Clever cricket in KH Winter T20 League
LOFTED blows, crafty bowling and final-over thrillers have all been part of the mix in the early rounds of the 2017 KH Winter T20 League.
The competition, which is played in Durban, is in its sixth season. This year it boasts 20 teams across two divisions from around the province with match venues in Pinetown, Kloof, Asherville, Kingsmead Oval and Amanzimtoti.
“We started with 12 teams and have grown since,” said tournament director Yameen Godil. “The KZN Cricket Union entering its under-19 team in our competition, speaks volumes about our growth.”
The league has also attracted some of the provinces best players with the likes of Proteas stars Keshav Maharaj and Andile Phehlukwayo set for action.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins players Prenalen Subrayen, Cody Chetty, Senuran Muthusamy and Okuhle Cele have added to the allure.
“The big name players will surely raise the level of competition in matches,” Godil said. “It also gives our youngsters a chance to learn from the professionals and be a part of a good cricketing environment.”
Defending champions Team Playas are back to defend their crown and are likley to be pushed hard by the likes of Team Smart and AML Hotshots.
With cricket being a summer sport, Godil says their motivation to start the league in April was to give players an extended opportunity to enjoy the game outside the normal season.
“The reason we started this league was because many games in summer get washed away by rain, and cricketers in the lower divisions seldom play on good cricket pitches with umpires and scorers.
“KH is a cricket brand which was started by my dad, because of his love for the game.”
The conveners have put up prize money of R15 000 for each group winner as well man of the match rewards for each game.
“Even though we are only in the early stages of the competition, we’ve already seen some tightly contested games and expect that trend to continue until the end,” Godil said.