In a thrilling encounter at the SA20 league, Ryan Rickelton delivered a masterclass performance, smashing his second century of the season to lead MI Cape Town to a commanding win over Joburg Super Kings. The left-handed opener’s unbeaten knock of 127 runs off just 62 balls set the tone for MI Cape Town’s dominant display on Wednesday night.
Rickelton’s innings was a blend of aggressive stroke-play and calculated risks. He reached his ton with a flurry of boundaries, including a massive six that sailed over the deep midwicket fence. His partnership with open partner Dewald Brevis added 140 runs before Brevis fell, but by then the platform was set. MI Cape Town posted a formidable 267/5 in their 20 overs, the highest total of the season so far.
Joburg Super Kings’ bowlers struggled from the outset. Lizaad Williams and Imran Tahir leaked runs at an alarming rate, with Rickelton particularly harsh on the spinners. The Kings’ fielding was sloppy, dropping crucial catches that allowed the batsmen to free their arms.
Chasing 268, Joburg Super Kings never got started. MI Cape Town’s pace attack, led by George Linde and Kagiso Rabada, dismantled the top order early. Linde’s left-arm spin claimed 3/28, while Rabada’s express pace troubled the middle order. Despite a valiant 62 from Faf du Plessis, the Kings folded for 189 in 19.3 overs, handing MI Cape Town a 78-run victory.
This win catapults MI Cape Town to the top of the SA20 points table, with Rickelton now the leading run-scorer. His consistency has been the cornerstone of the team’s success. Joburg Super Kings, meanwhile, slip to fourth place, needing to regroup quickly for their next fixture.
Rickelton’s form raises questions about his international prospects. With T20 World Cup around the corner, selectors will take note of this destructive opener. MI Cape Town’s bowlers deserve credit for backing up the batting effort, showing depth in all departments.
