SA20: We were safe at the halfway stage, but full credit to our bowling unit – Wayne Parnell after convincing win against MI Cape Town

Pretoria Capitals captain Wayne Parnell gave credit to his bowling unit after they registered a comprehensive win of 52 runs against MI Cape Town on Monday at the Newlands, Cape Town. The Capitals posted a par score of 182-8 after MI Cape Town skipper Rashid Khan won the toss and decided to bowl first.

The Capitals opener Will Jacks was able to hit the ground running and went on to score a majestic knock of 27-ball 62 with the help of five fours and as many sixes.

On the other hand, Dewald Brevis scored 46 runs from 30 balls for MI Cape Town but the middle order could not get going in the run-chase. MI Cape Town were skittled out for 130 runs in the end and it was a disappointing performance from them.

Wayne Parnell said in the post-match presentation, “Really nice game to win. We were safe at the halfway stage, but full credit to our bowling unit. They worked very hard. We have had many match winners, the idea in the dressing room is to take the pressure off these guys so that they can go out there and perform. (On Jack Kallis) He’s a legend of the game, he’s helped us keep calm and reminded us to have fun and entertain the crowds in this high pressure T20 game.”

Meanwhile, Will Jacks was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine knock at the top of the order for Pretoria Capitals.

Jacks said after the match, “Great win, we get the bonus point as well. Very happy with that. Crowds have been brilliant, it has been sold out. It is my first time playing in SA, surely want to come back. I think every ground here has different conditions, enjoying it. I like to keep in simple, if it’s in my zone then I play my shots.”

On the other hand, Rashid Khan feels Will Jacks took the game away from them with his blistering batting in the PowerPlay overs.

Khan said, “I think the decision to bowl first was right, but the way Jacks played in the powerplay he took the game away. I think the way we came back to restrict them to 182, we did well. But this was a wicket where we’d have liked to chase 150-160. I think in the last part of the tournament, we can’t do too much experimentation. We just need to stay calm, stay relaxed and do the basics right. I think the 7-8 day break we have will be good for us. Massive thank you to the crowds, I’m very happy to play here. We are very sorry we couldn’t give y’all a win today.”

Pretoria Capitals will once again take on MI Cape Town on 4th February at the SuperSport Park, Centurion.