The Titans and South Africa won their respective tournaments at the Global Softech sixes, held at SuperSport Park in Centurion over the weekend. Gareth Stevens reports.The Franchise Challenge took place on Thursday and Friday. The international tournament, comprising exclusively of African nations, entertained the Pretoria locals for the rest of the weekend.

In the local competition there was very little separating the sides. The Titans and Dolphins edged the Cobras on net run rate to qualify for the final. It was just as close as the points table would suggest with the local franchise eventually holding their nerve for a one-run victory.

South Africa was the clear favourite in the international tournament, and they finished on top of the points table with a perfect five wins out of five. The competition was fierce for the other final spot with Kenya, Zimbabwe and Uganda all finishing on six points. Kenya had the best net run rate of the three and therefore qualified to play the hosts for the trophy.

Kenya batted first in the showpiece match, posting 91-2 in their five overs. It was never going to be enough, as a powerful South African batting lineup cruised to 92-0 and claimed victory by six wickets.

South Africa’s squad: Farhaan Behardien (Titans, capt), Cameron Delport (Dolphins), Robbie Frylinck (Dolphins), Chris Morris (Highveld Lions), Mangaliso Mosehle (Titans), David Wiese (Titans), Khayelihle Zondo (Dolphins).

Photo: Sabelo Mngome/Backpagepix