Cricket
Warriors deny the Dragons a win─── 07:26 Mon, 31 Oct 2022
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The Warriors concluded their Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 Challenge campaign with a ten-run win against the North West Dragons on Sunday afternoon.
After opting to bat first, Wihan Lubbe and Diego Rosier half centuries set the Warriors up for a defendable total at the JB Marks Oval.
Lesiba Ngoepe and Lubbe partnered up for a quick 38 before Ngoepe (20) was caught behind by keeper, Khanya Cotani, off Renaldo Meyer in the fifth over.
Lubbe (52), then paired up with Rosier for 79-runs but Hardus Coetzer’s spell in the 15th over saw him off and Jordan Hermann followed for first ball duck.
Rosier was unbeaten with 53* runs and with Matthew Breetzke (29), the Warriors ended their innings on 166/4.
The Dragons looked comfortable in their chase, but Warriors held their nerve to successfully defend 20 runs in the last three overs.
Opener, Wesley Marshall, smashed 56 off 35 balls, including five boundaries and three maximums. Marshall was supported by skipper, Heino Kuhn (44 off 37), and Lesego Senokwane (21).
Warriors were clinical in those final overs with two brilliant runouts from keeper, Sinethemba Qeshile, with Kgaudise Molefe (1/29) and Glenton Stuurman (2/26) claiming crucial wickets.
As the race to the knockouts continues, Titans and the Dolphins have already qualified for the semi-finals. The two teams seat comfortably on top of the log with 22 and 20 points, respectively.
The Warriors, Western Province, and North West Dragons are out of the race whilst the other three teams are still to battle it out for the remaining two spots.
The ITEC Knights, Rocks, and World Lions will look to win their remaining matches to qualify.