Another exquisite batting display by Reeza Hendricks set up a 50-run win for the Jozi Stars over the Cape Town Blitz in match 20 of the Mzansi Super League at Newlands.
After Chris Gayle fell to a good catch by Farhaan Behardien for six runs off nine balls, Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen set about the Blitz bowlers in spectacular fashion. The pair added 120 runs for the second wicket with a brilliant display of quality batting, mixing thoughtful strokeplay with power hitting.
Hendricks fell to a good catch by Quinton de Kock at long-on when he was within 21 runs of what would have been a third consecutive MSL century. His innings of 79 off just 48 balls included five fours and six sixes in a display that will hearten Proteas selectors and fans ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Van der Dussen went on to score 42 off 39 balls with two fours and two sixes, after which Daniel Christian (22 off nine balls, 1×4, 2×6), Pite van Biljon (22 off 10, 1×4, 2×6) and Dane Vilas (11 off six balls, 1×4, 1×6) pushed the Stars total up to an impressive 196-4 off their 20 overs.
Nandre Burger was the pick of the Blitz bowlers, picking up 2-32 off his four overs (Econ 8.00), with Dale Steyn also impressing with 1-33 (Econ 8.25).
The Blitz response never got going, with Janneman Malan (43 off 37, 6×4), Kyle Verreynne (25 off 11, 2×4, 1×6, S/R 227.27) and Andile Phehlukwayo (20 off 14, 1×4, 1×6) the only batters to make notable contributions as the Blitz were bowled out for 146 off 19.4 overs.
Christian was the destroyer-in-chief, taking 4-22 (Econ 5.50), with Duanne Olivier picking up 3-38 (Econ 9.50) and Nono Pongolo 2-17.
Photo: Gallo
