South Africa 3-Team Cricket: AB de Villiers To Return For Unique 36-over match

The biggest names in South African cricket will make a much-awaited return to the cricket field later this month for an exhibition match. The game will take place in Centurion on June 27. What makes the game more interesting is that three teams will play in one 36-over match in a never-before-seen format.

The three teams of the first ever ‘3TC (three-team cricket) match’ will be led by AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock and Kagiso Rabada. There are also unique rules for the new format. The match will be the first live sport in South Africa since the lockdown was announced in March 2020.

“It’s been quite some time since the South African public and fans of cricket worldwide have been able to consume the game we all love. I know that the players are itching to get back into action as well, which is why we as CSA are so excited about the Solidarity Cup. It’s a thrilling new format and a match that is working towards a greater good. We are proud to partner with 3TeamCricket on this project,” CSA Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith, said.

Here are all the details regarding the match:

Teams:

The three teams will consist of all the leading cricketers from South Africa and will fight for the ‘Solidarity Cup’. The match will be a fundraiser, with the proceeds going to those from the cricket community who are enduring hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

KG’s Kingfishers: Kagiso Rabada (c), Faf du Plessis, Chris Morris, Tabraiz Shamsi, Reeza Hendricks, Janneman Malan, Heinrich Klaasen, Glenton Stuurman

Quinny’s Kites: Quinton de Kock (c), David Miller, Temba Bavuma, Anrich Nortje, Dwayne Pretorius, Beuran Hendricks, JJ Smuts, Lutho Sipamla

AB’s Eagles: AB de Villiers (c), Aiden Markram, Lungi Ngidi, Andile, Phehlukwayo, Rassie van der Dussen, Junior Dala, Kyle Verreynne, Sisanda Magala

Here are the rules for the game:

• A 3TC match is contested between 3 teams of 8 players each. The match is played over 36 overs in two halves of 18 overs with a break at halftime.
• Teams bat for one innings of 12 overs, split between two 6-over periods. They face one opponent in the first half and the other opponent in the second half.
• After the fall of the 7th wicket, the last batsman stands alone. However, he can only score in even numbers of runs. If the 7th wicket falls in the first half, the team forfeits the remaining part of that half and the last batsman resumes the innings in the second half.
• Each bowling team will use one new ball for their full 12 overs which is used for both opponents. A maximum of three overs per bowler is allowed. An uncompleted over due to the fall of the 7th wicket is deemed to be completed with dot balls.
• Most runs wins Gold, second Silver and third Bronze. If 2 teams tie with most runs, super overs decide Gold; if all 3 teams tie, all get Gold; and, in a tie for second, Silver is shared.

??️ Cricket is set to return with a brand-new format on 27 June at SuperSport Park.

3⃣ Teams. 2⃣ Halves. 1⃣ Match.#3TCricket #SolidarityCup pic.twitter.com/tbc0amluyk

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) June 17, 2020

Meanwhile, the fans can only enjoy the game on the television sets as the it will be played in empty stadium due to the pandemic. CSA’s chief medical officer, Dr Shuaib Manjra had said a strict Covid-19 protocol will be in place for the match.

“First of all it will be an empty stadium, we’re looking at the minimum number of people being there for the event to happen and be broadcast, which is about 200. The players will get in three days before and be kept in a sanitised eco-system… In the stadium, everyone will wear masks and doors will be kept open along with other safety measures,” he said.

The much-anticipated exhibition match will be held at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on 27 June at 2:30 pm IST.

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