Stage set for cricket National League final
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday November 13, 2026 14:58
Mukuru Super Kings booked their place in the final after edging AI Cars by one wicket in a dramatic semi-final encounter. AI Cars posted 193/5 in 42 overs before Mukuru Super Kings chased down the target, reaching 194/9 in 39.5 overs. In the other semifinal, Northern Fixtures Legends secured a comfortable six-wicket victory over First Capital Bank Lions. After bowling out the Lions for 114, the Legends chased down the target with 117/4 in 20.2 overs to set up a final date with Mukuru Super Kings. In the northern region, Security Services Warriors will take on Phikwe Titans, with the winners from both regions set to meet in the national final on November 22. BCA CEO, Tebogo Ntesang, told MmegiSport that the 50-Over National League has made a return after a decade-long hiatus. She said the competition does not have a title sponsor, although most clubs have secured individual sponsors, with Phikwe Titans being the exception. Ntesang added the Selebi-Phikwe-based side has struggled to attract sponsorship amid the town's economic difficulties, but has remained committed to the competition.
Despite the financial challenges, she said Titans have continued to turn up and put up good performances. Ahead of the final, Northern Fixtures Legends captain, Adithiya Rangaswamy, said his side boasts a blend of contracted national team players who are part of a BCA-coordinated training programme. However, he said the team does not hold collective training sessions, as the remaining players are largely individuals who turn out for the love of the game. “I am not surprised that we qualified for the final. We are by far the strongest team on paper, so it makes sense, I suppose,” Rangaswamy said. Meanwhile, Mukuru Super Kings' Mohamed Nabil said he was hopeful that more players would rise to the occasion in the final and give his side an advantage. He said a collective effort would be crucial if they were to overcome the Legends and lift the regional title.