Cameron Delport hit a 21-ball half-century as the Pietermaritzburg-based Tuskers claimed a seven-wicket bonus-point win over the Mpumalanga Rhinos in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
Bearing in mind what happened in Pool A this past weekend – when three teams finished level on eight points with the top two having to be decided on net run rate – bonus points could become a crucial factor in deciding quarter-final qualification.
At one stage, Delport had scored 47 off just 14 balls and was responsible for the Tuskers reaching an impressive 66-1 at the end of the PowerPlay. His half-century included seven boundaries and three sixes and only seven dot balls and he went on to finish unbeaten on 72 (39 balls, eight fours and four sixes with a strike rate of 184.61).
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The Rhinos had started well when they batted first, reaching 40-1 at the end of the PowerPlay thanks in the main to Rubin Hermann (32 off 31 balls, four fours) but their innings gradually subsided thereafter to a disappointing 112-8.
Gareth Dukes and Kyle Nipper (both 2-18 in four overs) shared the bowling honours.
The result puts the Tuskers at the top of the Pool B log after round one.
Photo: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images
