Warriors pip Ashrafiya in nail-biter T20

The Ilembe Cricket Union T20 action continued over the weekend as Warriors Sport faced their nemesis Ashrafiya at Gledhow on Saturday afternoon in a tightly contested match that could have gone either way.

Warriors won the toss and elected to bat first, they made a slow start and were battling to stave off a strong Ashrafiya attack.

Warrior’s opener Ash Balchand stood his ground and put on 29 runs including a six and two fours. He was supported by Martin Naicker (30) and Sandile Mazibuko (14), before losing his wicket to Aboo Ismail.

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This is when pinch hitter Ahmedullah Gallu was introduced, who did the job with an impressive unbeaten 23 including a six and two fours.

The Warriors ended their innings on 109/5.

When they took to the field, Warriors pace bowler Rishen Mathapershad went straight into the attack, claiming two quick fire wickets in his first two overs.

However Ashrafiya would not go down without a fight and with the score on 95 in the 18th over they were poised for victory.

That was until Ash Balchand took the attack in the 19th over and wreaked havoc with his spin bowling, claiming three wickets including a runout and conceding just three runs.

Martin Naicker wrapped up the innings in the 20th over by claiming the final wicket with his second ball giving Warriors an eleven run victory. Ashrafiya ended their innings on 98 all out. Ash Balchand 3/15, Rishen Mathapershad 2/22 and Martin Naicker 2/20 were the pick of the Warriors bowlers.

Manager Rajiv Mathapershad praised the Warriors for their tenacity and all round team effort.

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