Goldrush Boland secured their place in the final of the 2025/26 T20 Challenge with a narrow five-run victory over the Dafabet Warriors at Boland Park on Tuesday.
Batting first, Boland posted a competitive total of 176/3 in their 20 overs. Clyde Fortuin got the innings off to a flying start, scoring 21 runs off just 9 balls.
Grant Roelofsen contributed a steady 28 runs from 23 balls, while Gavin Kaplan anchored the innings with a solid 53 runs off 46 balls, hitting two fours and one six.
Jhedli van Briesies remained unbeaten with 44 runs from 26 balls, striking four 4s and a 6.
The partnership between Kaplan and van Briesies proved vital as they built momentum and ensured the hosts set a challenging target for the Warriors.
In response, Warriors faced an early collapse, losing both openers for just one run.
Muhammad Manack and Jordan Hermann were dismissed cheaply, leaving the Warriors reeling at 13/2.
Great effort came from skipper, Matthew de Villiers, who scored a magnificent 96 runs off 64 balls, brought them back into the game. His innings included eight 4s and three 6s.
Warriors struggled to maintain consistent partnerships, with Sinethemba Qeshile and Patrick Kruger adding 30 and 23 runs respectively.
The Goldrush Boland are through! 💥
— CSA Domestic Leagues (@DomesticCSA) November 26, 2025
After yesterday’s big win, they’ve officially qualified to host the #T20Challenge FINAL this Sunday in Paarl! 🏟️🏏
Who will join them in the final? #BringOnYourMoves #WozaNawe pic.twitter.com/7jcw2H34Ap
As wickets continued to fall, the pressure mounted on De Villiers to lead the chase alone.
With the Warriors needing just 6 runs from the final over, Goldrush Boland's bowlers held their nerve, restricting the Warriors to 171/6, clinching the victory by five runs.
Imran Manack took crucial wickets, while Glenton Stuurman and Ayabulela Gqamane also contributed with key breakthroughs. .
This victory secured Goldrush Boland a spot in the final while Dafabet Warriors will wait for Wednesday’s Eliminator winner between Hollywoodbets Dolphins and World Sports Betting Western Province to get another shot at the final with Qualifier 2 on Friday.