Warrior T20 Challenge Win By 21 Runs Match Highlight. In an exhilarating contest of the CSA T20 Challenge held on October 12, 2024, at St. George’s Park, Gqeberha, the Warriors outshined North West Dragons by 21 runs. The match saw exceptional performances from both teams, with the Warriors putting up a formidable total and defending it successfully despite a valiant effort by North West.
First Innings: Warriors Post a Commanding 221/5
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Warriors came out with a clear intent to dominate. Their opening batter, Jiveshan Pillay, set the tone early, scoring a dazzling 61 runs off just 33 balls, hitting six boundaries and three sixes. His explosive innings provided the team with a brisk start, and the score quickly mounted. However, Pillay’s innings came to an end in the 9th over when he was caught by Lesiba Ngoepe off the bowling of Kerwin Mungroo.
The Warriors’ momentum didn’t falter, thanks to a stellar performance by Sinethemba Qeshile, who anchored the innings with 53 runs off 26 balls. His power-hitting was on full display, smashing five fours and two sixes. Qeshile was well-supported by Patrick Kruger, who added 34 runs from 21 balls, further pushing the total towards a commanding score. Kruger eventually fell to Caleb Seleka in the 18th over, but the damage was already done.
Towards the end of the innings, Jean du Plessis added a quickfire 16* off 6 balls, while Andile Mogakane remained not out on 1. Beyers Swanepoel, who retired hurt earlier in the innings after scoring 22 from 11 deliveries, also played a crucial role in the team’s buildup. The Warriors finished their innings with an imposing total of 221/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Key Moments in Warriors’ Batting:
- Jiveshan Pillay‘s blistering start: 61 off 33 balls.
- Sinethemba Qeshile‘s quickfire 53 from 26 balls.
- Patrick Kruger contributing a solid 34 off 21 balls.
- Beyers Swanepoel‘s 22 off 11 balls before retiring hurt.
Fall of Wickets:
- 1-87 (Jiveshan Pillay, 8.4 ov)
- 2-95 (JP King, 10.1 ov)
- 3-190 (Patrick Kruger, 17.5 ov)
- 4-208 (Sinethemba Qeshile, 19.1 ov)
- 5-208 (CJ King, 19.2 ov)
North West Dragons’ Bowling Performance
The North West Dragons bowlers had a challenging task on their hands, with the Warriors batsmen going on the offensive from the start. Migael Pretorius and Kerwin Mungroo were the pick of the bowlers, each picking up two wickets. Pretorius finished with figures of 4-0-32-2, while Mungroo took 2 wickets for 54 runs in his 4 overs. Caleb Seleka also chipped in with a wicket, but the rest of the North West bowling unit struggled to contain the aggressive Warriors lineup.
Bowling Figures:
- Migael Pretorius: 4 overs, 32 runs, 2 wickets.
- Kerwin Mungroo: 4 overs, 54 runs, 2 wickets.
- Caleb Seleka: 4 overs, 33 runs, 1 wicket.
- Wihan Lubbe: 2 overs, 24 runs, 0 wickets.
- Achille Cloete: 2 overs, 28 runs, 0 wickets.
- Bamanye Xenxe: 2 overs, 24 runs, 0 wickets.
- Ruan de Swardt: 2 overs, 26 runs, 0 wickets.
Second Innings: North West’s Gallant Chase Falls Short
In response to the daunting target of 222, North West Dragons needed a flying start. However, they lost their first wicket early when Ludwich Schuld fell for 18 in the 8th over, caught by a substitute fielder off the bowling of JP King.
Despite the early loss, Janneman Malan played an extraordinary innings, scoring an unbeaten 111 off 60 balls. His innings was laced with 11 boundaries and five massive sixes, keeping the Dragons in contention throughout the chase. Lesiba Ngoepe provided crucial support with a well-crafted 41 off 27 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes before he was dismissed in the penultimate over by Duanne Olivier.
While Malan kept the scoreboard ticking, wickets fell around him, with Wihan Lubbe being bowled by Shimane Mothoa for 16. Ruan de Swardt remained unbeaten on 7*, but the Dragons fell short of the target, finishing on 200/3 after their 20 overs.
Key Moments in North West’s Batting:
- Janneman Malan’s brilliant unbeaten century: 111* off 60 balls.
- Lesiba Ngoepe‘s quick 41 off 27 balls.
- Ludwich Schuld and Wihan Lubbe falling at crucial moments.
Fall of Wickets:
- 1-75 (Ludwich Schuld, 7.5 ov)
- 2-98 (Wihan Lubbe, 10.5 ov)
- 3-187 (Lesiba Ngoepe, 19.1 ov)
Warriors’ Bowling Attack Holds Firm
Despite Malan’s superb innings, the Warriors’ bowlers held their nerve in the final overs to ensure their team crossed the finish line. Duanne Olivier and Shimane Mothoa each claimed a wicket, with Olivier conceding 42 runs in his 4 overs and Mothoa giving away 39 runs in his 3 overs. JP King also played a pivotal role, not only with his wicket-taking but also by restricting the run flow, finishing with figures of 4-0-30-1.
Bowling Figures:
- JP King: 4 overs, 30 runs, 1 wicket.
- Duanne Olivier: 4 overs, 42 runs, 1 wicket.
- Shimane Mothoa: 3 overs, 39 runs, 1 wicket.
- Christopher King: 2 overs, 21 runs, 0 wickets.
- Anrich Nortje: 4 overs, 36 runs, 0 wickets.
- Siya Simetu: 2 overs, 18 runs, 0 wickets.
A Memorable Win for the Warriors
The Warriors’ victory by 21 runs not only gave them a crucial four points in the CSA T20 Challenge but also showcased their all-round strength. Their batting lineup, led by explosive knocks from Jiveshan Pillay and Sinethemba Qeshile, laid the foundation for a big score, while their bowlers, particularly JP King and Duanne Olivier, ensured they defended the total successfully against a dangerous Dragons side.
This victory keeps the Warriors in strong contention for the top spot in the tournament, while the North West Dragons will be looking to bounce back in their next fixture.
Key Highlights:
- Warriors scored 221/5 in 20 overs, with half-centuries from Jiveshan Pillay and Sinethemba Qeshile.
- North West Dragons responded with 200/3, despite Janneman Malan‘s unbeaten 111 off 60 balls.
- Warriors won by 21 runs in a thrilling T20 contest at St. George’s Park, Gqeberha.
- JP King, Migael Pretorius, and Kerwin Mungroo stood out as key bowlers in the match.
Conclusion:
The clash between the Warriors and North West Dragons was a perfect example of T20 cricket’s unpredictability, where the game can change in a matter of overs. The Warriors capitalized on their batting depth and showed nerves of steel during crucial moments in their bowling defense. With a balanced team effort, they emerged victorious, setting up the stage for an exciting finish to the CSA T20 Challenge tournament.
