The iconic Betway Pink ODI proved to be a resounding success both on and off the field on Sunday, with over R1-million officially raised for the worthy cause at the heart of this extra special legacy project.
Over 10,000 spectators ‘pitched up in pink’ at the DP World Wanderers Stadium, and the vociferous home crowd were able to witness a highly entertaining encounter as the Proteas clinched an emphatic 2-0 series win over the Netherlands.
By the time the sun set in Johannesburg, South Africa had taken a major step towards automatic qualification for this year’s ODI World Cup, while away from the on-field action, the resounding success of the 11th Betway Pink ODI saw the fund-raising target ultimately surpassed.
Thanks to the generous support of all the game’s stakeholders, R1 060 000.00 was raised for breast cancer awareness, treatment and research, with the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital serving as the primary beneficiary of the funds raised.
Besides a percentage of gate-takings going towards the Pink ODI fund, supporters must also be thanked for pledging pink and donating to this worthy cause, while title sponsors Betway generously contributed R1,000 for every four, and R2,000 for every six, that was hit by either team.
In the end, a whopping 61 fours and 15 sixes were recorded during a high-scoring match in which South Africa accumulated 370 runs before Ireland were bowled out for 224.
After the match, Proteas limited-overs coach Rob Walter, who spent seven years coaching in New Zealand’s domestic system, said it had been a special experience for the team to have risen to the occasion in front of a partisan pink-clad crowd in Johannesburg.
“We’ve spoken about how we’re in a privileged position to inspire and unite our country through sport. To see that happening has been awesome from someone who’s been out of the game in South Africa for seven years. To see the difference in the people who are watching the game has been awesome as well.”
Reflecting on yet another hugely successful Betway Pink ODI, Cricket South Africa Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki said there had been no better way to have concluded an enthralling ‘summer of cricket’.
“The Betway Pink ODI remains one of the most meaningful initiatives that we have ever undertaken. Last year there were limits on crowd attendance due to Covid-19 regulations, but throughout this summer of cricket, it was wonderful to see spectators once again filling up our stadiums during a host of unforgettable matches on South African shores.
“Our support for this event is one of our foremost social programmes and underlines the fact that cricket has a broader responsibility within society.
“Special thanks to our headline sponsor Betway, players and SACA, fans who bought tickets as part of the ticket sales whose proceeds are donated to the fund and the Smile Foundation, DP World, ENZA, FNB, NTP Radioisotopes, and Golf Day participants for showing up and making the Betway Pink ODI the success it was.”
Betway Head of Marketing, Mark Rowles, said, “As a brand that has always taken pride in using the business side of sport to make a difference, we are proud to have once again worked closely with our partners at CSA to lend a helping hand towards the fight against breast cancer.
“Through our promotion, the Pink Day golf day activation as well as contributing to every 4 and 6 hit on the day, we raised close to R300 000 which will all go to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital,” he added.
Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Gladys Bogoshi said, “I wish to congratulate team SA for the 2023 Pink Day ODI win. Over and above, the biggest winner of the day was the knowledge shared throughout the world on breast cancer and the plight of breast cancer survivors. On behalf of all health workers, I wish to pass my gratitude to Cricket SA, all sponsors, team SA and Netherlands, fans and supporters for the generosity shown to us as we continue the fight against breast cancer.”
