In a thrilling encounter at SuperSport Park, the Joburg Super Kings scripted a memorable 22-run victory over the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20 league. The win, orchestrated by a magnificent bowling spell from left-arm seamer Duan Jansen, marked a historic first for the Super Kings at the Centurion venue across four seasons of the tournament.
Jansen's Career-Best Spell Triggers Dramatic Collapse
The match turned decisively in the favour of the visiting Super Kings thanks to a career-best performance from Duan Jansen, who finished with exceptional figures of 4 for 23. Pretoria Capitals, chasing a target of 169, were cruising at one stage, having built a solid foundation through a fluent 71-run opening stand between Will Smeed (34) and Bryce Parsons (41).
However, the game shifted dramatically after the 12th over. Janco Smit provided the initial breakthrough by dismissing the dangerous Dewald Brevis, which visibly lifted the Joburg side. What followed was a catastrophic batting collapse for the Capitals, who lost five wickets for a mere 28 runs. Jansen, who had earlier removed Shai Hope, returned to dismantle the middle order, taking the key wicket of the set Parsons before wrapping up the tail by dismissing Connor Esterhuizen and Daniel Smith.
Rossouw and Mulder Steady Joburg's Innings
Earlier in the evening, after losing the toss and being asked to bat first, the Joburg Super Kings faced early adversity. Their innings got off to a rocky start when new Pretoria signing Tymal Mills struck a fierce blow, hitting skipper Faf du Plessis on the wrist with a sharp bouncer. The early pressure told as Joburg found themselves at a precarious 16/2.
The innings was resurrected through a crucial 78-run partnership for the third wicket between Rilee Rossouw and Wiaan Mulder. Rossouw played a characteristically aggressive knock, scoring 48 runs off just 33 balls, while Mulder provided excellent support with a brisk 43 from 28 deliveries. Their partnership at a rapid pace laid a solid platform for a competitive total.
Late Flourish Seals Winning Total
Although Mills returned to break the stand by dismissing Rossouw, the Joburg Super Kings managed to finish strongly. Valuable late contributions from the lower order, including an unbeaten 22 off just 10 balls from Akeal Hosein and a quickfire 10 not out from Dian Forrester, propelled the team to a final score of 168/6. This total, defended with grit and skill, ultimately proved to be beyond the reach of the Pretoria Capitals, handing the Joburg Super Kings a landmark victory in the SA20 Season 4.
