Paarl Rocks captain Faf du Plessis has lamented Sunday’s Mzansi Super League loss to the Tshwane Spartans, despite a superb performance from England batsman James Vince.

Vince arrived to a Rocks XI minus the injured Aiden Markram and JP Duminy and immediately made a positive impact.

He struck 86 not out from just 53 balls, lined with eight fours and two sixes, for a final total of 185-6.

The Spartans, however, surpassed the target with five deliveries to spare on the back of opener Dean Elgar’s 88 not out from 60. Elgar was named Player of the Match.

‘I thought it was a good score on this track. Vince played a good knock. We weren’t quite switched on while bowling. I am always happy when our teammates are playing well. Vince has a lot of experience – smart cricket, with power hitting from Vince and Elgar. We must learn from our mistakes,’ said Du Plessis.

The result left the Rocks and Spartans in third and fourth position, respectively, in the 2019 MSL’s standings. The Cape Town Blitz are at the top of the table, while the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants occupy second spot.

The Durban Heat and Jozi Stars are fifth and sixth, respectively. The Stars are the reigning champions, having defeated the Blitz in last year’s inaugural final, but have since suffered four consecutive losses.

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