The Free State Eagles swept into the Pro 20 cricket final after the Titans imploded spectacularly at Centurion Park on Wednesday. Chasing a woefully inadequate 48 for victory in 16 overs, the Eagles won by seven wickets with almost five overs to spare.
After an early setback where they lost both openers in the space of six balls, Boeta Dippenaar (17 not out) and Loots Bosman (24) kept their heads to set up a clash with the Eastern Cape in Saturday’s final in East London.
The Titans, who topped the log having lost just a single game in the round robin, failed to recover from a disastrous start that saw them lose Jacques Rudolph after two balls.
Not even a power failure that plunged the ground and surrounding suburb into darkness for over an hour could save the homeside that lost wickets with staggering frequency.
The best partnership realised a pitiful 11 runs with only two fours being struck in the entire innings — the second of which was scored off the fourth ball of the match.
Skipper Daryll Cullinan, with nine, came closest to making those seemingly elusive double figures as his side collapsed to 47 all out in 14,3 overs after their overs had been reduced to 16.
Their total was the lowest scored in the competition by 45 runs.
Cliffie Deacon, with three for seven, was on track to record the most economical figures before sending down two wides moments before the power failure.
While Deacon accounted for the top order, off spinner Thami Tshabalala wrapped up the tail, taking three for seven. – Sapa