Match in a Glimpse:
We became the first team to attain the coveted Q and march into the SA20 semi-finals after a thrilling one-wicket win over MI Cape Town. After our bowlers curtailed the dangerous MI Cape Town batting to 159, Rilee Rossouw starred for us with the bat in this blockbuster match.
Ensuring a Lukewarm Start:
After a 12-day break, we resumed our SA20 campaign, hosting MI Cape Town at home. Captain Parnell called it right at the toss and elected to bowl first. Joshua Little made his debut in the Pitori Blue, while Phil Salt returned to action.
MI Cape Town started with a new opening pair in Rassie van der Dussen and Wesley Marshall. Right when the duo appeared threatening, Parnell got our first breakthrough dismissing Marshall. Joshua Little bagged his first wicket in Pretoria Capitals colours by sending back Grant Roelofsen before the batter could make an impact. We restricted MI Cape Town to 45/2 after the powerplay.
Pacers Take Centre Stage:
As expected, the battle between Dewald Brevis and Anrich Nortje was an exciting watch as the pacer sent the youngster packing in consecutive matches. At the other end, van der Dussen marched towards an explosive 51 off 29 deliveries. Despite having a tough start to his game, Eathan Bosch came back into the attack to halt van der Dussen’s exploits.
Nortje and Neesham continued to build the pressure, ultimately taking out George Linde and Tim David in quick succession. A mix-up in the middle between Sam Curran and Duan Jansen led to the latter being run out. Not long after, the Englishman lost his wicket to Neesham who got his second of the night. Eathan Bosch doubled his wicket count as well after an Odean Smith mistimed shot.
Even though there was some hard-hitting by Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada in the slog overs, we restricted MI Cape Town to 159 after another mix-up between the pair ended the visitors innings.
The Chase Begins:
Focussed to seal the first semi-final berth in SA20, we started the chase in classic Pitori fashion with Kusal Mendis at the helm of proceedings. Our Lankan lion displayed some fine power-hitting outscoring Salt in a 50 run opening stand. However, both our openers fell in quick succession as Rashid Khan and Sam Curran got two crucial wickets for the visitors.
Despite a nervous start, Rilee Rossouw and Shane Dadswell patiently built a 61-run partnership to keep us in the game. Unfortunately, it was Kagiso Rabada and Odean Smith who had the last laugh in this battle. Our woes continued when Jimmy Neesham nicked the ball and was caught out for a two-ball duck.
A Nail-Biting Finish to Seal a Playoffs Berth:
Senuran Muthusamy steadied the ship and left no stone unturned to make sure we stayed in the fight. After a brave knock of 25 off 24 deliveries, he was dismissed by Sam Curran. Powering through an injury, skipper Wayne Parnell displayed the true spirit of Roar Saam More to get us across the line.
With this one-wicket win over MI Cape Town, we became the first team in SA20 to book a place in the playoffs. Moreover, we successfully maintained our 100% win record at Centurion.
What This Means:
Earning 27 points from our 8 matches, we are the current table-toppers in SA20 which means that we have virtually sealed a spot in the first semi-final that is to be played at Centurion itself!
Guided by this motivation we gear up to host Durban’s Super Giants and Paarl Royals in our final league matches.
Update on Wayne Parnell:
Unfortunately, our skipper Wayne Parnell injured himself during the first innings of the match. Nevertheless, he displayed immense courage and passion to help us secure a semi-final berth in the last over. Our team of medical experts shall investigate his injury further before taking a final call.
Brief Scores - Pretoria Capitals - 160/9, Rilee Rossouw - 40(19), Kusal Mendis - 39 (25), Sam Curran - 3/26, Rashid Khan - 1/17 defeated MI Cape Town - 159/10 (20), Rassie van der Dussen - 51 (29), Wesley Marshall - 16 (13), Jimmy Neesham - 2/26, Anrich Nortje - 2/37
Player of the Match: Rilee Rossouw
