Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket celebrates a historic first when the Proteas play their first international twenty-over game in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.
The match at the Sahara Oval St George's is the first of two Standard Bank International Pro20 fixtures against the visiting West Indies. The second game is to be played in Johannesburg on 18 January 2008.
"It's remarkable that Standard Bank and Cricket South Africa introduced the international version of the game only two years ago. In the successful after-glow of T20 World Cup, we are delighted - that in such a short space of time - we have been able to provide local fans with such a feast of Pro20 action," says Clement Motale, director of Group Sponsorships.
Between October 2005 and the end of 2007, South African cricket fans have been exposed to the many facets of Standard Bank Pro20 Cricket, and most recently the highly successful ICC World Twenty20 World Cup.
"We have always enjoyed incredible support from local fans for Standard Bank Pro20, both domestic and international versions. As a regional partner to the T20 event, it was immensely satisfying to see that support translate into the global cricket spectacle of the World Cup," adds Motale.
Gerald Majola, CEO of Cricket South Africa, said: "This is the first Standard Bank International Pro20 match to be played outside Johannesburg, and I am sure the people of Port Elizabeth are going to rise to the occasion in fine style.
"West Indies and the Proteas provided the most exciting game of the recent T20 World Cup, and there is every indication that there is going to be a repeat of this on Sunday."
The growth and appeal of twenty-over cricket is evidenced by three Pro20 games slotted into the 2007/8 summer season. The West Indies fixtures follow the Standard Bank International Pro20 played on 23 November against New Zealand in Johannesburg. - Sapa