SOUTHERN CAPE CRICKET NEWS - A brilliant batting display by 20-year-old Jean du Plessis and SWD's premier batsman, Obus Pienaar, ensured a vital 6-wicket victory against KwaZulu Natal in the Cricket South Africa limited overs competition.
SWD, who were set a stiff target of 226, hit the winning runs with two balls to spare in a tense Sunday afternoon match at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn.
Du Plessis, who narrowly missed his maiden limited over century earlier this season, played a magnificent innings (107 from 138 balls, 1x6, 9x4) and together with Pienaar added a vital third wicket partnership of 144 runs.
Pienaar's unbeaten innings of 78 from 79 balls, including eight fours, was crucial in the run chase. There was also an important second wicket partnership of 77 runs between Du Plessis and Yamkela Oliphant (27).
KZN, who won the toss, posted 225/9 in their allotted 50 overs. Three batters, Matthew Montgomery (56), Jason Oakes (56) and Sibenelo Makhanya (52), made half-centuries.
Marcello Piedt (2/27 in 10 overs) produced and outstanding bowling performance. He received good support from Herschell America (2/38), Neil Hornbuckle (2/41) and Obus Pienaar (2/49).
As in the three-day competition, Pienaar is the top runs scorer in the limited over competition. He aggregates 489 runs at an average of 163, which includes a century and five half-centuries. Stefan Tait, with 15 wickets at an average of 15,26, is the top wicket taker in this competition.
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