AThe SA20 league delivered thrilling cricket as both Western Cape teams, MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals, pulled off stunning run chases.
Rickelton’s Heroics Power MI Cape Town
Returning to the MI Cape Town lineup after a brief absence, Ryan Rickelton stole the show with a blistering 89 off just 39 balls, smashing eight fours and six sixes. His remarkable knock guided the home team to a bonus-point seven-wicket victory over the Joburg Super Kings.
Joburg’s innings was anchored by skipper Faf du Plessis, who scored a brilliant 61 off 38 balls, reaching the milestone of 11,000 T20 career runs—the most by any South African batter. Despite a solid 97-run opening stand with Devon Conway (35 off 31), a dramatic middle-order collapse saw the Super Kings lose four wickets for just nine runs. Reeza Hendricks’ part-time off-spin played a key role, claiming 2/11.
Jonny Bairstow reignited JSK’s innings with a fiery 43* off 27 balls, taking their total to a competitive 172/5. However, MI Cape Town’s chase got off to a flying start with a 70-run opening stand between Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen (39 off 24). After Van der Dussen’s run-out, Rickelton and Hendricks added a quickfire 92-run partnership off 49 balls to seal the win. Hendricks remained unbeaten on 34, as the victory was secured with a ball to spare, sparking celebrations at a lively Newlands.
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Root’s T20 Masterclass Lifts Paarl Royals
Earlier in the day, Joe Root showcased his class with an unbeaten 92 off 60 balls, steering Paarl Royals to a thrilling eight-wicket win over Pretoria Capitals in Centurion. Chasing a daunting 212/5, Root’s innings was a lesson in timing, placement, and innovation, proving that T20 cricket is about more than just raw power.
The Royals completed the chase with just two balls remaining, capping a day of sensational run chases in the SA20.