Mpumalanga Rhinos continue slow start to CSA T20 Knockout
The Rhinos will undoubtedly be hoping to bounce back in the upcoming game against the Limpopo Impalas.
The Mpumalanga Rhinos have had a rather slow and unideal start to the 2024/25 CSA season, suffering their second loss in as many matches when they took on Eastern Storm on Sunday, September 29.
The Rhinos’ season began with an 18-run defeat at the hands of the Northern Cape Heat at Uplands College on September 24. They undoubtedly rued missed chances in the early stages of the game and would have been hoping to improve on this when they travelled to Benoni to face the Storm in hope of a change in fortunes.
But things didn’t quite go to plan for the men from Mpumalanga. The Rhinos, the visiting side on this occasion, won the toss and decided to field first. Much like the Heat against the Rhinos, the Eastern Storm got off to a good start with a good opening partnership.
It was broken at 72, though, and the Rhinos picked up another two wickets in quick succession, giving them the chance to apply some pressure. But the storm’s middle order bounced back and helped carry their side to 171-8 in the 20 overs.
Gareth Dukes was the most potent bowler for the Rhinos, claiming two wickets for 27 runs in four overs. Themba Maupa, Akhulile Mkatu, Shane Dadswell and Jurie Snyman all took a wicket each.
The Rhinos’ innings got off to an abysmal start, losing both openers for ducks as captain Muhammed Mayet fell on the first ball of the innings. Snyman and Nonelela Yikha provided resilience, though, the former reaching a half-century before he fell for 55.
While Yikha scored 37, it was at less than a run a ball, and ultimately the Rhinos could never find consistent enough run-scoring rhythm, failing to reach the required rate. They were restricted to 148-8 in 20 overs, handing the Storm a 23-run victory.
The Rhinos’ next match will be against CSA T20 Knockout defending champions Limpopo Impalas in Polokwane on October 6.
