JACQUES KALLIS TURNS BACK THE CLOCK TO DELIVER T20 MASTERCLASS IN DOHA

Pretoria Capitals batting coach Jacques Kallis turned back the clock in Doha last weekend to produce two spell-binding innings that reminded everyone of the Proteas legend’s class.

Kallis delivered an exhibition of exquisite timing at the Legends League Cricket Masters tournament in Doha, striking successive half-centuries, including a scintillating 78 not out off just 54 balls (5×4, 3×6) for the World Giants against the Asian Lions in the final. 

The 47-year-old’s innings had an even greater impact as the World Giants were in all sorts of trouble at 19/3 in the opening Powerplay with former Bangladesh international left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak (2/14) in the midst of a brilliant new-ball spell on a tricky surface.

In trademark Kallis fashion, the all-rounder initially solidified the World Giants innings with New Zealand’s Ross Taylor (32 off 33 balls), before exploding at the backend by unleashing exquisite lofted cover drives and also savage pulls to the boundary to get his team up to 147/4.

It was ultimately not enough as the Asian Lions comfortably chased it down due to the heroics of Sri Lankan opening pair Upul Tharanga (57) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (58), but Kallis certainly provided his young Pretoria Capitals batters with a masterclass to review ahead of next season’s Betway SA20. 

“Jacques Kallis … what an innings … the last two innings Jacques Kallis played has just been incredible to watch!” said former Australian all-rounder and World Giants captain Shane Watson.

“It was a pretty challenging wicket. For him to stay composed, as he always did throughout his career, and then know when to accelerate, and take the bowlers down, that was beautiful to watch.”

In the previous match leading up to the final, Kallis also shared a 105-run partnership with his former Proteas teammate and MI Cape Town batting coach Hashim Amla (68 off 59 balls).