Share

Ntini, Malan hand Cobras winning start

Cape Town - Thando Ntini marked his franchise debut with four wickets to help the Cape Cobras launch their 2019/20 One-Day Cup season with a comfortable 31-run DLS win over the Warriors in Oudtshoorn on Sunday.

The teenage paceman, son of one of South Africa’s greatest fast bowlers, Makhaya, was on fire for the hosts bagging, 4-36 in 9.1 overs, before pulling up injured at the Recreation Ground where inclement weather reduced the match to 49 overs per side.

However, his efforts went a long way towards quashing any of the hopes of the visitors, who had earlier watched recently-capped Proteas batsman Pieter Malan move past 4 000 List A runs with his 12th career century.

The opener made 106 off 114 balls (9 fours, 2 sixes) to lead his team to 274/6 after winning the toss and batting.

There was also a key half-century from all-rounder Jason Smith (76 off 86 balls, 7 fours), with George Linde crunching three sixes in his unbeaten 31 off 14 balls at the death that sent the target to 275.

Ntini then rocked the Warriors’ batting when he was introduced into the attack in the seventh over of the chase.

By then the Eastern Cape franchise had raced to 33/0 after six, but the 19-year-old got rid of Matthew Breetzke (23) with his third ball and then sent Gihahn Cloete (16) on his way with his 10th delivery of bowling at this level.

His main support came from George Linde (2/58), but all the bowlers got stuck in with a wicket apiece.

The Warriors’ only realistic chance of winning was when top-scorer Rudi Second (66 of 65 balls, 5 fours) was in the middle, but he too succumbed to Ntini.

The dismissal of the wicketkeeper made it 174/6, ending any realistic hopes for the chasing side as the Cobras eventually dismissed them for 245 in 47.1 overs.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE