There was a special moment for Border pace spearhead Phaphama Fojela during the first day of Border’s Cricket SA three day cup match against North West on Thursday, when he reached the superb milestone of 250 first class wickets.
Fojela, who is playing in his 92nd first class match, had picked up 247 wickets at an impressive average of 21.92 (runs per wicket) in 91 games previous to the North West encounter.
Putting in a top bowling effort on day one he helped the Border bowling attack remove North West cheaply, finishing with top figures of 4/56 and reaching the 250 mark with his third strike of the day, when he broke a 65run stand and had Ruan Haasbroek caught behind for 27.
“It was a special moment and I thank the Lord for that because he has been nothing but helpful to me throughout my career,” said Fojela.
“I also thank my teammates and the coach for obviously helping me all the time over the years. Without them I never would have been able to feel this moment. I knew that I was on 249 wickets and before I delivered that ball I thought to myself I must try bowl it straighter and then nip it away from the right hander and it worked. It nipped away and was edged to the keeper Malika, so I was very happy.”
Fojela, at 34 years old, is in the twilight of his career. However, his bowling has been better than ever over the last few years and he can consider himself unlucky that he hasn't been given a look in at the Warriors, with age probably counting against him.
If his body is able to hold up long enough, his next target will now be going for that magical 300 wicket mark, which will definitely be at the back of his mind going forward.
“I am thinking about that actually. It would be amazing if I could get there but it is up to my body to tell me if I can do it or not. I can't really say now if I will be able to,” admitted Fojela.
“But at the moment my body is feeling fresh and good and I will just keep going as long as my body lets me and I won't think of anything else.
“I have been bowling very well over the last few years and the reason is because I understand my bowling more than ever now and that is helping me a lot.”
Fojela celebrated reaching the milestone with another stunning display of fast bowling in North West's second innings on Friday, where he claimed top figures of 5/39, which gave Border a chance to try and win the game after they looked down and out after a poor first innings batting performance.
This has lifted his tally to 256 first class wickets and Fojela will hope to have brought himself within range of his new target by the end of the season...