While many would have been taken by surprise by the inclusions of Kwena Maphaka and Jason Smith in the Proteas T20 World Cup squad, that was not the case for Khaya Zondo.
Zondo, who played just under 500 domestic games, most for the Dolphins, has been a keen observer of season four of the SA20 as a commentator.
Both Maphaka and Smith have failed to set alight the SA20 with their performances so far. Maphaka has taken just one wicket so far in five outings, while Smith has managed only 69 runs in five innings. Maphaka and Smith are also part of a group of seven players who will appear at a World Cup for the first time.
It’s also important to note that Proteas selectors would not have paid too much attention to form in the SA20 as the squad would have been finalised some time ago already.
Rising Stars and High-Quality Cricket: Zondo’s Insights on SA20 and Emerging Talent
“There are a few batters who are up and coming. Jason Smith comes to mind; he’s had a really good domestic T20 competition after coming back from injury and has been performing for MI Cape Town,” Zondo told SportsBoom.co.za.
“Kwena Maphaka has done really well, and Nqobani Mokoena too; we play together at the Dolphins. It’s exciting to see him bowl against big stars and hold his own. Kwena featured for the Proteas as well, and after a long injury layoff, he’s back now. I hope he keeps going.”
As for the fourth edition of SA20, Zondo has been similarly impressed.
“It has been exciting thus far. Just looking at the scores alone, that first game between MI Cape Town and Durban’s Super Giants with scores over 200, and we’ve seen more in later rounds as well. It’s a testament to the quality of the batters.
“The bowlers have done really well too, and the pitches seem good bar one or two. It has been high-quality cricket on exhibition.”
@Michael_Sherman
Sport
