The Cape Town Blitz pulled off a thrilling 49-run victory against the Tshwane Spartans in the opening game of the Mzansi Super League, writes KHALID MOHIDIN from Newlands.
The Blitz recovered well after a top-order collapse to post 180-4 in their 20 overs.
The Cape Town-based side were reduced to 64-3 in nine overs, but a valiant effort from Kyle Verreynne (53 not out) and Muhammad Nawaz (59) steered the home side to a defendable total.
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The Spartans lost their openers in quick succession; Tony de Zorzi for four and Gihahn Cloete for three. This brought AB de Villiers out to the middle to an emphatic roar from the Newlands faithful.
De Villiers smashed 59 off 30 balls, including five sixes and three fours. He took the Spartans to 116-4 in 14.3 overs before a magnificent over from the ‘Iceman’ Ferisco Adams, got the Blitz back into the match.
Adams dismissed De Villiers, who rocked back in an attempt to pull but instead picked out Anrich Nortje on the long boundary. The all-rounder backed this up with the wicket of Rilee Rossouw with his following delivery, bowling the Kolpak signee for 15 off 13 balls.
Nawaz secured the Spartans’ sixth wicket, knocking over his sticks for one with as skidding delivery. A scaly run between Robbie Frylinck and Shaun von Berg saw the former run out as the visitors crumbled to 124-7.
Another quick run was expected, this time from Von Berg, who was run out on three by Dane Piedt and Adams.
Nortje added to the Spartans’ demise, reducing them to 128-9 in 18.5 overs with the wicket of Jeevan Mendis.
Adams took a smart caught and bowled to dismiss Lutho Sipamla for a single and to bring the match to a close.
The game slid away quickly from the much-vaunted Spartans side as the Blitz pulled off a brave victory to the delight of a roaring home crowd.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
