BENONI: The ACDC Express Tuskers were crowned the 2024/25 T20 Knockout champions after a commanding seven-wicket victory over Eastern Storm.
The final, held at Willowmoore Park, had to be carried over to the reserve day after inclement weather halted play on Sunday.
Eastern Storm, having opted to bat first, set a competitive target of 130 runs. The Storm’s batting effort was steady, but the Tuskers’ bowling attack managed to contain their big hitters, setting the stage for a dramatic chase. By the time rain interrupted play, the Tuskers were 4.5 overs into their innings, looking comfortable at 34/0.
When the match resumed on Monday afternoon, Tuskers’ Cameron Shekleton and Kagiso Rapulana took control of the chase. Shekleton’s 54 and Rapulana’s solid 38 ensured that the Tuskers easily surpassed the target with seven wickets, securing their first trophy since returning to Division 2.
Speaking after the match, Tuskers captain, Michael Erlank, reflected on the significance of this victory, especially after a challenging previous season.
“After the struggles we’ve had in Division 1, for us to come back and put in a performance like this is immense. Last season was really tough for all of us, and to stand up and deliver in this way is incredible. I’m so proud of the boys.
“There were definitely a few nerves, especially after yesterday. We were in a good position, and then the rain came. But the boys stayed calm, relaxed, and focused on finishing the job.
“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves because it’s still a long season, but our goal is to be playing at the top level, competing against the best, and winning this competition is a good step towards that,” said Erlank.
Erlank also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of community support, particularly in the Tuskers’ home region of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The campaign this season, ‘Woza Nawe,’ has been about igniting hometown pride.
“Winning this trophy shows there is something special happening with the team. We’re getting our brand out there a bit more, especially in schools, and we want to bring more kids into cricket. Having the support of the community gives us that extra energy and pride to go out there and perform,” concluded Erlank.
For the ACDC Express Tuskers, this T20 Knockout title is not just a trophy but a statement of intent. With the season still young, they will look to carry this momentum forward and prove that they are ready to compete at the highest levels of South African cricket.
Source: cricket.co.za
Eddie Barlow (born 1940) – 44 internationals, 45.62 average, 211 high score, ten centuries, 80 wickets, 28.29 average, 7-64 best, four five-wicket innings, 30 official Tests: He is one of my favourite cricketers, a whole-hearted competition and a genuine all-rounder. His batting average is probably close to accurate. He was a boom-or-bust, hit-or-miss kind of batsman. He was an outstanding pace bowler in first-class cricket, but had fewer opportunities at Test level.
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