The ACDC Express Tuskers have made a bold statement in South African cricket by winning the 2024/25 T20 Knockout title, beating Eastern Storm by seven wickets in a thrilling final.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Tuskers, who have been working hard to return to their competitive best.
After a rain-delayed match that resumed on a reserve day, the Tuskers chased down Eastern Storm’s target of 130 with composure and skill.
As they lift their first trophy since rejoining Division 2, it’s clear that Tuskers are a team on the rise.
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The final, held at Willowmoore Park, was initially disrupted by rain on Sunday, forcing the game to resume on Monday afternoon.
Eastern Storm opted to bat first and posted a challenging score of 130 runs. Their batting lineup, while steady, was contained by the Tuskers’ sharp bowling attack, preventing them from launching any major onslaughts in the latter part of their innings.
The Tuskers responded confidently, reaching 34-0 after just 4.5 overs when rain halted play. With the match continuing the following day, the Tuskers resumed their chase with calm heads and solid partnerships.
Opening batsman Cameron Shekleton was the star of the show, scoring a brilliant 54 runs, while Kagiso Rapulana supported him with a crucial 38. The duo’s contributions ensured that the Tuskers comfortably reached their target with seven wickets in hand, sealing a well-deserved victory.
This T20 Knockout triumph is particularly meaningful for the Tuskers, who have been rebuilding after a tough spell in Division 1. Captain Michael Erlank acknowledged the importance of this win, reflecting on how far the team has come in recent seasons.
“After the struggles we’ve had in Division 1, for us to come back and put in a performance like this is immense,” Erlank said after the match. “Last season was really tough for all of us, and to stand up and deliver in this way is unbelievable. I’m so proud of the boys.”
The victory not only boosts the team’s confidence but also sets the tone for the rest of the season. For the Tuskers, this trophy signifies more than just a momentary success—it marks the start of what they hope will be a dominant era in South African cricket. The team is hungry for more silverware and determined to prove that they can compete at the highest level.
CHAMPIONS!
Congratulations to the ACDC Express Tuskers on claiming the 2024/25 #T20KnockOut title this afternoon!
Hard work, teamwork and determination have paid off in spectacular fashion.
A well-deserved victory in the #T20KnockOut final #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/tU1LhrelKo
— CSA Domestic Leagues (@DomesticCSA) October 21, 2024
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Overcoming Nerves and Rain Delays
Erlank also spoke about the challenges posed by the rain delays during the final. The Tuskers were in a strong position before the weather interrupted play, but the uncertainty of resuming the next day brought its own set of nerves. However, the team remained focused and didn’t let the situation affect their concentration.
“There were definitely a few nerves, especially after yesterday. We were in a good position, and then the rain came. But the boys stayed calm, relaxed, and focused on finishing the job,” Erlank noted. This composure under pressure is what ultimately helped the Tuskers cross the finish line and lift the T20 Knockout trophy.
A Community-Driven Victory
Beyond the success on the field, the Tuskers’ victory also has a special significance for their home region of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The team has made community engagement a priority this season with their campaign, “Woza Nawe,” aimed at inspiring local pride and drawing more support for the sport of cricket. Erlank was quick to highlight how important this local backing has been for the team’s resurgence.
“Winning this trophy shows there is something special happening with the team. We’re getting our brand out there a bit more, especially in schools, and we want to bring more kids into cricket. Having the support of the community gives us that extra energy and pride to go out there and perform,” said Erlank.
By connecting with their local fanbase, the Tuskers are not only building a strong team but also fostering a cricketing culture that could pay dividends in the long term. The club’s vision of growing the game in Pietermaritzburg is clear, and with successes like this, they are inspiring the next generation of cricketers.
The T20 Knockout victory is just the beginning for the Tuskers, who now aim to carry this momentum into the rest of the 2024/25 season. With a solid squad and a renewed sense of belief, the team is poised to challenge for more titles. However, as Erlank pointed out, the season is long, and the Tuskers are careful not to get ahead of themselves.
“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves because it’s still a long season, but our goal is to be playing at the top level, competing against the best, and winning this competition is a good step towards that,” he explained.
With players like Cameron Shekleton and Kagiso Rapulana stepping up when it matters most, and a captain who leads with both his words and actions, the Tuskers are well-equipped to continue their upward trajectory. The team has already shown resilience and determination in bouncing back from their previous struggles, and this T20 Knockout title is proof that they have what it takes to succeed.
