The Warriors produced a fantastic performance in the field to reach the Standard Bank Pro20 Series cricket final, beating Free State Eagles by eight runs in a tension-filled finish to their semifinal at Sahara Oval St George’s on Friday.
After making a modest 119 for eight in their 20 overs, the Warriors stared defeat squarely in the face as the Eagles raced to 58 for two after seven overs, Loots Bosman blasting 33 off 14 balls, with three fours and three sixes.
But spinner Johan Botha, whose spell of 4-0-12-2 earned him the man of the match award, led a brilliant bowling performance as the Warriors fought back in sensational fashion to create panic in the Free State ranks.
It came down to the Eagles needing 11 to win off the final over, but Tyron Henderson, who has often been Warriors’ saviour with the bat in this competition, produced a superb final over, capturing a wicket and conceding only two runs as the visitors finished on 111 for eight.
Earlier, the Warriors, who had been sent in to bat, had a dreadful start against some outstanding bowling by left-armer Cliffie Deacon (4-0-15-3).
He reduced them to 23 for four and although Henderson brought some cheer with a four and a six off Roger Telemachus, he was dismissed in the same over.
It was left to veteran captain Pieter Strydom (34 not out off 36 balls) and Robin Peterson (22 off 25 balls) to bring some respectability to the total and give their bowlers something to bowl at.
The Warriors will now meet the Titans in the final in Centurion next Wednesday. — Sapa