Dazzling Duminy puts the Cape Cobras back on track

There are two ways of looking at what all the Proteas players bring to this season’s Ram Slam T20 challenge.

Most obviously is the fact that they make the tournament far more competitive.

That said, the Cape Cobras’ three-wicket victory over the Knights at Newlands on Sunday evening made one realise another thing … and it’s not all that positive.

As JP Duminy, the home side’s captain, steered his team to a second consecutive victory, it became very clear that the gap between the internationals and franchise regulars is worryingly big.

The experienced left-hander, who recently retired from Test cricket, was simply superb in crafting his 67 off 44 deliveries.

He never once looked in any sort of trouble, which was in stark contrast to the rest.

When left-arm spinner George Linde holed out at mid-wicket to leave the Cobras on 108/6, chasing a then steep 160, it seemed like a mountain to climb.

But while the Knights would’ve been in the pound seats in a “normal” franchise game, in this one a seasoned Protea in Vernon Philander (22 off 11) came in.

From there, it all unravelled for the men from the central regions.

Eddie Leie (2/38) bowled a no-ball off his last ball, which Duminy swept for four.

He then deposited the free hit into the railway stand.

An tight equation of 52 off 26 balls suddenly became 39 off 24.

The Knights set naive fields and bowled poorly as Duminy and Philander whittled down the target with the greatest of ease.

It showed their class but you couldn’t help but feel a more skillful and straight-thinking attack would’ve made it more difficult.

The Knights’ effort of 159/5 had the same theme.

Theunis de Bruyn, part of the Proteas’ Test squad, whacked three sixes in his 22-ball 40 while David Miller was a class apart in making 50 off 37 but they couldn’t withstand the wily Rory Kleinveldt, who claimed a fine 3/19.

Even Ryan McLaren, who was once a vital part of the ODI side, effortlessly belted an unbeaten 31 off 20 but the next best score was 16.

That is the gulf in standard.

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