Iinyathi secure T20 Knockout final spot with victory over Badgers

Eastern Cape Iinyathi advanced to the final of the T20 Knockout Challenge with a solid 25-run victory over the Garden Route Badgers at Buffalo Park, East London on Friday night.

Iinyathi set a competitive target of 155/4 in their 20 overs, with Nathan Roux setting a foundation of a magnificent unbeaten 68 runs off 47 balls (3x4, 4x6).

Despite an early dismissal of Christian du Toit, Wian Ruthven and Jason Niemand contributed valuable runs, scoring 30 and 28 runs respectively. Their efforts helped steady the innings after the early wicket.

Mncedisi Malika added 14 runs off just nine balls, ensuring Iinyathi finished on a high note.

Jade Richter was the standout bowler for the Badgers, taking three crucial wickets but Iinyathi's score proved to be a challenging target.

Chasing 156, the Garden Route Badgers struggled to find momentum against a disciplined Iinyathi bowling attack. Kyle Joshua Jacobs was dismissed early for 13 runs, followed by Ruan Gerhard Terblanche, who managed 20 runs before falling to Thozama Totana, leaving the Badgers at 61/3.

George Marthinus van Heerden fought valiantly, scoring 65 runs off 48 balls but he lacked support from the other end as wickets continued to fall.

Badgers were eventually bowled out for 130 runs, with Thando Ntini taking three wickets to help secure the win for Iinyathi.

Sunday @ 1pm: Final – Knights vs Eastern Cape Iinyathi – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein