Wanderers in control in win over rivals
Cricket
The first cricket team of Samsung Imperial Wanderers maintained their early unbeaten record after two matches in Cricket Namibia’s 50-over premier league, with a win against WHS Old Boys on Saturday.In a match at Wanderers shortened to 27 overs per team due to a late start due to wet patches near the pitch, the hosts won the toss and sent their main rival in to bat first.
Old Boys were restricted to 148/8, with most of their runs scored in the middle order – JW Visagie with 34 (50 balls), Zacheo van Vuuren (32 off 42) and Donovan Zealand (33 off 24).
In his first over, Wanderers’ opening bowler Nyasha Nyashadzaishe (3/37 in 6 overs) bowled JP Kotze (10) and got Shaun Fouche caught behind for 0 off consecutive deliveries, before bowling Zane Green (1) in his next over.
Karl Birkenstock (2/33 in 6) and spinner JC Balt (2/25 in 4) also made breakthroughs.
In their reply, the home team lost Balt (2) and Nyashadzaishe (0) early, but opening batsman Lo-han Louwrens took control until he was unfortunately run out for 76 off 66 balls (six fours, three sixes).
JJ Smit hit three sixes, including the first that landed on the roof of the indoor sports hall, before miscuing a shot to be caught by wicketkeeper Zane Green for 28 off 23 balls.
Captain Michau du Preez (11* off 21) and Karl Birkenstock (25* off 16 balls, 2x4 2x6) saw Wanderers home to win the match by 6 wickets.
Malan Kruger’s 2/12 in 3 was the pick of the Old Boys bowlers.