In a display of sheer dominance, defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape delivered a bowling masterclass, bundling out Pretoria Capitals for a mere 52 runs in a lopsided SA20 encounter in Gqeberha. Sunrisers Eastern Cape then completed the formalities with ease, chasing down the target in just over six overs, securing a commanding bonus-point win.
Pretoria Capitals Collapse for 52
The hosts’ Sunrisers Eastern Cape decision, to bowl first at St. George’s Park proved to be a strategic move, capitalizing on a pitch that unexpectedly offered steep bounce and carry for the fast bowlers. The Capitals’ batting woes began in the third over when Daniel Worrall induced an edge off the bat of Phil Salt who is yet to make an impression in this edition of SA20, caught behind by Tristan Stubbs.
The instability in Pretoria Capitals’ innings became glaringly evident when Will Jacks fell victim to Marco Jansen’s deceptive bounce in the very next over. The introduction of Ottniel Baartman into the attack further deepened the Capitals’ crisis, as he claimed quick wickets, including the pivotal scalp of experienced campaigner Colin Ingram. Jimmy Neesham too followed suit.
Baartman’s exceptional spell saw him dismantling the stumps of Senuran Muthusamy, Wayne Parnell, and Eathan Bosch, ultimately restricting the Capitals to a paltry 52 runs in less than 14 overs. The Capitals, reeling at 32/5, witnessed everything that could go wrong indeed going wrong.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape Cruise in a Nine-Wicket Win
Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s chase was a mere formality despite losing Dawid Malan early in the innings. Tom Abell took charge, smashing four boundaries and a six in his brisk 22-ball innings of 31. Partnering with Jordan Hermann, they effortlessly steered Sunrisers to a resounding nine-wicket victory in just 6.5 overs. Ottniel Baartman was awarded the Man of the Match Award for his spell of 4-12.
The SA20 reached its halfway stage with Paarl Royals leading the table with 4 victories from 5 games. At the same time, Sunrisers move to the second spot with this victory. MI Cape Town takes on Durban Super Giants in today’s fixture. While Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Pretoria Capitals will face each other once again in the return fixture on January 25.