Rutherford’s blitz and Maharaj’s two-for steer Capitals to victory in low-scoring match
Pretoria Capitals 138 for 9 (Rutherford 42*, Raza 2-13) defeated Paarl Royals 117 for 6 (Miller 45, Maharaj 2-14) by 21 runs. The Pretoria Capitals successfully defended the lowest total in SA20 history at Boland Park – 138 – and now share the mid-table with Paarl Royals, both sitting on 15 points, following a challenging, low-scoring contest. On a parched and sluggish pitch typical for this ground, Paarl Royals must have believed they had the upper hand after dismissing PC for just 74 at 6 wickets down in the 12th over. However, Sherfane Rutherford’s explosive knock of 42 runs off 35 balls propelled them to a total that proved sufficient, thanks to their tight bowling attack. Roston Chase and Keshav Maharaj delivered economical spells, conceding less than four runs per over, with Maharaj also securing two wickets. Chase’s five-over spell yielded only 15 runs, giving his side an early advantage against PR. Off the field, a fire in the parking lot erupted during the fourth over of the chase but was extinguished by the seventh over, with no reported damage. By the eighth over, PC had reduced PR to 38 for 3, with the score at 95 for 5 in the 17th over. David Miller’s contribution of 45 runs from 36 balls went unrewarded, preventing PR from taking the top spot in the standings, while PC gained an edge over PR on net run-rate.
David Miller offered a rapid innings, but the Royals ultimately fell short in their chase • SA20. Welcome to the SA20, Dan Lawrence. Dan Lawrence arrives fresh from the ILT20 where he managed just two wickets in twelve matches. In contrast, he matched that total in his first four balls for the Paarl Royals. Brought into the attack during the eighth over, with PC at 51 for 2, Lawrence dismissed Wihan Lubbe who fell to a catch at deep cover while attempting a reverse sweep on his very first delivery. Just three balls later, Shai Hope, keen to capitalize on his opportunity, tried to hit a lofted shot off a full toss from Lawrence but could only manage a catch to Rubin Hermann at long-off. As a result, PC found themselves at 53 for 4, initiating a dramatic collapse from which they found it difficult to recover.
Brevis fails to make a substantial impact once more. The SA20’s highest-priced player, Dewald Brevis – who was acquired for R16.5 million (approximately US$980,000) by PC – has yet to justify his value, with his top score being 36* from seven innings thus far. Currently, he ranks 26th among run-scorers. Although he has shown vulnerability to short-pitched deliveries, particularly at the Highveld, Brevis was undone by a yorker from Raza during this encounter, which maintained its line as he attempted to account for turn and ultimately bowled him out. He became Raza’s second wicket after the Zimbabwe captain executed an excellent caught and bowled to remove Chase. This dismissal propelled Raza to joint lead in the wicket-tally alongside teammate Ottneil Baartman. Having played four out of PR’s six matches, after missing the initial two in the ILT20, Raza has taken his wickets at an average of 7.18 and an economy rate of 4.93.
Keshav Maharaj delivered a standout bowling performance for the Capitals • SA20. Ngidi makes an immediate impact. After achieving a hat-trick in the previous match, Lungi Ngidi resumed his wicket-taking form, striking early by dismissing Lhuan-dre Pretorius with his second delivery. Ngidi detected early movement and caused the ball to swing back into Pretorius, beating his drive and striking his pads. Though initially not declared out on-field, Maharaj quickly opted for a review. Pretorius began to exit as initial replays indicated the ball was pitching on middle and leg, and he was almost off the pitch by the time ball-tracking affirmed that the delivery was crashing into his middle stump.
Miller’s time to shine came too late. Known for being one of the most skilled finishers in the sport, it fell upon Miller to conjure some magic, especially with the required run rate escalating. PR found themselves requiring 60 off the final 30 balls. Having only managed four runs from the initial four deliveries of the 16th over, he knew he needed to accelerate. He latched onto Ngidi’s slower delivery, sending it over long-on, followed by another over deep square leg to keep PR engaged in the contest. However, he lacked support from the other end. Raza was dismissed with a first-ball duck in the subsequent over, and Delano Potgieter was unable to make an impact against a stringent PC bowling attack. Potgieter scored a mere two runs off eight deliveries and struggled to get the better of Ngidi, leaving Miller with an insurmountable task. By the end, PR required 35 runs off the last 12 balls, narrowing to 30 off the final over, which Ngidi and Lizaad Williams managed easily to defend.
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo’s correspondent for South Africa and women’s cricket
Published: 2026-01-10 15:33:00
source: www.espncricinfo.com
