PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa, CMC – An unbroken 63-run, fourth-wicket stand between South Africa Test wicketkeeper Mark Boucher and Justin Kreusch, fired Warriors to a seven-wicket triumph over Wayamba Elevens yesterday.
Playing in the second game of the Champions League Twenty20, Boucher stroked a cameo 40 from 26 balls and Kreusch supported with 37 from 29 balls as the South Africans reached 156 for three, overhauling their target of 154 with 10 balls to spare.
Earlier, opener Jeevantha Kulatunga cracked 59 from 44 balls and Kushal Perera hammered 39 from 24 balls with a four and three sixes, as Wayamba scored 153 for nine after opting to bat first at St George’s Park.
Prolific Test batsman Mahela Jayawardene fell without scoring to the second ball of the innings and Mahela Udawatte, who has played nine One-Day Internationals for Sri Lanka, followed four balls later to leave Wayamba two for two.
However, Kulatunga steadied the innings with two solid partnerships, adding 48 from 44 balls for the third wicket with Jehan Mubarak (9) and a further 60 from 35 balls with Perera for the fourth wicket.
Fast bowler Rusty Theron grabbed three for 23 while former Test pacer Makhaya Ntini claimed two for 34.
In reply, Test batsman Ashwell Prince fell cheaply for 10 at 17 for one in the third over but Colin Ingram (34) and Davey Jacobs (26) posted 52 for the second wicket to put their side back in the hunt.
They both perished to leave the game evenly balanced with the Warriors on 93 for three at the end of the 11th.
However, Boucher smashed four fours and two sixes and Kreusch counted three fours, to see the Warriors home.
