South Africa pacer Nandre Burger was roped in by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 50 lakh at the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 auction held in Dubai yesterday. Burger has not featured in an IPL match yet and is expected to make his debut in the next edition of the competition. Following Burger’s acquisition by Rajasthan Royals, his South Africa teammate Tony de Zorzi shared a hilarious take on this matter.
The South Africa batter cheekily suggested that Burger needs to “use that money on the team.” De Zorzi went on to explain the reason behind making such a demand. “He needs to use that money on the team, because we helped him get there. I am also his room-mate on tour so I am expecting something,” De Zorzi had said, as quoted on ESPNCricinfo.
In international cricket, Nandre Burger made his debut in the third T20I against India in Johannesburg on December 14. In ODIs, he has so far featured in two games. Overall, the 28-year-old has four wickets under his belt in international cricket. Burger scripted sensational figures of 3/30 in his 10 overs to bowl out India for 211 in the second ODI. India’s Sai Sudharsan emerged as the highest scorer for his side in the game with 62.
South Africa opening batter Tony de Zorzi, on the other hand, produced a sublime hundred yesterday against India in the second ODI. De Zorzi’s spectacular unbeaten knock of 119 off 122 balls helped the Proteas clinch a much-needed eight-wicket victory at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. It was also the 26-year-old’s maiden international ton. De Zorzi’s sublime innings comprised nine boundaries and six sixes. He was quite rightfully awarded player of the match.
“It was a flood of emotions. I first thought of my Mom, hopefully she was back from work and watching. There have been a lot of doubters (of his ability) and you are just happy you could prove it to yourself and to the people who care about you. I will never forget this moment,” Tony de Zorzi said of his maiden ODI hundred, as per news agency Reuters.
The emphatic eight-wicket triumph helped South Africa remain alive in the ODI series against India. Earlier, the visitors had secured an eight-wicket win to claim a 1-0 lead in the series. The third and final ODI of the series is scheduled to be played at the Boland Park in Paarl on Thursday.
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