JOHANNESBURG: Blind Cricket South Africa (BCSA) has announced the squad to face New Zealand Blind Cricket in the upcoming series featuring six T20 Internationals (T20Is) and a once-off One-Day International (ODI) from 20-28 February 2024.
The squads for both teams have been announced, showcasing an impressive lineup of talented players ready to showcase their skills on the pitch.
This series promises to be a showcase of skill, determination, and sportsmanship as these two teams go head-to-head in a display of blind cricket talent.
The main aim for this series is to fulfil one of BCSA’s main objectives of hosting international events, promoting and administering the game of blind cricket in the Gauteng province and South Africa at large.
The trendy, trail-blazing province of Gauteng will be the perfect setting for this historic showdown between South Africa and New Zealand’s best visually impaired cricketers.
BCSA is poised to bring their A-game to the series, with a blend of experience and emerging talent; thus, introduce and prepare few young stars into the international scene under the guidance of their experienced coaching staff.
In anticipation of the upcoming matches, BCSA Chairperson, Isaac Bidla, said;
“We are thrilled to host New Zealand Blind Cricket for this exciting series. These matches are not just about competition but also about celebrating the spirit of cricket and the resilience of our players.
“This series presents a great opportunity to introduce the significance of blind cricket to the people in our communities. It also presents a unique and exciting opportunity to unite these nations, particularly given our positive rapport with New Zealand, who engaged in a memorable series against the SA Blind team in 2020.
“This series will also serve as part of our preparation for the upcoming T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Pakistan in November later this year,” said Bidla.
BCSA SQUAD:
Sphelele Khalala (KZN) – B1 (Y), Doctor Malinga (Lions) – B1 (Y), Edrich Ter Haar (Boland) – B1 (Y), Luthando Naki (KZN) – B1 (N), Mathula Dlamini (KZN) – B1 (Y), Kenneth Mabela (Titans) – B1 (Y), Buhle Bhidla (Lions) – B2 (Y), Isaac Bidla (Lions) – B2 (Y), Reme Kampher (Boland) – B2 (Y), Ephraim Mathapo (Titans) – B3 (Y), Lwande Bhidla (Lions) – B3 (Y), Teboho Moloisane (KZN) – B3 (Y), Siyavuya Mahlikihla (Lions) – B3 (Y), Max Geerthsen (Titans) – B3 (Y), Lesedi Lesoufi (Titans) – B2 (N), Mpumelelo Luthuli (KZN) – B2 (N), David Landry (NW) – B3 (Y)
MANAGEMENT:
Shane Mahabeer – Team Manager (Y), Asheta Mahabeer – Coach (Y), Israel Hattingh – Assistant Coach (Y), Michael Ledbitter (N), Ndumiso Nyawose (Y).
BCSA vs NZBCA Fixtures
1 st T20 – Tuesday, 20 February 2024 – 10h00:
South Africa vs New Zealand – Pirates Cricket Field, Johannesburg
2 nd T20 – Wednesday, 21 February 2024 – 10h00:
South Africa vs New Zealand – Pirates Cricket Field, Johannesburg
3 rd T20 – Friday, 23 February 2024 – 10h00:
South Africa vs New Zealand – Pirates Cricket Field, Johannesburg
4 th T20 – Saturday 24 February 2024 – 10h00:
South Africa vs New Zealand – Pirates Cricket Field, Johannesburg
5 th T20 – Sunday, 25 February 2024 – 10h00:
South Africa vs New Zealand – Laudium, Tshwane
6 th T20 – Tuesday, 27 February 2024 – 10h00:
South Africa vs New Zealand – Laudium, Tshwane
Once off ODI – Wednesday, 28 February 2024 – 09h00:
South Africa vs New Zealand, Pirates Cricket Field, Johannesburg
Source: cricket.co.za
Ian Chappell (Australian and South African Former Cricketer):Birthdate: September 26, 1943, Sun Sign: Libra, Birthplace: Unley, Australia
Flyswat Briggs
South Africa also has a women’s national cricket team—they’re currently 6th in the rankings!
Shimmy Shammy
Still on the subject of cricket superstitions, the player with the most rituals performed during a match is arguably Neil McKenzie of South Africa. Before a game, for example, he would attach his cricket bat to the ceiling with tape. When it’s time for him to bat, he would check all the changing room lights to make sure they were shut off and that the toilet seats were down.