Makalima writes his name into South African history

A 22-year-old Eastern Province right hand batsman, Dumisa Makalima wrote his name into South African cricket history over the weekend when he hit a sparkling triple-century for Eastern Province B in a UCB Bowl match against Free State B in Bloemfontein.

Makalima is the first black African player to score a triple-century in the Bowl competition. Unfortunately for the former Dale College pupil, the Bowl competition no longer carries first class status.

He followed up a first innings of 61 with a mammoth 302 off 326 deliveries in his team's second innings total of 514 for 5 as that match petered out to a draw.

Makalima has trodden firmly in the footsteps of Frank Roro who scored 304 for Crown Mines against Main Reef in 1942 and Mohamed Idris Yusuf who hammered 412 not out for Schools CC against Star CC in the then Rhodesia in the 1936/37 season.

Makalima, who was born in King William's Town in 1980, made his first-class debut for Border in 1997/98 before moving on to join neighbours Eastern Province last season.

"Dumisa is clearly in great form at the moment as he scored 184 against Griquas B the previous weekend. To follow that up with this huge score is a fantastic achievement", said Eastern Province's Chief Executive Officer, Dave Emslie. "He's shown great potential and we hope that it will be realised in the Supersport Series."