Australia v South Africa Rhinos Three Day Game. A Historic Match for Over 55s Cricket.

Cricket Australia Masters | April 18, 2026

What began as a simple idea between Cricket Australia Masters Over 50 and 55s Board and Roger Moult in South Africa became something far more meaningful. The Over 55s Australian team took on the South African Rhinos in a three-day Test at Claremont Cricket Club in Cape Town from 10–12 March 2026, as part of the inaugural Over 55s Cape Town International Tournament.

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Match Summary

Australia’s Over 55s opened the innings in Cape Town against the South Africa Rhinos, posting 218 all out from 82.2 overs in a patient first-innings effort after choosing to bat first.

The Australians made a cautious start but lost an early wicket when Phil Pullar was bowled by James Albanie for just 1. Darren Rasmussen then steadied the innings with a solid 32, sharing time at the crease with Paul Bennet (11) and Clint Keble (19), but regular wickets prevented Australia from building significant partnerships in the early stages.

The innings was anchored by an excellent knock from Glen Giddings, who produced the standout performance with 66 runs, striking 10 boundaries from 128 balls. His patient innings held the Australian effort together through the middle order. Matthew Lewis contributed a useful 28, including a boundary and a six, helping push the total past 150.

Lower-order contributions from Craig Gislingham (14), Craig Willis (15) and Mitchell Woods (13 not out) ensured Australia fought their way past the 200 mark before being dismissed for 218.

For the South Africa Rhinos, Colin Kruger was the dominant bowler, claiming six wickets and doing most of the damage through the Australian middle order, while James Albanie, Brandon Nash, and Peter Marx chipped in with a wicket each.

In reply to Australia’s 218, the South Africa Rhinos produced a dominant batting performance to finish the first innings at 348 for 9 from 81.2 overs, building a 130-run lead.

The innings was built around a superb knock from Louis Koen, who anchored the Rhinos with a magnificent 175 from 226 balls, striking 19 fours and 3 sixes. Koen controlled the innings from the outset and shared a steady opening partnership with Craig Lyons, who contributed 32, giving the home side a solid platform.

While Australia managed to take regular wickets through the middle order, Koen continued to hold the innings together. Colin Kruger provided strong support with an aggressive 82 from 87 balls, including 8 fours and a six, accelerating the scoring late in the innings. A quick cameo from Bruce Sharp (19 off 9 balls) also helped push the total well beyond Australia’s first innings score.

For Australia, John Short was the standout bowler, producing an excellent spell to claim 5 for 63 from 18 overs, removing several key middle-order wickets. Richard Anderson and Craig Willis picked up one wicket each, while Clint Keble struck twice in the final over to help wrap up the innings.

Despite those efforts, Koen’s outstanding century and Kruger’s attacking support ensured the Rhinos posted a commanding 348.

After trailing by 130 runs on the first innings, Australia’s Over 55s fought hard in their second innings, eventually being bowled out for 178 in 58.3 overs.

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Australia’s innings began under pressure with early wickets falling quickly. Phil Pullar was dismissed for 3, while Darren Rasmussen provided some early resistance with 33. However, the Rhinos’ bowlers maintained tight control and Australia slipped further as Paul Bennet (9), Clint Keble (7), Matthew Lewis (4) and James Johnston (1) were unable to build significant partnerships.

The innings was revived through a determined middle-order effort. Glen Giddings contributed a steady 37, while Craig Gislingham played an excellent knock of 50 from 72 balls, striking seven boundaries to give Australia some momentum. John Short also provided valuable lower-order support, finishing not out on 23, helping Australia push their total to 178.

For the Rhinos, Colin Kruger was the standout bowler with 4 wickets, while Con Purchase bowled a disciplined spell to take 3 wickets from 19 overs. James Albanie, Grant Jansen, and Bruce Sharp each claimed a wicket.

With Australia dismissed for 178, the South Africa Rhinos required just 49 runs for victory. They chased the target confidently, reaching 49 for 3 in only 9.2 overs.

Brandon Nash started aggressively with 21 from 20 balls, while Stephen Palframan added a quick 16 from just 6 balls. Peter Marx (8 not out) and Mario Solomons (4 not out) finished the job to secure victory for the Rhinos.

Australia’s wickets were shared by Richard Anderson (2) and Mitchell Woods (1), but the small target meant the Rhinos were able to complete the chase comfortably.

The result saw the South Africa Rhinos secure victory after a strong all-round performance, highlighted by Louis Koen’s 175 in the first innings and disciplined bowling that kept Australia under pressure throughout the match.

An historic match enjoyed by players, umpires, officials and families alike a format everyone is keen to see continue.

Back Row – Paul Bennett, John Short, Mitch Woods, Stuart Crisp, Richard Anderson, Glenn Giddings, Darrin Rasmussen, Andrew Wheeler (Manager)

Front Row – Craig Willis, Phil Pullar, Matt Lewis (Vice Captain), Clint Keble (Captain), John Kuljis, Craig Gislingham, Jim Johnston.