MI Cape Town secured a convincing 33-run victory against Paarl Royals in match 6 of the Betway SA20 at Newlands in Cape Town on Monday, moving to the top of the table. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, MI Cape Town posted a competitive total of 172/7. Despite resistance from the Paarl Royals’ lower order, MI Cape Town comfortably defended their target.
MI Cape Town’s Innings
After a shaky start with Ryan Rickelton departing early for eight in the 3rd over, Rassie van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks stabilised the innings with a solid 79-run partnership for the second wicket. Van der Dussen contributed 43 before being bowled by Dayyaan Galiem, while Hendricks pushed on to score a vital 59. Delano Potgieter added a quick 29 towards the end, helping MI Cape Town reach 172/7.
Dayyaan Galiem was the standout bowler for Paarl Royals, claiming figures of 3/24 from his four overs.
Paarl Royals’ Response
The Paarl Royals began their chase with a flying start, as Joe Root and Lhuan-dre Pretorius added a rapid 38 runs in just over three overs. Kagiso Rabada dismissed Joe Root for 26 and shortly after, removed Lhuan-dre Pretorius, also for 26. From 60/3, the Royals collapsed to 81/8, with MI Cape Town eyeing a bonus point win by restricting them to 137 or less.
Some late resistance from Mujeeb Ur Rehman (34 off 21 balls) and Kwena Maphaka (22 not out) helped Paarl Royals reach 139/9, denying MI Cape Town the bonus point. Rabada finished with figures of 2/22 and was named Player of the Match.
Post-Match Reactions
Kagiso Rabada expressed his satisfaction with his performance, particularly the wicket of England’s Joe Root. “Joe Root’s a fantastic player, but I’m claiming that as a nick off down leg,” he joked during the post-match presentation. “Every game I play, I try my best. Hopefully, more often than not, it comes off,” he added.
Captain Rashid Khan praised his team’s hunger and fighting spirit. “Brilliant win. We haven’t had many at home, so it was a special night. After the powerplay, the way they batted was brilliant by the bowlers. Something I love about this team is the hunger,” he said.
Khan also commended Reeza Hendricks’ performance, saying, “So happy with how he played. Those are the expectations we have, a classical player setting it up for the big hitters.”
SA20 Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
MI Cape Town now leads the table with nine points from three games, sitting two points above Durban’s Super Giants (1.65), who have a game in hand.
The Betway SA20 continues with a double-header on January 14. Pretoria Capitals (2.20) face Sunrisers Eastern Cape (2.25) in Centurion at 13:00, followed by Durban’s Super Giants against Joburg Super Kings (1.70) in Durban at 17:30.
The Paarl Royals will host MI Cape Town on January 15 for the return fixture, and the Joburg Super Kings will take on the Pretoria Capitals on January 16.
