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Ken Borland

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High-quality SA fast bowling stuffs Sri Lanka 0

Posted on October 08, 2012 by Ken

South Africa’s high-quality fast bowling stuffed Sri Lanka as they beat them by 32 runs in their rain-reduced ICC World T20 match at Hambantota on Saturday.

7th over – WICKET – Dilshan Munaweera’s struggles are over as, after scoring 13 off 14 balls, he cuts Albie Morkel to Farhaan Behardien at deep point. Albie should have another wicket two balls later as Lahiru Thirimanne tries to steer his first ball, a shortish delivery, over short third man, where Morne Morkel leaps, gets two hands to the ball above his head but it slips through.

6th over – Thisara Perera is out for one as he pulls a back-of-a-length delivery from Dale Steyn straight to deep midwicket. Jeevan Mendis collects a well-struck boundary as he bashes the fast bowler straight down the ground for a one-bounce four.

5th over – Jacques Kallis is introduced and has Kumar Sangakkara dropped for a second time with his first ball! Sangakkara, on 10, top-edges a hook as Kallis bangs the ball in short on the receptive surface, the ball steepling to midwicket, where Albie Morkel is perfectly positioned, but the ball slips out! Two balls later, Kallis also digs the ball in short to Munaweera, whose hook shot it also top-edged, but it flies over short fine-leg for four. WICKET – But Kallis eventually gets reward with the penultimate ball of the over as Sangakkara edges a wild swipe to leg and is caught behind by AB de Villiers for 13 off 11 balls.

4th over – Sangakkara creates some room for himself with good footwork and drives Johan Botha crisply through extra cover for four.

3rd over – Another superb over from Morne Morkel but the last ball sees Sangakkara dropped on one as he slices a leg-side heave towards third man, poor old Faf du Plessis running from point, getting under the ball but spilling the catch!

2nd over – A great over from Steyn has cost just three runs and frustrated Sri Lanka. WICKET – Mahela Jayawardena has scored just four off six balls and he steps outside leg stump for the last ball of the over, but Steyn follows him, the Sri Lankan captain flicking the ball high to Behardien at deep square-leg.

1st over – Jayawardena gets the benefit of the doubt on a very close lbw shout first ball, swings wildly outside off stump and misses the second delivery, before driving Morne Morkel’s third ball inside-out high over cover-point for four. WICKET – But disaster then strikes for Sri Lanka as Tillakaratne Dilshan is run out without facing a ball! Jayawardena drives the ball to mid-off, where Albie Morkel fumbles. But Dilshan is on his heels and slow to set off for the single, Albie quickly recovers and throws the ball at the wicketkeeper’s end. The throw is a little wayward, but De Villiers does brilliantly to gather the ball and dive forward into the stumps, colliding with Dilshan’s bat in the process and injuring his forearm. But the dangerous opener is caught centimetres short of his ground!

South Africa innings

Captain AB de Villiers provided the perfect spark as he lifted South Africa to 78 for four after their seven overs in their ICC World T20 match against Sri Lanka at Hambantota on Saturday.

7th over – WICKET – Faf du Plessis holes out to long-off with a lofted drive off Thisara Perera, having scored 13 off 11 balls, but JP Duminy ends the innings in style with a perfectly-executed scoop for a one-bounce four to fine leg and then a superbly struck straight six back over the seamer’s head.

6th over – Lasith Malinga returns, but his first ball is a wide outside off stump and his second is short and hooked magnificently for a massive six by De Villiers. The wicketkeeper/batsman slices the next delivery just over the covers for a couple more runs. WICKET – De Villiers steps outside off stump for the last ball of the over, but goes too early, Malinga sees him and pitches the ball full and wider. De Villiers can only mistime a lofted drive to deep mid-off, having plundered 30 off 13 balls.

5th over – A good start to the over for South Africa as De Villiers belts a reverse-sweep for four off Rangana Herath. Three balls later, the left-arm spinner thinks De Villiers is going to come down the pitch, but the South African captain hangs back, waits for the flatter, short delivery and pummels it over long-on for six.

3rd over – A superb over from left-arm spinner Herath costs just six runs and ends with the wicket of Hashim Amla. WICKET – Amla comes down the pitch for a heave-ho but misses an arm-ball, wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakarra pulling off a superb stumping from outside leg stump. That was beautiful glovework to send Amla on his way for 16 off nine balls.

2nd over – Malinga’s first ball is superbly driven over extra cover for four by Amla. Three balls later, Malinga is striving for his famous yorker, but it’s a half-volley and Amla carves the ball over extra cover again for another boundary.

1st over – WICKET – Richard Levi is deceived by a back-of-the-hand slower ball from Nuwan Kulasekara and his attempted lofted drive skews off the bat, high to wide mid-on, where Dilshan Munaweera, running from midwicket, dives to take a splendid catch. Levi scored four off four balls. Amla’s flashing blade scythes his first ball over the covers for four.

Tags:
Category Cricket, Sport

Ideal start for rampant England 0

Posted on October 08, 2012 by Ken

England, the defending champions, made the ideal start to their ICC World T20 campaign when they hammered Afghanistan by 116 runs in their opening game at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday.

: http://www.supersport.com/cricket/article.aspx?id=1592431

After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, England rode on the back of Luke Wright’s fiery 99 not out off just 55 balls to post 196 for five, the highest score of the tournament thus far.

Afghanistan were in serious danger of making the lowest ever score in T20 internationals when they crashed to 26 for eight in reply, but Gulbodin Naib restored the pride of the gutsy minnows and entertained the sparse crowd as he belted 44 off 32 balls to lift Afghanistan to 80 all out.

Wright batted with tremendous power to batter eight fours and six sixes, leading the charge as England blazed 122 runs in the last 10 overs to surge to a massive total.

The pace of Shapoor Zadran caused England some early troubles, and he claimed the wicket of Craig Kieswetter, playing the ball onto his own stumps, for a duck to end the first over with a wicket-maiden.

But Wright and Alex Hales made sure England made full use of the last two overs of the powerplay, smashing 37 runs from them and England were 52 for one after six overs.

Even though England lost the wicket of Hales, for 31 off 27 balls, in the most unfortunate of ways as Karim Sadiq deflected Wright’s straight drive onto the non-striker’s stumps, it was obvious England were well set for a big total with Wright going strongly at the halfway mark on 38 not out off 26 balls and the world No 1 on 74 for two.

Wright hit the off-spin of Mohammad Nabi for a six and two fours in the 16th over, Eoin Morgan also contributing a six as 22 runs came from the over.

Nabi had bowled his first two overs for 10 runs but finished with none for 46 in his four-over stint.

Wright’s marvellous ball-striking reached its peak in the penultimate over as he smashed the last three balls of Izatullah Dawlatzai’s over for six. The unfortunate seamer conceded 56 runs in three overs, the most expensive three-over spell in T20 international history.

Dawlatzai did, however, claim the wickets of Morgan, for 27 off 23 balls, and Jos Buttler, for 15 off seven.

There was also a useful cameo from Jonny Bairstow, who hit his first ball for six and ended with 12 off five balls.

Considering the carnage, Dawlat Zadran’s figures of one for 22 in four overs were remarkable and he prevented Wright from notching England’s first T20 international century by restricting him to just a couple of singles and two runs to midwicket off the last ball of the over.

England’s display with the ball was amazing as they reduced Afghanistan to 22 for five inside six overs.

Captain Stuart Broad claimed two early wickets and there was the run-out of Karim Sadiq for five as well, before the spinners, Samit Patel (3-0-6-2) and Graeme Swann (4-2-22-2), chipped in to reduce Afghanistan to a catastrophic 26 for eight after nine overs.

Gulbodin took it upon himself to save Afghanistan from unwanted history as he belted five fours and three sixes, but the yawning gap between the plucky good-news story of the competition and the defending champions was only too obvious.

Tags:
Category Cricket, Sport

Proteas World T20 Q&A 0

Posted on October 07, 2012 by Ken

Asked by:

Jacques Swart (Pretoria) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:28

Question:

Great win for the Proteas yesterday. How much better are the Proteas at, attacking spin, to previous teams? I remember in the past we struggled with attacking quality spin. I see this as being the main concern come saturday, depending on pitch conditions.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

We`ve improved hugely against spin! In fact, I would say we now play spin probably the best in the world, along with Australia, outside of the sub-continental countries. Our record in the sub-continent shows this. But it will be a fascinating challenge to attack Ajantha Mendis!
Asked by:

jimesh chauhan (jhb) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:45

Question:

Will Ajantha Mandis have a huge impact on South African batting line up, considering his last performance against Zimbabwe?
And I still feel that Albie Morkel should bat no. 4 or 5, in order to post a solid platform. Do u agree or disagree? Thank you for ur time:)keep well

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Jimesh
Ajantha Mendis is obviously a major threat, but we do play spin a whole lot better than Zimbabwe do! It will be a fascinating contest between him and the likes of Amla, Kallis and De Villiers.
I think Albie`s batting position should depend on how many overs are left in the innings. If we`re 120-2 after 14 overs, then I have no problem with him coming in. He should be coming when there are about five overs left.
Asked by:

Stephen Lynch (Frankfurt) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:46

Question:

Hi Ken, hope you are well out there in miggie-land. Methinks last night”s game did basically nothing to practically advance the cause in this tournament, apart from Levi getting his eye back in. And the bowlers, of course, but that performance would have been the case anyhow had we bowled second up. Question is; why did AB not bat first to allow match practice for the batters? So now what do we do with the new man, an outing against Zim would have been ideal. Can AB now risk him against SL? I feel we missed an opportunity last night. SA were always going to be far too strong, so a slightly green strip was never going to be a factor. What sayeth thou?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Salutations Stephen!
I agree, not too much can be read into the win over Zimbabwe, but if South Africa have learnt anything in ICC tournaments it`s that you can`t afford to underestimate anybody! So I think AB`s thinking quite rightly revolved around making sure we win well and not approaching the game as a practice session. Obviously it was great that Levi got some runs and the intensity the bowlers showed has laid down a marker for the rest of the tournament.
Asked by:

Bob (hove /england) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:48

Question:

Hi Ken
Why is Vernon Philander not in the SA team.Is this another time where South Africa screw up because someone cant see the wood threw the trees.And why is Justin Ontong anywhere near Sa colours.Is it because of his colour.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Bob
Philander is not played in the limited-overs teams because he`s considered more of a line-and-length bowler and lacks the variety needed, especially in T20. Ontong is most definitely there on merit – he`s been one of the best finishers and most consistent batsmen in domestic cricket. Plus he`s experienced.

 

Asked by:

Jacques Swart (Pretoria) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:28

Question:

Great win for the Proteas yesterday. How much better are the Proteas at, attacking spin, to previous teams? I remember in the past we struggled with attacking quality spin. I see this as being the main concern come saturday, depending on pitch conditions.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

We`ve improved hugely against spin! In fact, I would say we now play spin probably the best in the world, along with Australia, outside of the sub-continental countries. Our record in the sub-continent shows this. But it will be a fascinating challenge to attack Ajantha Mendis!
Asked by:

jimesh chauhan (jhb) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:45

Question:

Will Ajantha Mandis have a huge impact on South African batting line up, considering his last performance against Zimbabwe?
And I still feel that Albie Morkel should bat no. 4 or 5, in order to post a solid platform. Do u agree or disagree? Thank you for ur time:)keep well

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Jimesh
Ajantha Mendis is obviously a major threat, but we do play spin a whole lot better than Zimbabwe do! It will be a fascinating contest between him and the likes of Amla, Kallis and De Villiers.
I think Albie`s batting position should depend on how many overs are left in the innings. If we`re 120-2 after 14 overs, then I have no problem with him coming in. He should be coming when there are about five overs left.
Asked by:

Stephen Lynch (Frankfurt) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:46

Question:

Hi Ken, hope you are well out there in miggie-land. Methinks last night”s game did basically nothing to practically advance the cause in this tournament, apart from Levi getting his eye back in. And the bowlers, of course, but that performance would have been the case anyhow had we bowled second up. Question is; why did AB not bat first to allow match practice for the batters? So now what do we do with the new man, an outing against Zim would have been ideal. Can AB now risk him against SL? I feel we missed an opportunity last night. SA were always going to be far too strong, so a slightly green strip was never going to be a factor. What sayeth thou?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Salutations Stephen!
I agree, not too much can be read into the win over Zimbabwe, but if South Africa have learnt anything in ICC tournaments it`s that you can`t afford to underestimate anybody! So I think AB`s thinking quite rightly revolved around making sure we win well and not approaching the game as a practice session. Obviously it was great that Levi got some runs and the intensity the bowlers showed has laid down a marker for the rest of the tournament.
Asked by:

Bob (hove /england) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:48

Question:

Hi Ken
Why is Vernon Philander not in the SA team.Is this another time where South Africa screw up because someone cant see the wood threw the trees.And why is Justin Ontong anywhere near Sa colours.Is it because of his colour.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Bob
Philander is not played in the limited-overs teams because he`s considered more of a line-and-length bowler and lacks the variety needed, especially in T20. Ontong is most definitely there on merit – he`s been one of the best finishers and most consistent batsmen in domestic cricket. Plus he`s experienced.
Asked by:

Ahmed white (Bulawaya) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:49

Question:

Do u think the choking mindset is stil playing in minds of the players.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

I`d hate to speculate what it`s in the minds of the players. But they seem to be very open about the whole “choking” issue and the first step in overcoming a problem is acknowledging that you have one.
Asked by:

Dave Child (Cape Town) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:51

Question:

How important a role do you see partnerships playing in T20 cricket? Is there merit in building partnerships or does the format just encourage high run rates and big hitting?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

It`s surprising how crucial partnerships are, even in T20. One partnership of 80, even if the one batsman just makes 20 off 20 balls, generally sets up a healthy total.
Asked by:

Kevin (Bloemfontein) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:52

Question:

Hi Ken

Thanks for your time. With our team well balanced now, do you see Lobsi and FaF playing a major role if we are to win? And do you see the batting order changing a lot?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Kevin
I think Faf has been earmarked as batting in the top three so, with Levi now making runs, his chances of playing a major role now seem quite slim.
Tsotsobe has been out of sorts with the ball for a while now and, similarly, with Steyn, the 2 Morkels and Kallis doing such a great job with the ball last night, he could struggle to get back in.
The batting order will probably stay the same now, although there might be a shuffle if Amla & Kallis find themselves in at the same time.
Asked by:

Danian (wellington) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:52

Question:

Hi ken do u think that levi is gonna step up agains the big teams?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Danian
I was very encouraged by the way Levi played last night. He was a lot more patient, composed and generally played straighter, half of his boundaries coming through the covers. Obviously it was against a limited bowling attack, but if he can bat with the same mindset against the bigger teams, then I believe he can still be successful.
Asked by:

John (JHB) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:55

Question:

Hi, Would just like to know even if SA beat Sri Lanka They finish second no matter what and do they carry those points into the super 8”s.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi John
We would have to thrash Sri Lanka in order to overtake them in the group.
No points are carried through to the Super 8s.
Asked by:

Tumelo Motlhaloga (Johannesburg) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:56

Question:

Hi Ken

I was pleased with the compo of the squad with Fahaan getting the nod as he can finish the innings this will in turn let AB bat @4.Which slow bowler would you give a chance to fill in for Botha after the tornament Phangiso as he is economical or Harmer

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Tumelo
Do you know something about Botha that I don`t? He is still available for South Africa moving forward. But if he gets injured, then Phangiso must be in with a good shout given his domestic form. Harmer is still a bit raw and has had more success in four-day cricket.
Asked by:

Jerry Kekana (Mafikeng) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:59

Question:

Hi Ken

I believe the team that played against Zim was the best we have, the only change could be in the no 6position and maybe an extra paceman for a spinner if need be. Our top5 should be like that. Your opinion on that?
Regards

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Jerry
Yes, I also liked the top 5, providing Levi can carry on with that form.
Behardien obviously still needs to prove himself, but he was the best finisher in SA last season and deserves a fair chance. An extra paceman for a spinner would depend on conditions, but it needs to be remembered that spinners are the most successful bowlers in T20 and South Africa have built a strong strategy around Botha & Peterson.
Asked by:

Bruce (Johannesburg) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:59

Question:

Hi Ken. SA”s performance yesterday was flawless, however, was against a minnow team which hasn”t won a T20 game in 13-odd games. How should we fancy our chances against Sri Lanka tomorrow, with the likes of the Mendis brothers currently dominating their bowling attack, and of course, Slinga Malinga…?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Bruce
Quite right, beating Zimbabwe is one thing, but we were never under pressure. Sri Lanka will be a very tough challenge, at home, desperate to win the trophy, and with some of the best T20 players in the world in Malinga, Ajantha Mendis, Sangakkara, Dilshan, Jayawardena!
Asked by:

Mark Van Zyl (Boksburg) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:01

Question:

Howzit Ken,
I think it was an all round good performance yesterday, but do you think that it will have a positive or negative approach come Saturday knowing that both teams have won quite comfortable bat and ball?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Mark
Apart from the confidence boost it has given both South Africa and Sri Lanka, the wins over Zimbabwe will have no bearing on Saturday`s game.
Asked by:

Christian (Randburg) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:02

Question:

Hi Ken, many will criticize ICC”s decision to include the “minnow” teams in the World T20, and say that they are not good enough to compete against the bigger teams. But in all fairness, what real opportunities are they given to improve? You already have a Future Tours Programme (set for the next 5-10 years) that is already against them, and then little room for them to get “real” competition not only against each other, but crucially the big teams. Is cricket ever really going to become a true global sport? Or is it forever going to remain a domain of 5 or 6 countries? Your thoughts?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Christian
It`s a difficult one because playing 2 one-sided matches in a world cup probably doesn`t help them much, but it`s better than nothing.
The ICC are working hard to give the second tier more opportunities and more regular tournaments, but there`s still a long way to go. T20 is a good vehicle for them and perhaps the ICC should look at expanding this competition and having a Plate section?
Asked by:

Jody (Durban) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:04

Question:

I don”t know much about Farhaan Behardien, is he good enough as a batsmen. If not would fuf d replace him?
Thx

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Faf is more of a top-order batsman in T20, while Behardien was the best finisher in South Africa last year, had a phenomenal run. He definitely deserves a chance at 6.
Asked by:

Sergio Short (Middelburg) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:06

Question:

Good Day Ken,

I”m glad we got the first win out of the way and the team will be able to build from that. I hope the team is left as it is for now because the mix is very good and can handle just about anything.

My only concern is with the conditions taking a bit of a toll on the guys especially the fast bowlers. Morne Morkel was really tired when bowling his last over and looked like his struggling for breath. How long does it usually take to acclimatise to the conditions in Sri Lanka?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Sergio
I think the guys will take strain especially after coming straight from a couple of months in England! Fortunately it is just 4 overs for the quicks and I`m assured that Rob Walter has them all at peak fitness!
They seemed pretty acclimatised last night, but yes, the heat and humidity will be a factor.
Asked by:

Tengz (East London) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:08

Question:

What do you think could be the catalyst in the proteas winning their first major tournament.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

A bit of luck will probably make all the difference!
I think we need a match-winning performance in the knockout phase from one of our world-class stars – De Villiers, Steyn, Kallis, Amla, one of the Morkels?
Asked by:

louis (pretoria) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:08

Question:

hi Ken
do you thimk watching Levi yesterday bat this will be his new style of batting in T20?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

hi Louis
I hope so! He just needs to give himself more time. With his power and timing he will still get great value from more orthodox strokes.
Asked by:

Elvis chauke (Phalaborwa) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:14

Question:

We beat zimbabwe by 10 wickets,ok.zim r minnows as they r unranked in test rankings.cn da proteas keep da momentum going against big guns like england n australia in da big stage?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

That remains to be seen. I would certainly back us against England and Australia, but there are bigger guns in the tournament like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, West Indies, India …
Asked by:

Kau Magashe (Polokwane) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:16

Question:

Hello ken now that we have qualified for the super eight, is it time to rotate our batsmen aswel as our bowler to give them some game time or will it upset our starting eleven?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Kau
I think rotation should only happen if the conditions demand it. It`s not like a 50-over World Cup where there are a whole string of matches and you can afford to tweak your team.
We have some momentum now, we need to build on that.
Asked by:

Talha (Durban) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:20

Question:

Great start for the Proteas, my only fear is that this appears way too familiar with last tournaments, demolishing teams at the beginning and then when it really counts, can”t handle the pressure – would the proteas ever get that Big Match Temperament? Considering how fully aware they”ve become of the chokers tag? Secondly the fact that our openers were barely tested against Zim, it feels like the cup hasn”t yet started for them – what do u think the mind frame would be going into the next round?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Obviously the team still has plenty to prove, but would you rather they struggled to beat Zimbabwe? At least they`ve laid down a marker now and they have a base to build on.
They`ve shown plenty of BMT in England so why can`t they in Sri Lanka?
I think the tournament has most definitely started for Richard Levi, he`ll be mightily relieved to get some runs and that will do his confidence a world of good.
I`m sure their mindframe will be the same going into the next round, although they will need to be a little more aggressive.
Asked by:

Ismail (Pietermaritzburg) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:20

Question:

Hi Ken. T20 is a lottery type cricket game… & on top of that a weather affected/influenced match is an add-on lottery also … all in all i hope that the team that actually wins this ”gambling tournament” is not one that chance seems to have favoured [unfairly]! & that this really silly ”chokers” medal is not brandied about because of this. Six or nix, hit or miss – its just not cricket is it? Whatever happens wishing SA & all you lucky scribes out there all the best & the most giggling fun you have ever had in an international tournament! ENJOY! 🙂

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Ismail
You`re quite right, there`s a lot of luck involved in T20, but also plenty of skill! Hopefully skills will win the day, although when the games get really short, some outrageous good or bad fortune can decide the outcome!
Asked by:

kashief davids (Cape town) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:28

Question:

Hello ken, seems sa must get the tummy bug more often i would say that was of our most clinical victories yet. my question is about our batting line up dont you think it would be a better option to have ab devilliers open the batting with hashim and if hashim falls kallis comes in and if ab falls depending on how far along in the innings we are levi or albie comes in i think Levi is not an opener he would be better utilised as a lance kluzner role what do you think.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Kashief
Ha ha good point about the tummy bug!
I think Levi is very much an opener and his role is to go hard at the new ball and if he scores 30 off 15 we`re off to a great start. If he comes in lower down, he won`t have as much pace on the ball to work with and he`s not as effective against spin. I know we want AB to bat as many overs as possible, but I`m happy with him at 3 or 4.
Asked by:

Ronesh Ellam Dukhanti (Midrand) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:29

Question:

We had a great win against ZIM, What sort of team will play against Sri Lanka?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

The same XI I`d imagine.
Asked by:

Damien (Cape Town) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:39

Question:

Do you think, the lack of pre-tournament hype will be in the Proteas favors.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Well I can assure that they are already being hyped up and set up to fail! Just yesterday I heard someone call them the favourites!
I think if your heads are in the right place, then being called the favourites is not a bad thing though …
Asked by:

chokersagain (jhb) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:48

Question:

The balance of the T20 side can be improved by dropping Hash. There is no place for both Hash and Kallis in this current squad. Kallis=all rounder should get the nod. With Hash in the squad we will always get to decent scores but not great scores. We dont need Hash as anchor in T20”s. We need a more destructive batsman to replace Hash.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

It`s clear by your handle that you`re willing South Africa to fail which is why you want Hashim dropped.
Hashim is in unbelievable form, has been our best batsman in recent T20s and we should allow him to show us what he can do.
A lot of people had doubts about him in ODIs too – and now he`s number one in the world!
Oh, and he`s our T20 vice-captain which shows you in what high regard the team, management and selectors hold him in.
Asked by:

Moeketsi (Johannesburg) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:54

Question:

Morning Ken with some of our T20 players not in good form what are our chances of going all the way to win the world cup? Do we have enough depth to dig deep in high pressure games against tough opposition?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Moeketsi
I think the only guys not in great form now that Levi got 50 are maybe Behardien, Albie Morkel, Faf du Plessis and Tsotsobe. Only two of those are in the starting XI and both Behardien and Albie batted very well in finishing the innings in the warm-up match against New Zealand. So I think we have the team and the depth!
Asked by:

Luvo (Cape Town) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:59

Question:

I don”t we can read too much in the Zimbabwe game as they never truly tested SA. The real test will be on Saturday!

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Correct.
Asked by:

Gregg (Grahamstown) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:59

Question:

Ken good day
Who do you see winning this competition and why
Thanks
Gregg

Player:

Ken

Answer:

hi Gregg
I think Sri Lanka and Pakistan are favourites, with West Indies not far behind. That`s because they have twenty20 match-winners.
Sri Lanka have the added benefit of being at home, they have the best T20 pace bowler in Malinga, an awesome spinner in Ajantha Mendis and three of the best batsmen in Sangakarra, Dilshan and Jayawardena.
Pakistan have been in great form, they have one of the world`s best spinners in Saeed Ajmal, death bowler Umar Gul and the explosive Afridi.
West Indies have two of the best T20 players in Gayle and Narine, as well as matchwinners like Pollard and Bravo.
Asked by:

Nivash (Durban) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:00

Question:

Hi Ken,
Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.

I would like to ask you 2 things: 1) Do you think we should have batted first in order to give our batsman ” game time” at the crease? 2) Is there any insight that we can take from the game against Zimbabwe? They were ill-equipped to test us in any way, shape or form.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Nivash
History suggests you can`t underestimate anyone at ICC tournaments so we had to play Zimbabwe like we would anybody else. In those conditions, just after rain, bowling first was definitely the right decision.
But yes, apart from confidence and momentum, Levi`s return to form and the intensity of the bowling, there wasn`t much to take from the game.
Asked by:

Hagashen Naidoo (Durban) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:01

Question:

Hi ken. S.A have a well balanced side but don”t you think kallis should bat at 3 & not be pushed down the order because we know he is capable of scoring quick especially if he spends more time at the crease & we have seen that in the IPL especially that final match in the IPL

Player:

Ken

Answer:

hi Hagashen
Kallis was down to bat three and I`ll guess we`ll have to wait for one of our openers to get out to see if that happens!
I hope he does bat three, except if we lose our first wicket with just five overs to go, in which case De Villiers or Albie Morkel must come in.
Asked by:

jeremy (somerset west) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:04

Question:

glad to see richard levi playing a little more circumspectly, bodes well for the rest of the tournament – i wouldn”t `tweek” the team too much, this on paper appears to be our best team.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Agreed.
Asked by:

Ian (Nelspruit) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:08

Question:

Hi Ken
It looks as if most of the top sides are pretty evenly balanced and individual performances seem to swing the games one way or another do you think we have enough of those “x” factor players to win it? and who do you think the major threats are?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Ian
De Villiers, Steyn, the Morkels, Kallis and Amla are all world-class match-winners, with that X-factor.
Major threats are Sri Lanka, Pakistan and West Indies, as explained above.
Asked by:

Tim (Durban) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:09

Question:

Hi Ken
It was a very clinical performance by the boys,as a result,it was a very boring game to watch from a entertainment point of view.Do you think minow teams should be included in ICC events?Because the t20 world cup can be better if the top 8 teams in the world play each other once in the round one,then the top four progress to the semis.That will mean all games being competitve and enjoyable to wacth.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Tim
I think the ICC has a responsibility to grow the game and give opportunities to the “minnows”.
Besides, who can argue that the likes of Afghanistan and Ireland add something, even if they lose?
Asked by:

denver (cape town) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:09

Question:

Hi Ken
Farhaan baehardien in for justin ontong,is it just a rotation policy or is this permanent for the whole tournament,will be unlucky for justin seing that he hasn”t had much of an opportunity in this format with the bat and can bowl a bit.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Denver
Yes, Ontong hasn`t had much chance but I think Behardien has been picked ahead of him based on his incredible form in last year`s domestic T20.
Behardien can also bowl a bit, at least as much as Justin, by the way!
Asked by:

Doug (Durban) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:09

Question:

Do you think form in the t20 arena could translate into ODI”s? I am a big Johan Botha fan and I hope he has a fantastic world cup so it can warrant his selection in the ODI team. I can”t fathom why he is left out of the ODI squad.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

I think the best players can thrive in all formats. There are exceptions, like Levi still has to prove himself in 50-over cricket. But I have no doubt Johan Botha should be in our ODI squad. At the moment he`s not in the XI because he apparently doesn`t take enough wickets …
Asked by:

Terry (Cape Town) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:12

Question:

Hi Ken, I think we have a pretty solid team but would have liked a more attacking spinner like Tahir in there to give us more options on attack. Morkel is good when on form but too inconsistent for this format of the game. I still cannot understand how the ICC go about their rating of players and teams? Thanks

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Terry
Tahir would bowl too many loose deliveries for T20 cricket. Peterson is there as an attacking spinner.
Are you criticising Morne Morkel? I think that would be harsh, he was superb last night and has been consistently good this year.
The ICC ratings are done through a complex system of calculations, the details of which you can find on their website.
Asked by:

Bongane Nhlapo (Rondebosch) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:12

Question:

Do you think yesterday starting xi is capable of going all the way to the finals?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Yes!
Asked by:

HARI PRASAD (trivandrum) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:14

Question:

This squad looks absolutely strong and formidable.Do you think SA can deliver the killer punch in the second phase of the tournament ?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

We certainly have the players to do it.
Asked by:

musa (Durban) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:14

Question:

What means you made that when we loose 1st 2 or 3 quick wickets , the rest of the team dont crash. If that was dealt accordingly, surely this T20 is ours. Lasy, why Robben Peterson you dont bring him in as batsman No.5 or 6? All the best to the whole Proteas team.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

I`m happy with the batting line-up as it is.
Asked by:

Jason (Port Elizabeth) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:19

Question:

Hey Ken,
Just a quick question, why was Colin Ingram dropped from the T20 side?
I have all the respect for the current squad chosen but don”t think Colin deserved to be dropped.
Your thoughts?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Jason
Colin went through a dip in form and I`m not sure he`s explosive enough or consistent enough to challenge the other batsmen there.
Asked by:

Lazola JOni (Cape Town) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:21

Question:

Hi Ken, I saw a very settled side yesterday, as much as most of our batsman were not tested. I like Berhadien in the middle order, he will do a lot for us in the latter overs, who would you choose between him and Faf?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Lazola
For that position, batting at 6 and finishing the innings, I would give Behardien a fair go to see if he can repeat his domestic form.
Asked by:

Jake (Joburg) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:36

Question:

I”m confused by your answer about the possibility of the Proteas finishing above SL. If we win against SL we finish with 4 points no matter the margin and they stay at 2 points. Why do we have to thrash them to finish above them??

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Ooops. And so you should be. I was talking rubbish.
Sorry, of course if we beat Sri Lanka, we finish first in Group C!
Asked by:

Warren (Jozie) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:36

Question:

Hi Ken, I really dont see the problem with opening KallisAmla. If they both get going, we will have a huge score. One gets out, then bring in your hitters with an anchor still there. Especially if we are chasing. Your opinion pls.

Warren

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Warren
Well they`re not going to open together but I think the worry is if Levi gets out after 5 overs then you have Amla & Kallis together. But we should back Kallis to score at a good enough rate in that situation. I would only move Kallis from 3 if there are only a handful of overs to go.
Asked by:

kevin pillay (durban) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:38

Question:

Hi ken. I”m Particularly pleased wid SAs bowlding Performance.kallis as proven y he is valuble in any formate.jest want 2 get ur thoughs on how do u think our back up bowlders will fare if called apon and who is ur money on 4 man of the tournament. I”d go wid kohli or king kallis

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Kevin
I`d actually go for Malinga, Ajantha Mendis, Ajmal or Gayle as man of the tournament!
It would be a concern if one of our frontline bowlers were injured … Tsotsobe has not been in good form and Parnell has improved recently but has been inconsistent in the past …
Asked by:

Johan Van Der Westhuizen (Cape Town) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:39

Question:

Hi Ken

Don”t you think we are too complacent and peak at the absolute worse times?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Johan
There was certainly no complacency last night. As for peaking, the team are aiming for consistency. Would you rather we struggled to beat Zimbabwe?
Asked by:

Wynand (Potchefstroom) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:42

Question:

Obviously its great that Levi scored some runs again.But dont you think with what we saw from from Faf in the IPL (Batting,Bowling and Fielding wise) he will be a better man to have in your team come play-off time?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Faf is a very useful player and a quality batsman. But I don`t think he`s as explosive as Levi and, with Amla and Kallis also in the top-order, we need Levi there.
Asked by:

zama (East London) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:42

Question:

It was a great win for our boys against zimbabwe.But do you think we will improve in next match against Sri-Lanka or should we expect a below par perfomance against big teams.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

I expect us to carry the momentum from the Zim game and build on it.
Asked by:

William Rudd (Cape Town) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:43

Question:

Good morning Ken. My thinking is as follows: Richard Levi finally scored some runs after failing miserably on the recent England tour. Is this not the worst thing that could of happened? I say this because it is now likely that the selectors will persist on playing him and I don”t think he will match up to the likes of Mendis and Malinga. I would rather see Kallis and Amla open the batting with someone like Farhaan Behardien slotting in at 6 given his recent form, what are your thoughts?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi William
Well Levi surely deserves the chance to show what he can do against world-class bowlers. English conditions were tough for batting. Behardien is already at 6, so who would you have at 3? Faf? It`s not a bad option, but I think we need more explosiveness in our top-order and Levi offers that.
Asked by:

Kyle (Durban) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:44

Question:

Now that we through to the super 8, is there a need to try and win the match since the groups are already made? and it seems as if the host nation were given an easy run due to this, whats ur thoughts on this?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

It makes little difference whether we beat Sri Lanka or not because points are not taken through and we`ll still be seeded C2 regardless.
But if we finish level on points in the Super 8 then the result could matter!
Asked by:

Danian (wellington) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:46

Question:

Hi ken good win for S.A but its time for albie morkel to deliver for what is aspect to do wih the bat and ball caus he likes to leaks runs an than fall with the bat

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Danian
That`s a bit harsh. Albie didn`t get the chance to bat and bowled tidily 1-26 in 4 overs!
Asked by:

Agie (Jhb) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:46

Question:

Hi Ken seeing that south Africa and Sri Lanka are both through how do you think it will affect the game plan of both teams
Do the teams carry the points over to the next stage

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Agie
No points are carried over to the Super 8 and I don`t think the wins over Zimbabwe will have any influence on how South Africa and Sri Lanka play going forward. Apart from keeping Levi in the team of course!
Asked by:

kevin (umkomaas) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:51

Question:

Do you think with kallis back in T20 we can go all the way

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Kallis is one of our potential match-winners when the knockout stages arrive …
Asked by:

Julius K (Marble Hall) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:59

Question:

What about bringing Duminy for Behardien cz he brings allround performance in bowling,batting and fielding as well especially if the Proteas loose 2 many wickets upfront but overall it was good performance by the Proteas WHAT”S UR VIEW PLEASE.

Player:

Julius

Answer:

Duminy is already in the team.
Asked by:

yaseen (cape town) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 12:08

Question:

Hi ken
I”m very happy with the guys performance specially kallis with the ball and levi with the bat and I”m not to worried about mendis 2mrw I think we got the best players of spin the likes of kallis amla and ab my concern is thou that no 6 spot I would love to c muller there why is he not in the team is he even in the squad he”s to good of a player to miss out your take pls thanks

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Yaseen
Miller has only just come out of a bad slump in form.
Asked by:

joshua (Pretoria) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 12:10

Question:

hi Ken
Do you think it would be a bad idea for Levi to be tried at 3

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Joshua
Yes, Levi must open and give us an explosive start against the new ball.
Asked by:

Maluleke Desmond (Polokwane) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:47

Question:

HI Ken!

In which area do you see us winning the tournament? And who are the players do you think are gonna play that vital role?

Thanks for your time

Player:

Ken

Answer:

hi Maluleke
If conditions continue to suit our fast bowlers then we have the best attack to take advantage of that, led by Steyn and Morne Morkel.
Otherwise, we`re going to need one of our world-class batsmen – De Villiers, Kallis or Amla, to hit a purple patch and produce match-winning innings in the knockout phase.
Asked by:

Firhaat Abrahams (Cape Town) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 09:49

Question:

Hi Ken, do you think that there is place for FAF, Amla and Kallis in the starting XI? I think they all take a bit of time to get going (by T20 Standards) and are the “anchor” of the innings so would 3 anchors way us down or give us stability?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Firhaat
I think they had the selection right with just Amla and Kallis in the starting XI.
Asked by:

Bart (Roodepoort) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:12

Question:

Hi Ken,
I would love to see AB open and include a specialist wicket keeper to give AB that mental break that he needs so that he can focus on his batting (at which he is so brilliant). Your thoughts?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Bart
AB kept very well last night and I`m happy with him as our T20 wicketkeeper. You don`t need a specialist in T20.
In terms of mental fatigue and concentrating on his batting, you`re right but that break needs to come in test matches.
Asked by:

steven (upington) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:39

Question:

South africa had a great game yesterday.will they be able to keep it up and win the tournament?or fail near the end again like in previous years?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Who knows Steven? Tomorrow`s game against Sri Lanka will give us a better indication of their chances.
Asked by:

Ivan (Randburg) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:50

Question:

Hi Ken

Fact!! Kallis is the best all rounder and maybe even the best cricketer ever.

That”s all I have. Can not be negitive about our cricket after the season we”ve had.

Go Boytjies!!

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Ivan
Well that`s your opinion … and one I heartily agree with!
Asked by:

Raja (Kashmir) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 10:57

Question:

Why don”t you guys have settle top 4 position in batting line while having quality batsmen in your side?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

I think the top 4 will be quite settled now with Levi, Amla, Kallis & De Villiers in the ICC World T20.
Asked by:

Michael Craig (Pietermaritzburg) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:01

Question:

Morning Ken
Who do you see winning the T20 world cup and why?
Thanks
Michael

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Michael
As said above:
I think Sri Lanka and Pakistan are favourites, with West Indies not far behind. That`s because they have twenty20 match-winners.
Sri Lanka have the added benefit of being at home, they have the best T20 pace bowler in Malinga, an awesome spinner in Ajantha Mendis and three of the best batsmen in Sangakarra, Dilshan and Jayawardena.
Pakistan have been in great form, they have one of the world`s best spinners in Saeed Ajmal, death bowler Umar Gul and the explosive Afridi.
West Indies have two of the best T20 players in Gayle and Narine, as well as matchwinners like Pollard and Bravo.
Asked by:

Collen (Malamulele) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:07

Question:

Hi Ken

Thanks for giving us this opportunity.

I”m glad Levi got his form at right time. Can we expect ommission of Faf and lopsy in the first 11 for the rest of the tournament after a very good solid start from the selected 11. or the selection is determined by the pitch condition and game plan. Wish this time we will catch the crown after a season dominant in all format of the game.

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Collen
I think it will be very hard for Faf and Lopsy to get back into the XI now. I don`t see conditions being any more seamer friendly than last night and even then we played 2 spinners, which has become a firm part of our strategy.
Asked by:

David HB (Australia) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:27

Question:

They done well on a fast deck, Spin will be tested, but if teh Proteas play the same team the options will be the same and will beat Sri lanka, it does not matter what teh odds would be the Proteas at this stage looks very well balanced and is teh ebst fielding unit in teh world, Just one question why was Smith dropped he is teh higest run scorer for SA, and it is greta to open with a left and right hander combination…just need to know was it his choice or was the selectors not in favor of him and belive that Levi will be the next kind of Gibbs ?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Smith was dropped in order to get some younger, fresher blood in and Levi can be very explosive up front, combining well with the more accumulative Amla & Kallis.
Asked by:

Michael (Durban) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:33

Question:

Hey Ken. Who do u think will win in da sa vs sl game. Wat are SA”s chances of winning da WC?

Player:

Ken

Answer:

Hi Michael
It will be a very tough game against Sri Lanka, but if we can beat them at home it will show we are contenders for the title.
Asked by:

Mike (Stellenbosch) Friday, September 21, 2012 – 11:44

Question:

Hi Ken, hope you enjoying your time in Sri Lanka. Just wanting to know if the fields are as big as they look on tv, if so i believe fielding and turning ones into two and two”s into threes when batting could be key to winning this tournament. Finally would this be part of the planning for a team like South Africa? thanks

Player:

Ken

Answer:

hi Mike
The fields are big and will definitely play a major part in South Africa`s planning, both when batting and fielding.

Tags:
Category Cricket, Sport

Levi and pacemen see SA to top-class victory 0

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Ken

An unbeaten half-century from Richard Levi saw South Africa to a 10-wicket victory, set up by a top-class bowling performance, over Zimbabwe in their ICC World T20 match at Hambantota on Thursday.

 – http://www.supersport.com/cricket/sa-team/news/120920/Levi_and_pacemen_see_SA_to_victory

Having been sent in to bat, Zimbabwe’s hopes of staying in the tournament were quickly soured by a brilliant display by the South African pacemen, led by Jacques Kallis, as they were restricted to a paltry 93 for eight.

South Africa’s prior two encounters, both unofficial, with Zimbabwe had ended in embarrassing defeats, but the difference this time was the tremendous strikepower that was available with Kallis, Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn all in action.

It was pros against amateurs as Craig Ervine (37 off 40) was the only batsman to score more than 15.

Kallis returned with new career-best figures of 4-15, tearing through the middle-order with 3-3 in his first two overs.

It was a good toss to win for South Africa as their fast bowlers revelled in the moist conditions after a heavy afternoon shower, and Morne Morkel (4-0-16-2) immediately justified the decision to send Zimbabwe in as he removed Vusi Sibanda (0) and Brendan Taylor (4) in his first two overs.

Sibanda was bowled by a marvellous delivery that jagged back through the gate to hit the top of off stump, while both Taylor and Hamilton Masakadza, who was caught off Albie Morkel for six, erred in trying to manufacture strokes that the conditions did not allow.

Ervine produced a couple of beautiful strokes through the off side and Zimbabwe were dreaming of a comeback as he and Stuart Matsikenyeri added 35 for the fourth wicket.

But then Kallis, the man with the golden touch, seized control of the innings.

He didn’t have much to do with his first wicket, Matsikenyeri leaving his crease and slapping the ball straight to cover to be caught for 11, but Kallis’s next delivery was far too quick and straight for Elton Chigumbura, who stayed back and played all around it to be trapped lbw for a golden duck.

Graeme Cremer averted the hat-trick, but Kallis had his career-best figures three overs later when he surprised Cremer (6) with a bouncer that was gloved through to wicketkeeper AB de Villiers.

Prosper Utseya (5) was soon sent on his way by a superb diving catch down the leg side by De Villiers off Steyn, South Africa’s bowling spearhead not disappointing with outstanding figures of 1-9 in his four overs.

Ervine, the one Zimbabwean to emerge with some credit, was the last batsman to fall, caught behind as he failed to control a well-directed lifter from Kallis.

South Africa’s chase was a mere formality, even though Hashim Amla was dropped on 29 and Levi erred once in top-edging a hook for four off left-arm paceman Brian Vitori.

Most importantly, Levi put to bed the doubts over his place at the top of the order as he cruised to 50 not out off 43 balls, with six fours.

While Zimbabwe’s limited bowling was clearly right up his street, Levi impressed by not playing across the line so much and half his boundaries were straight through the covers.

Amla finished on 32 not out off 33 balls, with three fours, as Zimbabwe were condemned to a flight back to Johannesburg and then home after just three days of the tournament.

Tags:
Category Cricket, Sport

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    John 14:20 – “On that day you will realise that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.”

    All the effort and striving in the world, all the good works and great sacrifices, will not help you to become like Christ unless the presence of the living Christ is to be found in your heart and mind.

    Jesus needs to be the source, and not our own strength, that enables us to grow spiritually in strength, beauty and truth.

    Unless the presence of Christ is a living reality in your heart, you will not be able to reflect his personality in your life.

    You need an intensely personal, more intimate relationship with Christ, in which you allow him to reveal himself through your life.

     

     



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