The Momentum Multiply Titans won the toss and chose to bat first in the opening match of the CSA T20 Challenge against the Moothee Ram Tuskers at the Pietermaritzburg Oval in Pietermaritzburg on Wednesday afternoon.

The Titans will be looking to get off to a good start, as they have unfinished business, after reaching last seasons final, but came up well short against their fierce rivals the DP World Lions in the finale.

The Tuskers will also be eager to impress, with them back in the top flight of SA cricket, after spending a season in division two, and they will want to make home ground advantage count.

MOOTHEE RAM TUSKERS: Kagiso Rapulana, Jack Lees, Andile Mogakane, Chad Laycock, Michael Erlank (capt), Wayne Parnell, Ntando Zuma (wk), Hardus Viljoen, Sean Whitehead, Daryn Dupavillon, Ziyaad Abarahams

MOMENTUM MULTIPLY TITANS: Steve Stolk, Andile Phehlukwayo, Neil Brand, Keegan Lion-Cachet (wk), Lethabo Phahlamohlaka, Sibonelo Makhanya, Dayyaan Galiem, Duan Jansen, Roelof van der Merwe (capt), Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi

The CSA T20 Challenge contest between the Eastvaal Renault Dragons and the Dafabet Warriors at the JB Marks Oval was abandoned without a single ball bowled. The match was supposed to be played on Wednesday afternoon.

The two teams shook hands two hours after the scheduled start had elapsed. The Dragons and the Warriors will get two points each, as a result.

Last season, Lutho Sipamla dismissed four of the Momentum Multiply Titans’ top six batters for 12 runs in four overs to help DP World Lions take control of the T20 Challenge final at the Wanderers. Then Rassie van der Dussen and Connor Esterhuizen combined to steer the Lions to victory with an unbroken 98-run third-wicket partnership in 67 balls.

The Lions will begin their quest for a third title in a row on Sunday, 2 November, with a fixture against Goldrush Boland at the Wanderers. While the Titans will get the tournament underway with a match against the Moothee Ram Tuskers on Wednesday, 29 October.

The Titans, who are under new coach Rivash Gobind, are determined to go one better and lift the title this season. They are happy to be moving away from red ball cricket, where they did not have a great start.

“We welcome the change of format and will be looking to win every game. We know the quality we have for T20s, and I am excited about the transition,” Govind told SuperSport.

FAVOURITES AND UNDERDOGS

The Titans are one of the favourites for the competition, alongside the Lions. However, the Titans will be without their top three white ball batters from last season, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Dewald Brevis, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who are away on national duty. A lot will depend on how their replacements play.

The Lions are also affected by international cricket commitments. They will not have Zubayr Hamza, Codi Yusuf, Lutho Sipamla, and Connor Esterhuizen, who were also named for the Proteas’ test series against India and the SA A squad, also in India. Besides that, the Lions have almost the same compliment of players as they did last season and the one before.

“With lots of players away with the Proteas and SA A, this year’s tournament will give a few youngsters a chance to show what they can do in T20s,” Robin Petersen, the Warriors’ coach, shared.

The Eastvaal Renault Dragons, who finished last season in third place, are potential dark horses. They are one of the few teams that are almost unaffected by international cricket, and have a settled squad with the potential to beat anyone in Division 1. Unlike the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, who will be without five key players for most of the tournament, the Dragons will only be missing Rubin Hermann and Dian Forrester.

BATSMEN TO WATCH

Wihan Lubbe was the key to most of the Dragon’s victories last season. He recorded the fourth-most runs in the tournament at a strike rate of 156, the third-highest among the top 10 run-getters. He is one to watch, as is Goldrush Boland’s Gavin Kaplan, who scored the most runs in the first-half of the 4-day series.

WSB Western Province have an outside chance of going all the way; however, their success will depend on how their top-order does. A lot will rest on their opener, Eddie Moore, who led the run-scorers’ list with 328 runs for an average of 65.6 at a strike rate of 141. The men from Newlands need Moore to replicate this form to give them good starts.

BOWLERS TO WATCH

Matthew Boast has been one of the best bowlers in the first half of the 4-day tournament and is the leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets in eight innings. He will be a handful to most batters if he carries this form into the T20 competition.

The Titans’ spinners, Junaid Dawood and Tabraiz Shamsi, will also be worth keeping eyes on. Dawood was the leading wicket-taker last season, while Shamsi brings experience from international cricket and the T20 franchise circuit. Another Titans player to watch is Dayyaan Galiem, who finished the season with 12 wickets, the third-most in the tournament.

FIELDERS TO WATCH

Galiem also performed well in the field. He was only one of two fielders to take five or more catches in the competition. Galiem took the second-most catches in the 2024-25 edition, and was beaten by Evan Jones, who took nine. Jones will be one of the top fielders to watch again this season whenever the Lions play.

Duan Jansen (Titans) and Patrick Kruger (Warriors) were also brilliant last season with four catches each. They are also worth keeping an eye on.

COACHES COMMENTS

The tournament comes on the heels of the 4-day series and hasn’t allowed most teams enough time to transition from one format to the other. The Warriors, who touched down in Gqeberha on Sunday are an example.

“The logistics of preparation haven’t been ideal. We just got back from Centurion, the guys just had a rest day, and we play on Wednesday. It is a very short turnaround,” Petersen shared.

Gobind, on the other hand, is happy for a change in pace.

“Most players these days are better at white ball cricket. That’s all they play in schools and all the other levels. They are more comfortable with T20 cricket, and I think their transition will be a lot more seamless,” he said.

That said, Quinton Friend, the Dolphins’ head coach, sees an opportunity for players to fine tune their skills and execution with an eye on both the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup and Betway SA20 tournament.

“This season of the T20 comp is a big one. We have the T20 World Cup coming up and it's important for certain guys to showcase their talent in this format and put their hands up for selection for the T20 World Cup squad,” Quinton Friend, the Dolphins head coach, told SuperSport.

Newly promoted Moothee Ram Tuskers will look to solidify their return to Division 1 cricket when they face the 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.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins have signed Proteas speedster Anrich Nortje for the upcoming CSA T20 Challenge starting on Saturday.

The fast bowler, who was a critical part of the Proteas set-up both in red and white ball cricket, has been in the process of rediscovering his fitness and form and the Dolphins are excited to be a part of his return.

Nortje hasn't featured in a professional cricket match since the IPL in May with his last match for the Proteas being the T20 World Cup final in the West Indies in June last year.

Talking ahead of Dolphins debut on Saturday, Nortje is ready to get himself back on the field.

“Everyone has been very welcoming, and it’s been a great environment so far and I’m really looking forward to getting going with the competition,” Nortje said.

“From a personal perspective and a group perspective it’s going to be great to get back out on the park.”

Nortje has been on a long road to recovery having last played professional cricket in May. The 31-year-old has taken the recovery in his stride.

“I’m always positive, always motivated, and excited but when you get towards the end [of injury rehabilitation] you want to get going because you know what is around the corner.

“So, the last week or two have probably been more frustrating than the other months!

“It’s always been about trying to see the positives and working towards a new goal of being better than I was before so I’m really happy where I am now and it’s all about getting out there and getting some games under my belt.”

Dolphins coach Quinton Friend is excited that this plan has come together following a lot of discussion.

"It's massive for us as the Hollywoodbets Dolphins to rope in a bowler of Anrich's calibre," Friend said. "He's done some really special things on the international stage, in the IPL and in the SA20 so we know that he's coming with a lot of experience.

"T20 cricket is one of the formats that he's very good at and it's hugely exciting having someone like Anrich Nortje in our squad for the T20 competition."

KZN Cricket Union CEO Henrich Strydom believes that having the likes of Nortje in their ranks will hugely bolster the squad for the competition.

"We're incredibly excited to welcome a box office cricketer like Anrich Nortje to the Hollywoodbets Dolphins for the CSA T20 Challenge," Strydom said. "He's a proven match-winner at international level and will be a crucial part of the Dolphins squad for the competition.

"He is looking to make a return from injury and we're excited that he chose the Dolphins to relaunch his career after a long period out with injuries.

"It's fantastic to have our youngsters learn from someone like Anrich who has experience playing in T20 leagues around the world."

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins take on the Moothee Ram Tuskers in their opening match of the CSA T20 Challenge this Saturday at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.

A brilliant performance with bat and ball saw the DP World Lions secure their second-consecutive T20 Challenge title with a brilliant eight-wicket triumph over the Momentum Multiply Titans at DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday afternoon.

Rassie van der Dussen (44 not out) and Connor Esterhuizen (48 not out) plundered an unbeaten 98-run stand for the third wicket as the Lions reached 124 for two with 29 balls to spare in response to the Titans’ 119 all out in 19.2 overs.

Lutho Sipamla, who won the best bowler prize, had snagged career-best figures of 4-13 alongside Kwena Maphaka’s 2-15 and Bjorn Fortuin’s 2-10 as the Titans faltered under disciplined bowling from the home side.

𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊-𝐓𝐎-𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐒 🏆🏆
The DP World Lions close out their dominant #T20Challenge season in style with another trophy in the cabinet 😏🔥 pic.twitter.com/vn27EiKazt

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 27, 2024

Sipamla, who bowled 13 dot balls and did not concede a boundary, helped to reduce the Titans to 34-5.

Delano Potgieter (2-0-18-1) made the initial breakthrough after a solid start from Lhuan-dre Pretorius (13) and Rivaldo Moonsamy (13), having Pretorius edging behind to Esterhuizen.

Maphaka then had Dayyaan Galiem caught at mid-off by Evan Jones for just a single before Sipamla entered the fray.

Sipamla removed Sibonelo Makhanya (4), caught at short mid-wicket by Potgieter and then had Moonsamy edging behind before clean-bowling Donovan Ferreira very next ball without scoring.

Sipamla rounded off an excellent afternoon with the ball when he snagged the big fish of Heinrich Klaasen, edging to Esterhuizen behind the stumps for 13.

Superb Sipamla dismisses the world class Klassen 😯

That's four wickets for Lutho Sipamla ✅✅✅✅

📺 Stream #T20Challenge on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/fdVF5SbV1g

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 27, 2024

Fortuin accounted for Roelof van der Merwe (15), adjudged lbw, and having Andile Phehlukwayo stumped by Esterhuizen for 19.

Gerald Coetzee top-scored with 20 but was bowled by Jones (3.2-0-24-1) while Junior Dala departed for 13.

VAN DER DUSSEN, ESTERHUIZEN TAKE LIONS HOME

In reply, it seemed that the Titans were going to make a fist in defence of their meagre total as Reeza Hendricks was trapped in front by Galiem (3-0-14-1).

When Zubayr Hamza (20) was caught by Galiem at mid-on from the bowling of Coetzee (3.1-0-38-1), nerves seem to be filtering around the stadium.

However, Van der Dussen, who struck seven boundaries and one six from 31 balls, calmed emotions with an excellent stand alongside Esterhuizen to take their side to another title.

Esterhuizen, who struck six fours and a six himself from 36 balls, hit the winning runs, a massive six over mid-wicket, and won the best batsman prize.

The pair turned singles into twos on a regular basis while finding the fence at will.

The Lions, who beat the Hollywoodbets Dolphins last season, now have six titles alongside the Titans, who also have won six crowns.

🔵🟡Match Result

We retain the T20 Challenge trophy!🏆🦁🎉
The DP World Lions are Back-to-Back champions!🏏🥳

2023/24 ✅
2024/25✅#LionsCricket #ThePrideOfJozi#SpiritOfChampions #WozaNawe#T20ChallengeFinal #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/PweuNupvBW

— DP World Lions (@LionsCricketSA) October 27, 2024

DP WORLD LIONS: Zubayr Hamza, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Mitchell van Buuren, Delano Potgieter, Evan Jones, Bjorn Fortuin (capt), Lutho Sipamla, Kwena Maphaka, Nqaba Peter

MOMENTUM MULTIPLY TITANS: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Rivaldo Moonsamy (wk), Dayyaan Galiem, Heinrich Klaasen (capt), Sibonela Makhanya, Donovan Ferreira, Andile Phehlukwayo, Gerald Coetzee, Roelof van der Merwe, Junior Dala, Tabriaz Shamsi.

DP World Lions men’s coach Russell Domingo is backing his star players to once again stand up for their team as they go into Sunday’s CSA T20 Challenge final hunting for back-to-back titles.

Having topped the round-robin log and then convincingly beaten the second-placed Momentum Multiply Titans in Qualifier I, the Lions went straight through to the final at the DP World Wanderers Stadium. The Pride will face the Titans once more at 2pm on Sunday.

It's been another stellar campaign for the Lions, with Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks and allrounder Evan Jones in the top 10 of the batting averages and Junaid Dawood, the competition’s leading wicket-taker, Nqaba Peter and Kwena Maphaka making up the top three in the bowling averages.

😃THE FINAL IS APPROACHING!😃

DP World Lions will defend their #T20Challenge title this Sunday!🏏🦁

⏰When: 27 Oct
🏟️Where: DP World Wanderers Stadium

Gates open 12:00
Game starts 14:30

Tickets @ TicketPro 🎟️#LionsCricket #ThePrideOfJozi#SpiritOfChampions #T20Challenge pic.twitter.com/V925UF8exA

— DP World Lions (@LionsCricketSA) October 23, 2024

“Particularly in the big games, you need your senior players to stand up. Reeza is producing some fantastic batting and Rassie is playing very well at the moment, he’s in really good touch,” Domingo said.

“Kwena is only 18, he’s a baby really in cricket terms, writing his matric exams, but he’s already a match-winner for us. He showed in that second-last over in Potch, how good his ability and maturity is at the death. He’s a fantastic asset for us – he can take early wickets and bowl at the death.

“Nqaba is a quality bowler too. There will be days when he is not 100 per cent, but he’s also a match-winner who we back because when he has a good day, he’s spectacular. Junaid has also been fantastic, he’s put in a lot of effort, stayed patient and I’ve been very pleased with his bowling.

“The enthusiasm Evan brings is amazing, he has a great presence, he’s aggressive with bat and ball. He’s had a few niggles previously but now he’s in good shape and is a big player for us. He’s one of the first names on the team-sheet,” Domingo said.

PEAKING AT THE RIGHT TIME

Big-match temperament is not something on sale at the Wanderers Stadium Sports Shop and Domingo is pleased that the Lions once again seem to be peaking at the right time. Their seven-wicket win over the Titans with four overs to spare was an immaculate all-round performance.

“That was close to the perfect game, the fielding and bowling were particularly good. We’ve worked really hard on those things and I’m very pleased that we are arriving at our best cricket at the business end of the competition.

“The standard has been set and now it all comes down to what happens on the day. At the end of the day, we are all human and it comes down to who executes better on the day, which team is calmer under pressure.”

An all-round performance from the Momentum Multiply Titans saw them clinch 19-run win over World Sports Betting Western Province in their T20 Challenge playoff at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday night.

The win sees the Titans earn their place in the final against the DP World Lions at DP World Wanderers on Sunday afternoon, which should be a cracking encounter after the Titans thumped the Lions in the pool stage, only for the roles to be completely reversed in the first playoff earlier this week.

In the final playoff the Titans batted first and managed to score a competitive 182/7 thanks to some fireworks from allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo, as he hammered an unbeaten 39 off 16 balls (4x4; 2x6) along with a number of starts from the rest of their batting order.

Western Province’s chances were then effectively ended by a disastrous start to their chase that saw them crash to 48/5 in the ninth over, before Eddie Moore, 48 off 31 (6x4; 2x6) and Oliver Whitehead (40no) showed some fight to help their side get close as they eventually ended on 163/6.

Proteas quick Gerald Coetzee was the pick of the Titans bowlers, picking up 2/14 in his four overs, as he continues his impressive return to action after injury.

The Western Province chase got off to a decent enough start with 16 coming off the first two overs before everything went pear shaped.

Poor running saw the back of Jonothan Bird (6) and Daniel Smith (13) after smart keeping from Rivaldo Moonsamy and a great throw from Sibonelo Makhanya aiming at one stump, while Valentine Kitime (4) edged Coetzee to Donovan Ferreira at first slip, as they slumped to 29/3 in the fourth over.

Mihlali Mpongwana (4) then came in for some stick, with him hit on the helmet by a vicious Coetzee bouncer, and copped a blow to the forearm from Corbin Bosch, needing a bit of attention after both, before he inside edged Junior Dala onto his own stumps in the eighth over with the score 43/4.

That soon became 48/5 as Tabraiz Shamsi was introduced into the attack and bowled Geroge Linde (1) with his first delivery at the start of the ninth over.

Province finally received some respite, aided by a poor 10th over from Dala, with him conceding five wides and being hit for a six and a four by Moore as 19 came off it which saw them on 74/5 at the halfway point.

That kick started a 67-run sixth wicket partnership off 40 balls, with Moore the aggressor and Whitehead backing him up, as they threatened to fight their way back into the match.

Just as Province may have started to believe, the Titans brought Coetzee back into the attack and he bowled an action packed over that saw Whitehead dropped by Heinrich Klaasen, before Moore mistimed a slog to Phehlukwayo at mid-off the very next ball as they slipped to 115/6.

Kyle Simmonds, 19no off 13 (1x4; 1x6) and Whitehead then shared in an unbeaten 48-run stand, but the run rate was too much for them as they fell well short in the end.

At the start of play Western Province won the toss and chose to bowl and managed to keep the Titans largely in check with regular wickets over their innings, until Phehlukwayo’s late onslaught.

The Titans innings getting off to a solid start as openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius, 24 off 16 (4x4; 1x6) and Moonsamy (29) took eight an over off the first three moving them to 24/0.

Pretorius hammered a six and four off the fourth over from Wesley Bedja as 12 came off it, followed by Moonsamy hitting two fours in Beuran Hendricks fifth.

Pretorius was then out off the last ball of the fifth, stunningly caught by Whitehead who had to take the catch on the boundary, throw the ball up, step out and back in to complete it.

A maiden over from Simmonds then saw the Titans finish the powerplay still well placed on 45/1, with them moving onto the halfway mark on 78/2 after Moonsamy was bowled by Mpongwana in the ninth over.

Every time the Titans looked to be building a good partnership Province managed to strike with a wicket, and that trend continued as Klaasen (13) was well caught by a diving Simmonds a ball after crashing Bedja for a six over deep midwicket, with the score 85/3.

That became 102/4 and 129/5 as Dayyaan Galiem (23) and Makhanya (11) were both caught in the deep when looking dangerous off the bowling of Whitehead and Hendricks respectively.

That set the stage for Phehlukwayo and he took aim at Bedja’s 18th over, crashing a six and three fours as 21 came off it, and 15 off Hendricks 19th adding another six and four, before Mpongwana pulled it back well with just eight coming off the last over.

MOMENTUM MULTIPLY TITANS: Migael Pretorius, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Dayyaan Galiem, Heinrich Klaasen (c), Sibs Makhanya, Donovan Ferreira, Andile Phelukwayo, Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi

WORLD SPORTS BETTING WESTERN PROVINCE: Daniel Smith, Jono Bird, Valentine Kitime, Eddie Moore (wk), Mihlali Mpongwana, George Linde, Oliver Whitehead, Kyle Simmonds, Beuran Hendricks (capt), Mthiwekhaya Nabe, Wesley Bedja

George Linde produced an outstanding all-round performance as Western Province secured a 41-run win over the North West Dragons in their CSA T20 Challenge Eliminator match at the DP World Wanderers on Wednesday night.

Western Province, who were put in to bat first, registered a total of 166-5 in 20 overs.

The Dragons capitulated for 125 in 15.3 overs.

Western Province qualify for the second qualifier on 25 October, where they will go up against the Multiply Titans.

It's a victory for the Boys In Blue!😍🔥💙 We have won by 41 runs.

We are off to Qualifer 2 at SuperSport Park on Friday.

Dragons 125 all out (15.3). Peters (0*). Lubbe 46, Prince 25.

Simmonds 3/14, Linde 3/15, Hendricks 2/9. #WPcricket #westernprovince #WSBNewlands… pic.twitter.com/h0xAUDkMq6

— Western Province Men (@WP_Blitz) October 23, 2024

The winner of that match will play the DP World Lions in the final on Sunday.

Linde set Western Province up with a brilliant unbeaten 49 off 23 deliveries.

He arrived at the crease in the 14th over and took his time to find his feet. The all-rounder revived what looked like a lost cause with some imperious hitting.

Linde smashed five sixes and a single four in his innings.

Three of those sixes came in the 19th over as he took down Kerwin Mungroo for 20 runs in an over that leaked 26 runs.

Linde provided an outstanding rearguard fightback with Abdullah Bayoumy.

The duo constructed a brilliant 65-run sixth-wicket stand as Bayoumy finished with 14 off 12.

Before Linde and Bayoumy's hitting at the death, 140 looked like a distant total.

The Western Province top order had enjoyed starts, but none had been able to convert them into substantial scores. 

Mihlali Mpongwana, Eddie Moore, Daniel Smith, Valentine Kitime and Jono Bird all reached double figures, but fell before reaching the 25-run mark.

DRAGONS' BLITZKRIEG HALTED

When the Dragons came out to bat, Linde made his presence felt with an outstanding catch as Beuran Hendricks delivered the first blow in the Dragons' innings.

The catch left the Wihan Lubbe-captained side reeling on 6-1 after 2.2 overs.

The Western Province captain made things worse for the Dragons with another wicket three deliveries later.

Meeka-eel Prince took a liking to Wesley Bedja and bludgeoned 19 runs off him in the fourth over.

That was the beginning of a blitzkrieg that brought up Prince and Lubbe's 50-run partnership off 19 balls.

The match was looking done and dusted with Prince and Lubbe in the middle.

Lubbe scored a brilliant 20-ball 46. However, things turned when the duo was dismissed within four balls of each other.

Things went downhill from there. Craig Alexander’s side was ahead of the game, but played as if they were chasing a bonus point.

It also did not help that they had chosen to go with a short batting lineup, after opting to play Bamanye Xenxe in place of in-form opener Ludwich Schuld.

The Dragons lost six wickets for 20 runs between the 11th and 16th overs.

The chief destroyer of the Dragons' batting lineup in that period was Kyle Simmonds, who registered career-best figures of three wickets for 14 runs in four overs.

Linde, who was having a night to remember, also bagged a three-wicket haul.

He finished with three wickets for 15 runs in 3.3 overs.

NORTH WEST DRAGONS: Janneman Malan, Taheer Isaacs, Meeka-eel Prince (wk), Wihan Lubbe (capt), Lesiba Ngoepe, Marco Jansen, Migael Pretorius, Bamanye Xenxe, Caleb Seleka, Kerwin Mungroo, Gideon Peters.

WESTERN PROVINCE: Daniel Smith, Jono Bird, Valentine Kitime, Eddie Moore (wk), Mihlali Mpongwana, George Linde, Abdallah Bayoumy, Kyle Simmonds, Beuran Hendricks (capt), Mthiwekhaya Nabe, Wesley Bedja.

Youth, experience and class saw defending champions the DP World Lions advance to the final of the T20 Challenge on Sunday with a commanding seven-wicket win against the Momentum Multiply Titans at DP World Wanderers on Tuesday evening.

Back-To-Back Finals🙌

LET'S GO DP WORLD LIONS!!🦁😤🏏#LionsCricket #ThePrideOfJozi#TheSpiritOfChampions #T20Challenge#WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/mTqZtilog6

— DP World Lions (@LionsCricketSA) October 22, 2024

🔵🟡Match Result

🦁DP World Lions win by 7 wickets
Ticket to the final = BOOKED!🥳😃

See you this Sunday at the DP World Wanderers for the Final Jozi!!🏏🏟️👊#LionsCricket #ThePrideOfJozi#TheSpiritOfChampions #T20Challenge#WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/Q7GaDyDJYh

— DP World Lions (@LionsCricketSA) October 22, 2024

Excellent bowling on display from the youngsters!

7.2 overs
26 runs conceded
7 wickets

Nqaba and Kwena were on fire!🔥😤#LionsCricket #ThePrideOfJozi#TheSpiritOfChampions #T20Challenge#WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/3U9HcfIzCF

— DP World Lions (@LionsCricketSA) October 22, 2024

DP WORLD LIONS: Zubayr Hamza, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Connor Esterhuizen, Mitchell van Buuren, Delano Potgieter, Evan Jones, Bjorn Fortuin (c), Lutho Sipamla, Kwena Maphaka, Nqaba Peter

MOMENTUM MULTIPLY LIONS: Migael Pretorius, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Dayyaan Galiem, Heinrich Klaasen (c), Sibs Makhanya, Donovan Ferreira, Andile Phelukwayo, Gerald Coetzee, Roelof van der Merwe, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi

The ACDC Express Tuskers were crowned the 2024/25 T20 Knockout champions after a commanding seven-wicket victory over Eastern Storm.

The final, held at Willowmoore Park, had to be carried over to the reserve day after inclement weather halted play on Sunday.

Eastern Storm, having opted to bat first, set a competitive target of 130 runs.

The Storm’s batting effort was steady, but the Tuskers’ bowling attack managed to contain their big hitters, setting the stage for a dramatic chase.

By the time rain interrupted play, the Tuskers were 4.5 overs into their innings, looking comfortable at 34-0.

When the match resumed on Monday afternoon, Tuskers’ Cameron Shekleton and Kagiso Rapulana took control of the chase.

Shekleton’s 54 and Rapulana’s solid 38 ensured that the Tuskers easily surpassed the target with seven wickets, securing their first trophy since returning to Division 2.

CHAMPIONS! 🏆🏏

Congratulations to the ACDC Express Tuskers on claiming the 2024/25 #T20KnockOut title this afternoon!

Hard work, teamwork and determination have paid off in spectacular fashion.

A well-deserved victory in the #T20KnockOut final 🏆🇿🇦🏏#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/tU1LhrelKo

— CSA Domestic Leagues (@DomesticCSA) October 21, 2024

Speaking after the match, Tuskers captain Michael Erlank reflected on the significance of this victory, especially after a challenging previous season.

“After the struggles we've had in Division 1, for us to come back and put in a performance like this is immense. Last season was really tough for all of us, and to stand up and deliver in this way is unbelievable. I’m so proud of the boys.

“There were definitely a few nerves, especially after yesterday. We were in a good position, and then the rain came. But the boys stayed calm, relaxed, and focused on finishing the job.

“We don't want to get ahead of ourselves because it's still a long season, but our goal is to be playing at the top level, competing against the best, and winning this competition is a good step towards that,” said Erlank.

Erlank also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of community support, particularly in the Tuskers’ home region of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

The campaign this season, ‘Woza Nawe,’ has been about igniting hometown pride.

“Winning this trophy shows there is something special happening with the team. We’re getting our brand out there a bit more, especially in schools, and we want to bring more kids into cricket. Having the support of the community gives us that extra energy and pride to go out there and perform,” concluded Erlank.

For the Tuskers, this T20 Knockout title is not just a trophy but a statement of intent. With the season still young, they will look to carry this momentum forward and prove that they are ready to compete at the highest levels of South African cricket.

Goldrush Boland beat the Hollywoodbets Dolphins by four runs, via the DLS method, in a CSA T20 Challenge match at Kingsmead in Durban on Saturday night.

In one sense, the result was academic as neither side could qualify for the playoffs, but the crowd was rewarded for their patience with a dramatic finish after light rain had kept the players off the field for an hour during the Dolphins’ reply.

The home team had reached 50 without loss in 4.4 overs, needing 168 to win, when the players were taken off the field. When play resumed, the home team’s task was reconfigured to needing a further 38 runs off 32 balls.

But a combination of fine bowling by Boland and some panicky cricket by the Dolphins threatened to give the visitors victory.

Bryce Parsons, who had played so well to reach 30 not out before the break in play, managed one further boundary before lofting a delivery from offspinner Imraan Manack to deep midwicket while Smuts was bowled attempting a reverse sweep. Manack’s over cost just three runs for two wickets.

Then paceman Akhona Mnyaka had Jason Smith superbly caught behind by Clyde Fortuin for a duck. The over in which he bowled a full length only cost a further four runs as David Miller came to the crease.

Glenton Stuurman’s disciplined over then cost another five runs as the Dolphins’ batters tried in vain to find the boundary. Twenty-one runs to win off the last two overs then became 16 off the last over after another superb effort from Mnyaka.

Aya Gqamane then assured victory for his team when he had a flailing Miller caught behind by Fortuin for eight in 13 balls. A late flurry of runs from Hanu Viljoen meant that six was needed for victory off the final ball, but only a single was achieved.

FIFTY FOR VON BERG

Earlier, beefy Shaun von Berg cracked his debut T20 fifty as he led Boland to a challenging 167 for four after the Dolphins had won the toss and put their opponents into bat.

Von Berg came to the crease as a pinch-hitter after Grant Roelofsen, formerly of the Dolphins, was forced to retire hurt at the end of the second over after being struck in the groin by Okuhle Cele.

The powerful Von Berg took an immediate liking to the Dolphins’ bowling, especially Ottniel Baartman, who went for an eyewatering 28 in his first two overs and 43 overall. Von Berg rode his luck early on but belted four sixes in his innings, including a huge blow over the West Stand off Baartman. Baartman had begun the evening well, clinging onto a towering blow from Clyde Fortuin on the deep midwicket boundary, but thereafter it was all downhill.

In general, the Dolphins bowled too short on the easy-paced pitch and suffered accordingly with only left-arm spinner Parsons impressing with 1-16 off three overs.

Boland finished off the innings particularly well with Lehan Botha (31*) and Keith Dudgeon (36*) adding 67 in 49 balls for the fifth wicket. It was fitting that the last three balls of the innings were hit for four by Dudgeon off Jason Smith to give the visitors a late lift.

DOLPHINS: Slade van Staden, Banele Cele, Bryce Parsons, Jason Smith, Andile Simelane, Jon-Jon Smuts, David Miller, Okuhle Cele, Prenelan Subrayen (capt), Ottniel Baartman, Hanu Viljoen (wk)

BOLAND: Grant Roelofsen (wk), Clyde Fortuin (capt), Lehan Botha, Blayde Capell, Keith Dudgeon, Ayabulela Gqamane, Shaun von Berg, Akhona Mnyaka, Imraan Manack, Glenton Stuurman, Aviwe Mgijima

Rivaldo Moonsamy and Dayyan Galiem’s half-centuries ensured that the Momentum Multiply Titans walked away with a comfortable six wicket victory in their CSA T20 Challenge match against the Dafabet Warriors at Dafabet St George's Park Cricket Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday.

Moonsamy scored a quick-fire 73 off 39 balls while Galiem notched 55 runs off 34 deliveries to help the Titans finish with 174 for four and reach their revised target of 174 with two overs to spare.

The win means the Titans finish second on the log with 21 points and proceed to the playoffs.

Earlier on, Warriors opener Jordan Hermann scored a brilliant century and helped his side register a decent first-innings total of 179 for five.

In reply, Titans got off to a flying start with Moonsamy and Lhuan-dre Pretorius going at a run rate of 13.50. The pair reached 48 runs in four overs before the loss of Pretorious (23), who was run out by Jean du Plessis.

Neil Brand was caught at square leg by Patrick Kruger for a two-ball duck off Alfred Mathoa’s bowling.

With the Titans 50 for two after five overs, Moonsamy and Galiem stepped up and added 99 runs to the Titans' score before Moonsamy mistimed his slog sweep in the 13th over and was caught at deep mid-wicket by Sinethemba Qeshile off JP King’s bowling.

Anrich Nortje clean bowled Galiem in the 14th over but the damage had been done by the men from the nation's capital.

Donovan Ferreira, with an unbeaten 18 runs, ensured the Titans crossed the line comfortably at the end.

The Warriors got off to a bad start in their innings after the Titans won the toss and elected to bowl first.

They lost opener Jiveshan Pillay (3) in the second over to Junior Dala after he flicked his shot straight to Galiem, who was standing at backward square leg.

Hermann and JP King ensured there was no quick tumble of wickets for the Warriors and helped them finish the first power play on 41 for one at a run rate of 7.00, looking set for a 140-run target.

Brand introduced the spin of Tabraiz Shamsi in the sixth over to pick up more wickets. The trick immediately worked as Shamsi bowled JP King for 17 runs, leaving the Warriors 45 for two.

The Titans continued to bowl with discipline and made it hard for King and Hermann to get any easy boundaries. Warriors only managed to get two boundaries between the eighth and 12th overs.

Though King and Hermann were cramped for boundaries, their strike rotation was sublime and helped the Warriors pass the 100-run mark in the 14th over.

Hermann accelerated the Warriors' score and hit fast bowler Dala for an expensive 25 runs in the 15th over.

Brand turned to Shamsi to calm the Warriors' free flow of runs yet again. The change of pace immediately worked in the 16th over as he had Du Plessis (27) caught by Corbin Bosch at cover after skying his slog sweep.

The 22-year-old Hermann reached his second career T20 hundred in the 17th over in style with a four, his ton coming off 58 balls.

In the next over, Galiem removed the dangerous Hermann after he mistimed his shot to Lhuan-dre Pretorius who was at cover.

Sinethemba Qeshile had a short stay in the crease for his nine runs after he hit the wickets off the bowling of Bosch. Andile Makgakane (4) was run out by Bosch in the last ball of the innings.

Shamsi was the standout bowler for the Titans with figures of 2-23 at an economy rate of 5.75.

DAFABET WARRIORS: Jordan Hermann, Jiveshan Pillay, JP King, Jean du Plessis (wk), Sinethemba Qeshile, Andile Mokgakane, Patrick Kruger, Christopher King, Anrich Nortje, Siya Simetu (capt), Shimane Mothoa

MOMENTUM MULTIPLY TITANS: Rivaldo Moonsamy(wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Neil Brand (capt), Bongumusa Makhanya, Donovan Ferreira, Abdu Galiem, Andile Phehlukwayo, Corbin Bosch, Roelof van der Merwe, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi

Connor Esterhuizen registered a new personal best T20 score as he inspired the DP World Lions to a five-run win over the Auto Investment North West Dragons in their CSA T20 Challenge match at the JB Marks Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions won the toss, elected to bat first, and scored 170 for three in 20 overs. Esterhuizen secured victory for the Lions when he ran Marco Jansen out in the final over as his side restricted the Dragons to 165 for six in 20 overs.

The victory now means that the Lions have punched their ticket to the qualifier, which they will host at the Wanderers. The winner of the qualifier will book a spot in the final.

Two batters registered their maiden T20 half-centuries, however, only one of them was on the winning side. Esterhuizen scored a brilliant 62 off 39 deliveries. He struck three fours and as many sixes in his innings. This is Esterhuizen's maiden T20 half-century.

The wicketkeeper arrived at the crease in the ninth over, following the dismissal of Zubayr Hamza, who had scored a laboured 25-ball 21 Before his dismissal, Hamza had shared a match-stabilising 41-run second-wicket partnership with Rassie van der Dussen.

KEY THIRD-WICKET PARTNERSHIP

The most important partnership for the Lions was Van der Dussen and Connor Esterhuizen's third-wicket stand. The duo added a crucial 71 runs to the total. A feature of their partnership was their ability to run tight singles. Despite hitting boundaries, Van der Dussen and Esterhuizen ran 28 singles and a substantial number of twos.

It was during this partnership that Van der Dussen registered his 38th T20 half-century. He creamed four fours and three sixes for his outstanding 38-ball 59. Esterhuizen, who had played second fiddle during his partnership with Van der Dussen was required to take the lead when the new man, Mitchell van Buuren came in. Esterhuizen, who had been going at close to a run-a-ball for most of his partnership with Van der Dussen, let loose and attacked the bowlers. He scored most of the runs of his unbroken 39-run partnership with Van Buuren.

The Lions have not been the most disciplined side when it comes to delivering wides. They came into the encounter averaging 11 wides a match. In this match, they were no better, conceding 12 wides in the contest. However, they made up for that by taking wickets at the right moments, just as the Dragons seemed as if they were ready to take the game away.

Ludwich Schuld, who was batting in his second T20 innings, anchored the Dragons' innings, giving them a chance at victory. He struck three fours and two sixes on his way to a maiden T20 half-century of 60 off 51 balls.

The home side had the game under control when Schuld and his captain, Wihan Lubbe were in the middle. The pair was cruising, taking minimal risk with their shot selection. However, that meant that they had to run more singles and push for twos when the opportunity presented itself. The pair took a chance to put pressure on the fielder in the covers by taking two. That did not work out as Lubbe, who was just getting in stride, was run out by Zubayr Hamza.

However, all was not lost as the home side still had Marco Jansen in the dugout. The lanky No 7 strode in and smashed three sixes and a single four for his 29 off 14. The Dragons needed him at the striker's end, but the Lions bowlers kept him off strike for most of the final two overs. Jansen, in an effort to power his side home, attempted to take a single as the ball flew to the wicketkeeper. He wasn't fast enough to beat Esterhuizen's arm.

Kwena Maphaka was the pick of the bowlers for the Lions. The 18-year-old took two wickets for 28 runs in four overs. Tshepo Moreki also bagged a brace, but conceded 38 runs in four overs.

DRAGONS: Janneman Malan, Ludwich Schuld, Meeka-eel Prince (wk), Wihan Lubbe (capt), Lesiba Ngoepe, Taheer Isaacs, Marco Jansen, Migael Pretorius, Caleb Seleka, Kerwin Mungroo, Achille Cloete

LIONS: Zubayr Hamza, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Connor Esterhuizen (wk), Mitchell van Buuren, Delano Potgieter, Evan Jones, Bjorn Fortuin (capt), Nqaba Peter, Tshepo Moreki, Kwena Maphaka

World Sports Betting Western Province secured an important six-wicket triumph over the Knights in the final round-robin match of the CSA T20 Challenge at World Sports Betting Newlands in Cape Town on Friday evening.

The win, with seven balls to spare, moves the Cape side into fourth place on 15 points, three ahead of the Dafabet Warriors, who face off against the Momentum Multiply Titans on Saturday. 

For WP to progress to the Eliminator, they will be hoping for a win for the Jacaranda City's Sky Blues.

Having restricted the Knights to 157-7 after winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the home side reached 163-4  with Eddie Moore and George Linde ending the match with a quick-fire unbroken stand of 29 from nine balls for the fifth wicket to seal the deal.

World Sports Betting Western Province claimed victory by 6 wickets in today’s high-octane #T20Challenge showdown against the Knights! 🏏🔥

A brilliant all-round display saw them chase down the target with confidence and style. 🏏⚡️#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/YgLa3HaO4R

— CSA Domestic Leagues (@DomesticCSA) October 18, 2024

The hosts were looking extremely comfortable as Daniel Smith (57), Jonathan Bird (16) and Valentine Kitime (15) had left WP with just 65 to get from 52 balls.

Smith, who struck nine boundaries from 33 balls, shared in an opening stand of 54 with Bird from 35 balls.

Bird struck two boundaries from his 17 balls but then edged Sithembile Langa (2.5-0-25-1) to Garnett Tarr behind the stumps.

Kitime took some time to find his feet, also striking two boundaries from his 15 deliveries but then came dancing down the wicket to debutant Seth Flerdermaus (3-0-32-2) with Tarr whipping the bails off.

Madness overcame the home side, who started to look for reasons to throw away a dominant position as Smith, who had looked fluent all evening carting the ball all around the park with ease, set off for a quick single and was run out at the striker’s end after an excellent pick up and throw from Lesego Senokwane in the covers.

However, Moore and Mihlali Mpongwana (22) calmed the situation down with a bright 42-run stand from 36 deliveries but then Tiaan van Vuuren took a good catch on the wide mid-wicket boundary as Mpongwana tried to launch Flerdermaus over the fence.

Linde, who struck one four and two sixes from five balls, aided Moore to see their side over the line and into a potential playoff spot.

Moore, hero against the DP World Lions with an unbeaten 87 just two days ago, struck one four and a six from 23 balls to end unbeaten on 31 to continue his form as the tournament’s leading run scorer.

FORRESTER TOP SCORES FOR KNIGHTS

Earlier, Jacques Snyman (28) and Tarr (15) had added 37 runs for the first wicket from 29 balls to give the Knights a solid start.

It took a patient and well-crafted over from captain Beuran Hendricks (4-0-28-2) to work out the wicket of Tarr, bowling four dot balls before having Tarr edging behind to Smith.

The loss of Tarr’s wicket did not detract from the visitors' efforts.

Snyman and Senokwane (25) continued the steady pace of scoring at a run-a-ball, as the second wicket realised 28 runs from 25 balls.

Snyman, who had struck five boundaries from 21 balls, was then run out at the striker’s end after an excellent throw from Linde at long-off saw Snyman short of his ground.

Senokwane, who was dropped by Kitime when on 18, fell shortly thereafter driving a ball from spinner Kyle Simmonds (4-0-19-1) straight back to the bowler before Aubrey Swanepoel (1) edged Mthiwekhaya Nabe (2-0-15-1) to Smith behind the stumps.

Flerdermaus struck one almighty six from 12 balls but was cleaned up by Wesley Bedja (4-0-34-2), who then had Patrick Botha (0) caught by Hendricks in the covers the very next ball.

All the while, Dian Forrester tried valiantly to up the run rate.

Forrester struck two fours and a six from 26 balls but was then caught and bowled by Hendricks, top-edging the left-arm seamer into the night sky.

At 133-7, the visitors seemed as if they were going to fall well short of the 150-run mark.

But Van Vuuren (15 not out) and captain Aaron Phangiso (13 not out), struck 24 runs from 13 balls to give their a side something to bowl at.

Phangiso struck his first ball for six, then his second for four while Van Vuuren managed two boundaries from his 11 balls.

WORLD SPORTS BETTING WESTERN PROVINCE – Daniel Smith (wk), Jonathan Bird, Valentine Kitime, Eddie Moore, Mihlali Mpongwana, George Linde, Abdallah Bayoumy, Kyle Simmonds, Beuran Hendricks (capt), Mthiwekhaya Nabe, Wesley Bedja.

KNIGHTS – Seth Fledermaus, Garnett Tarr (wk), Lesego Senokwane, Jacques Snyman, Aubrey Swanepoel, Tiaan van Vuuren, Dian Forrester, Patrick Botha, Malusi Siboto, Sithembile Langa, Aaron Phangiso (capt).

ACDC Express Tuskers have booked their place in the T20 Knockout Final after a commanding 31-run win (via DLS Method) over Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers in the second semifinal at Pietermaritzburg’s Oval on Thursday.

The match was interrupted by bad light, but Tuskers were well in control of the game when play was halted.

The Badgers won the toss and elected to bat first, posting 120-8 in their 20 overs.

Key contributions came from Yaseen Valli (31), Luke Beaufort (28), and George Van Heerden (26).

However, the Badgers struggled to accelerate their innings due to excellent bowling from Tuskers’ Ziyaad Abrahams, who took 3-22, and Mbulelo Budaza, who claimed 2-25.

In response, Tuskers made light work of the chase. Cameron Shekleton led the way with an unbeaten 57, supported by Sean Gilson (20*).

The pair looked comfortable as they guided Tuskers to 115-2 in 15 overs before bad light brought the game to an early close, securing a 31-run victory for Tuskers.

The win sets up an exciting final showdown against Eastern Storm at Willowmoore Park in Benoni this Sunday, where the two teams will battle it out for the T20 Knockout title.

With both sides in strong form, fans are in for an action-packed finale.

The Tuskers’ win over the Badgers has further amplified the excitement surrounding the Woza Nawe campaign, inviting fans to come out in full force on Sunday to support their team and bring their energy to the final.

T20KO FINAL

Sunday, 20 October 2024 at 1pm: Eastern Storm vs ACDC Express Tuskers – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins will welcome back local hero David Miller for their final home CSA T20 Challenge clash against Goldrush Boland at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium this Saturday.

Miller, who recently went past the 500 T20 match mark, will turn out for the Dolphins after his recent stint in the Caribbean with the Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League.

The 35-year-old says that he's eager to represent his home union again.

"I'm really looking forward to being back in Durban and representing the Dolphins," Miller said. "I've had some stuff to sort out after coming back from the Caribbean, but after chatting with Quinny (Friend) and Heinrich (Strydom) I'm glad that I can represent the Dolphins again."

The Dolphins have won their last two matches in the CSA T20 Challenge with a good win in Bloemfontein on Wednesday night against the Knights.

They will return home for a vital clash with an outside chance of making the semifinal.

For Dolphins coach Quinton Friend having a players like Miller around the group is a huge asset.

"We are fortunate that Dave is available for us even if it is only one game," Friend said. "He's one of the most experienced T20 players in the world and there is no doubt that he will add significant value even in a short space of time.

"It's fantastic to have him playing for us and we hope to see the Dolphins faithful coming into the ground on Saturday to cheer him and the team on."

Tickets for Saturday are available at www.cricket.co.za

In an action-packed T20 clash on Wednesday, Eastern Storm advanced to the T20 Knockout final after a dominant performance over Northern Cape Heat in the first semifinal at Willowmoore Park.

Northern Cape won the toss and opted to field, but Storm’s batting line-up capitalised with a massive 222-2, thanks to Chris Britz’s unbeaten century (107 off 59 balls, including eight 4s and six 6s) and Danie Rossouw’s 66 off 45 balls.

Dewan Marais added a quickfire 28 not out off 11 balls.

Northern Cape couldn’t find an answer, with only Modiri Litheko managing a half-century.

The Heat were bowled out for 145, as Divan Posthumus, Tumelo Simelane and Amaan Khan each claimed three wickets, sealing a comprehensive victory for the Storm.

Reflecting on the match, Eastern Storm’s Chris Britz said: "Batting first, the powerplay was really tricky, but Danie and I built a partnership that helped a lot. The runs started flowing, and we ended up with a good total. The boys then bowled beautifully to defend what I thought was a great score.

“It’s always nice to score runs, especially in a semifinal. My plan was just to get through the powerplay, as I found it the toughest time to bat. Once I got a couple out of the middle, I found my rhythm and just went on from there. I'm really proud of myself and the team for delivering such a solid performance today,” he added.

"Winning a knockout game is always exciting, and we have another one on Sunday, which is what we play for. I’m really looking forward to the final here at Willowmoore Park. We'd love to see as many people as possible come out and support us – the more, the better. It’s all part of the Woza Nawe vibe – bring your energy, your passion, and let's make the final something special together!"

WINS FOR BOLAND, WP AND DOLPHINS

In the Division 1 T20 Challenge, Goldrush Boland played hosts to the Dafabet Warriors in Paarl.

Boland chose to bat and posted 171-6, with Clyde Fortuin’s 50, Aviwe Mgijima’s 40, and Grant Roelofsen’s 26 adding to the runs tally.

Boland’s bowling was clinical, Glenton Stuurman spearheaded the attack with a five-wicket haul that restricted Warriors to 160 runs.

Stuurman was backed by Aya Gqamane, who returned three scalps and the hosts won the game by 11 runs.

At the DP World Wanderers, World Sports Betting Western Province’s Edward Moore stole the show with an unbeaten 87 that guided his side to a four-wicket victory with three balls to spare.

The Lions batted first, posting 145-7, thanks to contributions from Rassie van der Dussen (43) and Wandile Makwetu (41).

However, Moore ensured the boys in blue go into the weekend’s final round-robin stages with another victory secured.

Meanwhile, at the Mangaung Oval, Hollywoodbets Dolphins secured a comfortable six-wicket win against the Knights.

The Knights set a target of 155-9 in their allotted 20 overs, with Gerrit Snyman’s 58 off 37 leading their innings.

The Dolphins, led by Jason Smith’s unbeaten 65, chased down the target with ease. Smith was also instrumental with the ball, recording 3-21 in his four overs.

UPCOMING T20KO FIXTURES:

Thursday, 17 October 2024 at 11pm: ACDC Express Tuskers v Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers – Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg

UPCOMING T2O CHALLENGE FIXTURES:

Friday, 18 October at 6pm: World Sports Betting Western Province v Knights – World Sports Betting Newlands, Cape Town.

Saturday, 19 October at 2pm: Auto Investments North West Dragons v DP World Lions - JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom.

Saturday, 19 October at 6pm: Dafabet Warriors v Momentum Multiply Titans – Dafabet St George's Park, Gqeberha.

Saturday, 19 October at 6pm: Hollywoodbets Dolphins v Goldrush Boland, Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium - Durban

Jason Smith excelled with bat and ball to lead the Hollywoodbets Dolphins to a clinical six-wicket victory over the ITEC Knights in their CSA T20 Challenge match at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Wednesday night.

Smith, taking the pace off the ball intelligently, claimed 3-22 with his medium-pacers when the Knights batted, restricting them to 155-9 after they looked set to go past the 180-run mark.

Then, with the bat, he struck an unbeaten 65 in 44 balls to guide the Dolphins to victory with nine balls to spare.

Ironically, the Knights excelled in both powerplays – first with the bat, and then with the ball – but lost the match in the middle and late overs in both innings.

The Dolphins got off to a poor start with the bat, with Tshepang Dithole bowled by Johan van Dyk in the opening over and then Jon-Jon Smuts was brilliantly run out by Tiaan van Vuuren after he had just failed to catch Marques Ackerman at short fine-leg.

Undeterred, Van Vuuren grabbed the ball and threw down the wicket as Smuts attempted a single.

Ackerman was joined by Smith and the pair took the score to 50 at the end of the powerplay before Ackerman (28 off 18 balls) skied an attempted hook straight up into the air off paceman Sinethembe Langa for wicketkeeper Gihahn Cloete to take a simple catch.

Bryce Parsons kept Smith good company, scoring 17 at a run-a-ball before being caught behind off Langa.

At 79-4 in the 11th over, the Dolphins still had it all to do to achieve victory.

Slade van Staden joined Smith and the pair ran superbly between the wickets to turn many ones into twos, while also putting the occasional bad ball away for boundaries.

Smith, in particular, was coolness personified as he chose the right balls to hit while Van Staden understood his role perfectly, giving Smith the strike whenever possible.

The pair added an unbroken 79 runs for the fifth wicket and Smith calmly closed out the match with two fours in the 19th over.

The victory, the second in succession after their win over Western Province at the weekend, lifts the Dolphins off the bottom of the table while the Knights, after their outstanding win over the Titans, finished a well beaten side.

DOLPHINS' SPIN BOWLERS SLOW DOWN THE KNIGHTS

Earlier, the Knights, put in to bat by Dolphins’ skipper Prenelan Subrayen, looked set for a big total when a belligerent Jacques Snyman (58 in 37 balls) and Lesego Senokwane put on 69 for the first wicket before the latter was caught in the outfield off Okuhle Cele.

Still, 72-1 in the powerplay was an outstanding start for the home team.

Thereafter, however, the Dolphins’ spin bowlers, Jon-Jon Smuts (0-27 in four overs) and Subrayen (0-21 in four) did well to slow the Knights’ momentum, with Smith claiming the key wicket of Snyman, well caught by Hanu Viljoen at long-off.

Rilee Rossouw, despite being given the perfect platform, was unable to really get going and Smith claimed his wicket too, bowling the left-hander for 20 in 23 balls.

Two run-outs didn’t help the Knights’ cause and with Ackerman superbly patrolling the sweeper boundary and claiming two fine catches, the Knights’ innings ended on a relatively quiet note.

ITEC KNIGHTS: Jacques Snyman, Lesego Senokwane, Rilee Rossouw, Patrick Botha, Aubrey Swanepoel, Gihahn Cloete (wk), Tiaan van Vuuren, Johan van Dyk, Aaron Phangiso (capt), Malusi Siboto, Sithembile Langa

HOLLYWOODBETS DOLPHINS: Tshepang Dithole (wk), Jon-Jon Smuts, Marques Ackerman, Jason Smith, Bryce Parsons, Slade van Staden, Hanu Viljoen, Andile Simelane, Prenelan Subrayen (capt), Ottniel Baartman, Okuhle Cele

Glenton Stuurman's brilliant five-wicket haul helped Goldrush Boland claim a 11-run win in their CSA T20 Challenge match against the Dafabet Warriors at Eurolux Boland Park in Paarl on Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Stuurman picked up career-best T20 figures of 5-33, which included a hat-trick in the 18th over, to help Boland bowl out the Warriors for 160 in their chase of 172 runs.

In the 18th over, with the Warriors needing 18 off 10 balls and Patrick Kruger hitting the Boland bowlers to all parts of the ground, Stuurman put on his Superhero cape and bowled Andile Mogakane (9).

He also sent Liam Alder and Siya Semetu back to the changeroom for golden ducks in the same over.

Kruger, who was dropped twice in the 16th over, was eventually dismissed by Ayabulela Gqamane for a brilliant 51 (28 balls) after he mistimed a shot to deep backward point and was caught by Clyde Fortuin.

Earlier in the evening, Boland captain Fortuin scored a well calculated 50 runs off 35 balls, which included three sixes and three boundaries to help his side register a decent first-innings total of 171-6.

Chasing the highest total on the ground in the campaign, the Warriors' pursuit got off to the worst possible start after Stuurman trapped their opener JP King LBW for a single in the first over and then knocked over Beyers Swanepoel (15) with a yorker in the third over.

Keith Dudgeon sent Jordan Hermann (19) packing after he edged his shot to Ayabonga Gqamane at deep backward point.

Wickets continued to tumble for the away team even after the powerplay as Sinethemba Qeshile (4) was run out by Siyabonga Mahima, leaving the Warriors 54-4 after seven overs.

Jiveshan Pillay and Jean du Plessis notched 38 runs in their sixth-wicket partnership, before Pillay was knocked over by Gqamane for 17 runs in the 12th over.

Three overs later Du Plessis (34) was another victim of Gqamane, this time caught at deep backward square leg by Aviwe Mgijima.

Boland finished the first powerplay on 61-0 at a run rate of 10.17 and looked set for a projected score of 230 after electing to bat first on a slow Boland surface.

FORTUIN FIFTY

The 29-year-old Fortuin shared an opening stand of 71 runs with Grant Roelofsen.

Warriors captain Simetu turned to the left-arm spin of Alder in the sixth over to counter Boland's quick start and introduced himself in the next over, during which he picked up the wicket of Roelofsen after having him caught at cover by Patrick Kruger for 26 runs.

Alder broke through new batter Gavin Kaplan's defence and bowled him for just three runs in the eighth over.

From the eighth over till the 12th, Boland managed to get only two boundaries as Simetu and Alder dried up the runs with their impressive spells of spin.

The continuous pressure from the Warriors duo led to Alder's second scalp of the evening, that of big fish Fortuin just after he had reached his 50. 

Alder bowled Fortuin trying to cut a length ball off the third delivery of the 12th over, leaving Boland 105-3.

Mgijima and Lehan Botha tried accelerating Boland's scoring rate, but they only managed to add 33 runs to the score.

Mgijima mistimed his shot off the bowling of Patrick Kruger and was caught brilliantly by a sprinting Beyers Swanepoel at mid-on for a slow 40 runs off 30 balls in the 17th over.

Shaun von Berg (6) had a short stay at the crease after being run out by Jiveshan Pillay off the third delivery of the 18th over.

Three balls later Mothoa had Lehan Botha (18) caught at long-off by Mokgakane after toeing his half volley.

Keith Dudgeon hit Swanepoel for 17 runs in the 19th over to help Boland reach their total.

GOLDRUSH BOLAND: Grant Roelofsen (wk), Clyde Fortuin(capt), Gavin Kaplan, Aviwe Mgijima, Lehan Botha, Shaun von Berg, Keith Dudgeon, Glenton Stuurman, Imraan Manack, Ayabulela Gqamane, Siyabonga Mahima

DAFABET WARRIORS: JP King, Jordan Hermann, Jiveshan Pillay, Jean du Plessis (wk), Sinethemba Qeshile, Patrick Kruger, Andile Mokgakane. Beyers Swanepoel, Liam Alder, Siya Simetu (capt), Alfred Mothoa