Ottoman lay down the gauntlet

Mark Ward|Published 6 months ago

Liam Fourie of Kraaifontein sends down a delivery in a Western Province Cricket Association T20 Community Cup match on Sunday at the Claremont cricket grounds. Picture: Mark Ward

After beating Rondebosch, the Western Province One Day Cup champions, Ottoman now prepare to face Bellville in their third match in this season’s premier league campaign. Both teams are still unbeaten.

Ottoman showed scant respect for the champs and restricted the homeside to 202 in 47.4 overs with Mohamed Sohail Imran taking 3/26 in his seven overs. Rondebosch found themselves in a spot of bother when Matthew Christensen (15) lost his wicket with his side reeling on 33/3 in the ninth over.

Lenert van Wyk was in excellent form for Rondebosch, scoring 85 runs on Saturday against Ottoman while he produced unbeaten innings of 33 against Kriaafontein in a Western Province Cricket Association T20 Community Cup match on Sunday at the Claremont cricket grounds. Picture: Mark Ward

But while captain Lenert Van Wyk stepped in with a patient 82 off 129 deliveries to steady the ship on to calmer waters, he and Morne Pentz scoring 45 runs in a fourth wicket partnership of 84, it was not enough to secure a win for the homeside.

Ottoman’s new recruit, all-rounder Zain Galant, who joined the club this season from United, produced a scintillating performance with 75 runs after his side struggled at 25/3 in the seventh over.

Imraan Philander (39*) and Taahir Samaai (25) also made valuable contributions. Rondebosch’s Jordan Neill took 3/55 in seven overs.

Ottoman, Bellville and Western Province Cricket Club are on eight points apiece and the only unbeaten teams thus far in the competition.

The University of the Western Cape (UWC), meanwhile emerged winners by 48 runs against Claremont with Kai Curran producing a fine innings of 71 runs off 80 balls. Opener Quintin Dreyer also showed his mettle with 48 which included five boundaries. Seamer Liyema Waqu took 3/37 in 8.5 overs for UWC.