In a nail-biting encounter at Newlands on Saturday, Senuran Muthusamy‘s spectacular performance with the bat led Pretoria Capitals to a crucial 4-wicket victory against MI Cape Town, keeping their playoffs hopes alive, at least temporarily. The thrilling win, driven by Senuran Muthusamy‘s 38* off 18 balls, lifted the Capitals to the fourth position in the table. However, their fate hung in the balance, contingent on Durban Super Giants beating Joburg Super Kings.
Pretoria Capitals’ Bowling Prowess Restricts MI Cape Town
MI Cape Town, opting to bat first, enjoyed a solid start as Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton combined for a 62-run opening partnership. Despite van der Dussen’s impressive 60 off 46 balls, Pretoria Capitals managed to apply the brakes with timely wickets. Wayne Parnell was the standout bowler, claiming a crucial four-wicket haul. Adil Rashid, accounting for his England teammates Curran and Livingstone, also contributed to the Capitals’ bowling success. A late blitz from Skipper Kieron Pollard scoring 33 off 16 balls took the MI Cape Town to a challenging total of 163.
Senuran Muthusamy’s Late Blitz Steers Capitals to Victory
Chasing a target of 164, the Capitals faced early setbacks as Sam Curran and Kagiso Rabada dismissed the openers. With key batsmen struggling, Kyle Verreynne played a pivotal role, but the Capitals found themselves in a precarious position at 78/5 in the 12th over. Theunis de Bruyn’s knock of 42 off 33 balls kept the Capitals in the chase, and with 24 required to get from the last 2 overs, Senuran Muthusamy’s audacious strokes, including two sixes and a four in the 19th over, brought them closer to victory reducing the equation to just 7 required from 6 balls. A boundary off the first in the final over eased the nerves of the Capitals’ and another boundary off the fourth ball by Wayne Parnell secured the win for the Capitals.
Key Performers and Moments
Rassie van der Dussen’s half-century laid the foundation for MI Cape Town, while Senuran Muthusamy’s late blitz turned the game in Pretoria Capitals’ favor. Wayne Parnell’s impactful four-wicket haul and Theunis de Bruyn’s crucial contributions with the bat were instrumental in the Capitals’ thrilling victory.