The Night Watchman

After two days of testosterone filled cricket, angry managers debating luck and tactics, we eventually got to day three of the tournament. With India and Canada facing the possibility of elimination from the tournament AB-Daveilliers South African side faced New Zealand at the Falkirk stadium. Sri Lankan assistant Foxy voiced concerns previously about the weather both sides would face, but it would seem that we had a humid day today as was forecast across Pakistan.

It was a game that many had dubbed as being a crunch game for both sides everyone was tipping New Zealand for an easy win. There is a simple reason for this, New Zealand dominated South Africa in their previous tour well over a season ago and AB-Daveilliers said that the scars are still there.

“Over 16 weeks ago New Zealand dominated us in the last tour of the season and that really hurt us. We came back to the training ground after the defeat and tried to gain some perspective on the innings. In a way it spurred us on to improve and continue to work hard at our game, but those kinds of defeats don’t just leave you. They hurt, and the scars are still there. We have a point to prove.”

Written off against Sri Lanka spurred the team onto a performance that was worthy of the 4 points. Now South Africa had to do it against New Zealand. Restricting them to 212 for 9 off 50 overs with Knott scoring a nice 75 to help scrape together a total to defend. John Forsaith and Matty White both took 3 a piece in what was a disappointing batting performance from the Kiwi’s. Dirk Pretorius hit a fine 68 runs in quick time whilst Henry Southam in only his second game for the U 19’s dictated the innings from start to finish. A superb 94 off 119 balls was enough to help see South Africa home and keep them top of the table on NRR. However, South Africa and AB-Daveilliers know that their job is only half done.

“We know what there is left to do. It will be a difficult task on day 4 for us, but I am confident we can compete against Kenya and secure our place in the knockout stages. We are the weaker team on paper, but I love being the underdog. It brings the best out of me and the side, all the pressure is on Kenya to succeed.”

If results go South Africa’s way and Australia lose to New Zealand and AB-Daveilliers’ men do their job and beat Kenya. South Africa will then be guarenteed a top 2 spot going into their last game with Australia on day 5 of the tournament. Even if Australia beat New Zealand, South Africa must beat Kenya to give themselves the best chance of progressing to what AB-Daveilliers calls the “minimum expectation” and that is the knockout stages.