By Marco Jacobs
Newlands, Cape Town – SA20, 15th Match — MI Cape Town (128/6) beat Joburg Super Kings (123/7) by 4 wickets (DLS)
In a rain-interrupted battle at Cape Town’s iconic Newlands, MI Cape Town pulled off a spirited 4-wicket victory over the Joburg Super Kings to keep their SA20 playoff hopes alive. Chasing a revised target of 128 in a 12-over contest – by means of the Duckworth-Lewis method – MICT reached 128 for 6 in 11.2 overs, with key contributions from their top order and a match-defining cameo from Nicholas Pooran.
Faf’s Fireworks Set the Tone
The Super Kings elected to bat first, and skipper Faf du Plessis provided the backbone of their innings with a brisk 44 off 21 balls, featuring aggressive strokeplay that kept the momentum with JSK early on. His knock included multiple boundaries and provided the kind of impetus that could have set a formidable total.
However, MI Cape Town’s bowling attack responded well in patches. Corbin Bosch (3/24) and Rashid Khan (2/23) struck crucial blows, ensuring that the Super Kings finished on 123 for 7 when the overs were cut short due to rain.
MICT Chase With Grit and Flair
In response, MI Cape Town got off to a steady start in the shortened chase. Rassie van der Dussen scored 35 off 24 balls, anchoring the innings and keeping the required rate in check early. Partnered by Nicholas Pooran, who struck a quick 33 off 15 balls with aggressive hitting, MICT maintained control even as wickets fell around them.
With the run-rate climbing in the final overs, the middle order absorbed the pressure. MI Cape Town’s lower order chipped in just when it mattered, and the team reached 128/6 in 11.2 overs, sealing the win with 4 balls to spare under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
Player of the Match
Nicholas Pooran was named Player of the Match for his crucial blitz with the bat that helped tilt the balance in MI Cape Town’s favour during the tense chase.
What This Means
This result marks an important boost for MI Cape Town’s SA20 campaign, giving them valuable momentum and their first home win of the season. The Super Kings, despite a solid start and competitive total, will rue the lost opportunity in a rain-affected fixture as they look to stay strong at the top end of the league table.
Match Summary
- Joburg Super Kings: 123/7 in 12 overs (rain-affected innings)
- MI Cape Town: 128/6 in 11.2 overs (chased down DLS target of 128)
- Result: MI Cape Town won by 4 wickets (with 4 balls remaining, DLS method)
- Player of the Match: Nicholas Pooran (MICT)
Standout Batters
Joburg Super Kings
- Faf du Plessis — 44 off 21 balls (SR ~209)
- Matthew de Villiers — 21 off 15 balls
- James Vince — 15 off 9 balls
MI Cape Town
- Rassie van der Dussen — 35 off 24 balls
- Nicholas Pooran — 33 off 15 balls
- Jason Smith — 22 off 7 balls (came in late and provided crucial quick runs)
Bowling & Fielding Highlights
MI Cape Town Bowlers
- Corbin Bosch – 3/24
- Rashid Khan – 2/23
- Akeal Hosein – 1/17
Joburg Super Kings Bowlers
- Wiaan Mulder – 1/20
- Richard Gleeson – 1 wicket (3 overs)
Match Flow & Key Turning Points
- Super Kings posted a competitive total of 123/7 in a rain-affected 12-over innings. Faf du Plessis anchored the effort with a high-impact innings.
- MI Cape Town’s chase was assertive, paced intelligently by van der Dussen and Pooran before a late cameo by Smith swung it back in their favour.
- The match was decided via the DLS method, with MICT finishing the target with four balls to spare.