Lalor and Collins steer WP to another win, Impalas down Mpumalanga
Western Province yet again indicated that they might be the team to beat at this year’s CSA U16 Girls Week.
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Miya Lalor followed up on her impressive performance on Day 1 with an even better show, achieving her first five-for of the week. Together with Nakeeta Collins, they guided the side from Cape to a comfortable 78-run victory over the Titans.
Batting first, Collins set things up with a neat innings of 47 runs, falling just three short of what would have been a well-deserved half-century. Her enthusiasm rubbed off on Erin Schroonby, who joined in on the action with a valuable 37 runs to establish a first-innings total of 161 for WP.
Although facing a potent batting lineup, the Gauteng side’s Boipelo Kubeka put in an industrious shift with the ball, taking 3/20. Kaylee Carr provided ample support with her return of 2/18.
Lalor, however, seemed unplayable as she ran through the Titans’ top order, only conceding 12 runs for her five wickets. Zaurha Titus backed up Lalor with a return of 2/10, as the pair ensured that the Titans could only reach 88 all out, thus securing another comprehensive victory.
The Limpopo Impalas showed that they, too, could be a thorn in the side for future opponents. It was especially in the bowling department where the side from up north shone, disposing of old foes, Mpumalanga, for a mere 42 to claim victory by 75 runs.
Defending 117, due to an unbeaten 19 from Mahlako Mamabolo, as well as some assistance from the Mpumalanga bowlers, Murisi Rikhotso caused considerable damage with the new nut. Conceding only three runs, Rikhotso snapped up three wickets in no time. Refilwe Mashego did the rest, with her contribution of 2/11, which left Mpumalanga with no comeback.
Boland nearly slipped up following another remarkable performance by their opening bowlers. As was the case on Day 1, the opening pair of Melissa van der Merwe and Janel Steenkamp did the job for their side, with Van der Merwe stealing the spotlight on this occasion with an astonishing return of 7/18 in her six overs, while Steenkamp provided the necessary support with 2/12 in 4.1 overs.
Requiring only 49 for victory, the side from the Boland, however, stumbled early on after Tishe Frans had bagged three quick wickets, but the lower order kept their composure to guide them across the line with four wickets to spare.
Kei bagged their first win of the week, getting Eastern Cape Linyathi all out for a meagre 37 thanks to a near-perfect bowling performance by Kwenele Kratshi. Realising that she had only 61 runs to play with, Kratshi snapped up six wickets while conceding a mere eight runs, thereby steering her side to a memorable 26-run victory.
Summarised scorecards:
Western Province 161 (Nakeeta Collins 47, Erin Schroonby 37, Extras 27; Boipelo Kubeka 3/20, Kaylee Carr 2/18); Titans 83 (Mohau Phasa 35, Extras 26; Miya Lalor 5/12, Zaurha Titus 2/10). Western Province won by 78 runs.
Limpopo Impalas 117 (Extras 32, Mahlako Mamabolo 19*; Mbali Mothoane 3/26, Danika Gloy 2/12, Omphile Mandi 2/25, Samkeliswe Mashaba 2/25); Mpumalanga 42 (Extras 21; Murisi Rikhotso 3/3, Refilwe Mashego 2/11). Limpopo Impalas won by 75 runs.
Garden Route Badgers 48 (Jeze Campher 22; Melissa van der Merwe 7/18, Janel Steenkamp 2/12); Boland 49/6 (Extras 24; Tishe Frans 3/15). Boland won by four wickets.
Kei 63 (Extras 29, Sikho Keto 15; Alitha Fotiyi 3/7, Azomile Silhere 2/11); Eastern Cape Linyathi 37 (Ali Luuli 8; Kwanele Kratshi 6/8). Kei won by 26 runs.
