- Tue, March 15, 2022
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Weekend of Draws in the CSA 4-Day Series: Teams Jostle for Final Spots
Monday, 31 March 2025
The penultimate round of South Africa's Division 1 CSA 4-Day Series concluded with all matches ending in draws, leaving the race for the final spots wide open. The DP World Lions maintained their top position, while the competition for second place intensified among the chasing teams.
Weather Disruptions at DP World Wanderers
In Johannesburg, the DP World Lions faced the Hollywoodbets Dolphins at the DP World Wanderers Stadium. Unfortunately, weather conditions severely impacted play, with only 147.2 overs possible over the four days. Despite the interruptions, the match witnessed remarkable individual performances.
The Dolphins, batting first after being put in by the Lions, posted a total of 357. Left-hander Tshepang Dithole was the standout performer, scoring an impressive 157 off 225 balls, including 19 fours and 3 sixes. Romashan Pillay provided valuable support with a well-crafted 60. For the Lions, Codi Yusuf was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets for 54 runs.
In response, the Lions reached 250 for two, thanks to opener Joshua Richards' unbeaten 130 off 198 balls, featuring 18 fours and 3 sixes. Zubayr Hamza contributed an unbeaten 62, with the pair adding an unbroken 161-run partnership for the third wicket. The draw took the Lions to 110.14 points, solidifying their position at the summit, while the Dolphins remained in third place with 91.5 points.
Titans and Dragons Share Spoils in Centurion
At SuperSport Park in Centurion, the Momentum Multiply Titans hosted the Renault North West Dragons. This encounter was also affected by weather, limiting the time available for a decisive result.
The Dragons, batting first, compiled a total of 345, with notable contributions from Matthew Kleinveldt (99), Wihan Lubbe (84), and Bamanye Xenxe (51). The Titans responded strongly, declaring at 463 for nine. Young talent Dewald Brevis continued his rich vein of form, scoring a fluent 148 off 155 balls, adorned with 17 fours and 5 sixes. Keegan Petersen also shone with a composed 112 off 178 balls. Lhuan-dre Pretorius (58) and captain Neil Brand (82*) added valuable runs to extend the lead.
In their second innings, the Dragons reached 189 for one, with Lesiba Ngoepe (84*) and Raynard van Tonder (59*) both registering half-centuries. The match concluded in a draw, allowing the Titans to regain second spot with 94.1 points, keeping their final aspirations alive.
Western Province and Boland Settle for Draw in Cape Town
The local derby between World Sports Betting Western Province and Goldrush Boland at Newlands came closest to producing a result but ultimately ended in a draw.
Western Province, batting first, amassed a formidable 592 for eight declared. Tony De Zorzi led the charge with a commanding 141 off 204 balls, while wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreynne remained unbeaten on 131 off 215 balls. Contributions from Edward Moore (75), David Bedingham (68), and George Linde (91) further bolstered the total. Boland's Shaun von Berg was the standout bowler, claiming six wickets for 126 runs, taking his season tally to the top of the wicket-taking charts.
In reply, Boland scored 318, with centuries from Pieter Malan (102 off 246 balls) and Clyde Reeves-Fortuin (129 off 214 balls). Western Province declared their second innings at 106 for two, setting Boland a challenging target. However, Boland's batsmen held firm, reaching 197 for three, with Grant Roelofsen (92) and Aviwe Mgijima (63*) steering them to safety. This result left Western Province and Boland in fourth and fifth positions, with 88.84 and 85.96 points respectively, both still in contention for a top-two finish.
Race for the Final Intensifies
With one round of fixtures remaining, the battle for the top two spots, which secure a place in the April final, is heating up. The DP World Lions appear poised for a spot in the final, but the second position remains up for grabs among the Titans, Dolphins, Western Province, and Boland. The upcoming matches will be decisive in determining who will challenge the Lions for the championship.
Upcoming Fixtures
The final round of the CSA 4-Day Series Division 1 is scheduled to commence on April 3, 2025. Key fixtures include:
These matches will determine the finalists for the 2024/25 season, with all teams aiming to deliver their best performances in this crucial stage of the competition.
Conclusion
The recent round of draws in the CSA 4-Day Series Division 1 has set the stage for an exhilarating conclusion to the season. Teams are neck-and-neck in the standings, and the final round promises intense cricket as sides vie for a coveted spot in the championship final. Fans can expect thrilling encounters as the domestic season reaches its climax.
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