Despite losing almost a full day of play due to rain at the U19 Coca-Cola Khaya Majola Cricket Week, currently taking place in Pretoria, by lunch time of the third day there were a number of players who had produced a few excellent performances, putting their hands up as players to watch out for in the remaining games, which is what the tournament is all about – making heroes.
The outstanding bowling performance of the week so far came from Northerns spinner Stefan Kloppers, who took 7/35 against KwaZulu-Natal on the first day. He was back among the wicket-takers on day three – getting 3/41 against Western Province.
Among the batsmen, South West District’s Jean Heunis made 48 against Namibia on day three, following up on a 50 against Border on day one and 22 against Namibia on day two. This makes him one of a handful of batsmen who has scored consistently over the three days.
KwaZulu-Natal Inland’s Sohail Mahmoud is another batsmen who has been consistent. He made 22 against Gauteng on day three, after making 34 against them on day two and 53 against Eastern Province on the first day.
Probably the standout batsman of the week so far has been Western Province’s Matthew Christensen. He made 80 against Northerns on day three, following up on his 78 against Free State on day two.
Another batsman to make two big scores is Free State’s Koot Pienaar. He knocked up 64 against Western Province on the first day and followed that up with 41 against KwaZulu-Natal.
It’s too early to be talking about candidates for SA Schools and SA Colts places, but these individuals will have caught the attention of the selectors and they will be keeping an eye on them as the week progresses and the teams are matched on a strength vs strength basis on the last two days.
