Batsman Cameron Delport was singled out for praise by captain Faf du Plessis as the Paarl Rocks beat the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants in Wednesday’s Mzansi Super League fixture at Boland Park.

The result eliminated the Giants from the competition, while the Rocks will join the Jozi Stars in Friday’s play-off. The winner of that match will meet the Cape Town Blitz in Sunday’s final at Newlands.

Delport struck a superb 84 from 45 deliveries, which featured seven fours and five sixes as the Rocks reached a modest 130-run target with 28 deliveries to spare.

‘I had a good feeling as the guys were in good space. We needed one guy to put his best step forward and Cameron did that for us. Well done to our team at this big stage, especially by the domestic players in our team,’ said Du Plessis.

‘We know it’ll be a tough game next. But the balance of our team is good enough and we’ve beaten them in the past. We are very, very lucky to have such support. We are thankful to the crowd who came out.’

The hard-hitting Delport welcomed the Player of the Match award – and proved particularly successful against spinners Jon-Jon Smuts, Aaron Phangiso and Dyllan Matthews. The latter played ahead of fellow wrist spinner Imran Tahir – and bowled just one over for 14 runs.

‘It was a good start and I am just happy to get over the line in the end. I just knew if I kept playing to my strengths, I’ll get the runs. I hit the slog-sweep with the wind. The boys will enjoy each other’s company in the afternoon and then we’ll see it on Friday, how it goes,’ added Delport.

Photo: Gallo