Dane Cleaver

Abhishek Singh ∙ 28 Nov 2021

Cleaver fever in Super Smash as Dane hits the first century of 2021-22 season

Dane Cleaver of Central Districts was on fire in the second game of the Super Smash 2021-22 as he hit the first century of the season, making 114 unbeaten to guide his team past Otago Volts to their first victory. Cleaver, who came to bat after opener Bayley Wiggins was out early on in the innings, started to tee off right from the start. While Cleaver was going all bonkers, his partner at the other end, Greg Hay remained calm and preserved the wicket as the duo added 156 for the second wicket. This is the second-highest second-wicket partnership in Super Smash history after the 188 runs by Niel Broom and Brendon McCullum for Otago against Northern Districts in 2012. Cleaver completed his hundred, the first-ever in T20 cricket in only 48 balls. He has reached his fifty in 24 balls as well. In his knock of 114*, the 29-year-old hit 14 fours and four sixes at the University Oval in Dunedin. Post Hay’s wicket, three other wickets fell quickly, but it was of no use as Cleaver remained on the crease to finish the job. Earlier in the day, after winning the toss and deciding to bat first, Otago, riding on the back of Hamish Rutherford’s 82 off just 47 balls, made a total of 184-4 in their 20 overs.