JOHANNESBURG, November 25 (ANA) – Christiaan Jonker delivered a timely 49-run blitz as the Warriors consolidated their second position on the T20 Challenge log with a superb six-wicket win over the Highveld Lions at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on Friday.
The right-hander plundered five sixes and three fours in a magnificent 18-ball display of hitting to turn what was looking like a tricky pursuit of 153 into a dawdle for the hosts.
The main recipient of Jonker’s assault was young Wiaan Mulder, who endured a night to forget after his 27-run 16th over swayed the game in favour of the Warriors.
Before that over, the Lions looked in control after they had their opponents on 98/4, still needing a further 55 from the final five. It was a fairly cagey contest until that stage.
The men from Johannesburg, having won the toss, elected to bat first before posting 152/5. Mangaliso Mosehle top-scored with an attacking 49 from 28 balls, with Dominic Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen chipping in with 38 and 29 respectively.
Captain Jon-Jon Smuts, outstanding with the ball after bagging 2/15 in four overs, gave his team a solid start with 31, but the introduction of Eddie Leie (1/29) and Aaron Phangiso (1/20) checked the run-rate.
However, Mulder’s three overs proved the difference as he was plundered for 39, including four successive boundaries – 6-4-6-6 – by Jonker in that telling 16th over.
Lesiba Ngoepe made 18 out of 71 in that unbroken match-winning stand, which came from just five overs, as the Lions remained last on the competition table. – African News Agency (ANA)
(Image: Supersport)
