South Africa have set their sights on a top-four finish at this year’s Over-50s World Cup in Australia.

South Africa will face Wales, England and Pakistan this week – and Canada, Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand the next – at the inaugural event.

Their squad features some former first-class cricketers, including ex-Western Province batsman Kenny Jackson, but none who played at international level.

‘Most of the former international or first-class players are either not interested in playing the game anymore, are not fit enough, could not take three weeks off work or simply could not afford it,’ team manager Roger Moult told Cricbuzz.

‘We had some former international players who were interested, but when they realised that the make-up of the team was going to be more club-based, they withdrew. Out of the 16 players, at least 13 of them have represented their province at some stage of their lives.

‘We are not a social team. We are participating with the intention of ending in the top four. We do, however, intend to showcase the very best of South Africa.’

New Zealand and Pakistan, meanwhile, have selected former ODI seamer Richard Petrie and ex-Test batsman Ijaz Ahmed respectively.

Image: SA Cricket magazine