Hermann stars as Warriors pull off impressive Houdini act
Dafabet Warriors opener Jordan Hermann is making an early play for the signing of the season, as he struck a sparkling unbeaten 187 to power his side to a superb come-from-behind seven-wicket victory over the Gbets Rocks in Paarl on Saturday afternoon.
In an action-packed Division One CSA 4-Day Series match that lasted just three days, the Rocks were in full control at the halfway stage, their first innings score of 332 all out well ahead of the Warriors’ 161.
However, a strong bowling performance led by Glenton Stuurman, 4/35, reined in the Rocks to 198 all out in their second innings.
Khwezi Gumede (6) was the last man out, caught by Hermann off the bowling of Tsepo Ndwandwa on Saturday morning to give the Warriors a stiff target of 370 to win.
Hermann then took centre stage, bringing up his second first-class century and his highest score, with his 187 coming off 281 balls, featuring 23 fours and five sixes.
Their chase got off to the perfect start as he shared in a 193-run opening partnership with Wihan Lubbe, who scored 78 off 167 balls (10x4; 2x6).
Lubbe became the first wicket to fall, caught behind by keeper Clyde Fortuin off the bowling of Hardus Viljoen in the postlunch session.
Hermann then brought up his century in the company of Lesiba Ngoepe (15) as the Warriors made their way to 214/1 at tea, needing 156 runs in the final session to claim the victory.
Ngoepe was caught by Janneman Malan off the bowling of Shaun von Berg.
Matthew Breetzke (28) was next to go, caught by Stiaan van Zyl off Achille Cloete, with the Warriors on 299/3 and the match looking like it would only be decided on the final day.
However, captain Rudi Second had other ideas, coming in and cracking a quick unbeaten 44-ball 50 (9x4) to help the Warriors cruise home for a famous win just before the close of play.