Captain George van Heerden struck his maiden T20 century as Team South Africa got their African Games campaign off to a winning start with an emphatic 134-run win over hosts Ghana at the Achimota Cricket Oval on Sunday.
The 20-year-old plundered eight fours and seven sixes as he reached an unbeaten 107 off 57 balls to help Team South Africa amass 237 for two after winning the toss and opting to bat first.
Despite the early loss of opening batter Maahir Joseph (8), van Heerden was aided superbly by Heinrigh Pieterse, who struck a blistering 62 off 34 balls (4 fours and 3 sixes), and Lehan Botha, with a pulsating 46 off 25 balls (5 fours, 3 sixes).
Jesse Prodehl (2-10) and Jason Raubenheimer (2-23) picked up two wickets apiece to restrict the hosts to 103 for seven in the chase.
Allrounder Botha (1-19) got the first breakthrough when he had Richmond Baaleri (9) caught behind in the fifth over. James Vifah top-scored with a quickfire 25-ball 41 (6 fours, 1 six) before he was bowled by Raubenheimer. A runout accounted for Rexford Bakum (1) to leave the hosts on 68-3 at the halfway stage.
Prodehl then bagged two wickets in as many overs - first he trapped opposing skipper Obed Harvey leg before for eight, before he held on to one off his bowling to remove Devender Singh (9) and leave Ghana reeling on 74 for five within 13 overs.
Pieterse (1-11) then got in on the act with the wicket of Micheal Aboagye (5), while Raubenheimer claimed his second of the innings after he had Joseph Theodore caught for one.
Kelvin Awala (13*) and Godfred Bakiweyem (9*) remained unbeaten as the hosts fell well short of the 238-run target.
KENYA NEXT FOR SA
Team South Africa face Kenya next on Monday at the same venue.
“I’m ecstatic about the result,” commented van Heerden. “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.
“The bowlers backed it up nicely. During the innings break, we spoke about not resting on our laurels and to make sure that we set our own standards and show some fight.
“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.”