The victory for the JSK brought an end to the defending champions’ unbeaten run of four matches, and by the same token, it was also JSK’s first win in quite some time, which keeps their playoff chances alive.

The Sunrisers batted first at the Bullring and were bundled out for 118 runs in 19 overs, with David Bedingham scoring 48 and Tristan Stubbs adding 37. Proteas seamer Marco Jansen, who scored 22, was the only other batter to score more than one run. There were five ducks in the Sunrisers’ innings, including captain Aiden Markram, while three batters managed to get off the mark with just a single.

Lutho Sipamla. Photo: Cricinfo

This was due to some outstanding and disciplined bowling by JSK, with Hardus Viljoen taking 4/24 and Lutho Sipamla 3/13. Former Northern Cape Heat all-rounder Evan Jones was unable to take a wicket but was equally impressive with 0/13 in his three overs.

In reply, the South African-born New Zealander Devon Conway smashed 76, and Wihan Lubbe of the North West Dragons scored 25 as JSK chased down the target in just 14 overs. Former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis, playing in his staggering 400th T20 match, managed to score just 15 runs.

Sipamla said it was important to keep things simple with the ball and make use of what the pitch had to offer.

“I think the most important thing we speak about is just starting well,” said Sipamla.

“Make sure we are in the right channels, the right lines – so, top of all, hitting the right length, especially at the Wanderers. You want to be trying to get the ball on top of off, or just slightly over the top of off, with that hard length because you get a bit of steep bounce here.

Devon Conway. Photo: Cricinfo

“So, the plan was to just try to keep it as simple as possible for as long as possible. First, assess the conditions after the first ball and see what they are like.”

On Monday, the log-leading Paarl Royals will face the Durban Super Giants in a match at Boland Park, scheduled to start at 17:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg