Border's loss against Northerns in their three-day Cup match over the weekend signalled an end to their chances of reaching the final of the competition, but they bounced back to win the one-day on Sunday and various players managed to shine over the four-day period.
Border fast bowler Phaphama Fojela was once again on the top of his game, showing his considerable class as he claimed an impressive 5/33 to lead the Border bowling attack and give the home side a shot at winning the match after their terrible first innings batting performance.
“I think he was absolutely fantastic, he is such a skillful bowler and he adds so much value to our bowling line-up,” said Border coach Frank Plaatjes. “We actually call him the Quiet Assassin because he doesn’t speak much, but he is fantastic to have in the team.”
However the batting did not improve, and chasing 154 to win Northerns were under no pressure in their second innings and cruised home easily.
Fojela’s impressive bowling was just another feather in the Border bowling unit’s cap, as they have continuously performed superbly throughout the season.
This was Fojela’s third five- wicket haul in 60 first-class matches, and although not his best figures which are 6/78, it was arguably his most impressive first-class performance.
“It is always great to get a five-wicket haul and I am glad I could do well for Border,” said Fojela.
“The wicket wasn’t really assisting us as much as we would have liked, so I had to bowl good lines and length to get the wickets.”
With Border only managing 158 in their first innings, it was important for their bowlers to put in a top performance to give them a chance.
Opening the bowling Fojela did not get immediate success, but bowled economically.
With five wickets down, Fojela had yet to pick up a wicket, but he returned to claim the last five wickets of the Northerns innings, bowling three batsmen while having one caught behind and one trapped in front.
His figures of 21.1 overs, nine maidens, 33 runs and five wickets at an economy rate of just 1.55 runs per over was extremely impressive. He then cracked a quick-fire 11-ball 22, the third highest score in Border’s second innings with two sixes and a four.
In the second innings he only bowled five overs for 13 runs with a maiden as Border used eight bowlers, to no avail.
Fojela then backed up his good three-day showing with 2/36 in 10 overs in their rain-affected one-day Duckworth/ Lewis win over Northerns. He then accompanied Marco Marais over the finish line, scoring three not out in Border’s innings.
“We enjoyed a good win on Sunday and it was important for us to bounce back from Saturday’s result, especially with matches against Western Province and Free State coming up,” claimed Fojela.
“We are now in high spirits heading into these games.”
It has been a good season overall for the bowler, with his amazing 6/9 against Easterns in a T20 match in December last year a particular highlight.
“It was an awesome feeling to get six wickets in a T20, it really was something special,” said Fojela.
With two three-day matches, a one day and a T20 left, before the season-ending T20 competition, Border will want to end the season strong.
Fojela will certainly look to end the season with a bang and build on this for the next season. “We would really like to finish the season on a high note, so we will be giving it our all in the last few games.”
Silent Assassin helps Border bounce back
Border fast bowler Phaphama Fojela was once again on the top of his game, showing his considerable class as he claimed an impressive 5/33 to lead the Border bowling attack and give the home side a shot at winning the match after their terrible first innings batting performance.
“I think he was absolutely fantastic, he is such a skillful bowler and he adds so much value to our bowling line-up,” said Border coach Frank Plaatjes. “We actually call him the Quiet Assassin because he doesn’t speak much, but he is fantastic to have in the team.”
However the batting did not improve, and chasing 154 to win Northerns were under no pressure in their second innings and cruised home easily.
Fojela’s impressive bowling was just another feather in the Border bowling unit’s cap, as they have continuously performed superbly throughout the season.
This was Fojela’s third five- wicket haul in 60 first-class matches, and although not his best figures which are 6/78, it was arguably his most impressive first-class performance.
“It is always great to get a five-wicket haul and I am glad I could do well for Border,” said Fojela.
“The wicket wasn’t really assisting us as much as we would have liked, so I had to bowl good lines and length to get the wickets.”
With Border only managing 158 in their first innings, it was important for their bowlers to put in a top performance to give them a chance.
Opening the bowling Fojela did not get immediate success, but bowled economically.
With five wickets down, Fojela had yet to pick up a wicket, but he returned to claim the last five wickets of the Northerns innings, bowling three batsmen while having one caught behind and one trapped in front.
His figures of 21.1 overs, nine maidens, 33 runs and five wickets at an economy rate of just 1.55 runs per over was extremely impressive. He then cracked a quick-fire 11-ball 22, the third highest score in Border’s second innings with two sixes and a four.
In the second innings he only bowled five overs for 13 runs with a maiden as Border used eight bowlers, to no avail.
Fojela then backed up his good three-day showing with 2/36 in 10 overs in their rain-affected one-day Duckworth/ Lewis win over Northerns. He then accompanied Marco Marais over the finish line, scoring three not out in Border’s innings.
“We enjoyed a good win on Sunday and it was important for us to bounce back from Saturday’s result, especially with matches against Western Province and Free State coming up,” claimed Fojela.
“We are now in high spirits heading into these games.”
It has been a good season overall for the bowler, with his amazing 6/9 against Easterns in a T20 match in December last year a particular highlight.
“It was an awesome feeling to get six wickets in a T20, it really was something special,” said Fojela.
With two three-day matches, a one day and a T20 left, before the season-ending T20 competition, Border will want to end the season strong.
Fojela will certainly look to end the season with a bang and build on this for the next season. “We would really like to finish the season on a high note, so we will be giving it our all in the last few games.”
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