180/8 (20.0)
CR : 9.00
181/3 (20.0)
CR : 9.05
Paarl Royals won by 1 run 🏆
Player of the Match
L Pretorius
98(65)
Rashid Khan (MI Cape Town): "I think it was a wicket where you score 170-180. But I feel like, starting with the power play, we didn't close it tidily. Overall, it was a nice effort, scoring 90+ runs in the first 10 overs. And restricting them to under 185 was a fine effort. Later in the chase, we almost chased it down, but we collapsed in the middle. It did put us on the back foot.
Well, it was like going out there and playing your natural game, but you can't take too many balls early on. A batter is always the better judge. He knows what kind of cricket he wants to play. I think, that was where he struck after the halfway mark, and till the 14th over. Thus, we could go on and finish off the game.
(On his batting) Yeah, I did got some from the middle of the blade [smiles]."
Well, it was like going out there and playing your natural game, but you can't take too many balls early on. A batter is always the better judge. He knows what kind of cricket he wants to play. I think, that was where he struck after the halfway mark, and till the 14th over. Thus, we could go on and finish off the game.
(On his batting) Yeah, I did got some from the middle of the blade [smiles]."
Time for the post-match presentation...
Most Sixes in the Match: Rassie van der Dussen
Game Changer of the Match: Sikandar Raza
Most Dot Balls in the Match: Nqobani Mokoena
Dispatch of the Day: Nicholas Pooran
David Miller (Paarl Royals Captain): "Obviously, we had a terrible start to the season but from there, we trained really hard in the camps. I think it is just about reflecting and being honest with each other. You look around the change room and we have got some X-factor players. Youngsters who have aspirations for their careers. It is just about to get the best out of them and encourage them.
(On their score) I thought it was a great score. Phenomenal batting upfront. Great to see Lhuan-dre Pretorius in full flow. Asa Tribe coming in and putting us to a great start. At the end of the day, we got over the line, which is what we wanted. Really pleased with how the guys are moving forward. Nice to have Sikandar Raza there, coming and holding the middle overs there. I can go through all the boys but it was just a great bowling performance.
(On their strategy) We have done really well locally. Moving away from home, we haven't done too well. So it is making sure that we try to correct it.
(On playing at the Boland Park) Nice to play at our home ground. Love to play in front of this crowd, which is very passionate."
(On their score) I thought it was a great score. Phenomenal batting upfront. Great to see Lhuan-dre Pretorius in full flow. Asa Tribe coming in and putting us to a great start. At the end of the day, we got over the line, which is what we wanted. Really pleased with how the guys are moving forward. Nice to have Sikandar Raza there, coming and holding the middle overs there. I can go through all the boys but it was just a great bowling performance.
(On their strategy) We have done really well locally. Moving away from home, we haven't done too well. So it is making sure that we try to correct it.
(On playing at the Boland Park) Nice to play at our home ground. Love to play in front of this crowd, which is very passionate."
Player of the Match: Lhuan-dre Pretorius
Lhuan-dre Pretorius (POTM): "Yeah, I think it is just about mindset. Last year, Rooty said it is always difficult not different. I mean, it is not difficult but different (chuckles). A lot of people find it difficult and yeah, just positive and looking to take the game deep. It is always important. Sometimes I try to hit the ball too hard in the middle and take on the boundaries I shouldn't take on, so it is just about options and being clear in your plans.
Yeah, I got a bit frustrated with me after I could not get the ball away after powerplay. Davey and Raza both very senior players, globally known around the world. They just told me to stay calm and hit the gaps and that I can always catch-up in the end. So, that was my mindset and glad that I could take it through.
(On T20 World Cup non-selection) Yeah, definitely. The communication was clear that I wasn't going to go. So, I could just back myself and be free and enjoy my game. It has been a tough couple of months in the T20 format, glad to get a score and hopefully, I can continue for my team."
Yeah, I got a bit frustrated with me after I could not get the ball away after powerplay. Davey and Raza both very senior players, globally known around the world. They just told me to stay calm and hit the gaps and that I can always catch-up in the end. So, that was my mindset and glad that I could take it through.
(On T20 World Cup non-selection) Yeah, definitely. The communication was clear that I wasn't going to go. So, I could just back myself and be free and enjoy my game. It has been a tough couple of months in the T20 format, glad to get a score and hopefully, I can continue for my team."
What a Friday night thriller we witnessed in Paarl. A few yards more on the final ball and the result could have been completely different. Paarl Royals just about managed to get over the line, while MI Cape Town remain winless this season.
For now, that’s all we have for you. This is Ajay Pal Singh signing off on behalf of my colleagues Arjun Bhalla, Aman, Mohammad Anab and Yogesh Kumar. Good night.
For now, that’s all we have for you. This is Ajay Pal Singh signing off on behalf of my colleagues Arjun Bhalla, Aman, Mohammad Anab and Yogesh Kumar. Good night.