The Nashua Cape Cobras have been mulling plans on how to counter the force of the RAM SLAM T20’s most prolific batsman as they prepare to face what they see as the tournament’s “form team”, the table-topping bizhub Highveld Lions.
The Lions have won all three of their matches so far, thanks in no small part to the 214 runs racked up by Chris Gayle, who has dominated every bowling attack that has come his way.
“Our bowlers need to be strong in executing whatever plans we come up with for him,” said Cobras captain Justin Ontong. “It’s an even bigger challenge at the Wanderers, which can be an unforgiving place as a bowler.
“We’ve got to put in a big fielding performance as well - that will be a big part. I think he is suspect to run-outs, so if we can run him out early then that will be a big plus-point.”
While the Cobras have also enjoyed a good start to the competition, winning two games and then sharing the points with the Knights in Wednesday’s washout, they will have their work cut out for them if the Lions find the extra gear that captain Neil McKenzie believes they still have.
“I don’t think we’ve played our best cricket over these last three games - we’ve probably played at 70 or 75 per cent,” McKenzie said. “There are quite a few areas that we want to work on but it’s pleasing when you still get over the line when you’re not at your best.”
While young Proteas seamer, Kagiso Rabada, has returned from Australia and will be part of the Lions squad this weekend, he will not be part of the playing XI as he enjoys a much-needed rest.
Meanwhile Rory Kleinveldt will not travel with the Cobras after aggravating his groin injury in the lead-up to Wednesday’s abandoned game.
James Buttler
As the editor of World Cricket Badger he is intent on building the website to give quality coverage of the domestic game around the world.
He is also the presenter of the Cricket Badger Radio Show on Radio Yorkshire every Tuesday evening between 7-9pm UK time.
James was the full-time Media Manager at Yorkshire County Cricket Club between 2007 and 2010.
James is a published author, a writer/video contributor to many cricket publications and a complete cricket badger!
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