Brits and Mlaba star in Dolphins and Badgers clash

Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers secured a five-wicket victory in a thrilling encounter against Hollywoodbets Dolphins as the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Professional Women’s Domestic League live doubleheader action continued in Durban on Sunday.

In a nail-biting finish, with six runs needed off the final six deliveries, Micaèla Andrews steered her team to victory, with her runs in between wickets timed just right to ensure the visitors were victorious with just one ball to spare.

Earlier, Dolphins had opted to bat first, posting 45 for nine after a delayed start that saw the game reduced to 14 overs. Tabitha la Grange spearheaded the bowling attack, returning 3-5 in three overs, and well supported by Annerie Dercksen’s 2-6.

Despite a spirited effort from the hosts, including a stellar performance from Proteas Women spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, who dismissed her national teammate Tazmin Brits early on, and ended with figures of 2-7 in three overs, the Badgers managed to chase down the target in an intense finish.

In the CSA One-Day Cup clash on Saturday, the hosts posted a competitive total of 221 for eight in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to a collective batting effort. However, Mlaba's impressive four-wicket haul restricted the visitors to 144 all out.

Despite Brits' valiant half-century (63 off 59), she succumbed to the bowling prowess of Nosihle Ngubane (2-32 in 10 overs), leading to a commanding 77-run victory for the Dolphins.

In Division 2 action, Eastern Cape Iinyathi Women dominated both the CSA Women’s One-Day Cup and T20 Challenge matches against Kei Women in East London, triumphing by 60 runs and 10 wickets, respectively. Tembela Ngcobo stood out with a superb five-wicket haul on Saturday, finishing with figures of 5-28 in 10 overs.