Kate Ebrahim is a superstar in the women’s game. The all-rounder has represented Central Districts, Staffordshire, Canterbury and Otago and played 31 ODIs and 39 T20s for New Zealand. Her form this past season for the Sparks has been stunningly good. The numbers are compelling; indeed, it is head-scratching that she has not been called upon for further national honours. We appreciate her words here.
Q1. Most memorable game?
The Dream 11 Women’s Super Smash 2020/21 final at the Basin Reserve, Canterbury Magicians v Wellington Blaze is a game I will remember for a very long time! Not only was it a final which both teams were hungry to win – but it was a final that had it all.
We won the toss and elected to field first, knowing that whatever target was set, we backed ourselves to chase it. But we were soon on the back foot. Wellington were 62 for 1 at the 8th over cruising at 7 RPO, quickly moving to 100 for 2 at the 13th. Here we were thinking we’re going to be in a run chase in the late 170s early 180s with five White Ferns sitting in their dug- out still waiting to bat! Three runouts and disciplined smart bowling from our attack, Wellington suddenly found themselves in strife losing six for 25, they were left scrambling.
Chasing 125 for the win you simply back yourselves, but the pressure got to us. I found myself coming in during the 4th over with only 18 runs on the board. It was a Basin Reserve full house and a must-win game. Our skipper (Frankie Mackay) and I nudged away; 40 runs at the 9th over. But more drama was to follow. The next three balls was going to be a hat-trick! Here I was watching – from the non-striker’s end.
After a gritty and determined 6th wicket partnership of 65 with Lea Tahuhu we needed 10s off the last 4 overs. We were still in with a sniff although Lea and I felt very isolated in the middle surrounded by a local, vocal and confident crowd. Finally, I hit the winning runs in the last over. Something you dream of as a young girl.
What made this match even more special is that 11 months prior I had just given birth to our daughter. It was a season where I was unsure if I was ever going to make it back. There are a lot of unknowns for females when returning into a high performance sporting environment from a physical, mental and emotional state to name a few. The love and support I have surrounding me is what enables me to continue to play the game I love. Hence my choice of this being my most memorable game.
Q2. Most memorable personal performance?
The 2016/17 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield One Day Women’s Final, we (Canterbury Magicians) played the Auckland Hearts at Hagley Oval. Auckland posted 233/6, I was able to play a part in the first three dismissals, two wickets and a crucial catch, finishing with bowling figures of 2/30 off my 10 overs. Then, turning around and scoring the winning runs by hitting a four through the covers which brought up my first 100 for the red and black colours. Even though it’s not my top score in my career nor is it my personal best bowling figures, scoring a 100 in final to win is exactly what you play for. Moments like these can not be replicated – very often!
The 2016/17 season was my first for Canterbury. My husband and I had made the move south from our beloved home province of Taranaki. Again, plenty of unknowns throughout the season, after playing 10 years for Central Districts. I transitioned into the Canterbury side, slotting into a new batting role at number four and coming on as a first-change bowler. It was refreshing time in my career, as my game continued to develop, to grow and flourish in a new environment surrounded by some world- class, talented and experienced players.
Q3. What or who was the major influence in shaping you as a player?
Many great coaches have put a lot of time into me. During my youth, my parents were the biggest supporters, until my Dad passed away when I was 16 years old. When you’re faced with grief to this extent at such a young age learning how to get on with life and push through are skills I have learned.
I have a mentor (Debu Banik) who I’ve worked with since the age of 12 and to this day I still work with him technically and tactically around my game. I owe him a lot of gratitude for the hours of net sessions we’ve had over the years and the personal life lessons he has taught me. The honesty between each other, the detailed conversations and the work at training is what has shaped me as a player and person.
Q4. Advice for a current secondary school player who has a vision to play at the top level?
Learn the basics of the game of cricket and do them well (batting, bowling, fielding). It may seem a simple piece of advice. Doing the simple things well is important and understanding what the basics are. When I mention basics I’m talking about the little skills like running between the wickets, where to look and how to call. How to gauge depth perception with high catches and position yourself, how to attack the ball in the field, how to collect and release the ball when fielding, where to position yourself when backing up whether you’re close to the ball or the furthest. How to set your own field and know alternatives. These examples are just a few. That’s the beauty of the game, no matter how good you are, everyone can know the basics and do them well.
What I notice about some first-class cricketers who come into the game with limited experience is that the basics of their game has been neglected. If these are learnt early it will help induce the confidence to contribute later within the team. These basic skills need to become second nature.
Practice, practice, practice!
Q5. A vital aspect of the ethos of the game which must be strengthened?
We want cricket to be for everyone and for more people to take up the game. We need more people to fall in love with it and stay in love for a lifetime. The game must transcend age, gender, race and ability as it’s always been a metaphor for life. We need to continue to be welcoming to all those who feel a connection with it and it’s our job and the job of everyone in the game to ensure that numbers are as broad and diverse as our population. We as older, experienced lovers of the game must be guardians of the game and introduce and teach the younger generation how wonderful this game is and the relationships and friendships that we build will last a lifetime.