In a match that went right down to the wire, the Sunrisers claimed a seven-wicket victory with just one ball to spare, a result that was enough to see them finish top of the log and secure a home Qualifier 1 on Wednesday in Gqeberha.

After winning the toss, the Sunrisers opted to bowl first, sending MI Cape Town in on a surface that once again lived up to its reputation for offering something to both batters and bowlers.

Reeza Hendricks - Cricinfo

The visitors posted 148/6 from their 20 overs, with Kimberley-born Reeza Hendricks anchoring the innings superbly with a well-compiled 70 off 44 balls, striking eight fours and a six.
 All-rounder George Linde provided late impetus with 30 off 17 balls, including four towering sixes that lifted MICT to a somewhat competitive total.

Spin proved key on the day, with the Durban-born Australian, Chris Green, delivering a standout performance for the Sunrisers. The Australian off-spinner finished with 3/29 from his four overs, applying the brakes at crucial stages of the innings.

He was well supported by the pace of Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortjé and the spin of James Coles, who each picked up a wicket to keep MI Cape Town in check.

In reply, the Sunrisers were led by a composed Matthew Breetzke and Quinton de Kock, as the hosts navigated a tricky chase under pressure.

Breetzke, a Gqeberha local, played a mature knock of 66 off 55 balls, finding the boundary eight times, while de Kock weighed in with a fluent 56 off 49 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes.

Chris Green - Cricinfo

The Sunrisers eventually reached the target in 19.5 overs, sealing a vital win just in time.

Reflecting on the victory, Breetzke admitted that conditions were far from straightforward.

“I think it was a typical St George’s wicket - they were probably about 10 runs short, but it was still really tricky to chase,” he said.

“There were definitely ebbs and flows in the innings, so we’re happy to have got over the line.

“A lot of our games have come down to conditions and fine margins. In the matches we lost, we were probably only 10 to 15 runs short, and having someone bat through at the end is crucial.

“To get over the line in a crunch moment like that is massive for us as we move towards the playoffs.”

At this stage, it remains to be seen who the Sunrisers will face in Qualifier 1 on Wednesday. That will be decided in the final pool match on Monday, when the Paarl Royals host the Joburg Super Kings at Boland Park.

The Royals currently sit third on the log with 24 points, level with the Pretoria Capitals, who occupy second place courtesy of a superior net run-rate. A win on Monday would see the Royals leapfrog into second spot.

Monday’s clash at Boland Park is scheduled to get underway at 17:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport