Warriors close in on semi dream as clash against Knights beckons
CAPTAIN Jon-Jon Smuts believes the Warriors top order batsmen hold the key to further success as the Momentum OneDay Cup approaches the business end this week.
The Eastern Cape franchise has two group stage matches remaining – against the Knights, in East London, tomorrow, followed by the Cape Cobras, in Port Elizabeth, on Friday.
An away win over the Dolphins this past Friday has seen the Warriors move back into contention for the semifinals.
Smuts believes the top order can perform better collectively and is banking on them to come good down the home stretch and into the possible playoffs.
The make-up of the Warriors side has changed from game to game in this competition but Smuts believes they are now pretty close to what they consider their best line-up.
“We haven’t really discussed it too much. What has nagged us a bit is that we have picked up some niggles along the way and injuries. Birchy [Andrew Birch] also had his second child so there have been some changes,” Smuts said yesterday.
“But what changes do is they bring in new energy and more opportunities for players to come in and put their hands up.
“I think we probably a bit more settled with our batting order now.
“If we can string some decent batting performances together then I think we can do really well because our bowling has been good in this competition,” Smuts said.
The skipper praised Colin Ackermann, who produced a match-winning performance with both bat and ball against the Dolphins, scoring 56 not out and taking four for 48. He also put in a word for Yaseen Vallie, who contributed 79 not out.
“We all know Ackers is a class player. By his standards, he’s had a bit of a tough time. So it was good to give him a little break for a few games and he’s come back refreshed and as you can see he’s put in a world-class performance. He bowled really well as did the other bowlers against the Dolphins.
“He had a calming influence on the middle order with the bat against [Imran] Tahir and them. He played the situation really well and never got flustered. It was a great performance along with Yaseen Vallie, who batted with him.”
The Warriors will clinch a semifinal berth with a game to spare if they manage to beat the Knights tomorrow and other results go their way.
“With four teams in this year’s competition qualifying for the semifinals, we are still very much in the competition, even though we haven’t played our best cricket.
“If we win on Wednesday against the Knights and the Lions lose against the Dolphins, it looks like we’d already be through to a guaranteed fourth place.
“Hopefully, again, it will be very similar to the T20 competition where we can get a bit of momentum at the back end of the competition and sneak into the semis. Who knows what can happen from there.”