Cricket is all set to make a comeback to South African shores for the first time since the Covid-19-enforced break. And it will be back in an entirely new avatar – the newly formed 3TC format.
The newly created concept, called the Solidarity Cup, will see 24 of South African cricket’s biggest stars compete in a three-team, 36-over competition. The teams – Eagles, Kingfisher and Kites – are led by former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, wicketkeeper-batsman Henrich Klaasen and current white-ball captain Quinton de Kock.
Earlier, Kagiso Rabada was set to lead the Kingfisher squad but the leading fast bowler had to withdraw from the tournament due to the death of a family member. Like Rabada, fast bowler Sisanda Magala also retired due to the death of a family member. Meanwhile, Chris Morris is also unavailable.
Thando Ntini [Kingfisher]Björn Fortuin [Eagles]and Gerald Coetzee [Kingfishers] were named as replacements.
The 3TC Solidarity Cup was supposed to take place on June 27th, but was postponed to July 18th due to the Covid-19 situation.
Also Read: Kagiso Rabada and Chris Morris miss the 3TC exhibition match in South Africa
What are the rules for the 3TC Solidarity Cup?
- The 3TC game is played between three teams of eight players each. It will be a 36-over game divided into two equal halves of 18 overs each.
- Each team receives a total of 12 overs in the innings, split into two six-over periods in each half.
- A toss will be conducted to determine which team will bat, bowl or sit in the dugout in the first half. In the second half, the team that scored the most runs in the first half bats first. In the event of a draw, the order of the first half is reversed.
- Each bowling team bowls a new ball in their 12 overs against both opponents. A bowler can bowl a maximum of three overs in the game.
- After the fall of the 7th wicket, the last man is allowed to bat until the overs are completed or until he is dismissed. However, the last batsman standing can only score in boundaries or an even number of runs.
- If a team loses all eight wickets in the first half, the remaining overs in the second half are forfeited and the last batsman is asked to continue the innings in the second half.
- The team with the most runs in both halves is the winner. The winner receives a gold medal, while the second and third place teams receive a silver and a bronze medal respectively.
- In the event of a tie for the gold medal, Super Overs will decide the fate. In the event of a tie for the silver medal, both teams share the prize.
What are the rosters of the three teams participating in the 3TC Solidarity Cup?
AB’s Eagles: AB de Villiers (c), Aiden Markram, Andile, Phehlukwayo, Lungi Ngidi, Rassie van der Dussen, Junior Dala, Kyle Verreynne, Bjorn Fortuin
Class kingfishers: Heinrich Klaasen (c), Reeza Hendricks, Janneman Malan, Faf du Plessis, Thando Ntini, Gerald Coetzee, Glenton Stuurman, Tabraiz Shamsi.
Quinny’s Dragons: Quinton de Kock (c), David Miller, Dwayne Pretorius, Temba Bavuma, Beuran Hendricks, JJ Smuts, Lutho Sipamla, Anrich Nortje
When and where does the 3TC Solidarity Cup take place?
The 3TC Solidarity Cup will take place on Nelson Mandela Day, July 18, 2020, at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
Where and when can you watch the 3TC Solidarity Cup?
The 3TC Solidarity Cup match will be broadcast by the Star Sports network in the subcontinent. The match will begin at 2:30 pm IST