Gerald Coetzee starred with the ball as the Free State Knights bowled out the KZN Dolphins for 253 in Bloemfontein on Sunday.
The 22-year-old fast bowler, who has been included in the Proteas’ Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against the West Indies, took 5-56 – his maiden first-class five-for – in 15 overs.
One of his victims was Dolphins’ top-scorer Eathan Bosch, who he trapped lbw for 53 off 71 balls.
At stumps, the Knights were 53-0, with Matthew Kleinveldt unbeaten on 40 and Isaac Dikgale on nine.
Gerald Coetzee celebrates his place in the Proteas test squad with his maiden First-Class 5-wicket-haul
These were his last 2 wickets and you can see what it means to him to get the elusive 5-fer at his home ground, notorious for being a batters paradise#4DaySeries pic.twitter.com/zNO0JUdjv4
— Werner (@Werries_) February 19, 2023
At the Wanderers, Jordan Hermann struck 71 off 90 balls as the EP Warriors posted 270-4 against the Central Gauteng Lions.
Another day, another rapid 4-day fifty for the classy Jordan Hermann. This time against an attack that includes Kagiso Rabada#4DaySeries pic.twitter.com/Q2IJDJg1T4
— Werner (@Werries_) February 19, 2023
Diego Rosier scored 43, while captain Rudi Second (66*) and Sinethemba Qeshile (47*) were unbeaten at the close of play.
No play was possible on day one of the match between the North West Dragons and Western Province in Potchefstroom due to a wet outfield, while rain washed out the first day of the clash between the Northerns Titans and Boland Rocks at Tuks in Pretoria.