MI Cape Town has played two games so far – beating Sunrisers Eastern Cape in Gqeberha and losing against the Joburg Super Kings in Johannesburg with the DLS method. 

This will be their first home game, and they will be eager to bring home the points. MI Cape Town opening bowler Trent Boult, says he is excited to return to one of the premier short-form cricket competitions in the world.

‘The Cape Town team holds the bragging rights with two wins’

“It’s going to be great to have our first home game of the season,” he said. “It’s one of the most iconic, picturesque grounds in the world, so it's a great place to play some cricket.”

Paarl Royals have only played one match so far – against the Sunrisers Eastern Cape – which they won. But the Cape Town team holds the bragging rights with two wins over the Royals’ one in previous SA20 derby clashes.

All eyes tonight will be on the duel between Boult and England’s highest-ever Test run-scorer, Joe Root. It is a battle Boult is relishing.

‘They had a good start to the tournament’

“Joe is a guy that I’ve played a lot of cricket against as well as a couple of other players in that team. We had a little warm-up game against them a few days back and they’re a quality side.

“Obviously, they had a good start to the tournament as well so there’s going to be all to play for,” Boult said.

Tonight’s game at Newlands will start at 17:30.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger mvh