DHS vs Clifton reports, YouTube highlights, results, 1 March 2025

4 March 2025

CRICKET

Durban High School (DHS) delivered a composed performance on the Theobald Oval on Saturday, securing a five-wicket victory over Clifton College in a tightly contested 50-over clash. The win, built on disciplined bowling and a crucial innings from Josh van Biljon (feature photo), saw DHS chase down the target with nine overs to spare.

After winning the toss, Clifton captain Tim Saulez opted to bat first. However, an early blow saw Hayden Drieselmann dismissed cheaply. Byron Ward, fresh off a century in the Clifton T20 Tournament, played positively, while Caleb Naicker adopted a more measured approach, the pair putting together a steady 54-run stand.

Taine Havermann, introduced as DHS’s fifth bowler, made the breakthrough, bowling Naicker for a patient 14 off 54 balls.

Ward, having struck five fours and a six in a well-played 43 from 58 deliveries, fell soon after, caught by Ethan Cooper off Havermann. Clifton’s promising 59/1 quickly turned into a precarious 65/4 as Saulez departed for just three, also falling to Havermann.

Cristiano Borrageiro and Zach Williamson attempted to steady the innings, but Dhilan Naraidu, taking the new ball as he often does on the Theobald Oval, struck twice in quick succession. He removed Borrageiro before trapping Lawson Dinsdale LBW the very next ball.

Williamson, who has been in good touch, stood firm, but he lacked solid support until Blake Johnson, batting at number 10, helped him add 23 for the ninth wicket. Despite their efforts, Clifton was bowled out for 131 in 45.2 overs.

DHS’s bowling attack was disciplined. Havermann returned a superb 4/22 from 8.2 overs, Naraidu claimed 3/34 from 10, and captain Bayanda Majola was exceptionally economical, conceding just 12 runs from his eight overs. Lazlo Jooste also delivered a tidy spell, finishing with 1/25 from 10.

In reply, DHS suffered early setbacks. Saulez removed Ethan Cooper before double figures had been reached, and Johnson’s left-arm spin dismissed Ismaeel Omar (14), leaving DHS on 29/2.

Havermann and Van Biljon then took control, combining for a 47-run third-wicket stand before Havermann was caught by Ward off Johnson for 18. Clifton had a glimmer of hope when Gabriel Vermeulen struck twice in two overs, but Van Biljon remained composed.

Anchoring the chase, he struck an unbeaten 68 off 105 balls, including eight fours and a six, to guide DHS to victory.

Vermeulen impressed with 2/10 from two overs, while Johnson bowled accurately for his 2/28 from 10. Shiraz Perumal was economical, conceding just 21 runs in his 10 overs, albeit without a wicket.

Ultimately, Van Biljon’s cool-headed innings proved the difference as DHS claimed a well-earned win at home.