Jason Niemand lit up the first round of 3-Day Cup fixtures with a 165 off 256 balls knock, a milestone he has highlighted as a stand-out moment in his career, writes Nabeelah Fakier.

The South African pipeline continues to prove that it is alive and well. Border cricket, in particular, has provided a massive boost to the talent pool in the country at junior, at semi-pro and franchise level.

We have seen the likes of Marco Marais, Akhona Mnyaka and Sinethemba Qeshile break through the system and become important players for their respective teams.

But there has been another young cricketer who has worked hard behind the scenes to make a name for himself. An all-rounder who has starred at every level he has played in. Jason Niemand.

Niemand is a 20-year-old right-hand batsman and off-break bowler who made a name for himself in the 2017/18 Khaya Majola Week campaign.

Along with his teammate Qeshile, the pair lit up the tournament and were rewarded with SA Schools selection at the conclusion of the week.

His unbeaten 131 off 111 balls, in particular, stood out as the highest score of the tournament and he managed to impress SA U19 coach Lawrence Mahatlane in the process.

There was one Man of the Match performance in particular that helped South Africa U19 win against England in their Tri-Series final.

His all-round display saw him take 3/52 and hit an unbeaten 60 off 53 balls to seal the 3-wicket win.

“I still remember that final clearly and the series leading up to it,” said Niemand exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.

“I had not played many games for SA U19 side, and every opportunity I got before that, I really hadn’t done as well as I would’ve liked, so to contribute to winning a final in the way I did, I took a lot of confidence and I look back on it and I’m really proud to have done that.”

Since then, he has worked his way through the system and managed to mimic what he has done all his career, by producing career-defining knocks.

Most recently, his 88 and 165 against North West in the opening game of the 2019 3-Day Cup, coupled with his 90 in the 50-over match stands out.

“Getting career-best totals in the first-class games and in the one-day game is something I’ll look back on and be proud of,” said Niemand when asked what a standout or defining moment of his career has been thus far.

“Maybe also moving to Bohemian Cricket Club in Beacon Valley. There were 2 border captains who played at the club and Shaun de Kock, Martin Walters and Marco Marais who was up and coming at the time.

“To obviously be a schoolboy and play with them, I learnt a lot from that. I look at that as a moment that’s defined my career.”

How does he keep his focus and still keep the balance between his personal life and career?

“I train a lot, so I try to spend time away from the game,” he explained. “I’ve got a good support system and friends from the cricket club.

“I’ve got a really good girlfriend who when I’m away from the game I’m able to really spend time with and not think about cricket too much.

“I get very nervous before games so it’s nice to have a strong support system.”

Also, check out our exclusive Q&A with Niemand.

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix