For the Moothee Ram Tuskers, the opening fixture of the CSA 1 DayCup against the North West Dragons offers more than just a fresh start, it presents an opportunity to reframe a season that has, at times, promised more than it has delivered.They will host the Dragons in their 50 over competition opener on Sunday at the AET Pietermaritzburg Oval.
Head coach Ahmed Amla is clear about the mood in camp. Motivation is not in short supply.“Everyone is motivated and we have everything to play for here,” Amla said. “We are going to give it our best shot.” That sense of purpose has sharpened preparation over the past fortnight. After campaigns in the red-ball and T20 formats that were undermined by costly lapses, the Tuskers enter the 50-over competition believing it can be different.Amla feels the format itself may offer his side a better platform.
“The shorter the format gives us a decent chance,” he explained. “However, we have to play well and take all our chances. We cannot afford any periods of poor play which has plagued us in the other two competitions.”That, in essence, has been the underlying theme. The Tuskers have shown they can compete,but the challenge now is sustaining it for 100 overs.
Fielding has come under particular scrutiny. In tight white-ball contests, one dropped catch or a mis-field can swing momentum decisively. Amla has made that non-negotiable.“We have to be better in the field as a unit and be able to stay calm in the pressure moments,” he said. “We have tried to create this in our practices over the past two weeks. This is especially needed when we are going to be tested on our skill.”
There is an understanding that the Dragons will test exactly that. Historically a competitive oneday outfit, and for the Tuskers, clarity and composure will be vital.Amla is looking beyond the immediate result. He wants growth, evidence that lessons have been absorbed and standards lifted.
“I want to see us fighting as a unit and show some growth in the moments where we have not been at our very best,” he said. “We have everything to play for and it would be sweet if guys can kick on and deliver on their potential.”
In a competition where momentum can build quickly, a strong start would not only boost belief but reaffirm that this squad’s ceiling remains higher than their recent record suggests. For the Moothee Ram Tuskers, the One-Day Cup gives them a chance to finish the season with intent.
The Tuskers will welcome back the experienced duo of Wayne Parnell and Hardus Viljoen for the 50 over competition.
Moothee Ram Tuskers 1 Day Cup Squad:
Malcolm Nofal, Kagiso Rapulana, Ben Compton, Michael Erlank, Wayne Parnell, Andile
Mogakane, Hardus Viljoen, Sean Gilson, Bamanye Xenxe, Daryn Dupavillon, Ziyaad Abrahams,
Ntando Zuma, Sean Whitehead, Cameron Shekleton, Jack Lees.