SA 20: MI Cape Town return to winning ways against Paarl Royals in Cape derby

The Newlands-based team had lost two consecutive matches prior to the trip to the winelands.

They now return temporarily to second place on 13 points after their tense 13-run victory. The Royals remain in fourth place with nine points after managing just 129/6 in response to MI Cape Town's 142/9.

It was a match that remained in the balance until the penultimate over with the Royals requiring 23 off the final 12 balls.

The home team were favourites at that stage with Jos Buttler still at the crease unbeaten on 68.

But that was when MI Cape Town captain turned to his star bowler Jofra Archer to intervene.

Archer responded to his MI Cape Town captain's call by removing his England skipper with the first ball of the penultimate over.

The Royals could not recover after Buttler's loss despite Evan Jones and Ferisco Adams swinging with all their might for the final 11 deliveries.

It was a contest that was evenly balanced throughout. The Royals started in familiar fashion with the tournament's leading wicket-taker Bjorn Fortuin dismissing both Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton, while also assisting in the run out of Sam Curran to leave MI Cape Town precariously placed at 9/3.

The pressure situation was tailor made though for Rassie van der Dussen with the Proteas batter responding with a responsible 49.

Van der Dussen received solid support from Grant Roelofson (34) and George Linde (24).

The Royals bowlers stuck to their task throughout with Lungi Ngidi (2/29), Ferisco Adams (2/31) and Tabraiz Shamsi (2/27) all chipping in to restrict MI Cape Town to 142/9.

It was sufficient on the day though with George Linde (2/23), Archer (1/31), Kagiso Rabada (2/27) and Rashid Khan (1/16) ensuring it was the visitors who left with the points.