Saleem Mukuddem returns to Rylands Cricket Club first XI

Saleem Mukuddem cricketerSaleem Mukuddem.

All-rounder Saleem Mukuddem played in Rylands Cricket Club’s opening Western Province Cricket Association first division A T20 fixtures on Sunday.

Mukuddem, who played 20 ODIs for Bermuda in 2006 and 2007 and represented South Africa Over-50 in 2023, took two wickets in victory over St Augustine Cricket Club and hit 42 in defeat to Avendale Cricket Club.

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“Back playing first team cricket after nine years, I was just glad I could help the team with both ball and bat vs St Augustin – two for 11 off four overs and then seven not out off five balls to win with two balls to spare,” the 52-year-old Mukuddem wrote on social media.

“I was very pleased to have been able to see the quicks in the first division A, but sad that my 42 off 47 balls coming in at number seven wasn’t enough to secure a win vs Avendale Cricket Club.

“We were struggling at 26 for six when I came to the crease and got the score to a defendable 108. They also klapped me in my one over I got to bowl. But I loved the higher intensity and quality of cricket.”

Rylands Cricket Club have been relegated to the WPCA first division A after ending the 2023-24 premier league in last position with six wins and 16 defeats.

They have since signed spinner Shaheed Abader from United Cricket Club, batsman Divesh Gihwala from Avendale Cricket Club and seamer Kurt Sias from Vikings Cricket Club.

Former Khayelitsha Cricket Club batsman Siyabonga Venge has also joined Rylands Cricket Club.

Batsman Jack Newby has succeeded wicketkeeper-batsman Taariq Chiecktey as Rylands Cricket Club captain.

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