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Cape Town - Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday congratulated the Highveld Lions on winning the 4-Day Franchise Series.
They clinched the title when they beat the Warriors by 84 runs on the final day of play on Thursday while their nearest challengers, the Cape Cobras, were held to a draw by the Dolphins.
There were only nine balls to spare when the Lions completed their dramatic win that enabled them to finish 9.22 points ahead of the Cobras.
“Congratulations to the Lions on their outstanding achievement,” commented CSA Chief Executive Thabang Moroe.
“They have also been significant contributors to the Proteas which says a lot for their depth. A special word of praise for head coach Enoch Nkwe in his debut season. He was also head coach of the Jozi Stars when they won the Mzansi Super League and it represents a remarkable double for him.
“The fact that we all had to wait until the second last over in the final session on the final day to find out who the champions were speaks volumes for the competitive cricket we have seen through all 10 rounds. All the franchises are to be commended for upholding the standards of our premier first-class domestic competition and ensuring its integrity by playing their strongest possible sides even when they were out of the running to win the trophy.
“The four-day competition fulfils a vital role at the top end of our talent development pipeline,” continued Moroe.
“The manner in which recent Proteas such as Aiden Markram, Duanne Olivier, Lungi Ngidi and Zubayr Hamza have moved so smoothly into the Test match arena is testament to the quality of our domestic cricket.
“We are also seeing a host of new stars emerging on the franchise four-day scene. One has to wonder when last rookie batting talents such as Janneman Malan and Sinethemba Qeshile did so well in their debut seasons. They have both averaged comfortably more than 50 and underline the promising and exciting future that awaits South African cricket,” he concluded.
