The Citizen (KZN)

Captain unfazed by latest hiccup

BLITZ STILL TOP DESPITE JOZI STARS HAMMERING

- Cape Town

Cape Town Blitz endured their second Mzansi Super League defeat on Tuesday night at Newlands against the Jozi Stars, however, captain Farhaan Behardien remains positive about securing a home final on December 16.

The Jozi Stars completely outplayed the Cape Town Blitz, in what was a reversal of their match at Bidvest Wanderers earlier in the competitio­n. Reeza Hendricks’ 48-ball 79 set Jozi Stars up to post 196/4 in their allotted overs, while Dan Christian collected 4/22 to secure a bonus-point 50-run victory.

The usually reliable Cape Town Blitz bowling unit was put under pressure in the final 10 overs, conceding 132 runs after restrictin­g their opponents to just 64 in the preceding 10-overs. Despite this, Behardien remained resolute that there is no need to panic.

“We don’t want to complicate things too much because we are still top of the log.

“We have only lost a couple of games but we have won quite a few games. Our bowling has been spot on for six of the eight games, maybe not tonight but that’s just the nature of the game,” Behardien said.

“It’s a ruthless game and sometimes you’ve just got to take your hiding and accept that the opposition played better on the night,” he added.

Behardien was under no illusion that the middle order has yet to fire and believes it will come down to the experience­d players putting their hands up.

“We haven’t really done well as a middle order unit but when the time comes, hopefully, we can put our hands up and the situation will present itself.

“Guys like myself, Asif Ali, Muhammad Nawaz – some of the more experience­d guys – need to put our hands up and accept responsibi­lity for not contributi­ng as much,” he stated. – ANA

 ?? Picture: Gallo Images ?? MADE TO WORK. Tshwane Spartans fast bowler Lutho Sipamla (right) took three wickets yesterday as they won a close game against the Paarl Rocks in Centurion yesterday by four wickets.
Picture: Gallo Images MADE TO WORK. Tshwane Spartans fast bowler Lutho Sipamla (right) took three wickets yesterday as they won a close game against the Paarl Rocks in Centurion yesterday by four wickets.
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