• Cape Cobras’ season review

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    Brief overview

    • The Cape Cobras produced several new Proteas, including Janneman Malan and Kyle Verreynne who were selected for the ODI XI, and Dane Paterson and Pieter Malan for the Test team, but it cost the franchise its 4-Day Domestic Series and One-Day Cup campaigns. They finished at the bottom of the log in both competitions, managing just two wins in a combined 18 fixtures. The franchise also battled off-field issues with Cricket South Africa – and head coach Ashwell Prince’s tenure is reportedly nearing an end.

    Key batsmen

    • Matthew Kleinveldt took responsibility and proved consistent as others like the Malans dropped in and out of the XI due to international commitments. Kleinveldt was the franchise’s leading run-scorer in the 4-Day Domestic Series. Zubayr Hamza proved excellent in the One-Day Cup, finishing second only to the Dolphins’ Grant Roelofsen in the run-scoring ranks. February was particularly good to Hamza, yielding 58 and 156 against the Lions, 93 against the Titans and 129 versus the Dolphins.

    • Matthew Kleinveldt

    Key bowlers

    • George Linde was the second-highest wicket-taker in the 4-Day Domestic Series overall and was named the South African Cricketers’ Association’s Most Valuable Player of the season. In the One-Day Cup, Thando Ntini was the Cobras’ top wicket-taker.

    Lions’ season review

    Impact of feeder system

    • Western Province were competing well in pool B when the CSA 3-Day Provinicial Cup met a premature end. Zac Elkin enjoyed a breakthrough season, including a big century on first-class debut with the province. Tayo Walbrugh’s limited-overs form eventually pushed him into the Cobras’ One-Day Cup XI.

    Departures

    • David Bedingham has left for Durham in the United Kingdom, while Dane Piedt is relocating to the United States of America. The Cobras have also leaked six other players to different franchises. Ntini and Lizaad Williams have gone to the Titans. Mthiwekhaya Nabe has joined the Warriors. Kleinveldt and Ferisco Adams are off to the Knights. Tladi Bokako is now with the Lions. Ntini’s exit is arguably the toughest of the lot for the Cobras.

    Arrivals

    • Tony de Zorzi, Onke Nyaku and Calvin Savage have joined from the Titans, Warriors and Dolphins, respectively. De Zorsi’s arrival is huge for the top order, while Savage is an exciting prospect for a franchise needing a solid all-rounder.

    Photo: Gallo Images

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