Batsman Reeza Hendricks claimed a third consecutive Player of the Match award as the Jozi Stars beat the Cape Town Blitz by 50 runs in Tuesday’s Mzansi Super League clash at Newlands.

Hendricks almost struck three centuries in a row, but missed the feat by 21, falling for 79 in a final total of 196 for four. The Blitz’s reply then limped to 146 all out.

The hard-hitting Hendricks had struck back-to-back tons against the Durban Heat at the Wanderers and Nelson Mandela Bay Giants at St George’s Park earlier in the tournament.

‘I don’t really know what to say anymore. I’m really happy we got the win. The batting unit has to set it up for the bowling unit – and the last few games we’ve been doing that,’ said Hendricks.

The Cape Town team retained first position in the six-team standings despite the defeat, while the Stars replaced the Giants in second place.

Defeated captain Farhaan Behardien rued a crucial dropped catch, after boundary fielders Mohammad Nawaz and Janneman Malan’s miscommunication afforded batsman Rassie van der Dussen an extended innings.

‘We had done really well up until 10 overs. There was a dropped catch there. A lot of their batsmen came and started scoring right up front. I don’t want to take any credit away from them,’ added Behardien.

Triumphant skipper Dane Vilas concluded: ‘I am very happy with how the guys are playing. We’ve been playing well the whole tournament really, but to get the batting and bowling going together is good now.’

Photo: Gallo