Batsman AB de Villiers is confident a recent victory over the Jozi Stars has effectively galvanised the Tshwane Spartans for the remainder of the 2019 Mzansi Super League.

The Spartans claimed the Stars’ last seven wickets for just 22 runs for a comfortable victory at the Wanderers in Johannesburg last week. The defeat all but ruled the reigning champions out of contention for a second title, while the Spartans remain in pursuit of a maiden MSL trophy.

Also see: Chris Gayle doesn’t get respect

‘We’re a very competitive group at the Spartans this year and it was great to see in the last game, and in others too, that when you give us an opportunity everyone gets stuck in. It was a very good win against Jozi Stars in the last game,’ said De Villiers.

The Spartans currently occupy third position in the 2019 tournament’s six-team standings, but have been hampered by three washouts.

‘The rained-out games certainly didn’t help us. When we hopefully lift the trophy in a few weeks’ time, we may be look back and say they did help us. But certainly when you work so hard to prepare, you just want to get out there and win games of cricket,’ added De Villiers.

‘We’re a group of competitive guys, we just want to play cricket and win games. It was quite tough from a management point of view right down to the some of the players who haven’t had a game yet. They are really nice guys who are prepared to go the extra yards for the team.

‘That’s what I mean by competitive group and that’s why I’ve enjoyed it so much.’

Photo: BackPagePix