Twitter Reactions: Herculean Hendricks shepherds Jozi Stars to much-needed victory

The match between Nelson Mandela Bay Giants and Jozi Stars at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth turned out to be a one-sided affair as the Stars, led by Dane Vilas, won by a mammoth 81 runs. The Stars needed the victory as they were languishing at the bottom half of the table. Moreover, they also garnered a bonus point and moved to the third position in the points table.

Hendricks plays brilliantly

The Stars won the toss and had no hesitation to bat first. The decision paid dividends as they amassed 173 for the loss of three wickets in their 20 overs. The openers Ryan Rickelton and left-handed Reeza Hendricks got their team off to a blistering start with a stand of 61 runs from 44 deliveries. Left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso nipped out Rickelton for 21 runs to strike first blood.

The likes of Rassie van der Dussen and skipper Dane Vilas couldn’t make much impact with the willow, having scored only 19 and 10 respectively. At the other end, Hendricks didn’t die wondering and kept muscling the ball to all corners. He scored 108 runs from 62 balls with 10 boundaries and five sixes. Imran Tahir was the Giants’ standout bowler with an economy of six in four overs.

Giants crumble alarmingly

The run-chase didn’t start on an auspicious note for the Blitz as both their openers went back to the hut inside the first five overs. While captain JJ Smuts was castled by Kagiso Rabada, Marco Marais was nipped out left-arm seamer Beuran Hendricks. Ben Duckett and Heino Kuhn smacked a boundary, but couldn’t carry on. Dwayne Pretorious trapped Christiaan Jonker in front for a duck.

After 9.2 overs, Cape Town were reduced to 39/5 and they were well and truly looking down the barrel. Wicketkeeper Rudi Second became Pretorious’ third victim. Leg-spinner Eddie Leie got his first wicket in the form of Sisanda Magala. Chris Morris perished after scoring 16 from 10 balls and with his dismissal, the match was all over bar the shouting. The Blitz were shot out for 92.

Here is how Twitter reacted

Well played by @reezahendricks for getting back to back centuries.👏👏👊 @stars_jozi @MSL_T20

— Mpho Andrew Morabe (@mphomorabe) December 2, 2018

@reezahendricks consecutive 100s in the @MSL_T20!!!! What a splendid weekend he is having! Well done young man! #MSLT20

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) December 2, 2018

@reezahendricks form is mind blowing. Can’t wait to see this form against Pakistan in the ODIs and T20s

— Shawn Belluigi (@icarusjhb) December 2, 2018

Just a month ago, people were ready to question @reezahendricks technique, based on the opinion of Aussie commentators seeing him for the first time. Ever.
Kid can play. Clearly.
There is no ICC manual for instinct.
And he's showing that in @MSL_T20 . Back to back.

— Lungani Zama (@whamzam17) December 2, 2018

@MSL_T20's first century, and the proud recipient was @reezahendricks 😎 A stylish and eligant stroke player, one of my favourite batsman. Congrats and well done buddy 👏 #MSLT20 🏏 pic.twitter.com/8cjwxKF1ZD

— Suleman Modan (@Figjamfan) December 1, 2018

WHAT A PLAYA!! @reezahendricks smashes back-to-back 100's in the @MSL_T20 for the @StarsJozi! @IOLsport pic.twitter.com/IHjgkZTHok

— Zaahier Adams (@ZaahierAdams) December 2, 2018

Reeza Hendricks & QdK have to open the next 15 T20 matches for Proteas no matter what's the outcome #MSLT20

— 21 Savage & Quavo Stan Account (@LulamaFCB_) December 2, 2018

@reezahendricks wow. What a player. Showing his class in this #MSLT20 #NMBgiants. #Jozistars.

— Ludwig Sander (@ludwigsander) December 2, 2018

Ohh Reeza Hendricks you freak.

Back to back centuries 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
105* (51) followed by 100* (58).

No wonder he was highest scores in RamSlam 2017.#MSLT20 @StarsJozi pic.twitter.com/wTTFYlg54g

— Cricket Fan (@4th_Umpire_) December 2, 2018

Hundreds in consecutive innings in T20s

104* & 104* Michael Klinger for Gloucestershire, 2015
115* & 100* Kevin Pietersen for Dolphins, 2015
104* & 108* Reeza Hendricks for Jozi Stars, 2018#MSLT20

— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) December 2, 2018

Reeza Hendricks has done it again… #MSLT20

IPL contract in the bag.

— IG : Tshemedi  (@RealTshemedi) December 2, 2018

Reeza Hendricks is all class! He plays some very special cricket shots #MzansiSuperLeague

— Barney Girnun (@barneygirnun) December 2, 2018

Get Reeza Hendricks on the plane to the World Cup. Forget about Amla

— Ceeya (@Ceeya_Mav) December 2, 2018

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