September 4, 2025
SuperSport Park hosted the 2025 Momentum Health Challenge from 1- 4 September 2025, with four days of thrilling cricket action featuring two matches per day.
The tournament once again showcased the depth of talent in South Africa’s Division 2 cricket structures, with the Eastern Cape Iinyathi successfully defending their title to remain champions.
The opening match saw the Iinyathi face Northern Cape Heat. NC Heat posted 145/8 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to Ronan Herrmann’s composed 60 off 41 balls. Nico van Zyl impressed with the ball, taking three wickets in Iinyathi’s second innings. Iinyathi chased the target down confidently, finishing on 146/6 in just 16 overs, led by Jason Niemand’s explosive 68 from 36 deliveries.
The second match on Day 1 featured Eastern Storm against Mpumalanga Rhinos, with the Rhinos cruising to a nine-wicket victory. Gareth Dukes was the star of the show, smashing 75 off 47 balls to guide his side home.
Day 2 saw Northern Cape Heat bounce back with a seven-wicket win over Eastern Storm. Garnett Tarr’s unbeaten 135 from just 61 balls was the standout innings of the tournament. Despite Storm’s Brayden Hicks making 95 off 45 balls to post a competitive 185/5, the Heat proved too strong on the day.
The final brought together defending champions Eastern Cape Iinyathi and Mpumalanga Rhinos. The Iinyathi once again showed their championship pedigree, securing a 33-run victory to lift the trophy. Niemand continued his fine form, top scoring with 63 from 36 balls and earning the Man of the Match award.
Speaking on behalf of Momentum Health, Carel Bosman expressed his pride in the success of the tournament:
“We are excited and delighted about how the Momentum Health Challenge was presented and how well the players embraced it. It makes us happy that Division 2 cricketers are getting the recognition they deserve and a platform to one day reach the top. Momentum has been involved in cricket since 2012, supporting the game from development all the way to the national level, and this tournament reflects that commitment.”
The Momentum Health Challenge once again provided a platform for emerging talent to shine, and with the Eastern Cape Iinyathi crowned champions, the tournament has firmly established itself as a key fixture in the cricket calendar.
