Titans outplay Auckland to set up title clash against Qalandars
abu dhabi — Multiply Titans routed Auckland Aces by eight wickets to book a place in the Abu Dhabi T20 final against Lahore Qalandars.
The Group B encounter promised much intensity with South African side Titans (2 points), Afghanistan’s Boost Defenders (2 points) and New Zealand’s Aces (0 points) all living a chance to qualify to the final. Despite the stakes being high, Auckland Aces fell like ninepins. On the big day, Titans dictated terms from the start.
Opening the attack, Albie Morkel picked up Sean Solia (0). Tshepo Moreki got Robbie O’Donnell (0) and skipper Craig Cachopa (0) to make it five runs for three wickets by the second over. Alfred Mothoa ended Finn Allen’s 19-ball 20run vigil and later knocked down Graeme Beghin (16-ball 21).
By the eighth over, Aces were 51 for five wickets. There was no respite as spinner Shaun von Berg wreaked havoc. He claimed wickets of Ben Horne (16), Michael Barry, Matt McEwan and Danru Ferns to finish with figure of four wickets for 15 runs from his four overs.
None of the batsmen showed any fight as Aces were bundled up for 80 from 16 overs. In reply, centurion from Friday’s match Tony de Zorzi (34) and Andrea Agathagelou (19) started steadily. The pair put up 30 in first four overs until Will Somerville got rid of Agathagelou.
Zorzi then put another partnership with Theunis de Bruyn (20) to power Titans reach the target in 12.1 overs. Titans win also ended any hopes of Boost Defenders to qualify.
Titans skipper Morkel said he was happy that many boys had performed at the big stage.
“I am very happy with the performance of boys and the results, especially when playing back-toback games.”
He hoped the efforts of De Zorzi and Von Berg won’t go unnoticed.
“The whole aim of tournaments like this is to present a chance for youngsters to put their hands up.”
Multiply Titans play Lahore Qalandars in the final. In first match of Saturday, a dead-rubber, Yorkshire Vikings beat Hobart Hurricanes by nine wickets to exit Abu Dhabi on winning note.