SA20 (Game 18) – Pretoria Capitals vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape
The Pretoria Capitals emerged victorious, clinching a nail-biting 3-run win against Sunrisers Eastern Cape at SuperSport Park. The Capitals were able to restrict Eastern Cape by picking up constant wickets and barely scraped past in the last over, securing 4 crucial points.
Opting to bat first, the Pretoria Capitals found themselves in dire straits early on, losing five wickets for a mere 52 runs after the first powerplay. A crucial 6th-wicket partnership between James Neesham and Shane Dadswell, contributing 52 runs, revived their innings. However, the Capitals suffered another collapse towards the end. Poor decision-making, evident in two run-out dismissals, marred their batting display. The bowlers of Sunrisers Eastern Cape, led by Marco Jansen with three wickets, maintained pressure throughout. Daniel Worrall claimed two wickets, while Liam Dawson and Aiden Markram chipped in with a wicket each.
In response, Sunrisers Eastern Cape faced an uphill battle chasing a modest total. Their top order crumbled, losing three wickets in the powerplay and stumbling to 32 for 4 in the ninth over. Tristan Stubbs emerged as a lone warrior, anchoring the innings and forming a crucial partnership of 40 runs with Patrick Kruger. However, wickets fell rapidly in the latter half of the innings, pushing Sunrisers Eastern Cape behind the required run rate. Despite a late surge from Liam Dawson, who scored a commendable 29*, the team fell agonizingly short. Tristan Stubbs, with a resilient 35, stood out as the top scorer. Pretoria Capitals’ bowlers, led by Wayne Parnell and Adil Rashid with three wickets each, showcased remarkable accuracy and strategic execution. Daryn Dupavillon’s nerve-wracking final over, delivering two yorkers, secured the Capitals’ thrilling victory.
Chief Scores :
Pretoria Capitals – 125 for 10 in 18.3 overs (James Neesham 27, Shane Dadswell 24, Phil Salt 20, Marco Jansen 3 for 27, Daniel Worrall 2 for 29, Aiden Markram 1 for 2)
Sunrisers Eastern Cape – 122 for 9 in 20 overs (Tristan Stubbs 35, Liam Dawson 29*, Patrick Kruger 22, Adil Rashid 3 for 30, Wayne Parnell 3 for 33, Daryn Dupavillon 2 for 21)