Batsman Rassie van der Dussen lamented a seventh successive defeat, as the Jozi Stars’ push for a second Mzansi Super League title ended on Sunday.

The Stars’ latest loss was to the Paarl Rocks, by five wickets, at the Wanderers Stadium. They are the reigning champions, after beating the Cape Town Blitz in last year’s inaugural final.

This season, however, hasn’t yielded one victory for the current title holders.

‘It has been one of those seasons where the close games just haven’t gone our way. There are a few positives, but hard to digest another loss,’ said Van Der Dussen.

‘We are out of the tournament, but we really should have won the last two games. We will play for pride now.’

The form of opening batsman Reeza Hendricks has been among the few highlights of the Stars’ 2019 campaign. Sunday brought the talented right-hander a third half-century in seven innings. This 74 spanned a mere 53 deliveries – and featured seven fours and two sixes.

‘Reeza has been reliable for us for the last few games. You want to reward these guys with performances, but we just don’t have enough guys putting their hand up,’ added Hendricks.

The MSL will resume on Tuesday, when the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants host the Tshwane Spartans at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.

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