In a thrilling encounter at the DP World Wanderers Stadium on September 27, the Momentum Multiply Titans displayed their dominance in the T20 Challenge, delivering a stunning 117 run victory over the defending champions, the DP World Lions.
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Winning the toss and opting to bat first, the Titans unleashed a ferocious batting display that left the Lions’ bowlers reeling. Lhuan-dre Pretorius, with a blistering 82 runs off just 43 balls, was the star of the show, supported ably by Keegan Petersen, who got 66 runs off 40 balls, and Donovan Ferreira, who blasted 53 runs off a mere 19 balls. Together, they formed a formidable partnership, particularly the explosive third wicket pairing of Pretorius and Petersen, which amassed 152 runs in just 70 balls. The Titans posted an imposing total of 258 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
The Lions’ chase began disastrously. They lost five wickets for a mere eight runs in the first three overs, leaving fans in disbelief. Dayaan Galiem (3/22) and Roelof van der Merwe (3/28) wreaked havoc with the ball, dismantling the Lions’ top order. Captain Mitchell van Buuren and fellow opener Zubayr Hamza fell victim to Galiem and Van der Merwe, succumbing to third ball ducks. The Lions found themselves in an unsafe position at 3 for 3.
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Evan Jones, the Lions’ saviour, emerged from the chaos, scoring a valiant 83 runs off 48 deliveries, including five fours and six sixes. His partnership with Delano Potgieter, who scored 28, provided hope as they steadied the ship with a 75 run stand for the sixth wicket. Their efforts brought the score to 50 for 5 at the halfway point, but the Titans’ relentless bowling attack continued to apply pressure.
Jones attempted to turn the tide in the 13th over, smashing two sixes and a four off Tsepo Ndwandwa, showcasing his power-hitting capabilities. However, after the fall of Potgieter, who was caught off a return catch to Galiem, the Lions’ innings faltered further. Lutho Sipamla contributed a valuable 13 runs before being run out, leaving the Lions to finish at 141 runs for eight wickets, far short of their target.
As the T20 Challenge unfolds, the Titans’ emphatic win sends a clear message to the competition: They are looking to dominate the tournament. With a batting lineup that can take apart any bowling attack and a disciplined bowling performance, the Titans are firmly positioned as early favourites in this season’s challenge.
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