In an action-packed T20 Wednesday, Eastern Storm advanced to the T20 Knockout final after a dominant performance over Northern Cape Heat in the first semi-final at Willowmoore Park.
Northern Cape won the toss and opted to field but Storm’s batting line-up capitalised with a massive 222/2, thanks to Chris Britz’s unbeaten century (107 off 59 balls, 8x4, 6x6) and Danie Rossouw’s 66 off 45 balls. Dewan Marais added a quickfire 28* off 11 balls.
Northern Cape couldn’t find an answer, with only Modiri Litheko managing a half-century. The Heat were bowled out for 145, as Divan Posthumus, Tumelo Simelane, and Amaan Khan each claimed three wickets, sealing a comprehensive victory for the Storm.
Britz said: "Batting first, the PowerPlay was really tricky but Danie and I built a partnership that helped a lot. The runs started flowing and we ended up with a good total. The boys then bowled beautifully to defend what I thought was a great score.
“It’s always nice to score runs, especially in a semi-final. My plan was just to get through the PowerPlay, as I found it the toughest time to bat. Once I got a couple out of the middle, I found my rhythm and just went on from there. I'm really proud of myself and the team for delivering such a solid performance today,” he added.
"Winning a knockout game is always exciting and we have another one on Sunday, which is what we play for. I’m really looking forward to the final here at Willowmoore Park. We'd love to see as many people as possible come out and support us – the more, the better. It’s all part of the Woza Nawe vibe – bring your energy, your passion, and let's make the final something special together!"
In the Division 1 T20 Challenge, Goldrush Boland played hosts to the Dafabet Warriors in Paarl.
Boland chose to bat and posted 171/6, with Clyde Fortuin’s 50, Aviwe Mgijima’s 40 and Grant Roelofsen’s 26 adding to the runs tally.
Boland’s bowling was clinical, Glenton Stuurman spearheaded the attack with a five-wicket haul that restricted Warriors to 160 runs. Stuurman was backed by Aya Gqamane, who returned three scalps and the hosts won the game by 11 runs.
At the DP World Wanderers, World Sports Betting Western Province’s Edward Moore stole the show with an unbeaten 87 that guided his side to a four-wicket victory with three balls to spare.
Lions batted first, posting 145/7, thanks to contributions from Rassie van der Dussen (43) and Wandile Makwetu (41). However, Moore ensured the boys in blue go into the weekend’s final round-robin stages with another victory secured.
Meanwhile, at the Mangaung Oval, Hollywoodbets Dolphins secured a comfortable six-wicket win against Knights.
Knights set a target of 155/9 in their allotted 20 overs, with Gerrit Snyman’s 58 off 37 leading their innings.
Dolphins, led by Jason Smith’s unbeaten 65*, chased down the target with ease. Smith was also instrumental with the ball, recording 3/21 in his four overs.
UPCOMING T20 KNOCKOUT FIXTURES
Thursday @ 1pm: ACDC Express Tuskers v Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers – Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg
UPCOMING T20 CHALLENGE FIXTURES
Friday @ 6pm: World Sports Betting Western Province v Knights – World Sports Betting Newlands, Cape Town.
Saturday @ 2pm: Auto Investments North West Dragons v DP World Lions - JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom.
Saturday @ 6pm: Dafabet Warriors v Momentum Multiply Titans – Dafabet St George's Park, Gqeberha.
Saturday @ 6pm: Hollywoodbets Dolphins v Goldrush Boland, Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium - Durban
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