A 32-year-old former South African first-class cricketer has been killed after being struck on the side of the head during a Border Cricket Board Premier League match at Alice in the Eastern Cape.

Darryn Randall was taking part in a match between Old Selbornians and Fore Hare University when he took the blow while attempting a pull shot and collapsed at the crease. He was rushed to Alice Hospital but medical staff were unable to revive him. A Cricket South Africa spokesman confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that he had been wearing a helmet as all players are required to do.

Mark Boucher, the former South Africa wicketkeeper, tweeted: "Thoughts and prayers go out to the Randalls! Such sad news! Darren was a special boy! Life is short guys! Live it like there's no tomorrow!"

Haroon Lorgat, the CSA chief executive, said: "This is a very sad day, indeed. I would like to convey CSA's deepest condolences on behalf of the South African cricketing family not just to his family and friends but also to all the players, umpires, clubs and everybody else who was present at this match. CSA will be offering counselling to all those involved."

Randall represented Border, as a wicketkeeper-batsman, in four first-class matches and four List A games during 2009 as well as the various provincial youth teams while a pupil at Stirling Primary and Selborne College in East London. He had established himself as a coach where he was running a highly regarded cricket academy at Stirling Primary School. He is survived by his mother and his fiancée.

In 1998 the former India Test player Raman Lamba died after being struck on the head while fielding at short leg during a domestic match in Bangladesh.