Maharaj's Kingsmead knowledge ace up Pretoria Capitals' sleeve

KESHAV Maharaj returns to Kingsmead in a different shade of blue for the Betway SA20 Season 4 Qualifier 1 against Sunrisers Eastern Cape on Wednesday, but his vast knowledge of the conditions will certainly play a significant role for the Pretoria Capitals.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

Maharaj is a son of the Durban soil and knows Kingsmead better than anyone. From the way the surface will behave when the tide comes from the east coast to the dryness of the soil.

It was certainly evident during the group stage match against his former team, Durban's Super Giants, when Maharaj delivered an economical spell, conceding just 22 runs in his four overs, in a high-scoring game.

"I've played first-class cricket here for the last 20 years. I understand the conditions," he said.

"Things have changed, a new groundsman taking over, so it's about assessing the conditions on the day, and getting the boys rallied up to play with high energy and high intensity."

The Capitals als will certainly not be lacking any motivation, having qualified for the playoffs for the first time since Season 1.