Day 3 of the St George’s Cabs T20 Tournament – cross pools / top 8 qualifiers
Day 3 belonged to the relentless character and grit of a young Graeme College 1st XI, as they produced two unbelievable run-chases to sweep both fixtures and storm into the tournament semi-finals.
Graeme College vs. St John’s The opening match set the tone for a day of shifts in momentum. Bowling first, Graeme managed to restrict St John’s lineup to 164/9 in their 20 overs. The star with the ball was off-spinner Corbin Tidbury, who delivered a masterclass in control and flight, picking up a 4/11 in his 4-over spell to keep the opposition in check.
The chase started disastrously, leaving Graeme in deep trouble early on. Step in the in-form Kits McConnachie, who played an unbelievable unbeaten knock of 76 off just 44 balls. Supported brilliantly by left-handed Lisekho Zinyane with an unbeaten 23 off 16 deliveries the pair anchored an 88-run 6th wicket partnership. Their cool heads under immense pressure sealed the victory in the 20th over.
Game 2: Graeme College vs St Andrew’s College Carrying that momentum into the afternoon, Graeme faced arch-rivals St Andrew’s. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Graeme restricted an experienced St Andrew’s unit to 142/5. Caleb Jattiem (3/32) and Lisekho Zinyane (2/28) were the pick of the attack, bowling with discipline to keep the target manageable.
In reply, Captain Corbin Tidbury led from the front with a superb captain’s knock, crafting a brilliant 79 off 54 balls to set up the chase. However, late wickets threatened to derail the effort. By the 18th over, two new batters Malakiwe Nikelo and James Muir found themselves at the crease at numbers 8 and 9, needing a daunting 22 runs off 12 balls. What followed was pure guts. Nikelo used his long levers to launch two massive sixes over long-on, dramatically shrinking the equation. Muir then joined the party, launching a massive six under extreme pressure to seal a remarkable victory with four balls to spare (19.2 overs).
Graeme College march into today’s cup semi-final as they prepare to take on Hellenic Academy. In the other half of the draw, St Andrew’s face off against Maritzburg College.
Graeme College vs St John’s College Toss- Graeme College and elected to bowl
St John’s College 1st XI 164/9 (20 overs) Corbin Tidbury 4/11 (4 overs) Iyazi Zwedala 2/21 (4 overs) Kits McConnachie 2/36 (4 overs)
Graeme College 1st XI 168/4 (19.2) Kits McConnachie 76*(46) Lisekho Zinyane 23*(16) Enrique Strydom 32(34)
Graeme College 1st XI won by 6 wickets
Graeme College vs St Andrew’s College Toss- Graeme College and elected to bowl
St Andrews College 1st XI 142/5 (20 overs) Caleb Jattiem 3/32 (4 overs) Lisekho Zinyane 2/28 (4 overs)
Graeme College 1st XI 143/7 (19.2 overs) Corbin Tidbury 79(54) Malakiwe Nikelo 10*(6) James Muir 11*(5)
Graeme College 1st XI won by 3 wickets.
