ACCRA: 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 atAchimota Cricket Oval, Accra
Wednesday, 20 March at 09:30
South Africa vs Uganda atAchimota 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
Source: cricket.co.za
Paul Harris: Born to a policeman in Zimbabwe, Paul Harris later moved to South Africa with his family. The talented spinner was first noticed by coach Duncan Fletcher, who mentored him. He was also named one of the 40 best players in the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack in 2007.

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India won the 1983 World Cup and won their first ever Test at Lord’s three years later in 1986. India won their second World Cup 28 years later in 2011 and remarkably won their second ever Test at Lord’s three years later in 2014.