Batsman Sibonelo Makhanya appreciated a solid partnership with debutant Kyle Verreynne, as the Paarl Rocks beat the Jozi Stars by five wickets in the Mzansi Super League at the Wanderers on Sunday.

The result ruled the Stars out of contention for a second MSL title. They are the reigning champions, after beating the Cape Town Blitz in last year’s inaugural final, but have since suffered seven successive defeats. The Rocks, meanwhile, have risen to the top of the 2019 tournament’s six-team standings.

Makhanya was named Player of the Match for a superb 63 not out, a large part of which was collected during a 73-run stand with Verreynne, who ended with 28.

‘That was a lot of fun. There was a lot of pressure, but these are the knocks you dream of playing as a youngster,’ said Makhanya.

‘I just wanted to stay out there. Kyle brings in a lot of calmness to the crease and I love batting with him. We’ll take it one game at a time from now.’

The Rocks will host the Durban Heat and Nelson Mandela Bay Giants at Boland Park in Paarl on Wednesday and Sunday, respectively.

‘I feel we haven’t played to our full potential. We are playing at 70 percent, so there is more in us as a team. Hopefully we can get a bit more out of our next game and peak towards the end,’ concluded triumphant captain Faf du Plessis.

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