Pretoria Capitals secured a crucial six-wicket bonus point victory over Joburg Super Kings in the Jukskei Derby at Centurion on Tuesday evening, keeping their playoff hopes alive in the SA20 tournament. With this win, the Capitals moved up to 14 points, just one point behind the fourth-placed Super Kings, who sit at 15.
Capitals coach Jonathan Trott made significant changes to the playing XI, introducing five new players. Kyle Verreynne took over the captaincy after Rilee Rossouw withdrew due to the birth of his child. Australian duo Ashton Turner and Tom Rogers, along with fast bowler Gideon Peters, made their SA20 debuts, while Will Smeed returned to open the innings alongside vice-captain Will Jacks.
Needing a victory to stay in playoff contention, the Capitals delivered their most dominant performance of the season. Jacks set the tone early with a tight spell in the Powerplay, conceding just two runs in two overs. Joburg Super Kings struggled to build a foundation, especially after key batter Devon Conway had to leave the field in the third over due to an arm injury.
Debutant Rogers dismissed JSK skipper Faf du Plessis early, while fellow debutant Peters made an instant impact. He bowled a sharp bouncer that troubled Conway upon his return, leading to a soft dismissal behind the stumps. He followed it up with a brilliant yorker to trap Moeen Ali LBW, finishing with figures of 2/15 in his four-over spell. Left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy also chipped in with two wickets, setting the stage for Player of the Match Migael Pretorius, who cleaned up the tail with figures of 3/22. The Super Kings were restricted to a modest 99/9.
Chasing a target of 100, the Capitals cruised to victory despite a three-wicket haul from Lutho Sipamla. Marques Ackerman anchored the chase with a quick 22-ball 39, ensuring the Capitals stayed in the playoff race with two matches against MI Cape Town remaining.
Captain Verreynne expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “It’s been a tough couple of days, so I’m pleased to get the bonus point. We were nice and clinical with the ball, and the guys finishing it off with the bat was pleasing. We need to enjoy our game and play with a smile on our faces, which will hold us in good stead for the next two games.”
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