The Northern Cape Heat recorded a big 79-run win against the Mpumalanga Rhinos on Monday to return to winning ways in the CSA T20 Challenge.

The Heat scored 156/4 in their 20-overs in Kimberley with Hanu Viljoen scoring 67 not out, while the captain Ernest Kemm scored 47.

The former Knights spinner, Gregory Mahlokwana, who bowls with both arms was the pick of the Rhinos bowlers with 2/21.

The Heat seamer Johan van Dyk took 5/21 in his four overs as the Rhinos were bowled out for 77-runs in 15.4 overs.

The win has seen the Heat shoot up to third on the log head of the Knights who will be playing against the Eastern Storm in Bloemfontein on Wednesday.

The Heat coach, Mark Charlton, told OFM Sport that for them it was a good win and their confidence will be boosted ahead of their next game.

“I'm very happy with the performance on Monday - Hanu Viljoen was superb in getting us to a competitive total, and then Johan van Dyk was unbelievable with the ball,” said Charlton.

“So very happy with the performance overall after a poor performance against the Storm on Friday.

“We now have the Iinyathi in East London, which will again be a tough ask, especially in their conditions.

“The confidence is definitely high and hopefully we pull off another win and push for those semi-finals, which I think is key for the rest of the season for us.”

On Sunday the Heat will face the Eastern Cape Iinyathi at Buffalo Park in East London.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport