Somila Seyibokwe scored a brisk 52 to allow Border to open their Africa T20 Cup campaign with a simple eight-wicket victory over Easterns.
After Free State cantered to victory over Zimbabwe earlier in the day, it leaves Border and Free State with a victory apiece as they head into the second round of matches in Group C in East London on Saturday.
Border, featuring a balanced mix of young talents and experienced campaigners, restricted Andre Nel’s Easterns to 124-6 from their allotted overs. The bowling efforts were inspired by one of the more senior guys, Simon Harmer, as his figures of 2-12 from four overs stood out above the rest.
Skipper Ernest Kimm (38) was up for the fight along with Matthew Arnold (30) but it was always going to be a tough target to defend.
Gionn Koopman was the first man to fall in response as he was run out for 11, but the early damage from Seyibokwe set the side well on their way. A 53-run stand followed between Seyibokwe and Yaseen Vallie.
Proteas spinner Tabraiz Shamsi broke the stand just after Seyibokwe got his fifty, but Shamsi will consider it a disappointing afternoon, conceding 40 from his spell. Christiaan Jonker (31) contributed to that, as he smashed no less than three sixes off Shamsi, which allowed the hosts to ease over the line with just under five overs to spare.
Photo: Chris Rocco/Backpage Pix
