CRICKET fans in Nelson Mandela Bay have been on a roller-coaster ride that was not very enjoyable at times.
The good news for the supporters of the Warriors and the national teams is that there are still some great opportunities coming up very soon to end the ride off in style.
South Africa’s men and women sides, and the Warriors, have confused the supporters by dishing up a mixed bag in their recent performances.
At times they were excellent and at other stages they played terribly. This makes it difficult to predict what will happen next but it certainly makes it exciting.
All these teams find themselves at the crossroads and it is now time to produce the goods.
The Warriors get an interesting period for cricket fans under way this afternoon, with their one-day match against the Knights at St George’s Park.
After a poor T20 campaign things are not going much better for the Warriors in the one-day matches.
Hopefully they get back to winning ways today. Some players, like Sinethemba Qeshile and Lesiba Ngoepe, have been underperforming in the One Day Cup and there is no better time to make a meaningful contribution (see the top Warriors ratings in the Cup below).
Tomorrow the national sides join the party and it is wonderful to see the women in the second semi-final of the World Cup up against England in Christchurch.
The former DF Malherbe learner, Marizanne Kapp, has been performing brilliantly for the Proteas and will again be a key player in this big match.
A team that really owes the supporters is the national men’s side.
After an embarrassing one-day series defeat against Bangladesh, the Proteas can make amends in two tests.
It will also be a test of South Africa’s depth when the first test starts in Durban tomorrow, as some regulars will be missing after they decided to rather play in the more lucrative Indian Premier League (remember to keep an eye on Marco Jansen of the Warriors playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad).
Then the Bay fans get a chance to watch some test cricket at home when the second test starts on April 8.
After the relaxation of the COVID-19-restrictions, 7 500 spectators will be allowed at St George’s Park and it will be interesting to see whether the Bay fans are up for some test cricket.
One of the Bay’s favourite sons, Russell Domingo, will return to his birthplace as the coach of Bangladesh for this one.
It is good to see Domingo coach Bangladesh with the same passion as when he won trophies with the Warriors, and coached the Proteas in all formats from 2013 till 2017.
Top Warriors in One Day Cup (out of 10):
1. Tiaan van Vuuren – 7.33
2. Glenton Stuurman – 7.00
3. Diego Rosier – 6.75
4. Akhona Mnyaka – 6.00
4. Tristan Stubbs – 6.00
