Tuskers crowned T20 knockout champions

BENONI: The ACDC Express Tuskers defeated Eastern Storm by a convincing seven wickets to emerge as the 2024–25 T20 Knockout champions.

The Willowmoore Park final was postponed to the reserve day due to bad weather that stopped play on Sunday.

Choosing to bat first, Eastern Storm set a lofty goal of 130 runs. Although the Tuskers' bowling attack contained the Storm's big hitters, their solid batting performance set the stage for a thrilling chase. The Tuskers were 4.5 overs into their innings and looking good at 34/0 when rain stopped play.

Cameron Shekleton and Kagiso Rapulana of the Tuskers took charge of the chase when the game restarted on Monday afternoon. The Tuskers easily exceeded the goal with seven wickets thanks to Shekleton's 54 and Rapulana's strong 38, winning their first trophy since moving back to Division 2.

After the game, Michael Erlank, the captain of the Tuskers, talked about the importance of this win, particularly in light of the difficult season that came before.

It's incredible that we were able to bounce back and provide a performance like this after our difficulties in Division 1. We all had a tremendously difficult season last year, so it's amazing that you could rise to the occasion and perform so well. I'm very happy for the boys.

There were undoubtedly some nervous people, particularly in light of yesterday. Just as we were getting a decent position, the rain started. But the boys remained composed, easygoing, and intent on completing the task.

Winning this competition is a positive step towards our aim of playing at the highest level and fighting against the best, but we don't want to get ahead of ourselves because the season is still young," Erlank added.

Erlank also used the occasion to emphasize the value of community support, especially in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, the home region of the Tuskers. This season's "Woza Nawe" campaign has as its goal rekindling local pride.

"The team's achievement in winning this prize indicates that something exceptional is occurring. Our aim is to increase the number of children who play cricket by expanding the reach of our brand, particularly in educational institutions. Erlank said, "Having the community's support gives us that extra energy and pride to go out there and perform."

This T20 Knockout title represents more to the ACDC Express Tuskers than just a trophy—it's a declaration of intent. They will want to maintain this momentum and demonstrate that they are prepared to play at the top levels of South African cricket while the season is still early.