When Gerald Coetzee Cleaned Up Jos Buttler With a Beauty
Coetzee will once again turn up for Joburg Super Kings in SA20 2024. (X.com)
The inaugural edition of the SA20 league showcased many emerging players from South Africa who left a significant impact. Among them was Gerald Coetzee, a talent representing Joburg Super Kings, who gained attention as an emerging pace-bowling sensation for his aggressive and impactful performances.
Coetzee possesses the remarkable ability to strike fear among batters even before releasing the ball. His emergence as a formidable fast bowler took center stage during the SA20 2023, where he showcased his prowess in dismantling opposition line-ups with ease. In the inaugural edition, Coetzee commenced the year impressively, securing the position of the second-highest wicket-taker with 17 dismissals. Additionally, he proved to be a valuable asset as a lower-order hitter. Subsequently, he solidified his place as an integral member of the Proteas across various formats throughout the year.
Coetzee's journey continued, and he delivered an outstanding performance at the ODI World Cup 2023, marking his maiden appearance in India. In just eight games, he claimed an impressive 20 wickets at an average of 19.80. Despite playing only a limited number of matches, the 23-year-old emerged as the fifth-highest wicket-taker, garnering praise for his pace, aggression, and ability to take wickets at crucial times.
A standout moment for the young Coetzee occurred during the 24th game of the SA20 2023 season, featuring a match between Joburg Super Kings and Paarl Royals. Jos Buttler, a star batter for Paarl Royals and considered one of the best white-ball players globally, faced Coetzee's fiery bowling.
Watch: Pumped up Coetzee sends Buttler packing
Joburg, having won the coin toss, opted to field first, and Paarl's openers, Buttler and Jason Roy, displayed an aggressive approach, accumulating 50 runs within the first four overs. However, Coetzee provided the much-needed breakthrough in the fourth over. Despite Buttler hitting two consecutive sixes in Coetzee's first two balls, an attempt to hit a third resulted in a wild swing against a 141 kmph length ball. The right-arm seamer uprooted Buttler’s leg stump in some style. After dismissing Buttler, the young speedster looked animated. Unfortunately, the match didn't produce a result due to rainfall.
The second edition of South Africa’s premier T20 competition, the SA20, kicks off in Gqeberha, with defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape hosting the Joburg Super Kings at St George’s Park on Wednesday evening.
Affectionately dubbed the 'Karate Kid' due to his trademark headband, Gerald Coetzee's stature rose significantly after a stellar 2023. Having missed the Cape Town Test against India due to injury, Coetzee will be seen in action for the Super Kings in the 2024 edition of the SA20.
 "Vaibhav Tripathi")
