CBC Old Boys’ Premier XI earned a hard-fought three-wicket victory over a tough Duduza outfit in their Eastern Premier League encounter in Benoni on January 13.
The hosts, who posted a target of 206 runs for the Boksburg side, enjoyed an encouraging start when opener Xolane Mahlaba hit a half ton before being dismissed for an impressive score of 52 runs.
Mahlaba’s fellow top-order batsman Thami Salimane, who finished second to Mahlaba as their team’s top scorers on the day, continued to apply pressure on the scoreboard with 35 runs.
Tumelo Simelane scored 26 as the hosts held their rhythm throughout most of their batting innings to give Casey Arnold and company something to think about.
Old Boys needed a fast and furious start to the second innings and opener Mark Pearse gave his side exactly what the doctor ordered as he smashed his own 52 runs to match Mahlaba.
The Old Boys top-order combined well to relieve pressure from the bottom-order as all of Pearse, skipper Arnold (31) and Dylan Bennie (64) combined for 147 runs, and suddenly the visitors were in the driving seat.
If it weren’t for Tyrone Cameron’s heroics with the leather and a matching fielding effort from Old Boys, Duduza might have added to their impressive total.
Cameron finished with 4/21 in five overs. Mpho Ndzimande and Willie Bernhardt both took a brace of wickets apiece as they finished with 2/27; 2 and 2/31; 1 respectively.
Duduza lasted for 43.3 overs behind the crease before the visitors overhauled their total in 40.2 overs. – @SabeloBoksburg
