Team Smart win thrilling Winter League
THE sixth instalment of the popular KH T20 Winter League came to an electrifying close last weekend.
In a thrilling final at the Toti Oval, Team Smart beat Golden Delight by two runs to claim the title.
After winning the toss, the Eagles opted to bowl first and were rewarded for their decision as their bowlers made quick inroads into Team Smart’s top order.
By the sixth over they were 453, with big-hitting Hollywoodbets Dolphins batsman, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, bowled by Zeyaad Salot for 8.
Van Jaarsveld’s franchise teammate Cody Chetty then steadied the ship with a run-a-ball 32.
Chetty’s experience helped Smart to a defendable 120 runs from their 20 overs.
In response, the Eagles lost their opener Cody Gertze in only the second over, thanks to clever bowling from Yergesh Naidoo.
Seasoned club man, Ryan Ashley Reeves, then added a valuable 34 to the scoreboard as the Eagles edged closer to victory. It was always going to be an uphill task, though, with 11 runs required off the last three balls to win.
Waqas Ahmad lofted Cameron Gordon for a massive six with a ball to go, but could only push the last ball for two, leaving them just shy in the end.
In the second division final, Scorchers defeated the Security Hyper Bandits by six wickets.
Scorchers won the toss and asked the Bandits to bat first. Marc Shepherd’s excellent half century helped them to a total of 120.
In response, a solid display from the Scorchers top order saw them reach their target in the 16th over.
“I think the scoreline of the final suggests how good the competition was,” said the tournament director, Yameen Godil.
“Good execution from Team Smart bowlers helped them pull through a nail-biting finish. They were excellent throughout the tournament and won their maiden title undefeated.”
Godil believes the tournament has grown immensely since its inception.
This year they got a record number of teams, also attracting a number of top franchise players.
“I think one of the reasons the guys enjoy it is because of the good family environment, great facilities and professional umpires.”