Multiply Titans and Buildnat Cobras: Rain, Runs and Two Points

25 November 2016

By Erika Southey

IT WAS a ‘no result’ for the Multiply Titans and Buildnat Cobras after rain and cut off time put an end to their T20 challenge at SuperSport Park.

Due to the delay – the match was reduced to 10 overs a side.  Loyal fans of both squads weathered the wet conditions to catch as much of the clash as possible.

The Titans won the toss and elected to bowl.

The match got underway, two hours after the official start time of 18:00. At one point it looked that the rain would stay away long enough for both teams to get through their allotted overs.

Both teams were ready for the re-match after their clash at the Paarl Oval.  The Cobras to settle the score and, the Titans to retain their winning streak.

The Cobras were fired up and as wicket keeper Keegan Petersen put it: “hungry for a win”. Justin Ontong echoed similar sentiments: “We want to play. We must catch up.” Their recent loss to the BizhubHighveld Lions in similar conditions where the match got reduced, still fresh in the Cobras’s minds.

Coach Paul Adams said that they were: “going to put pressure on the Titans and increase their dot ball rate”. They learnt a lot from their match against the Titans at the Paarl Oval and identified the key problem areas. Their strategy: to increase the intensity of the game.

For Titans’s Captain, Albie Morkel it was business as usual. “We want to keep the momentum going and we’re aiming for a home final.” On being top of the log and not having lost a match; Morkel responded:  “We’re halfway through the series. A lot can happen and we still have a lot of work to do.”

Morkel opened the bowling for the Titans with Richard Levi facing the first ball. He opened his tally with a couple of boundaries of the bowling of Morkel. A dropped catch saw Levi survive an early dismissal.  “It is the first time that I’ve seen a ball seam at SuperSport Park”: said Levi after being dismissed by Malusi Siboto on 45 runs.

Morkel, Dane Paterson and Kobus Wiese agreed that the match’s condition favoured batsman.  This was evident in how fast the Cobras ran up the scoreboard; especially Levi and Rory Kleinveldt getting boundaries and sixes off the bowling of the Titans. Wiese got the first breakthrough in the sixth over; dismissing Wayne Parnell for 4 runs.

Picking up where Wiese left off; the Titans bowlers and fielders kept the pressure on the Cobras batsmen. Farhaan Behardien’s safe hands were instrumental in two of the four dismissals. Wickets fell quickly.  Kieron Pollard (2) got bowled by Lungi Ngidi and soon after; Kleinveldt (28) succumbed to a fast ball from Siboto in the ninth over making it Siboto’s second wicket in the match.

 

The Cobras got 115/4 setting a target of 116 runs for the Titans.

Titans’s openers Aiden Markram and Qaasim Adams made 7 runs off Paterson before rain dropped the final curtain on the match awarding both teams two points.

Cosmic Cricket caught up with some of the players before the match:

On Faf du Plessis being found guilty of ball tampering; Cosmic Cricket asked some players what their take on the situation is.

Wiese said that there is a “fine line” when having to make a decision of guilt. “If rules were strictly applied, then all players should be checked.” he said and asked: “What about the influence of sun-screen and lip balm getting on the ball?”

Petersen said that one cannot single one person (Faf) out; as: “no team can claim that they haven’t ever tampered with a ball.”

“The story got blown out of proportion” said Paterson “We all eat sweets.” What player or team can claim otherwise?

Do officials check what each player has in his mouth before getting onto the field?

On his absence from the 4-day format and getting back to the T20 Challenge Titans Skipper, Albie Morkel;  said:  “It was a challenge to keep busy, fit and ready for the T20 Challenge” and he knew what to do to keep up.

How did Cobras Wicket-keeper, Keegan Petersen change his mindset from an innings behind the wickets to batting? Smiling he said: “The keeper has the best view of everything”.

On the lighter side, Petersen shared an anecdote: “My father tells me what I don’t want to hear; especially when I’m playing. Paarl Oval has a good echo.”  His dad’s comments brightens his game and often takes the edge off a bad day in the field.

What was Titans’s Wicket-keeper and opening batsman Heinrich Klaasen’s approach to a match? “I know what the wicket does and that gives me information for when I bat.”  He is not a stranger to opening. He had ample practice when he played for Tuks and Northens.  The difference is; it’s in a higher form and more pressure. “It’s a great challenge” he added.

Titans batsman Qaasim Adams has a somewhat unique strategy when at the crease: “After every ball, I switch off until I have to face my next ball. I flip the switch.” he grinned.

Cobras bowler Dane Paterson said that he keeps the “element of surprise” going. “You don’t want to become monotonous”: he said. Especially with the quick turnaround of facing the same teams in a short time after the last match. “Players must not get used to me. I change small things in my bowling approach.”

What hobbies/activities do the players pursue away from the pitch?

A B.Com graduate and qualified internal auditor, David Wiese enjoys a round of golf. As Wiese put it: “a cliche among players.” Klaasen and Paterson also enjoy a round of golf.

Cobras captain, Justin Ontong’s passion for the game is evident. “I want to coach once my playing career ends” he said adding: “I love the game.” A level 2 coach; Ontong spends his off-time coaching at Paul Roos Gymnasium.

A common thread between all interviewees was family. From date night (Wiese), to a young father (Ontong), to being the glue that holds loved ones together (Petersen) and relaxing with friends (Klaasen) – we sometimes forget that our heroes are more than just players on a field.

Congratulations to Rory Kleinveldt on his 500 runs in T20