The Proteas and the Indian cricket team donated R100 000 to the Cape Town water crisis ahead of the third T20I at Newlands on Sunday.

A cheque was handed over to relief foundation Gift of the Givers ahead of last weekend’s game by captains Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli, who both did not play in the encounter.

‘Both teams had first-hand experience of the water crisis in Cape Town and, having chatted to Virat, we decided to get our teams to sign some jerseys which we auctioned off with the funds raised going to assist the Cape Town water crisis,’ said Du Plessis.

‘We also wanted to create awareness and hope that other organisations and sports codes follow in our direction,’ added the Proteas skipper who is back in action for the Test series against Australia, which begins on Thursday.

Kohli also stressed the importance of his team getting involved in the campaign.

‘Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and whenever we visit and play at Newlands, we are treated extremely well by the local people.

‘By creating awareness of the drought, we are playing our part in highlighting the drought so people can see the seriousness of what’s taking place in the Mother City,’ commented Kohli.

Gift of the Givers Chairman, Imtiaz Sooliman, added that the donation would be put to good use.

‘Gift of the Givers appreciates the support from the South African and Indian cricket teams towards our Western Cape drought initiative,’ Sooliman said.

‘The generous contribution will assist us in essential borehole drilling in various areas which are virtually without water already,’ said Sooliman.

‘Funds would also be directed to augment homes for the mentally and physically challenged, cerebral palsy and orphanages with much needed bottled water,’ he added.

Photo: Shaun Roy/Gallo Images