Mzansi Super League 2019 : Nelson Mandela Bay Giants rope in Ryan ten Doeschate as Farhaan Behardien's replacement
What's the story?
Ryan ten Doeschate has replaced Farhaan Behardien in Nelson Mandela Bay Giants' squad after an injury ruled the South African all-rounder out from Mzansi Super League 2019. The Dutch all-rounder was recently playing for the Karnataka Tuskers in the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2019.
The background
Nelson Mandela Bay Giants have been very impressive in the 2019 edition of the Mzansi Super League having won four of their five games so far. Farhaan Behardien featured in two games for the Giants where he scored 48 runs and took one catch. The Giants did not use his bowling skills in the tournament.
Also see – BPL Points Table 2019e
Ryan ten Doeschate, on the other hand, is in fantastic form with the bat having aggregated 57 runs in his last two T10 matches. Besides, he has lost his wicket only thrice in his last ten matches. The Dutchman has played T20 cricket worldwide for Kolkata Knight Riders, Chittagong Kings, Otago, Tasmania and more in his 16-year long professional career.
The heart of the matter
As reported by ESPNCricinfo, ten Doeschate will return to his birthplace, Port Elizabeth and represent the Giants in the second half of MSL 2019. Expressing his excitement about the homecoming, ten Doeschate said,
"I spent so much time watching cricket in the 1980s in Port Elizabeth. It's now an utter privilege that I get to play with a team that is doing so well in this tournament. I think it's going to be absolutely fantastic and I am really looking forward to it."
Head Coach of the Nelson Mandela Bay-based franchise, Eric Simmons, welcomed the Dutch player in the team and said,
"When we lost Farhaan we obviously lost a specific talent and we thus needed to find someone who could bring that to the game. We needed someone who can access the boundaries and perform much like the way we've seen with Heino Kuhn. Ryan brings with him significant experience, calmness and he's a leader."
What's next?
The Giants will kick off the fourth week of the tournament with a high-voltage clash against the Paarl Rocks. The top position of the points table will be at stake in this fixture.