Gauteng head the log in the Super Eight Series after two successive wins in the second round of the competition.

In a match set to be a draw, Gauteng managed to pull out a result against the visiting Kwa-Zulu Natal team on the final day in the final session with fading light and threatening rain making it vital to up the pace and score the needed 144 runs.

The record books will have it that the home team did it and came out with some outstanding personal performances. The unbeaten 195* from former skipper Rutherford set Gauteng in the commanding position that allowed them a first innings lead of 109 over the Dolphins. Kenny Benjamin was once again amongst the wickets with his 5/34 in Natal's first innings and 3/63 in the second. The result however was made certain when Andrew Hall harvested two wickets in his last spell without a run being scored against him, finishing with figures of 4/41.

It left Gauteng with only 144 to chase with Bacher and Koenig setting about it with great determination. Bacher finally going out (78 off 91 balls) to Petersen caught Stewart. Rutherford and Koenig were left to score the last runs with Koenig ending on 43* and Rutherford on 21*.

High praises were given by Gauteng skipper to his predecessor who ran short of batting partners in his first innings before he coud reach the double century mark. Rutherford was named Man of the Match with the young Natalian Ahmed Amla being named Rookie of the match.

© CI