Half centuries from Khaya Zondo and Morné van Wyk guided the Durban Heat to a final over six wicket win over the table topping Cape Town Blitz in their Mzansi Super League clash at Newlands on Sunday.
The Heat bowled first and in a stroke of genius stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj gave Rashid Khan the first over. The Afghanistan star knocked over Janneman Malan for a duck.
Englishman Dawid Malan didn’t last too long when he came in three, caught by Maharaj off Kyle Abbott for three.
Big-hitting Andile Phehlukwayo put together 10 off 15 balls before Rashid Khan caught him off the bowling of Marchant de Lange.
At the other end Quinton de Kock continued his good form as he marched to another half century and looked to guide his side to a competitive total.
Destroyer-in-chief of the Durban Heat in the opening contest of the tournament Asif Ali couldn’t replicate that form and was caught by Khaya Zondo off the bowling of Keshav Maharaj for 10. At that stage the Blitz were 69 for four in the tenth over.
There were a couple of contributions from Farhaan Behardien, who scored 17, and Mohammed Nawaz, who ended with 23.
Ultimately it was the Standard Bank Proteas star De Kock who finished on 86 not out off 55 balls that guided his side to 161 for six in their 20 overs.
In reply the Heat lost previous game’s half centurion Sarel Erwee early for one, however the Heat managed to get through the power play without losing another wicket.
35 runs later and in the seventh over Hashim Amla fell for 16 with the total on 39.
What followed was a match-winning partnership between Khaya Zondo and Morné van Wyk.
The pair put on a crucial 79 for the third wicket in just over nine overs.
Van Wyk was the first wicket to fall when he was caught by Sibz Makhanya for 56 off 48 balls. The veteran hit five fours and a six in his crucial knock.
Zondo continued and with Miller took the Heat right to the line.
Zondo bludgeoned a deceptive 67 off 42 deliveries. Of his 67, he hit four fours and three sixes.
It was unfortunate for the Heat that Zondo fell with the scores level, however Miller hit the winning run halfway through the final over to give the Heat their second win of the competition.
The Durban Heat travel to the Highveld to take on the Tshwane Spartans in their final match of the Mzansi Super League on Wednesday.
Durban Heat Fixtures:
- 12 Dec 19:00 Tshwane Spartans v Durban Heat SuperSport Park, Centurion
Durban Heat Squad:
- Hashim Amla, Rashid Khan, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Kyle Abbott, Keshav Maharaj, Khaya Zondo, Albie Morkel, Marchant de Lange, Vernon Philander, Brandon Mavuta, Temba Bavuma, Morné van Wyk, Okuhle Cele, Sarel Erwee, Tladi Bokako.
