Miller, Maharaj turn up the Heat
Giants-slaying lifts Durban side to fourth in MSL standings
DAVID Miller delivered a classy batting display and man of the match Keshav Maharaj produced a world-class bowling spell to help the Durban Heat secure a six-wicket victory against the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants in a Mzansi Super League match at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium yesterday.
Batting first, the Giants posted a healthy total of 173 for the loss of six wickets from their 20 overs. The Port Elizabeth based franchise started strongly and reached 50 runs before the start of the sixth over as Ben Dunk and Jason Roy found the boundaries on a regular basis and with ease.
Dunk and Roy put on an opening stand of 67 before Maharaj made a breakthrough and dismissed Dunk.
Maharaj bowled a brilliant spell after being introduced into the attack, going for just 15 runs from four overs.
South Africa’s premier Test bowler also dismissed Roy for 36 and Heino Kuhn for a duck. Ironically, all three of his wickets came after the batsmen tried to smash him over the boundary rope.
Englishman Ravi Bopara went wicketless but also helped to contain the early momentum of the Giants as his four overs went for just 21 runs.
Were it not for good economy rates from Bopara and Maharaj, the Giants would have in all probability posted well above the 200 mark as all of the other Heat bowlers had economy rates in excess of 10 runs per over.
After Maharaj’s three dismissals, Giants captain Jon Jon Smuts topscored with 54 of 37 balls to help his side post a fairly competitive total. He was well supported by Marco Marais who played a late cameo and struck 25 runs off just 11 balls.
In their chase, the Heat lost opener Wesley Marshall early for three to
Beuran Hendricks. However, they did not lose early wickets as they did during previous games.
Englishman Alex Hales finally got runs on the board following a slow start to the competition, scoring 41 before being dismissed by Junior Dala in the 12th over.
Wihan Lubbe played an entertaining innings of 31 off just 11 balls which included striking Dala for 28 runs in the fourth over (4x4, 6x2).
After the dismissal of Lubbe, captain Dane Vilas (25) and Bopara (18*) played valuable cameos to ensure that the home side got over the line comfortably with several balls to spare.
The Heat now move into fourth place in the MSL standings and will be strong contenders for a place in the play-offs of the competition.
They are next in action against the Paarl Rocks at Boland Park on Wednesday.