Tag: Stephen Cook

Text Info Strip

Back

Proteas Prepare for International Summer as SACA MVP Expands 

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) anticipates an exciting international summer for both the Proteas Men and Women. Kicking off…

Read More

SACA Celebrates Tony Irish on Receiving the Prestigious Tim May Medal of Honour

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) is proud to celebrate its founder and former CEO, Tony Irish, who received the…

Read More

Kyle Simmonds Crowned Overall Division 1 SACA MVP

The 2025/26 domestic cricket season concludes with Western Province all-rounder Kyle Simmonds named Division 1 Overall SACA MVP. Simmonds earned…

Read More

COOK, HENDRICKS SECURE FIRST WIN FOR LIONS

Centuries by Stephen Cook and Reeza Hendricks outdid tons by Andrew Puttick and Zubayr Hamza as the bizhub Highveld Lions ended the season on a high by ousting the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras by nine wickets in their final match in Potchefstroom on Sunday.

All four completed their hundreds on the final day, with the two visiting batsmen helping their side, who resumed overnight on 106 for one, to post 364 for three declared.

That left the home side a target of 257 in a little over 40 overs at Senwes Park and they took the game to the Cape side with an entertaining late-match chase that helped take them to a first triumph of the season.

It was first the turn of Puttick and Hamza – the former hitting 116 (241 balls, 11 fours) and the latter 121 (182 balls, 18 fours, 2 sixes) – as they scored their 27th and ninth career centuries respectively. The pair added a record 213 second wicket partnership for the Cobras against the Lions that enabled the visitors to declare on 364 for three.

It meant the Capetonians needed to bowl out their opponents to have a chance of winning the title. But things turned completely against them as they found Cook and Hendricks in no mood to scratch around.

The pair added a franchise record of 226 in 37.1 overs for the opening wicket.

Captain Cook was the main aggressor with 116 (106 balls, 14 fours), while Hendricks top-scored with an unbeaten 119 (124 balls, 18 fours) as the Lions reached their target in exactly 40 overs.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

VAN DER DUSSEN FRUSTRATES KNIGHTS WITH ASSISTANCE OF THE RAIN

Rain and Rassie van der Dussen played a central role in helping the bizhub Highveld Lions escape from Kimberley with a draw from their Sunfoil Series round eight encounter against the VKB Knights on Sunday.

The weather meant that only 69 overs were possible on the final day at the Diamond Oval with the visitors reaching 194 for four in their second innings.

Right-hander Van der Dussen struck an unbeaten 64 (116 ball, 9 fours, 1 six) to lock up one end, before rain intervened and repeated what it did on day three when just 46.2 overs were sent down.

The Lions had begun the final day with the odds against them, a poor first-innings batting performance and an innings difference of 283.

Reeza Hendricks (16) fell cheaply, but there were then useful 30s from Stephen Cook (36), Omphile Ramela (36) and Dominic Hendricks (33) that helped frustrate the home side.

It was then the rain that arrived after tea further hampering the Knights as the Lions held on.

The result meant the Central Franchise moved on to 112.56 points on the table, with the bottom-of-the-table Gauteng side moving to 76.82 points. Only two rounds remain in the 2017/18 competition.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

COOK READY FOR AFRICA T20 CUP CHALLENGE

If any young player needs an example of what it takes to be the ultimate professional they need not look any further than Gauteng’s Stephen Cook.

The opening batsman is 34-years-old and has played almost 15 seasons of first-class cricket. He has achieved the highest level of success, having been part of the Standard Bank Proteas squad that claimed a historic hat-trick of Test series victories in Australia last year.

But yet Cook, who has a young family, will be seen in action this weekend for his province in the Africa T20 Cup in Potchefstroom.

“It’s an opportunity to get some matches in before the season and it’s a nice little challenge,” he said.

Previously Cook has not played much of a role in the Highveld Lions’ T20 campaigns, but he will now be expected to feature much more after being appointed the franchise’s captain across formats for the 2017-18 season.

“I haven’t played much T20 cricket, so the more games I can play the better,” Cook explained. “It wasn’t the original plan, with me and Aaron Phangiso selected to guide the youngsters along, but it has worked out nicely,” he said.

Cook won’t lead Gauteng this weekend with wicket-keeper Mangaliso Mosehle handed the reins at Senwes Park. That will, however, in no way impact on the experience Cook will bring to the dressing room with the young Gauteng players advised to watch the veteran closely.

In fact, Cook remembers fondly when he was he was still a young law student at the University of Johannesburg, which was still known as the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU) back in 2003, the impact Gauteng’s senior players at the time had on his development.

“I can only look back at my own experiences at what guys like Clive Eksteen, Derek Crookes, David Tebrugge… and the profound impact they had on my career. I can only hope that in 15 years or so, a young player says that guy made a difference in my career. That’s the ultimate compliment. At the same time, though, you are learning from young players too,” Cook said.

Gauteng are certainly going to require all Cook’s experience this weekend for they are in a challenging group alongside neighbours North West, Northerns and defending champions Eastern Province.

“There is no doubt it’s a tough group. All the teams are strong. But that’s where you see what people are about in the tough situations. There is always someone that steps up on the day,” he said.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

ELGAR LEADS PROTEAS REVIVAL

Dean Elgar struck one of the finest centuries for his country to help the Standard Bank Proteas fight back from early trouble to end day one of the first Test against New Zealand with honours even at the University Oval in Dunedin on Wednesday.
 
The left-hander showed nerves of steel as he batted through the day to end unbeaten on 128 (262 balls, 22 fours) – South Africa reaching stumps on 229/4.
 
Elgar’s seventh career century was his second-longest in terms of balls, with the highest being the 316 deliveries he faced for 127 against Australia in Perth last year. It also came on the back of the tourists being in a huge hole at the start after they slipped to 22/3 in the first 19 overs against a disciplined Black Caps attack. Faf du Plessis (52 off 118 balls, 7 fours) and Temba Bavuma (37 not out) were also integral to the recovery.
 
The visiting captain won the toss at the start and took the rare option to bat first, the first time such a decision had been made in 22 Test matches in New Zealand – the last being in a clash between the hosts and Pakistan in Wellington during 2011. But it looked a questionable call as Stephen Cook (3), Hashim Amla (1) and JP Duminy (1) were all dismissed early, the latter pair removed within the space of five Neil Wagner (2/59) deliveries.
Elgar, who was dropped by wicketkeeper BJ Watling on 36, and Du Plessis then dug in as they put on 126 for the fourth wicket to give the innings a significant boost.
 
After the skipper fell to Jimmy Neesham (1/29), Bavuma proved the perfect foil with a typically determined 101-ball knock that enabled a further 81 to be added to the total with the visitors ending the day in the ascendancy.
Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

VILJOEN AND COOK PUT LIONS IN SIGHT OF VICTORY

Hardus Viljoen SACA MVP Sunfoil Series 2015/16 winner  took six wickets and Stephen Cook struck an unbeaten half-century to carry the bizhub Highveld Lions to the brink of victory after two days of their Sunfoil Series opener against the BuildNat Cape Cobras in Johannesburg on Thursday.  Fast bowler Viljoen, whose early season form last year forced him into the Proteas set-up, took 6/75 as the visitors were bowled out for 211 at the bidvest Wanderers Stadium on the second day.

Despite that being the highest score of the match, the Cobras’ paltry first-innings 102 meant that the Lions needed 160 for victory and they were racing there thanks to Cook’s brisk 63 not out (56 balls, 12 fours).  They closed on 117/0 and needed just 43 more to seal a winning start to the campaign. Rassie van der Dussen was with his skipper on an unbeaten 43.  But the first half of the day was all about two of the country’s rising talents.

Despite Viljoen picking up his 21st career five-for, it was the man supporting him, Wiaan Mulder, who enjoyed a dream debut. The South Africa Under-19 captain was the pick of the bowlers in the first innings with his 3/10 and he took a fine 4/54 with his right-arm medium pace second time around. It meant the 18-year-old all-rounder shared all 10 wickets with Viljoen. Another rookie that enjoyed a stellar outing was Cobras all-rounder Jason Smith. The 21-year-old, playing in only the second franchise match of his career, fell five runs short of a century when he top scored with 95 (117, 16 fours) in the his side’s second innings.

Smith was also the pick of the bowlers earlier in the day when he took 4/24 as the Lions were bowled out for 154. Temba Bavuma finished unbeaten on 76 (119 balls, 12 fours, 1 six).

 

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

RAMELA RELISHING SA A CHANCE

Cape Cobras batsman Omphile Ramela is relishing the opportunity of representing the South Africa A team during their forthcoming assignments in Zimbabwe and Australia.

A group of national hopefuls have been in Pretoria over the past few days preparing for their tours to both countries.

The SA A team will play a two-match, four-day, Test Series against Zimbabwe A in Harare from 9-18 July 2016, before they head out to Australia for two four-day Tests and a triangular series that also involves India A.

“I think it’s a stepping stone to trying to get closer to playing for the Proteas,” Ramela said. “I think these tours are important and if one performs, it adds another feather to your cap and gets you closer to playing for the national team. That’s why everyone is here and what they are hoping for.”

Ramela is part of a strong batting contingent named for both trips, alongside others like captain Stephen Cook, Qaasim Adams, Heino Kuhn and Stiaan van Zyl, to name a few.

He said he was hoping to learn from the experience.

“It’s about imparting knowledge to other players, but it’s also about learning from them,” the 28-year-old said. “You can learn from each and I think it’s important to learn from each other.

“Even myself, I’m still growing as a player, but I’ll definitely be trying to help where I can and where my advice will be needed.”

Ramela, who captained the Cobras in the Sunfoil Series last season, recorded 592 runs at an average of 42.28. He also scored two hundreds and two 50s and is hoping to build on that form in 2016/17, starting with the A tours for his country.

He added: “I think the preparation more or less stays the same, you just try and improve on your weaknesses and really make sure your strengths always shine.

“So there’s nothing more different, but I think you really just try and tighten up your game and get better with the focus of trying to excel in the domestic season as well.”

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

HENDRICKS AND COOK LEAD LIONS VICORTY

Centuries from Dominic Hendricks and opener Stephen Cook underpinned an innings-and-78-run victory for Lions over Cape Cobras in Potchefstroom.

Having chosen to bat, Lions lost Rassie van der Dussen early, but Stephen Cook and Hendricks combined well in a 261-run partnership to propel their side. Cook and Hendricks fell for 150 and 160 respectively, but there was no respite for Cobras. Yassar Cook, wicketkeeper-batsman Nicky van den Bergh, and Dwaine Pretorious all stroked fifties as Lions stacked up 580, before declaring the innings. As it turned out, they did not have to bat again.

The Cobras, who had managed only 258 in their first dig, fared worse, after being asked to follow on. Left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin finished with a match haul of six wickets to clean up the lower order. Fast bowler Hardus Viljoen, who made light work of the top order, claimed figures of 4 for 42 to dismiss Cobras for 244.

Omphile Ramela Stiaan van Zyl, Wayne Parnell all had starts, but failed to push on. Parnell had a start in the first innings as well, which he converted to 62 before being pinned lbw by pacer Pumelela Matshikwe. Andrew Puttick scored 73 at the top of the order, but the middle order fell away. Lions ultimately walked away with 19.1 points to narrow the gap at the top of the table. Cobras, on the other hand, remained rooted to the bottom half of the table with just a solitary win in six matches.

 

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

LIONS THROUGH TO NEWLANDS FINAL

 

An unbroken 128-run stand between Rassie van der Dussen and Dominic Hendricks proved decisive as the bizhub Highveld Lions booked their place in the Momentum One-Day Cup final with a comfortable eight-wicket Duckworth/Lewis win over the Warriors in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Opener Van der Dussen struck a commanding 83 (89 balls, 1 six, 6 fours) to set the early foundations, while Hendricks added later impetus with his attacking 70 (56 balls, 2 sixes, 7 fours) to aid their side to comfortably chase down the revise 174 target with 18 deliveries to spare.

There were two lengthy rain delays that also influenced the game. The first one arrived early in the Warriors’ innings – after 10.4 overs to be precise – forcing the match to be reduced to a 41 overs per side affair.

By that stage, the Warriors had lost both openers for 27 and they were dealt a further double blow after the resumption when Nono Pongolo removed key middle-order pair, captain Colin Ingram (10), and Yaseen Vallie (14), to slip to 61/4.

An 89-run stand between Jerry Nqolo, who struck a career best 63 (68 balls, 4 fours, 1 six), and Christiaan Jonker (42) lifted the Eastern Cape side to 202/8.

Pongolo (2/25) was one of four bowlers to take two wickets each. The others were Dwaine Pretorius (2/23), Hardus Viljoen (2/42) and Aaron Phangiso (2/38).

Andrew Birch, with 2/34, then grabbed the big wickets of Stephen Cook (13) and Alviro Petersen (2) to raise the Warriors’ hopes. But that was as good as it got for the visitors. Another long delay 13.5 overs into the innings and with the total on 81 meant there was a further adjustment to the total and with only 93 needed from 18.1 overs, the hosts cruised home.

They will now face the Cape Cobras in the competition finale at PPC Newlands this Sunday.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

LAW AND (KEEPING) ORDER

Stephen Cook displayed a calm head and sound judgement in making a century on Test debut, exactly the attributes that has helped him beyond the boundary ropes.

If you thought Stephen Cook looked unflappable while meticulously compiling a century on Test debut against England, consider that the 33-year-old has an LLB degree, captains the Highveld Lions, sits on the SACA Executive Committee and is a family man.

“From an early age my parents instilled in me the importance of academics and being well-rounded,” Cook recalls. “Even as my sporting career started to blossom I was always encouraged to apply my mind to my studies. What helped was that I’ve always been a fairly disciplined person and also my mom and dad are both teachers by profession and helped me a lot too.”

So how did the opening batsman settle on law as a field of study?

“It is an interesting story. After school I was going to enrol at RAU, which is now UJ, to study sports management but then I got included in the national academy [that 2002 intake included Hashim Amla, Ryan McLaren, Rory Kleinveldt, Johan Botha and Alviro Petersen] so I ended up not studying. That was probably the biggest blessing for me as it gave me an extra year to mature and find out what I was really interested in so in 2003 I enrolled to do a BCom Law. I wasn’t 100 percent sure if law was exactly what I wanted to do, so I hedged my bets and did economics and law as my two majors. I finished that degree in three years, then took 2006 off from my studies to go and play club cricket in England for Reading CC. When I returned I decided to do an LLB, which took me a further three years, so I had a double degree at the end of it.”

As it happened, Cook broke the South African first-class record by scoring 390 at the tail-end of his final year in 2009, but studying wasn’t all plain sailing…

“It was hard work at times, I won’t lie. What started as a three year degree ended up as a six year endeavour and over that time the game became more and more professional and the time constraints became even tighter.”

Cook further highlights how the changes in the local game altered his schedule.

“I was fortunate that I started my career before the franchise era. We’d have practices at three in the afternoon, which left me with most of my day to focus on studying, but towards the end guys were clocking in at 9am for gym sessions. Once it changed, I had to be incredibly disciplined with my work. However I also had fellow students willing to help me when I missed lectures.”

Despite other sacrifices, Cook sums up that period as ‘good times’…

“I can remember many an evening where the boys were going out to celebrate but I was holed up in my hotel room studying for an exam or a test the next day. There were also a few moments where I felt I was missing out, but in the end it was all worth it. Studying law offered up some interesting cases so when we were sitting in the change rooms there was always a hive of activity around my case law books with the guys asking a lot of ‘what would happen if…’ questions. The guys embraced it and the coaches always understood that studying was an important part of my life and gave me that flexibility to miss a practice or leave early. There a lot of people to thank, without whom it would have been nearly impossible to complete such a tough degree.”

With his recent elevation to the national team, Cook’s focus right now is on cementing his place with the Proteas, but that doesn’t mean his legal training is going to waste.

“In recent years I’ve been on the SACA Executive Committee, which allows me to use my legal background. I see my role as a player representative and I like to think that because I have lots of experience, and am quite mature and level headed I’m a good problem solver and balance everyone’s interests. One of the main causes I’ve been championing has been setting up a players’ committee so that there’s more involvement from us in terms of scheduling, umpiring and disciplinary procedures… all the side issues that people don’t see every day but play a big role in players’ lives. Other things include making sure all the franchise players are on the same page in terms of playing regulations.”

In addition to all these duties there’s his eight-year marriage to Laura, their toddler Elianna, and captaining the Highveld Lions to consider.

“Mary-Jane Goebel, our PDM [Personal Development Manager] at the Lions, has been excellent during the last few years while I’ve been captain, letting me know about summits and alternative ideas and forwarding articles. She makes guys realise that there’s more to life than just cricket, which is particularly important for the younger guys.

“Being a dad also brings a great perspective to life. If I think about it, the times that I’ve played my best cricket have been when I’ve had other things going on in my life. For instance if I got a duck, I couldn’t dwell on it if I had to go write an exam, likewise now when my daughter smiles at me or shouts ‘dada!’ a low score is quickly pushed to the back of my mind. Sometimes I think players get too happy when they do well and too sad when they don’t, so anything that moderates your mind-set can only be good for you. I’m a big advocate in that.”

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

COOK, BOWLERS PUT LIONS IN QUALIFIER

The bizhub Highveld Lions booked their place in the Momentum One-Day Cup qualifier after a comprehensive four-wicket win over the VKB Knights at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

After winning the toss and bowling first, the Johannesburg side knocked over their hosts for a below-par 169 in 38.3 overs, before chasing down victory with 61 balls to spare. There were several stand-out performances with the ball for the Lions, including six wickets shared between Matt McGillivray and Eddie Leie.

Rookie fast bowler McGillivray was the pick of the bowlers with 3/32, while leg-break bowler Leie claimed 3/43.  But it was the single wicket by Aaron Phangiso (1/32) of Letlotlo Sesele (29) with the total on 109/2 that triggered a collapse of eight wickets for 60 runs.

Another inexperience bowler Carmi le Roux collected 2/29 to mop up the tail, while top scorer for the Knights was Reeza Hendricks (41).

The Lions lost stand-in opener Temba Bavuma (5) early in their chase, but his partner Stephen Cook anchored the chase with 64 (96 balls, 8 fours) to take his side to the brink. Nicky van den Bergh (43 not out) finished the job, while Alviro Petersen (36) provided some earlier support for the captain as the visitors moved to second on the table.

With the Warriors losing to the Cape Cobras also on Saturday, the result means that the Lions cannot be caught in second and will therefore host the February 24 qualifier. The Cobras also secured themselves an automatic berth in the final they will host on February 28 by winning in Port Elizabeth.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

2015/16 SUNFOIL SIZZLER

 

Hardus Viljoen of the bizhub Highveld Lions has bagged the Sunfoil Series Sizzler award for the first five rounds of the Sunfoil Series which currently sees The Unlimited Titans, the VKB Knights and the bizhub Highveld Lions locked in a three-way battle for four-day cricket supremacy. The Lions are the current title holders.

The Sunfoil Sizzler award is worth R15 000.

Viljoen, who made his debut for the Castle Lager Proteas in the third Sunfoil Test match against the England touring team at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, has had a phenomenal Sunfoil Series campaign taking 30 wickets in 4 matches. This included back-to-back 10-wicket hauls in successive matches against the Sunfoil Dolphins and the Warriors.

Other players who came strongly into contention for the award were his bizhub Highveld Lions team mate, Dwaine Pretorius, Werner Coetsee of the VKB Knights, Keshav Maharaj of the Sunfoil Dolphins and Tabraiz Shamsi of The Unlimited Titans.

“Congratulations to Hardus on his Sunfoil Sizzler award,” commented Cricket South Africa (CSA) General Manager: Cricket, Corrie van Zyl. “His performance in taking back-to-back 10-wickets hauls is special and earned him a fully deserved call-up to the Proteas.

“The results over the past six weeks have also shown that our domestic game is healthy, particularly if you look at the way players have taken the step up to international cricket when the opportunity has arisen. Stephen Cook’s century on debut for the Proteas underlines this point.”

The South African Cricketers’ Association Most Valuable Player index (SACA MVP) is used as the measuring tool in determining the Sunfoil Sizzler of the Month.

The SACA MVP is calculated using an internationally recognised formula which takes into account every discipline in the game of cricket.  Batting, bowling, fielding, captaining and winning are all factored in within the context of each individual match. Individual player performances in pressure situations, for example, carry more weight; thus players who deliver when their team needs them most, earn more points.

The SACA MVP latest ranking standings are updated weekly on the SACA website (www.saca.org.za), and may be viewed ‘per competition’ or by having a look at the ‘overall’ standings.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

STEPHEN COOK JOINS PROTEAS TEST SQUAD

Cricket South Africa (CSA) today added Stephen Cook to the Castle Lager Proteas squad for the final Sunfoil Test match against England, starting at SuperSport Park on Friday.

The bizhub Highveld Lions opening batsman currently tops the Sunfoil Series batting averages with 415 runs at an average of 83 including two centuries. If he does gain selection for the final XI he will part of the first ever father and son combination to represent the Proteas in a Test match.

His father, Jimmy, played in three Test matches against India and Sri Lanka between 1992 and 1993.

“Stephen has been in excellent form this season,” commented CSA Selection Convener, Linda Zondi, and gives us another option at the top of the order.”

Castle Lager Proteas Test squad: AB de Villiers (The Unlimited Titans, capt), Kyle Abbott (Sunfoil Dolphins), Hashim Amla (Cape Cobras), Temba Bavuma (bizhub Highveld Lions), Stephen Cook (bizhub Highveld Lions), Quinton de Kock (The Unlimited Titans), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), Faf du Plessis (the Unlimited Titans), Dean Elgar (The Unlimited Titans), Morne Morkel (The Unlimited Titans), Chris Morris (The Unlimited Titans), Dane Piedt (Cape Cobras), Kagiso Rabada (bizhub Highveld Lions), Rilee Rossouw (VKB Knights), Dale Steyn (Cape Cobras), Stiaan van Zyl (Cape Cobras), Hardus Viljoen (bizhub Highveldl Lions).

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

COOK CENTURY PUTS LIONS ON ROAD TO LIKELY VICTORY

Stephen Cook’s 34th first-class century set the bizhub Highveld Lions on their way to victory over the Warriors on the third day of their Sunfoil Series clash at Bidvest Wanderers.

Cook turned his overnight 62 into an unbeaten 168, driving the Lions to a second-innings total of 294 for four declared that set the Warriors a target of 423 to win in four-and-a-half sessions.

The Lions looked set to wrap up the game swiftly when they reduced the Warriors to 39 for four, with Hardus Viljoen clinching his seventh and eighth scalps in the match, but Colin Ackermann and Clyde Fortuin dug in to see the Warriors to stumps on 104 for four.

Starting the day on 98 without loss and an overall lead of 226, the Lions held a commanding position that they were unlikely to relinquish.

Although his partner, Rassie van der Dussen (28), was bowled by Basheeru-Deen Walters in the fourth over of the day, Cook received support from Yassar Cook (35) and Dominic Hendricks (21) before a quick stand with Nicky van den Bergh preceded the declaration midway through the second session.

Viljoen ended an erratic first over by bowling David White as the Warriors reply began, and in the next over Yaseen Vallie was trapped lbw by Dwaine Pretorius.

Viljoen’s third over brought the dismissal of Somila Seyibokwe to leave the Warriors eight for three, and half an hour later Pumelela Matshikwe drew an edge from the bat of Colin Ingram which Cook held at slip.

Ackermann and Fortuin held up the Lions’ charge thereafter, and reached stumps on 45 and 34 respectively, but a great deal of work remains on the final day if they are to hold off Viljoen and company.

Share:

Text Info Strip

Back

LIONS STRENGTHEN THEIR BATTING RESOURCES

To keep their RAM SLAM T20 campaign alive, the bizhub Highveld Lions are hoping to catch The Unlimited Titans on an “off-day” when the two teams meet at Sahara Park Willowmoore on Friday night.

 

While the Titans have already guaranteed top spot and a home final, the Lions need to win their two remaining games to stand any chance of finishing in the top three and qualifying for the play-off.

 

That looks to be an unenviable challenge given that the Titans have won their last seven games on the trot, especially as the Lions have lost their last two.

 

“It will be tough for us, but we’ve chatted as a group and our equation is quite simple. We have to go to Benoni and beat them on the day,” said Lions coach, Geoff Toyana.

 

“Hopefully they have one of those off-days, because in competitions like this you can’t go six, seven, eight wins on the bounce as they have done. So let’s hope they have an off-day, but that said it’s key that our group have belief in themselves.”

 

While the Lions bowling attack have often been impressive, the side have generally been short on runs and so Stephen Cook and Dominic Hendricks have been drafted into the squad as the selectors mull changes.

 

As they look to maintain their winning run in the lead-up to next weekend’s final, the Titans have opted for consistency with their selection and are in no mood to relax.

 

“We’ve sat this week and spoken about the weekend, and the importance of not taking our foot off the pedal,” said Mangaliso Mosehle. “We want to make sure that when we go into the final next week that we have some momentum. If we lose these two games then we might find ourselves in trouble.

 

“The Lions have a lot of inexperienced players, so we’ll be looking to pick up some early wickets, which is something that we’ve done very well, to put the middle order under pressure.”

 

Share: