Capacity crowd to watch final T20-clash on SA soil at PPC Newlands

An opportunity beckons for an additional 2000 more fans to witness the reunion of Steyn with Newlands on the 9th March. Tickets for the temporary stands go on sale on Monday 29th February at Newlands. Ticket sales start at 09:00 and costs R200.

The return of a rejuvenated Steyn following his prolonged absence due to a shoulder injury at one of his favourite stomping grounds, PPC Newlands, will take place in the last of three T20-clashes against Australia.

This will also be the final curtain call for South Africa before they embark on their mission for the ICC World Twenty20 crown in India. Their opening match is on Friday 18th March against England.

“We are expecting a capacity crowd for the T20-clash on 9th March, and only 2000 tickets for the temporary stands and a few others are still available,” said Nabeal Dien, CEO of the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA).

“We want to implore our fans to give the Proteas a perfect send-off before the ICC World Twenty 20,” he said.

“Dale, a Cape Cobras- and South African-legend, will obviously be a drawcard. He has captured 65 test wickets at PPC Newlands, more than any other test cricketer. He possesses an astute understanding of what is required to take wickets in any format,” Dien added.

The former England great Fred Trueman once said: “The difference between a good fast bowler and a very good fast bowler is not extra muscle, but extra brains.”

In this respect, Steyn, Kagiso Rabada and Kyle Abbott are role models to their peers on how to operate in T20-cricket.

The three-match series against Australia might possibly also signal the return of Quinton de Kock, who was rested due to a slight knee-niggle for the series against England.

South Africa has been a formidable foe in T20-cricket the past six months. Their series-whitewashes against India and England are still fresh in the memory banks.

The bowling of Imran Tahir against England was a highlight. Chris Morris’ rescue-act at PPC Newlands was inspirational. AB de Villiers’ swashbuckling batting at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, and Hashim Amla’s stylish dismantling of England at the same venue, also oozed class.

“The contest at Newlands might be one of the most fascinating of the past six months,” commented Dien.

“There are several match-winners whose whirlwind batting could ignite the Newlands-crowd, like Steve Smith,  Glenn Maxwell, David Warner, De Villiers, Amla, De Kock, Faf du Plessis, Rilee Rossouw and JP Duminy,” said Dien.
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There won’t be any light music played at Newlands on 9th March.  Expect peak-hour traffic between the stumps, a bombardment of the ropes, and operas composed in heavy metal, especially when Duminy, De Kock and Warner are on strike.