Jozi Stars’ Reeza Hendricks has continued the form that made him one of the top players at the inaugural Mzansi Super League, by picking up back-to-back half-centuries in the opening weekend of Mzansi Super League 2.0.
The 30-year-old had a solid Mzansi Super League last season where he finished third with 412 runs, an average of 58.12, two half-centuries and two centuries.
He’s started off with a bang this time around, with an 80 against the Cape Town Blitz and 62 in the match against the Nelson Mandela Bay.
Unfortunately, he failed to find support from his batting partners, which saw the defending champions begin this campaign with two losses.
With a T20 World Cup around the corner, Hendricks will have his eye set on selection, without a doubt. It will be interesting to see whether he can maintain the form throughout the competition.
The only criticism about his two knocks is that it was not explosive enough considering the format. His team needed him to accelerate the run rate a lot quicker and switch to the aggressor, but he wasn’t able to do so in both matches. His strike rate after two matches is 127.92, below what is deemed impressive in a format that promises big-hitting non-stop action.
Hendricks does have a role in this format. He’s effective in the power play and is brilliant at supporting his more explosive batting partners. However, he has not had the opportunity to play that role.
Let’s hope he can maintain his form until his teammates hit their peak so we can see Hendricks rewarded for his great start to the campaign.
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