SA20: Sunrisers Eastern Cape stay third with win over MI Cape Town

The chase of 176 runs proved challenging for MI Cape Town, with five batters scoring over 20 runs, including Sam Curran and skipper Kieron Pollard, who both contributed 30 runs. Despite their efforts, MI Cape Town fell short, finishing at 171/7, contained by a disciplined Sunrisers bowling attack.

Ottniel Baartman stood out among the Sunrisers' bowlers, claiming figures of 2/24 with precision and control. The collective effort of the bowling unit stifled potential partnerships, securing a hard-fought victory.

With this win, the Sunrisers closed the gap to three points behind second-placed Paarl Royals, strengthening their position. MI Cape Town remained in fourth place, trailing by 10 points.

Choosing to bat first, the hosts, led by Tom Abell and Aiden Markram, laid a solid foundation. Abell's quickfire 60 off 44 balls, supported by Markram's 54 off 32 deliveries, propelled the Sunrisers to 175/6.

Despite a spirited bowling effort from MI Cape Town, led by Numan Thushara (2/32) and Kagiso Rabada (2/26), they couldn't secure the win.

MI Cape Town will seek redemption against Joburg Super Kings at Newlands on Monday, while the Sunrisers will face the Super Kings at the Wanderers on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, the much-anticipated second Highveld Derby of SA20 Season 2, pitting Pretoria Capitals against Joburg Super Kings was abandoned after a mere 4.4 overs due to rain.

Despite the fervent support of the Capitals faithful, who turned out in large numbers to back their team against their local rivals, the weather had the final say, with no further action possible. Consequently, both teams were awarded two log points each due to the no result.

This outcome dealt a blow to both teams' aspirations of narrowing the gap on the frontrunners in the quest for a playoff berth.

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