SWD’s Du Plessis hits WP for a six

South Western Districts on Saturday pulled off a brilliant 147-run victory against Western Province in the Cricket South Africa Provincial Three-Day competition.

This victory is without a doubt one of the best and most clinical performances by SWD.

SWD, who won the toss and elected to bat first, posted 220 (all out) after only three batsmen managed to score double figures, but all three scored half-centuries - Jean du Plessis (63), Obus Pienaar (50) and Yamkela Oliphant (69*).

The visitors responded with 229 (all out), thanks to a gutsy century by the experienced Qaasim Adams (108; 198 balls, 9x4), which gave them a lead of nine runs.

The wicket takers for SWD were Bradley de Villiers (3/52), Hershell America (4/43) and Tsepo Ndwandwa (3/58).

The turning point in the match was in SWD’s second innings, with the highlight a brilliant maiden first-class century by the 19-year-old Jean du Plessis. It was an impressive inning by the SA U19 hero, who posted an unbeaten 116* from 181 balls (1x6, 12x4).

He was involved in an unbeaten partnership of 118 runs for the fourth wicket with Brendon Louw, who made 50 (not out). Kirwin Christoffels impressed with 71 and Obus Pienaar contributed a valuable 42.

Western Province, who were set a target of 320 (in 87 overs), were dismissed for 172, thanks to a clinical bowling and fielding performance by SWD.

André Malan (43) and Qaasim Adams (45) were the only batsmen who offered resistance.

America (3/22), Ndwandwa (2/48) and Pienaar (2/25) were the main wicket-takers, but the economical bowling performance by Bradley de Villiers (1/17 in 14 overs) deserves recognition.

This victory brought an end to SWD’s longest span without a victory in a firstclass match, the previous one being over the weekend of 17 to 19 November 2016, when SWD defeated KwaZulu-Natal by six wickets in Oudtshoorn.

Only four players of the team - Neil Hornbuckle, Brendon Louw, Marcello Piedt and Neil Hornbuckle - played in that match.

The summarised scorecard:

SWD vs Western Province

SWD

First innings 220 (Yamkela Olifant 69, Obus Pienaar 50, Jean Du Plessis 63, Mpilo Njoloza 3/34, Andre Malan 3/42, Junaid Dawood 3/45). Second innings 328/3 declared (Jean du Plessis 116*, Kerwin Chrisoffels 71, Brendon Louw 50*, Obus Pienaar 42, Letlotle Sesele 29).

Western Province

First innings 229 (Qaasim Adams 108, Matthew Kleinveldt 26, Justin Dill 24, Hershelle America 4/43, Tsepo Ndwandwa 3/58, Bradley De Villiers 3/52).

Second innings 172 (Qaasim Adams 45, André Malan 43, Mpilo Njoloza 22, Hershel America 3/22, Obus Pienaar 2/25, Tsepo Ndwandwa 2/48)

SWD won by 147 runs.

The victorious SWD team in the dressing room after their victory. Front: Marco de Kock, Obus Pienaar, Bradley de Villiers, Yamkela Oliphant, Daniel Seha and Kirwin Christoffels. Back: Jean du Plessis, Hershell America, Stefan Tait, Neil Hornbuckle, Mthobeli Bangindawo, Letlotle Sesele (captain), Tsepo Ndwandwa, Baakier Abrahams (head coach), Brendon Louw and Marcello Piedt.

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images Jean du Plessis, the SWD hero against WP.