2023/24/25 Men’s domestic cricket season

Why are the stadiums so empty?
People hardly attending domestic cricket in SA except for SA20.
Been that way for years.
The big players don't often play, sides are handicapped by selection criteria and the marketing is dreadful to non existent.
 
WARRIORS MAKE IT SIX FROM SIX AS ROCKS BREAK DUCK

Sunday, 24 March 2024

JOHANNESBURG: A maiden career half century by Sinethemba Qeshile helped the Dafabet Warriors maintain their dream start to the Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 Challenge season with a sixth win in six matches – the latest being a comfortable 24-run triumph over Auto Investments North West Dragons in Gqeberha on Sunday.

There was also a first win of the campaign for Gbets Rocks after they overcame Hollywoodbets Dolphins by 4 wickets in an earlier game of an action-packed double-header weekend that also saw two games played in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Double-capped Proteas wicketkeeper Qeshile, playing his 50th T20, played a key role for his side, who extended their advantage at the summit of the table to 10 points over DP World Lions thanks to their latest victory.

After winning the toss and batting, the Eastern Cape side amassed 186/5 at at Dafabet St George's Park Cricket Stadium, with Matthew Breetzke (37), Jordan Hermann (28) and Patrick Kruger (46) also making key contributions.

Qeshile remained unbeaten on 51 off 30 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes).

With the ball, Beyers Swanepoel (2/28), Renaldo Meyer (2/38) and JP King (2/13) all claimed two wickets each and regularly chipped away at the Dragons’ batting line-up, not allowing them to settle.

Lesiba Ngoepe did manage an unbeaten 45, while Raynard van Tonder hit 34, but it was not enough for the visitors as they lost for the fourth time this season.

Meanwhile, in the earlier game, Marques Ackerman smashed an unbeaten 50 off 32 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes), Khaya Zondo hit 35 and Bryce Parsons made 31 to lift the Dolphins to 158/4 after they lost the toss and were asked to bat first.

Glenton Stuurman (1/24), Imran Manack and Shaun von Berg (both 1/26) all impressed with the ball for the Paarl side, who then chased down the total in 19.3 overs thanks to a blistering performance by Christiaan Jonker.

Von Berg too played a vital hand by landing 26* off 16 balls, playing an important support role for veteran Jonker, who finished the game with three sixes and two fours in a 26-ball 40*.​
 
WARRIORS MARCH ON AS LIONS BEAT ROCKS

Sunday, 31 March 2024

PAARL: The Dafabet Warriors continued their remarkable run in the 2023/24 T20 Challenge by winning an incredible eighth match in a row after crushing World Sports Betting Western Province by nine wickets in Paarl on Sunday.

The Eastern Cape side, whose latest match winner was Matthew Breetzke, took their advantage at the table summit to 14 points over DP World Lions after they won the later match of a double header in Boland Park against hosts Gbets Rocks by the same margin.

Bowling first in the early game after losing the toss, the Warriors’ bowlers restricted Province to 142/7 with two wickets each for Nealan van Heerden (2/25) and Alfred Mothoa (2/36).

Geoge Linde (30) top-scored with starts for plenty others, all of whom failed to kick on as the log-leaders took control.

In reply, Jiveshan Pillay (31) and Breetzke (62* off 48 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes) put on 80 for the first wicket, before a marauding 20-ball 47* by Beyers Swanepoel, who clobbered six sixes, saw the Warriors charge to victory with 3.3 overs to spare.

The Lions were equally incisive in their win over the home side after allowing them to post a mere 116/8 after winning the toss and batting.

Rookie spinner Nqaba Peter was the pick of the bowlers with a career-best 3/14 that was supported expertly by Bjorn Fortuin (2/15) and Wiaan Mulder (2/26). Only Ferisco Adams (37) walked away with any credibility for the Rocks.

Reeza Hendricks lead the way in the reply by striking an unbeaten 53 (47 balls, 1 four, 2 sixes). He was supported by Ryan Rickelton (23) and Evan Jones (43*) as the Johannesburg side won by 9 wickets and with 16 deliveries to spare.

ENDS

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WARRIORS MARCH ON AS LIONS BEAT ROCKS

Sunday, 31 March 2024

PAARL: The Dafabet Warriors continued their remarkable run in the 2023/24 T20 Challenge by winning an incredible eighth match in a row after crushing World Sports Betting Western Province by nine wickets in Paarl on Sunday.

The Eastern Cape side, whose latest match winner was Matthew Breetzke, took their advantage at the table summit to 14 points over DP World Lions after they won the later match of a double header in Boland Park against hosts Gbets Rocks by the same margin.

Bowling first in the early game after losing the toss, the Warriors’ bowlers restricted Province to 142/7 with two wickets each for Nealan van Heerden (2/25) and Alfred Mothoa (2/36).

Geoge Linde (30) top-scored with starts for plenty others, all of whom failed to kick on as the log-leaders took control.

In reply, Jiveshan Pillay (31) and Breetzke (62* off 48 balls, 5 fours, 2 sixes) put on 80 for the first wicket, before a marauding 20-ball 47* by Beyers Swanepoel, who clobbered six sixes, saw the Warriors charge to victory with 3.3 overs to spare.

The Lions were equally incisive in their win over the home side after allowing them to post a mere 116/8 after winning the toss and batting.

Rookie spinner Nqaba Peter was the pick of the bowlers with a career-best 3/14 that was supported expertly by Bjorn Fortuin (2/15) and Wiaan Mulder (2/26). Only Ferisco Adams (37) walked away with any credibility for the Rocks.

Reeza Hendricks lead the way in the reply by striking an unbeaten 53 (47 balls, 1 four, 2 sixes). He was supported by Ryan Rickelton (23) and Evan Jones (43*) as the Johannesburg side won by 9 wickets and with 16 deliveries to spare.

ENDS

View attachment 1684203
Yikes 8 in a row. Didn't watch yesterday's ... too many matches on in one day.
 
Congrats to limpopo impalas who won their first ever trophy. winning the t20 division 2 title. Freestate eagles secured promotion to div 1. Very big for freestate and the region that they only spend 1 season in div 2.

Tuskers and Rocks still fighting out in div 1to see who gets relegated.
 
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ITEC KNIGHTS SECURE PROMOTION BACK TO CSA DIVISION 1
Tuesday, 16 April 2024

BLOEMFONTEIN:
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has congratulated the ITEC Knights on their promotion back to Division 1, marking a triumphant return for the team to the upper echelons of domestic cricket.

Following a challenging season that saw them relegated, the Knights displayed exceptional performances across all formats, securing two final spots, and earning themselves a well-deserved promotion back to Division 1 at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season from Division 2.

The CSA domestic structure, implemented three seasons ago, introduced a dynamic system aimed at enhancing competitiveness and nurturing talent across the country. The recurring automatic promotion and relegation system ensures a fair and equitable platform for teams to strive for success.

Reflecting on the promotion, CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki, extended heartfelt congratulations to the Bloemfontein-based side.

"Congratulations to the ITEC Knights on their promotion to CSA’s Division 1. Their return underscores the competitive nature of our domestic cricket landscape and the opportunities it affords our member teams. Their promotion reaffirms the strength and depth of talent within our cricketing community.

“We wish them all the best as they prepare to compete in Division 1, carrying with them the hopes and aspirations of their fans and supporters, ready to write the next chapter in their cricketing journey,” said Moseki.

Free State Cricket CEO, Johan van Heerden, expressed pride in the team’s performance and resilience throughout the season.

"The ITEC Knights have shown incredible determination and skill in reaching this milestone. Their promotion to Division 1 is a testament to their hard work and the high standards they set for themselves.

“Relegation was a tough experience, but it served as a learning opportunity for the team. They adapted their approach and built a stronger, more cohesive unit as a result. Our main goal is to establish the Knights as a competitive force in Division 1. We are focused on developing our players and investing in talent to ensure we remain at the highest level.

“We are confident in the Knights' abilities, and we will continue to support them in their journey to success in Division 1 as we believe they will thrive in this new chapter," said van Heerden.

The relegated team from Division 1 will be confirmed at the conclusion of the Division 1 CSA T20 Challenge, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the competition.
 
LIONS WIN TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH IN GQEBERHA

Wednesday, 17 April 2024

GQEBERHA: The DP World Lions clinched a commanding 43-run victory over the Dafabet Warriors in a top-of-the-table clash on Wednesday, fuelled by Ryan Rickelton's impressive half-century of 52 runs off just 38 deliveries.

Opting to field first after winning the toss, the Warriors aimed to put pressure on their visitors. However, Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks had other plans as they kickstarted the Lions' innings with a stellar 58-run partnership. Hendricks’ contribution came to an end at 31 runs, courtesy of Siya Simetu.

Despite facing regular setbacks following the opening partnership, the Lions managed to muster a competitive total of 152/9.

Nealan van Heerden shone for the Warriors' bowling unit, returning impressive figures of 4/23.

The Lions' bowling attack, led by Wiaan Mulder (4/14), immediately put the hosts on the back foot. Lutho Sipamla initiated the onslaught by dismissing Warriors' skipper, Matthew Breetzke, for 16 runs.

Mulder then wreaked havoc, claiming key wickets including Jiveshan Pillay (7), Jordan Herman (6), Liam Alder (19), and Simetu (8).

The Warriors struggled to build any significant partnerships as wickets continued to tumble, eventually succumbing to a total of 109 runs, with the Lions' bowling attack proving too formidable to overcome.

Earlier, Gbets Rocks overcame AET Tuskers with a seven-wicket win in a pivotal bottom of the table clash in Paarl.

The Tuskers were tasked with setting the tone as they took to the crease first but found themselves contained to a modest 119/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite notable efforts from Kyle Nipper, who notched up 36 runs, and Michael Erlank (32), and Ntando Zuma contributing a solid 21, the Tuskers struggled to build momentum.

Rocks' bowlers, spearheaded by Siyabonga Mahima with figures of 3/17, and supported by Imraan Manack who claimed 2/20, orchestrated a relentless attack on the Tuskers' batting lineup, ensuring they were kept within reach of a manageable target.

Chasing 120, Keegan Petersen led with a stellar 57 runs for the Rocks upfront. Petersen found solid support from Shaun von Berg, whose unbeaten 37* provided crucial stability, guiding the Rocks to victory with 14 balls to spare.

Despite the Tuskers' efforts to defend their total, with Mbulelo Budaza emerging as their most successful bowler with figures of 2/15, claiming the key wickets of Clyde Fortuin and Adrian du Toit, it was Kurtlyn Mannikam who secured the prized scalp of Petersen.

ENDS

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CSA T20 CHALLENGE SEMI-FINALISTS CONFIRMED

Sunday, 21 April 2024

GQEBERHA: A career-best five-for from Daryn Dupavillon helped the Hollywoodbets Dolphins secure a home semi-final as the Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 Challenge regular season drew to a close on Sunday.

The fast bowler bagged an impressive 5/20 to help the KwaZulu-Natal side stun Dafabet Warriors with a 7-wicket win in Gqeberha – the hosts suffering their fourth straight loss in the process.

There was also a big win for Momentum Multiply Titans over World Sports Betting Western Province in a match that was essentially a quarter-final at World Sports Betting Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, with the Centurion-based side winning by 6 wickets thanks mainly to Junior Dala (3/13) and Corbin Bosch (3/21).

Also on Sunday, the DP World Lions ensured they could not be stopped at the summit, securing first place with a 7-wicket triumph over AET Tuskers as Nqaba Peter (3/15) continued his incredible rise in 2024. The day’s final game was won by Auto Investments North West Dragons, who beat Gbets Rocks by 6 wickets in Paarl.

The star of the day was Dupavillon as he delivered a vintage performance to blow away the Warriors, who had won their first eight matches of the season before losing their way.

The paceman’s performance after his captain won the toss and bowled, helped the Dolphins restrict their hosts at Dafabet St George's Park Cricket Stadium to 130/8, despite Jordan Hermann hitting 65 (53 balls, 4 fours, 2 sixes)

Former Warriors captain Jon-Jon Smuts (43*) and Jason Smith (41*) then shared a 75-run unbroken fourth-wicket stand to take the Durban side to victory with 16 balls to spare.

Further along the coast in the Mother City, it was Dala and Bosch who were responsible for curbing the hosts and keep them down to a modest 113/9 after they won the toss and batted.

South Africa Under-19 batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius led the reply with 52 off 32 balls (3 fours, 4 sixes) ensuring the defending champions claimed the final qualifying spot with nearly seven overs to spare.

The Lions too were easy winners thanks to Nqaba’s three-for that kept the Tuskers down to 132/9 at DP World Wanderers Stadium.

This after the home side elected to bowl at the toss, with Zubayr Hamza (49) and Rassie van der Dussen (51* off 35 balls, 2 fours, 3 sixes) eating into most of the runs during the chase, the Johannesburg side winning with 15 balls to spare.

Finally at Boland Park, the local side batted first and managed 143/5. Clyde Fortuin (51 off 32 balls, 4 fours, 4 sixes) recorded a half century, while Caleb Seleka (2/21) was the pick of the bowlers.

Rubin Hermann (48) and Meeka-Eel Prince (37) set up the chase with a 67-run opening stand, before Wihan Lubbe (20) and Raynard van Tonder (34*) then completed the job with a ball to spa​
 
Malan brothers have ended their Boland contracts by mutual consent.
Both? Where's Pieter going?

EDIT: Just the one:

“We have mutually agreed to terminate Janneman’s contract,” Boland Cricket CEO James Fortuin told Rapport newspaper. “We are parting on good terms – we love him – while Pieter Malan [Janneman’s brother] will remain here with the province.”

Article also lists a few more transfers
Domestic transfers ahead of 2024-25 season:


Jean du Plessis
– Garden Route Badgers (SWD) to EP Warriors
Aaron Phangiso – Northerns Titans to Free State Knights
Lifa Ntanzi – KZN Dolphins to Garden Route Badgers (SWD)
Tian Koekemoer – KZN Inland Tuskers to Northern Cape Heat
Keith Dudgeon – KZN Inland Tuskers to Boland Rocks
Blayde Capell – Garden Route Badgers (SWD) to Boland Rocks
Grant Roelofsen – KZN Dolphins to Boland Rocks
Janneman Malan – Boland Rocks to TBC
Senuran Muthusamy – North West Dragons to TBC
Chris Britz – Northern Cape Heat to Eastern Storm
Grant Thomson – Northern Cape Heat to Eastern Storm
Yaseen Valli – KZN Inland Tuskers to Garden Route Badgers (SWD)
Lesego Senokwane – North West Dragons to Free State Knights
Johan van Dyk – Northern Cape Heat to Free State Knights
 
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