Garden Route Badgers kicked off 2025 in style

The Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers kicked off 2025 in style with a commanding eight-wicket triumph over the Mpumalanga Rhinos at Uplands College in White River this past weekend.

This win propelled the Badgers to third place on the Cricket South Africa Division 2 Four-Day competition log, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the final. With 63.44 points after five matches, the Badgers are in close contention. The Northern Cape Heat, the defending champions, lead the standings with 81.72 points from five matches, while the Tuskers sit second with 72.94 points after four matches.

The Rhinos, batting first after losing the toss to Badgers skipper Yaseen Vallie, were bundled out for 226 in their first innings. Jarred Jardine was the standout bowler for the Badgers, claiming 3/58.

In response, the Badgers demonstrated composure and determination, amassing an impressive 388 for a first-innings lead of 162. Captain Yaseen Vallie led from the front with a superb century (116 off 219 balls, including one six and eight fours). He was ably supported by Keenan Vieira (93), George van Heerden (62*), and Kyle Jacobs (46). Key partnerships included a 161-run stand for the third wicket between Vallie and Vieira, as well as a 93-run opening partnership between Vallie and Jacobs.

The Rhinos’ second innings saw them score 242, with Yasser Cook top-scoring with 83. Spinner Pheko Moletsane delivered a career-best performance, taking 5/23 in 12 overs, while Lifa Ntanzi contributed with figures of 2/36.

Chasing a modest target of 84, the Badgers made quick work of it, reaching 84/2 in just 19.3 overs to seal the victory before lunch on the final day.

The Badgers will now turn their attention to a crucial home fixture against log leaders Northern Cape Heat, set to take place on 30 January at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn.

Match Summary:

Garden Route Badgers beat Mpumalanga Rhinos by 8 wickets.

Mpumalanga Rhinos 1st innings: 226 (Yasser Cook 47, Jurie Snyman 45, Benjamin van Niekerk 34, Zakir Kathrada 33; Jarred Jardine 3/58, Sintu Majiza 2/43, Lifa Ntanzi 2/53, Kelly Smuts 2/30)

Garden Route Badgers 1st innings: 388 (Yaseen Vallie 116, Keenan Vieira 93, George van Heerden 62*, Kyle Jacobs 46; Gareth Dukes 5/83, Muhammed Mayet 4/28)

Mpumalanga Rhinos 2nd innings: 242 (Yasser Cook 83, Benjamin van Niekerk 60; Pheko Moletsane 5/23, Lifa Ntanzi 2/36)

Garden Route Badgers 2nd innings: 84/2 (Yaseen Vallie 28*, Kyle Jacobs 28)

Result: Garden Route Badgers won by 8 wickets.

Main Source: Knysna-Plett Herald