MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals shine while defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape keep their championship hopes alive<\/p>\n
Betway SA20 exploded in Week 2 of Season 3 with the Western Cape teams MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals leading the way, while the Sunrisers Eastern Cape resurrected their championship title defence.<\/p>\n
After a record-breaking opening week that saw viewership numbers increase by a remarkable 129% and a 79% increase in attendance, there was plenty to look forward to.<\/p>\n
MI Cape Town certainly delivered with a superb performance before their home fans at another sold-out Newlands as Rashid Khan\u2019s team claimed the honours in the \u201cEl Clasico\u201d derby on Saturday.<\/p>\n
With Table Mountain as a stunning backdrop on a glorious sunlit Cape Town early evening, Newlands was postcard perfect as it confirmed its status as one the premier venues in world cricket.<\/p>\n
Despite being on the wrong side of the result, Joburg Super Kings’ England international Jonny Bairstow soaked up the atmosphere.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was always a special place for me coming back to Cape Town and Newlands. I absolutely love it here,\u201d Bairstow said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a special crowd. It was full. They witnessed a good game. Fair play to the Cape Town side. They outplayed us.\u201d
\nWestern Cape neighbours Paarl Royals have also been in good form with their dynamic opening partnership of Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Joe Root leading the way.<\/p>\n
Youth and experience are combining excellently at the top of the Royals order with the 18-year-old Pretorius topping the run-scoring charts with 205 runs at an average of 51.50 and Root following closely in second place on 195 at the amazing average of 97.50.<\/p>\n
Their individual performances powered the Royals to victories in the Cape derby and over the Pretoria Capitals in a thrilling run chase at Centurion.<\/p>\n
Royals captain David Miller heaped praise on former England captain Root for the impact he\u2019s had in such a short period of time.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t take class away from someone. He (Joe Root) is one the best players, in my opinion, ever,\u201d Miller said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd with that type of class he can adapt to so many different situations. He steadies the ship really well. We just love the way he is playing.\u201d<\/p>\n
After three defeats to start off their Season 3 campaign in Week 1, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape desperately needed to get their engine going if they were to remain in contention.<\/p>\n
It is at such crunch times that senior players take the responsibility and Season 2 leading wicket-taker Marco Jansen has certainly stepped up over the last couple of matches to revive the defending champions\u2019 Season 3 campaign.
\nJansen is already one of the front runners for the Season 3 Most Valuable Player (MVP) award with runs and wickets aplenty.<\/p>\n
The lanky left-arm seamer was particularly good at a vibrant St George\u2019s Park on Sunday where he had \u201cthe ball on a string\u201d to spearhead the Sunrisers\u2019 quest for a second consecutive victory over Durban\u2019s Super Giants.<\/p>\n
Sunrisers captain Aiden Markram praised his entire bowling unit for the team\u2019s turnaround.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur bowlers have been really good throughout the competition. They have been unbelievable,\u201d Markram said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey got the ball in the right areas. Held their lengths really well. Execution is everything. And then they start getting it right. They are really tough to face.\u201d<\/p>\n
The entertainment off the field during Week 2 was also special once again with Premier Soccer League giants Kaizer Chiefs sampling a taste of Betway SA20 action at the Wanderers along with Springbok 7s legend and Laureus Sport ambassador Cecil Afrika in attendance at St George\u2019s Park.<\/p>\n
The Joburg Super Kings, Pretoria Capitals and Durban\u2019s Super Giants will now look to bounce back in Week 3 as the race for the playoffs gets underway.<\/p>\n
image supplied by CSA<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"