Boks and Proteas go head to head

The Springboks will take on the Proteas in a Twenty20 match that will headline Day One of the Festival of Cricket at Sahara Park Newlands on January 3.

The Springbok outfit will be captained by Jean de Villiers and will include the likes of Schalk Burger, Willem Alberts and Bismarck du Plessis.

"We can't wait for the opportunity of taking on Faf [Du Plessis] and his boys in this T20 match," said De Villiers.

"We've managed to get together a solid squad of pretty competitive guys and we're excited about the prospect of playing at Newlands, which must rate amongst the most scenic sports stadiums in the world.

"We know we are obviously not the favourites to win, but we are looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we can give the Proteas a good go.”

Proteas Twenty20 captain Faf du Plessis warned they won’t hold anything back.

“We are really excited about this game and we will play it competitively as there are some good cricketers in the Bok line-up,” he said.

“The Boks will be no push over and we are very aware of the competitive threat they pose in this first ever encounter.”

Ticket prices range from R80-R150 per day while supporters wanting to purchase tickets for all three days will be entitled to a 33% discount package. Public sales will officially open on Friday, December 13.

“Newlands fans are in for a real treat during the Festival of Cricket which will be televised world-wide,” said Cricket South Africa Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat.

“This event has turned out to be very exciting. We are presently confirming some of South Africa’s leading music bands and artists to entertain fans who can enjoy a variety of activities during the three days.”