The second semi-final of the Southern KwaZulu-Natal T20 League took place at Port Shepstone Country Club last Sunday with a keenly anticipated clash between Kings XI Cricket Club and Sheppie Lions.

It was a match comprising two sublime batting performances with many supporters saying it was one of the best they had ever watched in the region. The Kings won the toss and elected to bat first, finishing on 160 for four after 20 overs.

Sachin Kalkapersad led the way with a knock of 84 runs from 52 balls, which included eight fours and four sixes. Brandon Naidoo and Derek Horlock posted 20 runs each with Morné Bishop adding 19. Pick of the bowlers was Althaf Hussain with three for 27 runs in four overs. In response, Sheppie Lions got off to a slow but steady start, with Althaf Hussain keeping things settled with 35 runs off 39 balls.

It set the stage for what was to happen next. Waqar Nazeera came in with the score on 84-2 and produced a match winning knock, smashing 62 runs off 24 with nine sixes. Sheppie Lions won comfortably in the end, by eight wickets and booked their spot in the final.

Best of the Kings bowlers were Avinash Manilal (1-10 in three overs) and Raja Kazi (1 for 21 in four overs). It all sets up perfectly for a mouth-watering clash between Sheppie Lions and Port Shepstone Country Club in the final this Sunday, starting at 10am.

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