Team South Africa slipped to a 70-run defeat against Kenya in their second match of the African Games at the Achimota Cricket Oval on Monday.
Kenya’s win was set up by a half-century from Collins Obuya (58 off 47 balls; 7 fours, 2 sixes) and a five-wicket haul by 18-year-old spinner Aarnav Patel (5/15).
Kenya won the toss and opted to bat first and posted 141/6 from their allotted 20 overs before restricting South Africa to 71 all out with five overs to spare.
The defeat comes just 24 hours after an impressive 134-run win over hosts Ghana at the same venue.
Obuya’s knock proved the difference for the East African side, with Rakep Patel the next-best batter with 28 off 25 balls.
Heinrigh Pieterse (2/23) ended the pick of the bowlers, while Dylan Bester (1/21), Jason Raubenheimer (1/30) and Jesse Prodehl (1/42) provided support.
In reply, South Africa’s batters struggled as captain George van Heerden, who recorded his maiden T20 century against Ghana, finished the top-scorer on 22.
South Africa lost their first three wickets inside the powerplay with opening pair Maahir Joseph (12) and Pieterse (4) falling to the experienced Lucas Oluoch (2/10), before Lehan Botha was caught for one off Gerard Mwendwa (1/6).
Van Heerden and Keagan Lion-Cachet (16) then combined to provide some respite with a 36-run stand - the highest of the innings. But regular strikes curbed any possibility of building momentum as South Africa slipped from 55/3 to 71 all out within the space of 4.4 overs.
South Africa take on Uganda in their final Group A match on Wednesday.
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
Kenya beat South Africa by 70 runs at Achimota Cricket Oval, Accra
Wednesday, 20 March at 09:30
South Africa v 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
*Group B
Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe