Cape Town - Two of South Africa’s favourite sporting teams, the Springboks and the Proteas, will face off in a T20 match that will headline Day One of the Festival of Cricket taking place at Sahara Park Newlands on 3rd, 4th and 5th January 2014.



The Boks will be led by Jean de Villiers with the team containing many familiar faces including the likes of Schalk Burger, Willem Alberts and Bismarck du Plessis.

The encounter promises to be an entertaining one, with the Proteas declaring that they will hold nothing back against their rivals from another sporting code.



“We are really excited about this game and we will play it competitively as there are some good cricketers in the Bok line-up,” said Proteas T20 captain, Faf du Plessis.



“The Boks will be no push over and we are very aware of the competitive threat they pose in this first ever encounter.”



"We can't wait for the opportunity of taking on Faf and his boys in this T20 match," said Springbok captain Jean de Villiers.



"We've managed to get together a solid squad of pretty competitive guys and we're excited about the prospect of playing at Newlands, which must rate amongst the most scenic sports stadiums in the world.



"We know we are obviously not the favourites to win, but we are looking forward to the challenge and hopefully we can give the Proteas a good go," added De Villiers.



With just under a month to go before this special event gets underway, organisers have confirmed ticket prices for the 3-day spectacular.



Ticket prices have been priced affordably and range from R80-R150 per day. Fans and supporters wanting to purchase tickets for all 3 days, will be entitled to a 33% discount package.



The usual preferred sales period will be open to Love Cricket Gold and Silver members who will be entitled to a further 20% and 10% discount respectively. This sales window period opens on Tuesday, 10 December 2013 for 2 days. Thereafter, public sales will officially open on Friday, 13 December 2013.



“Newlands fans are in for a real treat during the Festival of Cricket which will be televised world-wide,” explained CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat.



“This event has turned out to be very exciting. We are presently confirming some of South Africa’s leading music bands and artists to entertain fans who can enjoy a variety of activities during the three days.”



The National Selectors have also confirmed one addition to the North squad that will take on the South squad in a State of Origin match on Day 2 of the Festival of Cricket.



Off-spinner, Simon Harmer, has been moved from the South to the North Squad after the selectors erroneously included him in the South squad. Harmer was, in fact, born in Pretoria. All his votes accumulated will carry over into the North Squad.



