Smith confident as WSB Western Province begin 1-Day Cup campaign at Wanderers

World Sports Betting Western Province Men captain Daniel Smith believes his side is refreshed, refocused and ready to mount a strong challenge when they open their 1-Day Cup campaign against DP World Lions at DP World Wanderers on Saturday starting at 1pm.

After missing out on a place in the 4-Day Series final, the Boys in Blue have used the break to regroup and reset ahead of the 50-over competition - a format in which they have enjoyed success in recent seasons.

“The 1-Day Cup preparations are going very well,” said Smith. “We were obviously a bit disappointed not to make the 4-Day Series final but it was also nice to have some time off to reflect on our performances during that campaign. Now the focus is fully on the 50-over competition, and we’re really looking forward to it.”

WSB Western Province head into the tournament with added firepower, boosted by the availability of full Proteas stars Tony de Zorzi, Nandre Burger, David Bedingham and Kyle Verreynne. Their return significantly strengthens the squad as Western Province look to make an early statement away from home.

“It’s nice to have everyone back,” Smith added. “All our Proteas players are available potentially for the full duration of the tournament, with maybe one or two called away for national duty at stages. That continuity gives us a great platform to build on.”

The skipper emphasised that recent performances in the 1-Day Cup provide confidence but the squad is determined to turn belief into silverware.

“We’ve had success in this competition in recent times and we want to build on that,” he said. “We are definitely eyeing out a trophy this season. I think we owe it to the Newlands Faithful to give it a real push and produce something special.”

The clash against the Lions at the DP World Wanderers presents an early test of intent, with both sides expected to feature strong line-ups. For Rory Kleinveldt’s charges, it marks the beginning of what they hope will be a sustained and consistent 50-over campaign.

With leadership, international experience and hunger driving the group, the Boys in Blue are determined to set the tone from the first ball on Saturday afternoon.

WSB Western Province Squad

Daniel Smith (c), Beuran Hendricks, Kyle Verreynne, Tony De Zorzi, Mihlali Mpongwana, Oliver Whitehead, Raeeq Daniels, Kyle Simmonds, David Bedingham, Mthiwekhaya Nabe, Valentine Kitime, Josh Breed, Joshua van Heerden, Mbulelo Dube.