Ayavuya Myoli had a match to remember against Namibia in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday.
The 26-year-old North West fast bowler guided his team to a six-wicket victory with a match-winning spell of 3-20 in four overs at the City Oval.
After his first over, it looked worrying for Myoli when he pulled up with a knee injury while running up to bowl his second over. He then left the field, only to return after treatment and deliver the 10th over, when he claimed the wickets of both Stephan Baard (43) and Helao Ya France (24) who settled in nicely helping Namibia creep to 70-0 before Moyoli’s return.
‘There was an incident just before I came in to bowl when I dived in the field to save a four,’ he said afterwards. ‘I felt it a bit sore there and then went back to the physio a little bit and he helped me. Then I came back and we won the game.
‘It was a good feeling to come back. I came on to bowl telling myself I just need to hit my length. Just help my team finish the game, back my team and be there for the boys. That’s what was on my mind.’
His third wicket was another game changing one, dismissing the Namibia captain Sarel Burger for two runs.
Captain Nicky van den Bergh was very impressed with the Dolphins speedster.
‘Aya’s been brilliant since he joined us from the coast,’ he added. ‘It always helps to have a wicket-taker up front.
‘He had a bit of a scare with his knee there when he was off after one over. Luckily he powered through and got me a few wickets there in the middle.’
This victory placed North West on top of Pool A with maximum points (eight) from their two matches, four ahead Sunday’s competitors Namibia and WP. ‘Two out of two, we’ll take that,’ Van den Bergh said. ‘Tomorrow we’ll come back with the same plan and hopefully make it three out of three.’
Both games will be broadcasted on SuperSport this Sunday at 09h45 and 13h15.
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/Backpagepix
