Twitter Reactions: Dussen, Pongolo take Jozi Stars to the Eliminator

As the 2018 edition of the Mzansi Super League is nearing the end of the season, the stakes are only getting higher. The final day of the league stages is perfectly set up for the fans, as three teams will fight for a position in the Eliminator. The Tshwane Spartans messed up their recent game against the Jozi Stars, but still, find themselves in the race for the Eliminator.

They need almost everything to go their way to ensure a berth in the penultimate game of the season. Meanwhile, a thundering win for the Jozi Stars in the match 28 of the season against the Spartans has sealed their spot in the Eliminator. The Stars thoroughly outplayed the Spartans at the Wanderers.

Dussen charges the bowlers

Having won the toss, the Stars opted to bat first. Openers Ryan Rickelton (45) and Reeza Hendricks (20) looked good with a 39-run stand for the first wicket. But the impetus to the innings was provided by Rassie van der Dussen. Dussen arrived at the crease in the 6th over and took the attack to the opposition. He continued his good run of form and hammered an unbeaten 96 off just 44 deliveries.

He smashed 6 fours, and as many number of sixes during his unbeaten stay at the crease. Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada was promoted at number 4, and he hit a quick 11-ball 21 as well. Towards the end of the innings, the Jozi Stars only went higher and higher, with Dan Christian showing the form of his life with the bat.

Christian smacked an 18-ball fifty, the fastest fifty of the season. He remained unbeaten on 52 off 19 deliveries with 6 maximums to his name. Dussen and Christian helped Stars post a mammoth 239/3 in their stipulated 20 overs.

Pongolo runs through the Spartans lineup

In the run chase, the Tshwane Spartans never looked to be in command. They needed a flying start, which they failed to get. Nono Pongolo proved to be the wrecker-in-chief as he ran through the batting order, scalping 6 wickets. Barring Gihahn Cloete, who scored 50, no other batter could show resilience in the run chase. The Spartans innings folded up on 138 in 17.2 overs, conceding a huge 101 run win for the Stars. Pongolo, being the pick of the bowlers, scalped 6/20 in four overs.

Here is how the Twitterverse reacted to the game: