STEYN CITY SCHOOL CROWNED SCHOOLS SA20 NATIONAL GIRLS CHAMPIONS

Steyn City School’s Karabo Meso left the best for last as she smashed an unbeaten 117 runs to secure her team the inaugural Schools SA20 girls title by 61 runs against Saints Christian School from Potchefstroom.

The Tuks Oval in Pretoria was abuzz with a lively crowd as the Schools SA20 came to an exciting close, witnessing the first century of the national finals week.

The Proteas Women's player produced the magic throughout the tournament as she amassed 228 runs in her four innings. She was only dismissed once, which left her with an unbelievable average of 228 for the Final Showdown of the Schools SA20.

Meso was also one of the South African U19 team's stars earlier this year as they reached the final of the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup for the first time. The wicketkeeper also walked away with the awards for Player as well as Batter of the Tournament.

Meso and her captain, Diara Ramlakan (35), shared a 111-run partnership for the second wicket to set up their team for victory. 

Saints Christian School's seam bowler Siphumelele Duma was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with nine wickets at an average of eight runs per victim, and was also named the Bowler of the Tournament. Her teammate Tshegofatso Monyela picked up eight wickets at an average of 8.6 runs per wicket. 

Saints was also awarded with the Spirit of the Week to round off an excellent week for the squad.

The team from Potchefstroom were restricted to 117/9 in their allotted overs. Reabetswe Dithipe (39) and Monyela (23) made the biggest contributions with the bat. Steyn City's Sivaakani Naidoo (4/26) and Olivia Marais (2/21) caused Saints the most problems with their bowling. 

SUMMARISED SCORECARD – SCHOOLS SA20 GIRLS NATIONAL FINAL

Saturday, 15 March 2025 | Tuks Oval, University of Pretoria

Steyn City School 178/2 – 20 overs (Karabo Meso 117*; Siphokazi Duma 1/36, Gogontle Padi 1/39)

Sainst Christian School 117/9 - 20 overs (Reabetswe Dithipe 39; Sivaakani Naidoo 4/26)

Steyn City won by 99 runs. Click here for full match scorecard.

AWARDS

Player of the Tournament: Karabo Meso (Steyn City School) - 228 runs and 3 dismissals

Batter of the Tournament: Karabo Meso (Steyn City School) - 228 runs

Bowler of the Tournament: Siphumelele Duma (Saints Christian School) - 9 wickets

Spirit of Cricket Award: Saints Christian School