Delano Potgieter’s star continues to rise after he put in some stand-out all-round performances for the University Sports South Africa XI.
The University Sports South Africa XI are currently locked in a series against South Africa Emerging and Sri Lanka Emerging. The star of USSA XI’s latest outing against Sri Lanka was Potgieter.
The Gauteng all-rounder, who represented the Lions in the One-Day Cup and 4-Day Franchise Series last season, was incredible on Monday against Sri Lanka, scoring a century and taking a three-for.
The USSA XI, after suffering a 168-run defeat to SA Emerging, were heading for another hefty defeat, when Sri Lanka reduced them to 66-5 in 18.2 overs. But the tide changed when Potgieter walked to the middle.
The 22-year-old guided USSA to a competitive 268-6 with a 111-ball 124 (6×6; 10×4). He was diligently helped by 23-year-old Boland batsman, Isma-eel Gafieldien, who scored 55 off 78 balls in a 163-run stand that took USSA to 229 halfway through the 47th over before losing his wicket.
Potgieter backed up his performance by taking 3-56 in his 10 overs, but unfortunately could not inspire a win for his side.
He followed this with another brilliant all-round this display, but this time he helped his side over the line. He scored 70 and took 1-30 in his side’s narrow win over SA Emerging.
He stood out in another defeat for his side, this time against Sri Lanka Emerging he scored 97 not out in a four-wicket defeat.
The youngster is starting to churn out vital eye-catching performances. His claim-to-fame was when he scored a career-best 145 in a 331-run seven-wicket stand with Bjorn Fortuin (183) to help the Lions to 440 in their first innings against the Warriors.
Potgieter also took 4-81 in the match. His all-round display was critical in the Lions winning the clash by 83 runs, which was the title decider that crowned them 4-Day Franchise Series champions.
He will definitely be a player to watch in the new season.
Photo: Cricket South Africa/Twitter
