CSA T20 Challenge: Warriors wallop Western Province, Dolphins down Dragons

Matthew de Villiers and Warriors' fielding spark bonus-point victory over Western Province

The Eastern Cape Warriors delivered a commanding performance against Western Province at St George's Park on Friday night, with skipper Matthew de Villiers leading from the front.

His 61 off 43 balls was complemented by outstanding fielding and disciplined bowling, helping the Warriors secure a six-wicket win and a bonus point.

WP, winning the toss and opting to bat, struggled early due to sharp fielding and accurate bowling. Edward Moore edged a drive off paceman Kerwin Mungroo, only to be brilliantly caught by keeper Jean du Plessis, setting the tone for a tough chase. The home side lost key wickets, including Joshua van Heerden, run out by a smart direct throw from Muhammed Manack, as the Warriors' fielders dominated the early overs.

Despite some resistance from Valentine Kitime (27 off 16) and a brief 40-run partnership between Juan James and Raeeq Daniels, Western Province were kept under pressure. Warriors' bowlers combined effectively. Wesley Bedja struck thrice, finishing with 4/22, Mungroo took 3/26, and Thomas Kaber made an impact with a stunning catch, diving to prevent a six.

Chasing a modest total, the Warriors lost opener Modiri Litheko cheaply, but De Villiers' composed knock, alongside Manack, added 91 runs for the second wicket, effectively sealing the match. De Villiers' authoritative drives, pulls, and cuts punctuated the innings, before JP King finished the chase in 15.3 overs, just three balls short of completing a bonus-point victory.

Leus du Plooy shines on debut as Dolphins down Dragons

In Potchefstroom, the Dolphins were propelled by a sensational debut from Leus du Plooy, who struck a rapid 60 off 31 balls to lift his side to 155/9 against the Eastvaal Dragons in a 17-over match delayed by rain.

Du Plooy's innings featured six fours and three sixes, displaying a full range of T20 strokes and making an immediate impact in his first appearance for the Dolphins.

The Dolphins lost Tshepang Dithole for a duck in the first over, and early pressure from Onke Nyaku and Alfred Mothoa kept the visitors on the back foot.

However, Khaya Zondo responded with an aggressive 43, forming a 95-run third-wicket partnership with Du Plooy that turned the momentum in the Dolphins' favour. Their combined efforts enabled the team to accelerate after a shaky start and reach a competitive total in a shortened game.

The Dragons managed to break the partnership when Zondo was stumped, followed by Du Plooy falling two balls later. Despite the dismissal of their top scorers, the Dolphins posted a respectable total, though a late collapse saw the lower order fail to add substantial runs, leaving the target set at 156 from 17 overs.

Bowling for the Dragons, Alfred Mothoa shone at the death, taking 3/26, while Caleb Seleka claimed two wickets.

Once the Dolphins had set a competitive target, Eathan Bosch and Anrich Nortje, supported by Tristan Luus, spearheaded a clinical bowling attack to restrict the Dragons. The pace trio was introduced in the powerplay, immediately putting the hosts under pressure and reducing them to 39/3 after 5.1 overs. Bosch claimed two early wickets, while Luus took the other.

The Dragons attempted a fightback through a brisk 45-run fifth-wicket partnership between Lesiba Ngoepe and Diego Rosier, who combined off just 24 balls, with Ngoepe's attacking 28-ball 32 keeping their hopes alive. However, the partnership was broken as Bosch returned to the attack.

Bosch triggered a five-wicket collapse that ended the Dragons' chances. He dismissed Rosier and Dian Forrester in successive deliveries, while Nortje cleaned up Ngoepe and Onke Nyaku in quick succession. Luus wrapped up the innings, finishing off the remaining wickets.

Bosch finished with 4/27 in three overs, Nortje claimed 3/18 in four overs, and Luus contributed 3/20 in four overs, highlighting the Dolphins' depth and precision in the bowling department. 

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