Dream week for Garden Route Badgers in Yes Play Super 8

OUDTSHOORN NEWS - The Garden Route Badgers continued their impressive campaign in the YesPlay Pro20 Cup Super 8 stage on Saturday 31 October, securing a convincing six-wicket victory over Eastern Storm at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn.

The Badgers maintained their disciplined and clinical approach following Thursday’s historic victory over the star-studded Multiply Titans at the same venue.

Riding the Storm
Batting first, Eastern Storm were restricted to 144/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Young prospect Leo Sadler was the pick of the Badgers’ bowlers, claiming 3/16 in his four overs. Leg-spinner Reagon Rhode provided excellent support with 2/27 in four overs.

Kabelo Sekhukhune top-scored for the visitors with 25 runs off 26 balls, including three fours.

In reply, Badgers captain Janneman Malan and Yaseen Valli laid a solid foundation with an opening partnership of 88 runs. Malan led from the front with a superb 75 off just 34 balls, striking 10 fours, while Valli contributed 26.

Modise Maloka added 18 off 17 deliveries, including a six and a four, before Liam Alder produced a devastating late assault to seal the victory.

Alder smashed an unbeaten 18 off just four balls, including two sixes and a four, as the Badgers reached 149/4 with six balls to spare.

Conquer of the Titans
The victory followed Thursday’s remarkable three-wicket win over the Multiply Titans, which sent shockwaves through South African cricket.

The Badgers restricted the Titans to 157/6, with Rhode delivering a match-winning bowling performance, claiming 3/17 in four overs.

The home side then held their nerve in a thrilling run chase, reaching 158/7 in 18.3 overs to secure a memorable victory.

Maloka played a decisive role with an unbeaten 47 off 27 balls, striking five sixes and two fours. Malan (43 off 38 balls, including two sixes and three fours) and Valli (28 off 24 balls, including two sixes and a four) had laid the foundation earlier with a valuable opening partnership of 74 runs.

The Badgers will now travel to Paarl to face Boland in their next Super 8 fixture on Saturday 7 November.

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