CSA T20 CHALLENGE WEEKLY ROUND-UP: DP WORLD LIONS
JOHANNESBURG: The first week of the CSA T20 Challenge has been nothing short of action, with the DP World Lions currently placed second on the log standings with only one loss after five matches.
A look at their opening matches;
DP World Lions vs Gbets Rocks – DP World Wanderers, Johannesburg
Recently crowned CSA 4-Day Series champions, DP World Lions, a confident top-order showing inspired by Ryan Rickelton’s dashing 75 (39 balls, 6 fours, 5 sixes) gave the home side a big 43-run win over Gbets Rocks at DP World Wanderers Stadium.
Batting first, the hosts posted 223/5 thanks also to Reeza Hendricks (28), Temba Bavuma (26), Rassie van der Dussen (42) and Wiaan Mulder (22).
Janneman Malan (61 off 41 balls, 4 fours, 3 sixes) was the best batter for the Paarl-based team, but the night belonged to one of the country’s brightest new names, Kwena Maphaka, after he claimed three for 22 to ensure the Rocks were restricted to 180/7.
The 17-year-old was one of the stars of the recent ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 held in South Africa where he ended as the top wicket-taker.
Auto Investments North West Dragons vs DP World Lions – JB Marks Oval
DP World Lions defeated the Auto Investment North West Dragons by nine wickets for their bonus-point win as Reeza Hendricks shone with both bat and ball.
But before his destructive 57* off 30 balls (8 fours, 2 sixes) took the visitors to their 104 target in 10.4 overs, Bjorn Fortuin claimed 4/27 in a strong bowling display for the Johannesburg side.
Kwena Maphaka continued to impress, claiming 2/11 with the new ball, while captain Bjorn Fortuin took 2/14. Hendricks too was amongst those to strike, sending down three overs for his return of 1/18 in another good showing by the recently crowned CSA 4-Day Series champions.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins vs DP World Lions – Hollywoodbets Kingsmead, Durban
At Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins ended their winless start to the season and inflicted a first loss on the previously unbeaten DP World Lions thanks to 4-wicket a final-over win.
Batting first after losing the toss, South Africa’s Test captain Temba Bavuma hit a breezy unbeaten 53 (40 balls, 3 fours, 2 sixes) to lift his side to 155/5 – Okuhle Cele (2/21) and Ottniel Baartman (4/25) taking two wickets each.
The home side lost wickets throughout the chase but opener Bryce Parsons (62* off 49 balls, 4 fours, 3 sixes) proved to be the glue, and with help mainly from Jason Smith (32), ensured they got over the line with five balls to spare.
Delano Potgieter (3/25) was the best of the bowlers for the Lions.
DP World Lions vs Momentum Multiply Titans – DP World Wanderers, Johannesburg
Recently-crowned CSA 4-Day Series champions won the tightest of the games when they inflicted a second straight loss on reigning champions Momentum Multiply Titans, edging them out by one run in a last-ball thriller at DP World Wanderers Stadium.
Set 184 for victory after winning the toss and choosing to bowl, the visitors were on course for victory when they reached 146/3 just after the 16-over mark thanks to a 52-ball 88 (6 fours, 6 sixes) by Rivaldo Moonsamy.
But the tide turned from there as Codi Yusuf (2/48) landed two crucial blows to leave the Titans struggling at 168 for six.
They refused to give in, though, and needing 14 off the final over sent down by Proteas star Kagiso Rabada (1/24), brought the equation down to two off the final ball thanks in the main to Aaron Phangiso (9*), before only managing a bye to hand the win to the Lions.
Bjorn Fortuin finished as the best of the bowlers with 2/23.
Earlier, the home side needed runs from their lower order to help them reach a competitive 183/5 after they had slumped to 54/4. Wiaan Mulder (48), Mitchell van Buuren (37) and Delano Potgieter (32) provided those runs, which proved crucial in the final outcome as the Lions made it three wins from four to move second.
DP World Lions vs World Sports Betting Western Province – DP World Wanderers, Johannesburg
This was a thrilling Super Over win for DP World Lions with South Africa Under-19 star, Kwena Maphaka, again the hero after he defended 10 to help his side edge out previously unbeaten World Sports Betting Western Province in a rain-hit clash in Johannesburg.
The most entertaining finish of the season came at the Bullring where Maphaka’s heroics came after rain had left the two teams tied after the allotted overs were bowled.
Batting first after winning the toss, Province ended on 127/9 with Lutho Sipamla (2/20) and Codi Yusuf (2/28) claiming two wickets apiece. David Bedingham (37) top-scored for the Cape side, who were seeking a fourth win in four at the DP World Wanderers Stadium.
Chasing a revised 52 in seven overs, the Lions could only get to 51/3, forcing the match into a one-over shoot-out. Wayne Parnell took the ball for the visitors and managed to restrict Ryan Rickelton (1) and Evan Jones (8) to just 10 – one run was a bye.
Maphaka proved to be slightly better and ensured Kyle Verreyyne (5) and George Linde (4) could only get nine for their side, sealing a famous win for the home side.
This week, the DP World Wanderers will host their first CSA T20 Challenge double header on Saturday, 23 March 2024.
14h00: Momentum Multiply Titans vs World Sports Betting Western Province
18h00: DP World Lions vs AET Tuskers