Ryan Rickelton’s blitz 91 set the tone for the Jozi Stars as they defended 209-2 to claim a 60-run win against the Paarl Rocks, writes KHALID MOHIDIN.
The loyal Paarl faithful had to endure their second heartbreak in a matter of days. However, despite being a Tuesday-night fixture, over 2,000 locals attended the clash.
The Mzansi Super League never failed to display an exciting game of T20 cricket as another young player rose to the occasion.
The Jozi Stars batted first with their innings dominated by a superb knock by Rickelton. The St Stithians old boy hit the highest total of the Mzansi Super League, the Jozi Stars posting the biggest total of the tournament thus far.
The 22-year-old struck a superb 91 off 59 balls (seven fours, three sixes) as the Jozi Stars posted 209-2. He was perfectly supported by his opening partner, Rassie van der Dussen, who once again staked his claim for World Cup selection with a knock of 78 off 49 balls (three fours, four sixes).
It was a straightforward performance for the opening pair, who strung together a phenomenal 155-run partnership. Rickelton was on course to score the first century of the competition, but he fell just nine runs short when David Wiese made the breakthrough.
Van der Dussen lost his wicket too, but was largely responsible for the Stars’ destruction in the final five overs as the visitors smashed 76 runs.
The Paarl Rocks scored healthily above the run rate, courtesy of their stand-in captain Henry Davids. The 38-year-old played an anchoring knock despite the loss of his opening partner, Michael Klinger, and then Vaughn van Jaarsveld at No 3.
Davids took his side to 86 runs, but was the Rocks’ third wicket to fall after a 36-ball 60 (four fours, four sixes). Wickets continued to tumble as the Rocks found themselves in a place of bother at 93-5 after 10.4 overs. It was downhill from there.
The Rocks found themselves down eight for 124 after 15.2 overs dominated by the two spinners, Eddie Leie (3-33) and Simon Harmer (3-22).
The Paarl Rocks were not able to prevent the bonus point, as they suffered a hefty second defeat and were bowled out for 149.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
