New faces, old hands
Defending champions, the Titans, have an envious depth to them that can clinch the MODC
ALBIE MORKEL was absolutely right when he implied that the Titans had a somewhat ridiculous schedule – four games in 12 days – to conclude the league phase of the Momentum OneDay Cup.
Then again, they have been able to call on some ridiculous talent to reinforce their team for that run-in.
None more so than AB de Villiers, pictured, who, after a two week holiday, rocked up in Benoni on Tuesday and on a pitch the Titans skipper diplomatically described as “not great”, and scored 75 off just 62 balls.
Morkel also talked about how some new faces had provided much-needed energy. When those ‘new faces’ include one of the best batsmen this country’s ever produced, a powerful all-rounder, a potent ‘finisher’ and a crafty left-arm wrist spinner, it’s a pretty handy bunch to call on.
Three of that ‘four games in 12 day’ stretch has been handled successfully.
The Highveld Lions were clinically dispatched, the former table-topping Dolphins handily dismissed and then the Warriors were pounded by excellent new ball bowling and the brilliance of De Villiers. All that’s left is to dispatch the woeful Cape Cobras in Centurion this afternoon and the powers that be at the franchise can start planning for another home final next week. Typically, the Titans have coaxed good performances out of a variety of players throughout the competition. While Henry Davids has been the bedrock as far as the batting is concerned – and is still the competition’s top run-scorer with 559 to his name – the likes of Aiden Markram, with his record setting 183, opener Jonathan Vandiar and Morkel have provided valuable contributions at various stages.
With the ball, Shaun von Berg – the competition’s joint leading wicket-taker with 15 – Junior Dala, David Wiese and Tabraiz Shamsi have given potency and variety to an attack that, with Chris Morris back from the national team and Lungi Ngidi fit, has tremendous depth.
A win today would ensure they have a much-needed mini-break before they begin preparations for the final.
That will also, hopefully, provide Davids – who missed Tuesday’s match – with sufficient time to get over the hamstring injuries he has to both legs.
For the Dolphins and Knights, who meet in Durban, the victor may steal that hosting of the final in the unlikely event of the Titans slipping up against the Cobras.
In Port Elizabeth, the Warriors will know that victory over the Lions will see them sneak past the loser from the Durban match and into a playoff spot.