Tag: Khaya Zondo

Text Info Strip

Back

Kyle Simmonds Crowned Overall Division 1 SACA MVP

The 2025/26 domestic cricket season concludes with Western Province all-rounder Kyle Simmonds named Division 1 Overall SACA MVP. Simmonds earned…

Read More

Liam Alder Named Overall SACA MVP for Domestic Division 2

Following the completion of all domestic fixtures, Liam Alder of the Garden Route Badgers finished at the top of the…

Read More

TWELVE YEARS OF RESEARCH-BASED PLAYER SERVICE

Over the past 12 years, the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has cemented its dedication to evidence-based practice through a…

Read More

SACA Congratulates Proteas Men SACA MVP winners

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) congratulates the Proteas men’s team on an incredibly successful 2024/25 season. This remarkable year is further highlighted by the exceptional individual performances celebrated in the SACA Most Valuable Player (MVP) Rankings, meticulously compiled in partnership with CricViz.

This season has been a testament to the dedication, passion and resilience of the Proteas squad. Their journey to becoming World Test Champions and reaching the finals of the ICC T20 World Cup is a source of immense pride.

Leading the charge in individual recognition, all-rounder Marco Jansen has firmly held onto his top spot in the overall Proteas Men SACA MVP rankings. Jansen’s all-format brilliance saw him amass an impressive 364.298 MVP points, finishing 7.24 points ahead of Aiden Markram (357.058 MVP points) and Tristan Stubbs (340.424 MVP points). Jansen’s impactful contributions with bat and ball have helped in his steady ascension to the top of the rankings.

In red-ball, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada concludes the season at the pinnacle of the Test rankings. Rabada’s relentless pace and crucial wicket-taking abilities in each test match were instrumental in the Proteas’ wins. He finished top of the Proteas Men SACA MVP test rankings on 208.863 MVP points, followed by the ever-consistent Keshav Maharaj (178.482 MVP points) in second and Aiden Markram (176.062 MVP points) in third position.

The Proteas also showcased explosive individual performances in white-ball cricket. Heinrich Klaasen dominated in the One Day Internationals, finishing the season on 85.11 MVP points in six matches. Klaasen’s explosive hitting and crucial contributions were particularly highlighted by his fifth consecutive 50-plus score in ODIs. In the T20 International format, Marco Jansen again showcased his all-round prowess, ending the season at the top of the T20i rankings with 163.63 MVP points.

The SACA Most Valuable Player Rankings, powered by the cutting-edge analytics of CricViz, offer an in-depth, objective reflection of player impact. This sophisticated algorithm goes beyond traditional statistics, considering expected performance on every ball according to CricViz’s extensive venue, event and player database. It calculates batting, bowling, and fielding performances, factors in match-defining contributions, and even accounts for the historic performances of the venue where each fixture is played. This comprehensive analysis, which quantifies a player’s influence in runs scored, conceded, and saved, provides a more accurate reflection of the top performers in the game compared to conventional batting and bowling averages.

Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO, stated: “This has been an extraordinary season for the Proteas men’s team, starting the season as finalists in the T20 World Cup final and ending as the victors of the Test Championship. SACA is incredibly proud of every player’s commitment and achievements. The SACA MVP rankings enable us to truly celebrate the multifaceted contributions of our MVPs, such as Marco, Kagiso, and Heinrich. Their outstanding statistics across formats, as accurately measured by the MVP, are a testament to their dedication and skill.”

Khaya Zondo, SACA President, added: “What a magnificent season it has been for the Proteas! We have witnessed a historic season in South African cricket, a testament to the collective spirit and unwavering commitment of this team. A massive congratulations to our SACA MVP winners – Marco, Kagiso and Heinrich. Even through their individual brilliance, it is the unity and shared purpose that have enabled the Proteas to achieve historic greatness in a single season. This team has inspired a nation and has set the bar for the future.

Proteas Men SACA MVP Rankings as of 17 June 2025:

Overall Rankings
Test Rankings
ODI Rankings
T20i Rankings
Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

SACA Concludes A Successful 2024 AGM

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) yesterday in Johannesburg. Khaya Zondo was re-elected President for a two-year term that will conclude in 2026. Zondo’s re-election was uncontested, reflecting the confidence and support of SACA’s membership.

The AGM provided a platform for players to engage in constructive dialogue about the future of cricket in South Africa.

During the AGM, SACA CEO Andrew Breetzke provided an update on the current state of cricket, both domestically and internationally. Breetzke emphasised the importance of strong player leadership in advocating for players.

Breetzke also presented the SACA strategy for the future. The focus will be on strengthening the collective player voice, advocating for a better game, and strengthening the SACA players’ relationships within the cricket environment. The importance of maintaining a constructive working relationship with Cricket South Africa was also highlighted. 

Players also discussed the impact of the SA20 league on the domestic landscape and the introduction of the new women’s domestic league.

Breetzke highlighted the hard work being done under the Player Plus programme, including the various research projects and workshops to further enhance players’ well-being. Furthermore, it was reported that 75% of players are recognised as being dual career-ready and that 52% of current players have benefitted from a SACA bursary.

“We would like to congratulate Khaya on his re-election. His term as President has been prosperous, and we would like to thank him for his service as President to date. In addition, I would like to thank all players who attended the AGM for their valuable contributions and commitment to the future of the game. SACA is in a healthy position, and we look forward to another successful year ahead,” concluded Breetzke.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

2024/25 SACA MVP season kicks off

The anticipation is building as the domestic cricket season kicks off the start of the 2024/25 domestic SACA MVP race with the Lions taking on the Titans in Johannesburg.

With a host of talented players vying for the coveted title, fans can expect a thrilling campaign filled with exciting matches and high-stakes performances.

“The SACA MVP rankings are a testament to consistent, high-quality performances throughout the season. They reflect each individual player’s ability to contribute to their team’s success in a variety of conditions.

“With fewer matches, each game takes on even greater significance for each team. It will be that much more important for players to perform at our best in every game. Consistency will be key to our success this season,” commented Khaya Zondo, SACA President.

The domestic SACA MVP is a unique algorithm developed by the SACA and is administered by Andrew Samson in order to identify the most effective performers in domestic cricket.

The formula is designed to recognize players who make a significant contribution to their team’s success throughout the season. Factors such as batting and bowling averages, strike rates, and overall impact on the game are all taken into consideration. The MVP is a combination of statistical performance to determine the most valuable player at the end of the season.

Supporters and media alike can immerse themselves in the MVP Rankings on the SACA website and can be viewed by team or format. Fans can also track the rankings after each round of matches to see how their favourite domestic players are performing and gain an objective reflection of the top-performing players after each round of matches.

“We are looking forward to another great season of cricket as the new season gets underway. We would like to wish all the players the best of luck and look forward to a season filled with exciting matches and unforgettable moments” concluded SACA CEO, Andrew Breetzke.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

ZONDO & VAN WYK GUIDE HEAT CHASE

Fifties from Morne van Wyk and Khaya Zondo helped Durban Heat to a consolatory six-wicket win over Cape Town Blitz at a sunny Newlands on Sunday afternoon.

Durban Heat are already out of the running for a playoff position at the business end of the Mzansi Super League, and their opposition today were already assured of an automatic ticket to a home final next Sunday thanks to Jozi Stars’ loss earlier in the day, but a 79-run stand between van Wyk and Zondo allowed Heat to leave Cape Town with a win and their pride intact.

Chasing a challenging 161 for 6, Heat lost opener Sarel Erwee in the first over and an off-colour Hashim Amla just after the Powerplay, but van Wyk and Zondo soon brought their chase back on track. Van Wyk lead the way early on, bringing up a 42-ball fifty in the 14th over, but Zondo was also quickly into his stride.

Zondo whipped Malusi Siboto over cow corner for his first six in the 13th over and then flat-batted a full toss from medium pacer Ferisco Adams over extra cover to take the asking rate under 10. Van Wyk’s dismissal, pulling Dale Steyn into the hands of Sibonelo Makhanya at deep square leg to fall for 56 in the 16th over, tipped the balance once more, but Zondo responded in style.

Adams was dispatched for back-to-back sixes at the start of the 16th over – the first of which brought up Zondo’s 35-ball fifty, and David Miller then biffed Nandre Burger over wide long on to take the equation down to just five from the final over. Zondo top-edged the first ball of that last over, bowled by Siboto, to third man for four to level the scores, and though he fell straight afterwards aiming to end the game with a flourish, Miller tapped the winning single wide of mid-off to guide Heat home.

The total Heat were chasing was largely due to another adventurous innings from Quinton de Kock, who maintained his hot streak with the bat with an unbeaten 86 from 55 deliveries to power the Blitz innings. De Kock was not off to his usual flier – a probing first spell from Rashid Khan inside the Powerplay made sure of that – but he picked up momentum through the innings.

De Kock lost his opening partner Janneman Malan in the first over of the innings, bowled by Khan for his first duck in an otherwise remarkably consistent performance through this tournament, and with Dawid Malan also quickly undone by Kyle Abbott, Blitz ended the Powerplay at a modest 28 for 2.

Halfway through the innings, de Kock’s strike rate was well under a run a ball, but he found his groove against Tladi Bokako, taking 17 off his third over, and a brace of fours off Keshav Maharaj brought up his 34-ball fifty in the 13th over.

From that point onwards, de Kock shifted through the gears despite a committed effort with the ball from Heat, attacking the short boundary against Rashid with some audacious hitting. Reverse sweeps from consecutive deliveries in the 19th over, bowled by Rashid, both brought sixes and alongside Mohammad Nawaz he rattled through a 51-run, fifth-wicket stand from just 25 deliveries. Thanks to van Wyk and Zondo’s contributions, however, Heat did at least leave Cape Town with a win.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

ABBOTT SPEARHEADS THE HEAT TO THEIR FIRST VICTORY

Kyle Abbott bowled the Durban Heat to their opening Mzansi Super League victory after the rain intervened at Kingsmead on Wednesday afternoon.

Abbott claimed 4/27 to restrict the Tshwane Spartans 139/9, with the visitors only batting 19 overs due to weather disruptions. The Heat’s batsmen managed to get up to 129/6 after 16.3 overs before the heavens opened once more, forcing the players off for the final time.

That was enough to take the points with the Heat ahead of the Duckworth Lewis par-score of 120, thereby handing the home team victory by 10 runs.

It certainly was a day for the bowlers with only Tshwane Spartans opening batsman Gihahn Cloete striking the ball with any form of fluency. Cloete soared to the top of the Mzansi Super League run-scoring charts with 55 off 43 balls (7×4).

Unfortunately for the Spartans, Cloete did not have a partner to sustain the momentum. Only Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikander Raza managed 20 off 20 balls before Abbott cleaned up the Tshwane middle-order.

Even AB de Villiers failed for the first time in this tournament with the former Standard Bank Proteas captain being trapped LBW by Keshav Maharaj while attempting a reverse-sweep.

The Heat run-chase never quite raced out of the blocks with solid contributions from Hashim Amla (24), Morne van Wyk (22), Heinrich Klaasen (21) keeping the home team up with the required run-rate before a rapid 50-run partnership between Khaya Zondo (25 off 11 balls) and Albie Morkel (26 off 12 balls) for the fifth-wicket raised the tempo of the innings.

Lutho Sipamla tried valiantly for the Spartans with 3/22, but it was not enough to deny the Heat their first victory of the competition.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

MZANSI SUPER LEAGUE ANNOUNCES FINALISED T20 SQUADS

The inaugural Mzansi Super League (MSL) T20 Player Draft was held today at Montecasino in Johannesburg today.

Each team had already been allocated a Marquee Standard Bank Protea player. Today the teams made their picks from the six International Marquee Players and then filled the remaining 14 places in each squad from the foreign and South African players who had applied to enter the draft.

In the mini-round to select the International Marquee Players, the Durban heat had first call and went for Rashid Khan of Afghanistan, the No. 1 ranked bowler in the current ICC T20 rankings. They were followed by the Jozi Stars who went for Chris Gayle of the Windies. Paarl Rocks followed with another Windies player, Dwayne Bravo. Cape Town Blitz then took Dawid Malan of England followed by Tshwane Spartans with England white ball captain Eoin Morgan and Nelson Mandela Bay Giants with England opening batsman Jason Roy.

In round one proper, the Giants led off with Chris Morris, followed by the Spartans with Lungi Ngidi, the Blitz with Andile Phehlukwayo, the Rocks with Tabraiz Shamsi, the Stars with Kolpak star Dane Vilas and the Heat with David Miller.

Lutho Sipamla became the first rookie to be chosen in Round Eight by the Spartans and they followed with another rookie in Tony de Zorzi in Round Nine. Other rookies signed were Sinethemba Qeshile for the Stars, Dyllan Matthews for the Giants, Okuhle Cele for the Heat, Eathan Bosch for the Rocks, and Kyle Verreynne for the Blitz.

The resulting teams are a unique blend of both local youth and international experience which is sure to make for some very exciting cricket.

The Draft order was predetermined by a weighted Player Matrix system. The players who are eligible for the main Draft are those who entered into a binding agreement to enter the Draft.

FINAL SQUADS

(in order of Protea Marquee Player, International Marquee Player, and then the 14 draft rounds, making a total of 16 players per squad)

CAPE TOWN BLITZ: Quinton de Kock, Dawid Malan (England), Andile Phehlukwayo, Dale Steyn, Samuel Badree (Windies), Asif Ali (Pakistan), Farhaan Behardien, Anrich Nortje, Janneman Malan, Malusi Siboto, George Linde, Ferisco Adams, Jason Smith, Sibonelo Makhanya, Kyle Verreynne (rookie), Dane Piedt.

DURBAN HEAT: Hashim Amla, Rashid Khan (Afghanistan), David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Kyle Abbott (kolpak), Keshav Maharaj, Khaya Zondo, Albie Morkel, Marchant de Lange (kolpak), Vernon Philander, Brandon Mavuta (Zimbabwe), Temba Bavuma, Morne van Wyk, Okuhle Cele (rookie), Sarel Erwee, Tladi Bokako.

JOZI STARS: Kagiso Rabada, Chris Gayle (Windies), Dane Vilas, Rassie van der Dussen, Daniel Christian (Australia), Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius, Eddie Leie, Pite van Biljon, Duanne Olivier, Ryan Rickelton, Sinethemba Qeshile (rookie), Simon Harmer, Calvin Savage, Alfred Mothoa.

NELSON MANDELA BAY GIANTS: Imran Tahir, Jason Roy (England), Chris Morris, Jon-Jon Smuts, Junior Dala, Christiaan Jonker, Aaron Phangiso, Ben Duckett (England), Sisanda Magala, Ryan McLaren, Heino Kuhn, Marco Marais, Dyllan Matthews (rookie), Lizaad Williams, Rudi Second, Carmi le Roux.

PAARL ROCKS: Faf du Plessis, Dwayne Bravo (Windies), Tabraiz Shamsi, Dane Paterson, Aiden Markram, Mangaliso Mosehle, Bjorn Fortuin, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Grant Thomson, Paul Stirling (Ireland), Tshepo Moreki, Henry Davids, Cameron Delport , Eathan Bosch (rookie), Patrick Kruger, Kerwin Mungroo.

TSHWANE SPARTANS: AB de Villiers, Eoin Morgan (England), Lungi Ngidi, Robbie Frylinck, Jeewan Mendis (Sri Lanka), Theunis de Bruyn, Rory Kleinveldt, Sean Williams (Zimbabwe), Gihahn Cloete, Lutho Sipamla (rookie), Tony de Zorzi (rookie), Dean Elgar, Andrew Birch, Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe), Shaun von Berg, Eldred Hawken.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

MULTIPLY TITANS BOOK HOME SEMI-FINAL

A key half-century by Farhaan Behardien helped the Multiply Titans book a home semi-final and possible final after they edged out the Hollywoodbets Dolphins by 29 runs in their Momentum One-Day Cup clash at the City Oval in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday.

The Standard Bank Proteas batsman struck 88 (80 balls, 3 fours, 3 sixes) as the visitors recovered to reach 242 for eight after losing the toss and being put into bat first.

The hosts, however, let themselves down with some poor fielding that allowed the champions to score more runs than they should after they were reduced to 127 for five.

Mthokozesi Shezi picked up two for 39 and Imran Tahir bagged two for 40, although they could do little to prevent Behardien from shepherding the tail, which included stands of 55 with David Wiese (26) and 50 with Tabraiz Shamsi (15 not out).

The Dolphins made excellent progress early by reaching halfway at 134 for three thanks mainly to Sarel Erwee, who hit 76 (101 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes).

However, they then fell to 163 for seven within 10 overs as Albie Morkel (2/30), Corbin Bosch (2/34) and Shamsi (2/53) took two wickets apiece.

Despite Khaya Zondo hitting 36 not out, he lacked support as the home side fell to a crippling loss that severely dented their hopes of hosting a semi-final.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

SOUTH AFRICA ‘A’ CRUST AFGHANISTAN

Reeza Hendricks smashed an unbeaten 173, his ninth List A century, as South Africa ‘A’ crushed Afghanistan ‘A’ by 164 runs in Pretoria to secure their second win of the tri-series.

Hendricks, who carried his bat through the innings, struck 14 fours and five sixes in his 145-ball knock as the hosts posted 336 for 5 after being put in to bat. Afghanistan ‘A’ had as many as six batsman crossing double digits, with the highest being Rahmat Shah’s 55 at No. 3. They were bowled out for 172 in 32.2 overs with Tabraiz Shamsi, the left-arm wrist-spinner, taking 4 for 19.

Afghanistan ‘A’ were up against it right from the outset as Hendricks and Henry Davids put on 79 for the opening wicket in 13 overs to set the platform. Mangaliso Mosehle was out for 17 but each of the other batsmen got among the runs. The middle-order lift was provided by Khaya Zondo, the captain, who made a 55-ball 62 during the course of a 135-run stand with Hendricks. The last 15 overs fetched them 144.

Afghanistan ‘A’ were rocked early when Dwaine Pretorius struck in the second over to remove Javed Ahmadi. He made it a double-strike by dismissing Usman Ghani in the sixth over. Rahmat hit five fours and a six to raise a half-century, but was trapped lbw by Shamsi to trigger a middle-order slide.

Najibullah Zadran (26), Afsar Zazai (24) and Shafiqullah (16) got off to starts but fell to expose the lower order. The innings was wrapped up when Dane Paterson bowled last man Fareed Ahmad to finish with three wickets.

Afghanistan ‘A’ have now lost both their matches in the tri-series. They take on India ‘A’ in their next outing on August 1 at the same venue – the LC de Villiers Oval.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

ZONDO AND MAHARAJ BOOST DOLPHINS LEAD

Keshav Maharaj and Khaya Zondo’s dominating first-innings performances against bizhub Highveld Lions helped HollywoodBets Dolphins consolidate their lead at the top of the table in the Sunfoil Series. Zondo struck his seventh first-class century, an unbeaten 290-ball 141 that included 21 fours, to lift Dolphins to 339 in the first innings after they opted to bat in Pietermaritzburg.

Vaughn van Jaarsveld chipped in with a brisk 53. Lions seam-bowling allrounder Dwaine Pretorius claimed his fifth five-wicket haul in first-class matches, returning figures of 5 for 54. In reply, the Lions were quickly reduced to 4 for 49. Dominic Hendricks and Pretorius brought the Lions some respectability with a 91-run partnership.

After Hendricks was dismissed for 78, Kagiso Rapulana hit a patient 52 to push Dolphins’ total to 267. Left-arm spinner Maharaj finished with figures of 6 for 86.

Entering the fourth day with a lead of 72, Dolphins set up a late declaration after posting 189 for 5 in 51 overs, taking the safety-first approach to ensure the Lions didn’t have enough time to bowl them out. Zondo struck a 139-ball 54. Left-arm fast bowler Beuran Hendricks took 3 for 48. The Lions chose not to go after the steep target of 262, as the game petered out into a draw.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

MARKRAM & NGIDI CENTRAL TO TITANS’ INNINGS WIN

Multiply Titans surged to their first win of the season with a massive innings and 38-run victory over the Hollywood Bets Dolphins in Centurion, and they did it courtesy two franchise debutants. Aiden Markram and Lungi Ngidi were both making their maiden first-class appearances for the Titans and showed that the young talent in Centurion is blossoming.

Ngidi was first to the fore when he took four wickets in an opening spell that reduced the Dolphins to 61 for 4 in the 21st over. Senuran Muthusamy was the only Dolphins batsmen to show some fight and scored 52 but with no half-century stands, the Dolphins struggled to get over 200. They eked over the mark but not before Ngidi had picked up his fifth.

Markram was promoted to the franchise team in the absence of Dean Elgar, who has left on Test duty, and he was a perfect fit. He partnered Heino Kuhn in an opening stand of 203 and then put on 120 with Grant Mokoena for the second wicket while scoring 162 of his own. The Titans were well in the lead by the time Markram was dismissed with the Dolphins unable to make many inroads despite the return of Andile Phehlukwayo. Although none of the Titans bottom seven batsmen made more than 32, they batted into the third day and amassed 432, a lead of 225.

A worn-out Dolphins line-up up could not muster much resistance and by the time Ngidi bowled again, they were already three down. Khaya Zondo scored 68 but the Titans’ attack proved too strong for the rest. Wickets were shared all round with three each for Rowan Richards and Malusi Siboto while Ngigi added two for a match haul of seven.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

MILLER 100 LEADS SA ‘A’ TO VICTORY

David Miller slammed his fourth List A century to help South Africa A nail a 288-run chase with five wickets in hand against National Performance Squad in the quadrangular series on Wednesday. Both teams are out the race for a spot in the finals, however, after Australia A sealed the second spot with a one-run win over India A on Tuesday.

Miller’s unbeaten 124 off 104 balls took South Africa to 288 for 5 in 46.3 overs at the Ray Mitchell Oval in Mackay. That was after the NPS batsmen put together a collective display to steer them to 287 for 7.

Miller strode out with South Africa having lost both their openers with 54 on the board. That would soon become 62 for 3, when he was joined by Qaasim Adams and the pair strung together a 91-run partnership in 102 balls. Adams was dismissed for a 52-ball 44, before Andile Phehlukwayo joined Miller for a 35-run stand. Thereafter, wicketkeeper Dane Vilas and Miller shut the door on NPS, coming together for an unbroken 100-run sixth-wicket partnership. Miller had hit nine fours and six sixes; Vilas stayed not out on 45 off 39 balls, helped by four fours.

The spinners Matthew Short and Kyle Gardiner took two wickets each, while Hilton Cartwright accounted for opener Khaya Zondo.

NPS had to rebuild early after choosing to bat with Matt Renshaw perishing in the fourth over for 16. Caleb Jewell and Sam Heazlett then struck half-centuries and added 115 for the second wicket, before the rest of the middle order made handy contributions to drive NPS to 287.

The two teams will clash again in the third-place play-off on Saturday. The final takes place the following day at the same venue.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

PHEHLUKWAYO OUTPLAYS CENTURIONS IN CENTURION

A stunning six-wicket haul by Andile Phehlukwayo helped the Sunfoil Dolphins end their Momentum One-Day Cup campaign with a 34-run win over the Unlimited Titans at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead in Durban on Saturday.

The teenage star claimed 6/27 in a magical 8.4 overs, which also included two maidens, as the visitors were bowled out for 281 in pursuit of an imposing 316.

That target was built around a record 210-run stand between Khaya Zondo and Sarel Erwee, who both struck centuries. Erwee top-scored with his maiden List A ton, clocking up 113 (128 balls, 11 fours, 2 sixes), while Zondo thumped 100 (104 balls, 4 fours, 6 sixes) – his third century in the one-day format. Their partnership surpassed the previous best 179 second-wicket record for the Dolphins between Doug Watson and Wade Wingfield back in the 2004/05 season.

The pair set a perfect platform for their team-mates, but they slightly peeled off towards the end, finishing on 315/6. Junior Dala was the pick of the bowlers with 3/58.

The Titans’ chase never really got going as they lost wickets at regular intervals. A half century from top-scorer Dean Elgar (57) gave them outside hope, until they lost the Proteas opener and Qaasim Adams (38), both to Phehlukwayo, in quick succession to slump to 188/6. But Albie Morkel’s superb 52 (36 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) re-ignited their challenge, until he the big-hitting all-rounder eventually was dismissed with five overs to go.

With it went the hopes of the Titans as Phehlukwayo, whose figures were the second-best in franchise cricket for the home team, mopped up the tail to send the Dolphins up to fourth on the table with their set of 10 games completed. They also ended the visitors’ slim hopes of reaching the qualifier.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

DOLPHINS BEAT RAIN AND THUMP KNIGHTS

Khaya Zondo took three wickets to go with his half-century as the Sunfoil Dolphins kept alive their hopes of reaching the Momentum One-Day Cup play-offs alive with a 46-run win on the Duckworth-Lewis method over the VKB Knights in Kimberley on Wednesday.

After winning the toss and batting first at the Diamond Oval, the visitors amassed 290 for eight wickets.

Zondo struck 52 from 78 balls, Vaughn van Jaarsveld made 50 off 50 and Cody Chetty top-scored on his return to the team with 69 off 87 deliveries. There were several other cameos from the Dolphins team, including a three-ball 13 from Keshav Maharaj, who clubbed two sixes in his six-minute stay in the middle.

Shadley van Schalkwyk was the pick of the bowlers with three for 52. Only 1.3 overs of the response were then possible when heavy rain stuck, forcing over two hours to be lost.

When the players return, the target was revised to 158 in 20 overs, but the switch to Twenty20 mode failed to ignite the hosts as they slipped to 111 all out in 18.3 overs.

They lost a wicket first ball and never recovered with Zondo returning the immaculate figures of three for 12 in 2.3 overs. Calvin Savage claimed three for 16 in his three impressive overs, while Maharaj picked up two for 19.

Van Schalkwyk top-scored with 34 off 20 balls for the Knights, whose chance of making the play-offs are all but over. They have eight points with three games to go, while the bonus-point triumph for the Dolphins lifted them to fourth.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

KNIGHTS, DOLPHINS FIGHT FOR PLAY-OFFS SPOT

The VKB Knights and Sunfoil Dolphins square off in a Momentum One-Day Cup clash at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley on Tuesday knowing it is now or never if they want to cling on to hopes of reaching the play-offs.

The two sides are bottom of the table with the hosts (eight points) a point behind the visitors (nine), who in turn trail The Unlimited Titans in fourth by four points.

With the winner likely to retain some outside hope of staying alive, the loser will see their hopes all but ended, although the mathematics do state otherwise. “I always have hope,” maintained Knights coach Allan Donald. “We’re sort of in a dark place right now, but we know where we stand. “It’s going to be tough, but we just have to concentrate on every single game now.”

The Knights, who have just two wins from six games this season, were beaten by 55-runs in their last outing against the Titans on Friday night.

Reeza Hendricks is back from South Africa ‘A’ duty to bolster their batting. He is set to take the place of Diego Rosier, while Dillon du Preez could return from injury for Corne Dry.

The Dolphins too have had a torrid time so far in the competition. Thumped by the Cape Cobras on Friday, they will be without Imran Tahir and David Miller for the trip to the northern Cape. But Khaya Zondo and Andile Phehlukwayo are back to bolster them. “We’re all scrapping at the bottom there,” Donald added. “They’re a dangerous side and we all know that teams in that position can find a free spirit to play with.

“So both sides will be looking for that extra edge and we can’t take them for granted.”

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

RAMELA SECURES COBRAS DRAW

Omphile Ramela scored a century as the Cape Cobras batted out the final day of their Sunfoil Series clash against the Sunfoil Dolphins at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead in Durban on Sunday.

The visiting captain, who scored 89 in the first innings, made 107 with his side following on, helping them reach 361 for six before shaking hands with opposite number Khaya Zondo on the stroke of tea.

Only 64 overs were bowled on the final day, with the match seemingly going nowhere on a slow pitch and the Cape side 202 ahead.

It was only Ramela’s seventh career century and first of the season, while both his scores in the match improved on his previous best score of 46 during the current campaign.

He did not do it all by himself though, with the Cobras having good contributions from Justin Ontong (74), Dane Vilas (54) and an unbeaten 53 from 22-year-old Keegan Petersen.

Andile Phehlukwayo (2-37) and Keshav Maharaj (2-130) picked up two wickets apiece – the latter collecting seven in the match from a mammoth 93.2 overs.

Ramela was named man of the match and his Cobras side walked away with 5.2 points compared to the 7.9 for the Dolphins.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

TITANS STRIKE LATE TO JOLT DOLPHINS

Late wickets by the Unlimited Titans fast bowlers helped restrict the Sunfoil Dolphins to 357 all out on the opening day of their Sunfoil Series clash at Sahara Park Willowmoore on Thursday.

Ethy Mbhalati and Marchant de Lange shared seven wickets for the hosts, but half-centuries by Imraan Khan, Khaya Zondo and Daryn Smit ensured the visitors held the slight advantage in Benoni.

Wicketkeeper Smit top-scored with a fluent 85 from 111 deliveries, while opener Khan anchored a solid start with 83.

Zondo, meanwhile, made 65 before he was out on the stroke of tea. But the Dolphins may rue the fact that they lost their last six wickets for less than 100. They had progressed nicely through to 244 for four during the afternoon, but the Titans’ opening bowlers struck some telling blows.

Mbhalati, the pick of the bowlers with four for 48, accounted for Khan, Vaughn van Jaarsveld (30), Sibonelo Makhanya (one) and Craig Alexander (two).

De Lange took three for 79 – his wickets being captain Divan van Wyk (nought), David Miller (26), both bowled, and Keshav Maharaj (13).

The Titans, who won the toss and chose to bowl, faced two overs in their reply to reach stumps on two without loss.

Share: