Paarl Royals seamer Ottneil Baartman is embracing the challenge of leading his team’s attack against the Joburg Super Kings at the Wanderers on Thursday.

Only two points separate second-placed JSK (15) and the Royals (13) in third spot as the duo hunt down the table-topping Sunrisers Eastern Cape (17).

Baartman became the leading wicket-taker in SA20 history in the last clash against MI Cape Town at Newlands with his 52nd scalp, surpassing his former Sunrisers teammate Marco Jansen. MI Cape Town’s Kagiso Rabada is in third place with 36.

Baartman’s role has changed, though, since he joined the Royals after three successful seasons at the Sunrisers where he was more the supporting act to the likes of Jansen, Dan Worrall and Richard Gleeson.

He is now the frontman at Royals, guiding a seam attack that consists of 19-year-old Nqobani Mokoena and is relishing the extra responsibility.

“Obviously, the past three seasons, I was bowling with Marco Jansen, who is a good powerplay bowler,” said Baartman, who is this season’s top wicket-taker with 11. “He showed me what it’s about and it was really good to have him on my side.

“Obviously, it’s a different role now. I embrace the challenge and try to explore it.”

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Baartman has also been impressed with how quickly teenager Mokoena has taken to the high-pressure stakes of SA20.

“At the moment, he is showing me the ropes,” he said with a chuckle. “He’s bowling nicely, taking some good confidence into each game. Leading up to the first game he was bowling really quick and nicely. He’s taking a lot of wickets for the team, and has a lot of potential.”

JSK also have reason for optimism about their fast-bowling stocks with Gleeson sitting just behind Baartman in second place on the table with nine wickets, while Proteas seamer Nandre Burger made an impressive return from injury against MI Cape Town a couple of nights ago.

Burger bowled with good pace and rhythm to claim 2-23 in the 12-over shootout at Newlands.

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“It’s fantastic [to have him back],” said assistant coach Eric Simons. “He gives balance to your attack. He seemed a little tentative at the start and then he got into his rhythm and bowled very well. I think also tactically he was good.

“It’s not just the delivery of pace or line or whatever. But tactically the nuances of what he did was really good. He’s that extra dimension that we need.”

Simons also believes JSK can return to winning ways after their unbeaten record came to halt in Cape Town.

“We were a bit unlucky but it’s just one of those things. It’s a lot to do with confidence. These tournaments are tough,” he said.

“Six teams and four qualifiers, you need momentum. Some have come into these tournaments and battled up front and then got the momentum at the right time. So, we’re very aware of the fact that we’ve had a good start, but the real business end is to come.”

Photo: Shaun Roy/Sportzpics