07/10/2026
PREMIER MEN OPEN CASTLE KZNCU T20 CAMPAIGN WITH A WIN AND A NARROW DEFEAT
Hollywoodbets Chatsworth Sporting’s Premier Men got their Castle KZNCU T20 campaign underway on Sunday with a double-header against Harlequins Cricket Club and Amanzimtoti Cricket Club, coming away with one victory from their opening two fixtures.
In the morning encounter against Harlequins at the Harlequins Cricket Ground, Sporting won the toss and elected to bowl first. Harlequins posted a competitive 146/5 from their allotted 20 overs, with Sporting’s bowling attack keeping the scoring under control throughout the innings. Theesan Naicker was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 1/17 from his four overs, while Lungelo Majola also impressed with figures of 2/16.
Sporting made an explosive start to their run chase, with openers Jeyato Bezuidenhout and Theesan Naicker putting the pressure on the Harlequins attack from the outset. Although wickets began to fall as the innings progressed, Sporting remained firmly in the contest. Captain Naicker led from the front with an outstanding 67, while a quick cameo from new signing Sanele Mbatha proved crucial in the closing stages. Sporting held their nerve to reach the target with just one ball remaining, securing a four-wicket victory and opening their T20 campaign with a win.
The second fixture of the day saw Sporting face Amanzimtoti Cricket Club. Having won the toss, Sporting opted to bat first and once again produced a competitive total, finishing on 150/4 from their 20 overs. Captain Theesan Naicker continued his impressive day with the bat, top-scoring with an excellent 81 off just 43 deliveries to anchor the Sporting innings and provide the platform for a strong finish.
Defending 150, Sporting’s bowlers kept the game closely contested throughout the second innings. Justin Hooseria was the standout bowler, returning figures of 1/18, as Sporting continued to apply pressure and keep Amanzimtoti within reach. In a tense finish, however, Amanzimtoti managed to hold their nerve and secured victory with two balls remaining in the final over.
