Johannesburg – 18 February 2025:
The DP World Lions Ladies were brilliant with the ball and ruthless with the bat beating Free State Knights by 32 runs on the DLS Method, earning the bonus point, in the latest round of the Pro50 Series at the DP World Wanderers at the weekend.
The T20 match between the two teams was rained out, but our Lionesses were clinical in ensuring the weather did not stop their charge to victory in the one-day match.
Having won the toss, our DP World Lions inserted the Knights, mindful of the heavy clouds up ahead.
Ayabonga Khaka, was superb with the new ball (7-1-18-1) to ensure the pressure was immediately on the Free Staters. The visitors’ task was not helped by the three rain interruptions to their innings. The end of the first powerplay saw the spinners, Kgomotso Rapoo and Raisibe Ntozakhe, take control of the game for #ThePrideOfJozi.
Captain Rapoo finished with the outstanding figures of one for 12 in her seven overs, which included a maiden, while Ntozakhe took two for 19.
The set Zintle Kula was run out in the final over by the superb fielding of Madison Landsman on the long-off boundary, chasing well and diving to prevent the ball going for four, and then scoring a direct hit with the throw. It meant the Free State Knights could only post 134 for six in their 34 overs.
The DP World Lions’ target was adjusted to 137 by the DLS calculations, and Tazmin Brits dispatched the Knights bowlers as she struck six fours and a six in her brilliant 51 off 61 balls.
Opening partner Nonkululeko Thabethe was more measured in her approach but also distinguished herself with 43 not out.
Our DP World Lions were 105 for one after 22 overs when the players were sent from the field due to rain for the last time, leaving them 32 runs ahead of the required score according to the DLS system.
This weekend #ThePrideOfJozi will travel to Cape Town to take on Western Province, who are the defending champions in the Pro20 Series.