CHATSWORTH GIRLS DOMINATE SWEETWATERS IN BATTLE OF HUBS TO CLINCH KZN'S VOLUME 2 FINALS BERTH

Chatsworth Hub delivered a commanding performance at City Oval in Pietermaritzburg to defeat Sweetwaters Hub in the Switch Schools SA20 Phase 2 Girls Final for KwaZulu-Natal, securing their place at the national finals in Pretoria from 4–7 March 2026.

The much-anticipated 'battle of the hubs' brought together KwaZulu-Natal's Inland Phase 1 winners Sweetwaters and Coastal Phase 1 champions Chatsworth in a straight winner-takes-all decider. With provincial pride and national qualification on the line, both teams entered determined to seize their moment.

Sweetwaters won the toss and batted first but struggled to build sustained partnerships against a disciplined Chatsworth bowling unit. They were bowled out for 55 in 15.2 overs, with opener Kirsten Kaltwesser (a senior provincial player) providing the bulk of the resistance. Her 29 off 31 balls (4x4) was a composed knock in challenging circumstances, accounting for more than half her side’s total. Lesego Motsepa added 10 off 18 (1x4) but she was one of only five batters to trouble the scorers.

The standout performance came from Chatsworth’s captain Shreeya Subbiah, who produced a devastating spell of 5/4 in 3.2 overs. Her accuracy and movement dismantled the Sweetwaters middle and lower order, swinging the match decisively in her side’s favour. Aadya Mohun provided excellent support with 3/16 from four overs, while Alexa Pickvance claimed 1/16 to keep the pressure firmly on the Inland champions.

Chasing a modest target of 56, Chatsworth approached the task with confidence and composure. They raced to 56 without loss in just 6.2 overs in a clinical display of controlled aggression. Much like she did in the KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Phase 1 Final, Subbiah capped a remarkable all-round outing with an unbeaten 27 off 21 balls (4x4), while Sinothando Matamela struck a fluent 23 not out from 19 deliveries (2x4, 1x6) as the Coastal side wrapped up the chase with ease.

Sweetwaters’ bowlers searched for breakthroughs, but Chatsworth’s openers offered no clear-cut opportunities, ensuring the match never drifted out of their control.

The emphatic victory crowns Chatsworth Hub as KwaZulu-Natal Phase 2 champions and sends them to the University of Pretoria brimming with belief. After such a dominant display in Pietermaritzburg, they will head into the national finals as one of the teams to watch led by Subbiah who recently made her South Africa Under-19 bow in a Youth Tri-Series featuring Zimbabwe and a Cricket South Africa Youth XI.

MATCH SUMMARY

Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 KwaZulu-Natal Girls Final

Friday, 16 January 2026 at City Oval, Pietermaritzburg

Sweetwaters 55 all out - 15.2 overs (Kirsten Kaltwesser 29; Shreeya Subbiah 5/4)

Chatsworth 56/0 - 6.2 overs (Shreeya Subbiah 27*)

Chatsworth won by 10 wickets to secure progression to Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 Finals. [View full scorecard.]