The SWD Cricket team will play their last home fixture of the season when they take on Border in their 8th Sunfoil Cup Three Day competition match starting on Thursday.
In their seven previous outings, Brendon Louw and his team failed to record a victory but they are still unbeaten as all five seven ended in a draw. Although the SWD team produced some encouraging performances this season and has improved on their performances in 2016/17 they will be hoping to bowl out the opposition twice to secure a much-needed victory.
Based on the current log positions it is clear that Border will be a tough challenge for the home side. In the Sunfoil Cup Three Day competition both teams have played seven matches – in Pool A Border are 3rd at 108.38 points whilst SWD are in 5th position with 88.08 points. In the CSA Limited Over competition Border have a slight advantage (4th place at 16 points) over SWD (5th place at 14 points).
For SWD the injury to Glenton Stuurman, who missed the last three matches due to an arm injury, is a major set-back. He is the main strike bowler in the team and together with Marcello Piedt, they are one of the best opening pairs in the competition. In his absence, Piedt, has take ownership and produced some fine displays lately. Stuurman’s injury has opened the door for Bradley de Villiers who bagged nine wickets in the match in his debut against Namibia two weeks ago.
A further injury to Mthobeli Bangindawo has given an opportunity to Herschel America from Union Stars to make his debut for SWD. America has shown great promise in the SWD club competition. Jean du Plessis, who was unavailable due to his duties for the SA U/19 team in the ICC U/19 World Cup that was held in New Zealand recently is also available again and will play in both formats.
The SWD team for the Three Day match is: Sammy-Joe Avontuur, Lotli Sesele, Jean du Plessis, Daniel Sincuba, Obus Pienaar, Hanno Kotze, Brendon Louw, Marcello Piedt, Tsepiso Ndwandwa, Herschel America and Bradley de Villiers. Justin Jordaan is the 12th man. Neil Hornbuckle and Bailey Aarons will be added for the limited over match.
