The Hollywoodbets Pro Series heads into week four with an exciting fixture line-up over the weekend of 24–25 October. The unbeaten Fidelity Titans take on the YesPlay Cobras in Tshwane, while the Garden Route Badgers return to action after two bye weekends to host the Warriors in Oudtshoorn.
Entry to all Hollywoodbets Pro50 and Pro20 matches is free, with the encounters also streamed live on Cricket South Africa's YouTube channel.
The Titans currently lead the standings in both competitions after consecutive 50-over and T20 victories over the Hollywoodbets Dolphins and DP World Lions in the opening rounds.
Head coach and former Titans cricketer Geoffrey Toyana is in his first season in charge following his appointment over the winter. He is pleased with what he has seen from his team so far but believes there is still plenty in the tank as they aim for consistency throughout the season.
"It's a perfect start for us, and it's something that we don't take for granted as a group. We've got lots of work ahead, lots of learnings for us. That's what's important for me and quite important as well for us as a group, to show that we can play the game," the coach commented.
When asked about the key performers who have played an important role in the Tshwane-based side's unbeaten record, Toyana highlighted the impact of the senior players in his squad, including Laura Wolvaardt and Masabata Klaas, while reserving special praise for Suné Luus and her influence on the younger players.
"Suné, you know, what a talent. Very hungry to do well. It goes well for the Titans youngsters to learn a lot from players like Suné and try to better their games.
"So big, exciting times for Titans cricket as we move forward with these senior players, wanting to play and wanting to add value."
EXPECTING A STERN TEST
Turning his attention to this weekend's clash against the defending champions, Toyana is expecting a stern test for his side as they prepare to host the Cobras at St Alban's College in Tshwane.
Despite their strong start, the Titans mentor remains wary of quality opposition such as the Cobras and has also praised the overall talent on display in the Pro Series.
"We just have to assess the conditions as we get there and make sure that we start well and we try to put them under pressure for longer periods. I can safely say South Africa has talent and there are some unbelievable players on the circuit in the games that I've seen," he added.
In Oudtshoorn, the Badgers will play their first home matches of the season against Pro Series newcomers Warriors, as they look to gain momentum after last featuring in week one of the campaign.
The Badgers began their campaign with a defeat to the defending champions, the Cobras, in the Pro50 competition before bouncing back with a 12-run victory in the Pro20 encounter the following day.
GOOD TEAM PERFORMANCE
Reflecting on the opening weekend, Badgers all-rounder Nicolien Janse van Rensburg was happy with the team's performance, particularly their victory over their Western Cape neighbours away from home.
"We came together really well as a team, and we executed our plans. We've had quite a few close games against the Cobras in the past, so it was great for us to come out on the winning side this time," Janse van Rensburg said.
"There was also a lot of positives to take from the weekend in both formats against the Cobras and hopefully we can build on that foundation and continue improving as a team and carry that momentum forward into this weekend and into the rest of the season."
Despite the newly promoted Warriors' defeats against the Dolphins last weekend, Janse van Rensburg is expecting a competitive challenge from the Gqeberha-based side.
"It's really important to approach them like any other opposition and not underestimate them. Cricket is a funny game and anything can happen.
"They'll be eager to prove themselves in Division 1, so we expect them to come out strongly and we need to be prepared to play our best cricket and execute our plans."
Fixtures - Hollywoodbets Pro Series - Week 4
Hollywoodbets Pro 50 Series - Saturday, 24 October
Fidelity Titans vs YesPlay Cobras (St Albans College, Tshwane) at 10am
Garden Route Badgers vs Warriors (Recreation Ground, Oudtshoorn) at 10am
Hollywoodbets Pro 20 Series - Sunday, 25 October
Fidelity Titans vs YesPlay Cobras (St Albans College, Tshwane) at 10am
Garden Route Badgers vs Warriors (Recreation Ground, Oudtshoorn) at 10am