Newcomers take on stalwarts

THE fifth annual Warriors Sport T20 Knockout tournament culminated in a grandstand finish at the Stanger Country Club Grounds on Sunday.

With their backs to the wall, defending champions United produced a stunning comeback against a starstudded Morningside outfit to retain their title.

Batting first, Morningside set a credible target of 153-4. Mo Mhlongo, 35, Dillon Rautenbach, 26, and Harry Naidoo, 26, all managed to get good starts but none could kick on and convert their early work into big scores.

United’s response got off to the worst possible start as they found themselves 12-2 after the first two overs. By the eighth over things had gone completely pear shaped as their entire top order perished. At 44 for 5 they needed to produce a big effort to chase down their target.

Then stepped in Bilal Ismail, who steadied the ship with aplomb as he dispatched the Morningside bowlers to all corners of the field.

Ismail struck nine fours and a six for a breath-taking 88. He eventually struck the winning runs with one ball to spare as Morningside watched on totally powerless.

Ismail’s heroics earned him the man of the match award.

The tournament, which is the brainchild of Warriors Sport chief executive Rajiv Mathapershad and is hosted by the Ilembe Cricket Union, featured 15 teams this year.

Rautenbach claimed the best bowler, best fielder, batsman with most sixes, and the coveted player of the tournament award. Bevlin Thaver won best batsman for his 106 runs.

Meanwhile, the KH Durban Winter T20 League reaches its climax today.

Competition newcomers Team Playas will face the Isipingo Eagles.

The final will take place at the Sirpat Road Grounds and gets under way at 11am.