After a thrilling display with bat and ball, Durbanville Cricket Club came through the Western Cape Cricket playoffs to earn the right to represent the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras at the CSA Franchise Club Championships in Pretoria this weekend.

The Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) Premier League winners began their quest on Friday against Maties at the Vineyard Oval in Newlands.

Maties won the toss and elected to bat first, putting up a total 227/8. The chase was not what Durbanville would have hoped for when they lost successive wickets with only a few runs on the board, but current opener for the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras, Pieter Malan, came to the rescue. His heroics proved pivotal as his team would fight back to win the game by three wickets in a last over thriller.

On Saturday, Maties looked to get back to winning ways when they faced Nelson Mandela University (NMU). Maties had a solid innings when they posted a score of 257/7 for the Port Elizabeth outfit to chase, but it was not to be as the Madibaz could not contain the Maties’ bowling prowess and stumbled to a 59-run loss, as they were restricted to 198 runs from 46 overs.

This meant Sunday would be an interesting day of cricket as NMU needed victory against Durbanville or they were would be eliminated out the playoffs.

With the coin toss being won by Durbanville, the skipper decided it would be fitting to bat first and try post a tough score to beat. A string of valiant partnerships saw them notch up 278/6 after 50 overs.

Once again, the Madibaz struggled with the bat and succumbed to the Durbanville bowling pressure, confirming Durbanville’s trip to Pretoria to represent the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras franchise.

Western Cape Cricket CEO Nabeal Dien conveyed his message of congratulations to the club. “Well done to Durbanville Cricket Club for qualifying to represent our franchise, we look forward to supporting them at the CSA Franchise Club Champs.”