Joburg Super Kings (JSK) kept their playoff hopes alive with a thrilling 10-wicket victory over MI Cape Town (MICT) in a rain-hit SA20 clash at Newlands. Captain Faf du Plessis led the charge with a blistering 50 off 20 balls, while Leus du Plooy chipped in with a quickfire 41 not out off 14.
Rain Interrupts, JSK Seize the Opportunity:
A two-hour downpour after the Powerplay forced the game to be shortened to eight overs per side. JSK embraced the challenge and chased down the revised target of 98 in just 5.4 overs, securing a valuable bonus point in the process.
Du Plessis and Du Plooy Unleash the Fireworks:
The JSK openers were unstoppable from the outset, with Du Plooy smashing a six-over fine leg off the very first ball. Their aggressive intent put the MICT bowlers on the backfoot, and JSK cruised to victory with ease.
Pollard’s Power Shines, But JSK Prove Too Strong:
Earlier, MICT reached a respectable 44/1 at the Powerplay before rain intervened. After the restart, Imran Tahir’s clever spin claimed the key wickets of Liam Livingstone and Rickelton. However, Kieron Pollard’s quickfire 33, containing four sixes, helped MICT reach 80/3. The revised DLS target was set at 97, but JSK proved too strong in the face of their explosive opening partnership.
Playoff Race Heats Up:
This win puts JSK in fourth place with 13 points and two games remaining. MI Cape Town dropped to sixth with nine points, but their playoff hopes are still alive with two crucial matches against Pretoria Capitals left.
Quotes from the Captains:
- Faf du Plessis (JSK): “The first over of the innings set the tone for us. It takes a brave man to hit that first ball for six. The intent was key.”
- Kieron Pollard (MICT): “Sometimes you have no control over certain things and that’s one of them. You had to maximize the 2 overs. Having said that, these things happen and we have no control over that. We have to take it on the chin and regroup.”
With the playoffs just around the corner, the SA20 is set for a dramatic finish, with JSK, MICT, and Pretoria Capitals all vying for the remaining spots. The next few matches promise high-voltage cricket and fierce competition, making the SA20 the hottest ticket in town!
