Baartman's consistency in hitting right areas key to his success, says Steyn

Johannesburg, Jul 13 (PTI) Former South Africa pace great Dale Steyn is mighty impressed with Ottneil Baartman's consistency and believes it has been the primary reason for his continued success in the SA20 league. Baartman is the leading wicket-taker in the four-season history of the SA20, and Steyn has worked with him in the past at Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Baartman, who has claimed 61 wickets across four seasons, dismissed 20 batters in just nine matches during his maiden stint for the Paarl Royals in the 2025-26 edition and played a significant role in David Miller and Co reaching the second qualifier before they were knocked out by the eventual champions, Sunrisers Eastern Cape. "I'm always looking at guys who can consistently land the ball in the right area. The thing about T20 cricket is that you can bowl badly and still pick up wickets. You can get your bad ball caught on the boundary or something like that," Steyn said, speaking to SA20. "But for me, somebody like Ottneil Baartman, what he's done season after season has earned him a spot in that South African team. I'm looking at guys who can consistently land the ball in the hot zone for a long period of time." The 33-year-old Baartman's ability has seen him soar up the bowling charts in the United States, where he is playing the Major League Cricket for the Seattle Orcas. He has taken 16 wickets in eight matches at a strike-rate of 10.87. Steyn believes that Baartman's ability to keep things simple makes him a standout bowler and one of the best in the current crop. Baartman, who comes from a small town in the Western Cape, said doing the basics well in the fast-paced T20 format is the only way to succeed as a bowler. "When the ball is flying everywhere, you just have to keep your head down and stay consistent," Baartman explained. "Consistency is key for me, just doing what I do as well as possible and not trying to complicate things. I think if you commit to one specific ball or one specific plan, that can change the game," he added. PTI SSC PM SSC PM PM