Thrilling EP-Border clash on cards

EASTERN Province will host traditional rivals Border in what should be a thrilling clash in the Sunfoil 3-Day Cup at St George’s Park, starting at 10am today.

The home side are coming off a good six-wicket victory over Boland in their most recent encounter, last month.

In fact, EP have enjoyed success already this season, having won the Africa T20 Cup.

The side will be boosted with the inclusion of some Warriors players in the squad.

Despite the injury to all-rounder Kelly Smuts, EP are determined to stick to their game plan.

“We will play the best cricket possible and keep to the game plan at hand,” head coach Piet Botha said yesterday.

The sides last met in the 2015-2016 season in East London where Border beat Eastern Province by six wickets. But EP managed to win the T20 by seven wickets.

Border are confident after the festive season break and feel they have had ample time to relax and prepare.

Warriors all-rounder Christian Jonker has been included in the Border squad and could prove to be a match-winner for the visitors.

Border coach Frank Plaatjies said his squad was quietly confident and determined to win the game.

“We have two strong teams here going head to head and we should see some top-class cricket over the coming days,” Plaatjies said.

Both teams have had mixed fortunes in the first half of the competition and will look to start the year off on an impressive note.

The teams have only one win each so far, with Border having three draws and a loss and EP two draws and a loss in their other matches.

Border come into the game looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season against KwaZulu-Natal.

Sunday’s one-dayer will begin at 9.30am.