The Proteas have made it two wins from two at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup which kicked off a little over a week ago. As the tournament progresses, Northglen News will profile local residents in the cricket world to get their take on the tournament. We will chat to our residents to see who they feel will win the world cup and their most memorable moments.

A brief history

Last year, uMhlanga resident Sarel Erwee retired from professional cricket, having represented the Hollywoodbets Dolphins for more than a decade.

Born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, Erwee attended St Charles College and began his cricketing career at junior level.

He played more than 280 professional matches across all formats for the Dolphins. He also played for the Proteas, being capped 10 times in Test match cricket.

“The pinnacle of my career was playing Test cricket for South Africa,” Erwee explained. “Looking back on my career with the Dolphins, the team and the stadium has always been a special place for me and will always be a special place for me.”

While he has transitioned to working in corporate, he still plays cricket at club level, representing Crusaders cricket club.

What is your earliest T20 Cricket World Cup memory?

“It was England winning the T20 World Cup in Barbados in the West Indies in 2010. For some reason that sticks out to me. I remember Craig Kieswetter scoring a half-century in that game.”

What is your most memorable T20 Cricket World Cup memory?

“For me probably the last World Cup in 2024 where the Proteas made it all the way to the final. It was memorable in both a good and a bad way. I was so proud of the team and it was the first time a South African men’s team had reached the final. I was in the UK at the time watching it around an English fan base. They were celebrating when we lost. We lost by a whisker in that game.”

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

“I think there are three contenders for me. From what I’ve seen New Zealand have been dominant in their performances so far. Everyone forgets about them a little but they really arrive in these big tournaments. Pakistan could also be a big surprise as the team progresses, the type of bowlers they have could work in their favour. The third for me is of course South Africa. So many players are in great form and I feel like they’ve covered all their bases very well.”

Which associate teams should we keep an eye on?

“Some of the minnow teams have really shown incredible heart. There’s so much potential across the so-called minnow teams and I hope after this tournament more resources are given to these teams. In terms of who has impressed me so far, I think about Nepal who were really impressive against England. And the other is the Netherlands who always give it a fighting chance with their performances.”

Which Proteas player excites you or is one to watch this World Cup?

“Again I have three players. It is Quinton de Kock, Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton. Quinton because in T20 cricket fast starts are crucial, especially in the sub-continent, and he provides the impetus to our innings and quiets down the opposition. Tristan because he is crucial in the middle and he stood out in the game against Afghanistan and showed how dangerous he can be. Ryan because he has carried his SA20 form to the World Cup. You need form players in the World Cup and they’ve certainly performed thus far.”

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or  Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here