A resolute chase from MI Cape Town at home has extended their advantage at the top of the log.
It was, once again, important contributions from the three R’s – Rassie, Ryan, and Reeza – that set up a brilliant victory with a little over 4 overs remaining.
Initially, it was a 38-ball 61 from the evergreen Faf du Plessis that set the tone for the Joburg Super Kings to notch up a sizable total. The former Proteas skipper added 97 alongside Devon Conway in the first 11 overs. In spite of a mini-collapse in the middle overs, the visitors would reach 172/5 in their 20 overs.
Rassie van der Dussen got things started with a solid 39 from 24, but it was Ryan Rickelton who was in the limelight. His 89 from 39 torpedoed any lingering scoreboard pressure and impressed with imperious strokeplay against all the JSK bowlers.
This is an encouraging sign for both top-order batters, who are heading to the Champions Trophy. Recently, van der Dussen has been a little light on runs, and his quick starts have been refreshing to see. And Rickelton is only continuing to get better and better with time, translating success across all formats.
The surprise package today was Hendricks, who claimed 2 wickets for 7 runs in his 2 overs. He’s played 265 T20 matches in his whole career, but bowled his off breaks only 18 times. He dismissed the experienced Devon Conway for 35 and Wihan Lubbe for a duck. Finally, he topped it off with a handy unbeaten 34 towards the back end of the chase.
This ensured a bonus-point win.
Photo: SpotzPics
