Tuskers to face Titans in T20 Challenge opener

Newly promoted Moothee Ram Tuskers will look to solidify their return to Division 1 cricket when they face the Momentum Multiply Titans in the opening fixture of the 2025/26 T20 Challenge on Wednesday.

The KwaZulu-Natal side earned their place in the top division after a remarkable 2024/25 campaign that saw them lift the Division 2 T20 Knockout title and share both the 1 Day Cup and 4 Day Series trophies following rain-affected finals.

Tuskers captain Michael Erlank said the team was thrilled to be back competing at the highest level and eager to test themselves against top opposition.

“Last season was a really successful one for us, and it’s just unreal to be back in Division 1. That was one of our main goals, to challenge for trophies and earn promotion.

“The boys have adapted nicely to the higher level of competition, and there have already been some strong individual performances in the 4 Day campaign. We are now looking to put together a complete team performance in the T20 format.

“There’s a lot of talent in our squad, and we’re looking forward to showcasing that. Facing a side like the Titans is a great challenge, we just need to stick to our plans, stay composed under pressure, and enjoy the contest,” said Erlank.

Meanwhile, Titans skipper, Neil Brand, says his side is eager to start the new season strongly after finishing runners-up in last year’s T20 Challenge, where they fell short in the final against the DP World Lions.

“Last season’s loss was disappointing, but we take a lot of confidence from the way we played. We’ve got a slightly different-looking squad this year, with exciting young talent mixed with experience, and we’re keen to make an impact from the start.

“Our focus is to play a positive, attacking brand of cricket. To keep putting teams under pressure and take the strong option. We want to let the youth express themselves while maintaining calm heads in key moments. Getting off to a good start is vital in a short group phase, and the squad is ready and raring to go.”

In another opening-round fixture on Wednesday, the Renault Potchefstroom North West Dragons will take on Dafabet Warriors at the JB Marks Oval, before travelling to Paarl to face the Goldrush Boland on Friday.

The Division 2 T20 Knockout is already in full swing; the second round on Wednesday will see Garden Route Badgers host Eastern Cape Iinyathi at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn.

Limpopo Impalas travel to Bloemfontein to take on the Knights, and Eastern Storm face Northern Cape Heat at Willowmoore Park Stadium in Benoni.

This season, both the T20 Challenge and T20 Knockout competitions will feature knockout stages that include a Qualifier 1, an Eliminator, and Qualifier 2 before the Final, ensuring a competitive finish to the domestic T20 calendar.