Cricket domination for Skzn U13s
The team steam-rolled their three opponents in one-sided fixtures.
Total dominance with bat and ball is probably the best way to describe the way the Southern KZN U13 cricket team’s results at the recent KZN trials tournament in Durban. They played three matches over three days.
On day one, Southern KZN took on coastal neighbour Umdoni and pretty much demolished them, winning by 78 runs. The match was delayed due to overnight rain and duly shorted to a T20. Southern KZN batted first and made 170-4 in 20 overs. Captain Khulu Mlondo led the way with 56 retired, with rapid-fire support from Jaydon Koekemoer 37 and Elijah Langton 32.
In reply, Umdoni could only reach 92-7 in 20 overs. Main wicket takers were Benjamin Kunz, with 2-5 and Zibu Malamba with 2-24.
In match two the next day, Southern KZN defeated Durban South by 94 runs. Southerns batted first and made 243 all out in 42.1 overs. Top-scorer was Elijah Langton with 63, with Sphephelo Mlambo making 32. Langa Cele smashed a quick 21 and then number 10 and 11, Dian Schoeman and Zibu Malamba frustrated Durban South with a 50 run partnership for the last wicket, both making 21, both playing smart cricket shots before Dian was last man out. In reply, Durban South made 149-10 with Sphephelo Mlambo leading the wickets charge with 3-34. Oliver Smith (2-19), Bertu van Reenen (2-19) and Elijah Langton (2-6) all picked up two each.
The final game, against North Coast, was an absolute rout. Southern KZN batted first and smashed their way to 314-3 off 35 overs. Sphephelo Mlambo made 87, with Elijah Langton (50*) and Bertu van Reenen (56*) making half centuries and then being retired. Oliver Smith smashed a quick 30 not out before the overs were up. In reply, North Coast made 126 all out, with Benjamin Kunz (2-21) and Oliver Smith (2-21) bowling well, again.
In some ways it was a pity they did not get a chance to play some of the top teams as with the talent within the team, they could perhaps have seriously challenged them. Still, it was a superb effort all round, from players and coaches. The team comprised Khulu Mlondo (c), Bertu van Reenen, Sphephelo Mlambo, Elijah Langton, Jaydon Koekemoer, Benjamin Kunz, Langa Cele, Lutho Menziwa, Ndu Shusha, Oliver Smith, Zibu Malamba and Dian ‘Scoremore’ Schoeman.
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