New Zealand’s Over-40 and Over-60 cricket sides have impressed at recent International Masters Cricket events, finishing second and third in their respective World Cups.
The Over-40s strung together six consecutive wins before losing to hosts, South Africa, in the Grand Final.
Their impressive tournament included victories over a strong Australian side, and a win in pool play against eventual winners South Africa.
Director of NZ Over-40s Cricket, Jim Morrison, spoke glowingly of the World Cup experience.
“It was an amazing experience for everyone involved,” said Morrison.
“The opportunity to play against top-class opposition from around the world in a serious, competitive tournament, on magnificent grounds, in a beautiful city is one that the members of the squad will never forget,”
“While the final was obviously very disappointing for the guys, the over-riding feeling is one of pride and achievement in having performed well and represented New Zealand with distinction.”
New Zealand’s Hardeep Singh finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer – amassing an impressive 452 runs at an average of 75.33.
Both Singh and former BLACKCAP, James Marshall, were named in the Tournament Team.
James Marshall on the drive against South Africa
Jerem Wylie and Farhan Mirza were best with the ball, taking nine wickets apiece across five matches.
The New Zealand Over-60s team picked up a 20-run victory over Sri Lanka to secure a third-place finish at their World Cup in India.
Lead by captain Graeme Inglis, the team won a respectable three from five matches throughout the tournament.
Craig Gibb enjoyed a memorable tournament, scoring a tournament-leading 441 runs at an average of 63.0.
Left-arm spinner Russell Drake proved dangerous with ball, claiming 11 wickets at 22.73.
The governing body for master’s cricket (International Masters Cricket, or IMC) will be announcing the location for the next World Cup within a few weeks.
STATS & SCORECARDS:
- Check out statistics and scorecards from the Over-40s World Cup here.
- Check out statistics and scorecards from the Over-60s World Cup here.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
If you would like to be a part of this amazing movement, and think you have what it takes to represent New Zealand at Over-40s level, please email mainlandhawks@gmail.com to register.
To get involved in Over-60s cricket, please contact playeradmin@vcnz.org.
