KwaZulu-Natal’s Smangaliso Nhlebela helped himself to seven wickets against South Western Districts in the CSA 3-Day Provincial Cup and earns Friday’s Turbo Bowler award, writes ANITHA MADIKIZELA.
It’s been the week of the left-arm spinners as Nhlebela becomes the second consecutive member of his bowling trade to receive the Turbo Bowler accolade this week. The 25-year-old from Durban is no stranger to the feat though, having already registered a career-best haul of 7-33 before in first-class cricket.
READ ALSO: Simmonds bags scintillating seven in PE
He will be just as pleased with his 7-100 in 30.4 overs (econ 3.26) in Oudtshoorn that helped KZN restrict SWD to 270 all out, thanks largely to Niel Hornbuckle’s sensational 125 not out (164 balls, 16×4, 2×6) for the home team.
Nhlebela began his onslaught by getting rid of SWD’s top three batsmen, as captain Letlotlo Sesele (17), left-hander Kirwin Christoffels (24) and No 3 Jean du Plessis (two-ball duck) were back in the change room with only 43 runs on the board for the home team.
He went on to dismiss Obus Pienaar (30 off 56 balls, 5×4) and Brendon Louw (58 off 103 balls, 8×4) on his way to rounding up the entire top five, and in doing so, securing a five-star five-wicket haul.
READ ALSO: Free State squeeze home against KZN
The canny finger-spinner hadn’t had enough yet and returned to the attack to account for Mthobeli Bangindawo and Bradley de Villiers for one and two runs respectively – also putting an end to the SWD innings at 270 after 77.4 overs.
Having already scored 143 in the first innings, KZN added 280-3 before close of play on day two of the fixture, securing an overnight lead of 153 with seven wickets in hand.
The visitors will resume on Saturday with Blayde Capell (144 off 198 balls, 16×4, 2×6) and Matthew Montgomery (3 off 15 balls) at the crease, with opener Capell looking to score the big runs that will put KZN in position for a positive result on the final day.
Footage by Pitchvision captured on PV Match
Photo: Pitchvision
