Buffalo Park to host 3rd ODI
INTERNATIONAL cricket will be returning to East London after Cricket South Africa (CSA) recently announced Buffalo Park will host the third One Day International between South Africa and Bangladesh in October.
The Bangladesh tour to South Africa in September and October will consist of two Sunfoil Test matches, three Momentum ODIs and two KFC T20 International matches. This will be the first international fixture at Buffalo Park since early 2015.
“We are very excited. It’s been a long wait but it’s always good to host the Proteas in our own backyard,” said Border CEO Thando Booi.
“We’ll definitely be in for a great match. The Proteas are playing good cricket and that’s what the fans want and expect.
“The Tigers (Bangladesh) are certainly not a pushover side and always give of their very best.”
The last international match at the ground saw a packed crowd turn out to watch the Proteas take on the West Indies featuring master blaster Chris Gayle.
However, Gayle and the rest of the West Indian team failed to fire as they were skittled for a paltry 122 and the Proteas chased that down easily to win by a comfortable nine wickets.
Another full house could be on the cards due to the limited chance most East Londoners get to catch a glimpse of the Proteas.
“The attendance at the last two internationals we hosted was good,” said Booi.
“The Tigers, too, have passionate fans who follow the team and will surely come and support them.”
Following the Bangladesh tour the Proteas will welcome India and then Australia in what is set to be a bumper season of international cricket, which should delight cricket fans across the country.
Although none of the matches from those two tours will be in East London, Border cricket will be working hard to bring the next international match here as soon as possible. “We are working hard in ensuring that Buffalo Park remains a preferred venue of choice for national and international events,” said Booi. “We are also working hard behind the scenes to ensure that Border Cricket gets its own franchise in order to create more opportunities for our players.” The Proteas will take on Bangladesh in the third ODI at Buffalo Park on October 22.