Free State cruised past Zimbabwe in the first Africa T20 Cup match of Pool C.
Zimbabwe managed to post a reasonable 149 in their 20 overs, but Free State made it look an inferior total in response.
Bothwell Chapungu (29) and 18-year-old Ryan Murray (34) were the only batsmen who tried to take the fight to Free State. SA Emerging all-rounder Leus de Plooy did well to get a brace in his three overs only conceding 14 runs. The rest of the wickets were spread out among the rest of the bowlers, leaving only two out of an incredible 10 bowlers wicketless.
Free State got off to a solid start putting on a 79-first-wicket partnership before opening batsman Andries Gous (44) threw away his wicket just before his half-century. His opening partner, Michael Erlank, did well to take his team over the line with 54 not out off 45 balls, after being joined by 34-year-old Dillon du Preez (32) and later de Plooy (13) as Free State won by a comprehensive seven wickets with two overs to spare.
Free State move to the top of Pool C with four points with. Border take on Easterns in the evening clash.
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
