General view of the Diamond Oval in Kimberley. Picture: Frikkie Kapp, BackpagePix
Last week, the Northern Cape Heat came agonisingly close to beating the Mpumalanga Rhinos in their CSA 4-day clash in White River, but it was not meant to be.
The wet weather meant that no play was possible on the first and last day of the match, and though the Heat were in a strong position with their first innings total of 268, with the hosts only able to manage 164 in reply – leaving them 104 runs in deficit – that’s how the match ended.
The match was drawn, and the teams now need to put what might have been behind them and focus on what lies ahead.
For the Heat, what lies ahead is the Border Iinyathi at what is expected to be a dry and hot Diamond Oval in Kimberley. Although there is a possibility of rain on Friday
The Border team will be in no mood for pleasantries, as they suffered a comprehensive 148-run defeat to the South Western Districts team in their opening encounter. The loss has dropped the Iinyathi to the bottom of the CSA Division 2 4-day competition log, and they will be keen to improve that position.
The Diamond Oval could serve up a grassy pitch with some swing possible on day one, but batting will be easier on the next two days. However, the pitch might spice up as the match progresses giving the bowlers more assistance on the fourth day. This means that winning the toss will be the first victory the teams will seek.
The match is scheduled to start at 10am on Thursday, so for cricket lovers, Kimberley’s Diamond Oval is the place to be.