David Wiese's exceptional bowling performance helped the Momentum Multiply Titans salvage a remarkable tie against World Sports Betting Western Province during the T20 Challenge double-header day in Johannesburg on Saturday.
AET Tuskers won their first game of the campaign by defeating DP World Lions by 8 wickets on the DLS Method. However, the highlight of the day was the remarkable comeback by DP World Wanderers Stadium.
Despite losing the toss and batting first, they managed to score a modest 147/7. The score was boosted by a quickfire 37 off 23 balls from South Africa Under-19 star Lhuan-dre Pretorius and an unbeaten 39 from Proteas all-rounder Neil Brand.
Wayne Parnell, Beuran Hendricks, and George Linde took two wickets each, playing pivotal roles in restricting the defending champions.
In reply, Province made a flying start and was charging along at 92/0, thanks to Edward Moore (55 off 52 balls, 5 fours, 1 six) and David Bedingham (49). However, when Wiese was introduced, the game took a damning reversal.
With rain looming, Wiese removed rising South Africa batter Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne (6) in successive overs. He also took out Linde (17) and Onke Nyaku (0) in back-to-back deliveries at the end of the 19th over, stunning the Cape side.
Veteran Wiese received assistance from Tabraiz Shamsi (2/31). With 10 runs needed from the last over, the Titans were on track for a famous win, but the weather intervened, resulting in a tie.
Saturday’s earlier match was affected by the rain as the home team only scored 90/5 in 15 overs.
Keith Dudgeon was outstanding for KwaZulu-Natal, taking 4 wickets for just 5 runs in his 3 overs, including reducing the Lions to 0/3 and 3/4 after 2.4 overs.
Ducks were recorded for Rassie Van Der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Mitchell van Buuren, and Reeza Hendricks. Wiaan Mulder (36*) and Evan Jones (29*) then helped their side reach a respectable total.
Cameron Delport's contribution of 39 off 28 balls ensured that the Tuskers did not falter, leading them to their first win of the campaign with 3.2 overs to spare.