The stakes are high as two of this season’s three-day strugglers, Border and Northern Cape clash in an important Sunfoil Three-day Competition match at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley today.
Both teams are sitting bottom of pool A, Northern Cape at the foot having played a game less than Border, and they will thus be gunning for a win that will help them move into the middle of the pack.
Both teams head into the match off victories however, which should see them play with confidence.
Border head into the match off their first three-day win of the season after they beat neighbours Eastern Province by three wickets this past Saturday.
“It was a big confidence boost to get that first win, so we have a positive vibe in the camp and the guys are excited for the coming match,” said Border coach Frank Plaatjes.
The win was built around a great effort from captain Martin Walters and his form will be key.
“Martin played a captain’s knock which was brilliant and I am hoping the other batsmen will gain confidence from his knock and put in a good showing,” said Plaatjes.
Northern Cape triumphed in a very low-scoring match against Free State just under a month ago and they will be looking for a good start to shake off the cobwebs.
With both teams’ bowlers in good nick it could end up being whichever team’s batsmen come to the party that will decide the match outcome.
“Our bowlers have been fantastic, they have been in great form all season and I believe they will continue their good form,” said Plaatjes.
“The batsmen need to produce some runs but from what I have seen I am confident in the group we have.”
The Border travelling squad for the three- and one-day games in Kimberley has been cut from the 15 last week to 13.
Opening batsman Gionne Koopman is writing exams, so has not travelled for the match, while all-rounder Mkhululi Calana is the other player to miss out on the trip.
“It is important for players to know that the managers are backing them,” said Plaatjes.
“We know their talent and what they bring to the team and we have a settled group now that we trust in.”
Today’s match gets under way at 10am while Sunday’s match starts at 9.30am.
The Border squad is: Somila Seyibokwe, Jongile Kilani, Martin Walters (capt), Darryl Brown, Marco Marais, Tapelo Letsholo, Thandolwethu Mnyaka, Phaphama Fojela, Yanda Pangabantu, Brandon Williams, Kevin Bennett, Sinovuyo Nqoba, Loyiso Mdashe
Border batters need spring in their step
Both teams are sitting bottom of pool A, Northern Cape at the foot having played a game less than Border, and they will thus be gunning for a win that will help them move into the middle of the pack.
Both teams head into the match off victories however, which should see them play with confidence.
Border head into the match off their first three-day win of the season after they beat neighbours Eastern Province by three wickets this past Saturday.
“It was a big confidence boost to get that first win, so we have a positive vibe in the camp and the guys are excited for the coming match,” said Border coach Frank Plaatjes.
The win was built around a great effort from captain Martin Walters and his form will be key.
“Martin played a captain’s knock which was brilliant and I am hoping the other batsmen will gain confidence from his knock and put in a good showing,” said Plaatjes.
Northern Cape triumphed in a very low-scoring match against Free State just under a month ago and they will be looking for a good start to shake off the cobwebs.
With both teams’ bowlers in good nick it could end up being whichever team’s batsmen come to the party that will decide the match outcome.
“Our bowlers have been fantastic, they have been in great form all season and I believe they will continue their good form,” said Plaatjes.
“The batsmen need to produce some runs but from what I have seen I am confident in the group we have.”
The Border travelling squad for the three- and one-day games in Kimberley has been cut from the 15 last week to 13.
Opening batsman Gionne Koopman is writing exams, so has not travelled for the match, while all-rounder Mkhululi Calana is the other player to miss out on the trip.
“It is important for players to know that the managers are backing them,” said Plaatjes.
“We know their talent and what they bring to the team and we have a settled group now that we trust in.”
Today’s match gets under way at 10am while Sunday’s match starts at 9.30am.
The Border squad is: Somila Seyibokwe, Jongile Kilani, Martin Walters (capt), Darryl Brown, Marco Marais, Tapelo Letsholo, Thandolwethu Mnyaka, Phaphama Fojela, Yanda Pangabantu, Brandon Williams, Kevin Bennett, Sinovuyo Nqoba, Loyiso Mdashe
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