The Cape Cobras edged the Lions by three runs in Johannesburg thanks to brilliant death bowling by Akhona Mnyaka. He features as Thursday’s Turbo Bowler after a phenomenal final over, writes ANITHA MADIKIZELA.
With the Lions needing just seven runs to win off the last over of the One-Day Cup fixture, 19-year-old Mnyaka stepped up and sent three batsmen back to the pavilion at the concession of just three runs, securing an epic three-run win for the Cobras at the Wanderers.
READ MORE: Cobras steal 3-run thriller over Lions
The rookie fast bowler was trusted with the final over by captain JP Duminy (1-41), and the youngster didn’t disappoint under pressure. His first ball saw the end of Bjorn Fortuin (13) by castling the right-hander to reduce the Lions to 275-7 in their pursuit of 282 to win.
The next two balls conceded one run apiece, but the paceman struck once again, this time with a well-executed yorker for his fourth delivery that proved to much to handle for Aaron Phangiso as it clattered into the tail-ender’s stumps.
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A single followed the wicket to bring danger man Dwaine Pretorius on strike for the last ball, with the Lions needing a boundary to secure victory and the all-rounder needing one run to reach his century. Mnyaka shut the whole show down for the home side as Pretorius (99 off 105 balls, 3×4, 5×6) holed out to Pieter Malan in the outfield, handing the win to the travelling team.
The left-arm pacer walked away with the Player of the Match award following his fantastic heroics, and will undoubtedly be one of the many youngsters to watch during the Cobras’ One-Day Cup campaign.
1 Over left in the match, 7 runs to defend. He concedes only 3 runs and takes 3 wickets.
That ladies and gentlemen is what Akhona Mnyaka achieved in this #MODC clash
What a phenomenal performance with the ball from the youngster, he is tonight's player of the match. #LIOvCOB pic.twitter.com/qv8VVThXFc
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 7, 2019
The Cobras travel to Pietermaritzburg to face the in-form Dolphins on Saturday, while the Lions take on the bottom-ranked Knights in Bloemfontein, looking to get back to winning ways.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
