Former Proteas fast bowler Kyle Abbott starred in the Durban Heat’s 10-run victory over the Tshwane Spartans in Wednesday’s key Mzansi Super League fixture at Kingsmead.

Abbott’s telling figures of four for 27 in four tight overs limited the Spartans to 139 for nine in 19 overs in the rain-affected encounter.

Abbott, who is no longer available to international cricket after signing a Kolpak contract in the United Kingdom, removed the dangerous Robbie Frylinck, Rory Kleinveldt, Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza.

Fellow Kolpak cricketer Marchant de Lange, meanwhile, ensured that opener Gihahn Cloete’s commanding half-century ended on 55. Spinner Keshav Maharaj was responsible for the early departure of the threatening AB de Villiers.

The Heat’s successful pursuit was lined with several promising starts, as Proteas Albie Morkel, Heinrich Klaasen, Albie Morkel, Khaya Zondo and Morne van Wyk all scored in the 20s. Only the left-handed David Miller missed out, perishing for just seven.

Morkel’s stay was especially brisk – and effectively got the Durban outfit ahead of the required run rate. The inclement weather eventually had the final say, with the Dolphins on a sufficient 129 for six after 16.3 overs when played was called off in the late afternoon.

The victory was the first of the tournament for the Heat, while the defeat was the Spartans’ second.

Image: Gallo