Heading into the game in the shadows of Table Mountain, MI Cape Town had already done enough to secure the top spot on the table and advance to the first qualifier. It’s the first time since the inception of the tournament that they have managed to reach the playoffs.

Batting first, MI Cape Town scored 201/5 in their allotted 20 overs, with Sediqullah Atal scoring 74 and Connor Esterhuizen adding 69 in their 133-run opening partnership. Atal struck 4 fours and 6 sixes during his 46-ball knock, while Esterhuizen was equally destructive, hitting 6 fours and 3 sixes in the 43 balls he faced. Former North West Dragons all-rounder Delano Potgieter contributed 26 runs off 15 balls.

James Neesham was the standout bowler for the Capitals, finishing with figures of 3/32, while Jason Behrendorff and Gideon Peters claimed one wicket each.

In reply, the Capitals were bundled out for 106 runs, with James Neesham top-scoring with 32. Keagan Lion-Cachet managed 17, while Will Smeed scored 15. Thomas Kaber was the pick of the MI Cape Town bowlers, taking 3/27, while Knights captain and Proteas spinner Dane Piedt claimed 3/28 in his four overs. George Linde provided a handy 2/11 in his two overs, while Dewald Brevis chipped in with 1/7 in his solitary over.

Connor Esterhuizen. Photo: Cricinfo

MI Cape Town head coach and former Knights spinner Robin Peterson expressed his excitement about reaching the playoffs for the first time. While acknowledging the high spirits within the team, he emphasised that there is still plenty of work to be done this week.

“I think it does feel a lot better. The owners and the management staff above me have put a lot of effort into the team,” said Peterson.

“It’s not only about me as a coach but also about all the hard work and the support they provide for the boys.

“It does feel better – but we haven’t achieved anything yet. It’s a big week ahead, so it’s exciting times for us as a group. We haven’t been in this position for two years, so everybody’s raring to go for Tuesday.”

On Tuesday at 17:30, MI Cape Town will face the Paarl Royals at St George’s Park in Gqeberha in the first Qualifier. The winner of this match will progress directly to the final, while the loser will face the winner of the Eliminator between the Joburg Super Kings and the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the second Qualifier on Thursday at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg