Western Province keep play-off hopes alive

World Sports Betting Western Province have kept their 2024/25 T20 Challenge play-off hopes alive with a crucial six-wicket victory over Knights, setting up a nail-biting conclusion to the round-robin stage.

After Friday night’s win, all eyes turn to Saturday’s fixtures, where the final lineup for the Eliminator will be decided and Western Province could potentially sneak into the play-offs.

With the Auto Investments Dragons, DP World Lions and Momentum Multiply Titans already securing their spots, the battle for the top position will be fierce, as the winner of their final clash claims the coveted first place finish.

Meanwhile, the fight for the remaining play-off spot was wide open. No team had been eliminated yet before Friday’s encounter but the pressure was mounting for the sides at the bottom of the table.

The Dafabet Warriors' fate hangs in the balance. Should they lose to the Titans, or in the event of a ‘no result’, Western Province and Boland, could leapfrog them into a play-off position.

On Friday, Western Province won the toss and elected to field first. Knights posted a competitive total of 157/7, with solid contributions from Dian Forrester (39), Gerrit Snyman (28) and Lesego Senokwane (25).

Western Province’s bowlers, Beuran Hendricks and Wesley Bedja, picked up two wickets apiece to keep the target within reach.

Chasing 158, Daniel Smith delivered a standout performance, smashing 57 off 33 balls to anchor the innings.

Smith was ably supported by Edward Moore, the competition's leading run-scorer, who remained unbeaten on 31, while Mihlali Mpongwana chipped in with a valuable 22. Western Province comfortably reached their target in 18.5 overs, finishing on 163/4 and securing the vital win.

Saturday’s matches will be decisive and Western Province’s fate hangs in the balance but with momentum on their side, they'll be watching closely as the final play-off spot is determined. Expect nothing less than high drama and fierce competition as the round-robin stage comes to a thrilling conclusion.