The North-West Dragons made the perfect start to the CSA 1-Day Cup with an accomplished 72-run victory against the KZN-Inland Tuskers in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday, March 1.
Dragons’ opening bowler, Onke Nyaku, picked up career-best figures of 6/41 as the Tuskers were bowled out for 217 after compiling 88 for the first wicket.
The Dragons batted first and stroked their way to 291/8 thanks to half-centuries from Meeka-eel Prince (61 from 76 balls) and Dian Forrester (68 from 67 balls). New Dragons loanee, the experienced Dominic Hendricks scored 34 on his Dragons debut. Hendricks will play for the Dragons in the 1-Day Cup and will return to the Lions after the tournament.
Daryn Dupavillon was the top bowler for the Tuskers taking 3/52 in 9 overs.
Malcolm Nofal (66 from 86 balls) and Ben Compton (34 from 48 balls) gave the Tuskers hope in the chase, but Alfred Mothoa brought the Dragons their first wicket getting rid of Compton LBW.
It was then the Onke Nyaku-show as he ripped through the Tuskers batting line-up as nine wickets fell for 129 runs.
The Dragons will next face the Lions at home at the JB Marks Oval tomorrow (Wednesday, March 4) at 13:30.
