Klusener gives KwaZulu-Natal the early honours

KwaZulu-Natal 33 for 1 trail Western Province 217 (Puttick 70, Dawson 56, Klusener 7-70) by 184 runs
Scorecard

Lance Klusener gave KwaZulu-Natal the first-day honours in the SuperSport Series final with seven wickets against Western Province, who were bowled out for 217 at a sunny Newlands.

Western Province, the favourites, won the toss and chose to bat on a decent pitch, but any advantage was soon shortlived as Klusener produced one of his finest bowling performances, taking 7 for 70 in two spells. Using the conditions to assist his swing and change of pace, he mesmerised the Western Province batsmen.

However, some resolute batting from Andrew Puttick and Alan Dawson allowed Western Province to limp to 217, having been teetering at 124 for 8 at one stage. Puttick made 70 before falling to a dubious lbw decision, and Dawson chipped in with a patient 56 lower down the order to show that he is still one of the better allrounders.

When bad light stopped play, KwaZulu-Natal had progressed to 33 for 1, with Imran Khan and Hashim Amla at the crease.