ONE-DAY CUP: NW DRAGONS EYE VICTORY

Lesiba Dikhoba

@lesiba.dikhoba

 

The North West (NW) Dragons are preparing for their One-Day Cup opener against the Knights on Saturday afternoon at JB Marks Oval, with the home side eager to start the campaign on a positive note.

 

The Dragons narrowly defeated the Knights in their previous match against the Bloemfontein-based side, winning by just three runs at the Mangaung Oval. A brilliant performance by Kerwin Mungroo, who restricted the Knights to just one run in the crucial final over, sealed the victory.

 

Achille Cloete, NW Dragons bowler, is hopeful for a full house at the JB Marks Oval and believes home ground advantage will be a key factor. “Playing at home is crucial—we’re familiar with the conditions, and our goal is to maintain a perfect record here. I’m expecting a loud, packed crowd to rally behind us during the game.”

 

However, the Knights will be a tough challenge, but the Dragons are determined to put in a strong performance.

 

Ruan de Swardt, NW Dragons wicket-keeper, expressed confidence in the team’s preparations. “We’re feeling good. We’ve had a long break with the SA20 taking place, but now that all the boys are back, we’re really excited for the game on Saturday. We’ve prepared well, and we’re ready to go.”

 

The former Dolphins cricketer also urged their supporters to fill the stands and create an electrifying atmosphere at the Oval.

 

“We would love to have the fans here supporting us, it’s like having a 12th player on the field. The Dragons are going to play an expansive brand of cricket so we encourage them to come and support us,” said de Swardt

Edited by Simoné de Witt