The EP Warriors extended their winning start in the T20 Challenge to seven matches with a two-run victory over the Central Gauteng Lions at the Wanderers on Wednesday.
Asked to bat first, Andile Mogakane’s 73* off 51 deliveries, along with contributions from Jordan Hermann (40 off 32) and Sinethemba Qeshile (22* off 14), enabled the visitors to make 173-4.
Rassie van der Dussen led the Lions’ charge with 43 off 31 balls and a 53-run partnership with Temba Bavuma (28 off 26) steadied the innings after the early loss of openers Reeza Hendricks (golden duck) and Ryan Rickelton (run-a-ball 12).
However, it was Wiaan Mulder’s 43 off 20 balls that ignited hope for the Lions. He hit three towering sixes in the penultimate over before being dismissed by Alfred Mothoa (3-35).
Beyers Swanepoel (2-27) then held his nerve to defend 12 runs in the final over.
At Newlands, Edward Moore’s maiden T20 century (101 off 58 balls; 11 fours, four sixes) paved the way for Western Province’s 48-run victory over the KZN Inland Tuskers.
Supported ably by Wayne Parnell (46 off 41 balls) and Kyle Verreynne (23 off 11), WP racked up 208-6.
Mbulelo Budaza (3-41) was the standout bowler for the Tuskers.
While Kagiso Rapulana scored 60 off 43 deliveries, the Tuskers could only reach 160-7, with Keith Dudgeon (35* off 17) holding firm.
Kyle Simmonds and Juan James each claimed two wickets for WP.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
