Cricket Update: South African Makhaya Ntini braces himself for his last International appearance
The iconic South African fast bowler http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Makhaya-Ntini-c73953 will bid adieu to International cricket as he makes his final appearance in a Twenty20 against India on Sunday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The only T20 match between the two high ranked Test teams is being termed more than just another match. The stage is being set as a glorified farewell platform for South Africa’s greatest black cricketer.
Ntini hopes to end his illustrious career on a “big bang” saying he hopes that Sachin Tendulkar will play on Sunday. He stated that even though Tendulkar does not play T20 internationals yet he would love to bowl to the great Indian batsman. His desire seems
all set to be granted as he found his place in the T20 squad as http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Gautam-Gambhir-c58623 and Virendar Sehwag were ruled out due to injuries. Tendulkar’s last T20 international appearance was back in 2006 at Johannesburg against the Proteas.
“It will be very good to see him play; at least I can bowl to him. He’s a legend,” the 33 year old stated.
He recalled his time in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 as he was part of the Chennai Super Kings at the Indian Premier League (IPL) saying that the different culture and contrasting attitudes of the players helped him learn more about cricket.
Ntini announced his retirement from international cricket in 2010 after struggling to find his form and was being left out of the national 50-over teams and Test squads.
The fast bowler, known for cheering his players with his warming smile, soon became an inspiration for the entire South African community as he was the first black African to represent his country in cricket.
“You wish to end on a high note among your home crowd,” the iconic cricketer said.
Cricket http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 (CSA) had earlier confirmed that the tickets for the match were sold within minutes. A record number of spectators of around 50,000 are expected to grace the soccer stadium where he will be ending his international career.
The occasion will be made even more special as South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma will also be making an appearance at the game. Ntini will be honoured with a special award for his outstanding services alongside Tendulkar.
The CSA has planned an extravagant celebration in honour of Ntini as well as commemorate 150 years of alliance between the two countries. Bollywood stars Shah Rukh http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Khan-c71319 and Priyanka Chopra will be flowing in to headline the celebrations.
Ntini has a bowling average of 28.82 with 390 wickets in 101 Tests matches and boasts an average of 24.53 in 172 one day matches with 265 wickets.
Nitini maintained that he will smile through his last appearance, however admitted that it will definitely be an emotional day.
“It’s of course difficult to say goodbye to something you love so deeply,”
he fondly stated.
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