Lhuan-dre Pretorius starred in the Paarl Royals’ six-wicket win over MI Cape Town at Boland Park on Wednesday.
The 18-year-old opening batsman smashed three sixes and eight boundaries in 52-ball 83 to follow up his 97 on debut at the same ground.
Chasing down MI Cape Town’s 158-4, Pretorius benefited from two dropped catches to power the hosts to victory to avenge Monday’s defeat at Newlands.
The powerful left-hander struck the ball sweetly all around Boland Park but was particularly severe on left-arm spinner George Linde with a couple of sixes over the leg-side boundary.
Pretorius’ innings was only ended through a magnificent piece of fielding from MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan, who threw the stumps down with a direct hit.
But Pretorius had already done the major damage which allowed Royals skipper David Miller to comfortably take his team over the line with an undefeated 22.
HIGHLIGHTS: Paarl Royals vs MI Cape Town (SA20)
MI Cape Town had earlier battled towards a competitive total due to Rassie van der Dussen’s 91* off 64 balls (five fours, five sixes).
Reeza Hendricks provided support with a solid 30, but once he was clean bowled for the second time by Royals mystery spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman the home team took control.
Mujeeb (2-27) along with Sri Lankan debutant Dunith Wellalage (0-17) and Joe Root (1-24) utilised the spin friendly conditions to their advantage as they tightened the noose around the MI Cape Town middle order.
It proved to be the difference on the night as the Royals moved into joint second place with the Joburg Super Kings on eight points.
MI Cape Town remain top of the table with nine points, but have played one game more than their two closest rivals.
Photo: Shaun Roy/Sportzpics
