Lutho Sipamla of South Africa during the 3rd ODI match between South Africa an England at Imperial Wanderers on February 09, 2020 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
Made for television, the Solidarity Cup will showcase a return to live sports in the most responsible way possible.
Lutho Sipamla of South Africa during the 3rd ODI match between South Africa an England at Imperial Wanderers on February 09, 2020 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)
Most of South Africa’s High Performance cricket squad which includes Proteas regulars and the cream of franchise talent will take part in a unique exhibition match on Saturday 18 July.
The match will be the first 3 Team Cricket (3TC) match sanctioned by a national board.
Three teams of eight will compete for the inaugural Solidarity Cup with the action taking place across 36 overs split into two halves.
Kagiso Rabada and Sisanda Magala withdrew from the event due the tragic deaths of family members. Rabada was replaced by young Cobras fast bowler Thando Mtini, the son of Protes great Makhaya. In less of a like for like swap, spin-bowling allrounder Bjorn Fortuin replaces seamer Magala.
The teams all have a blend of youth and experience. The Kites, captained by Quinton de Kock will benefit from having the Proteas skipper partner with Temba Bavuma. Their team is blessed with pace options from Anrich Nortje, Beuran Hendricks, Lutho Sipamla and allrounder Dwaine Pretorius. Proteas middle-order men Jon-Jon Smuts and David Miller round out the eight.
The Kingfishers sport two of South Africa’s most exciting fast bowling prospects in Ntini and Gerald Coetzee and are coached by Proteas Women stalwart Mignon du Preez. Proteas Janneman Malan and Faf du Plessis make up the batting spine while Heinrich Klaasen and Reeza Hendricks make up the opening pair. It might be unfair to label Glenton Stuurman a journeyman pace bowler, but the 27-year-old will be delighted with the opportunity to showcase his skills on the national stage. Tabraiz Shamsi is a proven game-breaker who might just hold the key to this team’s success. They are the only team to feature players who have not been capped in international cricket.
There is a Titans feel about the Eagles who will be led by AB de Villiers who is set to open with Aiden Markram. Also appearing at their domestic homeground are Junior Dala and Lungi Ngidi. Joining them are the Lions Fortuin and Rassie van der Dussen, the Cobras Kyle Verreynne and the Dolphins Andile Phehlukwayo.
Quinton De Kock (captain), Temba Bavuma, Jon-Jon Smuts, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Lutho Sipamla, Beuran Hendricks, Anrich Nortje.
Coach: Wandile Gwavu
Heinrich Klaasen (captain), Reeza Hendricks, Janneman Malan, Faf du Plessis, Thando Ntini, Gerald Coetzee, Glenton Stuurman, Tabraiz Shamsi.
Coach: Mignon du Preez
AB de Villiers (captain), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Junior Dala, Lungi Ngidi.
Coach: Geoffrey Toyana
The match will go out live on SuperSport 2 (DStv channel 202) with the broadcast beginning at 10:50 (SAST) on Saturday 18 July. Viewers from India and parts of South Asia can enjoy the match on Star Sports network.
The match will also stream live through the DStv now app (Subscription required).