By Sabelo Seroke
The Durban University of Technology’s (DUT) cricket team kicked off their new T20
season with a double header in Phoenix against Eastern Coast and later on against
Phoenix Cricket Team, this past Sunday.
It wasn’t a good day in the office for the DUT team as they suffered a defeat in both
matches.
In the first match against Eastern Coast, DUT won the toss and elected to field first,
which saw them bowling out their opponents for 128 runs in 20 overs leaving them with
a run chase of 129 runs to win. In reply, DUT quickly lost their two batting openers after
they managed to score just six runs in two overs. From there on it was calamity as the
top order fell, leading to the whole team initially being bowled out for 67 runs.
DUT 1 st team Cricket captain, Katleho Mojakisane said he appreciates the efforts of his
teammates but believes that the score is not a real reflection of who they are.
“We can do better. I think there was a clear sight of nerves from the team given that it
was our opening match of the season,” alluded Mojakisane.
However, in the second match, which saw the overs being reduced due to a conflict that
lasted over 30 minutes. The team showed signs of life against Phoenix cricket team as
they opted to bat first scoring 94 runs in 14 overs. The team was let down by fielding as
they failed to restrict Phoenix despite starting well, removing the three-opening order for
just 18 runs.
A few loose deliveries and questionable fielding saw Phoenix fight back to win the game
by three wickets.
“We fought well in the second game, much better than the first performance. We will
now look at the mistakes we made and try to prepare for the upcoming game next
weekend,“ said Naveesh Naidoo, DUT batsman.
The team hopes to bounce back from these defeats and players are hoping to impress
the coaches ahead of the selection for the University Sports South Africa (USSA)
championship which will take place later this week.
