It was a run fest for Border batsmen on the first day of their Sunfoil three-day Cup match against Free State at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein yesterday afternoon.
Border were flying on 296/2 at the final drinks break of the day with Martin Walters and Christiaan Jonker unbeaten at the crease on 123 and 30 respectively, with a possible 20 overs still available in the day, light permitting.
“I am very happy with where we are at the moment, it is a fantastic start, but the match still has a long way to go so we have to keep our foot on the pedal,” Border coach Frank Plaatjes said.
“The batting unit has put us in a really good position and we must make sure that we utilise it over the next two days.”
Jonker had only recently come to the crease after a mammoth 230-run second wicket partnership between Walters and opening batsman Koopman, that had put Border in a fantastic position after tea when Koopman was finally removed.
Koopman registered his highest- ever first-class score as he struck 130 (15x4) off 202 deliveries, with this being his fourth first-class century in total, while his previous best score was 108.
“I am very happy to have scored my highest score,” he said.
“It is always important to build on and better your previous marks and I did that.
“Last week I also came close and scored 90, so I was happy to follow that up and get a century in this match.”
It also continued his and Walters’s superb form following on the heels of the pair’s 140-run second wicket stand against North West last week.
Walters joined Koopman at the crease after the early dismissal of Mkhululi Calana for an eight-ball duck, before the two set about building their innings.
“After the early wicket it was important for us to settle down and take it one ball at a time and once we were settled in we were able to accelerate from then on,” said Koopman.
“It could have gone very differently if Free State had managed to get another couple of early wickets.
“So the partnership was very important in setting us up well and we just have to kick on from here,” he added.
After such a prolific start to the season from the two batsmen they will be eager to continue their good work and carry it into the rest of the season.
“We really enjoy batting with each other,” he added.
“We both seem to calm each other down and we complement each other well which is good and I hope we can continue doing well for Border over the rest of the season,” said Koopman.
The match resumes today at 10am, with the three-day match set to end tomorrow afternoon.
Swashbuckling pair are on fire
Border were flying on 296/2 at the final drinks break of the day with Martin Walters and Christiaan Jonker unbeaten at the crease on 123 and 30 respectively, with a possible 20 overs still available in the day, light permitting.
“I am very happy with where we are at the moment, it is a fantastic start, but the match still has a long way to go so we have to keep our foot on the pedal,” Border coach Frank Plaatjes said.
“The batting unit has put us in a really good position and we must make sure that we utilise it over the next two days.”
Jonker had only recently come to the crease after a mammoth 230-run second wicket partnership between Walters and opening batsman Koopman, that had put Border in a fantastic position after tea when Koopman was finally removed.
Koopman registered his highest- ever first-class score as he struck 130 (15x4) off 202 deliveries, with this being his fourth first-class century in total, while his previous best score was 108.
“I am very happy to have scored my highest score,” he said.
“It is always important to build on and better your previous marks and I did that.
“Last week I also came close and scored 90, so I was happy to follow that up and get a century in this match.”
It also continued his and Walters’s superb form following on the heels of the pair’s 140-run second wicket stand against North West last week.
Walters joined Koopman at the crease after the early dismissal of Mkhululi Calana for an eight-ball duck, before the two set about building their innings.
“After the early wicket it was important for us to settle down and take it one ball at a time and once we were settled in we were able to accelerate from then on,” said Koopman.
“It could have gone very differently if Free State had managed to get another couple of early wickets.
“So the partnership was very important in setting us up well and we just have to kick on from here,” he added.
After such a prolific start to the season from the two batsmen they will be eager to continue their good work and carry it into the rest of the season.
“We really enjoy batting with each other,” he added.
“We both seem to calm each other down and we complement each other well which is good and I hope we can continue doing well for Border over the rest of the season,” said Koopman.
The match resumes today at 10am, with the three-day match set to end tomorrow afternoon.
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