Wolvaardt leads Coronations to opening win in WSL

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December 2020

Laura Wolvaardt’s half-century overcame an excellent all-round effort by Momentum Proteas team-mate Sune Luus as Coronations began the Women’s Super League (WSL) with a narrow six-run win over Duchesses in match two at Six Gun Grill Newlands in Cape Town on Monday.

The star opener crashed 59 off 56 balls that helped her side amass 132 for four after captain Tazmin Brits won the toss and batted.

Luus was the pick of the bowlers after nabbing two for 24 and she then struck 53 off 50 balls (4 fours) in a chase that ended with Duchesses ending on 126 for six.

It was a thrilling end to the contest and came hot on the heels of Thistles’ 11-run win over Starlights in the earlier opener as women’s cricket returned to action for the first since Covid-19 struck South Africa back in March.

Brits won the toss at the start of the game, and alongside Wolvaardt, gave their team a strong start through an opening stand of 29 in six overs, before she fell for 15.

Kirsty Thompson then stepped in and lashed 38 off 32 balls in a second wicket partnership that yielded 65.

Luus eventually ended the stand, but Wolvaardt provided a strong finish to set up a target of 133.

Duchesses lost Gandhi Jafta (2) to Ayabonga Khaka (2/20) early in the chase, but Faye Tunnicliffe (28) and Michaela Kirk (25) batted beautifully around Luus to keep the chase on track.

However, pick of the bowler’s, Khaka claimed the crucial wicket of Luus at a key time to slow the chase in a blow that proved costly and ultimately lead to the Duchesses falling just short.  There were also two wickets for Jane Winster (2/24).

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The Coronations squad is: Nadine de Klerk (capt), Laura Wolvaardt, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Verunissa Reddy, Madison Landman, Tazmin Brits, Kirsty Thompson, Kgomotso Rapoo, Jane Winster, Izelle Cilliers, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Zintle Kula. Adele van Eck (Head Coach), Shaun Pretorius (Assistant Coach).

The Duchesses squad is: Sune Luus (capt), Mignon du Preez, Sinalo Jafta, Zintle Mali, Delmi Tucker, Faye Tunnicliffe, Micheala Andrews, Gabsile Nkosi, Robyn Searle, Gandhi Jafta, Alyssa Elxlebben, Monalisa Legodi, Michaela Kirk. Martelize van der Merwe (Head Coach), Mark Arthur (Assistant Coach).