Who are the black diamonds of the cricket season to date?
The Titans boasts arguably the newcomer of the season already and the Knights have been rewarded but it's been tough for others.
Lungi Ngidi is back with a bang. Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images.
With the domestic T20 challenge starting later this week and all the Proteas players being available, it seems likely that franchises will streamline the black African players they’re required to pick in every game.
At the moment, Cricket South Africa requires teams to field at least three per game.
As the Sunfoil Series takes a break, here’s how those players have performed to date.
CAPE COBRAS
Players used: Aviwe Mgijima, Tshepo Moreki, Simon Khomari, Temba Bavuma, Mthiwekhaya Nabe.
The reliable Avi Mgijima has carried on his promising form from last season and has emerged as one of the Capetonians’ best batsmen.
He’s made 304 runs at an average of 43.42 and can even brag with a maiden first-class century.
Opener Simon Khomari (44 runs at 14.66) hasn’t cashed in on the relatively easy pitches to date, while Mthiwekhaya Nabe and Tshepo Moreki have toiled manfully without much reward with their seamers.
DOLPHINS
Players used: Khaya Zondo, Andile Phehlukwayo, Sibonelo Makhanya, Athi Maposa.
Khaya Zondo clearly enjoys the Dolphins captaincy. Photo: Gallo Images.
Khaya Zondo continues to be one of the classiest performers on the domestic circuit and is clearly relishing the his captaincy role too.
The 27-year-old has scored 309 at an average of over 51 and has even chipped in with three cheap wickets.
He’s steadily knocking on the door for higher honours.
Andile Phehlukwayo made 99 runs in his only match before Proteas duty but former national Under-19 skipper Sibonelo Makhanya and seamer Athi Maposa need to still find their feet.
KNIGHTS
Players used: Luthando Mnyanda, Grant Mokoena, Eddie Leie, Mbulelo Budaza.
Grant Mokoena has reignited his career since moving to the Knights. Photo: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images.
For a region that has traditionally struggled with performing black Africans, the Knights are shining in this regard to date.
Grant Mokoena’s move from the Titans seems to be paying off as he’s scored 258 runs at a healthy average of 43.
It’s a haul that includes a hundred and two fifties.
Luthando Mnyanda has for some time been hailed as an exciting stroke-maker and it’s hoped his 167 runs at 55.66 is a sign of things to come.
Leg-spinner Eddie Leie has been energetic as always with 8 wickets but left-arm quick Mbulelo Budaza has been wayward.
HIGHVELD LIONS
Players used: Omphile Ramela, Mangaliso Mosehle, Kagiso Rapulana, Aaron Phangiso, Aya Myoli, Kagiso Rabada.
Omphile Ramela is the glue of the Lions’ middle-order. Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images.
The obdurate Omphile Ramela has settled in well as a senior player and has done a good all-round job.
He’s made 343 runs at 38.11 and also snagged three wickets.
Mangaliso Mosehle (59 runs at 14.75) continues to frustrate as he clearly has a lot of talent yet struggles to be consistent.
Aaron Phangiso has bowled steadily for his five wickets while Aya Myoli delivered a good spell in the previous encounter against the Titans.
TITANS
Players used: Malusi Siboto, Alfred Mothoa, Vusi Mahlangu, Lungi Ngidi, Tony de Zorsi.
Malusi Siboto: reliable as always. Photo: Gallo Images.
Given how difficult it’s been for the bowlers in general this season, the Titans boast one of the newcomers of the season already in Alfred Mothoa.
The man nicknamed ‘Harmison’ – because his bowling action is based on former England quick Steve Harmison – has taken 12 wickets at 23 in an impressive start.
Malusi Siboto continues to be one of the most reliable performers on the circuit with a competition-high 17 wickets at 21.35 and 121 runs to boot.
The exciting Lungi Ngidi, who took international cricket by storm last season, has taken 9 wickets in his only match.
Young batters Vusi Mahlangu and Tony de Zorsi are looking for runs still.
WARRIORS
Players used: Aya Gqamane, Tladi Bokako, Lesiba Ngoepe, Jerry Nqolo, Sisanda Magala, Lutho Sipamla.
Jerry Nqolo has carved out a regular place for him in the Warriors line-up. Photo: Michael Sheehan/Gallo Images.
Left-hander Lesiba Ngoepe is gradually becoming a stalwart in the middle-order with his 154 runs at 38.50, while Jerry Nqolo celebrated a century on his way to a haul of 151 runs at 37.25.
Sisanda Magala’s 8 wickets are reward for his perseverance while Tladi Bokako looks set to build a pretty good bowling record in first-class cricket.
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