SUPER KINGS END CENTURION CURSE WITH BIG WIN
Joburg Super Kings finally shook off their long-standing hoodoo at Centurion, stunning the Pretoria Capitals by 22 runs in a thrilling SA20 clash on Saturday.
It was a statement victory that not only gave the Super Kings early points in the Betway SA20 Season 4 but also marked their first triumph on Capitals’ home turf in four seasons.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Joburg Super Kings got off to a shaky start, losing both Faf du Plessis and Matt de Villiers with just 16 runs on the board.
But they regrouped brilliantly thanks to a composed and productive third-wicket partnership between Rilee Rossouw (48 off 33 balls) and Wiaan Mulder (43 off 28). Their combined effort steadied the innings and helped the visitors post a competitive 168/6 in their 20 overs.
Pretoria Capitals looked poised to chase that down, cruising along at 86/2 in the 12th over with a strong opening stand of 71 between Will Smeed (34 off 30) and Bryce Parsons (41 off 30). But that’s when the game flipped on its head.
The Capitals lost five wickets for just 28 runs as the Super Kings’ bowlers applied intense pressure.
The star of the show was undoubtedly Duan Jansen. The left-arm speedster delivered a career-best T20 bowling performance, ripping through the Capitals’ middle order to finish with figures of 4/23 and earn Player of the Match honours.
His spell was pivotal in turning the contest, as he removed key batters and halted the chase in its tracks.
Image credit: BBC