Mzansi Super League 2018: Farhaan Behardien to lead Cape Town Blitz

South Africa are gearing up for their maiden domestic T20 tournament – Mzansi Super League – and news around it all already making the headlines. The tournament, which will kick off on November 16, features six teams and if reports are to be believed, batsman Farhaan Behardien will be donning the captain’s hat for the Cape Town Blitz, based from Newlands.

The 35-year-old Behardien has played 59 ODIs and 37 T20Is since his international debut in 2013, scoring over 1,500 runs and seven half-centuries. He has also taken 17 international wickets. In T20s, Behardien averages 37 and has a strike rate of 134-plus, which is better than his corresponding figures in international T20 games.

For Behardien, however, captaincy is nothing new as he has already led the Proteas in the three-T20I series against Sri Lanka last year which the Asians won 2-1. According to a report in SA Cricket Magazine, Behardien, who is fondly called ‘Fudgie’, will aim to create a relaxed environment where the players will take accountability and ownership even while having fun-filled game.

Behardien says it’s an honour to be captain

“It’s an honour and a privilege being called on to lead the Cape Town Blitz. The game itself is high-pressured, so the team culture and environment need to be relaxed and light-hearted,” the batting all-rounder was quoted as saying by SA Cricket Magazine.

The Blitz also features veterans like Dale Steyn, Quinton de Kock and Behardien said he would be taking necessary assistance from them. The side also had a marquee player in JP Duminy who has recently been ruled out of international cricket because of a shoulder injury.

“Everybody in the group must grow and make their own decisions in pressure situations. I’ll try to guide some of the younger guys in tough situations but will lean on Quinton de Kock and Dale Steyn for assistance, where needed,” the Blitz skipper said.

Behardien will, however, miss a couple of games in the beginning since he is currently with the South African side touring Australia for three ODIs and one T20I. The Blitz will play the tournament’s opener against Tshwane Spartans on November 16 November and Durban Heat on November 18.

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