All-rounder Wiaan Mulder has rallied the Tshwane Spartans for an improved performance in the field, come Thursday’s Mzansi Super League fixture against the Jozi Stars at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

The Spartans lost Tuesday’s match to the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants after dropping four catches. Giants batsman Ben Dunk capitalised on all four opportunities, welcoming 99 not out en route to the Player of the Match award.

Also see: Dunk’s high praise for Marais

‘We let ourselves down in the fielding department, which was very disappointing. The bowling was still good, it’s just that we didn’t take our opportunities,’ said Mulder, who dropped one of the catches.

‘We just have to make sure we work even harder on the fielding. I mean if we took our catches, it would have changed the whole dynamic of the game.

‘Someone has to win and someone has to lose. But it’s definitely not over. We’re going to keep our heads up and keep fighting – that I can promise.

‘We’re just going to go out there and keep working hard like we have been. Hopefully our luck turns and we take the crucial catches.

‘There’s still all to play for. It doesn’t help if we sulk about it. We need to keep working and make sure the next time we get the opportunity to win then we take it.’

The Spartans are captained by wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen and coached by former Proteas star Mark Boucher.

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