Giants look to fans to propel win over Durban Heat
An orange sea of support is the much sought-after item on Black Friday as NMB Giants host Durban Heat in their first home game of the Mzansi Super League T20 at St George’s Park.
The Giants’ management have been itching to get back to Port Elizabeth and play their first match of the tournament and have requested the public to come out and support the squad in team colours.
After two away games to open the tournament, the side will be banking on vocal Bay support to help them carry them to an important home win against a Proteas-laden Heat outfit.
Matters did not go according to plan in the defeat to the Cape Town Blitz on Wednesday, although they did end up close to their revised target in losing by only 12 runs at Newlands.
But, upon reflection, they will identify their bowling, with the exception of Imran Tahir, as the main reason for the loss, and will look to rectify that against the Heat on Friday evening.
“We probably didn’t bowl at our best,” said captain Jon-Jon Smuts. “It was tough, and the way they bowled in the first six was exceptional. Dale (Steyn) was very good. A few disruptions didn’t help us.”
Smuts was referring to the floodlight failure during the Giants’ chase with the bat at Newlands which saw their innings reduced by four overs and their target readjusted.
Tahir, who had earlier only conceded only 18 runs in his four overs, agreed with Smuts.
“It was a great game and, from a personal point of view, a good challenge. The better team won but we came close. I think if we had a full game I was backing our boys to get that total,” said the Proteas kingpin.
Giants batsman Heino Kuhn was the other bright light on the evening, making an aggressive half-century, despite sustaining a sickening blow to the helmet off the bowling of Steyn.
“I was just a little shaken up at the start there. Dale Steyn, people may say he’s 35 but he’s still as quick as ever and as good as ever,” said Kuhn. “But there’s still a long way to go. A lot of things to work on.”
Englishman Ben Duckett continued to impress in making a quick 23 and he will be wanting to light St George’s Park up on his debut. Chris Morris showed glimpses of exactly why he is a sought after seamer in this version of the game.
Once again, the Giants will need to be up for the fight against a team that includes the likes of Hashim Amla, Heinrich Klaassen, David Miller, Kyle Abbott, Vernon Philander and Keshav Maharaj in their ranks.
Tournament squads: NMB Giants:
Imran Tahir, Jason Roy, Chris Morris, Jon-Jon Smuts (capt), Junior Dala, Christiaan Jonker, Aaron Phangiso, Ben Duckett, Sisanda Magala, Ryan McLaren, Heino Kuhn, Marco Marais, Dyllan Matthews, Lizaard Williams, Rudi Second, Carmi le Roux
Durban Heat:
Hashim Amla, Rashid Khan, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Kyle Abbott, Keshav Maharaj, Khaya Zondo, Albie Morkel (capt), Marchant de Lange, Vernon Philander, Brandon Mavuta, Temba Bavuma, Morné van Wyk, Okuhle Cele, Sarel Erwee, Tladi Bokako, Prenelan Subrayen.
The match starts at 7pm, and gates open at 5pm.
It was a great game and, from a personal point of view, a good challenge