Two in a row for Pukke as they thrash India at Red Bull Campus Cricket World Finals

Impressive is just one way to describe NWU-Pukke’s 72 run win against India today (11 September) in the Red Bull Campus Cricket World Series Group A match that took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Ruan Haasbroek spearheaded Pukke’s win with an unbeaten 46 (37) and 1/2 with the ball as the South African representatives completed their second victory in as many days. Haasbroek was duly named man of the match for his efforts.

Pukke batted first and amassed 169/4 from their 20 overs before bowling out India for a mere 97. Jovaun van Wyngaardt (2/14) and Dyllan Matthews (2/22) were the chief destroyers for Pukke as the Indians struggled to adapt to Pukke’s tight and aggressive bowling. India found themselves at 25/5 at one stage and were in absolute tatters as Julian Soutter (1/13) and Niel Durow (1/13) cashed in. India’s Omkar Khatpe was their only shining light as he contributed 31 (34) with the bat before succumbing to Wihan Lubbe’s off spin.

Earlier Lubbe (34) and Janneman Malan (30) once again got Pukke off to a decent start and it looks like their opening partnership will be an invaluable part of Pukke’s trophy aspirations as the tournament progresses to the business stage. The team’s spin bowling has also been on point in the tournament even causing problems for sub-continent nations such as India.

Pukke next take on Pakistan, tomorrow in what promises to be a titanic clash. Pukke have the opportunity to make it three in a row, but this might be a tough task against an always unpredictable Pakistan side

The entire Potchefstroom will be holding thumbs for the Pukke Boys as they take their next step towards cricketing glory.