Warriors can grab one back
The Warriors have a chance to bounce straight back from their first defeat of the Momentum One Day Cup season against the same opponents that beat them when they take on the Titans at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Friday afternoon.
After a great start to the season that saw them win four of their opening five games with one washout, the Warriors’ run finally came to an end on Sunday when they were beaten by 55 runs in a high-scoring encounter at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.
“We probably gave away an extra 20 runs here and there, but I thought we fought back well with the ball in the last 20 overs when they looked like they were on for 400, and then I thought we batted really well, but needed maybe one more good partnership to get us over the line,” Warriors captain Jon-Jon Smuts said.
“Our run had to come to an end eventually, but I am still proud of the way the guys played.
“We now have another chance. We are always excited to play the Titans.
“We have had some good battles in the past few years and we expect another good game [on Friday] so hopefully we can step up and put in another good performance.”
The Titans head into the game in good form after two solid wins, set up by Proteas star Aiden Markram, who has hammered 169 and 139 in the two matches, while also picking up three wickets across both, and he should play an integral part again on Friday.
For the Warriors, they have had various players putting their hands up over the season, with youngsters Sinethemba Qeshile and Lutho Sipamla in particular impressing on the batting and bowling fronts.
“I think everyone has kind of put their hand up this season so far,” Smuts said.
“Guys have all done really well which is nice to see.
“It hasn’t just been one or two individuals, and it will be really exciting for someone to put up his hand again tomorrow night and hopefully we can get a win.” The match will have high stakes as it could see a shakeup on the log, with the Titans in line to replace the Warriors at the top with a win.
Although they would be equal on points their better net run rate would inch them ahead.
It will also give the lurking Dolphins a chance to also move ahead of the Warriors as they will have two games in hand over the Warriors by the end of the match and in a position to strike, so there is plenty to play for.
“For us it is just about controlling what we can control.
“We try to win every game, we try to stick to our processes and play good positive cricket and if we can do that the results will take care of themselves,” Smuts said.
“After this game we have a week break before a hectic end to the group stage, so hopefully we can create some good momentum starting with the Titans match and finish well.”
The action gets under way at 1.30pm and will be televised live on SuperSport 2. –