The Cape Cobras have released emerging middle-order star, Yaseen Vallie, to the Warriors on a loan for the rest of the current Ram Slam T20 Challenge campaign.
Vallie, a former South African Schools player, has an enviable first-class record, having scored eight centuries and averaging 43.18. He has also compiled eleven half-centuries and contributed 1175 runs in 47 List A matches, an indication of his prowess.
‘We have released Yaseen so he can get much-needed game time, even if it will benefit our opposition,’ said André Odendaal, chief executive officer of the Cape Cobras.
‘As he is currently a first-reserve batsman for the Cobras, the loan will offer him a chance to get off the substitute bench. He has undeniable class and has the potential to represent South Africa, and we want to encourage his movement in that direction.’
‘This offers me an opportunity to play,’ said Vallie. ‘I knew I was next in line, but you cannot wait until somebody gets injured, and the guys have been doing well,’ he added.
Although his strike-rate for a number-four batsmen is high in domestic T20-cricket (109.24 and an average of 24.53), Vallie is keen to improve that. He also would not mind batting higher up the order than four or five. ‘I think ideally you want to have a strike-rate of 120,’ he added.
The unbeaten Cobras are currently third on the log with two wins after two matches plus Wednesday’s rained out game in Paarl.
They might have a slight selection quandary soon. The national contender Stiaan van Zyl is recuperating well following leg injury and will be available within the next week. But the current top-order has been in splendid nick despite the absence of the stylish left-handed Van Zyl.
The solid Andrew Puttick at the top of the order, and the swashbuckling Richard Levi and Kieron Pollard powered the Cobras to 207 for 5 against the Titans, and to a bonus point winning score of 128 for two against the Dolphins.
SAMMY GETS TITANS CAPTAINCY
Meanwhile, the Titans have given the former World Cup T20 winning captain, Darren Sammy, the reigns of Titans squad for the remainder of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge campaign.
He will be the skipper when Titans take on the Chevrolet Knights in a vital must-win Ram Slam T20 Challenge clash at Chevrolet Park in Bloemfontein on Friday.
‘I wanted Henry Davids, Darren’s predecessor, to focus solely on winning games for The Unlimited Titans with the bat,’ said Rob Walter, the coach, in explaining the decision to replace the current captain.
Davids was the captain of itans team that shared the spoils with the Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras in the Momentum One-Day Cup competition in 2013/2014.
