The Cape Cobras plan to target the power plays in Durban, while the Proteas suffer another injury.

Cobras understand importance of power plays

Just Ontong has singled out the power play overs as the key during his sides Ram Slam T20 Challenge with the Dolphins in Durban.

‘Striking in the power play could be match-defining against Dolphins,’ says Ontong.

Without the likes of Rory Kleinveldt, who is still recovering from injury, the responsibility of striking with the new ball will fall on the young shoulders of Dane Paterson. He has done really well in the four-day format and if he can continue his impressive knack of picking up wickets, the Cape Cobras will be in the driving seat.

The Cape Cobras are well equipped to dominate the power play with bat in hand, thanks to the hitting ability of Richard Levi at the top of the order. He started the competition like a house on fire, before having two unsuccessful outing. A betting man would say that the former Protea is due.

Proteas licking their wounds

After going into the must win fourth ODI in Melbourne sans JP Duminy and Imran Tahir, the injury curse looks to have struck the sides most influential player.

Tahir brings much needed variety to the attack and is a genuine wicket-taker. He was sorely missed on Friday when the Proteas suffered their first ever ODI defeat to Australia at the famous MCG. Duminy has missed the entire ODI series and the absence of his all-round ability has caused the side to lack balance. Even worse, though, is the worry that the captain, and most prolific batsman, may be unfit to take the field in Sydney on Sunday.

AB de Villiers spent much of the second innings clutching his ribs after falling heavily in the field. He left the field for a brief spell and never looked truly comfortable upon his return. Rib injuries are notoriously tricky to treat and the wise approach, especially with a World Cup just around the corner, would be to rest the skipper for the fifth and final ODI.

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