Cobras sign Windies T20 star

Bethlehem - The Cape Cobras have pulled off a major coup by signing one of the world's most-travelled T20-stars and South Africa's Ram Slam T20 player of the year, Kieron Pollard, for another two seasons.

The West Indies all-rounder was a star attraction at Newlands last season. He powered the Cape Cobras to the Ram Slam T20 Challenge crown.

The Trinidadian captured 14 wickets and struck 243 runs at an average of 81 in the 2014/2015-competition.

“Kieron played a match-winning role for the Cobras at least three times last season. He can change the complexion of the match with a belligerent knock, or deny the opposition in the death overs with his subtle change of pace and match awareness,” said Nabeal Dien, chief executive officer of the Cape Cobras.

“We consider it a major boost to have somebody of Kieron's undoubted quality and vast experience in the line-up,” said Beresford Williams, president of the Western Province Cricket Association.

“He is one of the world's finest all-rounders in this format, and has an inspirational impact on the dressing room.”

The explosive middle-order batsman was the catalyst in propelling the Cobras to 158 for six in the 2014/2015-final by blasting 43 runs off 23 balls as the last 7.1 overs produced 86 runs at Newlands against the Knights.

Pollard might miss two domestic T20-matches due to his participation in the T20-series against Sri Lanka.

In 293 T20-matches globally, he has been a key factor for several franchises. Pollard was part of the Mumbai Indians squad that won the Indian Premier League in 2015. The Barbados Tridents reached the finals of the Caribbean Premier League this year with the big all-rounder at the helm. The Cobras kick-off their T20-campaign against the Highveld Lions on November 1 at Newlands. -ANA