In an action-packed round of the T20 Challenge, the Auto Investments North West Dragons, DP World Lions, Knights, and World Sports Betting Western Province all claimed crucial victories as the competition intensifies.
In Johannesburg, the Lions posted 156/5 after opting to bat first against Hollywoodbets Dolphins. Joshua Richards (38), Delano Potgieter (32*), and Evan Jones (29*) helped the pride build a competitive total.
Lions’ bowlers then delivered a disciplined attack, with Junaid Dawood taking 3/22 , Kwena Maphaka and Codi Yusuf each claiming two wickets, the hosts restricted Dolphins to 147/8 and securing a nine-run win.
Meanwhile, in Potchefstroom, North West Dragons continued their winning streak with a nail-biting three-run victory over Goldrush Boland.
Batting first, Dragons’ 176/5 was powered by a stunning unbeaten 83* from Meeka-eel Prince.
Prince, a nominee for the 2023/24 Domestic Newcomer of the Season, was well supported by contributions from Janneman Malan (35) and Lesiba Ngoepe (32) who helped the Dragons set a defendable target.
Despite a resilient 63 from Grant Roelofsen and 34 from Gavin Kaplan, Boland fell just short, finishing on 173/7.
In Gqeberha, Knights recorded their first win of the competition with a comfortable 16-run victory over the hosts, Dafabet Warriors.
Batting first, Garnett Tarr (50), Jacques Snyman (42), and Lesego Senokwane (27) steered the Knights to 166/9.
On the bowling front, Malusi Siboto led the attack, returning 4/28, while Aaron Phangiso chipped in with two wickets and a valuable 18 runs with the bat. This ensured that half-centuries from Matthew Breetzke (66) and Jordan Hermann (51) were not enough for the hosts, who finished the innings on 150/6.
Adding to the excitement in Gqeberha was the competition’s first “Catch A Million” winner, bringing the thrill of the game to the fans in attendance.
In Centurion, Western Province clinched their first win with a commanding seven-wicket victory over the Momentum Multiply Titans.
Titans were restricted to 143/8 by a disciplined Western Province bowling unit. In response, Edward Moore played a match-winning innings, smashing an unbeaten 88 off 47 balls, including nine boundaries and five sixes. His powerful display ensured Western Province reached their target with ease.
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on the teams as they look to build momentum in the race for the title.
UPCOMING T20 CHALLENGE MATCHES – WEDNESDAY, 09 OCTOBER @18H00
World Sports Betting Western Province vs Dafabet Warriors – World Sports Betting Newlands, Cape Town
Hollywoodbets Dolphins vs Auto Investments North West Dragons – Hollywoodbets Kingsmead, Durban
Knights vs DP World Lions – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
Momentum Multiply Titans vs Goldrush Boland – Supersport Park, Centurion
UPCOMING T20 KNOCKOUT MATCHES – WEDNESDAY, 09 OCTOBER @13h00
Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers vs Northern Cape Heat – Recreation Ground, Oudtshoorn
Eastern Cape Iinyathi vs Eastern Storm – Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium, East London
ACDC Express Tuskers vs Mpumalanga Rhinos – Pietermaritzburg Oval, Pietermaritzburg
