Close call as SA go down to Oz at Cup

South Africa’s deaf cricket team took on Australia in their second T20 group clash of the Deaf ICC T20 World Cup, currently taking place in India.

Australia batted first, and were on target for an average score, having scored 124/5 with two overs to go in their innings. A late surge, however, saw Australia Deaf finish on a commanding 158/5.

In reply, South Africa finished their powerplay on a promising 50/3. With three overs to go, the SA side only needed 14 runs, with half their wickets still intact.

And then, with what should have been an easy stroll across the finish line, the SA Deaf team appeared to panic, losing three quick wickets. With two runs needed off the final over, SA

9 Runs was what Australia Deaf needed to defeat SA in T20 Cup super over showdown

managed to take a single, leaving the teams tied, and a super over required to decide the match.

SA batted first in the super over, losing a wicket while scoring eight runs. With Australia thus needed just nine runs to win, a huge six off the third delivery put the result almost beyond doubt. Australia sprinted the final required run to secure a hard-fought win.

Having lost to India in their opening fixture, South Africa are now winless after two games, and will need to beat Sri Lanka on Tuesday to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages which will be played on Wednesday and Thursday. The final is set for Friday.

SA’s final group game is against Nepal early on Wednesday morning, South African time.