NWU-Pukke got their 2017 Red Bull Campus Cricket tournament off to the perfect start with a brilliant 6 wicket victory against Australia’s University of Sydney on Sunday morning.
The stars for NWU-Pukke were Janneman Malan with an unbeaten 67 (52) with the bat in chase of Australia’s total of 157/9, as well as Pukke spinners Ruan Haasbroek (3/13) and Dyllan Matthews (3/22) who benefited from the sub-continental conditions.
It was a clinical bowling performance from Pukke who managed to peg back the University of Sydney after the Australians has gotten off to a fast start. Hayden Kerr hit a quickfire 73 (39) and he was the foundation that their innings was built on. Haasbroek got his wicket with the score on the dreaded nelson of 111 and from there on Pukke could stamp their authority on proceedings. Matthews was also exceptional with his leg spinners that gave the Australians a few headaches.
Pukke’s opening pair of Wihan Lubbe (44) and Malan put up a 58 run opening partnership with Lubbe taking the bowlers to the cleaners with aggressive play early on. Lubbe hit 5 fours and 3 sixes in his innings, before losing his wicket to the impressive Kerr. Marques Ackerman followed soon and at 60/2, the University of Sydney were back in the game. Malan though kept a calm head and took control as he made it his mission to steer his side over the line. Malan hit four massive sixes and 2 fours in a mature knock to send Pukke over the line with 15 balls to spare.
Pukke next play India’s university team tomorrow in their second match of the tournament.
