Titans face a tough test

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRCA - OCTOBER 21, David Wiese of the Titans during the Karbonn Smart CLT20 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Nashua Titans at Sahara Park Newlands on October 21, 2012 in Cape Town, South Africa Photo by Carl Fourie / Gallo Images

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRCA - OCTOBER 21, David Wiese of the Titans during the Karbonn Smart CLT20 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Nashua Titans at Sahara Park Newlands on October 21, 2012 in Cape Town, South Africa Photo by Carl Fourie / Gallo Images

Published Feb 19, 2013

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It’s been a long time since the Nashua Titans have won a match. Their last win was in November last year when they beat the Knights in a Momentum One-Day Cup match.

That’s more than two months ago which means last Friday’s rained-out Ram Slam T20 game against the Dolphins did not help, especially when the team is looking to find their feet in competition. Not to mention trying to find that elusive winning culture.

Nevertheless a draw against the Dolphins at Kingsmead is not the worst outcome but tomorrow’s encounter poses a huge test for the men from SuperSport Park.

A trip to the Wanderers and a date with the high-flying Lions will be a true test for the Titans in every sense.

Their Gauteng neighbours have already bagged silverware earlier in the season.They also sent an ominous warning to franchises across the country with their nine-wicket victory over the Cobras in their opening Ram Slam T20 campaign at the weekend. Lions opener Quinton de Kock leads the way with an unbeaten 129 off just 69 balls and he will no doubt be the big scalp the Titans will be after.

“We know his is going to be a huge scalp for us,” said Titans coach Matthew Maynard. “De Kock is playing with full confidence. His time with the national team has done him wonders. He’s a real talent and a threat to us tomorrow. We have to look to get him out early,” added Maynard.

While the Cobras bowlers suffered at the hands of the De Kock onslaught, the Titans will have much fire power in the armoury to unsettle the youngster. Marchant de Lange, who has the potential to bowl in excess of 145km/h, will no doubt prove a far tougher opponent.

The duel has the potential to be a real mouth-watering affair. Whoever comes up tops will have a big say in which way the game will go.

After an injury-hit Sunfoil Series, most Titans players are fully fit apart from David Wiese, who has a slight niggle, but should be ready for the clash. - Pretoria News

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