NWU put on a memorable bowling display against Maties in the second semi-final to book their place in the 2018 Varsity Cricket final with a 35 run win.
NWU’s heroes with the ball were Dyllan Matthews (4/14) and Van Wyngaardt (3/14) who took the men in purple over the line and into a final spot against Tuks later tonight at Senwes Park. Maties could only reach 123 all out but could feel unlucky that they could not get closer to a win, as the ball just did not swing their way this time around.
NWU batted first and made 158/3 thanks to a patient unbeaten 52 from Ruan Haasbroek and good support from Janneman Malan (43 off 42). The hosts though made a poor start when Shane Dadswell was out for a duck as Whitehead got the wicket in the first over.
Janneman Malan (43 off 42) and Jean Bredenkamp (25 off 24) put up a 57 run partnership to repair the innings. Bredenkamp was then unnecessarily ran out for 25 just as the two had put on a half-century stand.
Kyle Simmonds (0/14) bowled beautifully as his left-arm spin as he kept things tight. Timothy Whitehead then bowled a brilliant over in the Powerplay to get rid of Malan for 46. Haasbroek was given a chance on 43 when he was caught off a no ball in the penultimate over. He eventually made his way to a deserved half-century as he took NWU to 148/3 in their 20 overs.
NWU bowlers now needed to fire on all cylinders and Jovaun van Wyngaardt did just that when he dismissed Fritz de Beer first ball for a duck.
Maties’ Vezokuhle Mntungwa was then unlucky when he slipped and was run out for 1 to leave Maties at 11/2. The dangerous Bedingham then fell to the catch of the tournament with the score on 35 as Janneman Malan leaped in the air with a reverse one hand grab to the delight of the home crowd.
Easily catch of the #VarsityCricket tournament so far! Incredible back hand, one arm grab. We could watch this all day. Doubt we’ll see better. #GooiSomeGees @thenwu @matiessport @matieshp pic.twitter.com/OK3Sng5Dfq
— Varsity Sports (@varsitysportsSA) February 3, 2018
Merwe Erasmus with 58 (54) played a defiant knock but only Simmonds with 22 (21) could stick with him. After these two Maties batsmen fell, so did their chances as NWU picked up the final few wickets to book their place in the final.
Samsung Man of The Match: Dyllan Matthews (NWU)
FNB Best Batsman: Ruan Haasbroek (NWU)
FNB Best Bowler: Dyllan Matthews (NWU)
Steers Best Catch: Janneman Malan (NWU)
By Wouter Pienaar
