WITH the start of the 10th edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka beginning this weekend Northglen News will profile local residents in the cricket world to get their take on the tournament.

This year’s tournament features 20 teams from all over the world. Six countries have lifted the trophy over the years and we will chat to our residents to see who they feel will win the world cup and their most memorable moments.

A brief history

FOR the past three decades Brett Proctor has lit up our airwaves calling the action in both the domestic and international action on the cricket field through his high-energy narration.

The Izinga Ridge resident, who is an unmistakable voice in the commentary box, did his first broadcast on Radio 2000 on October 13, 1989.

The 65-year-old, a left-arm spinner, played a few games in first-class cricket for Limpopo (then Northern Transvaal) and KwaZulu-Natal (then Natal) in the early 80s.

“I played at a reasonable level and played a couple of seasons for Northern Transvaal and Natal. I would always say bowling was my profession and batting was my hobby. Having said that, I’ve always loved describing cricket. I wanted to get into broadcasting and I was lucky I was able to,” he said.

What is your earliest T20 Cricket World Cup memory?

“I would say the inaugural tournament in 2007 in South Africa where India defeated Pakistan in the final. I remember the bowl-out at Kingsmead and India going on to win a magnificent game in the final at the Wanderers by five runs.”

What is your most memorable T20 Cricket World Cup memory?

“Probably Yuvraj Singh hitting six sixes off Stuart Broad at Kingsmead. It may not be my favourite but it certainly was the most memorable.”

Who do you think will win this year’s World Cup?

“I can’t look past India. They have home ground advantage. I’m not knocking the International Cricket Council (ICC) but like the Champions Trophy, India’s schedule is more gentle than most teams. They scored 155 in the first 10 overs against New Zealand in a recent T20I, it’s ridiculous when you consider it. I think they start the tournament as favourites.”

Which associate teams should we keep an eye on?

“Is Afghanistan considered a minnow? They have some wonderful young players, especially Mujeeb (ur Rahman), Noor (Ahmad) and Rashid (Khan) and (Rahmanullah) Gurbaz at the top. The other teams that could be interesting to watch are Italy and the Netherlands. The Dutch beat South Africa in Australia in 2022, they also have a decent side.”

Which Proteas player excites you or is one to watch this world cup?

“Dewald Brevis. I was lucky enough to watch Dewald score 150-odd in a T20 tournament in Potchefstroom during Covid-19. He was was still very young at that time, maybe 18 or 19, but I knew then that he was special. He was unbelievable to watch and he is evolving his game which is amazing to see. You just have to look at how well he played at the back end of SA20 competition. I think he is kind of special.”

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