AMH/BA Blasting retains T20 title
AMH/BA Blasting retained their Richelieu Franchise 2022 Cricket League title following a 39-run victory over XCO/M&M SIGNS in the finals at the United Sports Ground on Sunday.
BA Blasting won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a competitive total of 174 runs for seven (174/7) in their 20 overs. National team player Ruben Trumpelmann, who was voted batsman of the tournament, top-scored for Blasting with 56 runs from 29 balls, knocking three fours and six sixes in the process.
Nicol Loftie-Eaton scored 38 runs from 30 balls, with a single four and two sixes.
XCO/M&M SIGNS’ fightback started well, with Stephen Baard and Craig Williams piling on the runs to score 24 and 19 runs from
16 and 13 balls, respectively.
Jan Balt and Shaun Fouche continued where the two opening batsmen left off, scoring 20 and 16 runs from 20 and three balls respectively. Malan Kruger took matters into his hands and top-scored for his side with 39 runs from 29 balls as the favour swung to XCO/M&M SIGNS.
However, as soon as his wicket was taken by Alex Volschenk from the bowling of Dylan Leicher, who was voted bowler of the series, XCO/ M&M SIGNS’ run chase collapsed as none of the last five batsmen scored more than five runs each, giving BA Blasting their third title in three years. Trumpelmannsaidthetournament is a perfect platform f o r youngsters to display their talents, as several youngsters used the opportunity to show national selectors their readiness for the Eagles’ call-up.
Speaking after winning the title, the captain of the winning team, Loftie-Eaton, said he enjoyed his first year as captain of the franchise as it was a good campaign for his team.
“It was a learning curve in terms of changing my game and improving the game of the guys around me. It was an exciting period. These two weekends’ cricket was exciting for me,” he said.
Loftie-Eaton added that the tournament is good for developing younger players as it helps them get exposure and helps other players improve and learn more about their game.