Leg-spinner Dyllan Matthews is understandably eager to have a positive impact on Easterns’ bid to beat Border in the second semi-final of the 2018 Africa T20 Cup at Buffalo Park in East London on Sunday.

Matthews has been key to Easterns’ campaign, having snared nine important wickets across key fixtures against Western Province, Uganda, KwaZulu-Natal and KwaZulu-Natal Inland.

‘I feel like I am always in the game in T20 cricket. I really enjoy it as a leg-spinner as batsmen are always looking to take me on. I feel like I could take a wicket with every ball with all my variety,’ he said.

‘We are really looking forward to the semi-final. I think we are gelling nicely as a team. We know they have a couple of big-hitters, but that just makes it more exciting in terms of working out plans to dismiss them.’

The 21-year-old Matthews played one first-class fixture for the Lions during the 2017-18 Sunfoil Series, but has since swapped North West for Easterns. He, therefore, is available to the Titans.

‘I think I just needed a change. Trying to push myself and put myself in a different environment and be the best I can possibly be. It was great to be given the opportunity for the Lions last season, but I am not in a rush. I think I still have time on my side, so I am not putting pressure on myself and just want to do well for Easterns right now,’ he added.

Gauteng will face North West in Saturday’s first semi-final. The final will be contested at the same venue on Monday.

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