Northern Cape’s Diego Rosier is counting on the local support to drive them to the Africa T20 Cup title in Oudtshoorn this weekend.
With hosts South Western Districts having been eliminated after the Pool stages, Rosier believes that with his team being the only playoff team to have played at the Oudtshoorn Recreation Ground already this season, they will have a distinct advantage over their competitors.
‘We’re counting on the people of Oudtshoorn to get behind us. They were really good to us when we were there during the pool games. I think we’re also a side that come from a small town, and also the brand of cricket that we try to play. We go out there and try to play with a bit of flair and I think that appeals to the people, so we’re hoping they “adopt” us this weekend,’ Rosier said.
‘Tactically, having played there before also gives us an advantage. We know the conditions, and we know what works and what doesn’t work. Obviously if there’s a bit of weather (rain) around then that changes things a bit. We’ll go there and assess with the knowledge we do have and hope to implement it because every little advantage matters come playoffs time.’
It certainly sounds that Rosier and his Northern Cape teammates are heading south with no other ambition than returning to Kimberley with the silverware. Confidence is a really big factor heading into knockout matches, and the former South African U19 star believes this was gained after their monumental victory over defending champions Northerns a fortnight ago.
The talented right-hander certainly played a pivotal role in helping his team chase down Northerns’ total. With rain having disrupted proceedings, Northern Cape were set 121 for victory in just 12 overs, courtesy of the DLS calculations. Rosier and Patrick Kruger set the Oudtshoorn Recreation Ground alight with a blistering 100-run partnership that came off just 53 balls for the second wicket. Rosier finished unbeaten on 68 off only 34 balls (6×4; 3×6) to guide his team home with six balls to spare.
‘That was a really special game,’ he said. ‘It was a big chase and we were under the pump from ball one. Sometimes though that just frees you up a bit and allows you to express yourself. That was a massive game, beating a strong Northerns side. It really gave the boys the belief that we could do something special in this tournament and let’s hope that was only the beginning of things to come.
‘We’ve always been a side that’s believed in our white-balls skills. We enjoy the shorter formats. We’re not a side that relies on individuals to put in big performances to get us over the line. It’s more about the collective team effort where everybody contributes in little ways that ensures the ultimate goal is achieved.’
Northern Cape face North West in the second semi-final at 13h30 on Friday, which is preceded by Eastern Province and Zimbabwe in the first semi at 09h45.
The final will be played on Saturday at 13h30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/Backpage Pix
