
Wednesday will see the final round of group games being played at the 2023 Over-50 World Cup - and there is still plenty to play for!
We break down each of the six matches and see what is at stake ...
GROUP A
Zimbabwe vs Australia - Rondebosch CC
After an opening game hammering at the hands of New Zealand, Zimbabwe have bounced back strongly and lead Group A, thanks in large to the runs pouring out of Murray Goodwin’s bat. A win against an improving Australia will see them top the group, while a loss could see them drop out altogether if New Zealand beat Canada, with one of either USA or Sri Lanka to also advance then. Australia have nothing but pride riding on the game after three consecutive defeats to start with.
Sri Lanka vs USA - Vineyard Oval
One of the crunch games of the round, with the winner potentially topping the group, finishing second, or missing out altogether. If New Zealand and Zimbabwe win, neither side can progress given the Kiwi’s superior net run-rate. However, a defeat for either of those sides means the winner of the match will go through to the semifinals given Zimbabwe’s -0.3958 net run-rate.
New Zealand vs Canada - Wynberg CC
It’s a simple equation for New Zealand … win, and you reach the last four. Lose, and either Sri Lanka or the USA will overtake you. The Kiwis will back their chances against a Canadian side with five defeats in five, and will top the group if Zimbabwe lose to Australia.
GROUP B
South Africa vs UAE - Claremont CC
The Proteas Veterans were a few overs away from securing a semifinal berth and knocking England out, but the tourists hit 17 off the penultimate over at Groot Drakenstein to stay alive and take top spot in Group B. South Africa will back their chances against a UAE side with only one win so far, against Namibia. A win sees the hosts advance but, should they lose, they must hope bottom side Namibia beat Pakistan. Unlikely …
Pakistan vs Namibia - Green Point CC
If either England or South Africa slip up and Pakistan win, they will make the semifinals. Conversely, if Pakistan suffer a shock defeat against a team with no victories and a highest score of just 118 in this tournament, both England and South Africa advance.
Wales vs England - Cape Town CC
Wales have come back nicely after a poor start but can’t make the semifinals anymore. However, they can have a major say in who does, and if they happen to beat the Old Enemy and South Africa and Pakistan win as they are expected to, England will crash out. For England, a win will see them progress and potentially finish top of the group given their superior run-rate.
Picture courtesy of MatchPixSA
About Evergreen Lifestyle
The 2023 Over-50s Cricket World Cup will once again be sponsored by Evergreen Lifestyle, South Africa’s premium retirement brand with seven operating villages in the Western Cape and Gauteng, and a further six in the pipeline. The business began with a vision to change the retirement landscape in South Africa, offering a partnership for life based on five key pillars: physical security, financial peace of mind, continuous care, a sense of community and exceptional hospitality.
You’ll find Evergreen’s award-winning retirement villages in the most beautiful parts of the country, at the end of sun dappled country lanes, perched on majestic mountain slopes, and within walking distance of our beaches, rivers, and wetlands. And you’ll find vibrant fun-loving communities enjoying the finer things in life – like good food, great company, lasting friendships, and a sense of belonging that is enabled by the resort-style facilities and amenities on offer.