Tarr smashes 50 to help Knights to 166-9

Garnett Tarr smashed a blistering half century from just 28 balls to lead the ITEC Knights to a competitive total of 166-9 after choosing to bat first in their CSAT20 Challenge match against the Dafabet Warriors at St.George’s Park in Gqeberha on Sunday.

Gihan Cloete was dismissed first ball by Beyers Swanepoel at the start of the innings but fellow opener Gerrit Snyman was undeterred and belted 42 from 26 balls (5x4, 2x6) before heaving Siya Simetu to Renaldo Meyer to deep midwicket.

Lesego Senokwane’s innings of 27 from 22 balls (2x4, 1x6) finished in similar fashion against Patrick Kruger, Jordann Hermann claiming the catch, and Simetu (4-0-18-2) also had Patrick Botha (8) caught at long off by Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje.

But 24-year-old Tarr played a blinder with three fours and four sixes in his 50, with experienced spinner Senuran Muthusamy (3-0-28-0) feeling the brunt of his onslaught.

There were unexpected but very welcome runs from veteran Aaron Phangiso batting at a lofty No 8 as he fashioned 18 from only 10 balls with a four and a six before being run out attempting a third run.

Simetu was the pick of the attack while Swanepoel’s two wickets came at a cost of 42 from his four overs and allrounder Patrick Kruger claimed 2-24 from three overs. Nortje went wicketless in four overs which cost 32 runs.

DAFABET WARRIORS: Andile Mogakane, Jordan Hermann, Matthew Breetzke (captain), Jean du Plessis (wk), Patrick Kruger, Beyers Swanepoel, Senuran Muthusamy, Sinethemba Qeshile, Renaldo Meyer, Siya Simetu, Anrich Nortje.

ITEC KNIGHTS: Gihan Cloete (wkt), Lesego Senokwane, Garnett Tarr, Dian Forrester, Gerrit Snyman, Patrick Botha, Sithembile Langa, Dane Piedt (captain), Tiaan van Vuuren, Malusi Siboto, Aaron Phangiso.