Tara Murray
Point Cook’s Josh Van Zyl left onlookers stunned as he hit the ball to all parts of the park in a record breaking T20 innings of 222 not out.
Turning out for Point Cook in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association T20 competition against Mambourin, Van Zyl put on a show that had to be seen to be believed.
Opening the batting Van Zyl made a massive 222 not out as his side put on 0-275 from their 20 overs.
Point Cook would win the match, but it mattered little with everyone talking about Van Zyl’s innings which included 22 fours and 10 sixes.
The man himself is still in shock about how the game played out saying he never imagined to score that many in a T20. It’s the highest score recorded in Point Cook’s history.
“It was a good one,” he said. “I’m blown away and it’s a really amazing feeling.
“I didn’t know that I had scored that many as I wasn’t keeping track and lost count. Our coach was umpiring and he told me when I was close to 200.
“It was a really good day and nice to get my first 100 for Point Cook. It was a blessing from the lord.”
For the South African, who is playing overseas for the first time, it has been a solid season without a massive score before Tuesday night.
He had hit three half centuries beforehand, two in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 competition and the other in a T20 match.
The score easily beat his T20 best of 130, while it equalled his career best of 222 which came in a one-dayer.
Van Zyl said the T20 format would probably be his preferred format to play. His big hitting wouldn’t be much of a surprise for those who saw him grow up, as he used a wooden spoon to hit things before he could even walk.
“That is a hard question,” he said.
“I can bat in any format of the game. Attacking is my favourite, so T20 would probably be my favorite as I can be more aggressive.”
While thrilled with his performance, Van Zyl is hoping it’s the start of bigger things to come for him and Point Cook.
The side sits in third in the VTCA division 3 competition after nine rounds. He said the club had been amazing since he arrived.
Van Zyl admits that it was difficult when he first arrived, but things had gotten better and better.
“Hopefully it’s the start of making more runs for Point Cook,” he said.
“We have a few games left against a couple of good teams. Hopefully I’ll get some more runs before I go back to South Africa.
“Hopefully we’ll reach finals and go on and win the flag.”
