Following his impressive debut as captain of the South African Invitational XI against Pakistan earlier this summer, Hollywoodbets Dolphins batsman Marques Ackerman will lead the same side again in a limited overs match against Sri Lanka in Benoni next week.
Ackerman will be joined by two of his Dolphins team mates in the side in the form of all-rounders Eathan Bosch and Sibz Makhanya.
Left-hander Ackerman starred in their three-day clash with Pakistan when he scored a century in the first innings of the clash and following a brilliant start to 2019 he will be able to showcase himself in the limited overs format.
“I am really keen for the challenge,” Ackerman said. “I have never represented the invitational side in white ball cricket so I am looking forward to the match next week.
“I have good memories of Benoni from the match against Pakistan and it is exciting to test myself against more international players.”
Ackerman is also excited by the prospect of being joined in the squad by two other Dolphins players.
“It’s great to see Eathan and Sibz getting the recognition too. They have both had good seasons so far and I am looking forward to playing alongside them again.”
It’s been a meteoric rise for the youngster over the past few months from leading the invitational side to making his franchise debut for the Dolphins and contributing significantly to a limited overs spot in the invitational side.
Ackerman believes that he belongs at this level.
“Once you get a taste of the higher levels you don’t want to leave and that just makes me hungrier to perform and make a name for myself.
“The last three months have been incredible for me and I want to continue to contribute to all the teams that I represent with the bat,” the youngster added.
CEO of KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Heinrich Strydom is excited to see the younger generation of Dolphins stars given the opportunity to test themselves against international cricketers.
“Playing in invitational sides against international players is a great way for our players to test themselves against top opposition,” Strydom said.
“To have three players included in the side to face Sri Lanka shows that we are moving in the right direction as a union and our younger players are making a mark.
“These guys, along with our four players that are representing the SA U19 side in India shows that we have a strong next generation coming through.”
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