Reality check in cricket friendly for Southern KZN U17s
The match was played in good spirit.
The Southern KZN U17s enjoyed a friendly against Umzinto U19s at the beautiful Umzinto ground on September 12.
Captain Elijah Langton lost the toss and his team was asked to bowl first.
Umzinto made 103-7 in 20 overs which didn’t seem a lot, but it was the type of day where batsmen had to work hard for their runs as the outfield was heavy.
Jordan Gopaul made a classy 29 off 25, with steady support from lefty Sahl Peerbhay who made 25 off 29 including a six swatted off a beamer that disappeared into the bougainvillaeas.
Benjamin Kunz came on to bowl towards the end, picking up 2-6 (2).
Earlier, leg-spinner Marcel van Etteryk claimed 2-7 (2) including the prized scalp of Jordan, caught on the boundary by Reuben Kunz.
Francois Smit struck with a wicket off his first delivery, the batsman edging it to keeper Daniel Rush.
Damion Bezuidenhout was consistent with 1-10 (3) as was Karlo Jacobs with 1-16 (3).
Southerns probably fancied their chances of chasing the score, but Umzinto’s bowling (wides aside) was too good for them on the day.
They were bowled out for 72, the final wicket falling on the very last ball.
The delivery, spun down by Sahl Peerbhay, saw Thuso Mavundla trying an AB de Villiers-like reverse scoop. He missed the ball completely and it duly clattered into the stumps, much to the hilarity of just about everyone.
Earlier, in-form batsman Reuben Kunz, coming in at number three, was run out for a duck which did not help matters.
This was while batting with his brother Benjamin. While there was not a lot of communication leading up to and during the run out, there certainly was afterwards and it must have been an interesting drive home for the family! (Ah, the joys of cricket).
Damion Bezuidenhout sparked some life into the innings with a lively 13 off 16 but by then it was too late to be of any concern to Umzinto.
Karlo Jacobs was the only other batsman to make double figures, with 10 off 26.
Wicket takers were Sahl Peerbhay 2-6 (2), Johar 2-14 (4), Shivaar 1-7 (3), Jordan Gopaul 1-2 (2), Shaylin 1-5 (2), Zaazu 1-7 (1).
It was something of a reality check for the youngsters, but they will have learnt a lot from this experience.
When one considers that eight of them are still U14, it bodes well for the future.
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