Ryan Rickelton’s second SA20 century proved decisive as MI Cape Town steamrolled Joburg Super Kings by 78 runs in a one-sided contest. The explosive batsman carved out 127 not out, propelling his team to 267/5 – a score that proved insurmountable.
From the first ball, Rickelton attacked with intent. His pull shots and drives through covers were textbook perfect. By the 10th over, he had raced to a half-century, and the acceleration that followed left the Joburg bowlers shell-shocked. Brevis contributed 58 before perishing, but Rickelton remained unbeaten, farming the strike masterfully.
Joburg Super Kings’ captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to field, a decision that backfired spectacularly. Their bowling lacked penetration, conceding 18 boundaries and 10 sixes. Imran Tahir, the experienced leg-spinner, finished with 0/45 from his four overs – his worst T20 figures in recent memory.
In reply, the Kings’ chase never took off. Openers Reeza Hendricks and Lhuan-dre Pretorius fell cheaply to MI Cape Town’s disciplined attack. Rabada’s bounce accounted for two key wickets, while left-armer George Linde ran through the middle order. Du Plessis’ gritty 62 offered brief hope, but regular wickets meant the required rate soared beyond reach. All out for 189, the Kings suffered their third defeat.
MI Cape Town’s victory margin is their biggest in SA20 history. Rickelton’s 127* is now the second-highest individual score in the tournament. The win consolidates their playoff position, while Joburg Super Kings face mounting pressure. Expert analysts predict Rickelton’s knock will earn him a Proteas recall soon.
