Thaindian News

Hyderbad, Sep 25 (IANS) Opener Jon-Jon Smuts scored a fluent 88 as Warriors’ romped to a 50-run wicket victory over South Australia in the Champions League Twenty20 match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here Sunday.

Electing to bat, Warriors’, backed by Smuts’s brisk 65-ball knock, rustled up 175/5 in their 20 overs before stopping South Australia at 121/6.

Warriors’ Lonwabo Tsotsobe (2-30) gave his side an early breakthrough with the wicket of opener Daniel Harris in his fifth ball of the match and then bowled a short ball to Tom Cooper, who played straight into his hands.

The wickets fell at the regular intervals for the Redbacks with none of their batsmen able to dig in their heels on a slow pitch.

Smuts found success with ball as well and got Cameron Borgas, who in an attempt to clear the ropes, was caught by Tsotsobe at long-on.

Smuts gave Warriors a flying start, smacking 10 fours and two sixes in his innings. He batted right through the innings, barring the last seven balls. He was caught by Shaun Tait at short fine leg when he tried to scoop Harris.

Ashwell Prince (3) failed to impress and was outpaced by Tait (1-53), who knocked his stumps, in the second over.

However, Smuts and Colin Ingram (30) kept the scoreboard ticking and made full use of the Powerplay. The two raced to 59 from six over in their 73-run partnership before Harris took Ingram, who could not get enough bat on a short ball.

The runs came slow with Smuts and experienced Mark Boucher (34) taking his time to settle. Smuts, however, continued uninhibited.

The Warriors also benefited from Tait’s inconsistency. The bowler, though fast, never looked in rhythm, spraying three wides and a no ball.