Johannesburg – Cape Cobras coach Paul Adams says despite the threat posed by batsman Heino Kuhn, the Cobras' will have to beat the entire Titans team if they are to win the domestic One-Day Cup final on Friday.
“Heino is obviously playing very well at the moment,” Adams said on Thursday. “I wouldn’t say, though, that he alone stands between us and the trophy.
“The Titans have a lot of quality young players who have put their hands up already at different times this season.
“We do respect the threat Heino poses, but there is no magic wand in how to dismiss him. It is about doing the basic things, getting the ball in the right areas, consistently.”
Kuhn was instrumental in the Pretoria franchise's success during the last two league rounds, as well as in the mid-week playoff against the Dolphins.
The wicketkeeper/batsman scored 92, 104 and 102 in his last three innings, to propel him to 470 runs – the most in the competition – at an average of 47.00.
Adams believed the key to winning finals was by staying calm under pressure, and using the experience the team had gained in appearing in previous finals.
Cobras captain Justin Ontong echoed Adams’ sentiments, but was cautious in underestimating the Titans.
“We do have the experience of playing in finals and that does count in terms of having been there before, and handling the pressure that goes with it,” Ontong said.
“But the Titans have showed they can handle the pressure, considering what they have already achieved over the past four matches.
“They also have guys who have played in finals before and have been successful.”
Titans coach Rob Walter does not have the luxury of returning Proteas like his counterpart Adams had in the form of Robin Peterson and Vernon Philander.
Walter would have to stick with his rookie line-up, keeping faith with Francois le Clus and Graeme van Buuren, who were still in their first season of franchise cricket.
“It is surreal to think that we’ve managed to get this amount of success this early with such a young group of players,” said Walter, also in his first season as a franchise coach.
“It has been a great learning experience to see how these young players have dealt with pressure.
“But when you look at these two teams on paper, it would be stupid to think we’re not underdogs.
“We definitely are the underdogs. But the wonderful thing about cricket is that even the underdogs have a chance to win the game.”
Early weather forecasts for the final indicated heavy rains were likely on both Friday and Saturday (the official reserve day for the final).
Both coaches said that they would not alter their line-ups unless absolutely necessary.
Adams was unlikely to make any major changes, with the inclusion of Philander and Peterson the only exceptions.
Veteran opening bowler Charl Langeveldt had been passed fit after struggling with a hip flexor injury since the league match against the Dolphins last week.
TEAMS
Cobras squad: Andrew Puttick, Dane Vilas, Stiaan van Zyl, Omphile Ramela, Justin Ontong (capt), Justin Kemp, Robin Peterson, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Rory Kleinveldt, Dane Piedt, Charl Langveldt, Beuran Hendricks, Lizaad Williams.
Titans squad: Francois le Clus, Heino Kuhn, Jacobus Pienaar, Farhaan Behardien (capt), Roelof van der Merwe, Qaasim Adams, Mangaliso Mosehle, Graeme van Buuren, Ethy Mbhalati, CJ de Villiers, Shaun von Berg, Rowen Richards. – Sapa