/9 in 20 overs
Uganda 🇺🇬 99/8 in 20 overs
POTM: Roger Mukasa 41 runs off 54 balls (3 fours)
Uganda won by 2 wickets
Uganda finish atop of Group A. Semifinal tomorrow at 12pm#WeAreCricketCranes#Accra2023#CricketUganda pic.twitter.com/mDRqqEk4tP
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).
RESULTS
Sunday, 17 March
South Africa beat Ghana by 134 runs at Achimota Cricket Oval, Accra
Monday, 18 March
Kenya beat South Africa by 70 runs at Achimota Cricket Oval, Accra
Wednesday, 20 March
Uganda beat South Africa by two wickets at Achimota Cricket Oval, Accra