JOHANNESBURG: Half-centuries by Aiden Markram and Tony de Zorzi handed the Proteas the edge after opening day of the second Betway Test against West Indies at DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The hosts reached stumps on 311 for seven thanks in the main to opener Markram, the Player of the Match in the series opener when he scored a century and 47, thanks to his scintillating 96 (139 balls, 17 fours).
De Zorzi, an international debutant in the series, also impressed with 85 off 155 balls (11 fours) as he banked a maiden Test 50.
However, after dominating the opening two sessions, the home side lost most of that impetus when the tourists claimed five wickets in the final two hours to remain well in the game after the first day.
There was nonetheless, plenty of positives for South Africa to be encouraged by, especially after their struggles with the bat over the past year.
This time around they again won the toss at the start, with captain Temba Bavuma electing to bat first under sunny skies on the Highveld. Dean Elgar and Markram both scored quickly early on as the Proteas went to 50 in 11 overs. The partnership reached 76, before the former was excellently caught by Roston Chase diving forward at short fine leg off pick-of-the-bowlers Gudakesh Motie (3/75) for 42 off 54 balls.
That brought together De Zorzi and Markram, who together the biggest partnership of the innings as the South Africans took control of the game. The two put on 116 together for the second wicket, taking their side to 192 when Markram tried to sweep and instead miscued to Jermaine Blackwood running to the leg side from slip, falling four short of a century.
The Proteas continued to look comfortable after tea when Bavuma (28) settled in nicely, only to be trapped leg before wicket by Jason Holder (1/39) ending a third wicket stand of 56. De Zorzi followed not too long after when he was bowled by Motie, with the recalled Ryan Rickelton next to go after reaching 22.
Kyle Mayers (2/24) added the late wickets of Wiaan Mulder (12) and Simon Harmer (1) to cap a strong comeback for the islanders as they took back some of the initiative that had been seized by South Africa.
Proteas Test squad against West Indies
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Gerald Coetzee (ITEC Knights), Tony de Zorzi (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (North West Dragons), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions).
South Africa Betway Test Series against West Indies
28 February – 04 March
South Africa beat West Indies by 87 runs - SuperSport Park, Centurion
08 – 12 March
South Africa vs West Indies – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
CENTURION: Kagiso Rabada’s 13th career five-for helped rescue the Proteas from a disappointing batting display to come back and complete victory by 87 runs inside three days of the first Betway Test against the West Indies at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday.
The fast bowler claimed a stellar six for 50 in 15 overs to blow away the tourists for 159 as they chased a very gettable 247 that was set up by an outstanding bowling display of their own that skittled the hosts for 116.
Despite the valiant efforts of Jermaine Blackwood (79 off 93 balls, 12 fours, 1 six), the islanders fell short thanks to a wonderful showing by South African spearhead Rabada. He was aided well by Marco Jansen (2/33), Gerald Coetzee (1/20) and Anrich Nortje (1/48).
Their efforts put the home side 1-0 up in the two-match series, with match two to follow in Johannesburg starting next Wednesday.
Even though the Proteas were victorious, the batting unit were left with plenty to ponder after another meltdown that saw them last only 28 overs in their second innings. Kemar Roach was the chief destroyer for the West Indians as he bagged five for 47. Only Player of the Match Aiden Markram offered any resistance with his top-score of 47 to go with his first-innings 115.
South Africa resumed the third morning already in trouble on 49 for four and within the first eight runs they lost another key wicket in Heinrich Klaasen for five. Markram was next to go, followed by Jansen (6) and Senuran Muthusamy (4) leaving the total on 80 for eight.
Coetzee came in an hit out with a quick-fire 20 that at least lifted them past 100, before seamer Roach mopped up the last two wickets for his own 12th career five-for. Alzarri Joseph (2/30), Jason Holder (2/7) and Shannon Gabriel (1/26) were also amongst the wickets.
The visitors lost a clutter of wickets early on as they sunk to 33 for five, before Blackwood and Joshua Da Silva (17) gave them a glimmer of hope with a 58-run sixth-wicket stand. But once that was ended by Rabada, the rest of the wickets fell quickly giving the hosts the advantage after the first match of the series.
Proteas Test squad against West Indies
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Gerald Coetzee (ITEC Knights), Tony de Zorzi (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Dean Elgar (Momentum Multiply Titans), Simon Harmer (Momentum Multiply Titans), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (North West Dragons), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions).
South Africa Betway Test Series against West Indies
28 February – 04 March at 10:00
South Africa beat West Indies by 87 runs - SuperSport Park, Centurion
08 – 12 March at 10:00
South Africa vs West Indies – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Monday, 20 February: Betway SA20 Board Chair, Pholesti Moseki, has hailed the successful inaugural season of the competition, which he says has surpassed all expectations. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape were crowned the inaugural Champions at a sold-out Wanderers on 12 February, capping off a month of entertaining cricket, packed stadiums and an unparalleled excitement for domestic cricket.
Betway SA20 Board Chair and Cricket South Africa Chief Executive, Moseki said: “The inaugural Betway SA20 League got off to a thunderous start, surpassing all our expectations. Much as we worked hard and were intentional in positioning the Betway SA20 as the best League outside of India globally, were thrilled to see the uptake of this first season.
“From the first toss, fans flocked and packed our stadiums in numbers never seen in any of our domestic tournaments for a long time. Tickets were sold out in most matches, including the final. This confirmed to us that there is appetite and hunger for this format of cricket. It was also a humbling and gratifying realization that this product is what our fans have been yearning for.”
The success of the opening season has seen a fresh injection of appeal and glory to the domestic pipeline, giving players a global platform to showcase their skills and aspiring players a golden opportunity to strive for.
“The electrifying excitement brought about by the Betway SA20 will spill-over to create an enduring vibe in other formats of the game domestically. It is one of the abiding legacies that the League will leave behind. It is heartening that our local players had the opportunity to showcase their latent at a global stage occasioned by the tournament.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate the Betway SA20 Commissioner, Graeme Smith and his team for a job well-done in bringing back the thrill of T20 cricket in South Africa and keeping the entire world entertained.
“I also congratulate Sunrisers Eastern Cape for their heart-warming and well-deserved title win of this inaugural tournament. They certainly displayed grit, focus and endurance in their campaign.
“Judging by the uptake of the first season of this tournament, I am confident that its second instalment will bring more ecstasy and excitement untold.”
The 33 matches played across six of South Africa’s premier cricket stadiums galvanised the cricket-loving public to foster new fan bases for each of the six new franchises. From the sea of blue and gold of Newlands’ faithful in Cape Town, the pink party from Paarl Royals’ supporters, the jovial Orange Army in Gqeberha, Durban’s super fans, the passion from the people of the Capital and the yellow whistles in Joburg, the six franchise have already built a steady allegiance which will only grow and flourish come season two.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The Sunrisers Eastern Cape have been crowned the inaugural Betway SA20 champions.
The Gqeberha-based team cruised to a comfortable four-wicket victory over the Pretoria Capitals at a sold out Wanderers on Sunday.
The final was moved to the reserve day after a waterlogged field and inclement weather forced it to be postponed. But that did nothing to dim the excitement with the Bullring creating a fabulous atmosphere. And the Sunrisers Eastern Cape did not disappoint by delivering a brilliant bowling performance to by bowling the Capitals out for just 135.
It was led by the ever-green Roelof van Merwe. The 38-year-old delivered an excellent spell with the left-arm spinner picking up 4/31. Van der Merwe was ably supported by Sisanda Magala (2/30) and Ottniel Baartman (2/22).
The Sunrisers’ reply did not get off to the best of starts with Temba Bavuma departing in the second over to Eathan Bosch.
Aiden Markram’s team, however, were soon back on track with Adam Rossington counter-attacking through a 30-ball 57. Rossington tore into the Capitals’ attack and ensured the chase was never going to be tricky.
Anrich Nortje bowled his heart out for the Capitals in a bid to haul his team back into the game, but ultimately his 2/21 was not going to be enough.
Marco Jansen delivered the killer blow for the Sunrisers with his six over long-off, setting off the celebrations all the way from Johannesburg to Gqeberha.
Full list of Betway SA Award Winners:
Betway SA20 Champions: Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Runners-up: Pretoria Capitals
Spirit of the Season: Sunrisers Eastern Cape
Rising Star: Eathan Bosch (Pretoria Capitals)
Batter of the Season: Jos Buttler (Paarl Royals)
Bowler of the Season: Roelof van der Merwe (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
Player of the Season: Aiden Markram (Sunrisers Eastern Cape)
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Joburg Super Kings’ left-arm spinner, Aaron Phangiso, underwent an ICC Accredited Bowling Action Test at the University of Pretoria on 27 January. The Test was overseen by ICC accredited practitioner, Dr Helen Bayne. The test confirmed that Phangiso had bowled with a non-compliant action as identified by the Betway SA20 Independent Bowling Action Panel. Phangiso’s suspension from bowling in the Betway SA20 remains in force.
Phangiso will work through a rehabilitation process on his bowling action and the Independent Panel will determine the process regarding re-testing of the action once the rehabilitation work is complete.
All the various stakeholders in Phangiso’s career - Northerns Cricket Union, Cricket South Africa, the South African Cricketers’ Association, Joburg Super Kings and Betway SA20 - are aligned in their commitment to support the player in whatever manner is required, acknowledging that such a process is incredibly difficult for a player.
Joburg Super Kings have requested permission to replace Phangiso for the remainder of the Betway SA20 2023 with Kyle Simmonds, which will take place with immediate effect.
All parties involved will make no further comment on the matter.
Picture Courtesy : SA20/ Sportzpics
Article: Kevin Rademeyer , Media Manager
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
KIMBERLEY: Heinrich Klaasen struck a belligerent 62-ball 80 but it was not enough as the Proteas fell 59 runs short in the third Betway One-Day International (ODI) played at The Oval in Kimberley on Wednesday.
The right-hander, who stepped in as wicketkeeper for the final game after injury ruled out Quinton de Kock, clubbed two sixes and seven fours in his entertaining effort that kept South Africa on course to chase down a mammoth 347 before they ran out of wickets.
The hosts eventually fell to 287 all out, but they had nearly seven full overs still to go thanks to the attacking exploits of Klaasen, who was supported well by Reeza Hendricks (52 off 61 balls, 6 fours), captain Temba Bavuma (35), Aiden Markram (39) and Wayne Parnell (34).
However, a career-best six for 40 by England paceman Jofra Archer proved detrimental and was decisive in the final outcome.
It was nonetheless a courageous pursuit by the Proteas in a match that was effectively a dead-rubber in terms of the series – the home side sewed things up when they went 2-0 up by winning matches one and two – although there was still the bigger picture of World Cup qualification that saw the home side miss out on 10 valuable points.
They remained in ninth place on the ICC World Cup Super League table with two matches against Netherlands still to come later in the season. For now, though, the new white-ball coach Rob Walter will take heart from he saw in the series as the South Africans showed plenty of promise and potential for the future.
They came into match three with back-to-back wins over the world champions in Bloemfontein, and after winning the toss, captain Temba Bavuma opted to bowl first. But after three early strike by their most successful bowler Lungi Ngidi (4/62) that reduced the tourists to 14 for three, they allowed the game to get away from them.
That was thanks to a defining 233-run fourth wicket partnership between England skipper Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan. Both hit centuries with the former, named Player of the Match and Series afterwards, amassing 131 (127 balls, 6 fours, 7 sixes) and the latter recording 118 (114 balls, 7 fours, 6 sixes). Moeen Ali then blazed 41 as the visiting side posted a hefty 346 for seven.
Bavuma and Hendricks gave their side a fair start by putting on 49 for the first wicket, but the loss of the captain and Rassie van der Dussen (5) in quick succession hampered them. Hendricks kept the scoreboard ticking before he was next to go with the score on 112, with Markram also maintaining the run-rate during his brief spell in the middle. His departure, however, was quickly followed by that of the ever-important David Miller (13) and Marco Jansen (12) as the chase appeared to be fizzing out.
But Klaasen and Parnell had other ideas and together added 85 in only 54 deliveries for the seventh wicket. The Proteas appeared to be cruising home at the point, but there was always the risk of no recognised batters to follow, and when Archer broke the stand, the tail folded quickly.
South Africa were eventually bowled out in 43.1 overs allowing their opposition to seal a consolation win.
Proteas ODI squad against England
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Janneman Malan (Gbets Rocks), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).
Betway ODI Series against England
Friday, 27 January – 13:00
South Africa beat England by 27 runs – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
Sunday, 29 January – 10:00
South Africa beat England by five wickets – Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein
Wednesday, 01 February – 13:00
South Africa lost to England by 59 runs – The Oval, Kimberley
Kevin Rademeyer
Media Manager
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series will celebrate the start of its 2023 season with the debut of the much-anticipated Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday 02 April.
The Eastern Cape’s Melikhaya Frans will be seen in action at the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, while the 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series will boast an overall combined prize purse of R1 260 000.00, with each city being allocated R252 000.00 (Gqeberha, Cape Town, Durban, Tshwane and Joburg).
Photo: Eastern Cape’s very own Melikhaya Frans in action during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in 2022. Frans has confirmed his entry into the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on 02 April 2023. PHOTO
CREDIT: Action Photo
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Joburg Super Kings captain Faf du Plessis entered the record books at the Wanderers on Tuesday evening when he struck the maiden century of the Betway SA20.
It was a scintillating innings that lasted only 58 balls, but yielded 113 electrifying runs. It included eight boundaries and eight sixes.
Du Plessis was the star of the Bullring as he tore into Durban's Super Kings bowling attack. He rolled back the years, played authentic cricket shots and set the Wanderers on light.
Du Plessis had Reeza Hendricks as company for the majority of the innings with the opening pair putting on 157 for the first wicket. Hendricks was very much a supporting act though with the Proteas opener compiling 45 off 46 balls.
The partnership was the perfect platform for the Super Kings to chase down the Super Giants' 178/6 with Du Plessis striking the winning runs with five balls remaining.
The eight-wicket victory reignited the Super Kings Betway SA20 campaign as they leapfrogged MI Cape Town into fourth place.
Unfortunately for the Super Giants their chances of qualifying for the playoffs are now slim as they remain at the foot of the table.
Quinton de Kock's team had given themselves hope through Heinrich Klaasen's 65 off 48 balls and a pair of 28's from West Indian duo Kyle Mayers and Jason Holder at the top and bottom end of the innings.
Maheesh Theekshana (3/30) and Gerald Coetzee (3/21) ensured the Super Giants did not run away entirely.
However, the thousands that streamed into the Wanderers once again would remember this special evening as the night Du Plessis struck the first century of the Betway SA20.
Faf's performance wlll be a reminder to the national selectors that class is permanent. He has looked superior to any other South African batsmen on show and hopefully with a new coach in place we can see him resume his duties in the green and gold.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Tickets for the semi-finals at the Wanderers and Centurion selling fast
Friday, 20 January: The inaugural 2023 Betway SA20 champions will be crowned in front of a full house with tickets for the final at the Wanderers on Saturday, 11 February sold out.
It has been an exhilarating opening half of league matches, with the quality cricket and un-matched stadium experience drawing in fans at all six stadiums across the country.
Tickets for the semi-finals taking place at the Wanderers and Centurion are also selling fast, as the highveld prepares for a feast of thrilling cricket action.
Betway SA20 League Commissioner, Graeme Smith, has commended the cricket-loving South African fans: “The first half of the Betway SA20 has been a massive success so far, it has been amazing to see the fans filling up the stadiums.
“It’s exciting for us to sell out the final so early on in the competition, however, there is still a long road to go until 11 February. There is very little that separates the teams on the log at this stage, we hope the fans will continue to come out in their numbers to support their teams until the final.
“We have seen some fantastic cricket and exciting finishes, spectators will be in for a treat in the remaining matches.”
The road to the final promises to be a tightly contested battle, with only a win separating the top and bottom teams. In-form Pretoria Capitals currently top the table on 13 points, with Sunrisers Eastern Cape hot on their heels on 12 points. Only a point separates MI Cape Town (3rd), Paarl Royals (4th), Durban’s Super Giants (5th) and Joburg Super Kings (6th).
The table positions will likely keep changing this weekend with a blockbuster schedule featuring two double-headers in Paarl and Gqeberha on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets for the matches are available at www.ticketpros.co.za or at the stadium ticket office.
About Betway SA20
Betway SA20 is South Africa’s explosive new T20 cricket league. Dropping 10 January 2023, the League is set to thrill local and international cricket fans and attract new audiences of all ages.
4 weeks, 33 matches, 6 global franchises, 102 world class players (local and global) - SA20 is for cricket diehards, party people, families. For everyone!
SA20 has the backing of some of the most recognised T20 franchises in the world, with several IPL strongholds branching out to establish an even greater international footprint. The franchises are owned by six dynamic entities which have made a minimum 10-year investment which will sustain South African cricket, the players and future cricketers coming through the development pipeline.
The League features six privately-owned teams, who will play each other twice in a round-robin stage (home and away) before the semis and final. In all, 33 matches will be played in some of the greatest locations South Africa has to offer: Durban’s Super Giants (Kingsmead), Joburg Super Kings (Wanderers), MI Cape Town (Newlands), Paarl Royals (Boland Park), Pretoria Capitals (SuperSport Park) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape (St George’s Park).
The six teams finalised their 17-member squads during the R125 million player auction. Each team is allowed to field up to four international players in a match, giving plenty of opportunities for homegrown Proteas stars and young local talent to shine while playing alongside the best in the world.
SA20 is destined to become the best League in the world outside of India, and to be South Africa’s No 1 Sport and Entertainment brand. Fans can expect thrilling cricket underpinned by an immersive, inclusive, and unmissable social experience.
Join the party: @SA20_League and www.sa20.co.za
Pic: SA20 // SPORTZPICS
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Roelof van der Merwe delivered the bowling performance of the Betway SA20 thus far for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to decimate Durban's Super Giants at St George's Park on Sunday evening.
Van der Merwe claimed 6/20 to rout the Super Giants for just 86 in 14.4 overs. The Sunrisers won by a massive 124 runs to earn a bonus point.
It was a near-perfect performance from the Sunrisers after they had ealier delivered a batting exhibition to posted a mammoth 210/2.
Half-centuries from openers Adam Rossington and Jordan Hermann set up the imposing total. Rossington, in particular, was in fine form with his 72 coming off just 30 balls.
Young Hermann also showcased his talent with 59 off 44 balls.
The Sunrisers maintained the momentum through captain Aiden Markram (44 not out off 34 balls) and Tristan Stubbs (27 not out off 13 balls).
The total proved far too much for the Super Giants. The visitors were bundled out for a paltry 86.
Coach Lance Klusener had shifted around the batting line-up to give Matthew Breetzke a Betway SA20 debut while moving captain Quinton de Kock to No 5.
Unfortunately for the Super Giants the change in tactics did not prove successful with only Wiaan Mulder (29) and Keshav Maharaj (12) managing to get into double figures with the experienced Van der Merwe running through the visitors line-up.
About Betway SA20
Betway SA20 is a six-team franchise T20 League operating under the auspices of Cricket South Africa. Cricket South Africa is the governing body of all cricket in South Africa.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
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