14 Feb A Perfect Swing Into The 1 Day Cup 2024/25
JOHANNESBURG: Ahead of the highly anticipated 2024/25 1 Day Cup, captains took a break from the nets and stepped onto the greens at Hotshots, World of Golf, refining their swings in a relaxed setting before the intense competition begins.
Similarities between cricket and golf extend beyond the lush green landscapes. Both sports require precision, patience, and an eye for the perfect swing.
The 1 Day Cup officially kicks off on Saturday, 15 February, with defending champions, World Sports Betting Western Province, hosting the DP World Lions at WSB Newlands. Simultaneously, the NWU Dragons will take on the Knights at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.
The action continues on Sunday as the Goldrush Boland welcome Momentum Multiply Titans in Paarl, while the Dafabet Warriors travel to Durban to face the Hollywoodbets Dolphins at Kingsmead.
This season’s format introduces a qualifier for the second and third-placed teams, with the top team on the log securing automatic qualification for the final.
Fans can secure their tickets at cricket.co.za and stadiums nationwide, with the Woza Nawe campaign urging supporters to rally behind their teams, igniting hometown pride.
After a relaxing day of golf, captains shared their thoughts ahead of the competition;
Kyle Simmonds, Western Province captain, said; “We’re excited to get our title defence underway at home against the Lions, a team that has been our biggest challenge across formats in recent seasons.
“Last year, we went unbeaten, and we aim to replicate that. With some players returning from the Betway SA20 and others refreshed from a break, we’re eager to get going. Having a core squad that has stayed together is key, and we’ll be relying on our experienced players to set the tone.”
“We will take it one game at a time. We have four home games, which is an advantage. We’ve learned how to play good white-ball cricket at Newlands, and we thrive when teams come at us. The challenge excites us,” said Simmonds.
Wihan Lubbe, NWU Dragons captain, said; “Our preparation has gone well. The majority of the squad returned a month ago, with those who weren’t in the SA20 working hard in training.
“We have been fortunate that most of our players have had game time. Staying injury-free is key, but we’re confident in our depth. With some key players away, it gives opportunities to emerging talents like Tahir Isaacs, who has impressed at university level and in four-day cricket.”
Dane Piedt, Knights captain, commented; “The squad is in good spirits. We’ve had a long break, but the guys are eager to get back on the field. Our first game in Potchefstroom is a good test for us.
“Switching to the 50-over format is about finding the right tempo, being aggressive but also measured. That’s why we brought in Dominic Hendricks on loan. His experience and stability will be a big boost for our batting lineup. We’re here to compete for silverware. Nothing is guaranteed, but we will give our best in every game. If we execute our skills well, we’ll be in a strong position to challenge for the title.”
Warriors Captain, Sinethemba Qeshile, commented; “As a team, we haven’t played our best cricket this season, to be brutally honest. Heading into this competition, we’re eager to get onto the field. Off the field, our camaraderie is strong, and now it’s about translating that onto the field with our skills and execution.
“The December-January break gave the guys time to reflect—not just on their game but on themselves as individuals. Now, we’re refreshed and looking forward to going all the way.
“Every competition is an opportunity to showcase our skills, and the 50-over format is no different. The shorter formats bring excitement, but this is also a great chance to perform and prove ourselves, especially with national selections in mind.”
Dolphins Captain, Marques Ackerman, said; “The mood in the Dolphins camp is positive despite recent challenges. In cricket, sometimes things go your way, sometimes they don’t, but that’s where character is tested. We’re confident in our team’s ability to turn things around in this competition.
“We’ve been fortunate to have around 9-10 players competing in the SA20, which means they’ve been playing at a high level. Their experience will be invaluable in filtering through to the rest of the squad.”
Lions Captain, Bjorn Fortuin, said; “It’s great to have the whole squad back together, we’re excited to get going on Saturday against the defending champions, it’s a massive challenge but one we’re looking forward to.
“Switching formats isn’t as big of an adjustment as it used to be. The modern game has evolved, and 50-over cricket is now an extension of T20 cricket in many ways. There are minor adjustments to make, but the fundamentals remain the same.
“We don’t see our success as pressure—we see it as upholding the standards we set for ourselves. That’s what has kept us competitive over the years. Our focus is on taking things one game at a time. First up, we want to win on Saturday, then focus on the Jukskei Derby, another massive clash.”
Titans Captain, Neil Brand, said; “The Sky Blues are in great spirits. It’s been refreshing to have everyone back after the SA20, and the team is eager to put on the Titans jersey again.
“Shifting from T20 to 50-over cricket is always a challenge, but we’ve had a solid week of preparation. We’ve analysed the conditions we’ll face in Boland and focused on our fitness, knowing that this format demands more endurance than T20 cricket.
“There’s always pressure to win trophies at the Titans, and this competition is no different. With such a short tournament, we need to hit the ground running, losing early games could make it tough to reach the semis and final.
Centurion always pulls great crowds, and we’re hoping for the same this season. The atmosphere last year was incredible. With more weekend games, we hope to see packed stands and plenty of kids playing on the grass banks.”
Boland Captain, Clyde Fortuin, said; “Missing out on the semi-finals by just one point last season was disappointing, but we’ve been playing solid cricket in the four-day format, and that puts us in a good space.
“With only seven games in this competition, starting well is crucial. If we can get on a winning run early, we can position ourselves strongly for the playoffs.
“The transition from T20 to 50-over cricket will be different, it requires more patience and tactical awareness. Fortunately, we have four home games, which plays to our advantage. If we make the most of those, we’ll be in a strong position moving forward.”
ENDS
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