CSA T20 Challenge: Hollywoodbets Dolphins Defeat Hollywoodbets Warriors in High Scoring Match

The Dolphins, asked to bat first after Sinethemba Qeshile had won the toss, posted a mammoth 211 for five thanks to David Miller (58) and Grant Roelofsen (50) with only Jon-Jon Smuts (4-0-22-1) coming out unscathed.

In reply, the Warriors were down and out at 86 for five but Tristan Stubbs smashed an unbeaten and career-best 80 from just 31 deliveries to almost clinch an unlikely victory with the Warriors ending on 191 for six.

Stubbs brought up his second fifty of the tournament off just 19 balls, including six maximums to raise the hopes of the home crowd. The young right-handed batsman was absolutely undeterred by the enormity of the chase after the Warriors found themselves in deep trouble at 12 for two and then 31 for three.

Wiham Lubbe (1) was brilliantly bowled by Daryn Dupavillon (4-0-56-1) before Matthew Breetzke (11) was caught behind by Roelofsen from the bowling of the wily Ottniel Baartman (4-0-16-1). Captain Prenelan Subrayen (4-0-22-1) then had Lesiba Ngoepe stumped by Roelofsen for just 2 before Smuts (47) and Diego Rosier (19) attempted to restore some order to the slide.

But enter Jason Smith (2-0-24-3) who clean-bowled Smuts and then Rosier caught by Khaya Zondo at backward point to leave the Warriors in tatters. Stubbs’ entry into the fray saw the home crowd treated to some sublime batting.

Stubbs’ 80 included three boundaries and eight maximums and when he managed just a single off the first ball of the final over bowled by Baartman, he kicked the ground in disappointment knowing that it was a bridge too far.

Earlier, Roelofsen cracked seven boundaries and two sixes from 30 deliveries before being stumped by Qeshile from a wide delivery by Smuts. Roelofsen enjoyed a life when on 14 as the right-handed opener was caught on the boundary by Stubbs, who stepped on the rope while taking the catch.

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Roelofsen’s opening stand of 75 with Bryce Parsons (39) set the tone for the match despite the Warriors fighting back, taking the Dolphins from 75 without loss to 125 for four. Zondo (19) was brilliantly run out by Rosier with a direct throw from backward point to the non-striker’s end while Smith danced down the track only to edge Alindile Mthletywa (4-0-52-1) to Qehsile behind the stumps.

Miller, who faced just 26 balls, smashed two fours and six maximums before falling off the final ball of the innings, caught by Qeshile off Mthiwekhaya Nabe (4-0-52-1) after an excellent fifth-wicket stand of 86 with Andile Phehlukwayo, who ended unbeaten on 28 from only 16 balls, which included one four and two sixes.

CSA T20 Challenge: Imperial Lions get back on track with impressive win over Hollywoodbets Dolphins

As reported on Sports Brief, the Imperial Lions got their CSA T20 Challenge campaign back on track with an impressive eight run victory over the Hollywoodbets Dolphins.

The defending champions had been embarrassed by little brother union the North West Dragons and needed to bounce back as soon as they could, doing so against a formidable opponent in the Dolphins.

Batting first after winning the toss, the Lions posted an awkward total of 156 for the loss of eight wickets in their innings. Shane Dadswell top scored with 42 rans, supported by Sisanda Magala with 37, while the Dolphin's best bowler were Jason Smith (3-16) and (3-32).