Rain wreaks havoc with SKZN run chase
Despite the narrow loss, there's lots for the team to be optimistic about.
THE Southern KwaZulu-Natal cricket team Hope travelled to the DHS Old Boys ground last Sunday to take on African Warriors in their second premier division game.
African Warriors batted first and posted a score of 230 runs in their allotted 50 overs.
The Southern KZN batsmen were positive they could achieve this goal and Morne Bishop (36) and Junaid Khan (47) opened the batting confidently.
The batsman of the day, however, was Lionel Jali who scored 59 not out. Unfortunately, as the target was in sight, the heavens opened and play was suspended until the rain ceased.
Lionel was left standing alone at the crease as the balance of the batsmen went out cheaply around him, resulting in Southern KZN losing the game by 14 runs.
Ashley Lombard missed the game to be a groomsman at George Bronkhorst’s wedding in Pietermaritzburg.
A disappointed captain, Raja Kazi, said they were on target and confident until the rain interrupted play and the remaining batsmen seemed to lose concentration.
Despite the loss, the team was in good spirits and were proud to be making history as the first local team to compete in the premier division.
They are proving they have the talent and ability and deserve the opportunity to compete at this level. They are looking forward to their next game against Berea Rovers at Port Shepstone Country Club this Sunday.
Batting: Morne Bishop 36, Junaid Khan 47, Mathew Denton-Cooke 19, Lionel Jali 59*, Garreth Bishop 9, Raja Kazi 9, Grant Small 7, Jhean Ludick 2, Damien Dankworth 5, Yusuf Moosa 0, Eugene Naude 0.
Bowling: Jhean Ludick 2/52 in 10 overs, Eugene Naude 1/27 in seven overs, Morne Bishop 0/20 in four overs, Garreth Bishop 1/45 in 10 overs, Raja Kazi 0/28 in 10 overs, Grant Small 0/49 in nine overs.
Club cricket got off to a good start this weekend with all T20 games being played and completed despite the rainy weather.
The Eagles won both of their opening fixtures, beating Merlewood by 10 wickets in a low scoring match and, due to excellent batting by Theo Nichols (76), beating PSCC by 79 runs.
PSCC played Sezela in the morning game, which was reduced to 15 overs a side, winning the game in the final over.
DMCC beat the Colts by nine wickets. Colts youngsters played well scoring 135 all out with Yogeshan Pillay top scoring with a well played 46 runs. DMCC ‘s top batsmen were Anton Potgieter (46 runs off 20 balls), Dirkie Botes (40 runs off 40 balls ) and Wicus Pretorius (42 runs off 30 balls).
DMCC played against Sezela in their afternoon game and were beaten at the post setting a soft target of 115 runs. Sezela reached the target in 18.1 overs. Eric Lohler was the top bowler of the game with four wickets for 14 in four overs.
Colts beat Merlewood by five wickets in their afternoon game. Top batsmen were Quinten Gonzalves (57runs), MJ van Rooyen (41) and Yugeshan Pillay (36*). Chris Stewart bowled well, taking 2/22 in four overs.
