Western Province and the North West Dragons are both eager to win silverware this Saturday, 28 October when the highly anticipated CSA One Day Cup final takes place at Newlands in Cape Town from 10:00.
Both captains and coaches stated their intention of making their supporters proud with one more winning effort in the final.
Western Province captain Kyle Verreynne, stated that his team has maintained their unbeaten record due to a team effort.
“We have really been consistent. We have done well to play as a team with everyone contributing. I think in any competition you are going to come short if you only rely on one or two players,” stated Verrynne.
He also mentioned that playing the final at home at Newlands will be a highlight for him and is something he cherishes.
“Something that we have spoken about is not shying away from the occasion. Really excited, looking forward to it. Really special to win the trophy in front of our home crowd.”
North West Dragons captain, Wihan Lubbe, stated that the team is full of confidence and ready to make the most of this opportunity of playing in their first One Day Cup final.
“The main thing for us has been to create a winning atmosphere and mentality with cricketers who have character and fight. We have shown this by winning games from almost impossible positions, stated Lubbe.
North West Dragons head coach, Craig Alexander, also added that the team has received a lot of support from home and that victory will mean a lot for the people of Potchefstroom.
“We have a squad filled with experienced and senior heads as well as youngsters eager to make their mark. Everyone is up for the fight and to continue the Dragons’ legacy,” he added.
Key players:
North West Dragons
- Raynard van Tonder
Raynard van Tonder has been in imperious form with the bat and is third on the top run-scorers list in the competition with 368 runs at an average of 92. He also hit three half-centuries and one century 129* against Western Province in the league stage. His consistency has been key for the Dragons.
- Ruan de Swardt
The versatile all-rounder showed all his worth in the match against the Warriors with a player-of-the-match performance with the ball in hand. His consistent line and length could again be troublesome. He executed a sharp run-out in the field. His batting in the middle order has also been solid, and he provides the Dragons with firepower in the latter overs.
- Meeka-eel Prince
Meeka-eel Prince has grown leaps and bounds this season with a half-century against the Titans and an incredible 166 against the Rocks that took the Dragons to a much-needed first win of the season at home. That kickstarted their campaign and is one of the main reasons for their charge to the final. His opening partnership with Lesego Senokwane has also been fruitful, and the Dragons will depend on more runs from the talented youngster.
Western Province
- Kyle Verreynne
The Western Province captain has been in great form with the bat, and his captaincy and wicketkeeping have played a major role in their unbeaten run. He smashed a match-winning century against the Dragons last time around and will be looking to do the same in the final.
- David Bedingham
David Bedingham returned to Province after the first three games of the season and made an instant impact, scoring 245 runs at an average of 81.66 with a century and 2 fifties. Bedingham and Tony de Zorzi will be two key wickets the Dragons will want to take early on.
- Nandré Burger
One of the main reasons for Western Province’s success this season is the pace bowling efforts of left armer Nandré Burger. The tall speedster has picked up 13 wickets at an average of 19.07 and a strike rate of 24. He also has best bowling figures of 6/38. Burger has stepped up this season with fellow left-arm fast bowler Beuran Hendricks, who form a solid pace-bowling tandem up front.
