Titans edge Boland while Dragons trounce Tuskers in 1-Day Cup

The Momentum Multiply Titans produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Goldrush Boland by 13 runs via DLS method in a high-scoring affair while the NWU North West Dragons dominated the Moothee Ram Tuskers to win by 72 runs in Pietermaritzburg.

After early weather interruptions reduced the contest to 28 overs a side, Boland captain Clyde Fortuin opted to field first.

The Titans adjusted swiftly to the shortened format, blending calculated accumulation with timely acceleration to post an imposing 235/5.

The innings belonged to Lhuan-dre Pretorius. The left-hander compiled a superb 101 from 74 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes in an innings that combined authority with composure.

He paced his knock astutely, absorbing pressure in the middle overs before launching a decisive assault as the innings gathered momentum. Pretorius found support from Keegan Petersen, who made a brisk 30 off 23 balls and Rivaldo Moonsamy, who contributed 22.

The closing stages were particularly productive for the hosts. Keagan Lion-Cachet provided late impetus with an unbeaten 37 from just 19 balls, while Dayyaan Galiem weighed in with 28 off 14 deliveries to lift the Titans well beyond the 200 mark. With 10 extras added, the home side finished strongly, setting Boland a stiff revised target under DLS calculations.

Boland’s reply began with urgency but was repeatedly interrupted by wickets at key junctures. Fortuin fell for nine, yet Grant Roelofsen counter-attacked impressively. His 62 from 38 balls, laced with clean striking through the off side, briefly swung momentum in the visitors’ favour and kept the required rate within sight.

However, the Titans’ bowlers refused to relinquish control. Neil Brand removed Roelofsen at a pivotal stage, while Duan Jansen and Galiem delivered disciplined spells to stem the flow of boundaries.

Jansen’s 2/19 proved especially telling and Galiem’s 2/27 ensured Boland were never allowed to build sustained partnerships.

Imran Manack injected late drama with a blistering 49 from just 17 balls, a cameo that threatened to turn the contest on its head.

Contributions from Lehan Botha (20), Ferisco Adams (18) and Keith Dudgeon (12) kept Boland in contention but the escalating required rate and regular dismissals ultimately proved decisive. Boland closed on 213/9 from their 22 overs, falling 13 runs short.

At the AET Pietermaritzburg Oval, North West Dragons claimed a comprehensive 72-run victory over the Tuskers.

Asked to bat first, the Dragons constructed their 291/7 calmly and confidently. Meeka-eel Prince laid the foundation with a controlled 61 off 76 balls, anchoring the innings through the middle overs and ensuring the early momentum was not squandered.

Dian Forrester then shifted the tempo with his 68 from 67 deliveries being assertive without being reckless, keeping the scoring rate healthy as the innings moved towards its decisive phase.

With a platform established, Ruan de Swardt’s unbeaten 34 from 28 balls provided the late thrust. His clean striking in the final overs nudged the total beyond the 280-run mark and gave the Dragons a score that demanded sustained intent from the hosts.

The Tuskers’ reply never fully settled. Malcolm Nofal offered resistance with a patient 66 off 86 balls, attempting to hold the innings together as wickets fell around him. Ben Compton and Wayne Parnell added useful contributions in the 30s but the partnerships required to seriously threaten the target failed to materialise.

The decisive blow came from Onke Nyaku. In a spell that dismantled the chase, he returned career-best figures of 6/41 in 7.2 overs, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in List A cricket.

Nyaku struck at critical moments, removing set batters and cleaning up the lower order to end the Tuskers’ innings on 219 in the 46th overs. Caleb Seleka supported ably, conceding just 23 runs in his spell and maintaining pressure through the middle overs.

In the end it was Nyaku’s incisive burst that made the difference in the clash.