Half-centuries from captain Chris Britz and Ronan Herrmann proved in vain as the World Sports Betting (WSB) Eastern Storm suffered a 20-run defeat against the Warriors in their YesPlay Pro20 Cup Super Eight encounter at WSB Willowmoore Park on November 8.

Herrmann followed up his match-winning performance on Friday night with another half-century, scoring 56 off 32 deliveries, including six sixes and three fours.

However, his effort was not enough to prevent the hosts from suffering their sixth defeat of the competition and finishing bottom of the log, with just one victory from seven matches.

Britz also contributed 63 off 36 balls, hitting four boundaries and four sixes, but Eastern Storm could only manage 186/6 in their chase of 207.

Herrmann was particularly destructive during the powerplay, scoring 40 runs off just 18 deliveries in a 47-run opening stand with Kabelo Sekhukhune. The latter contributed six before being caught at midwicket off Serunath Muthusamy in the fifth over while attempting to clear the infield.

Brayden Hicks then added a brisk 22 off 12 balls in a 33-run second-wicket partnership with Herrmann before dragging Thomas Kaber’s delivery to Kruger at deep square leg.

Also Read: #YesPlayPro20: Herrmann heroics lead Eastern Storm to first Super 8 victory

Herrmann followed 10 balls later, trapped in front by Kaber, leaving the hosts needing a steady partnership to keep their chase on track.

Britz attempted to anchor the innings but received little support as Jurie Snyman (4) and Dewan Marais (6) fell in quick succession. Aryan Gopalan provided some resistance with 18 off 12 deliveries in a 48-run fifth-wicket partnership with his captain.

However, the Warriors effectively put the contest beyond reach when Andile Mokgakane dismissed both Gopalan and Britz in the 19th over, leaving Eastern Storm 20 runs short.

Kaber, Mokgakane and Wesley Bedja each took two wickets for the Warriors, while Muthusamy took one.

Earlier, Sibonelo Makhanya and captain Tristan Stubbs struck half-centuries to power the Warriors to 206/4 in their 20 overs.

Makhanya and Jordan Hermann laid the foundation with a commanding 100-run opening partnership before Hermann (33 off 27 balls) fell to Gopalan, caught by Britz at long-on in the 11th over.

Makhanya followed in the 14th over, bowled by Tumelo Simelane. He top-scored with an impressive 74 off 42 deliveries, including five boundaries and six sixes.

JP King contributed 25 before Stubbs provided the late fireworks with 48 off just 19 balls, striking five sixes and two fours. Patrick Kruger (11) and Mokgakane (13) added valuable runs as the Warriors set the hosts a target of 207.

Simelane, Gopalan, Tiaan Kuhn and Thabiso Lekhoana claimed a wicket each for Eastern Storm.

Also Read: Jurie Snyman shines with bat and ball to lead WSB Eastern Storm to first victory