North West Dragons all-rounder Ruan de Swardt is making a name for himself in England with the Leicestershire Foxes in white-ball cricket.
De Swardt, who is on a short-term contract until 17 August, impressed by striking a majestic career-best 126 off 116 balls in a recent One-Day Cup match against Lancashire on Sunday, 26 July.
“Patches”, as he is widely known, came in with his side in deep trouble at 22/4 and managed to almost take them to victory. Leicestershire reached 362/8, falling 21 runs short in pursuit of Lancashire’s 383/4.
He hit some lusty blows, including a superb slog sweep and switch hit for six, as well as numerous lofted drives over mid-off. He hit four sixes and 11 fours in a sparkling innings.
The former Affies old boy was also in form with the ball in hand, taking 2/55 from 10 overs. In three One-Day Cup matches for the Foxes, he has taken seven wickets at an average of 17.85 and an economy rate of 4.62.
De Swardt joined the county side for the Foxes’ final three T20 Blast fixtures and the opening three One-Day Cup matches, but has now extended his stay until mid-August.
This form bodes well for the Dragons, as De Swardt will play a vital role as one of the big-name players for North West in the upcoming 2026/27 domestic season.
