Super Saturday in SA20 2025 delivered electrifying cricket as both Western Cape teams, MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals, secured stunning victories in high-scoring encounters. With remarkable batting performances and tactical brilliance, the teams delighted fans in Cape Town and Centurion, respectively.
At a packed Newlands Stadium, MI Cape Town secured a bonus-point win with a seven-wicket victory over Joburg Super Kings, led by Ryan Rickelton’s explosive 89 off just 39 balls. Rickelton’s inning, laced with eight fours and six towering sixes, marked a triumphant return after missing earlier matches.
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The Joburg Super Kings, having opted to bat first, were guided by captain Faf du Plessis’s superb 61 off 38 balls. Du Plessis, who passed the 11,000-run milestone in T20 cricket—making him the highest-scoring South African in the format—set the tone alongside Devon Conway (35 off 31 balls) in a 97-run opening stand. However, a middle-order collapse triggered by Reeza Hendricks (2/11) left the Super Kings reeling. Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 43 off 27 balls steadied the ship, helping the team reach a competitive 172/5.
MI Cape Town’s chase began with a blistering 70-run opening stand between Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen (39 off 24 balls). Despite Van der Dussen’s run-out, Rickelton partnered with Reeza Hendricks (34 not out) in a 92-run stand, sealing the bonus point with one ball to spare. The crowd erupted in applause as Cape Town secured their fourth win of the season, cementing their place at the top of the points table with eight points.
In Centurion, Joe Root’s masterful 92 not out off 60 balls powered the Paarl Royals to an eight-wicket victory, chasing down a daunting target of 213 with just two balls remaining. Root’s innings showcased a blend of timing, placement, and innovation, featuring 11 boundaries and two sixes.
The Royals’ chase began on a rocky note, losing Rising Star Lhuan-dre Pretorius on the first ball. However, Rubin Hermann, in his SA20 debut, played a match-defining knock of 56 off 33 balls, smashing five fours and three sixes. Hermann and Root combined for a 125-run partnership off just 69 balls, laying the foundation for the chase.
Captain David Miller joined Root to complete the pursuit, contributing to an unbroken 88-run stand off 48 balls. Miller’s calm finish ensured the Royals earned four vital points in the standings.
The Pretoria Capitals were left ruing missed chances despite setting an imposing total of 212/5. Will Smeed (54 off 34 balls), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (42 off 29 balls), and Kyle Verreynne (45 off 23 balls) were instrumental in building the Capitals’ formidable score on a Centurion pitch tailor-made for batting.
However, Royals spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s economical 2/28 from four overs and Root’s batting brilliance turned the game in the Royals’ favor.
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