Reeza Hendricks scored a magnificent half-century to catapult MI Cape Town to a total of 172-7. Another stand-out performance was from Player of the Match Kagiso Rabada, who took two wickets for no runs in two overs. It was complemented by outstanding spin bowling from George Linde. 

The left-arm spinner recorded his career-best SA20 figures with three wickets for 15 runs in four overs, as the home side restricted the visitors to 139-9.

After the match, Reeza Hendricks said the team was happy to get a win at their first home game of the series.

Reeza Hendricks. Photo: IANS

“It was obviously a good day for us, playing the first game at home at Newlands and getting the win. So, yes, we are obviously very happy about today’s performance,” he said.

A brisk 38 runs in three overs were not enough to propel the Royals to a victory. The Royals started their chase aggressively, with Joe Root hitting 26 off 14 balls and young gun Lhuan-dre Pretorius, also getting 26 off just 12 balls. 

However, Kagiso Rabada dismissed both Root and Pretorius in quick succession, with each wicket coming in consecutive wicket-maiden overs. After the match Root said the Royals will be ready for MI Cape Town on Wednesday when the derby switches to Paarl.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius. Photo: Shaun Roy

“We got off to a flyer and were doing really nicely. But two quite unusual dismissals – with me and Lhuan-dre – and you know if you lose two quick ones it can be quite tricky. You can have a bit of a stutter, especially if you are chasing. 

I think the key for us is not to look too far into it, dust ourselves down and be ready to take them on Wednesday. The nice thing is we’ve got an idea about what’s coming on Wednesday having played them today,” Root said.

The victory lifted MI Cape Town to the top of the table, while Paarl Royals is in fourth place.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger mvh