EP Warriors batsman Tristan Stubbs has been at his destructive best in the T20 Challenge.
The 21-year-old has smashed 217 runs off 104 deliveries in his four innings, all of which have been half-centuries.
The baby-faced Stubbs, who only made his professional T20 debut a year ago, has plundered 19 sixes – nine more than Proteas batsman David Miller, who has scored 158 runs.
“I could not have asked for a better tournament so far. It really has been amazing and I’m thoroughly enjoying it,” says Stubbs, who had never played white-ball cricket at St George’s Park until this tournament.
Stubbs hadn’t played any top-level T20 cricket before debuting in the same competition last year, when injuries to others presented him with an opportunity.
He scored 102 runs in his four innings and his stroke-making caught the eye.
“That was a really good experience for me and I learned a lot. I think it was also the springboard for what was to come this season,” he says.
“Before Covid, I didn’t play too much T20 cricket because I was a lot skinnier. During Covid, I worked hard on my strength and I came back after that realising I could hit a six or two. I’ve just gone with the flow and it’s been really enjoyable.”
The batting form of Stubbs, who is also a wicketkeeper, is likely to have caught the attention of the national selectors in what is another T20 World Cup year, but he says his focus is on continuing to deliver for the Warriors.
“I don’t want to look too far ahead,” he said. “For now it’s just about enjoying every moment and helping my team do well.
“We’re in the wrong half of the table at the moment after managing just one win in our four games. I don’t think we’ve played badly, but the results just haven’t come. Hopefully, we can turn it around in the next three games and challenge for a place in the playoffs.”
The Warriors will take on the Boland Rocks on Wednesday from 2:30pm.
All T20 Challenge matches are broadcast live on SuperSport, with updates on the Official CSA App.
Tristan Stubbs's fine form continues as he picks up your moment of the day following his mammoth 80* off 31 balls on day 5️⃣ of the #CSAT20Challenge
Full highlights: https://t.co/oMeJ9Oydlx#BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/W2QeMFFsSJ
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) February 13, 2022