Cricket

SA women’s cricketer Ayabonga Khaka reaches historic milestone

The SA tempo bowler says she appeared as much as Makhaya Ntini when she was rising up.

Star South African girls’s staff quick bowler Ayabonga Khaka is ready to make historical past on Wednesday by changing into her nation’s first black African lady centurion in 50 overs cricket.

She may even develop into solely South Africa’s third black African cricketer, man and lady, to achieve the 100 cap mark within the restricted overs format of the sport.

The South African girls’s staff tackle Sri Lanka within the third ODI in Potchefstroom on Wednesday, with the hosts 1-0 up within the three-match sequence. The first ball is to be bowled at 2pm.

South Africa gained the second recreation in Kimberley on the weekend by seven wickets following a washed out first match.

‘Honoured’

Khaka, who made her debut in 2012, stated she was honoured to achieve the mark.

“I’m not the person that always looks at milestones. I enjoy playing for my country and I am honoured that I will have a possibility to achieve that (mark),” she stated.

Khaka, the ninth South African girls to hit the 100-cap mark in ODIs, added: “To be trustworthy, I’m only a cricketer. I’ll take it that I’m attaining a milestone that different folks have achieved.

“I’m not looking at it as I’m the first one, but I’m grateful to be part of the group that has achieved that. We have had great players before me and I’m just honoured to be part of them.”

Ayabonga Khaka. Picture: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images

Ntini an inspiration

Makhaya Ntini and Kagiso Rabada are the primary two black African cricketers to play 100 ODI matches for his or her nation.

“I always looked up to Makhaya Ntini when I was growing up,” stated Khaka.

“I could relate to him because we’re coming from the same parts of the country. And with KG (Rabada), he’s still going, he’s still a youngster, but with the experience that he has, he’s showing (up) each and every day. I’m grateful to be part of that list with those two great guys.”

Looking forward to Wednesday’s ultimate ODI in opposition to Sri Lanka, the tempo bowler stated: “50 over cricket for us is all about the points. The T20I series was about preparing for the T20 World Cup and this one is all about the points. We know how big it is and we are ready for it.”


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