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Cape Town - The Cape Cobras have released emerging middle-order star, Yaseen Vallie, to the ailing Warriors on a loan for the rest of the current RAM SLAM T20 Challenge campaign.
Twenty-five-year-old Vallie, a former South African schools player, has an enviable first-class record, having scored eight centuries and averaging 43.18. He has also compiled eleven half-centuries and contributed 1 175 runs in 47 List-A matches, an indication of his prowess.
“We have released Yaseen so he can get much-needed game time, even if it will benefit our opposition”, said André Odendaal, chief executive officer of the Cape Cobras.
“As he is currently a first-reserve batsman for the Cobras, the loan will offer him a chance to get off the substitute bench. He has undeniable class and has the potential to represent South Africa, and we want to encourage his movement in that direction.
“This offers me an opportunity to play,” said Vallie. “I knew I was next in line, but you cannot wait until somebody gets injured, and the guys have been doing well,” he added.
Although his strike-rate for a No 4 batsmen is high in domestic T20-cricket (109.24 and an average of 24.53), Vallie is keen to improve that. He also would not mind batting higher up the order than four or five. “I think ideally you want to have a strike-rate of 120,” he added.
The unbeaten Cobras are currently third on the log with two wins after two matches plus Wednesday night’s rained out game in Paarl.
They might have a slight selection quandary soon. National contender Stiaan van Zyl is recuperating well following leg injury and will be available within the next week.
But the current top-order has been in splendid nick despite the absence of the stylish left-handed Van Zyl.
The solid Andrew Puttick at the top of the order, and the swashbuckling Richard Levi and Kieron Pollard powered the Cobras to 207 for five against the Titans, and to a bonus point winning score of 128 for two against the Dolphins.
