The Tuks Main Oval has seen some special innings from the likes of Indian legend Rohit Sharma and Proteas batter Reeza Hendricks over the years.
Last Saturday, teenager Karabo Meso added her name to the honours list at the University of Pretoria by entertaining all and sundry with her vast range of strokes to raise her bat for the maiden Schools SA20 century.
The achievement held even greater gravitas with her 117 not out powering Steyn City to an emphatic 99-run victory over St Christians School to claim the inaugural Schools SA20 championship.
It was an innings of the highest calibre. Meso, 17, showed her experience by initially easing her way to 66 off 53 balls.
But with the departure of her good friend and fellow SA U19 international Diara Ramlakan, Meso lifted the handbrake and put her foot firmly on the pedal to utilise just 10 further balls to reach the three-figure mark.
It was a magical exhibition of power-hitting with Meso producing her full range of 360-degree strokeplay that had the spectators running for cover due to her six-hitting exploits.
Meso claims her motivation stemmed from having enjoyed a “Masterclass” batting session with Proteas legend AB de Villiers the previous evening as part of the Schools SA20 mentoring programme.
“When I stepped on to that field, I said I’ve got nothing to lose but just play for the badge on my left and right,” she said.
“I think also when AB talked to us about managing your emotions and stepping away and taking in every moment, I think that helped. Every time when I was hitting the ball, I stepped aside and said, you’ve got this, hit the ball, just watch the ball.
“In the last overs, I said I’m just going for it. Looking at that spot, I said I’m going for that spot and it just happened, backing myself.”
Meso claimed the majority of awards at the Schools SA20 presentation, winning both the Batter and Player of the Competition prizes for her 228 runs in four innings.
The wicket-keeper/batter’s infectious energy on the field and unmistakable talent should not come as a surprise to ardent followers of the women’s game in South Africa though.
Meso has participated in two ICC U19 World Cups, having recently helped the SA U19 to the final in Malaysia, is a regular in the senior Lions’ Women’s team competing in the Hollywood Bets Pro50 and Pro20 series, and has already played two T20 Internationals for the Proteas Women’s team against Sri Lanka last year.
She would probably have played much more international cricket were it not for the fact that the dreadlocked top-order batter is a conscientious student in her Matric year at Steyn City.
Meso does admit though that being exposed to a higher level has helped her deal with the expectation.
“In the morning, I was really nervous,” she said. “And I usually don’t get nervous, but I checked in every moment and watched every ball, every time. And then it just happened naturally.
“I actually like pressure, like the World Cup told me to play under pressure. I cherish every moment when I step into that field and play for my team.”
Meso is not one for the future, but rather the present with there being every likelihood that she’ll receive another Proteas call-up shortly to challenge incumbent Sinalo Jafta behind the stumps.
She may even be faced with the dilemma of her Matric exams clashing head on with the ICC Women’s World Cup set to be held in India from October later this year.
But right now, Meso is focusing purely on enjoying her cricket and the opportunity Schools SA20 has provided other girls of her age to grow their game and better prepare them for the pressure of international competition.
“I don’t want to look too far ahead,” Meso said. “I’m just focusing on what’s in front of me right now“I’m just enjoying my cricket at the moment.
“It’s (Schools SA20) a really great opportunity for the girls because I made my debut at 16 for the Proteas Women’s team and when you go there, people manage their own space and I’m also young, looking up to them.
“I think this will help them better their cricket when they’re up there. Then they don’t feel the pressure that I’m the youngest. They’re just going to play cricket and just enjoy it.”
