Dala pace to fire Giants

The last franchise T20 game NMB Giants fast bowler Junior Dala played was for the Delhi Daredevils against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Both A B de Villiers and Virat Kohli made 70s and Dala was one of the unfortunate opposing bowlers.

“What I did learn there (in India) is that it’s tough cricket. I mean, I bowled four overs to AB and Virat. So I doubt it gets harder than that,” he smiled.

But that aside, he learnt some valuable lessons at the IPL.

“As a cricketer, when you have so many guys coming together from so many different backgrounds if you don’t get that element of togetherness especially when you losing, it could be a tough and long road.”

Dala was saying new franchises take time to knit, and that the quicker the NMB Giants players adapt to each other the better for the squad.

The Giants have had only this working week to prepare for their opening game in the Mzansi Super League T20 against the Jozi Stars in Johannesburg on Saturday. Dala will be one of the national players trying his best to inspire his teammates at the Wanderers.

The 28-year-old made his T20 international debut against India in February. He impressed with his unique action and skiddy pace. He was the jointhighest wicket-taker in the three-match T20I series against India, claiming seven wickets.

That earned him a spot with the Daredevils after now Giants teammate Chris Morris was ruled out through injury.

He was also noticed and picked up by the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League draft.

But he admits his knowledge of St George’s Park conditions is not vast and that he is learning as a cricketer every day.

Dala believes South African cricket will benefit from the tournament in the long run, even though losses have been forecast in the short-term.

“This tournament is a longtime coming. I’ve been part of the IPL but I think South Africa really needed this type of tournament.

“So, for me, being a national player the plan is to contribute as best I can to this initial first phase of domestic T20 cricket in South Africa.”

What I did learn there (in India) is that it’s tough cricket. I mean, I bowled four overs to AB and Virat