Stolk and Van Zyl shine in incredible encounter against Affies.

The long wait for Super Steve to come off at the Westvaal North-South T20 Tournament is finally over. The young batsman from Menlopark proved to many why he was acquired by the Pretoria Capitals for the second edition of the SA20 early next year.

Stolk amazed with a breathtaking 152 not out, from just 72 deliveries, in their encounter against Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool. His marvellous innings included a whopping 21 boundaries, consisting of nine fours and 12 sixes, at a rapid strike rate of 212.

Willem Sevenster picked up where he left off the day before, racing to a wonderful 70 from just 41 balls. Together, the pair amassed a stunning 158-run partnership in just shy of 14 overs. With both players rolling along, Menlopark posted a staggering 245/2 against a very good side.

Affies, however, saw that total as a challenge, not as a death sentence. They got away to a flying start, with Lukas Janse van Rensburg (33, 19b) and Jorich van Zyl (32, 16b) combining for an aggressive opening stand of 70-run from just 34 deliveries.

Janco Purchase and Ruben Groenewald also made good use of the batting-friendly conditions to put the Menlopark attack under severe pressure. Purchase made the Menlo fielders chase leather, racing to a blistering 59, while Groenewald was every bit as destructive, contributing 58.

With Affies well on their way to what would’ve been an astounding victory, GN van Zyl turned the tide with a remarkable spell. He bagged the first five-for of the tournament, snaring an econmocial and telling 5/25 in his four overs.

His heroics meant Menlopark managed to defend their mammoth total, barely, with Affies finishing on 239 for 9 after a courageous run chase.

Summarised scorecard:

Menlopark 245/2 (Steve Stolk 152*, Willem Sevenster 70; Nicolai Bester 1/26); Affies 239/9 (Janco Purchase 59, Ruben Groenewald 58, Lukas Janse van Rensburg 33, Jorich van Schalkwyk 32, Divan de Villiers 26; GN vs Zyl 5/25, Pierre de Villiers 2/41). Menlopark won by six runs.