Cape Town, Feb 3 (PTI) – MI Cape Town sealed their place at the top of the SA20 table with an emphatic bonus-point victory over Pretoria Capitals, extending their perfect home record at Newlands to five consecutive wins.
Under the leadership of Robin Peterson, MI Cape Town became the second team, after Paarl Royals, to maintain an unbeaten home record in the league’s history, finishing the league phase with a remarkable 35 points — a new benchmark for the competition.
The home side dominated from the very beginning, posting an imposing total of 201/5 before skittling the Capitals for just 106, securing a 95-run win.
MI Cape Town’s opening partnership of Sediqullah Atal and Connor Esterhuizen showcased their batting depth, combining for a brilliant 133-run stand for the first wicket. Sediqullah provided the fireworks, smashing a blistering 46-ball 77 (4 fours, 6 sixes), while Esterhuizen supported with a solid 69 off 43 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes). Delano Potgieter chipped in with a quick-fire 26 off 15 balls, helping MI to their highest total at Newlands this season.
The bowlers, led by debutant Dane Piedt, carried the momentum into the second innings. Piedt struck on the very first ball of the Capitals’ reply, dismissing Will Jacks for a golden duck and setting the tone for the rest of the innings. Piedt’s wild celebrations with the fans in the Railway Stand were a fitting start to his outstanding performance, as he finished with figures of 3/28, earning the Player of the Match award.
MI Cape Town’s spinners took charge, with leg-spinner Thomas Kaber claiming 3/21 and left-arm spinner George Linde adding 2/11. The trio of Piedt, Kaber, and Linde shared 8 wickets for just 60 runs, dismantling the Capitals in only 14 overs.
Colin Ingram, standing in as captain, reflected on the team’s growth, stating, “The first two years didn’t go as planned, but it’s been extremely satisfying to see the support from the crowd. The players have been incredible, and the bowlers have fed off each other. We’ll look to keep the momentum going on Tuesday.”
MI Cape Town now head to Gqeberha for their upcoming Qualifier 1 clash against Paarl Royals at St George’s Park on Tuesday, with the winner advancing directly to the final at the Wanderers on Saturday.
Under the leadership of Robin Peterson, MI Cape Town became the second team, after Paarl Royals, to maintain an unbeaten home record in the league’s history, finishing the league phase with a remarkable 35 points — a new benchmark for the competition.
The home side dominated from the very beginning, posting an imposing total of 201/5 before skittling the Capitals for just 106, securing a 95-run win.
MI Cape Town’s opening partnership of Sediqullah Atal and Connor Esterhuizen showcased their batting depth, combining for a brilliant 133-run stand for the first wicket. Sediqullah provided the fireworks, smashing a blistering 46-ball 77 (4 fours, 6 sixes), while Esterhuizen supported with a solid 69 off 43 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes). Delano Potgieter chipped in with a quick-fire 26 off 15 balls, helping MI to their highest total at Newlands this season.
The bowlers, led by debutant Dane Piedt, carried the momentum into the second innings. Piedt struck on the very first ball of the Capitals’ reply, dismissing Will Jacks for a golden duck and setting the tone for the rest of the innings. Piedt’s wild celebrations with the fans in the Railway Stand were a fitting start to his outstanding performance, as he finished with figures of 3/28, earning the Player of the Match award.
MI Cape Town’s spinners took charge, with leg-spinner Thomas Kaber claiming 3/21 and left-arm spinner George Linde adding 2/11. The trio of Piedt, Kaber, and Linde shared 8 wickets for just 60 runs, dismantling the Capitals in only 14 overs.
Colin Ingram, standing in as captain, reflected on the team’s growth, stating, “The first two years didn’t go as planned, but it’s been extremely satisfying to see the support from the crowd. The players have been incredible, and the bowlers have fed off each other. We’ll look to keep the momentum going on Tuesday.”
MI Cape Town now head to Gqeberha for their upcoming Qualifier 1 clash against Paarl Royals at St George’s Park on Tuesday, with the winner advancing directly to the final at the Wanderers on Saturday.
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