Synopsis
MI Cape Town triumphed over Paarl Royals with a 39-run victory in Qualifier 1, marking their first entry into the SA20 final. The match showcased stellar performances, including notable contributions from players like Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, and Rashid Khan, who made history as the leading wicket-taker in T20s.Key Takeaways
- MI Cape Town reaches its first SA20 final.
- Strong opening partnership between Rickelton and van der Dussen.
- Rashid Khan becomes the leading wicket-taker in T20 history.
- MI Cape Town scored 199/4 in their innings.
- Royals struggled to maintain momentum in their chase.
Gqeberha, Feb 5 (NationPress) MI Cape Town secured their inaugural spot in a SA20 final with a decisive 39-run win against the Paarl Royals in Qualifier 1 held at St George’s Park.
Under the guidance of Robin Peterson, the team excelled in every aspect right from the outset after being put to bat by Royals captain David Miller.
The opening duo of Ryan Rickelton (44 runs off 27 balls) and Rassie van der Dussen (40 runs off 32 balls) established a strong foundation, contributing to a formidable score of 199/4 with a remarkable 87-run partnership in just 9.2 overs.
The Royals attempted a comeback by claiming three wickets for a mere six runs, reducing MI Cape Town to 91/3.
However, the tide turned in favor of the table leaders as George Linde unleashed three sixes in his quickfire 14-ball 26.
With the Royals losing their composure due to a few waist-high full tosses, which forced Dayyaan Galiem out of the attack, it created an opportunity for Dewald Brevis (44 not out off 30 balls) and Delano Potgieter (32 not out off 17 balls) to accumulate 74 runs in the final five overs.
The Royals began their chase positively, with Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Mitchell Owen racking up 21 runs off Trent Boult’s first over.
Pretorius’s brief innings (15 off six balls) was cut short by Kagiso Rabada.
From there, the Royals struggled to gain any momentum, with only their captain David Miller providing resistance with a swift 45 off 26 balls.
Further joy came for MI Cape Town as their captain Rashid Khan became the leading wicket-taker in T20 history, surpassing West Indian sensation Dwayne Bravo by clean bowling Royals all-rounder Dunith Wellalage.
MI Cape Town now proceeds directly to Saturday's final at the Wanderers, while the Royals will have another shot in Thursday's Qualifier 2 at Centurion.
