Fast bowler Hardus Viljoen says his match-winning figures of 7-80 and 8-90 in Derbyshire’s victory over Sussex at Hove is a moment he will cherish for the rest of his life.
The South African quick became only the fifth Derbyshire player to take 15 wickets in a match and his match-winning performance was the fifth best match return for a Derbyshire bowler.
He said: “It was a good game for me and more importantly a good team performance from everyone to get the win. I am really proud of everyone and the way the batters batted together to put us in a dominating position that day.
“It’s one of the games I have bowled the best and it was one of those games where it just went my way. I won’t say it’s the best I’ve bowled as it still feels quite surreal looking back, but it was a special moment for me and something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
“I don’t try to reflect a lot on performances but I do try and take the positives out of everything as well as the negatives. I think I have adapted well to the conditions in England at the moment and it’s just nice to get back fit and playing four-day cricket again.
Derbyshire’s final home fixture of the season, starting on Tuesday 19 September at Queen’s Park, is a chance for the South African quick to continue his fine run of form against his former club Kent, who remain in the hunt for promotion.
Viljoen added: “It’s going to make an interesting game at Chesterfield playing against old team mates and I’m looking forward to that, everybody will be looking to finish well there a lot of positives we can take out of this season and individuals will be setting goals for next season they would like to reach.
“I think I’ve been bowling well and I am where I want to be at the moment, everything is currently going the way I hoped it would be and I’m looking forward to getting the ball again.”
Derbyshire’s final home game is vs Kent at Chesterfield. Save £4 by purchasing your matchday tickets in advance. While further discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Buy online or call 01332 388 101.
