The Jozi Stars outclassed the Cape Town Blitz in all departments to be crowned the first ever Mzansi Super League champions, writes KHALID MOHIDIN from Newlands.
The table-topping Cape Town Blitz collapsed in front of a well-supported Newlands crowd, posting just 113-7 after winning the toss.
After a superb league season that saw them race to the top of the log in the early stages of the tournament, the Blitz suffered a few late losses during the latter stages of the round robin matches, while their counterparts in the final, the Jozi Stars, seemed to peak at the right time. The Stars also benefitted from a washed out playoff match against the Paarl Rocks that ensured they approached the final with fresh legs.
The performance of the Blitz in the first innings in the final lacked teeth as they struggled to deal with the Jozi Stars pacemen, with Kyle Verreynne and Ferhaan Behardien both registering scores of 23 to share top score for the home side.
Beuran Hendricks and Duanne Olivier were the top wicket-takers for their side as they took 2-21 and 2-23 respectably.
The Newlands crowd were silenced. Other than Dale Steyn uprooting Ryan Rickelton’s sticks with a peach of a delivery, and Reeza Hendricks being caught by Dawid Malan on the square leg boundary off the bowling of Malusi Siboto, there was little for the home sideto celebrate in the field.
Hendricks scored 33 off 41 balls while Rassie van der Dussen finished unbeaten on 59 off 54 balls as they claimed an emphatic eight-wicket win to lift the long-awaited 2018 Mzansi Super League title.
Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images
