Pretorius blasts world record as Titans maintain winning streak

Momentum Multiply Titans star batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius etched his name into the history books with a record-breaking 188, powering his side to a commanding victory over Flexbrands Knights in the YesPlay Pro20 Cup on Friday.

In the final of three fixtures on day eight of the competition, Titans won the toss and elected to bat first at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

Pretorius wasted no time getting into his stride, contributing 98 runs in a 112-run opening partnership with Sinethemba Qeshile.

The rest of the visitors’ batting order played a supporting role as the in-form 20-year-old took centre stage, smashing 15 fours and 13 sixes on his way to the highest individual score in T20 cricket history.

Titans eventually posted a formidable 267, setting the Knights a daunting target of 268 for victory.

The hosts showed some resistance through Jacques Snyman and Gihahn Cloete, who scored 32 and 39 respectively but struggled to keep pace with the required run rate.

Knights were eventually bowled out for 143, with Titans captain Donovan Ferreira and Junior Dala claiming three wickets apiece in a commanding 124-run victory.

The result strengthened the Titans’ position at the top of Pool A, while the Knights remain winless in the competition.

Earlier in the day, the Mpumalanga Rhinos secured a 17-run victory over Kaneez Tuskers in White River after posting 159/4 in their allotted 20 overs.

Bryn Brokensha top-scored with an unbeaten 44, while Benjamin van Niekerk provided valuable support with 38 not out.

In reply, Jack Lees got the Tuskers’ chase off to a flying start, striking three fours and three sixes in his 23-ball 40. Captain Cameron Dean Shekleton then anchored the innings with a half-century to keep the visitors in contention.

However, with the required runs mounting in the final over, the Tuskers were forced to take risks.

Jon Hinrichsen capitalised, dismissing Shekleton and Liyema Waqu in successive deliveries to halt the chase and leave the Tuskers all out for 142.

At DP World Wanderers Stadium, North West Dragons returned to winning ways with an impressive six-wicket victory over DP World Lions after electing to field first.

The hosts posted 205, with Rassie van der Dussen contributing 46 and Mitchell van Buuren leading the way with 66.

In response, the Dragons produced a composed chase, with half-centuries from Wihan Lubbe and Dian Forrester guiding them to victory with six wickets in hand. The result saw the Dragons return to the top of Pool B.

Meanwhile, Garden Route Badgers got their campaign back on track on Thursday with a convincing 39-run victory over Eastern Cape Iinyathi.

After being sent in to bat, the Badgers posted an impressive 182/4, with Yaseen Valli top-scoring with 62 before retiring hurt, while Slade van Staden remained unbeaten on 52 off 33 deliveries.

In reply, Iinyathi struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Badgers bowling attack and finished on 143/9 in their 20 overs.

Enathi Kitshini, Banele Cele and Leo Sadler claimed two wickets apiece to help secure the win for the Badgers.