Saints keep clam under pressure with 2-wicket win against Ikageng Hub

It was tight and tense, but Saints' u/19 girls cricket team managed to hold their nerve with Leanny Makusha hitting the winning runs against Ikageng Hub at the Reinke Oval (Army Base) in a NW u/19 girls league match on Thursday, 5 September.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

Saints were in the driver's seat chasing only 106 for victory after restricting Ikageng Hub to 105/7 in 20 overs. A couple of quick wickets made the chase much harder, especially when Tshegofatso Monyela was dismissed for 50.

Dragons captain, Nthabiseng Nini (2/8), represented Ikageng Hub and troubled the Saints' batters with her swing. Lesedi Loate also picked up a couple of wickets to put the pressure on Saints.

Makusha and her batting partner, Yodahe Erco, kept calm to steer Saints to the win with two overs to spare.

The victory was set-up by Saints' disciplined bowling in the middle overs. Siphokazi Duma took 4/13 in 4 overs and was the standout for Saints.

Gogontle Padi (2/22) also took crucial wickets. Her delivery to Nthabiseng Nini that hit the top of off-stump was especially impressive and swung the momentum in Saints' favour.

After achieving a close victory, Saints then proceeded to beat Gimmies by 79-runs the following week.