Khan blames MI Cape Town's batting for early SA20 exit

A 76-run defeat to the Joburg Super Kings at Wanderers Stadium last night was the final nail in the Cape-based outfit's coffin as they managed just three wins from 10 matches and finished bottom of the six-team table with only 13 points.

Despite a battling line-up that includes Proteas Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickleton, alongside England’s big hitter Sam Curran, MICT couldn't deliver on the lofty expectations. 

As 19-year-old Dewald Brevis delivered the highest individual score of 70 not out.

"In the whole competition, if you look, we had only one 70 in the batting, and in a competition like this, I feel like that's too [little], especially if we covered that area," said Khan.

"Our bowlers did a wonderful job in the whole competition, we had tried to even defend 140 in one game [vs Paarl Royals] as well, and we tried to defend 160, it went to the last ball of the last over.

"So, I feel like that's the kind of area where we need to take things deeper, and once you get used to the conditions, I feel like then you [should] take the game deeper and try to finish it off well.

"So, I feel like we didn't really finish well with the innings we started, and I think that's the area we struggled in the whole competition. Next time we come, we're going to be smarter in that and try to be more positive in that."

Furthermore, Khan conceded their approach to the campaign did not work out as aspected.

"Nothing special. We just keep it simple. We had a tough year [sic] but, at the same time, for the last game you can't change your cricket or your skills," the Afghan international added.

"It was just more about keep believing in yourself, keep trying your best to the best for the team, and it's a [great] opportunity for everyone who had the chance to express their skills, more than anything.

"I think that is something that was mostly discussed to everyone as a bowler and batsman, if you get an opportunity, go there and make it count on a big stage and in a big league.

"But that didn't work, the plan didn't work, I think sometimes matches don't go your way, but this time I think the season didn't go our way and [there is] a lot of things to learn from it and take positives from it. Next year, we'll come back stronger and smarter."