Proteas all-rounder Vernon Philander’s performance with the ball proved relatively insignificant, but Tygerberg Cricket Club dominated day one of a key Western Province Cricket Association first division A fixture against the University of Cape Town Cricket Club on 13 March 2016 nonetheless.
Sidelined by an ankle injury sustained during the Test series against India in November last year, Philander had not played competitive cricket for over four months, prior to Sunday at Florida Park in Ravensmead.
Tygerberg CC hardly required him in the first innings. He bowled a mere four overs and failed to take a wicket. Spinner Luwaaz September, meanwhile, snared telling figures of six for 12 – as UCT CC were bowled out for a paltry 70. Their follow-on later reached 68 for four, with Philander dismissing opener Matt Hawkin – and the promising Taariq Chiektey late in the day.
The right-handed Philander, earlier, contributed a fine half-century in the middle order. His 52 featured half a dozen fours and one six and, alongside half-tons from the talented Corbin Thomas and Neil Abrahams, was the mainstay of the hosts’ formidable total of 217 for seven.
The second and final day of this important WPCA first division A match will take place on 20 March, when Philander will have the opportunity to improve on underwhelming match figures of two for 20 in 11 overs.