CRICKET: Asians clip Phoenix’s wings

Despite doing its best, Phoenix could only manage 125 runs for 9 wickets from 30 overs against a very disciplined Asians attack.

November 25, 2017

Quinton Boucher 2 minutes read

Husain Essop opens up for Paradise, during the team's match against Old Boys.

The Spur Super Saturday League A-Division finalists have been confirmed, after Asians became the first team to beat Phoenix this season.

During the match on November 18, Phoenix were under immense pressure from the start.

Despite doing its best, Phoenix could only manage 125 runs for 9 wickets from 30 overs against a very disciplined Asians attack.

Saadiq Bhula, Sajid Gori, Huzaifa and Usman Dessai each bagged two wickets, while Sohail Gori scored 63 runs that saw Asians to victory by 9 wickets.

The result means Phoenix and Asians will now contest the Spur Super Saturday League A-division on December 2.

Defending champions Paradise has guaranteed itself third position, after defeating Old Boys.

Braeden Coetzee scored 90 runs for Paradise, while Ugesh Dawrikaparsad continued to impress with the ball as he finished with four wickets for 30 runs from his six over spell.

The defeat leaves Old Boys at the bottom of the standings, meaning they will walk away with the wooden spoon.

In the B-Division, Eagles and Tigers treated spectators to a spectacular game at Ferrum Sports Grounds.

The game ended with a draw, as both teams scored 176 runs.

The Ithemba Security Night League A-Division is going down to the wire, with Phoenix and Old Boys being the only title contenders with one round of matches to play.

In the only match played in the last week, Old Boys destroyed Asians through the performance of one man.

Henri Linde produced one of the best innings ever seen on Newcastle soil, as he scored 162 runs, which included 15 fours and 12 sixes.

ALSO READ: Phoenix leads the way in Spur Super Saturday League

Sohail Gori’s innings of 108 runs for Asians must also be talked about, but Linde’s knock could potentially be the innings that wins Old Boys the Ithemba trophy.

But time will tell, as Old Boys will now have to face Underdogs, while Phoenix go up against Eagles.

The outcome of these matches will determine the destiny of the trophy, as no final will be played because of time constraints.

It was the perfect outcome, as the competition will now go down to the final match of the round robin phase that will keep everyone interested.