MI Cape Town register a one-sided win ahead of the playoffs, strengthening position by defeating Pretoria Capitals
SA20: MI Cape Town finished the league stage with 35 points, a record number of points. This was possible due to their big win over the Capitals by 95 runs. The home team completely dominated the match from the start despite making six changes to their line-up.
MI Cape Town strengthened its position at the top of the standings in SA20 Season 3 with a convincing win over Pretoria Capitals. With such a sensational win, they have also scripted a magnificent record at Newlands. Robins Peterson's unit have become the second unit to tread in the footsteps of Paarl Royals in having an unblemished record at their home stadium with five wins.
MI Cape Town finished with a record 35 points, and that with a thumping win over the Capitals by 95 runs. That achievement was accomplished with a big win over the Capitals, and it with a thumping win over them by 95 runs.
The new opening partnership of Connor Esterhuizen and Sediqullah Atal delivered a brilliant 133-run opening stand in unison. Sediqullah, a left-hander, amassed a 46-ball 77, and Esterhuizen a 43-ball 69, in a thrilling performance in a sea of cheering at Newlands.
Delano Potgieter added the extra runs with a 15-ball 26 to take MI to 201/5, their highest total at Newlands this season. MI Cape Town's bowling put up a valiant performance. Especially off-spinner Dane Piedt. He had Capitals opener Will Jacks caught behind off the very first ball. Piedt, making his Betway SA20 debut for his city side, celebrated by running towards the Railway Stand in joy.
The veteran off-spinner was in great form and picked up two more wickets to finish with impressive figures of 3/28, which earned him the Player of the Match award. Piedt said, “It’s been amazing. I grew up here and played in front of my wife, son, and parents. I try to keep people motivated, create good energy, and get them to express themselves. I’ve been watching it from afar, but it was really amazing. That’s what we were looking for.”
MI Cape Town spinners were in great form. Leg-spinner Thomas Kaber finished with impressive figures of 3/21, while left-arm spinner George Linde picked up a brilliant 2/11. The duo put the Capitals batsmen under pressure and played a key role in the team’s win.
Collectively, the spin trio finished with impressive figures of 8/60 to restrict the Capitals to just 106 in 14 overs. Stand-in captain Colin Ingram said, “We’ve got good support. The crowds have been fantastic. The first two years didn't go as planned, but it was very satisfying to see the crowds. The team is overwhelmed by the support."
"There are really good players who have played their respective roles well. The combination of left and right-handed batsmen opens up both sides of the wicket. We are seeing great performances. The bowlers have played an incredible game. We have given each other a tough fight. We will try to do well on Tuesday as well," he added. MI Cape Town will travel to Gqeberha to face Paarl Royals in Qualifier 1 at St George's Park on Tuesday. The winner will advance directly to the final to be held at the Wanderers on February 8.
