Stakes high in Cup run
Border plan for tough few days ahead
TOP-CLASS cricket action kicks off at Buffalo Park today as the fourth leg of the Africa Cup competition is battled out over the next three days.
Hosts Border, Zimbabwe, Boland and KwaZulu-Natal Inland will be competing to finish top of the log, which will see that team progress to the semifinals in Kimberley next weekend.
With so much at stake some cracking cricket should be on the cards for local cricket fans.
“Every team will be tough opposition, every team is here to win and qualify for the finals and even though I am happy with our preparation I am sure their coaches are happy as well,” admitted Border coach Frank Plaatjes.
Opening the weekend’s action will be Zimbabwe up against KwaZuluNatal Inland with a lunch time start, while Border and Boland will then get going in the late afternoon.
All four teams will want to get off to a good start, as no one wants to play catch up over the next two days.
“If you start the competition off by winning the first game it makes it so much easier when you go into your second and third game as it takes some of the pressure off,” explained Plaatjes.
“Anything can happen in T20 cricket, so it is important to take your chances.”
With some inclement weather a distinct possibility over the weekend teams will be aware that they will have to plan carefully during each game.
“There is a chance of bad weather, but that doesn't come into our planning at all, ideally you would like to bat second if rain is about as you can see where you are and time your innings, but you cannot control the toss, so we just make sure that we are ready for anything,” said Plaatjes.
“We just need to outperform the other team on the day.”
Border has a strong squad lineup for the weekend and Plaatjes is confident that they can do the business and get off to the best possible start against Boland today.
“We have a very strong team, we have covered all of our bases and this is a team that can go on and win this competition,” claimed Plaatjes.
“Boland a good side and have a good couple of matchwinners, they have Pieter Malan who normally goes hard upfront and if we can knick him out early it will make it so much easier, while another seasoned campaigner is Justin Ontong, he is a proven matchwinner and can change a game.
“But we will treat every batter and every bowler with the respect they deserve as anyone can turn a game in T20 cricket.”
Boland coach Johann Louw also fancies his chances, saying that even though Border may know the conditions well, he has also played firstclass cricket in East London many times before and knows the conditions to be expected. “I'm not anticipating a very high-scoring game, but it’s going to be a close game, I think whoever plays smart cricket will end up winning,” said Louw.
The action gets under way at 12.45pm with Zimbabwe v KZN Inland, followed by Border v Boland at 4.30pm. Entry fee is R10 for adults and free for kids on each day, with two matches scheduled for today, tomorrow and Sunday.