Joburg Super Kings (JSK) secured a six-run victory over MI Cape Town via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-marred SA20 clash at the Wanderers on Saturday.
Persistent thunder showers on the Highveld caused multiple interruptions, ultimately leading to a curtailed contest where JSK emerged victorious.
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The match was initially set for a target of 141 runs, but a lengthy delay after the innings break revised the chase to 136 runs from 19 overs. JSK were well-positioned at 82/3 after 11.3 overs when rain returned, putting them six runs ahead on the DLS calculation. With the downpour persisting, the game was called off, handing JSK the victory and four valuable match points.
As it happened: JSK vs MICT, Match 4
At the crease for JSK when play stopped were Leus du Plooy (24 not out) and Wihan Lubbe (0 not out). Captain Faf du Plessis provided a steady foundation earlier in the innings with a 30-run knock, off 23 balls, before a stunning dismissal, caught by Dewald Brevis at the cover boundary. Brevis showcased exceptional athleticism, tipping the ball back into play and completing a diving catch in the same motion.
For MI Cape Town, Kagiso Rabada impressed in his first appearance of Season 3, claiming 2/10 in a fiery spell. However, his efforts were in vain as the rain thwarted Cape Town’s chances of a comeback.
Earlier in the day, MI Cape Town’s innings struggled for momentum, with JSK reducing them to 30/4. George Linde played a crucial role in the recovery, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 48 off 35 balls, laced with five boundaries and two sixes.
Linde found brief support in Brevis, who contributed 14 runs in a 43-run fifth-wicket partnership, but further setbacks followed as Azmatullah Omarzai fell for just one.
Delano Potgieter continued his fine form from the season opener, smashing a rapid 44 not out off 22 balls. His knock, featuring four boundaries and three sixes, came in an unbroken 65-run partnership with Linde, propelling MI Cape Town to a respectable 140/6.
Despite their spirited effort, the weather ultimately decided the outcome, with JSK emerging triumphant in the rain-curtailed encounter. The victory boosts JSK’s campaign as they look to maintain momentum in a highly competitive tournament.