Move over Kagiso Rabada – there's a Crawford teenager who kept the wickets falling when his school squared up against Paarl Boys High School at the weekend.
Wynberg Boys High School pupil Umar Anthony claimed nine wickets for seven runs - taking his school to victory during the final day of the two-day match. His school won the league match by 115 runs.
The excited 17-year-old matric pupil said that he had a rough start to the match on the first day, but was able to turn things around and used the dry pitch to his advantage on the last day.
“It was very difficult to score for the batsman, so we as bowlers capitalised on that. The wickets fell one after the other and my teammates were very supportive. The game was not an easy game,” he said.
Umar fell in love with cricket at the age of three. The off-spinner has been working on improving his game since he got to Wynberg Boys High School.
He credits his family for playing a big role in his development.
“I would really like to take my career further by working hard to be selected for the (SA) under 19s, and one day get to play for my country.
"Opportunities like these do not come very often for us, but when they do, you grab it with both hands and work hard,” Umar said.
His proud father, Mashrie Anthony, who has never missed any of his games, said he was pleased with how far his son had come and was positive about his future. He said Umar had been selected for the under 13, 15 and 17 A squads of the Western Province cricket teams.
“Umar is very committed and always tries his best. He is very happy at school and enjoys his cricket and rugby. He can be regarded as an all-rounder.
"He was also selected for the SA Under-17 Invitational team at the Cubs week. I am very proud of him. I watch each and every game he plays.
"There are so many talented kids from places like Khaye-
litsha and Mitchells Pain who do not get these opportunities,” he added.
He said his son’s hard work was reflected during the game at the weekend. He hoped that this would motivate him to work even harder.
He said his son had always dreamt of playing for South Africa one day.