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Teen Sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius' 98* Powers Paarl Royals to 1-Run SA20 Thriller

Lhuan-dre Pretorius announced his return to form with a blistering, unbeaten 98 to set up a dramatic Paarl Royals victory. The Royals seemed in control but faced a furious late charge from MI Cape Town, led by Kagiso Rabada's big hitting. Seamer Ottniel Baartman held his nerve in a tense final over, conceding 14 runs to secure a one-run win. The victory was built on a strong 100-run opening partnership and a pivotal three-wicket spell from Sikandar Raza.

Key Points: SA20: Pretorius' 98* Leads Paarl Royals to 1-Run Win Over MI Cape Town

  • Pretorius' unbeaten 98
  • Baartman's tense final over defense
  • Royals' 100-run opening stand
  • Raza's crucial 3-wicket spell
2 min read

SA20: Paarl Royals edge past MI Cape Town by 1 run

Lhuan-dre Pretorius smashed 98* as Paarl Royals edged MI Cape Town by 1 run in a last-ball SA20 thriller. Ottniel Baartman defended 15 in the final over.

"The ball fell just inches short of the boundary rope, which sent the Royals faithful into a frenzy. - Match Report"

Paarl, January 3

Lhuan-dre Pretorius' SA20 Season 4 burst into life with an unbeaten 98 to drive Paarl Royals to a thrilling one-run victory over MI Cape Town in the Western Cape derby at Boland Park.

Royals' seamer Ottniel Baartman had 15 runs to defend in the final over, and after Kagiso Rabada smashed the third delivery for six over long off, it seemed the momentum had swung MI Cape Town's way, according to a release.

But Baartman (4/51) had Rabada caught on the boundary the next ball before the equation was reduced to MI Cape Town requiring six off the final delivery for victory.

George Linde made good contact by carving a length delivery over the covers, but the ball fell just inches short of the boundary rope, which sent the Royals faithful into a frenzy.

Pretorius had endured a quiet start to the competition in the first couple of matches, but the League's leading scorer of last season was back at his beloved home ground.

The teenager was back to his belligerent best, cracking 10 boundaries and two sixes, during his 65-ball stay at the crease.

The Royals faithful were spurring Pretorius on to a maiden T20 century, but it was not to be, with Rabada delivering a dot ball to close out the Royals innings.

The four Player of the Match candidates were Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sikandar Raza, Asa Tribe and Rassie van der Dussen, with Pretorius winning 72% of the fan vote.

The visitors were under pressure from the outset, with Pretorius and Asa Tribe dominating the Powerplay.

The Royals' opening pair put on exactly 100 in 10.4 overs before MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan (2/31) had the Jersey international caught for 51 off 34 balls.

MI Cape Town enjoyed an equally good start with Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton (36) adding 77 for the first wicket in 7.5 overs before Royals' recruit Sikander Raza (3/27) announced his arrival at Betway SA20.

The Zimbabwe international removed both Rickelton and the dangerous Nicholas Pooran and later clean bowled Tom Moores for a first-ball duck to stem the MI Cape Town tide.

But it was the double-wicket over from Baartman when the seamer picked up both Van der Dussen (59) and Jason Smith (1) within three balls of each other that scuppered MI Cape Town's momentum.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan in India, it's great to see such competitive leagues abroad. Sikandar Raza's performance was a masterclass in spin bowling. He's such an underrated all-rounder.
A
Ananya R
Heartbreak for MI Cape Town! That last shot falling just short... can't imagine the emotions in that dressing room. But full marks to Paarl Royals, they were the better team on the day. Ottniel Baartman for the win!
R
Rohit P
Honestly, while it was a thrilling match, the standard of fielding from both sides seemed a bit off? A few dropped catches and misfields that you wouldn't see in the IPL. The SA20 is exciting, but the intensity level needs to match the hype.
K
Kavya N
Lhuan-dre Pretorius is a star in the making! 98 not out is a brilliant innings. Shame he couldn't get his century, but his knock made all the difference. The future of South African cricket looks bright. 👏
D
David E
Great to see a close game. These derby matches always have extra spice. Rashid Khan will be disappointed with the result, but his captaincy and bowling were still top-notch. On to the next one!

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