Hope, Peters and Ngidi steer Capitals past Buttler challenge
Pretoria Capitals posted 201 for 4 (Hope 118*, Esterhuizen 37, Wiese 1-34) to defeat Durban’s Super Giants who scored 186 (Buttler 97*, Peters 3-35, Ngidi 3-39) by 15 runs. Shai Hope achieved what he previously lacked in 194 T20 innings. His career-high score of 118* from 69 balls, marking the highest individual score in the brief history of SA20, propelled Pretoria Capitals (PC) to 201 at Kingsmead. In response, Durban’s Super Giants (DSG) faced a daunting task they hadn’t accomplished before — chasing down a target exceeding 167 in a completed SA20 match. With DSG requiring 42 runs from the final 17 balls and Jos Buttler on 74 alongside a dependable David Wiese, a flicker of hope lingered. However, PC’s Lungi Ngidi accomplished what was previously unachieved in SA20, claiming a hat-trick in the 18th over that left the home supporters dejected. They revived momentarily as Buttler hit 6, 6, 2, and 4 off consecutive legal deliveries against Lizaad Williams in the 19th. With 18 runs needed in the last over, Roston Chase executed yorkers well, while Buttler (97*) encountered two run-out dismissals of partners. Ultimately, PC clinched victory by 15 runs, but not without a nervous finish.
Hope excels with boundaries
Hope and his opening partner Connor Esterhuizen combined for 101 runs in 11 overs. However, Esterhuizen’s presence seemed minimal. His dismissal at 37 off 28 balls ended their partnership, with Hope having already blasted 59 runs from 38 balls by that point. Hope’s innings showcased a blend of style, power, and finesse, despite securing his subsequent 59 runs in a quicker 31 balls. Starting with a fortunate inside-edge for four, his innings quickly transitioned to clean, powerful hitting. He executed a delightful six from a swivel shot, aggressive swats over the off side, strong pulls over mid-on and midwicket, along with authoritative sweeps through square leg off spinners. He reached fifty in 34 balls, and following Esterhuizen’s exit, he added 85 runs in 44 balls with Roston Chase.
SA20’s inaugural retired out
Chase was batting at 24 off 15 balls — a commendable rate, yet possibly insufficient for today’s T20 format. PC made a tactical decision to retire him out with ten balls remaining, bringing in Sherfane Rutherford, who was dismissed for a two-ball duck. Dewald Brevis then entered the fray, launching two sixes — both over deep square leg. The first struck a spectator on the forehead, while the second almost soared to the heavens before landing in the crowd. This propelled PC to their total of 201, leaving DSG with a monumental challenge ahead.
Buttler battles but lacks assistance
The required run rate reached 11.20 by the midpoint of the chase. DSG stood at 90 for 3 after ten overs, losing all three of Marques Ackerman (27), Kane Williamson (12), and Aiden Markram (16) after promising starts. Buttler, who entered at No. 3, required reliable support, but found none. Jos Buttler came close to leading DSG to victory. A significant portion of his first 30 runs arrived via boundaries, including various shots like flicks, pulls, drives, and reverse sweeps. In the 14th over, Buttler hit Ngidi for consecutive sixes over extra cover — the first brought him to fifty — helping keep the chase alive, though he lacked support from the other end. Heinrich Klaasen battled to 16 in 17 balls, with Evan Jones dismissed on his first ball. Wiese was Buttler’s lone ally, but Ngidi deceived him with a slower ball, claiming the first of his three wickets. Wiese was caught by Jordan Cox at long-on, while Sunil Narine mishit to midwicket after being cramped for room, and Gerald Coetzee was dismissed while attempting a swing to deep midwicket. With two wickets down and just two overs left, DSG needed another 40 runs to seal the win. Buttler’s fireworks against Williams secured 22 of those in the 19th over. Retaining the strike for the final over, DSG still harbored hope, but PC’s Hope had the decisive word.
Published: 2026-01-07 19:44:00
source: www.espncricinfo.com
