HYDERABAD, India, CMC-IANS – Opener Jon-Jon Smuts scored a fluent 88, as Warriors of South Africa romped to a 50-run victory over South Australia Redbacks in the Champions League Twenty20 match yesterday.
Warriors, backed by Smuts’ brisk 65-ball knock, rustled up 175 for five from their allocation of 20 overs after electing to bat before stopping South Australia at 121 for six.
Warriors Lonwabo Tsotsobe took two for 30 from his allotted four overs, giving his side an early breakthrough with the wicket of opener Daniel Harris in his fifth ball of the match, and then bowled a short ball to Tom Cooper, who played straight into his hands.
The wickets fell at the regular intervals for the Redbacks with none of their batsmen able to dig in their heels on a slow pitch.
Smuts found success with ball as well and got Cameron Borgas, who in an attempt to clear the ropes, was caught by Tsotsobe at long-on.
Smuts gave Warriors a flying start, smacking 10 fours and two sixes in his innings. He batted right through the innings, barring the last seven balls. He was caught by Shaun Tait at short fine leg when he tried to scoop Harris.
Ashwell Prince failed to impress making three, and was outpaced by Tait, who bowled him in the second over.
Smuts and Colin Ingram kept the scoreboard ticking however, and made full use of the Power Play.
The two raced to 59 from six overs in their 73-run partnership before Harris took Ingram, who made 30 and failed to get enough bat on a short ball. The runs came slow with Smuts and experienced Mark Boucher taking his time to settle in gathering 34.
