Proteas batsman Rassie van der Dussen starred for the Vancouver Knights during Thursday’s eight-wicket victory over the Toronoto Nationals in the opening match of the 2019 Global T20 Canada.
South African Heinrich Klaasen’s 41, which spanned a mere 20 deliveries and featured four sixes, was the joint-top score in the Nationals’ final total of 159 for five at the CAA Centre in Brampton. Proteas all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo and former Cape Cobras spinner Michael Rippon, meanwhile, snared a wicket each for the Knights.
The Knights eventually triumphed with 18 deliveries to spare. Spearheaded by West Indian Chadwick Walton and fellow half-centurion van der Dussen, the reigning champions raced to 162 for two in 17.2 overs.
The right-handed van der Dussen was the Proteas’ second-highest run-scorer at the recent World Cup in the United Kingdom – and this rich run of form continued in Canada. His 65 not out was collected over 43 deliveries – and lined with four fours and three sixes.
The tournament will also feature Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis and batsman JP Duminy, who have been recruited by the Edmonton Royals and Winnipeg Hawks, respectively. South Africans Farhaan Behardien, Wayne Parnell and Christiaan Jonker were on the Royals’ books last year.
Photo: Gallo Images
