Isma-eel Gafieldien

Isma-eel “Gaffie” Gafieldien is a talented top order Batsman from South Africa’s Western Cape. A patient and elegant left-handed Opener and occasional right-arm Medium seamer/Leg Spinner, Isma-eel has been in and around the Boland Provincial set ups since he was 17. His sound technique through the age groups saw him represent Boland at U17 & U19 level as well as being selected for the Cobras Franchise Cubs week side in Jan 2015.

A little under 2 years later, Isma-eel was handed his First class cap following some excellent club form for Stellenbosch University Maties CC as well as the inter-squad games. His debut was a game he is unlikely to forget, having put on 165 for the first wicket on debut with Godfrey Stevens, Isma-eel was out caught, on 99. He would go on to represent Boland on a further 28 occasions over the next couple of seasons, quite sporadic as he completed his studies at Stellenbosch University.

2019 has started as somewhat of a comeback season, with studies completed, Isma-eel has returned to the Provincial side in the new year and has not only maintained his place but went on to be the 3rd highest run-scorer in summer 2019-20 in the 3-day Provincial competition with 712 runs @ 54.76, scoring three hundreds. He also scored his maiden List A ton, with 103* against Kwa-Zulu Natal in Feb 2020.

Gaffie spent his first summer in the UK in 2021, joining Coggeshall Town CC in the Two Counties Championship. In an incredible return, he piled on 1019 runs @ 84.92 with 8 x 50’s and 3 x 100’s in just 16 innings as the club finished in the top half of the league. He returned in 2022, joining Biddestone CC in the West of England League. Gaffie was excellent, scoring 977 runs @ 51.42 for the summer with 4 x 100s.

A qualified Cricket South Africa Level 2 coach, Gaffie is seeking to play in the UK again next summer and will be an excellent pick up for a club seeking a solid Left-hander to get the innings off to a good start this season. Gaffie is available from June-Late August/Early Sept.