De Zorzi shines at Newlands again as WP thrash Titans

Tony de Zorzi and the impressive Six Gun Grill Western Province's bowling attack were once again the cornerstone of yet another thumping victory for the home side in the Cricket SA One-Day Cup.

WP entrenched their position at the top of the log by maintaining their unbeaten record with a seven-wicket win over the Momentum Multiply Titans at Newlands on Sunday.

The bowling unit, led by Nandre Burger and George Linde, initially routed the Titans for just 159 in 39 overs.

De Zorzi, who is arguably the most in-form batter in domestic cricket, then continued his hot streak with an undefeated 83 (6x4, 3x6) to steer WP comfortably over the line.

The stylish left-hander did not allow the early loss of his opening partner Jonathan Bird (8) to perturb him. Instead, he simply picked away at the Titans attack with crisp cover drives and powerful pull shots.

De Zorzi put on 72 with Yaseen Vallie before the veteran departed for 30. And although young Daniel Smith (4) did not make much of an impression, De Zorzi kept his composure with Gavin Kaplan (22 not out) as Province completed their fourth victory in a row.

Earlier, Burger returned to the WP side after fellow left-arm seamer Beuran Hendricks was rested for the clash against the rivals from Tshwane.

Burger (3/21) made an immediate impact when he removed both Jiveshan Pillay and the dangerous Dewald Brevis. Pillay had his stumps re-arranged to be dismissed for 10 before Brevis was caught behind by Daniel Smith.

The beauty of the WP attacks though is the fact that they do not rely on an individual, and it is often the support bowlers who create the real damage.

And that's exactly what Mihlali Mpongwana effected for Province with the lanky medium-pacer running through the Titans middle-order where he picked up both Neil Brand (6) and the dangerous Aiden Markram (28).

Province tightened the screws even further through in-form allrounder Linde. The left-arm spinner had Titans captain Sibenelo Makhanya caught by Mpongwana for eight before dismissing Junior Dala (10) and Aya Gqamane (9).

During this period, Burger also returned to attack to bring a close to a promising innings from Donovan Ferreira (30), who was in the process of trying to rebuild the Titans innings after the visitors had slumped to 107 for six.

Linde (3-46) and Tshepo Moreki (2-22) ensured that Province's earlier efforts were not in vain though as they wrapped up the Titans' tail, leaving Corbin Bosch stranded on 36 not out.

WESTERN PROVINCE: Tony de Zorzi, Jonathan Bird, Yaseen Vallie, Daniel Smith, George Linde, Mihlali Mpongwana, Wayne Parnell (captain), Tshepo Moreki, Junaid Dawood, Gavin Kaplan, Nandre Burger.

MOMENTUM MULTIPLY TITANS: Dewald Brevis, Jiveshan Pillay, Neil Brand, Aiden Markram, Sibonelo Makhanya (c), Donavon Ferreira (w), Corbin Bosch, Ayabulela Gqamane, Aaron Phangiso, Tabraiz Shamsi, Okuhle Cele