QUEENS BLITZ MIDDELBURG TO BOOK FINALS SPOT AFTER GAUTENG/MPUMALANGA GIRLS DECIDER

Queens High School produced a ruthless all-round performance to defeat Middelburg Hoërskool in the Switch Schools SA20 Phase 2 Girls Final for the Gauteng/Mpumalanga Region, sealing qualification for the national finals at the University of Pretoria from 4–7 March 2026.

The regional final was a straight winner-takes-all showdown between two Phase 1 champions: Central Gauteng Lions winners Queens High School and Mpumalanga winners Middelburg Hoërskool. Played at St David’s Marist Inanda’s La Valla Oval, the match carried high stakes, with only one team earning the right to represent the region on the national stage.

Middelburg arrived with strong credentials, having been one of only four Phase 2 qualifiers whose boys and girls teams both progressed this far in Volume 2 of the competition. But in the final, Queens’ bowling attack set the tone immediately.

Batting first, Middelburg were bowled out for 49 in 11.6 overs as wickets fell in clusters and scoring opportunities were rare. Number 6 Alana van Melden top-scored with just 14 off 15 balls (2x4), showing composure under pressure. Alicia Oliver remained unbeaten on 9 off 11, while Jessica De Witt contributed 6 off 7 in an innings where partnerships never had a chance to settle.

Queens’ bowlers were outstanding, led by opener Bonolo Phalane who tore through the top order with 3/6 from three overs. Tshepang Choma matched her impact by cleaning up the tail with 3/11 from three, while Thanya Nkuna supported Phalane with the new ball, conceding just three runs while taking 2/3 in three overs. The combined accuracy and pace of Queens’ attack ensured Middelburg never recovered after a shaky start.

Chasing 50, Queens made the target look effortless. They raced to 50/0 in just 3.5 overs, with Mankwana Moriri delivering a match-winning innings of 33 not out off only 14 balls (6x4). Her clean striking removed any possible nerves and ensured the chase was over almost as soon as it began. Nonkululeko Mthethwa supported calmly with 8 not out off 10 balls.

While Middelburg’s bowlers tried to respond, there was little margin for error against a chase of that nature.

Queens’ emphatic victory crowned them Gauteng/Mpumalanga champions and sends them to Pretoria full of confidence, with their sights now firmly set on national honours.

MATCH SUMMARY

Switch Schools SA20 Volume 2 Gauteng/Mpumalanga Girls Final

Friday, 16 January 2026 at La Valla Oval, St David's Marist Inanda

Middelburg 49 all out - 11.6 overs (Alana van Melden 14; Bonolo Phalane 3/6, Tshepang Choma 3/11)

Queens 50/0 - 3.5 overs (Mankwana Moriri 33*)

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