HILTON HOLD NERVE AGAINST WESTVILLE TO SEAL KWAZULU-NATAL FINALS QUALIFICATION

Hilton College booked their place at the Switch Schools SA20 national finals with a hard-fought five-wicket victory over Westville Boys’ High School in the KwaZulu-Natal Phase 2 Final at City Oval in Pietermaritzburg.

The KZN leg brought together the top Inland qualifiers – St Charles College and Hilton College – alongside Coastal heavyweights Westville and Northwood School. After an intense build-up, it was Hilton and Westville who emerged to contest the regional decider, with the winner earning a coveted spot at the national finals at the University of Pretoria from 4–7 March 2026.

Hilton entered the final brimming with confidence, having beaten Westville in their pool match earlier in the tournament – a game highlighted by opener Robert Burman’s magnificent unbeaten 101. But finals cricket often tells a different story, and this time it was Hilton’s bowling unit that laid the foundation for success.

Westville, sent in to bat, were restricted to 73 all out in 17.6 overs as Hilton’s attack applied consistent pressure. Jamie Hasselbach top-scored with 17 off 30 balls in a gritty effort to steady the innings, while Tristin Delvin (11 off 9, 2 x4) and number 10 Ewan du Toit (16* off 18, 2x4) added useful runs. However, regular wickets prevented Westville from building momentum.

Hilton's bowling attack all played their part. Opening pair Sechaba Gude (2/15 off 4 overs) and Sange Qangule (2/17 off 3) led the way before Luke Wilson (2/11 off 3) and Benoit Rey (2/11 off 3) put the brakes completely on Westville's innings. Meanwhile, most economical was first change Sean Burman, who claimed 1/11 off 4 overs..

Chasing 74 for victory, Hilton approached the task cautiously on a surface offering assistance to the bowlers. Barack Munawa top-scored with 22 off 25 balls (4x4), anchoring the innings, while Ben Wilson’s unbeaten 19 off 20 (1x4) ensured there were no late nerves. Burman added 16 off 24 (1x4), unable to replicate his earlier century but contributing valuable runs in partnership with Munawa.

Westville’s bowlers fought valiantly to defend a modest total. Misbah Nair (2/22 off 4) did the initial damage before Michael Hopkins (3/12 off 4 overs) struck to keep the contest alive, but Hilton reached 76/5 in 15.1 overs to seal the win.

The victory crowns Hilton as KwaZulu-Natal champions and sends them to Pretoria with momentum and belief as they prepare to test themselves against the country’s best.

MATCH SUMMARY

Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 KwaZulu-Natal Boys Final

Friday, 16 January 2026 at City Oval, Pietermaritzburg

Westville 73 all out - 18 overs (Jamie Hasselbach 17; Luke Wilson 2/11, Benoit Rey 2/11)

Hilton 76/5 - 15.1 overs (Barack Munawa 22; Michael Hopkins 3/12)

Hilton won by five wickets to secure progression to Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 Finals. [View the full scorecard.]