KFC Mini-Cricket Kids beat Proteas

The KFC Mini-Cricket Kids of Centurion’s Laerskool Fleur recorded an impressive three-run win over the Proteas in a rain-curtailed affair in front of a passionate home crowd. It was the first time rain affected a match in the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour. The match was judged on how many runs each team scored after four overs, with the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids the eventual winners.

Before rain put an end to the encounter, things started off with great excitement as the KFC Kids won the toss and elected to field first. When asked about the decision to bowl, skipper Kagiso Malau’s response was a decisive one, and he commented: “Well, I am good at bowling.”

Kagiso instantly put the Proteas under pressure with some very accurate bowling. With pressure mounting on AB de Villiers and fellow opener Aaron Phangiso, the first wicket came in the form of a run-out as the Kids, being as active as ever, pounced on the opportunity.

From there on, the Proteas’ batsmen relaxed a little and started to play some shots. This was something that saw not only the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids chasing after the ball, but also the many spectators who also got active on the sidelines. The second pair of Farhaan Behardien and Chris Morris came to the crease, but tight bowling and ultra-sharp fielding from the Kids kept them in check.

Tamryn Lorence sent Chris Morris’ stumps flying with a brilliant yorker, while the sisters Tylo and Vanya van Wyngaardt bowled a brilliant line and length with Tylo bowling the over of the day, taking three wickets for three runs.

Eventually, the Proteas finished with 56 runs. It was a fine effort from the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids. Unfortunately, clouds continued to build, lightning made an appearance and a light drizzle began to fall.

Determined to make a game of it despite the daunting elements, captain Kagiso Malau and Michael Atkinson batted impressively, with some attacking stroke play. With the weather worsening with each ball, the umpires decided to call for one more over after the third.

After considering the Proteas’ score at that stage, the umpires declared that the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids needed to have 29 runs on the board after the last over to win. Quinton de Kock was entrusted with the ball, but some lusty blows were struck, and combined with some uncharacteristically poor fielding from the Proteas, the kids had the game in the bag.

The enthusiastic supporters, who braved the bad weather, were delighted with the result, and the school’s headmaster, Phillip Bekker, praised his young stars.