A maiden career T20 half-century by Sinethemba Qeshile helped the EP Warriors maintain their dream start to the T20 Challenge season with a sixth win in six matches, the latest being a 24-run triumph over the North West Dragons in Gqeberha on Sunday.
There was also a first win of the campaign for the Boland Rocks after they overcame the KZN Dolphins by four wickets in the earlier game of the double-header at St George’s Park.
Double-capped Proteas wicketkeeper Qeshile, playing his 50th T20, played a key role for his side, who extended their advantage at the top of the table to 10 points over the Central Gauteng Lions.
After winning the toss and batting, the Warriors amassed 186-5, with Matthew Breetzke (37), Jordan Hermann (28) and Patrick Kruger (46) also making key contributions.
Qeshile remained unbeaten on 51 off 30 balls (four fours, six sixes).
With the ball, Beyers Swanepoel (2-28), Renaldo Meyer (2-38) and JP King (2-13) claimed two wickets each and regularly chipped away at the Dragons’ batting lineup.
Lesiba Ngoepe did manage an unbeaten 45, while Raynard van Tonder hit 34, but it was not enough for the visitors as they lost for the fourth time this season.
HIGHLIGHTS: Warriors vs Dragons
In the earlier game, Marques Ackerman smashed an unbeaten 50 off 32 balls (three fours, two sixes), Khaya Zondo hit 35 and Bryce Parsons 31 to lift the Dolphins to 158-4 after they lost the toss and were asked to bat first.
Glenton Stuurman (1-24), Imran Manack and Shaun von Berg (both 1-26) impressed with the ball for the Rocks, who then chased down the total in 19.3 overs thanks to a blistering performance by Christiaan Jonker.
Von Berg, too, played a vital hand by landing 26* off 16 balls, playing an important support role for veteran Jonker, who finished the game with three sixes and two fours in a 26-ball 40*.
Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
