Cricket

NY Lagos Strikers Dominate Zim Afro T10 with Consecutive WinsThe NY Lagos Strikers have made a resounding start to their Zim Afro T10 tournament campaign, securing two consecutive victories against formidable opponents. Their impressive performances have been spearheaded by the exceptional batting of Rassie van der Dussen, who has delivered two consecutive half-centuries.In their opening match against the Bulawayo Brave Jaguars, van der Dussen played a pivotal role in the Strikers' victory, scoring a solid 51 runs. His innings was characterized by a strong partnership with Avishka Fernando, who contributed 39 runs to their 79-run stand. This partnership proved crucial in turning the tide of the match in favor of the Strikers.Van der Dussen continued his impressive form in the second match against the Jo'Burg Bangla Tigers, notching up an unbeaten 81 runs off just 32 balls. His innings featured an astonishing eight sixes and four boundaries, showcasing his aggressive batting style. This performance was instrumental in securing another victory for the NY Lagos Strikers.Speaking about his consecutive half-centuries, van der Dussen emphasized the importance of getting off to a good start and putting pressure on the opposition. He also praised the team's opening partnership with Fernando, which has been a key factor in their success."I think it's pretty similar like any other T10 format, it's ten overs so we look to get off to a good start and then once you find that rhythm it becomes important to put your opposition under pressure," said van der Dussen. "We have a nice opening pairing so Avishka and myself had a pretty good start again and from then on, we knew we could keep the pressure on the Bulawayo Brave Jaguars."The NY Lagos Strikers' success has also been attributed to their strong bowling attack, which has restricted their opponents to low scores. Thisara Perera, a member of the Strikers, expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance and emphasized the importance of continuing their winning streak."Actually, I know when are winning two games, it's a good feeling you know. As a team we did really well, we also had good practice sessions. So we are on the right track, so we need to continue our good performance in the future also," said Perera.The NY Lagos Strikers will look to maintain their winning momentum in their upcoming matches as they aim to secure a place in the playoffs. Their impressive start to the tournament has established them as one of the favorites to lift the trophy.

West Indies capped off their T20 World Cup preparations with a resounding 8-wicket victory over South Africa, completing a 3-0 series sweep. The triumph marked their fourth series win since the previous T20 World Cup and their first 3-0 triumph over South Africa.South Africa, on the other hand, have struggled in recent T20Is, winning only two of their last 11 completed matches. Their concerns extend to their middle order, with Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs absent from this series. Quinton de Kock's form and Ryan Rickelton's struggles also raise questions.Anrich Nortje's high economy rate and lack of wickets cast doubt on his readiness for international cricket. However, he remains part of South Africa's World Cup squad.West Indies, meanwhile, appear well-prepared for the tournament. They have won four out of five series since the last T20 World Cup and chased down 164 in just 14 overs in the final match against South Africa.Obed McCoy, a late addition to the T20 World Cup squad, impressed with 3 for 39 in the final match. Brandon King, the stand-in captain, finished as the series' leading run-scorer.Johnson Charles, who had struggled for form, silenced critics with a dominant half-century, setting the platform for West Indies' victory. He targeted South Africa's fastest bowlers, Nortje and Gerald Coetzee, with impressive ease.Gudakesh Motie, the left-arm spinner, made an early impact with two wickets in his first two overs. However, he conceded 11 runs in his final over and was not used again.Rassie van der Dussen, excluded from South Africa's T20 World Cup squad, had the final say with a 30-ball fifty. His 77-run partnership with Wiaan Mulder prevented a South African collapse.Kyle Mayers missed a crucial catch that could have dismissed van der Dussen early on. However, he made amends with a two-handed catch to dismiss Mulder later in the innings. Mayers also contributed with an unbeaten 36 with the bat, helping West Indies wrap up the chase.