SA20, 2024
MI Cape Town emerges victorious in a high-scoring encounter, despite Verreynne’s century.
MI Cape Town revived their playoff aspirations with an emphatic victory over Pretoria Capitals in a high-scoring clash, where the combined runs exceeded 460. Opting to bat first in their quest for a substantial win, MICT set a challenging target of 249. Despite Kyle Verreynne’s brilliant century narrowing the gap to just 34 runs, MI Cape Town’s earlier efforts proved decisive.
Ryan Rickelton kickstarted the innings with a rapid-fire start, smashing seven boundaries in 11 deliveries to provide a stellar foundation. Rassie van der Dussen capitalized on the momentum, unleashing three sixes in an over before his dismissal. MI Cape Town’s middle order played a vital role, propelling them to 248 despite a modest contribution from Liam Livingstone.
Rickelton’s explosive innings concluded with six overs remaining, but Dewald Brevis ensured fireworks continued with six sixes in his unbeaten 66. The final five overs saw a flurry of runs, courtesy of Sam Curran’s 12-ball 22 and captain Kieron Pollard’s blistering 27 off just 7 deliveries.
Facing a daunting target of 249, Pretoria Capitals got off to an electrifying start as Will Jacks plundered 23 runs in the opening over. However, MI Cape Town fought back, with Sam Curran and Kagiso Rabada dismissing both openers in successive overs. The match seemed decided when Nuwan Thushara claimed the stumps of Rilee Rossouw and Colin Ackermann in consecutive deliveries, reducing Capitals to 42/6 by the end of the powerplay.
Yet, Capitals staged a remarkable comeback, led by Verreynne’s extraordinary solo effort. Despite needing an improbable 120 runs in the final five overs, Verreynne’s explosive innings ensured they reached 85, with the No.3 batter smashing Curran for two sixes and two fours to complete his maiden century in the format. The two teams will clash again in the ongoing battle for the final playoff spot.
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