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Adams destroys Kent

Monday, August 11 2003

The South Africans completed a dramatic 101-run victory over Kent in their tour match. Left-arm spinner, Paul Adams, ripped through the hosts' lower order as they managed to lose 8 wickets for 47 runs. Adams ended with the astonishing figures of 9/79 in the innings and 11/140 in the match.

On Day 1 the South Africans batted first and, in typical fashion, smashed the opponent bowling around to compile 325/4 off just 70.3 overs. Stand-in captain Boucher declared at this score. Earlier, Kallis made a handsome return with 77 off 76 balls in support of McKenzie who compiled an unbeaten 105. Rookie phenom, Rudolph, not to be out-done, smashed 92 off 105 balls.

At the close of play on the first day, Kent had already lost two wickets - Carberry (5) and Smith (7). Day 2 saw the Africans clinically finish bowling out their opponents for 235. This was not without some resistance however. Key (47), Louden (63) and Geraint Jones (50) all contributed well. Robin Peterson ended the pick of the bowlers with 3/58.

Two early wickets for Saggers set the visitors back a bit, but some positive batting from Dippenaar (69) and Rudolph (65) saw to it that the South Africans remained at ease. A further 33 from Peterson and cameos from Kirsten and Adams took the score to 243/7 before Boucher declared again. This left Kent needing 334 to win.

Kent looked well on their way with a 72-run opening stand between Key (49) and Carberry (75) before the former was bowled by Adams. Another 53 brisk runs later and Ed Smith's (27 off 21) cameo was ended by Peterson. Even so, Kent seemed to be moving nicely to a potential victory. With the score at 185/2, this was ever more apparent. Soon, however, everything would change.

In mid-blink, the score had drastically changed to 186/4 then 198/6 and then finishing on 232 all out. The last six Kent batsmen all scored in single figures with the top-score of them being 6, held by Jones.

Game Summary:-

[B]South Africans 1st innings[/B] 325/4 dec.
(McKenzie 105*, Rudolph 92, Kallis 77, Kirsten 40 r.h.)
(Sheriyar 2/44, Loudon 1/52)

[B]Kent 1st innings[/B] 235 ao
(Loudon 63, Jones 50, Key 47)
(Peterson 3/58, Willoughby 2/50, Adams 2/61)

[B]South Africans 2nd innings[/B] 243/7 dec.
(Dippenaar 69, Rudolph 65, Peterson 33)
(Tredwell 3/75, Saggers 2/34, Ferley 2/35)

[B]Kent 2nd innings[/B] 232 ao
(Carberry 75, Key 49, Loudon 30)
(Adams 9/79, Peterson 1/48)

[B]Result:-[/B] South Africans won by 101 runs.

Posted by Liam