Cape Town 2020 may have stolen the spotlight, but two years earlier, New Zealand’s Over-50s team — the Greycaps — carved out a story of their own. The 2018 Over-50s World Cup wasn’t just their first international campaign. It was a proving ground. A rollercoaster. A team-building odyssey. From tough opening losses to bold comebacks, the Greycaps left their mark not just on the scoreboard, but on the very soul of veteran cricket.
A Rocky Start
Every great story begins with a challenge. For the Greycaps, that challenge came in the form of two cricketing powerhouses: Pakistan and Australia. Facing Pakistan — armed with four ex-internationals — was a trial by fire. Though Adrian Dale and Mason Robinson showed glimpses of brilliance, New Zealand couldn’t find their rhythm early.
Australia, too, tested their nerve. It wasn’t just the skill of the opposition, but the pressure of proving they belonged on that field. These opening defeats were sobering — but necessary. They became the foundation of a tougher, tighter team.
Finding Rhythm Against Canada and Wales
By the time they met Canada, something had shifted. The batting order clicked, the bowlers hit their marks, and leadership on the field took charge. Adrian Dale’s century was a masterclass in composure. Nick Kerr added firepower, and the Greycaps claimed their first win — sweet, hard-earned, and loud.
Their next challenge, Wales, met a team reborn. With Richard Petrie back in the fold and Robinson in elegant form, New Zealand dominated from the outset. Momentum was now in their corner. The energy was undeniable.
Wisdom from the Wicket
What separated the Greycaps wasn’t just individual skill, but mindset. They learned quickly. They adapted. And they embraced the bigger mission: proving that competitive, high-quality cricket doesn’t stop at 50. Their experience became a blueprint for others, showing what’s possible with heart, organization, and belief.
The 2018 campaign wasn’t just about stats. It was about building a culture, one where cricket veterans don’t fade into the background — they lead with passion.
A Legacy That Inspires
Even after the final ball was bowled, the impact of the Greycaps’ World Cup journey rippled through New Zealand’s cricketing circles. More players stepped forward. More clubs began to see the value of senior cricket. And most importantly — respect grew.
This wasn’t a one-time adventure. It was the start of a movement. A legacy that others could build on, season after season. And for the Greycaps themselves, it was a reminder that the best innings sometimes come after 50.