Dewald Brevis
Dewald Brevis and Sherfane Rutherford's breathtaking finish leads Pretoria Capitals to a stunning victory (Credits :"X")

Overview:

Rutherford, for his part, was even more explosive. The West Indies all-rounder, who will join Mumbai Indians in the IPL following his transfer from Gujarat Titans, played a sensational unbeaten knock of 47 off 15 balls.

The Pretoria Capitals started the New Year with a statement victory in the SA20, fueled by an incredible late surge from Dewald Brevis and Sherfane Rutherford. The duo unleashed a flurry of six consecutive sixes over two overs, stunning the crowd and leaving the opposition stunned, as they turned the match around and clinched their first win of the season in a dominant display.

On Wednesday night, Pretoria Capitals set the tone by posting an imposing total, thanks to a brutal finishing from Brevis and Rutherford. The pair delivered one of the most electrifying batting displays of the tournament, targeting the final overs with relentless aggression, sending the ball over the boundary six times in succession. Their onslaught was the key to the Sourav Ganguly-coached side’s formidable total of 220, putting their opponents under immense pressure.

Brevis’ innings carried special importance. After a tough start to the season, where he only managed scores of 6 and 12 despite being purchased for a record R16.5 million at the SA20 auction, the Chennai Super Kings batter faced significant scrutiny. However, the young South African delivered an outstanding performance, blasting an unbeaten 36 off just 13 balls at a strike rate of 276.92. His dynamic display reminded everyone of the aggressive and fearless batting that has made him a standout prospect for South Africa’s T20 World Cup squad.

Rutherford, for his part, was even more explosive. The West Indies all-rounder, who will join Mumbai Indians in the IPL following his transfer from Gujarat Titans, played a sensational unbeaten knock of 47 off 15 balls. With a strike rate surpassing 300, Rutherford dismantled the MI Cape Town bowlers, delivering clean, and aggressive shots that gave them no opportunity to recover.

The duo put on a brilliant 84 runs from just 27 balls, including an explosive 72 runs in the final three overs. What had once appeared to be a competitive total swiftly became a daunting one, as momentum shifted firmly in Pretoria’s favour heading into the chase.

MI Cape Town’s response never gained traction. They attempted to launch a counterattack but quickly lost wickets in bunches. Their aggressive approach proved costly, and the batting lineup collapsed, resulting in them being bowled out for 135.

The 85-run victory not only handed Pretoria Capitals their first win of the season but also made a bold statement to the rivals.

V M Suriya Narayanan is a passionate cricket writer who has been following the game since 2007. With a background in Civil Engineering (B.E.), he blends analytical thinking with a deep understanding of...