The Solidarity Cup would mark the resumption of cricketing actions in South Africa after the Ministry of Sports approved the revised date of July 18. The match, earlier expected to be held on June 27 at SuperSport Park in Centurion, was postponed for an indefinite period due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Further, July 18 also happens to be the auspicious day for Africans as they celebrate the birth anniversary of their revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela.
“It’s very exciting to get live cricket, featuring our top players, back on our TV screens again,” I can’t think of a more appropriate day on which to hold this game than Nelson Mandela Day when its prime objective is to raise funds for those who have been badly affected by the Coronavirus,” remarked CSA Acting Chief Executive Jacques Faul to the local press.
This would be a charity match, and the funds received will be utilised to help those who were severely affected by the ongoing epidemic. Top 24 players of the nation would play a unique, impromptu format of ‘3T CRICKET,’ in which three teams with eight players each battle out simultaneously for the trophy.
AB de Villiers would lead the Eagles, while for the Kingfishers, Kagiso Rabada will be at the helm and Quinton De Kock will be captaining the Kites.
The fixture is to be played for 36 overs, and there will be an innings break after the completion of the first 18 overs. Each team gets an opportunity to bat for 12 overs -six in each half. A bowler can bowl a maximum of three overs in a match.
Let’s take a look at how the teams are stacked up:
KG’s Kingfishers: Kagiso Rabada (c), Faf du Plessis, Chris Morris, Tabraiz Shamsi, Reeza Hendricks, Janneman Malan, Heinrich Klaasen, Glenton Stuurman
Quinny’s Kites: Quinton de Kock (c), David Miller, Temba Bavuma, Anrich Nortje, Dwayne Pretorius, Beuran Hendricks, JJ Smuts, Lutho Sipamla
AB’s Eagles: AB de Villiers (c), Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Andile, Phehlukwayo, Rassie van der Dussen, Junior Dala, Kyle Verreynne, Sisanda Magala.
