HEAT AND GIANTS LOOK FOR WIN NUMBER TWO

After opening their Mzansi Super League account with a victory over the Tshwane Spartans at Kingsmead yesterday, the Durban Heat are looking forward to taking to the road for Friday’s clash with the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants in Port Elizabeth.

The Heat and the Giants are equal on points after the St George’s Park side went down to the Cape Town Blitz by 12 runs by virtue of the Duckworth/Lewis method at PPC Newlands on Wednesday evening.

Heat captain Albie Morkel was particularly satisfied with his team’s win over the Spartans, especially after the opening defeat to the Blitz last Sunday.

“It was very satisfying to come out the way we did. I am very proud of the guys. We were slick in the field and the bowlers executed their plans. That was the most important part because you can have all the plans but if you don’t execute it means nothing,” Morkel said.

Although the Heat managed to overhaul their Spartans’ target, the Durban team’s batting unit have not hit their straps in the competition thus far. Morkel is not overly concerned with this, especially with the likes of Standard Bank Proteas Hashim Amla along with his national teammates, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, packing immense power in the Heat batting line-up.

“It is not something that I am worried about. We have a lot of experience in our batting line-up. As soon as they find their feet and rhythms, it is going to be tough for bowling units to keep us down,” Morkel said.

“Maybe we should be playing good cricket shots and not look for those funky shots. If we get a good foundation, with the middle-order we have, it can be very explosive.”

Equally, the Giants are looking to get back to winning ways after their hiccup at Newlands.

Their Standard Bank Proteas, Imran Tahir and Chris Morris, have already made an immediate impact. Tahir, in particular, was at his mercurial best at Newlands with the veteran leg-spinner finishing with 1/18 from his overs.

Tahir is certainly enjoying playing for the Giants and is keen to deliver at his new home ground on Friday evening.

“Wherever I am picked, I go and enjoy my cricket and give my best. I am really looking forward to playing more games with the boys. We look forward to every challenge ahead of us. There is a great positive vibe about the league. Talking to players, they are all excited and looking to do well,” added Tahir.