AB de Villiers smashed 75 to lead the Titans to a seven-wicket win against the Warriors in Benoni on Tuesday.
Both sides needed a win to take them above the log-leading Dolphins, with the loser potentially falling out of contention for a playoff spot.
Boasting a string of international names, the Centurion-based side put on a brilliant bowling display as the Warriors’ top six were toppled for 113 runs.
The hosts struck early through Morris in the first over, and a double by Lungi Ngidi in the sixth. The two speedsters knocked over Gihahn Cloete (0), Colin Ingram (4) and Colin Ackermann (0), as the visitors were reduced to 18-3 (5.5).
Jon-Jon Smuts formed a crucial partnership with Yaseen Vallie which lasted for 66 runs, but the Warriors captain was sent packing on 39 for Malusi Siboto’s only wicket in the 20th over. Vallie was the Warriors’ highest scorer with 44, but he fell victim to Morris (3-30), who headlined a destructive bowling display.
Aiden Markram (1-10) and Tabraiz Shamsi (0-28) kept the run rate down with spin, while Junior Dala (2-30) and Ngidi (3-32) wrapped up the tail as the Warriors were bundled for 147, their lowest total of the tournament.
The Titans’ batting lineup made light work of the target, despite losing three wickets for 61. De Villiers (75 off 62 balls) and Farhaan Behardien (24) took their side over the line with an unbeaten 87-run partnership.
The final score was 148-3, with Andrew Birch (2-37) and Ayabulela Gqamane (1-40) the only wicket takers for their side. This bonus-point win pushed the Titans to 28 points, four points clear of the Dolphins in second.
Contrary to events in Benoni, the Knights, who won the toss, posted 311-6 in their match against the Lions in Kimberley. David Miller (123 off 86 balls) and Keegan Petersen (75 off 108) starred with the bat, setting a difficult target for the Lions.
Rassie van der Dussen (102 off 138 balls) and Dwaine Pretorius (115 off 79 balls) battled hard to try and claim a win for their side, but they fell five runs short of the target. The win for the Knights took them to third, three points clear of the Warriors on 21 points.
Titans vs Warriors scorecard
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
