Tuskers to face Titans in T20 Challenge opener
- Cricket SA
- Oct 28
- 4 min read
Newly promoted Moothee Ram Tuskers will look to solidify their return to Division 1 cricket when they face Momentum Multiply Titans in the opening fixture of the 2025/26 T20 Challenge on Wednesday.
The KwaZulu-Natal side earned their place in the top division after a remarkable 2024/25 campaign that saw them lift the Division 2 T20 Knockout title and share both the 1-Day Cup and 4-Day Series trophies following rain-affected finals.
Tuskers captain, Michael Erlank, said the team was thrilled to be back competing at the highest level and eager to test themselves against top opposition.
“Last season was a really successful one for us and it’s just unreal to be back in Division 1. That was one of our main goals, to challenge for trophies and earn promotion.
“The boys have adapted nicely to the higher level of competition and there have already been some strong individual performances in the 4-Day campaign. We are now looking to put together a complete team performance in the T20 format.
“There’s a lot of talent in our squad and we’re looking forward to showcasing that. Facing a side like the Titans is a great challenge, we just need to stick to our plans, stay composed under pressure, and enjoy the contest,” said Erlank.
Meanwhile, Titans skipper, Neil Brand, says his side is eager to start the new season strongly after finishing runners-up in last year’s T20 Challenge, where they fell short in the final against the DP World Lions.
“Last season’s loss was disappointing but we take a lot of confidence from the way we played. We’ve got a slightly different-looking squad this year, with exciting young talent mixed with experience and we’re keen to make an impact from the start.
“Our focus is to play a positive, attacking brand of cricket. To keep putting teams under pressure and take the strong option. We want to let the youth express themselves while maintaining calm heads in key moments. Getting off to a good start is vital in a short group phase and the squad is ready and raring to go.”
In another opening-round fixture on Wednesday, the Renault Potchefstroom North West Dragons will take on Dafabet Warriors at the JB Marks Oval, before travelling to Paarl to face the Goldrush Boland on Friday.
The Division 2 T20 Knockout is already in full swing; the second round on Wednesday will see Garden Route Badgers host Eastern Cape Iinyathi at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn.
Limpopo Impalas travel to Bloemfontein to take on the Knights, and Eastern Storm face Northern Cape Heat at Willowmoore Park Stadium in Benoni.
This season, both the T20 Challenge and T20 Knockout competitions will feature knockout stages that include a Qualifier 1, an Eliminator, and Qualifier 2 before the Final, ensuring a competitive finish to the domestic T20 calendar.
Meanwhile, Supertech has partnered with the Moothee Ram Tuskers.
KZN Inland Cricket Union is proud to welcome Supertech as an Associate Sponsor of the Moothee Ram Tuskers as the team continues their return to Division 1.
As part of this exciting partnership, a portion of the Supertech sponsorship will be dedicated to supporting the Tuskers national week teams, strengthening the development and performance of our representative squads.
Owner of the Supertech Group Ubaid Tayob says that it's a partnership that they feel is beneficial for both brands going forward.
"We’re really excited about this partnership," Tayob said. "The Tuskers are such a big part of the sporting culture here in KZN, and it just felt like the right fit for us. At Supertech, we’ve always believed in backing local talent and building community, and this partnership allows us to do exactly that.
"For us, it’s not just about having our logo on a shirt, it’s about being part of something that inspires people and brings that local pride to life."
Being partners with the senior Tuskers team was a big reason to come on board, however for Supertech supporting the junior structures was just as important.
"We’ve always believed in developing young talent. The junior Tuskers are the future of the game and we want to help give them the platform and support they need to grow.
"It also ties in perfectly with our other youth initiatives, like our partnership with Kids Golf Associations, the Supertech Soccer Showdown for kids, and our annual Toy Drive.
"Supporting young people and creating opportunities for them to thrive is something we’re genuinely passionate about."
Tayob is excited to support local cricket and be a part of what has been an exciting journey for the Tuskers back into the top flight of domestic cricket.
"Local cricket is the heartbeat of the sport, it’s where the next big names come from. The Tuskers have such a proud history and a passionate fan base, and we love being part of that energy.
"They play a big role in the sporting landscape of our province, and by supporting them, we’re strengthening the roots of the game. It’s also our way of giving back to the community that’s supported Supertech for so many years.
"At the end of the day, whatever we do, performance and teamwork are at the heart of it all," Tayob added.
To have such an iconic brand on board is a huge feather in the cap for the Tuskers.
"We are honoured to be associated with the Supertech brand and look forward to building a long-term relationship with Ubaid Tayob and his team," CEO of KZN Inland Cricket Jason Sathiaseelan said.
"In addition to their associate sponsorship of the Tuskers, Supertech will also sponsor our four national week teams, further demonstrating their commitment to the growth of cricket in our region. Supertech has already made a meaningful contribution through the vehicle sponsorship for our Head Coach, Ahmed Amla, enabling greater mobility and support for our cricket programmes.
"We extend our sincere thanks to Supertech for their partnership and belief in the Tuskers’ vision for excellence both on and off the field," Sathiaseelan added.
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