Easterns’ paceman Lance Humphrey ripped through KwaZulu-Natal Inland at the City Oval to help put the visitors on top. He earns Thursday’s Turbo Bowler award, writes ANITHA MADIKIZELA.
The 24-year-old picked up career-best figures of 4-44 in 12 overs on his return to first-class cricket after having represented Easterns twice before in 2017. His performance in Pietermaritzburg trumps his previous best showing of 2-20, achieved against Border on debut in East London.
READ ALSO: Moonsamy ton puts Northerns in command
The right-arm pace bowler began KZN Inland’s destruction by getting rid of the home team’s top three batsmen within 12 overs with just 44 runs on the board. Openers Ruhan Pretorius (18) and Johnny Riekert (15), along with captain Luke Schlemmer (6), all fell to Humphrey in quick succession as the home side began on the back foot.
He then returned to the attack in the latter stages of the innings to dismiss Kurtlyn Mannikam, caught at mid-wicket off a leading edge. Humphrey was supported well by new-ball partner Clayton August (2-34 from 11 overs) and the rest of the Easterns’ bowling attack to dismiss the home side for just 186 runs after 54 overs.
READ ALSO: Changes at Eastern Cricket Union
Easterns will resume with 102-2 on the board on Friday with opener Wesley Marshall (43) and left-hander Wesley Coulentianos (29) at the crease, looking to make more inroads into KZN Inland’s overnight lead of 84 runs, with eight wickets in hand.
Photo: Eastern Cricket/Facebook
