Captain Heinrich Klaasen pinpointed performances from opening batsmen Theunis de Bruyn and Dean Elgar as key to the Tshwane Spartan’s eight-wicket victory over the Paarl Rocks in Sunday’s Mzansi Super League fixture at Boland Park.

Chasing a 186-run target, the Spartans relished a century stand between De Bruyn and Elgar, who struck 42 and 88 not out, respectively. Klaasen was later at hand with a brisk cameo to seal the triumph with five deliveries to spare.

‘I am very pleased by the win and very happy with the brand of cricket we played, but our fielding was not the best. The way the openers set it up, it made our jobs easier. They did all the hard work at the start – and it was our responsibility as well to close the job,’ said Klaasen.

Seamer Morne Morkel was earlier deployed as a third-change bowler and snared the important wickets of opener Henry Davids and Rocks captain Faf du Plessis.

‘We have a great bowling attack, which is very experienced. We are pleased to have Morne in our attack,’ added Klaasen.

The left-handed Elgar was named Player of the Match. His vigil spanned a mere 60 deliveries and featured seven fours and two sixes.

‘I am happy to finally get a game under way. In T20 cricket, you have to give yourself a chance. You have to spend some time and then you can always catch up. We have just got to set up the innings when we are chasing. It’s important to have that platform,’ concluded Elgar.

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