Mfoza and Erwee star for Inland
Nduduzo Mfoza and Sarel Erwee turned in powerful performances as KwaZulu-Natal Inland kicked off their Africa T20 Cup campaign with a three-wicket win over Zimbabwe at Buffalo Park in East London on Friday.
Slow left-armer Mfoza first claimed an extraordinary three for eight in 12 deliveries to help restrict the opposition to 165/7, before opener Erwee plundered 80 from only 43 balls, ensuring his side did enough early on to win with 11 balls remaining.
The 2015 finalists had won the toss and opted to bowl in the first match of Pool D and they began well with Gareth Dukes removing opener Brian Chari (1) with only 12 on the board.
But Innocent Kaia (25) then came together with Zimbabwe’s star man, Timycen Maruma, and put on 62 for the second wicket, before 51 followed for the third wicket with captain Peter Moor (36).
ALSO READ: KZN Inland ready for Africa Cup assignment
It was 125/2 at that stage before 20-year-old Mfoza ripped through the middle order to jolt the progress of the African side, with right-hander Maruma eventually bowled by Kyle Nipper for 81 (55 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes).
Chasing a competitive 166, Erwee crashed five sixes and seven fours in a telling opening stand of 110 with captain Lefa Mosena (46).
There was a huge wobble once the pair fell, with no other batsman managing double figures, but KZNI edged over the line in the 19th over.
Ainsley Ndlovu was the pick of the Zimbabwean bowlers with three for 29.
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