CAPE TOWN – Not even a floodlight pylon failure at Newlands could halt the Cape Town Blitz’ charge to a third consecutive Mzansi Super League victory on Wednesday evening.
The disruption meant the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants’ target was revised from 176 to 145 in only 16 overs.
But having been reduced to 49/2 after 8.4 overs before the interruption, the Giants ultimately fell 12 runs short.
The Blitz were boosted by the inclusion of Proteas trio Farhaan Berhardien, Quinton de Kock and Andile Phehlukwayo.
Ultimately, though, it was opener Janneman Malan’s 57 off 39 balls and a resurgent Dale Steyn (2/21) that set up the win.
Malan set the tone upfront with a couple of rasping cover drives that raced over the Newlands outfield to the fence.
The young right-hander even outshone Proteas opener De Kock in a 41-run opening stand that came in just 4.3 overs.
Phehlukwayo, though, would be satisfied with his work on the night.
Promoted to the No 3 spot – a position that would please national coach Ottis Gibson, who has been keen for his young all-rounder to receive more batting opportunities at domestic level – he slugged a 22-ball 28, which included two massive sixes over long-on off Giants left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso.
Phehlukwayo also chipped in with the crucial wicket of England international Ben Duckett (22) during the Giants’ run-chase.
It was, however, the performance of Steyn that had everyone who braved a chilly night purring with delight.
The evergreen veteran was determined to shrug off a sluggish performance last Sunday by charging in from his favoured Wynberg End.
Steyn was not only among the wickets – he claimed two on the night – but he also rushed every batsman in his path.
He even hit his former Titans teammate Heino Kuhn flush on the helmet.
To Kuhn’s credit, he continued to bludgeon a 35-ball 55 that kept the Giants interested, but it ultimately it was not going to stop the Blitz steam train from rolling on.
IT'S ALL OVER!! #CTBlitz⚡️⚡️⚡️ makes it 3 from 3, beating @NMB_Giants by 12 runs (DL Method)
Outstanding performances by Janneman Malan (57) with the bat and Dale Steyn (2/21) and Hussain Tallat (2/7) with the ball. #BlitzBrigade #MSLT20 #CTBvNMG pic.twitter.com/iwWEvNf1n4