Cricket
Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashes Paarl Royals to victory again in SA20─── ILSE SMALBERGER 14:18 Thu, 16 Jan 2025
Rising star Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored a second half-century in Paarl Royals’ Cape derby win over neighbours MI Cape Town in the SA20 at Boland Park yesterday evening.
Pretorius smashed three sixes and eight boundaries in his 52-ball 83 to follow up his 97 on debut at the same ground. Chasing down MI Cape Town’s 158/4, Pretorius benefitted from two dropped catches to power the home team to victory by six wickets to avenge Monday night’s defeat at Newlands.
After the match, Royals captain David Miller was full of praise for his young charge.
Reeza Hendricks. Photo: IANS
“As everyone knows, he is a phenomenal talent and it’s very special to have him in the team. I mean, there have been a lot of young players who have come through over the years, but I just think he is something very special,” Miller said.
“I haven’t seen a lot of young players play the way that he does; just the free flow, the bat flow. He plays very late, plays short ball very well, plays spin well and he’s actually a really good thinker about the game.
“So it’s great to have him as part of the setup.”
‘Consciously decided to put the bowlers under pressure early on’
A spectacular 91 not out from Rassie van der Dussen was not enough to ensure victory for MI Cape Town in their SA20 Western Cape derby with the Paarl Royals. The hosts won the toss and elected to bowl first.
The visitors set a competitive total of 158 for 4 in their 20 overs, thanks mainly to Van der Dussen. Reeza Hendricks provided support with a solid 30, but once Royals mystery spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman clean bowled him for the second time, the home team took control.
After the match, Van der Dussen said he consciously decided to put the bowlers under pressure early on.
Davis Miller. Photo: Getty Images
“I’ve got the game, I feel, to do what some of the other guys around the world are doing regarding hitting boundaries, especially up front. Against spin, I’ve worked hard on boundary options.
“I also feel that’s come a long way. Playing in the T10 leagues has helped me a lot with that,” he said.
MI Cape Town is still top of the leaderboard in the series. They will face second-place Joburg Super Kings on Saturday in Cape Town.
