Jozi Stars set to collide with Blitz in Mother City

The Cape Town BlitzBokke will face in-form batsman Reeza Hendricks on Tuesday. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

The Cape Town BlitzBokke will face in-form batsman Reeza Hendricks on Tuesday. Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

Published Dec 3, 2018

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CAPE TOWN – Newlands patrons are in for a treat on Tuesday evening when Jozi Stars head into the Mother City for their all-important Mzansi Super League with the Cape Town Blitz.

The Blitz may be riding the crest of the wave with 25 points after seven matches to top the MSL T20 table, but their bowling unit are is for a serious test on Tuesday.

Not only will Jozi Stars be armed with the tournament’s most in-form batsman Reeza Hendricks, but he will be joined by “Universe Boss” Chris Gayle at the top of the order.

Hendricks has been in sublime form the past MSL T20 matches, striking back-to-back centuries to lead the run-scorers table with 267 runs at an average of 133.50 and strike-rate of 164.81. Combine that with the “Gayle Force” return from the Abu Dhabi T10 and the Stars will have a potent batting unit.

“We get Chris Gayle back, so the boys are quietly confident going into the next game. Hopefully we can get some points at Newlands,” Hendricks said after his 108 not out at St George’s Park.

Chris Gayle will return for the Jozi Stars on Tuesday. Photo: Paul Childs/Reuters

“They (CT Blitz) are playing very well at the moment. They are sitting pretty at the top. It is going to be an important game for us, especially for us away from home. Saying that, we’re quite happy with our last two games. It has been a good weekend for us. We’re on the road now for the next couple of games. Hopefully we can pick up a few more wins.”

Hendricks’s hot-streak could not also have come at a more opportune time for the 29-year-old. The dashing right-hander is very much in the Proteas’ plans for the World Cup in July, but performances such as these has surely put Hendricks top of the pile of contenders to be included the 15-man squad for England.

“Reeza batted out of his socks,” said Nelson Mandela Bay Giants captain Jon-Jon Smuts. “If you look at the scorecard on both teams, he is the only guy who has taken the game away. Everyone pretty much has gone run-a-ball and he went at 180-plus.”

At the moment Hendricks, though, prefers not to look too far ahead and chooses to focus instead on moving Jozi Stars up the MSL T20 table.

“I am obviously quite pleased to contribute to the team. Hundreds back-to-back in T20 cricket doesn’t come around very often, so that’s quite a special feeling. More importantly, though, I am just happy to contribute to a winning cause,” he said.

@ZaahierAdams

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