Cape Town Blitz batsman Liam Livingstone’s ability to hit Durban Heat seamer Kyle Abbott for three consecutive sixes effectively inspired Player of the Match Dane Vilas to a T20 career-best score on Thursday.

Vilas’ 75 not out spearheaded the Heat to a seven-wicket victory at Newlands, where Livingstone and opener Janneman Malan had earlier pushed the Blitz to a final total of 181-5. The Heat, however, successfully pursued the 182-run target with four deliveries to spare – and welcomed a maiden win for the season.

The result left them in fifth position in the 2019 MSL’s six-team standings, while the Blitz stayed in fifth spot.

‘It feels incredible and it is nice to get some real points on the board. It was a competitive total, but I knew, if you are hitting Kyle, then it has to be a good wicket,’ said Vilas.

‘It was a great wicket and the ball was flying. It is great to get runs. I am glad that I contributed in the team’s victory.’

The Heat’s campaign has been hampered by wet weather, predominantly in Durban. They have endured three washouts and will host the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants in the coastal city on Saturday. The Giants lost to the table-topping Paarl Rocks earlier this week.

‘Let’s hope the weather will be fine in Durban,’ concluded Vilas.

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