Blind Cricket South Africa (BCSA) has announced the squad to face New Zealand Blind Cricket in the upcoming series featuring six T20 Internationals (T20Is) and a once-off One-Day International (ODI) from Tuesday to February 28.
The squads for both teams have been announced, showcasing an impressive lineup of talented players ready to showcase their skills on the pitch.
The main aim for this series is to fulfil one of BCSA’s main objectives of hosting international events, promoting and administering the game of blind cricket in the Gauteng province and South Africa at large.
Gauteng will be the perfect setting for this historic showdown between South Africa and New Zealand’s best visually impaired cricketers.
BCSA is poised to bring their A-game to the series, with a blend of experience and emerging talent; thus, introduce and prepare a number of young stars into the international scene under the guidance of experienced coaching staff.
In anticipation of the upcoming matches, BCSA Chairperson, Isaac Bidla, said: "We are thrilled to host New Zealand Blind Cricket for this exciting series. These matches are not just about competition but also about celebrating the spirit of cricket and the resilience of our players.
“This series presents a great opportunity to introduce the significance of blind cricket to the people in our communities. It also presents a unique and exciting opportunity to unite these nations, particularly given our positive rapport with New Zealand, who engaged in a memorable series against the SA Blind team in 2020.
“This series will also serve as part of our preparation for the upcoming T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Pakistan in November later this year,” said Bidla.
SQUAD
Sphelele Khalala (KZN) - B1 (Y), Doctor Malinga (Lions) - B1 (Y), Edrich Ter Haar (Boland) - B1 (Y), Luthando Naki (KZN) - B1 (N), Mathula Dlamini (KZN) - B1 (Y), Kenneth Mabela (Titans) - B1 (Y), Buhle Bhidla (Lions) - B2 (Y), Isaac Bidla (Lions) - B2 (Y), Reme Kampher (Boland) - B2 (Y), Ephraim Mathapo (Titans) - B3 (Y), Lwande Bhidla (Lions) - B3 (Y), Teboho Moloisane (KZN) - B3 (Y), Siyavuya Mahlikihla (Lions) - B3 (Y), Max Geerthsen (Titans) - B3 (Y), Lesedi Lesoufi (Titans) - B2 (N), Mpumelelo Luthuli (KZN) - B2 (N), David Landry (NW) - B3 (Y)
MANAGEMENT
Shane Mahabeer - Team Manager (Y), Asheta Mahabeer - Coach (Y), Israel Hattingh - Assistant Coach (Y), Michael Ledbitter (N), Ndumiso Nyawose (Y).
FIXTURES
First T20 - Tuesday, 10am - Pirates Cricket Field, Johannesburg
Second T20 - Wednesday, 10am - Pirates Cricket Field, Johannesburg
Third T20 - Friday, 10am - Pirates Cricket Field, Johannesburg
Fourth T20 - Saturday 10am - Pirates Cricket Field, Johannesburg
Fifth T20 - Sunday, 10am - Laudium, Tshwane
Sixth T20 - Tuesday, 27 February, 10am - Laudium, Tshwane
ODI - Wednesday, 28 February, 9am - Pirates Cricket Field, Johannesburg
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