Fast bowler Junior Dala relished the Man of the Match award as the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants defeated the Durban Heat by nine wickets in Friday’s one-sided Mzansi Super League clash in Port Elizabeth.

Dala secured telling figures of two for 16 in the Heat’s final total of 127 for six. He was key in removing opener Morne van Wyk and all-rounder Vernon Philander, while fellow seamer Chris Morris offered solid support in dismissing Proteas pair David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen.

‘I probably wasn’t at my best, but it is good to contribute to the win and it always feels nice to perform in front of the home crowd,’ said Dala.

‘We had a game plan for the batters and we executed those well. Morris made my job very easy at the other end.’

The Giants’ pursuit was prompt and successful, as captain Jon-Jon Smuts’ commanding half-century ensured victory with 15 deliveries to spare.

‘It was a pretty awesome performance. The bowlers did their job earlier and we completed the chase nicely. I thought we played really well,’  said Smuts.

‘Things went our way and sometimes you need to make the most of such lucky breaks. The spinners have done well, but the fast bowlers have played well too. The crowd was amazing and the atmosphere was electrifying.’

Image: Gallo