Cobras and Titans to battle it out for Cubs Week crown in Stellenbosch
The undefeated Cape Cobras will take on the Titans in the final of the 2021-edition of the Cricket South Africa’s Cubs Week (u19) at the Coetzenburg Oval in Stellenbosch on Sunday.
The Cobras kept their unbeaten record intact with a narrow one-wicket victory over the defending champions, the Lions, in their final pool match on Saturday.
The Lions’ Taheer Isaacs (114*) unbeaten century helping his side to a competitive total of 257/7 in their allotted 50 overs. The Cobras got past the target thanks to contributions by Ethan Cunningham (50), Kaden Solomon (44*), Michael Levitt (38), Kai Curran (34) and Daniel Smith (33).
Nkhanyiso Mkhize (3/39) was the pick of the Lions’ bowling attack as they almost managed to book themselves a place in the final and an opportunity to defend their title.
The Titans’ captain and opening batsman, Jordan Hermann (71), continued his excellent for as they defeated the Warriors by 40 runs. Hermann has scored 350 runs at an impressive 117 runs per innings during the tournament thus far.
Dewald Brevis (58) also managed a half-century as the Titans reached 228/8 in their allotted overs. The Warriors were bowled out for only 188 runs with Nathan Steyn (4/34) and Hardus Coetzer (3/41) causing most of the damage.
The Warriors’ captain, George van Heerden, also continued his good run of form with the willow as he top-scored with 44 runs. He has scored 297 runs thus far at an average of 149 runs per innings.
The Dolphins’ captain, Luc Benkenstein, produced an allround performance to help his side to a 44-run victory over the Knights. Benkenstein first struck 81 runs as the Dolphins reached 272/9 in their allotted overs.
He got some assistance from Nicholas Hatten (54) and Chad Laycock (29). Mvulu Chabalala grabbed four wickets for 41 runs as he was once again the shining light in the Knights’ bowling attack.
Benkenstein, the son of former Protea-batsman Dale Benkenstein, also was the pick of the Dolphins’ bowling attack with his spin bowling with figures of 3/34. For the Knights it was Lerato Nqoyi (73*) who shined with the bat and provided resistance with the help of his captain, Reeza Alexander (51).
Summarised Scorecards:
Dolphins 272/9 (Luc Benkenstein 81, Nicholas Hatten 54, Chad Laycock 29; Mvula Chabala 3/41, Stefan Nel 3/47); Knights 228/8 (Lerato Nqoyi 73*, Reeza Alexander 51, Liam Doherty 29; Luc Benkenstein 3/34). Dolphins won by 44 runs.
Lions 257/7 (Taheer Isaacs 114*, Ronan Herrmann 27; Ethan Cunningham 2/29); Cape Cobras 258/9 (Ethan Cunningham 50, Kaden Solomon 44*, Michael Levitt 38, Kai Curran 34, Daniel Smith 33; Nkhanyiso Mkhize 3/39). Cape Cobras won by one wicket.
Titans 228/8 (Jordan Hermann 71, Dewald Brevis 58, Nathan Steyn 26*; Adam Richards 2/23); Warriors 188 (George van Heerden 45, Lihle Sizani 39, Extras 27; Nathan Steyn 4/34, Hardus Coetzer 3/41). Titans won by 40 runs.
