Quinton de Kock played a lone hand for the Cape Town Blitz, scoring a masterful century to set up an important win over the Tshwane Spartans at Centurion and extend their lead at the top of the MSL log.
De Kock and Janneman Malan put on 83 for the first wicket for the Blitz in just under nine overs, before Malan was trapped leg before by Jeevan Mendis for 34 off 29 balls (2×4, 2×6, S/R 117.24). The Blitz then collapsed in dramatic fashion, losing seven wickets for 18 runs in five overs. Four Blitz batters were out after scoring only one run, two scored two runs and Asif Ali was bowled by Corbin Bosch first ball.
De Kock restored some order by adding 57 with Malusi Siboto (9 off 12) before the Proteas star was out after scoring the second century in MSL history. His 108 came off just 55 balls, and included 10 fours and five sixes (S/R 196.36) to give the Blitz a real chance in the match.
Siboto and Nandre Burger added 14 off the last nine balls to raise the Blitz to a highly defendable 172-9. Bosch (2-27, econ 6.75), Sean Williams (2-14, econ 7.00) and Mendis (2-33, econ 11.00) enjoyed the most success with the ball for the Spartans.
The Spartans got off to a good start with Elgar continuing his good form to score 37 off 26 balls (4×4, 1×6, S/R 142.30) before falling with the score on 64 after nine overs. A steady stream of wickets followed, with only Tony de Zorzi (16 off 16 balls) making it into double figures as the Spartans collapsed to a disappointing 112 off 18.2 overs as the Blitz took victory by 60 runs.
Mohammad Nawaz (3-14, econ 4.66), Burger (3-19, econ 5.70) and Siboto (2-14, econ 4.66) did the damage with the ball, but the match will be remembered for Quinton de Kock’s truly match-changing 108 which earned him the Player of the Match award.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
