In a thrilling encounter of the FairBreak Invitational 2023, Spirit Women emerged victorious against South Coast Sapphires Women by 12 runs at the Kowloon Cricket Club in Kowloon on Friday, April 7.
After winning the toss, the Sapphires elected to bowl first. Spirit set a target of 122 runs, posting 121/8 on the scoreboard in their allotted 20 overs. Nicola Carey of Australia played an exceptional inning, scoring 52 runs off 34 balls, which included five boundaries and three sixes. Mahika Gaur (18 runs off 14 balls) of UAE and USA’s Gargi Bhogle (12 runs off 13 balls) also contributed to the team’s total. 18-year-old USA all-rounder Geetika Kodali and England veteran Katherine Brunt were the pick of the bowlers for the Sapphires, taking two wickets each.
In their response, the Sapphires struggled to get going and could only manage 109/9 in their 20 overs. Brunt played a brilliant knock of 47 runs off 29 balls, which included three fours and four sixes. Aditi Chudasama (20 runs off 27 balls) of USA and Papua New Guinean batter Sibona Jimmy (13 runs off 14 balls) were the other notable contributors.
South Africa’s Ayabonga Khaka was the star bowler for the Spirit, taking four wickets for just 13 runs in her quota four overs.
In the end, Spirit clinched a hard-fought victory by 12 runs. Khaka was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for her impressive bowling figures of 4/13.
Ayabonga Khaka was the FairBreak player of the match in Team Spirit’s 12-run win over the Sapphires.
The South African 🇿🇦quick picked up 4/13 and rocked the Sapphires’ batting line up.#FBI23 | #FairBreak | #crickettwitter pic.twitter.com/FCuxWtEuPV
— FairBreak (@fairbreakglobal) April 7, 2023
