Western Province eager for strong performance in Northern clash

World Sports Betting Western Province batting coach Qaasim Adams is confident that the Boys in Blue are well-prepared for their upcoming Cricket South Africa (CSA) 4-Day Series fixture against the DP World Lions.

The Western Province team will travel north for a rematch of last season's final at DP World Wanderers on Thursday.

It's CSA 4-Day Series Round 3 this week, and the Boys In Blue will be visiting Bullring to play against DP World Lions. #westernprovince #WSBNewlands #WSBWP🧡 #BoysInBlue💙#WPCricket #4DaySeries pic.twitter.com/tpVu8ARiNo

— Western Province Men (@WP_Blitz) November 19, 2024

Salieg Nackerdien's team earned 12.1 points over the weekend after settling for a draw against the Dafabet Warriors.

Commenting on the draw, Adams said: "I think we're in a good space. Obviously, we wanted to win the game over the weekend, but as a group we worked hard and managed to end the game with a draw.

"The one thing that has stood out to me over the four days is our character. Being 24-5, we found ourselves in a difficult position. However, George [Linde] and Eddie [Moore] formed a massive partnership to get us back into the game. Then, the next partnership between George [Linde] and [Kyle] Simmonds took us to an even better position, which was commendable.”

After two matches, the Western Province team is currently in third position, with Adams praising the team's resilience against the Warriors.

"Everything in that match demonstrated massive character from the boys. Then, during the game, I think Beuran [Hendricks] bowled two overs before getting injured," he said.

"We were essentially down to four bowlers, but we kept pushing forward. Unfortunately, we didn't get over the hump, but there were plenty of positives to take away from this team.”

Reflecting on last season's final and looking ahead to the challenges that lie ahead, Adams acknowledges that the match at the Bullring will not be easy.

"It’s going to be a great game. There have been some tough battles with them over the last few seasons," said Adams.

"With our group, we're going to be the more inexperienced side, but we're definitely going to push hard for the win.

"We’ve got a few injuries, and some players who haven’t had much game time, but that’s what makes our squad exciting. Yes, we’re young, but we’re strong competitors, always looking to win, no matter the situation.”

The match will be live streamed on the Cricket South Africa YouTube page.

WSB WP travelling squad against DP World Lions:

Kyle Simmonds, Mthi Nabe, Oliver Whitehead, Jono Bird, Bongi Mfunelwa, Daniel Smith, Valentine Kitime, George Linde (Captain), Yaseen Vallie, Eddie Moore, Mihlali Mpongwana, Jody Lawrence, Onke Nyaku.