It started at PPC Newlands, then gathered momentum in Port Elizabeth, before hitting the really high notes in Benoni and SuperSport Park.
The Multiply Titans are on a charge, and it is one that is only gathering steam. On Wednesday, they demolished the WSB Cape Cobras by ten wickets, with a bonus point, in a match that didn’t even go into the anticipated evening.
“It’s a funny game,” assistant coach Mandla Mashimbyi smiled.
“You’ve got to be sure that you peak at the right time, and I think we’re doing that. We’ve had a couple of wins, but they weren’t our best wins. We had to scrap, but today (Wednesday) was clinical! It was lovely to see,” he said of the beating they put on the Cobras.
That success was built on a fine bowling display, led by Chris Morris (four for 23) and Junior Dala (four for 29), and then an exceptional performance by a debutant.
“Chris was exceptional with the new ball. He kept it very simple and he just looked to a good area. He stayed in that area and it paid off for him,” the coach said of the in-form all-rounder.
As for the other quick in the Titans mix, it was another significant contribution, after his efforts with the bat recently.
“Junior is our strike bowler. He’s asked to bowl fast, run in and bowl as quickly as possible. You would’ve noticed most of his wickets were pull shots and guys trying to lob him over third man, because they couldn’t handle the pace,” Mashimbyi pointed out.
With a target of 152, the Titans could take their time. But no one told Diego Rosier and Jonathan Vandiar.
“It’s not everyday you find a guy on debut playing like he belongs,” Mashimbyi said of Rosier’s 92 not out from just 62 balls.
“I’m happy for him and it’s good for us to know we’ve got guys that can come in and do the job. I wish him all the best going forward.”
Rosier had excellent support from Vandiar, until the latter retired hurt for 31.
“He just had a bit of a cramp. That was a beautiful 30 – it’s the most 30 I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s unfortunate that he had to come off, but he’ll be fit for Durban,” Mashimbyi said of the left-hander.
The Dolphins in Durban are next up for the Titans, and they are out to settle a score.
“It’s all about what you doing on the day. I think if they come to play on the day, they’ll give us a good go and they could really beat any team. They’ve beaten us here so we’ve got one to put over them.”
The Dolphins themselves have an eye on the semi-finals, so Friday at Kingsmead promises to be an ideal test of will and strength.
Multiply Titans squad to face the Hollywoodbets Dolphins: Heinrich Klaasen (c), Farhaan Behardien, Corbin Bosch, Junior Dala, Dean Elgar, Heino Kuhn, Gregory Mahlokwana, Imraan Manack, Tshepo Moreki, Chris Morris, Diego Rosier, Marcello Piedt, Jonathan Vandiar, Shaun von Berg
