Two magnificent century partnerships put the Garden Route Badgers in a commanding position heading into the final day of their CSA Division Two First-Class Shield clash against World Sports Betting (WSB) Eastern Storm at WSB Willowmoore Park today (September 11).

Nathan Engelbrecht and Slade van Staden first combined for 104 runs for the third wicket before Maloka Modise and Pheko Moletsane added 124 for the fifth wicket to guide the Badgers to 367/6 at stumps.

Moletsane remained unbeaten on 89 off 154 deliveries, while Modise (75), Van Staden (56) and Engelbrecht (57) all contributed half-centuries.

The match also marked a memorable occasion for Eastern Storm’s Sabelo Mabanga, who made his senior team debut.

After a full day’s play was lost on September 10 because of a wet infield, Eastern Storm won the toss and newly appointed captain Chris Britz elected to field.

His decision appeared justified early on, with opening bowlers Merrick Brett and Chad Classen putting Badgers captain Yaseen Valli and Janneman Malan under pressure with the new ball.

Classen, bowling from the Willow End, produced a disciplined spell upfront and was unlucky not to claim a wicket. The pressure he created, however, presented Amaan Khan with an opportunity to make the breakthrough.

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Bowling second change from the Willow End, Khan had Valli caught at point by Dewan Marais. The former SA U19 player was soon involved again, reacting sharply to run out Malan, who attempted to steal a quick single off Simelane.

Engelbrecht and Van Staden then wrestled back control in the middle overs, taking on the spin pairing of Simelane and Aryan Gopolan to move the Badgers from 33/2 to 105/2 by lunch, with Engelbrecht unbeaten on 49 and Van Staden on 23.

Eastern Storm made an immediate impact after the interval, with Khan continuing to lead the attack. Engelbrecht was given a reprieve when he edged Khan to Kabelo Sekhukhune at third slip, but the fielder, fully stretched, could not hold on.

Van Staden reached his half-century before the partnership passed the 100-run mark in the 42nd over. Khan eventually broke the stand when he had Van Staden caught at short third man.

Engelbrecht followed Van Staden to his half-century but was later dismissed by Classen after a superb delivery found the outside edge, with Marais taking the catch at point.

Moletsane and Modise then continued the Badgers’ assault on the spinners, putting together a 124-run fifth-wicket partnership. Jurie Snyman finally broke the stand when Modise mistimed his shot and picked out Khan.

But Moletsane never ran short of partners as he combined with Liam Alder, who scored a brisk 42 off 38 deliveries, for another valuable 75-run partnership. Khan struck again late in the day to dismiss Alder and claim his third wicket.

Khan was the pick of the Eastern Storm bowlers, finishing with 3/43, while Classen and Snyman claimed one wicket each.

The Badgers will resume on 367/6 on the final day, with Moletsane unbeaten on 89 and Jade Richter yet to bat.

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