The NWU First Cricket team took on the CSA Emerging team this past week in Potchefstroom in entertaining contests that tested both sides ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 cricket season.
The teams participated in a two-day match, two one-day matches and a T20 to test their cricketing skills across both the long and short formats.
The two-day match ended in a draw after the NWU clawed their way back in the second innings, thanks to a valuable 84 from 87 balls by SW Kemp to finish on 173/4. Kemp was one of the standout performers for the NWU across all formats.
Aisosa Eihevba picked up 5/29 for CSA Emerging as he ripped through the NWU batting line-up in the first innings. The NWU were bowled out for 156 before CSA Emerging replied with 362 all out. Modiri Litheko (73 from 73 balls) and Ntando Zuma (82 from 105 balls) were the top batters for the visitors.
The CSA Emerging team consists of some of South Africa’s top young talent being considered for future Proteas selection, including Matthew Boast (Warriors), Richard Seletswane (Lions), Josh Breed (Western Province) and Keegan Lion-Cachet (Titans).
The first one-day match ended in a six-wicket win for CSA Emerging at the Ibbies Oval. Ludwich Schuld (33 from 30 balls) and William September (44 from 42 balls) played handy knocks, but the NWU could not capitalise and post a match-winning total. Their score of 247 all out was not enough as CSA Emerging reached the target in the 32nd over.
Keegan Lion-Cachet played a blinder, smashing 167 from just 88 balls. He struck 15 fours and 14 sixes. He came to the crease with CSA Emerging in trouble at 10/3 and departed with his side well in the driver’s seat at 227/4.
Jaydon Brooker (3/17) was the pick of the NWU bowlers.
The second one-day match was a much tighter affair, which the NWU lost by just two runs in their chase of the visitors’ 308/8. Seletswane made a vital 152 to anchor the innings. Brooker was among the wickets once again with figures of 3/46.
Kemp played a brilliant innings of 75 from just 32 balls for the NWU, while Ivan Lockem (52 from 57 balls) and Mfanafuthi Shange (53 from 81 balls) also did their best to edge their side closer to the target.
The final T20 was another close contest, with CSA Emerging winning by three wickets after chasing down the NWU’s 153/6 with nine balls to spare.
Lleyton Troskie top-scored for the NWU with a solid 43 from 46 balls. He also claimed 2/15 with the ball.
Muhammad Manack’s 62 from 32 balls and Gomolemo Phiri’s 49 from 31 balls laid the foundation for CSA Emerging’s victory.
