Opening batsman Derrin Bassage was named Player of the Match after Western Province Over-40 beat Titans Over-40 by nine wickets in Tuesday’s inter-provincial tournament fixture at the Wanderers Cricket Club in Johannesburg.
Bassage hit 69 not out from 96 balls, including eight fours, as Western Province Over-40 reached a 146-run target with 15 overs to spare.
He shared a partnership of 136 in 29 overs with fellow opener Werner Moolman, who hit 51.
Western Province Over-40 had earlier limited Titans Over-40 to 145 all out in 40.4 overs despite four dropped catches.
“We started off well with the ball. It was a good toss to win and the conditions helped at the start and we took advantage of that with early wickets,” said Bassage.
“We said earlier that if we get on top, let’s stay on top. We managed to do that, even though we put down some chances at the end and the Titans got about 20-odd more than they should have.
“Batting with Werner was good fun. We haven’t batted a lot together. Our running between the wickets was good. A left- and right-handed combination always helps with messing up the bowlers’ lines and lengths.”
Left-arm seamer Luke Knipe claimed Western Province Over-40’s first ever wicket – and later a second. He completed figures of two for 28 in five overs after sharing the new ball with fellow seamer Ryan Milne.
Knipe had Titans Over-40 opener Wayne Stuurman stumped by wicketkeeper Moolman and later removed middle-order batsman Quintus Eksteen lbw.
“It was a privilege opening the bowling for Western Province Over-40. The conditions were great and the ball was swinging nicely,” added Knipe.
“We are Western Province and we play for the badge, so it’s great to get in an early win. I just want to keep putting in big performances for the team.
“The bowlers gelled well here against the Titans and we will look to go into Wednesday’s match against Eastern Province Over-40 as a unit, too.”