The Taiwan Daredevils produced two convincing victories today over the Taichung Scunners and reigning champions the Pakistan Badshahs at the Xinmin ground in Chiayi City.
The first game of the day was a match up between the Daredevils and the Scunners.
The Daredevils took every opportunity to rack up a huge total of 135 for two in 15 overs, with the Scunners only managing to field a side of nine players.
Jeff Black regained some form, making 69 not out from only 48 deliveries, while stand-in skipper Eben Haarhoff hit some lusty blows to finish on 20 not out. The best bowling for the Scunners was from Chad Sinovich at one for 13 in three overs.
The Scunners never looked like they would make the runs and were finally skittled for 69, with paceman Jared Painter taking three for 11 and youngster James Daly two for 25 in three overs.
The second game of the day was the Badshahs versus the Scunners. Again the Badshahs showed no mercy in batting first, racking up 128 for four in 15 overs.
Khuram Muhammad was in good touch, making 48 not out. The Badshahs shot out the Scunners for only 61 in 10.5 overs, leaving skipper Kris Belling the enormous task of picking up his side for the semi-final.
The best match up of the day was the final match between the Dardevils and the Badshahs, and with both teams undefeated, spectators were looking forward to a close contest.
The Badshahs won the toss and elected to bat. They were pegged back by some very accurate bowling by Painter and Black, as only 15 runs came off the first four overs.
The Badshahs needed to up their run rate, but the Daredevils’ Spin King “Hercules Malan” was in the form of his life as he baffled the top order with some lovely spin bowling.
Malan finally finished with the best figures of his career at four for nine in three overs.
The Badshahs managed to make 99 for six in 15 overs, which never seemed as though it would be enough. Touseef Ashraf hit some lusty blows toward the end of the innings, making 34 not out.
The Badshahs started off bowling with great determination backed up by fine fielding, but a 50-run opening partnership between Black and Duane Christie set up victory for the daredevils as they sealed the victory on 100 for five in 19.3 overs as Painter hit the winning run, leaving the Daredevils on top of the group with six points.
The semi-final match up between the Scunners and the Badshahs and final will be played in January or February at the same venue in Chiayi. The next major tournament on the Taiwan cricket schedule is the Taiwan annual tournament, which takes place on Dec. 10 and Dec. 11 in Chiayi.
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