Boland booked their place in the T20 Challenge final with a five-run win against the EP Warriors in the first qualifier playoff in Paarl on Tuesday.
Batting first, Boland posted a competitive total of 176-3.
Clyde Fortuin got the innings off to a flying start, scoring 21 off just nine balls, Grant Roelofsen contributed 28 from 23, while Gavin Kaplan anchored the innings with a 53 off 46, hitting two fours and one six.
Jhedli van Briesies remained unbeaten with 44 from 26 balls, striking four fours and a six.
The partnership between Kaplan and Van Briesies proved vital as they built momentum and ensured the hosts set a challenging target for the Warriors.
In response, Muhammad Manack and Jordan Hermann were dismissed cheaply, leaving the Warriors reeling at 13-2, before captain Matthew de Villiers’ magnificent 96 off 64 balls (eight fours and three sixes) got them back into the game.
Sinethemba Qeshile and Patrick Kruger added 30 and 23 runs respectively, but as wickets continued to fall, the pressure mounted on De Villiers to lead the chase alone and Boland’s bowlers held their nerve.
Imran Manack took crucial wickets, while Glenton Stuurman and Ayabulela Gqamane also contributed with key breakthroughs. .
This victory secured Boland’s spot in the final while the Warriors will face the winner of Wednesday’s eliminator playoff between the KZN Dolphins and Western Province to get another shot at the final in the second qualifier playoff on Friday.
Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
