Talking points after four rounds of matches in the 2024-24 Western Province Cricket Association premier league.
1. Toss analysis
There have been 24 tosses this season. Nine have resulted in decisions to bat first – and 15 bowl first. The team to win the toss has won the match 62.5 percent of the time.
Five of the six fourth-round matches were won by the team that won the toss. Four of the five match winners chose to bowl first.
Home v away wins
The home team won 15 of the 24 matches, including all six on the opening weekend. The away team has won more matches than the home team in only one of the four rounds.
2. Top of the points table
Rondebosch Cricket Club and Milnerton Cricket Club remain the only two unbeaten teams after four rounds of fixtures. They each have 19 points after four victories – three with bonus points.
First-placed Rondebosch Cricket Club have a superior net run rate to second-placed Milnerton Cricket Club.
3. Bottom of the points table
Primrose Cricket Club and Rylands Cricket Club are at the bottom of the 12-team points table in 11th and 12th position, respectively.
Neither team have any points after four successive defeats each. Rylands Cricket Club are below Primrose Cricket Club due to a penalty point deducted for insufficient administration.
4. Leading batsman
Durbanville Cricket Club’s Jean Strydom is the leading run-scorer. Strydom has collected 266 runs at an average of 89, including a century against Cape Town Cricket Club – and half-tons against Rylands Cricket Club and Claremont Cricket Club.
Claremont Cricket Club and Durbanville Cricket Club’s Matthew de Villiers and Leon le Roux are in second and third position, respectively.
5. Leading bowler
Western Province Cricket Club’s Justin Behrens is the leading wicket-taker. Behrens has collected 16 wickets in four matches, including a five-for against Rylands Cricket Club. He is the only spinner among the top 10 wicket-takers.
Seamers Gavin Dickenson and Sabir Mallie from Claremont Cricket Club and the University of the Western Cape Cricket Club, respectively, are in second and third position. Dickenson has 14 wickets to Mallie’s 13.