By Tim Douglas 
MI Cape Town delivered a dominant performance at Centurion, crushing Pretoria Capitals by 27 runs in a high-scoring thriller. Despite a spirited chase, the Capitals’ playoff hopes were officially dashed, while MI Cape Town continued their momentum with another stellar win in SA20 Season 3.
Batting Extravaganza Lights Up Centurion
The sold-out crowd at Centurion was treated to a batting masterclass, with a staggering 417 runs scored in a match that echoed last season’s record-breaking run-fest between these two sides.
Even a brief spell of lightning and rain couldn’t dampen the fireworks as MI Cape Town’s batting lineup dismantled the Capitals’ bowling attack, posting a towering 222/3 in 20 overs.
Reeza and Brevis Steal the Show
MI Cape Town’s openers Rassie van der Dussen (30 off 22 balls) and Ryan Rickelton (22 off 13 balls) gave their team a brisk start, but the true spectacle began when Reeza Hendricks and Dewald Brevis took center stage.
The pair unleashed an unbeaten 142-run partnership off just 68 balls, blending Hendricks’ finesse with Brevis’ raw power.
- Reeza Hendricks: 77* off 44 balls (4×4, 5×6)
- Dewald Brevis: 73* off 32 balls (6×4, 6×6)
Brevis, ecstatic after the victory, shared his thoughts:
“I’ve worked really hard behind the scenes, and it’s paying off. I’m back to playing the way I did as a kid – watching the ball, keeping it simple, and enjoying my cricket.”
Capitals Fall Short in High-Stakes Chase
Needing 223 to stay in the playoff hunt, Pretoria Capitals showed early promise. Will Smeed (52 off 36 balls, 9×4) struck a fluent half-century, keeping hopes alive. However, MI Cape Town’s bowlers kept striking at crucial moments, ensuring the Capitals never built the momentum needed.
Skipper Kyle Verreynne acknowledged the team’s struggles:
“We had our moments, but key wickets at key times hurt us. The schedule was relentless, and we couldn’t find our rhythm early on, which made a comeback tough.”
Eventually, the Capitals fell short at 195/8, marking the end of their SA20 campaign.
What’s Next?
- Pretoria Capitals will face MI Cape Town again on Sunday at Newlands in what will now be a formality for them.
- MI Cape Town will take on Paarl Royals in Qualifier 1 at St George’s Park on February 4.