The Northerns Titans edged Western Province by two wickets in the One-Day Cup on Sunday, while the KZN Inland Tuskers and KZN Dolphins shared the points.
At Centurion, the Titans were made to work hard for victory.
Province, sent in to bat, were bowled out for 220 in 44.3 overs. Their innings was rescued by 21-year-old Oliver Whitehead, who struck 55 off 67 balls to lift them from a precarious 94-6 to a competitive total. David Bedingham added 33, Kyle Verreynne 23 and Kyle Simmonds 20.
The Titans’ bowlers shared the workload effectively. Dayyaan Galiem (3-51) and Duan Jansen (3-45) led the attack, while Neil Brand returned 2-51.
In reply, the Titans built their chase around Keegan Petersen’s patient 71 off 101 balls. Rivaldo Moonsamy (33) and Lesego Senokwane (36) also contributed as the hosts appeared well placed.
However, spinner Kyle Simmonds dragged Province back into the contest with outstanding figures of 4-34, leaving the Titans wobbling at 178-8.
Jansen then produced a decisive counterattack, finishing unbeaten on 45* off 51 balls. He shared a crucial partnership with Junior Dala (12*) to guide the Titans home with 12 balls to spare.
In Pietermaritzburg, the KZN derby between the Tuskers and Dolphins was abandoned after rain repeatedly interrupted play at the Pietermaritzburg Oval.
The Tuskers managed to complete their 41 overs, finishing on 211-9. Malcolm Nofal top-scored with 49, while Jack Lees made 39 and Matthew Urquhart added 33.
Imran Tahir was the pick of the Dolphins bowlers with 3-41, while Tristan Luus claimed 3-45.
The Dolphins had reached 66-2 in reply when rain forced the match to be called off. Opener Tshepang Dithole made 33, with Slade van Staden 17* and Marques Ackerman two not out when play was halted.
On Saturday, Boland secured a narrow six-run win over the North West Dragons in a low-scoring clash.
Boland were bowled out for 121 in 23.2 overs after choosing to bat first. Grant Roelofsen top-scored with 39 and Lehan Botha added 25.
Caleb Seleka led the Dragons’ attack with 4-15.
In reply, the Dragons were dismissed for 115 in 24.1 overs despite Lesiba Ngoepe’s 30 and Migael Pretorius’ 24.
Imran Manack (3-20) and Ferisco Adams (3-15) spearheaded Boland’s bowling effort to secure the win.
The match between the Lions and Warriors was abandoned without a ball bowled on Friday.
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
