Batsman Rassie van der Dussen and seamer Nono Pongolo were the star performers as the Jozi Stars beat the Tshwane Spartans in Tuesday’s Mzansi Super League fixture at the Wanderers.

Van der Dussen struck a brisk 98 not out in the Stars’ final total of 239 for three, after which Pongolo’s telling six-wicket haul limited the Spartans to 138 all out.

The result secured the Stars a play-off berth – and ruled the Spartans out of contention.

Pongolo’s figures are the second best in South African domestic Twenty20 cricket. Border’s Phaphama Fojela took six for nine against Easterns in East London in 2014.

‘I would like to thank Rassie. It’s nice to qualify for the play-off match. It has been a great journey for the team. I have come through the back door, so it’s nice to be a part of this dressing room,’ said Pongolo.

Van der Dussen was named Player of the Match, after striking six fours and as many sixes during an entertaining 44-delivery stay. He was well supported by Australian all-rounder Dan Christian, who raced to an unbeaten 52 from a mere 19 balls.

‘You don’t see six wickets in T20 too often, so Pongolo deserve the Man of the Match accolade. Our game plan was to save the wickets and that let us smoke it out of the park in the end overs,’ added Van der Dussen.

Photo: Gallo