Senwes Park delivered a run-fest of note when South Africa beat Zimbabwe by 171 runs in a One-Day International on 20 September 2006.
The most impressive part was not the margin of victory, but rather the way that South Africa’s batsmen smashed 418 runs in their 50 overs.
The chief destroyer was the former South African wicketkeeper, Mark Boucher who dismantled the Zimbabwean bowling at will with 147 runs off only 68 balls. Sixes rained around the ground like hail on a rainy day. Loots Bosman also chipped in with a valuable 88 to open the floodgates for Boucher’s assault later on.
It was a joy to behold for the Potchefstromers at the grounds on that day as their beloved Proteas handsomely defeated their neighbours. The crowd got their money’s worth, as has been the case more often than not at one of South Africa’s best cricket grounds.
The Zimbabweans cruised to 247/4 in their 50 overs, using their innings as mere batting practice, knowing that they could not achieve such a massive target against an experienced South African bowling attack.
South Africa’s bowlers could only get four wickets as Zimbabwe did a good job with the bat. Terry Duffin made 88 and stalwart Hamilton Mazakadza made a valiant 54.
The game will be remembered for the number of runs and entertainment that the fantastic Senwes Park pitch served up.
