Magical Meso powers Steyn City to Schools SA20 title
Karabo Meso saved her best for last, smashing an unbeaten 117 runs against Saints Christian School, of Potchefstroom, at the Tuks Oval in Pretoria on Saturday to drive Steyn City School to a 61-run victory in the national final of the inaugural Schools SA20 competition.
Meso, a wicketkeeper/batter, who has already represented the national women’s team, was in scintillating form throughout the event, amassing 228 runs in only four innings. She was dismissed only once, which left her with an unbelievable average of 228 runs for the Final Showdown tournament.
That earned her the Player of the Tournament and the Batter of the Tournament awards.
Earlier this year, Meso helped the South Africa u19 team reach the final of the ICC u19 T20 World Cup for the first time.
Meso and Steyn City captain, Diara Ramlakan (35), shared a 111-run partnership for the second wicket to set up their team for victory.
Chasing 179 to win, Saints Christian School was restricted to 117/9 in their 20 overs.
Reabetswe Dithipe (39) and captain Tshegofatso Monyela (23) were the leading contributors with the bat.
Sivaakani Naidoo led the Steyn City attack (4/26), while Olivia Marais (2/21) also caused Saints problems.
Saints Christian School’s seam bowler Siphumelele Duma was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, removing nine batters at a cost of only eight runs per wicket. She was named the Bowler of the Tournament.
Her teammate Tshego Monyela was very effective, too, picking up eight wickets at an average of 8.6 runs per wicket.
The Potchefstroom school’s efforts received further recognition when they received the Spirit of the Week Award.
Summarised Scorecard
Steyn City School 178/2 (Karabo Meso 117*, Diara Ramlakan 35; Siphokazi Duma 1/36); Saint Christian School 117/8 (Reabetswe Dithipe 39, Tshegofatso Monyela 23, Extras 23; Sivaakani Naidoo 4/26, Olivia Marais 2/21). Steyn City School won by 61 runs.
