Simpson and Joseph star as Superstars edge Conquerors
STELLENBOSCH. – Neither a century by Blake Simpson (152*) nor a five-wicket haul by Thabiso Ndlela (5/52) was enough to help the Coastal Conquerors to a victory on the opening day of Cricket South Africa’s Cubs Week here.
The Southern Superstars came out on top by a mere nine runs in a closely contested clash on Tassies Oval.
Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).
Simpson ran out of partners, being left stranded at the non-strikers’ end, after Raeeq Daniels (3/52) rearranged Bayanda Majola’s (0) stumps with a perfectly placed yorker to bring the Conquerors’ innings to an end.
Simpson faced only 109 deliveries in his outstanding innings. He dispatched 24 of those to the boundary, with five being maximums. His team was on 49/2 when he walked to the crease in the 12th over and 40 deliveries were left when he had to walk back to the changeroom undefeated, but his team defeated.
The Superstars reached 283 before being bowled out, thanks to a century by opening batsman Kashief Joseph (143). He faced 130 deliveries in his superb innings, striking 10 fours and nine sixes.
The SA Schools’ captain, Beni Hansen (32), and Paul James (40) also contributed with the bat. James’ older brother, Juan James, was the SA Schools’ captain of 2022.
The Central Gladiators began their challenge with a bonus-point four-wicket victory over the Western Legends, thanks to a 150-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Luke Francis (78) and Tasheen Hanslo (72), which pulled their side out of trouble. The Gladiators had their backs to the wall in the early going at 42/3 before the duo joined forces in the middle.
Tjaart Mentz (25*) also played a vital role in getting the Gladiators past the target.
The Legends put up a modest 216/4 in their allotted 50 overs on the Coetzenburg Oval. Their captain and opening batsman, Muhammad Bulbulia (71), led the way with his half-century.
Simon Liversage (37) and Ludwich Schuld (37) also made starts but did not manage to kick on. They were the two top run scorers during last year’s Khaya Majola Week in Makhanda.
The Northern Champions’ off-spinner Marcus Bakker (5/37) played a pivotal role in helping his side secure a bonus point in their 63-run victory over the Eastern Warriors.
The leg-break bowler Parth Patel (2/43) and paceman Tristan Luus (2/36) also caused some damage with the ball.
Warriors’ captain, Jean Upman (56), led the way for his side, with Jacques van der Merwe (40) and Luphelo Mdyesha (33) also weighing in with useful contributions.
The Champions tallied 269/9 in their innings, thanks to half-centuries by Mohammad Aslam (75) and Divan de Villiers (50). Luus also added 45 runs with the bat in an impressive all-round performance.
Summarised Scorecards
Western Legends 216/4 (Muhammad Bulbulia 71, Simon Liversage 37, Ludwich Schuld 37; Cole Francis 2/34); Central Gladiators 219/6 (Luke Francis 78, Tasheen Hanslo 72, Tjaart Mentz 25*; Christopher Ford 3/53, Sicelo Matayi 2/36). Central Gladiators won by four wickets.
Southern Superstars 283 (Kashief Joseph 143, Paul James 40, Beni Hansen 32, Extras 20; Thabiso Ndlela 5/52, Bandile Mbatha 3/45); Coastal Conquerors 274 (Blake Simpson 152*, Ross Boast 29; Raeeq Daniels 3/52, Sibulele Sibanzana 2/42). Southern Superstars won by nine runs.
Northern Champions 269/9 (Mohammed Aslam 75, Divan de Villiers 50, Tristan Luus 45, Jorich van Schalkwyk 26, Marcus Bakker 24; Hlumelo Ntola 2/37, Hamza Khan 2/37, Esa Gangat 2/39, Sibusiso Mxube 2/49); Eastern Warriors 206 (Jean Upman 56, Jacques van der Merwe 40, Luphelo Mdyesha 33; Marcus Bakker 5/37, Tristan Luus 2/36, Parth Patel 2/43). Northern Champions won by 63 runs.
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