North West Dragons’ Janneman Malan has deservedly achieved his maiden double century club in first-class cricket after a terrific unbeaten 208 against Western Province in a Sunfoil 3-Day match at Senwes Park this past weekend. Malan was at his destructive best as he hammered 31 fours and 2 sixes in his 288-ball innings. His knock was halted by a thunderstorm that kept the teams off the park on Saturday, though, and the spoils were shared.
North West was in a strong position on 439/3 after 100 overs, especially after bowling out WP cheaply for 119 and can feel justifiably disappointed that the rain had the final say.
Janneman Malan was ably supported by debutant, Lourén Steenkamp who made a well-compiled 56 (110). Steenkamp, who is an alumnus of Potchefstroom Gimnasium, showed his talent on the big stage and this could be a taste of things to come for the right-hander.
The Dragons captain, Kagiso Rapulana also continued his fine season with the bat as he added 91 together with Malan in a 196-run partnership.
Interestingly, Malan’s brother, Pieter, was fielding for Western Province at the time and must have had conflicting feelings. On the one hand, his brother had achieved a fantastic feat while, on the other, it was detrimental to his own side’s chances.
‘I was really happy to score this double century. It is not something you expect to do every time around so it is a good feeling to achieve it. I had good support from Lourén and Jonty and that always helps a lot. It was also extra special because my parents and family were there for support,’ said Janneman.
He added that his form in the longer format of the game has been very positive this year and he hopes to continue that in the months to come.
‘It is any batsman’s goal to bat longer and make big scores. I think it also shows how I’ve grown as a player, being able to bat for long hours while maintaining the concentration and patience,’ he said.

North West kept up the momentum in the CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge with a tight 3-run win against Western Province on Sunday.
The Dragons batted first and made 240 all out with Rapulana (65 off 70) and Richardt Frenz (80 off 90) being the stand-out batsmen.
The Dragons’ victory was secured, thanks to a brilliant five-for from leg-spinner, Dylan Matthews (5/47) who showed nerves of steel in the final over of the match. Matthews conceded only 8 runs in a nervy finish as North West restricted WP to 237/7, albeit Qaasim Adams (63 from 73) and Wayne Parnell’s (65 off 83) best efforts with the willow.