Van Zyl notches up century in 100th cap to lead Ysbere to victory
It’s something every young cricketer dreams about: scoring a century in your 100th match, no matter what team you play for.
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Hoërskool Garsfontein‘s Reuben van Zyl realised exactly this dream over the weekend, batting his side to a convincing opening victory over Prestige College, on home turf in Pretoria. To make it even more special, he had his father, Paul van Zyl, hand over his cap on his special day.
It was the Garsies’, known as the Ysbere, first outing in the 2025 Titans Platinum League as the sides in Pretoria go on the hunt to dethrone Hoërskool Waterkloof, who’ve won the last four titles.
Van Zyl, opening the batting and knowing his side needed 233 to win, only needed 103 deliveries to smash his match-winning 131 not out. His innings included 11 fours and seven exciting sixes at a healthy strike rate of 127.2.
He and opening partner, Wikus du Preez (62), never seemed bothered by any of the Prestige bowlers.
Du Preez played the anchor role using 75 balls for his 62 runs. This allowed the Ysbere to reach 160 already before the first wicket fell. Charl van Staden then navigated the hosts to victory, alongside Van Zyl, with his unbeaten 30 runs.
The batsmen, however, had the bowlers to thank for a platform from which they could attack. Although Keamogetswe Semenya made a solid 64 runs, supported by a half-century by Thabang Kutumela (52) and 35 by Lesedi Mabena, the visitors lost wickets at just the wrong time.
The Ysbere had Reinhardt Nieburh to thank for this. Nieburh spearheaded the attack with his 4/48, while Du Preez first did some damage with the ball (2/7) and Zizwe Khumalo supported with his 2/41, to restrict Prestige to a decent but below-average score, and give their batters the comfort of knowing which target to chase.
Summarised Scorecard:
Prestige College 232 (Keamogetswe Semenya 64, Thabang Kutumela 52, Lesedi Mabena 35, Omphile Maredi 27; Reinhardt Niebuhr 4/48, Wikus du Preez 2/7, Zizwe Khumalo 2/41); Garsfontein 233/1 (Reuben van Zyl 131*, Wikus du Preez 62, Charl van Staden 30*; Omphile Maredi 1/41). Garsfontein won by nine wickets.
