MI Cape Town coach Robin Peterson said his team needed to relook at some of their selection choices in their attack after their SA20 six-wicket loss to Paarl Royals on Wednesday night.
Peterson commended the Royals for their choice of spinners at Boland Park, which restricted them to 158/4 off 20 overs in the Cape Town derby.
The former Proteas spinner remained optimistic, however, saying there was little time for reflection.
“I think we were a little bit off tonight in terms of what we were trying to do,” Peterson said.
“Credit to the Paarl Royals. They were smart about their selections and how they bowled on this pitch with their spinners – so I think that’s something we need to revisit and come back stronger against Joburg Super Kings on Saturday.
“We are looking forward to the next one. It’s a short tournament, you gotta put these losses behind you and look forward. So, we will have a chat and reflect, but at the end of the day, it’s about looking forward.”
Cape Town opening batter Rassie van der Dussen put up a possible match-winning performance with his 91 not out, thrashing the Paarl bowlers for five fours and five sixes.
But Royals bowlers Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Dunith Wellalage were clinical with the ball, restricting the middle order to a run-rate under 10.
Mujeeb claimed the crucial wicket of Reeza Hendricks before grabbing his second, Dewald Brevis, for eight.
The Royals only needed 19 overs to win, with much credit owed to rising star Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who dispatched Cape Town’s bowlers all over Boland Park.
Pretorius once again exploded on the opposition’s bowling attack, putting on 83 off 52 balls (8x4, 3x6) before he was run out by Rashid Khan.
That followed his stellar debut performance, where he carded 97 off 51 against Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
The nostalgia in these names 🥹
— MI Cape Town (@MICapeTown) January 16, 2025
From Steyn to ABD, our stars tell us about their heroes growing up 🤩💙#MICapeTown #OneFamily pic.twitter.com/LdDRYo4Qk7
Peterson said that Pretorius was a dangerous player if given the opportunity, and loves his fearlessness.
“He’s one of the form players, and when you give him an opportunity, he’s going to make you pay,” he said.
“He’s talented enough and he’s shown that tonight. When you are 15 or 20 short, you have to take all the opportunities if you want to win the game.
“So, credit to him, he played beautifully. He got his team to a position to win and get his team over the line tonight.
“I like his attitude in T20 cricket. He’s a brave player.
“He obviously has all the skills and hits the ball beautifully, but I just like the fearless attitude.
“Hopefully the older he gets, he doesn’t lose that, because often it can get coached out of players – but I think he’s so dangerous.” | Independent Media Sport