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Centurion - A record five-wicket haul by Andrew Birch as well as half-centuries from Colin Ingram and Colin Ackermann helped the Warriors pull off a superb six-wicket win over the Titans in their top-of-the-table T20 Challenge clash in Centurion on Friday.
Fast bowler Birch first claimed a remarkable 5/16 in 3.2 overs, which were the best-ever figures for either side in the history of the fixture, as the defending champions were bowled out for 147 at SuperSport Park.
David Wiese, who held the previous best bowling return of 5/19 between the sides, top scored with the bat by making 36, while there were 20s for Aiden Markram (23), Heinrich Klaasen (26) and Albie Morkel (25) after the visitors had won the toss and opted to field first.
Sisanda Magala also chipped in with 2/43 as the Titans were sent packing in 19.2 overs.
The second-placed Warriors then lost Somila Seyibokwe in the first over to Morkel (2/16), but Jon-Jon Smuts (33) put on 68 for the second wicket with Ingram to resurrect the chase.
Ingram offered stability with his 50 (45 balls, 6 fours), with the fireworks then coming from Ackermann (53 off 34 balls, 4 fours, 3 sixes) following the departure of their captain.
That ensured that the men from the Eastern Cape secured a comfortable win with seven balls to spare as they closed the gap at the summit to just a point behind the Titans.
