Cricket
Capitals remain in contention with win against JSK─── MORGAN PIEK 09:15 Wed, 29 Jan 2025
The Pretoria Capitals kept their chances of reaching the playoffs of the SA20 alive with a crucial six-wicket win against the Joburg Super Giants in Centurion.
The win has put the Capitals in a position where they could sneak into the knockout stages, but it will require more than just a victory against their neighbours at SuperSport Park.
JSK batted first in the Jukskei Derby and managed to scrape to 99/9 in their 20 overs, with former Knights seamer Migael Pretorius being the pick of the bowlers, taking 3/22. Additionally, Gideon Peters of the North West Dragons took 2/15 in his four overs, while Proteas all-rounder and former Dragons captain Senuran Muthusamy also claimed 2/15 in three overs.
Gideon Peters. Photo: Cricinfo
England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow was the only JSK batter to trouble the scorers with 30 off 32 balls, while Faf du Plessis and Donovan Ferreira contributed just 14 runs each.
In reply, Marques Ackerman scored 39 off 22 balls, while Proteas wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne added 17, and Will Jacks chipped in with 15 as the Capitals chased down the target in just 12 overs. In a losing effort, Lutho Sipamla once again starred with the ball for JSK, taking 3/26 in his four overs, while Hardus Viljoen claimed 1/18 in two overs.
Capitals captain and wicketkeeper Verreynne said it was an important win for his team, but there was still work to be done as they continue their challenging campaign.
“I don't know if we need bonus points, but I definitely think we need to win at least one of these next two games, provided things go our way,” said Verreynne.
“It’s very pleasing that we got this win. Something we spoke about quite a bit in the camp was just getting a bit of momentum going into this backstretch now.
Jonny Bairstow. Photo: Cricinfo
“We’ve got two games left against MI Cape Town, and then, if things go our way, we’ve probably got five games left in the tournament, hopefully.
“It’s important that we carry a bit of momentum forward. I think getting the win was obviously imperative, but the way we played was also really, really important. What we did here was really good.”
On Wednesday at 17:30, MI Cape Town will face the Sunrisers Eastern Cape at Newlands.
