Sezela Cricket Club travelled south to Ramsgate to take on Harding Sultans in the Southern KZN 30 Over Cup last Sunday.

They were without star player Travis van Niekerk who had been called up to play for the Southern KZN team against Rhythm DHS Old Boys in Durban.

He most likely would have been the difference as Sezela lost by one wicket to the Sultans in a game that was like something out of a World Cup clash, with spectators on the edge of their seats.

Sezela batted first at the Southcity ground, the pitch proving difficult for batting, and were bowled out for 91 in 17.4 overs.

Opener Julian Rivetti made a quick 30 off 20 balls, with the only other scores of any substance coming from Angelo Scarpa 15 (15) and Stefan Hoffmann 13 (13) in the middle order.

In response, Harding were flying at 55 for 1 in the sixth over, before Matt Loubser and Keegan Wallis led the fightback, ably assisted by young Benjamin Kunz, only 14 years old, on loan from Division 3 side Challengers.

Keegan managed to keep his glasses in one piece, using a backup pair after crushing his first-choice spectacles underfoot last week.

In the end, the Sultans scraped home by only one wicket, in the 13th over, with the match taking on a frenetic pace in the blazing sun.

In Durban, Travis bowled eight overs for 36 runs, without picking up a wicket. He batted number four and made 22 runs off 14 balls, striking four fours. Southern KZN lost heavily.

Scores:
Harding Sultans beat Sezela by 1 wicket.
Sezela 91 all out in 17.4 overs.
Julian Rivetti 30 (20), Angelo Scarpa 15 (15), Stefan Hoffmann 13 (13). Waseem 3-6 (2), Shezad Chand 3-9 (2.4), Karmat Hussay 2-17 (5).
Harding 94-9 in 12.4 overs.
Wali Raza 48 (25). Matt Loubser 4-23 (4), Keegan Wallis 3-28 (5), Benjamin Kunz 2-10 (1.4).

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram