SOUTHERN CAPE CRICKET NEWS - SWD pulled off a brilliant 147-runs victory against Western Province in the Cricket South Africa provincial three day competition on Saturday.
This victory is without a doubt one of the best and most clinical performances by the Oudtshoorn-based team.
SWD, who won the toss and elected to bat first, posted 220 (all out) after only three batsmen managed to score double figures - but all three scored half centuries - Jean du Plessis (63), Obus Pienaar (50) and Yamkela Oliphant (69*).
The visitors responded with 229 (all out) thanks to a gutsy century by the experienced Qaasim Adams (108; 198 balls, 9x4) which gave them a lead of 9 runs.
For SWD, Bradley de Villiers (3/52), Hershell America (4/43) and Tsepo Ndwandwa (3/58) were successful with the ball.
The turning point in the match, however, was SWD's second innings, with the highlight a brilliant maiden first class century by the 19-year old Jean du Plessis.
It was an impressive inning by the SA u.19 hero who posted an unbeaten 116* from 181 balls (1x6, 12x4). He was involved in an unbeaten partnership of 118 runs for the fourth wicket with Brendon Louw, who made 50 (not out). Kirwin Christoffels impressed with 71 and Obus Pienaar contributed a valuable 42.
Western Province, who were set a target of 320 (in 87 overs) were dismissed for 172 thanks to a clinical bowling and fielding performance by the SWD.
André Malan (43) and Qaasim Adams (45) were the only batsmen who offered resistance. America (3/22), Ndwandwa (2/48) and Pienaar (2/25) were the main wicket takers, but the economical bowling performance by Bradley de Villiers (1/17 in 14 overs) deserves recognition.
This victory brought an end to SWD's longest span without a victory in a first class match - the previous one being over the weekend 17-19 November 2016 when SWD defeated KwaZulu Natal by 6 wickets in Oudtshoorn. Only four players of the current team - Neil Hornbuckle, Brendon Louw, Marcello Piedt and Neil Hornbuckle - played in that match.
The summarised score card is:
SWD 1st innings 220 (Yamkela Olifant 69, Obus Pienaar 50, Jean du Plessis 63, Mpilo Njoloza 3/34, André Malan 3/42, Junaid Dawood 3/45). 2nd innings 328/3 declared (Jean du Plessis 116*, Kerwin Chrisoffels 71, Brendon Louw 50*, Obus Pienaar 42, Letlotle Sesele 29).
WESTERN PROVINCE 1st innings
229 (Qaasim Adams 108, Matthew Kleinveldt 26, Justin Dill 24, Hershelle America 4/43, Tsepo Ndwandwa 3/58, Bradley de Villiers 3/52). 2nd innings 172 (Qaasim Adams 45, André Malan 43, Mpilo Njoloza 22, Hershel America 3/22, Obus Pienaar 2/25, Tsepo Ndwandwa 2/48). SWD won by 147 runs.
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