South Africa’s Over-50s World Cup campaign is not going according to plan, with team manager Roger Moult initially targeting a top-four finish.

South Africa have been defeated by Wales, England, Pakistan and Australia – and are currently at the bottom of the eight-team standings.

They will face Canada, New Zealand and Sri Lanka this week, but won’t likely qualify for the semi-finals.

‘We are not a social team. We are participating with the intention of ending in the top four,’ Moult told Cricbuzz before the inaugural tournament got under way.

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,’ added Moult.

‘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.’

Australia, Pakistan, England and New Zealand currently occupy first, second, third and fourth position respectively. New Zealand and Pakistan boast the services of former ODI seamer Richard Petrie and ex-Test batsman Ijaz Ahmed.

Image: SA Cricket magazine