Just one result amid 14 draws in the first half of the Sunfoil Series, the postponement of the inaugural T20 Global League and a rain-ruined Ram Slam T20 Challenge has placed substantial pressure on the Momentum One Day Cup.
Although the T20 Challenge benefitted from the presence of nearly all Proteas players, the Momentum One Day Cup faces a challenging schedule as it overlaps with India’s tour, which includes three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is. This means the domestic competition must rely heavily on its bench strength without stars like Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers.
The One Day Cup, more enticing than the four-day game but lacking the electric double-headers and entertainment value of T20 cricket, must strive to hold its place in South Africa’s domestic scene and continue appealing to fans of the intermediate format.
Despite the odds stacked against it, the tournament still enjoys high regard from franchise stars like Jon-Jon Smuts and Shadley van Schalkwyk. Smuts, who seems to be out of the Proteas’ near-term T20I plans, is expected to push for ODI selection if he can match last season’s impressive One Day Cup statistics.
The powerful right-hander scored 581 runs in 12 innings last season at an outstanding average of 52.81, coming second only to the prolific Henry Davids. At 29, Smuts offers promising future value compared to the 37-year-old Davids.
Meanwhile, van Schalkwyk led the bowling charts jointly with Titans’ Junior Dala and Dolphins’ Robbie Frylinck. While Frylinck’s international break came a bit late and Dala’s opportunity beckons, van Schalkwyk can rise by maintaining a steady One Day Cup campaign.
Unlike players heading off to leagues like Australia’s Big Bash, IPL, CPL, or England’s T20 Blast, the Momentum One Day Cup provides a huge chance for players such as Smuts and van Schalkwyk to cement their places with the Durban Qalanders and Nelson Mandela Bay Stars respectively. Other talents like Eddie Leie from Knights and Benoni Zalmi, Malusi Siboto of Titans and Cape Town Knight Riders, and batsman Christiaan Jonker from Warriors and Joburg Giants also face similar opportunities.
Off the pitch, the One Day Cup’s commercial health remains crucial for the tournament and the six franchises involved. Domestic tournaments will never generate the revenues of international tours, especially after Cricket South Africa’s recent announcement of significant financial losses linked to the unfortunate cancellation of the 2017 T20 Global League. Nevertheless, sponsors like Momentum, as well as Ram Slam, Sunfoil, and other stakeholders, must ensure their investments yield tangible returns.
The views expressed above are those of the author personally and do not reflect the official views of Hollywoodbets.
