Imperial Lions crowned Betway T20 Challenge champs in gripping final
Imperial Lions crowned Betway T20 Challenge champs in gripping final

The Imperial Lions were crowned Betway T20 Challenge champions on Sunday after Kagiso Rabada and Reeza Hendricks played leading roles to help them overcome the Hollywoodbets Dolphins by four wickets in a low-scoring final in Durban on Sunday. Proteas paceman Rabada, one of several stand-out bowlers, grabbed three for 12 in an impressive display of skill and speed as the hosts were restricted to a poor 107 for seven after winning the toss and batting. Opener Hendricks, the leading run-scorer in the competition, then struck 39 off 40 balls to lead a nervous chase that ended with the visitors crossing the line with an over to spare. That concluded an excellent all-round game for the Lions, who were defending the title they won the last time the competition was played back in the 2018/19 season. There was no event last year due to Covid-19, while this year's edition was held in a bio-secure environment (BSE) in the coastal city. The two sides, who shared the Momentum One-Day Cup title a few weeks agon in Potchefstroom, were the best teams of the week after finishing first and second during the round-robin phase of action. The top side, the Dolphins, were favourites heading into the game, but their batting turned into a disaster at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. Three of the top four Sarel Erwee (0), Ruan de Swardt (2) and David Miller (2) all fell for single-digit scores leaving their side on 14 for three inside the first five overs. Even though Grant Roelofsen (20) kept his wicket intact at the other end, free-scoring was proving to be difficult. They reached 44 for four at halfway, before losing Khaya Zondo (24) in the 13th over. Rabada then took out Mangaliso Mosehle (18) and Keshav Maharaj (1), with Robbie Frylinck (30*) left to battle it out all alone at the death - his team setting just 108. Apart from the fast bowler, Sisanda Magala collected two for 19, Bjorn Fortuin bagged one for 19 and Beuran Hendricks nabbed one for 29. The Dolphins needed early wickets to have a chance, but they did not get that as the Lions raced to 25 for none inside three overs. Ryan Rickelton was eventually dismissed for three by Keshav Maharaj (1/22), but Temba Bavuma (22) and Hendricks continued to keep them on top. Both did fall in quick succession, together with Rassie van der Dussen (3) and the promoted Rabada (1) to excite the hosts at 80 for five. But Wiaan Mulder (24*) kept his cool to finish the job for Wandile Gwavu's side. Story and footage: Cricket South Africa



Temba Bavuma, 22 vs Hollywoodbets Dolphins, Betway T20 Challenge final
Temba Bavuma, 22 vs Hollywoodbets Dolphins, Betway T20 Challenge final

The Imperial Lions were crowned Betway T20 Challenge champions on Sunday after Kagiso Rabada and Reeza Hendricks played leading roles to help them overcome the Hollywoodbets Dolphins by four wickets in a low-scoring final in Durban on Sunday. Proteas paceman Rabada, one of several stand-out bowlers, grabbed three for 12 in an impressive display of skill and speed as the hosts were restricted to a poor 107 for seven after winning the toss and batting. Opener Hendricks, the leading run-scorer in the competition, then struck 39 off 40 balls to lead a nervous chase that ended with the visitors crossing the line with an over to spare. That concluded an excellent all-round game for the Lions, who were defending the title they won the last time the competition was played back in the 2018/19 season. There was no event last year due to Covid-19, while this year's edition was held in a bio-secure environment (BSE) in the coastal city. The two sides, who shared the Momentum One-Day Cup title a few weeks agon in Potchefstroom, were the best teams of the week after finishing first and second during the round-robin phase of action. The top side, the Dolphins, were favourites heading into the game, but their batting turned into a disaster at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. Three of the top four Sarel Erwee (0), Ruan de Swardt (2) and David Miller (2) all fell for single-digit scores leaving their side on 14 for three inside the first five overs. Even though Grant Roelofsen (20) kept his wicket intact at the other end, free-scoring was proving to be difficult. They reached 44 for four at halfway, before losing Khaya Zondo (24) in the 13th over. Rabada then took out Mangaliso Mosehle (18) and Keshav Maharaj (1), with Robbie Frylinck (30*) left to battle it out all alone at the death - his team setting just 108. Apart from the fast bowler, Sisanda Magala collected two for 19, Bjorn Fortuin bagged one for 19 and Beuran Hendricks nabbed one for 29. The Dolphins needed early wickets to have a chance, but they did not get that as the Lions raced to 25 for none inside three overs. Ryan Rickelton was eventually dismissed for three by Keshav Maharaj (1/22), but Temba Bavuma (22) and Hendricks continued to keep them on top. Both did fall in quick succession, together with Rassie van der Dussen (3) and the promoted Rabada (1) to excite the hosts at 80 for five. But Wiaan Mulder (24*) kept his cool to finish the job for Wandile Gwavu's side. Story and footage: Cricket South Africa



Kagiso Rabada, 3/12 vs Hollywoodbets Dolphins, Betway T20 Challenge final
Kagiso Rabada, 3/12 vs Hollywoodbets Dolphins, Betway T20 Challenge final

The Imperial Lions were crowned Betway T20 Challenge champions on Sunday after Kagiso Rabada and Reeza Hendricks played leading roles to help them overcome the Hollywoodbets Dolphins by four wickets in a low-scoring final in Durban on Sunday. Proteas paceman Rabada, one of several stand-out bowlers, grabbed three for 12 in an impressive display of skill and speed as the hosts were restricted to a poor 107 for seven after winning the toss and batting. Opener Hendricks, the leading run-scorer in the competition, then struck 39 off 40 balls to lead a nervous chase that ended with the visitors crossing the line with an over to spare. That concluded an excellent all-round game for the Lions, who were defending the title they won the last time the competition was played back in the 2018/19 season. There was no event last year due to Covid-19, while this year's edition was held in a bio-secure environment (BSE) in the coastal city. The two sides, who shared the Momentum One-Day Cup title a few weeks agon in Potchefstroom, were the best teams of the week after finishing first and second during the round-robin phase of action. The top side, the Dolphins, were favourites heading into the game, but their batting turned into a disaster at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. Three of the top four Sarel Erwee (0), Ruan de Swardt (2) and David Miller (2) all fell for single-digit scores leaving their side on 14 for three inside the first five overs. Even though Grant Roelofsen (20) kept his wicket intact at the other end, free-scoring was proving to be difficult. They reached 44 for four at halfway, before losing Khaya Zondo (24) in the 13th over. Rabada then took out Mangaliso Mosehle (18) and Keshav Maharaj (1), with Robbie Frylinck (30*) left to battle it out all alone at the death - his team setting just 108. Apart from the fast bowler, Sisanda Magala collected two for 19, Bjorn Fortuin bagged one for 19 and Beuran Hendricks nabbed one for 29. The Dolphins needed early wickets to have a chance, but they did not get that as the Lions raced to 25 for none inside three overs. Ryan Rickelton was eventually dismissed for three by Keshav Maharaj (1/22), but Temba Bavuma (22) and Hendricks continued to keep them on top. Both did fall in quick succession, together with Rassie van der Dussen (3) and the promoted Rabada (1) to excite the hosts at 80 for five. But Wiaan Mulder (24*) kept his cool to finish the job for Wandile Gwavu's side. Story and footage: Cricket South Africa



Sisanda Magala, 5/20 in 4 overs vs VKB Knights
Sisanda Magala, 5/20 in 4 overs vs VKB Knights

Sisanda Magala, 5/20 in 4 overs vs VKB Knights A career-best five-for by Sisanda Magala paved the way for the Imperial Lions to climb top of the Betway T20 Challenge table with a comfortable eight-wicket victory over the VKB Knights in Durban on Tuesday. The right-arm seamer grabbed five for 20 at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium as Wandile Gwavu's charges ruthlessly dismissed their opponents for just 106, before Reeza Hendricks (47) and Temba Bavuma (53* off 47 balls, 3 fours, 1 six) did the bulk of the scoring to help reach the target with 11 deliveries to spare. It was the third successive win for the Lions and one that vaulted them to the top of the table with a maximum of 12 points, the same number as the Hollywoodbets Dolphins. Defeat for the Knights all but ends their interest in the competition. They will need to win their final match against the Dafabets Warriors on Thursday and hope several other results go in their favour to have any chance of reaching the play-offs. However, day five's afternoon match was all about the Lions and their clinical display on the east coast. After the Knights won the toss and batted, they were given no chance by their opposition pack of bowlers. Beuran Hendricks (2/21) removed openers Patrick Kruger (2) and Jacques Snyman (6), with Raynard van Tonder (6) dismissed by Magala in between. That left the Central Franchise on 15 for three early on, before the dependable Pite van Biljon tried to rebuild with 15. But both the captain and Grant Mokoena (8) fell to excellent Aaron Phangiso (2/14) in the same over to leave the opposition in further strife on 40 for five. Farhaan Behardien (28) top-scored for his side and together with Ferisco Adams (23) managed to at least get their side to 100, but Magala proved too good for the Knights' tail – their innings ending with the final delivery of their 20 overs. It was the best figures by the 30-year-old and beat his previous best haul of five for 28 for the Warriors against his current team at Port Elizabeth in 2015/16. Rising star Gerald Coetzee (2/19), handed his first game by coach Allan Donald, then rattled the Lions early on by removing Ryan Rickelton (0) and Dwaine Pretorius (2). However, the 93-run Bavuma-Reeza Hendricks second-wicket partnership killed off any upset hopes with the result then sealed in the penultimate over. Story and footage: Cricket South Africa



Beuran Hendricks, 2 for 7 from three overs vs Momentum Multiply Titans
Beuran Hendricks, 2 for 7 from three overs vs Momentum Multiply Titans

Beuran Hendricks, 2 for 7 from three overs vs Momentum Multiply Titans Beuran Hendricks lead a dominant bowling performance to help the Imperial Lions oust their Jukskei rivals the Momentum Multiply Titans in their high-profile Betway T20 Challenge derby in Durban with an 18-run win on the Duckworth/Lewis Method on Monday. The Proteas seamer claimed a miserly two for seven in three exceptional overs as the Centurion-based were restricted to 112 for eight in pursuit of 131 from 15 overs. There were also two wickets each for Bjorn Fortuin (2/21) and Dwaine Pretorius (2/29), the Titans just not allowed to gain any rhythm during their chase. The Lions batted first after winning the toss and reached 124 for four in 16.2 overs when rain brought a premature end to their innings. The Johannesburg-based side had Reeza Hendricks (39) and Rassie van der Dussen (37*) to thank for getting them to that position after a wicket each for Simon Harmer, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams (all 1/19) and Tabraiz Shamsi (1/24) at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. Paceman Ngidi’s dismissal of Dwaine Pretorius raised his 100th T20 wicket in his 73rd match in the format. Rain then did deny Wandile Gwavu’s side the chance of a strong finish, with their total revised to 131. The Titans’ chase began fairly as they reached 41 for two in the sixth over, before the wheels came off – the early wickets to fall being Henry Davids (3) and Aiden Markram (8). They then lost four wickets for 14 runs to slump woefully to 55 for six, Fortuin landing two of those blows. Junior Dala (21), Simon Harmer (17) and Williams (11*) at least denied the Lions the satisfaction of a bonus point, although the Titans did end with their joint-lowest score in the fixture. It was also a first loss of the campaign for Mandla Mashimbyi’s side, with their rivals making it two wins from two. Footage and story: Cricket South AfricaBeuran Hendricks lead a dominant bowling performance to help the Imperial Lions oust their Jukskei rivals the Momentum Multiply Titans in their high-profile Betway T20 Challenge derby in Durban with an 18-run win on the Duckworth/Lewis Method on Monday. The Proteas seamer claimed a miserly two for seven in three exceptional overs as the Centurion-based were restricted to 112 for eight in pursuit of 131 from 15 overs. There were also two wickets each for Bjorn Fortuin (2/21) and Dwaine Pretorius (2/29), the Titans just not allowed to gain any rhythm during their chase. The Lions batted first after winning the toss and reached 124 for four in 16.2 overs when rain brought a premature end to their innings. The Johannesburg-based side had Reeza Hendricks (39) and Rassie van der Dussen (37*) to thank for getting them to that position after a wicket each for Simon Harmer, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams (all 1/19) and Tabraiz Shamsi (1/24) at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. Paceman Ngidi’s dismissal of Dwaine Pretorius raised his 100th T20 wicket in his 73rd match in the format. Rain then did deny Wandile Gwavu’s side the chance of a strong finish, with their total revised to 131. The Titans’ chase began fairly as they reached 41 for two in the sixth over, before the wheels came off – the early wickets to fall being Henry Davids (3) and Aiden Markram (8). They then lost four wickets for 14 runs to slump woefully to 55 for six, Fortuin landing two of those blows. Junior Dala (21), Simon Harmer (17) and Williams (11*) at least denied the Lions the satisfaction of a bonus point, although the Titans did end with their joint-lowest score in the fixture. It was also a first loss of the campaign for Mandla Mashimbyi’s side, with their rivals making it two wins from two. Footage and story: Cricket South Africa



Rassie van der Dussen, 64 off 41 balls vs Warriors
Rassie van der Dussen, 64 off 41 balls vs Warriors

Rassie van der Dussen, 64 off 41 balls vs Warriors A sizzling half-century in the Durban heat from Rassie van der Dussen together with seven shared wickets between Kagiso Rabada and Sisanda Magala helped the Imperial Lions make a strong start to the Betway T20 Challenge with a four-wicket win over the Dafabet Warriors on Saturday. Wandile Gwavu's team, champions of the competition when it was last played, bowled first after losing the toss but managed to dismiss their opponents for 157 at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. Seamer Magala was their most successful bowler with four for 37, but Proteas speedster Rabada was the man that impressed most with his three for 23. National team-mate Van der Dussen then blasted 64 off 41 balls (3 fours, 4 sixes) to lead the Lions' charge that ended with them crossing the line with four deliveries to spare. The margin of victory could have been even greater for the Johannesburg-based side had they not went through a wobble late during the chase. They were in control for most of the contest, though, especially after pulling the Warriors back following a fast start provided by Jon-Jon Smuts (14) and Gihahn Cloete (18). But from 34 for none after four overs, Rabada's pace then rattled the Eastern Cape side as they lost quick wickets to slump to 36 for three. Wihan Lubbe (22), who was rattled by a bouncer from the paceman that struck his head, and captain Sinethemba Qeshile (33) did lead the recovery – the Warriors reaching 107 for four at one stage. But they fell to the excellent Bjorn Fortuin (1/18) and Beuran Hendricks (1/29) respectively, before Magala returned to mop up the tail, the innings ending with the 10th wicket falling from the final delivery. The Lions lost Ryan Rickelton (5) and Reeza Hendricks (11) early, before Temba Bavuma (40) and Van der Dussen rebuilt with a 64-run second-wicket stand. The latter and Delano Potgieter (17) followed that by adding 58 for the next wicket to put the chase well on track. However, the two set men fell to Aya Gqamane (3/20) to threaten a late twist, but Fortuin struck nine quick runs to ensure there was no Warriors comeback as Gwavu's men sealed victory early in the final over. Text and footage: Cricket South Africa





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