Proteas quick makes an immediate impact, while a 'sun delay' had everyone talking in Canterbury
Kagiso stars in English T20 debut
South Africa young gun Kagiso Rabada stole the show in his England domestic T20 debut on Thursday, snaring two wickets and man-of-the-match honours in Kent’s win over Sussex.
The 21-year-old Protea, who flew to England after South Africa were knocked out of the ODI tri-series in the Caribbean last week, made a breakthrough early in Sussex’s reply before removing Melbourne Stars batsman Luke Wright courtesy of a stunning catch from David Griffiths.
And for my next trick...what a stunning catch by @griffta18 #Blast16https://t.co/wSeyjblpc0
— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) June 30, 2016
He then finished off well at the death, restricting the visitors’ in the final over to secure a 10-run victory.
New signing @KagisoRabada25 has made a quick impression for @kentcricket #Blast16https://t.co/rwYlZBS2KT
— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) June 30, 2016
Batting first, New Zealand batsman Tom Latham (48) and fellow opener Joe Denly laid a solid foundation for the hosts, before late flurries from Alex Blake (36no off 22) and Sam Billings (22 off 13) lifted Kent to 6-166.
Rabada faced just one ball in Kent’s innings, but it was enough to spark discussion among his international teammates, who noticed the left-handed batsman had opted to wear an arm guard on his left arm.
@KagisoRabada25 when did you start batting right handed? @dane_piedt63 🙈🙈😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/iEEfMyY8O2
— Rory Kleinveldt (@RoryK_9) June 30, 2016
Just eight balls into Sussex’s reply, play was interrupted – but not for the usual grey, wet reasons cricketers find themselves sidelined in England – rather, it was too sunny, with the match suspended due to sun blazing through the gaps in the stands into the batsman's eye-line.
We're back under way at Kent after sun stopped play #Blast16https://t.co/6sGvhPUN9l
— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) June 30, 2016
When play resumed, a 32-ball 49 from Kiwi Ross Taylor wasn’t enough for Sussex, as Rabada (2-31) and Fabien Cowdrey (2-8) restricted them to 4-156.
Rabada will spend a month with Kent before returning to South Africa, where the Proteas are scheduled to meet New Zealand in a two-Test series in August.
Meanwhile, it was a delay of a different sort which interrupted play in Durham, where a clash against Worcestershire was abandoned due to wet weather.
While the ☀️ stops the 🏏 at Kent, the 🌧 has won up at Durham. https://t.co/ShtsFhMer4
— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) June 30, 2016
Only 14.1 overs were possible, with Worcestershire reaching 5-103, before the match was called off.