 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (October 2023) |
| Administrator | South African Cricket Board |
|---|---|
| Format | First Class (3 day) |
| First edition | 1972/73 |
| Latest edition | 1990/91 |
| Tournament format | Round-robin |
| Number of teams | 4 |
| Most successful | Western Province (14) |
| Most runs | Yacoob Omar (3377) |
| Most wickets | Vincent Barnes (304) |
The Howa Bowl was a first-class cricket competition in South Africa that ran from the 1972–73 to 1990–91 cricket seasons. Originally known as the Dadabhay Trophy, it was contested between Eastern Province, Natal, Transvaal, and Western Province.
The Howa Bowl was run during South Africa's exclusion from international cricket due to apartheid. It was limited to non-white players, who were not permitted to compete in the Currie Cup. It was organised by the South African Cricket Board, with the matches being played over three days. The pitches used in the competition were of poor quality, which is highlighted by the fact that a team made 400 or more in an innings just six times while being bowled out for under 100 on 87 occasions.[1]
In 1991, the fall of apartheid saw South Africa's sporting isolation ended and led to the formation of the United Cricket Board (UCB). Consequently, the racial divisions in the nation's domestic cricket were abolished after 102 years: with this, the raison d'etre for the Howa Bowl ceased to exist, and the competition was ended.