VKB Knights victorious in first Ehlanzeni Challenge
Cricket fans had the opportunity to watch cricket pro's in action during the Heritage Day match between the VKB Knights and The Unlimited Titans at Uplands College.
Two wickets stood between The Unlimited Titans and victory against the VKB Knights in a 50-over inaugural match in the Ehlanzeni Challenge at Uplands College on Heritage Day.
Leg-spinner for the hosts, Shaun von Berg, took three for 41 in 10 overs. Von Berg has changed his pace the past couple of seasons and has generally operated at about five kilometres per hour quicker than his previous average of 80 kilometres per hour.
The Titans went in to bat first and were bowled out for 189, about 30 runs short of a par-score on the surface.
Mangaliso Mosehle, wicketkeeper-batsman of the Titans, slammed 43 while Dean Elgar, South African test opener of the hosts, contributed 40. He quickly realised that the pitch required him to operate at between 77- and 80 kilometres per hour, and it worked a treat.
Occasionally, he bowled some quicker variations which trapped two Knights batsmen in front. He forced them to take changes, and on a few occasions their high-risk approach brought them boundaries.
Von Berg has been a bogey man for the Knights, as he captured 10 for 129 against the Central Franchise team in the Sunfoil Series once in the 2013/2014 season. He also nipped out eight batsmen of the Free State while representing the Northerns amateur team.
All-rounder, Albie Morkel has been called up to the Proteas squad to replace the injured David Wiese for the three-match T20 International series against India starting in Dharamshala next Friday. Wiese fractured his finger while playing for the Titans.
Supporters made themselves at home on pavilions and under gazebos next to the field, with the smell of braaivleis floating on the breeze over lunchtime. Many children were clad in the blue of The Unlimited Titans and waved flags to support the home team or rushed players for their autographs. A spirited group of men also cheered on the team with a well-practised chant.
Fans can look forward to another great match around the same time next year, due to a recent three-year contract between The Unlimited Titans, Uplands College, Casterbridge Hollow and Magnolia Restaurant.
