Steyn City School’s Proteas Women rising star Karabo Meso impressed with a 69-ball hundred, leaving the best for last as she smashed an unbeaten 117 runs to secure her team the inaugural Schools SA20 Girls' Championship by 61 runs against Saints Christian School from Potchefstroom.
The Tuks Oval in Pretoria was abuzz with a lively crowd as the Schools SA20 came to an exciting close, witnessing the first century of the competition.
The Proteas Women's player produced magic throughout the tournament as she amassed 228 runs in her four innings. She was only dismissed once ahead of the Final Showdown of the Schools SA20.
Meso was also one of the South Africa U19 team's stars earlier this year as they reached the final of the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup for the first time. The wicketkeeper also walked away with the awards for Player and Batter of the Tournament.
Meso and her captain, Diara Ramlakan (35), shared a 111-run partnership for the second wicket to set up their team for victory.
Saints Christian School's seam bowler Siphumelele Duma was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with nine wickets at an average of eight runs per victim, and was also named the Bowler of the Tournament. Her teammate Tshegofatso Monyela picked up eight wickets at an average of 8.6 runs per wicket.
Saints was also awarded the Spirit of the Week to round off an excellent week for the promising squad.
The team from Potchefstroom were restricted to 117 for nine in their allotted overs. Reabetswe Dithipe (39) and Monyela (23) made the biggest contributions with the bat. Steyn City's Sivaakani Naidoo (4-26) and Olivia Marais (2-21) caused Saints the most problems with their bowling.
Summarised Score
Steyn City School 178/2 (Karabo Meso 117*, Diara Ramlakan 35; Siphokazi Duma 1-36); Saint Christian School 117/9 (Reabetswe Dithipe 39, Tshegofatso Monyela 23, Extras 23; Sivaakani Naidoo 4-26, Olivia Marais 2-21). Steyn City School won by 61 runs.
AWARDS
Player of the Tournament: Karabo Meso (Steyn City School)
Batter of the Tournament: Karabo Meso (Steyn City School)
Bowler of the Tournament: Siphumelele Duma (Steyn City School) – 9 wickets
Spirit of Cricket Award: Saints Christian School