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MI has started 2025 on a high! History scripted, MI Cape Town crowned SA20 2025 Champions!&nbsp;Lifting their first trophy in the league, the MI Cape Town showcased absolute dominance from start to the finish through the season. With relentless consistency, they won match after match, never taking the foot off the accelerator, capping off a historic campaign in style.With this triumph, Mumbai. New York. Emirates. Cape Town. Every team in the MI Family now has a Winner’s trophy in its cabinet.&nbsp;Mrs Nita M. Ambani said: “What a proud and historic moment for the MI family! From Mumbai to New York, the UAE to Cape Town - MI teams have won league titles &amp; the hearts of fans across the globe. This title is a testament to our commitment to excellence, our belief in talent, and the spirit of Mumbai Indians. We are a truly global family, united by our passion for the game. A heartfelt thank you to all our fans for their unwavering support - this victory is as much yours as it is ours. Congratulations to MI Cape Town for making 2025 a year to remember!”Mr. Akash M. Ambani, Team Owner, said, “MI Cape Town’s journey this season has been nothing short of exceptional, and I couldn’t be prouder of the team. This victory is a testament to the MI philosophy—backing talent, believing in the process, and playing with heart. This win is for our fans, who have stood by us through every high and low. Newlands Cape Town, this is your moment—enjoy it!"With this historic win, Mumbai Indians continue to set new benchmarks in global franchise cricket. Over the past 17 years, the dedication of the MI family—comprising Mumbai Indians (IPL &amp; WPL), MI Cape Town, MI Emirates, and MI New York—has resulted in an incredible 11 T20 league titles worldwide. This includes five IPL championships, two Champions League victories, and the inaugural WPL and Major League Cricket titles in 2023, along with the ILT20 title in 2024.&nbsp;MI’s journey has been one of passion, perseverance, and excellence, bringing together talent from across the world and winning not just trophies, but the hearts of millions of fans. With this SA20 victory, 2025 has started on the perfect note for the MI family!

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"This victory is a testament
to the MI philosophy": Mr. Akash M. Ambani

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India. USA. UAE. South Africa. The quartet is complete. The MI #OneFamily has conquered them all.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh, didn’t we need this. It’s been three seasons in the making. And it feels just incredible to hear this. Let’s say it loud enough for everyone to hear: MI Cape Town, the 2025 SA20 Champions!!“Very happy. Last year and the year before we were at the bottom of the table. Topping the table this year and winning the final feels great. Winning six games with a bonus point was unbelievable. Shows how everyone contributed to the win. Credit goes to each and every one. The support and the way the Head Coach, Robbie (Peterson), kept the dressing room was incredible,” said Rashid Khan, the victorious skipper at the post-match press conference shortly after lifting the title.&nbsp;Trent Boult wrote himself into history books with this feat as well of winning a title with all four teams, Mumbai Indians in IPL 2020, MI New York in MLC 2023, MI Emirates in ILT20 2024 and now with MI Cape Town in SA20 2025. A powerplay wicket was almost a guarantee with him around.&nbsp;“Obviously very excited to get an opportunity to come to this part of the world. It’s a proud sporting nation and an exciting place to play cricket. Great way to top off the season. The boys have fought hard and deserve it,” Boult said.&nbsp;Head Coach, Robin Peterson, has been with the team for the last three years, and he knows the disappointment that came over the last two years. In true Robbie fashion, he scripted a turnaround. It really was one.&nbsp;“Every time you are involved with MI, you are expected to win,” he said. “In the first two years, we tried our best but things didn’t work out. Bringing Rash (Rashid) back, bringing (Trent) Boulty here, made a huge difference. The experience and a couple of fresh faces is just amazing how it changed the environment. MI is a proud franchise,” he said.&nbsp;The party has only begun. Cape Town, you have another glittering piece of silverware to an already rich sporting history. Newlands, with sellout after sellout, you’ve been absolutely wonderful. Let’s rejoice. This is MI city, this is MI team, We are MI Cape Town.&nbsp;

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MI City, MI Team, MI Champion Cape Town

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Bear hugs, pumped up celebrations, some happy tears, some big smiles. When the final wicket in the SEC innings fell, the outfield at the Wanderers was where the MICT party first began. Through some interviews and chats with the host broadcaster, let’s be a part of soaking in the win..&nbsp;Rashid Khan | Winning Captain: Tonight was brilliant. We had couple of tough years. The highest points across three seasons to start off. Feel happy for this team. Brilliant effort from everyone. Throughout this season, we didn't play a selfish innings. Every one thought what the team needs. Even today, every one played their natural game. We had KG, Bosch, Boult and then George. So, happy to be part of this bowling line up. Amazing to be back. Missed last year due to back injury. I got a phone call ahead of the season that do you want to lead. I said yes. This is the only franchise which has won every tournament. We have won the IPL, MLC, the ILT20 and now the SA20.Trent Boult is the Player of the Match: First of all the boys put up a great performance. We scratched to 180 and very satisfying to get the job done. Beautiful place to play. The tournament is well followed. It was nice to get on a wicket that had help for the bowlers. Players stood up at the right points this season.Kagiso Rabada: I think I was extra focussed as it was a final. They had made three finals in a row. On their day, they can beat anyone. I felt 180 was above par. Everyone bowled well. Rashid and Linde did well in the middle overs. I love playing in SA. It is my favorite place to play. The fans are amazing. The performances have been thrilling.Trent Boult: Very special. To get the opportunity to win all four (titles with MI franchise) was great. Haven't played much cricket in South Africa. Guys wanted to do it for each other. Cricket here has been great fun.Dewald Brevis: I was excited for tonight. I had lot of things in my head. I am grateful it came off. We needed runs on the board. We are so stoked. The last season I won't forget. It was tough. I wanted to focus on few things and give it my best.Corbin Bosch: Over the moon. Unbelieve cricket this season. We were exceptional this entire campaign. (His role) Obviously to bowl nice and quickly and death bowling as well. I'm proud to be part of such a great franchise and help them put another one on the board.Rassie van der Dussen: Batting first we knew there would be something in the wicket. But we knew if we could get off to a good start we would do well. We have been getting starts and luckily we did it one more time. Last two years we have been bouncing off each other (On his partnership with Rickleton). We were confident&nbsp;coming into this game. If you are three down in the powerplay you could lose the game so we wanted to take care of that. What a place to play the final.Ryan Rickleton: Incredible&nbsp;tournament, to come last first two years and then win now is amazing. It (Wanderers) was an incredible place to play. Effort behind the scene&nbsp;is amazing, everyone stepped up. (We are going to celebrate) until this time tomorrow (smiles).

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"To come last in the first two years and then win now feels incredible"

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Clinical, dominant, right-on-the-money, consistent, WINNERS. The redemption arc is complete. MI Cape Town are the 2025 SA20 Champions! Keeping in line with how effective the team and how dominating the team has been right through the league stage, getting on a roll and winning match after match, this final was pretty much a reflection of the same. We refused to take the foot off the accelerator and refused to slow down until we landed the silverware. Mumbai. New York. Emirates. Cape Town. Each of the teams in the MI Family now has a Winner’s trophy in its cabinet!&nbsp;We’ve risen above them all. 2025 has gotten off to a brilliant start!&nbsp;The RRs lay the platformThis seriously has been some God-level consistency. Rassie van der Dussen (23) and Ryan Rickelton (33) once again got the team off to a brilliant start, getting to 50 inside the fifth over. Match after match, it’s been their opening stand that has almost been a guarantee for MI Cape Town, allowing the rest of the batters to ease up and stay pressure free.&nbsp;The Brevis explosion&nbsp;Connor Esterhuizen, with his 26-ball 39, and George Linde, with his 14-ball 20, counter-attacked and just didn’t let the momentum dip after three wickets fell in quick succession. But the big boost came via young Dewald Brevis, who continued his top form in the final. Four sixes, two fours, and 18 balls later for his 38, he made sure MI Cape Town had successfully set themselves a 180+ total on the board.&nbsp;Another game sealed in the powerplay, ft. TB and KGKagiso Rabada got David Bedingham in his first over, Trent Boult got Jordan Hermann in his second, and together, they broke the back of the Sunrisers Eastern Cape chase even before it had begun. Just when Tony de Zorzi and Tom Abell got a small partnership going, the spinners in Rashid Khan and George Linde made sure there was no twist in the tale. The wickets kept tumbling, the asking rate kept going up, we kept getting nearer.&nbsp;And finally, off 18.4, when Rabada got Richard Gleeson to chip one to cover, the roof went off. The Wanderers was painted in Blue and Gold. The players and the fans know what an epic feat this is and what it means to everybody after the two tough seasons.&nbsp;Kaapstad, where’s the party tonight?!

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WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS! SAY IT AGAIN, MI CAPE TOWN – SA20 2025 CHAMPIONS!!

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It simply doesn’t get any bigger. A team that’s on a roll, topping the league table, winning the first Qualifier in style, a team in top form versus a side that’s coming in as two-time champions, having fought their way up in the second half of the league to make it into the final. The iconic Bullring, two iconic teams, one iconic rivalry, and at the end of it all, one winner who takes it all.&nbsp;“We are the team that was at the bottom for two years and now we are at the top. We have been playing some amazing cricket for the past month. It’s not about who the opposition is. They are playing good cricket as well. Losing three in a row first up and then coming into the final is a big achievement as well. They have the experience of playing in the final in the last two years. We are just focusing on playing good cricket and focusing on what we did well in the last one month to get here. That would be the challenge for us than thinking, ‘oh, they’ve been unbeaten in the playoffs’. I don’t think we should have that in mind. It’s about the mindset, effort and approach, which would be key,” said our skipper Rashid Khan at the press conference on the eve of the Final.&nbsp;These are two sides who’ve produced some epic contests so far. In the first two seasons, there were some real nailbiters, and unfortunately, we came out on the wrong side of those results. But this season has been different. We’ve won both games against the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, each one very comfortably. These are two teams with a mega fan base, and there’s everything in store to make your Saturday night a blockbuster!&nbsp;&nbsp;What: THE FINAL, MI Cape Town vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape&nbsp;When: February 8, 2025 | 17:30 local time, 21:00 ISTWhere: The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg&nbsp;What to expect: Keep your popcorn handy. And then your celebratory dance for the end of the evening. There never is a shortage of sixes on this ground. It’s a place that’s hosted some legendary finals in the past, and there’s no reason why we aren’t in for another!&nbsp;

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THE FINAL | MICTvSEC preview: Orange vs Blue is RED HOT

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It’s bee some turnaround for MI Cape Town. After finishing at the bottom of the table for two seasons to now top the league table and then become the first side to qualify for the SA20 2025 Final. Rashid Khan, the captain, takes a lot&nbsp; of pride in the team’s success. He was at the captain’s press conference ahead of the Final against the Sunrisers Eastern Cape, and spoke about a range of topics. Excerpts..&nbsp;Thoughts on the Final&nbsp;It’s different for us as a team, qualifying for the playoffs for the first time and topping the table. For us, it is just about focusing on what we can do on the day. We are the team that was at the bottom for two years and now we are at the top. We have been playing some amazing cricket for the past month. It’s not about who the opposition is. They are playing good cricket as well. Losing three in a row first up and then coming into the final is a big achievement as well. They have the experience of playing in the final in the last two years. We are just focusing on playing good cricket and focusing on what we did well in the last one month to get here. That would be the challenge for us than thinking, ‘oh, they’ve been unbeaten in the playoffs’. I don’t think we should have that in mind. It’s about the mindset, effort and approach, which would be key.&nbsp;On the leadership group at MI Cape Town&nbsp;It's very good to have players who have that experience. In South Africa, you see different conditions everywhere. To have those players around who give you the best information about the wickets and conditions is great. We have players who are mostly from here (Jo’burg) like Ryan Rickelton and KG (Rabada). They know the conditions and know how to play. It gives us a plus as a team. It really helps to get the information you need. We have 60-70 percent of the players who are from this part. But still it’s a T20, you have to play good cricket. We have played some great cricket throughout the competition. We adjusted ourselves to conditions and have responded to pressure situations well. That for me is the outstanding point. Whenever we were under pressure in the group games with bat, ball and on the field, we responded well. That will be the key for tomorrow as well.&nbsp;On wanting to be captain again after the first season&nbsp;When I got a call from MI Cape Town and they asked me if I wanted to lead the team, I was very excited and said I wanted to. When I left we were at the bottom of the table in the first season and I didn’t come in the second season because of my back problem. It was a big challenge for me and I said ‘yes, I am fully ready’. It was the first time leading a franchise side, which was a different experience for me as well. Leading in the World Cup gave me the confidence and energy I needed as a captain. That really helped me. That’s the challenge I wanted this year as well. I wanted to lead the team. It is just about keeping things simple and thinking about what we could do in the future. As a team that is what was more important for us. I didn’t change much after coming. I just said, ‘look, forget about the result. It is just about effort’. That’s what we are focusing on. That’s all I want from the team. I don’t want results. I want efforts. When you have efforts, more often than not, you get the results.Whether having a couple of days off is an advantage&nbsp;I think it gives you the advantage where your body recovers for the next game. To be honest, we haven’t done much. I just watch Netflix a lot (laughs). The schedule was very busy throughout the tournament. We just took a few days off. Some guys stayed at home. We stayed in the hotel, went out for shopping. We refreshed our bodies and made sure we were ready for the game.&nbsp;On dealing with different conditions in South Africa&nbsp;It’s quite important that we have a leadership group around a team. As an overseas captain, it is always hard. Having that leadership group to discuss things makes your job easier. We discuss things about the opposition and it makes my job easier. Sometimes it is hard for me to communicate with the boys, and they can do that in different conditions. Every ground in South Africa is different. You are making sure you are having the most of the knowledge about the pitches. I felt it was something I was missing in the first year. This year we have that a lot and it really helps you. It is a huge advantage having those senior players around. You can be more relaxed on the field.&nbsp;On the squad for this season&nbsp;You get the confidence as a captain to do the best for the team. I knew we had the best team. Like the other day, even when we had 7-8 guys resting, the other guys came on and won with a bonus point. Shows how good the team is. I was excited about the challenges.&nbsp;On the plans for Sunrisers Easter CapeIf I tell you, you will tell them (laughs). Nothing different. You know the strong and weak points. You know yourself too. Doesn’t matter who the opposition is, as long as you believe in your skills, you can beat them. They have been the most consistent side in the playoffs as well but for us, it is just to have the positive mindset and accept the challenges.&nbsp;On working well with Robbie PetersonWil Robbie, I had a good time in the first year as well. In the MLC, I had an amazing time with him as the coach. As soon as I head he would be leading as the Coach at MI Cape Town as well, I was happy. He is someone who always gives you positive energy as a captain. Having a good relationship with the coach is important. We know what we are doing. So far I have really enjoyed. I have learnt a lot from him. He keeps the environment very positive. That’s something that really helps.On missing Ben Stokes this seasonBen Stokes, we know is one of the best all-rounders. His availability is very important for each team. We still have that kind of a team where we have a backup for each player. We have the skills where if one guy doesn’t do well, there are other guys who take the responsibility forward. It shows how strong the bench and the team is. It was a huge blow for us, but we have the combination where we could recover.&nbsp;On becoming the world’s leading wicket-taker in T20s&nbsp;It’s a proud moment for me to be the leading wicket taker. It’s been eight or nine years since I’ve been playing cricket and to be the leading wicket taker is something which feels like a dream. Big milestone for me. I will try and keep it with me. We love this game and which is why we wanted to play. As a kid, you only have one thing in mind, which is to enjoy. I play this game for enjoyment. The more you enjoy, the better you perform. You always keep that in mind, we make sure we have fun out there and make sure we make our family and friends proud. We can only give our 100%.&nbsp;What he watches on Netflix and in his downtime&nbsp;I’m mostly watching Indian movies on Netflix. I am watching Prison Break, it gives you an idea of how to get out of difficult situations (laughs). Going from one city to another is difficult. That’s where your experience comes in on how to adjust to conditions. That’s the beauty of the life you face. To react to that and do well in different conditions is what I enjoy. If there is support for me in the wicket as a spinner, could I take five or seven wickets. If there is no support in the wicket but I take one or two wickets at a good economy is something I enjoy more. I look to do well in tough situations. That’s the beauty of this game. You have to have a mindset that nothing would be easy. As soon as you start finding excuses for yourself, that’s when you start going down.&nbsp;Thoughts on the SA20 leagueI really enjoyed here. In the first year, I had the best time. It’s the biggest league after the IPL. In the first year, the biggest challenge I faced was to adjust to different conditions. I understood what should be the adjustment and how I should be bowling this year. I feel I have done better this time than what I did in the first year. As a captain, earlier, I was putting too much on myself. If we were losing the game, I was only blaming myself. This year, I kept it simple. It was about trying to give 200 percent to the team. So far, whatever I have done, how I have bowled four overs in different cities, I am happy with my bowling. As a captain having those discussions before the game would help make you a better captain, and makes you mentally strong as well.&nbsp;

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“Mindset, effort and approach would be the key for the Final”: Rashid Khan

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Kagiso Rabada has been a true warhorse for MI Cape Town and for the Proteas over the last several years. Coming back from a couple of tough seasons in the previous two editions of the SA20, he’s been a key figure in this MICT side, chipping in with useful performances in every game and carrying the side into the final. After another such performance, with figures of 2/18 in his four overs in the Qualifier against Paarl Royals, he was out at the post-match press conference. Excerpts..&nbsp;On getting into the FinalWe’re glad we ticked that off. Not taking anything for granted. Great start by Ryan (Rickelton) and Rassie (van der Dussen) and then well followed by the middle order. So, everyone’s ready to play and that’s what saw today. With the ball, under pressure, we responded well. We’ve done that all tournament and hopefully we do that in the final.&nbsp;On what has changed for the team from last yearWe’ve always had the players, but now we got together. The senior group had a lot to do with pulling everyone together. Also a familiarity between the players. The South African players are backing each other. We have been playing two overseas players in quite a few games. Everyone on the bench is looking to make an impact. Anyone can come in anytime. Everyone is ready to play. That hunger is there. It was always there but we got together as a team to put in those crucial performances at crucial times. That’s what’s getting us over the line.&nbsp;Whether playing the Test match last month was good preparation for this wicketThis is a completely new tournament. There’s so much cricket being played that you have to hark everything that has happened before. Coming back to this field always brings good memories. The fans here are really good. Nice to come here and play here. Big cricket following and enthusiastic crowd. But I wasn’t thinking much about the Test match. Just looking at this game and winning it.&nbsp;On the impact of SA20 on local players&nbsp;The nice thing about the SA20 is that it exposes young players to high level of cricket. It would be nice for youngsters coming up to lift their hands against good quality opposition. You have players coming from overseas and also coaches. The youngsters coming in have an exciting platform. They are enthusiastic to show their skills and talent. They learn a lot faster, especially in the shorter format. That’s the positive about the SA20. You can see certain players playing in our local setup being pushed to this platform being surrounded by Proteas players, overseas players and overseas coaches. There can only be one way and that is upwards.&nbsp;On the pitches being bowling friendly in this year’s SA20In cricket, generally, there must be something for either batter or bowler. You don’t want one way traffic in most games. You have to leave something for both batters and bowlers. It forces the batter to play some good shots and bowlers to bowl good balls more often than not and you get rewarded. If it is too flat most of the times, you’d might as well call it batting and not cricket. The pitches were good in Newlands because we were chasing scores of 160+ and setting scores of 160-170+. It brought both departments into play. In South Africa there is always something for the bowlers. Up north, there is something for the seamers and on the coast there is more for the spinners. That’s what we’ve seen. Along the line, you need balance. When teams have been three or four down in the powerplay, they always bounce back and score 160. But this season, I must say, the bowlers have been enjoying themselves.&nbsp;Thoughts on MI Cape Town’s bowling attackI think it’s a very good bowling attack. Boulty (Trent)- has been dominating world cricket for a long time now. Rashid (Khan) has been doing it. I’ve been trying. Geroge (Linde) has been bowling really well and (Corbin) Bosch is showing the world what he can do. It’s really well balanced bowling attack, there’s spin and seam. There’s always a threat coming your way and it is a testament to the results we’ve produced.&nbsp;On which team he’d like to face in the finalWe are excited. Really excited. We’ll play anyone. We can’t wait.&nbsp;On what inspires him and young kidsSeeing legends of the game play and perform well on a world’s platform gets you riled up and wanting to be like them, if not better. One thing to represent your country and win as many games as you can for your country, because cricket is one of the biggest sports in the world and a lot of people get to know about it. For me, it was that and being inspired to be like the people I watched.&nbsp;

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“There’s always a threat coming your way with our bowling, that’s why we are in the final”: Rabada

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You read that right. MI Cape Town are on a roll, an unstoppable roll, and have stormed into the SA20 2025 Final in some style with a thumping win over the Paarl Royals. Every box was checked. Every department clicked. Talk about peaking at the right time! It really means a lot to the team and the fans who’ve stuck through and come out with a bang after a couple of tough seasons. Oh, we cannot keep calm!!!&nbsp;Another day, another RR showThey were back after a game’s break, but it was as if they were never away. An 87-run opening stand off just 55 balls, with Rassie van der Dussen contributing 40 and Ryan Rickelton, a 27-ball 44 to set the tone and the platform for MI Cape Town’s innings.&nbsp;DB, Linder, Delano unleash further fireworks&nbsp;Although three wickets fell in quick time, the attack didn’t stop. Dewald Brevis, promoted up to number three, played a mature anchor’s role (44 off 30), while George Linde cut loose with a 14-ball 26 and Delano Potgieter took it up a notch with his 17-ball 32, propelling MI Cape Town to 199/4 in their 20 overs, a great score in what otherwise has been a low-scoring venue.&nbsp;Royals derailed in the powerplayA case of another game decided in the powerplay with the ball.. and as usual, it was courtesy the usual suspects, Trent Boult, Kagiso Rabada and Corbin Bosch, sharing the spoils and sending back the top three inside the fifth over. And then it was up to the spinners, weaving their usual web that the Royals just couldn’t get out of. It was just at one stage when David Miller struck a few big ones that there looked like a scope of there being a fight in the game, but nah, good ol’ Linde made sure there wasn’t.&nbsp;In the process Rashid Khan has become the HIGHEST WICKET-TAKER IN T20 HISTORY. Yea, that’s some feat from our champion. It’s the perfect double whammy for him as he leads the team into the final. Kaapstad, are you ready to paint the world in Blue and Gold come Saturday?

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MICTvPR Report: WOOHOOO!!!! WE ARE INTO THE SA20 2025 FINAL!

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Let’s get a few things out of the way: It’s been a wonderful league stage, something MI Cape Town have absolutely bossed. We’ve also managed to finish first on the points table, putting behind our disappointment of not getting into playoffs over the last two seasons in style. That said, this is the business end. This is what matters. This is what we’ve been playing for. This is what all the planning and training over the past one month will come down to.&nbsp;We’re facing the Paarl Royals, a team who’ve also had a good league stage. The equation stands at 1-1 between both teams. Both games were pretty convincing wins as well for either side. They’ve perhaps been saving the thriller for the playoffs. We are coming off a four match winning streak. The Royals are coming off two losses. We have the momentum. Let’s ride the winning wave and jump directly into Saturday’s Finale, shall we?What: First Qualifier, MI Cape Town vs Paarl Royals&nbsp;When: February 4, 2025 | 17:30 local time, 21:00 IST&nbsp;Where: St. George’s Park, Gqeberha&nbsp;What to expect: This has generally been a bat-first venue and even 160 is a good score to defend. Trust our batters to break records though like they’ve been doing all season!&nbsp;

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Qualifier 1 | MICTvPR preview: Let’s book a direct Saturday Finale date

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Seven wins, five of them bonus points, and a top of the table finish to this year’s SA20. It’s been some turnaround, and Head Coach Robin Peterson, can take a lot of pride in the group. After MI Cape Town’s final league game, he was at the post-match press conference speaking about a range of topics. Excerpts..&nbsp;On what worked well for MICT this seasonI just think we have added a few experienced players to the dressing room this year, so there is a bit of calm there, a bit of leadership alongside getting Rashid Khan back. He has been outstanding in the background. Guys like Rassie, Ryan, Colin Ingram, Dane Piedt, I can speak of the whole squad here. They want to win. They want to support each other. They take nothing for granted. They are just enjoying cricket and each others’ company, which is the biggest difference in the last two years.&nbsp;On qualifying for the playoffs after two years&nbsp;It does feel a lot better. The owners and the management above me have put a lot of effort into the team. They support the boys. There is a big week ahead. We haven’t been here in two years. It’s exciting times as a group. Everybody is jumping up to go on Tuesday.&nbsp;On the batting conditions this season &nbsp;The conditions have been challenging. But as batters, I think, sometimes you limit yourselves a little bit. You have to find ways to put big totals on the board. We try to get a match-winning total with the bat. That’s something the batters have bought in to. It is come from last year. Guys like Rassie and Ricks continued in that fashion this year. Guys like Reeza, Brevis, playing the way he is, George Linde, have really stepped it up this season. Probably would be different in playoffs. Sometimes you have be more pragmatic in certain situations, but the DNA of this team is to be attacking and they should never leave that for the next week.&nbsp;Thoughts on Dane Piedt, the team man&nbsp;Piedt has brought in is experience. He is a winner. He is a Cape Town player and understands the conditions. That always helps. He brings the energy in every single game for the boys. Sometimes when they are tired and have to play the next game, the dugout is absolutely energetic because of Dane Piedt and how he drags the guys with him. He has added a lot more than taking just 3/20 today. For the whole tournament he has been our standout performer even though he’s played just one game.&nbsp;On how the players on the bench managed to perform so well&nbsp;It's confidence. That is rubbing off on each other. You don’t see the hardwork they put in day in and day out even though they aren’t playing, in the gyms, in the data analysis rooms. To give them the opportunity today, as the Head Coach, is something you are pleased about because it is not only about lifting the trophy. It is a squad effort. We truly now believe that everyone has played a role in getting us there.&nbsp;On this being Dewald Brevis’ breakthrough season&nbsp;I’ve seen glimpses of it in the Major Cricket League in America. He carried us through to the final. He is capable of doing special things with the bat. Dewald, as a young guy, things happened quickly for him. Sometimes you have to fall and get back on the bike. You can see, talking to him, the way he prepares and the maturity in his batting and bowling. It can only happen from young guys falling, learning harsh lessons and coming back stronger. That’s testament to his resilience. He has a long way to go. He can be a brilliant player not just for South Africa, but even for us going forward.Whether having a lot of players from up North will help the team in the playoffs&nbsp;It’s on the day. If we get to the Final, we have a lot of Lions players in our team. It just happened organically to be honest. There was no pre-planned acquisition behind getting them. A lot of guys have developed their game in the last two years to be honest. The country guys have learnt how to play in the coast and the coastal guys have learnt how to play in the country. That experience will stand us in good stead going forward. Hopefully my local knowledge of St. George’s Park might give us the edge. But we are up against a formidable opponent against Paarl Royals, who also have something good going on in their environment. It’s going to be a tough game on Tuesday, but the guys are looking forward to it.&nbsp;On what has worked in the team environment&nbsp;I’ve been here for a while. The franchise knows Tristan (Luus). The franchise was trying to get a game for their rookie, which they managed now. Once you get clear about your role and there is communication and alignment, whether you are the 18th or the sixth player in your team, it’s a very valuable thing. It showed today. You can just bring people in and still feel confident of getting the job done. We didn’t feel like we were weakening the team by any stretch of imagination. We felt like we were re-energizing the group going into this week and glad it paid off.&nbsp;On having a lot of experience in the squad&nbsp;It’s always great to have a lot of experience. Colin Ingram, Matthew Potts, who has played international cricket, come in with a wealth of experience. They know it is important that we don’t just go through the motions and try to win it regardless of the amount of changes we made. Rashid’s leadership has been instrumental to be honest. The way he has grown into the position as the season has gone on, I can take my hat off. He wanted to play at Newlands in the last game at home, but he sacrificed his position so that Thomas Kaber can play, and it speaks volumes of his leadership in the team.&nbsp;On creating a leadership groupFirstly players are going to want to be a part of that. A lot of meetings, a lot of get-togethers, communication, getting guys aligned on what is required on the day, was needed. Everybody added their value, guys like KG (Rabada) and Trent Boult. Sometimes it is robust conversation, but it is part if you want to win anything. You have to get to the crux of what is bothering you and what needs to change quickly. You want to be flexible. It is something that’s worked really nicely for us.&nbsp;Thoughts on the tight scheduling&nbsp;Definitely more space would be helpful. That’s one of the challenges of the tournament. The scheduling, the planning, the breaks adds an extra dimension to the thought process. But I do feel a little bit of downtime would be helpful. That is why we were provided the opportunity to rest some of our guys today, thinking ahead. If things don’t go to plan on Tuesday, we might have to play three games in five days. That was also a part of our thought process besides giving guys an opportunity. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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“Piedt energizes the whole group; he’s been our standout performer”: Coach Robin Peterson

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Some of the big guns were resting. There was a bit of experimentation. But the dominance stayed intact. MI Cape Town, at the top of the table, just strengthened their stay up there. And showed the world just why we are where we are on the points table.&nbsp;Atal-Connor do an RRIt just didn’t look like Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton were resting. Sediqullah Atal and Connor Esterhuizen stepped up effortlessly, putting on a 133-run opening stand and laying the foundation for MI Cape Town to get past 200. Striking at nearly 11 runs an over, the two matched each other shot for shot, got half-centuries, and were so pleasing to watch!&nbsp;Spin it to win itDefending 201, the game was sealed inside the powerplay itself. Dane Piedt, off the first ball he’s bowled in the season, got the dangerous Will Jacks. This is how the collapse went:0-1 (Will Jacks, 0.1)15-2 (Steve Stolk, 2.2)32-3 (Will Smeed, 4.2)32-4 (Marques Ackerman, 4.3)32-5 (Kyle Verreynne, 4.4)The PC innings just didn’t recover as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. In the end, Piedt took three, Thomas Kaber took three, George Linde took a couple and Dewald Brevis took one as the Capitals folded out in 14 overs for just 106.Many firstsColin Ingram was captain, and led superbly on the field with his bowling changes absolutely strangling the Pretoria batters. &nbsp;Piedt, playing his first game of the season, with his three-wicket haul, was named the Player of the Match. Kaber lapped up another three-fer. &nbsp;Newlands, you’ve been absolutely stunning through the league stage. Most of our home games were sold you, the backing MI Cape Town got all through was amazing, and we will carry this momentum and energy as we move forward into the playoffs. We now have our next game, the First Qualifier on February 4 in Gqeberha against the Paarl Royals. A win there would take us directly into the Final. Kaapstad, we BELIEVE!

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MICTvPC report: Just casually reiterating our dominance with a 95-run win

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On paper, our last league game is set to have no consequence to our playoff standings. MI Cape Town have already qualified and have confirmed a berth in the top two as well. There’s scope for experimentation. There’s scope to give some of our boys some rest. There’s an opportunity to try out different combinations. We are currently at the top of the table. We know what this means to all of us after a couple of tough seasons. Let’s keep this winning roll going..&nbsp;This game isn’t one of consequence for the Pretoria Capitals either, who’ve been eliminated from this year’s SA20. But they could be desperate to end their campaign on a high. We will be vary. This also marks our last home game of the season. You’ve been a beauty, Newlands, through the highs and lows. We’ve made some amazing memories here. This one’s for you!&nbsp;What: MI Cape Town vs Pretoria Capitals&nbsp; When: February 2, 2025 | 15:30 local time, 19:00 IST Where: Newlands, Cape Town What to expect: A fiercely loyal crowd in the Blue and Gold egging is on. And a surface that will have something in it for everyone: batters, quicks, spinners.&nbsp;

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Match 10 | MICTvPC preview: Dead rubber? Nah. More like momentum grabber

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Runs, wickets, crazy catches, he’s had them all. Dewald Brevis was always talked about as this prodigy, but he’s had a tough couple of seaons at the start. But come 2025, he seems to have announced his arrival in some style. Here he is, at the post-match press conference at the end of his epic 32-ball 73-run knock against the Pretoria Capitals. Excerpts..On MI Cape Town’s consistent run in the tournament&nbsp;I’m very grateful for it. We are playing well as a team so that is the best. Really great to contribute for the team. All of us are team players. We are giving it our all.&nbsp;On his own game&nbsp;I am really enjoying the cricket. Focusing on a few things, one of them is playing with a smile. The team is doing great and everyone is just doing what they have to do.On the discussions with Reeza Hendricks in the middle&nbsp;It’s the first time I think I’m batting with Reeza Hendricks. I told him I need to go on one knee and try and sweep. But he told me to focus on hitting it straight. In the end when he hit that beautiful six, he told me the same thing that he wanted to lap it. Then I told him the same thing that the bowler was under pressure and would miss. We complemented each other well. He is a great timer of the ball and he batted unreal. We were calm out there. Just watching the ball and staying in the moment.&nbsp;On his superb bowling form&nbsp;There’s only one person I can give credit to. It is someone I have been working with in the IPL and over here for the past three years. It is Rahul Sanghvi. He is so special. He lit the fire inside me with the leg-spin. He helps me a lot. I’ve bowled a thousand balls in the IPL and here. Rash (Rashid Khan) as well. We talk so much about bowling. We warm up together. I watch how he does things. Great to have him as a captain and a leg-spinner. I love bowling.&nbsp;On turning things around after a quiet couple of seasons&nbsp;Cricket is a roller-coaster. You have your ups and downs. The one thing I am focusing on now is to be Dewald and to play the way I want to play. That’s how I played when I got onto the scene and in school. I am finding ways to be consistent in that way. There was a phase when I listened to a lot of people and I tried to be too clever. I tried to figure out the game. There is something I am doing that leads to being Dewald Brevis. That’s the main thing I want to do. I want to play with a smile and enjoy it.&nbsp;Plans for the playoffsDefinitely the important part of the tournament we are entering now. Everyone has to contribute and we have to play well as a team. Everyone’s going to get turns. You want to be that guy at every single game, whether it is fielding, batting, bowling. We take it game by game, ball by ball and off the field we stay close to each other as well.&nbsp; On what goes on in his head while hitting sixes&nbsp;I love it. It’s just about watching it and playing the ball. Whether it is short or it is full, we have to try and hit the middle of the bat. Just playing the ball on merit. It went well and I’m grateful for it.&nbsp;

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“Just looking to be Dewald Brevis and playing with a smile”: Brevis

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“So happy with the way we played. Especially having those couple of tough years and then coming back and the way everyone played was pleasing.”Rashid Khan was all of us at the end of the game. 2023 and 2024 have been difficult seasons. This qualification into the play-offs, and to go a step further and secure a berth in the top two has been something we’ve manifested all along. We’ve done it through an epic win over the Pretoria Capitals where our batters just out-batted them all along.&nbsp;The run-fest that never seemed to stopRassie van der Dussen: 30 runs | 20 balls | 1 four | 3 sixesRyan Rickelton: 22 runs | 13 balls | 4 fours | 1 six&nbsp;Reeza Hendricks: 77 runs | 44 balls | 4 fours | 5 sixes&nbsp;Colin Ingram: 16 runs | 12 balls | 2 fours | 1 six&nbsp;Dewald Brevis: 73 runs | 32 balls | 6 fours | 6 sixesThat should tell you the story. It was a smash-a-thon that just didn’t stop in the first innings. Not until MI Cape Town ran out of deliveries, ending with 222/3 in their 20 overs.&nbsp;DB and his maximumsYoung Dewald Brevis walked into bat in the ninth over, and wasted no time in getting in. The fourth ball he faced a monstrous six. And they kept flowing, to all parts of the ground in a display of sensational clean hitting.&nbsp;&nbsp;Regular wickets puncture Capitals’ chase&nbsp;The Pretoria batters got starts, hit a few big ones too, but MI Cape Town’s bowlers kept getting regular breakthroughs to ensure they were always well behind the asking rate. Trent Boult, as always, struck in the powerplay, Corbin Bosch and Rashid Khan chipped in with two wickets each. In the end, the mountain of 223 was too steep for the Capitals to climb.

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PCvMICT report: A complete smash-a-thon and WE’VE SEALED A TOP TWO BERTH!

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There’s a nice ring to it: WE ARE INTO THE PLAYOFFS. After two tough seasons, this is exactly what we wanted to hear. Let’s say it again..&nbsp;“We want to finish on top, which will be a testament to the team doing all the right things. We were at the bottom for the last two seasons, so what a way to finish on top leading into the play-offs,” said Corbin Bosch at the end of the previous game after MI Cape Town’s record win over the Sunrisers Eastern Cape.&nbsp;So, here’s our next mission: To finish in the top two and have two cracks of making it to the Final. With 25 points and a solid net run-rate of +2.205, we have a solid chance of sealing it with one win. The Pretoria Capitals are up next in a back-to-back clash. They are a side on 14 points and would be desperate for a win to stay in the playoff hunt. All in all, there’s everything in this one to light up your Friday evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;What: Pretoria Capitals vs MI Cape Town&nbsp;When: January 31, 2025 | 17:30 local time, 21:00 ISTWhere: SuperSport Park, CenturionWhat to expect: The conditions at the SuperSport Park have ranged from the extreme of 212 being chased down to a team getting skittled out for under 100. But a large chunk of the South African boys in our side are from the North and would know what to expect. Bring it on!

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Match 9 | PCvMICT preview: Playoffs checked, let’s now get into the top two

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Whatever he touched, turned to gold. It’s been that kind of a month in fact for Corbin Bosch, the star for MI Cape Town with the ball against Sunrisers Eastern Cape in their ten-wicket win. He was out at the post-match press conference sharing his thoughts. Excerpts..&nbsp;On the team’s success&nbsp;We have gelled very well together and it’s helped that a lot of a players have been in form throughout the competition. It is someone else putting up their hand. The guys at the top have batted beautifully and that on the batting front has helped set up games. As a bowling group, we have taken wickets at crucial times which has allowed us to be in winning positions.&nbsp;On his personal success in the last month&nbsp;It’s been an incredible month. Six months ago I wouldn’t have thought I would have played two different formats for my country. So I’m just absolutely grateful I can play and contribute to my side’s success.&nbsp;On Dewald Brevis’ stunning catch&nbsp;When I saw the ball go to Dewald (Brevis), I saw him charging in and I thought, “please don’t go over your head”, but then he took an absolute screamer. If there was someone to do it, it was him. My caught and bowled, I don’t think I saw it for very long. I played some hockey at school and was a keeper (laughs) so I’m going to pay testament to that. They either stick or they don’t. I dropped Aiden Marram in the first, so I’m glad I managed to get this one today.&nbsp;Thoughts while preparing for a game&nbsp;I am just enjoying my cricket at this time. My childhood dream was to play cricket for my country, or be a doctor (laughs). Any opportunity, I am going to enjoy myself. Who knows how long it’ll last. Every time I step onto the field, I’m going to give my 100%. This Newlands crowd has given me that extra bit of boost. I can feed off that amazing crowd in an iconic ground in the world.&nbsp;Whether the team is dreaming of playing in the Final already&nbsp;Definitely not. The guys are very professional. We still want to take it one game at a time. We’ve got a game to win in Pretoria. We want to finish on top, which will be a testament to the team doing all the right things. We were at the bottom for the last two seasons, so what a way to finish on top leading into the play-offs.&nbsp;If he knew he was on a hat-trickI didn’t realize. I didn’t know I was on a hat-trick. It should have come up on the TV. I would’ve tried a better ball than the one I ended up bowling (laughs).&nbsp;On bowling and working with Trent Boult&nbsp;I think we’ve gotten along very well. I met him in the IPL in 2022. He is a character and I enjoy feeding off him. He has got a lot of stories. It’s just good value to be around. I am here to enjoy my cricket and he has played a very good part in that.&nbsp;Thoughts on the next game at Pretoria&nbsp;It’ll help with 75% of our squad from up north while playing our game in Pretoria on Friday. It will give us some edge on conditions leading into the playoffs. A lot of our team plays their cricket up north and it is an advantage. But at the end of the day, you have to deliver you ball on the day.&nbsp;On Rashid Khan, the captain&nbsp;Very calm. He has trusted me to do the things I want to do. He is very motivating. He’s been very positive and a very good vibe. The whole team is gelling very well together. It’s such a fantastic atmosphere. Fortunate to have the owner here today. He’s been a massive part of the success of this team. So just grateful that he’s made his way out. What a way to perform in front of him. It’s been special.&nbsp;On the Newlands being a full house&nbsp;Sell-out crowds give you that extra percent when you need it. Newlands is that crowd that really watches the cricket. It’s always nice being on the receiving end of the cheering. The support here has been phenomenal. I urge all Cape Townians to come out on Friday so that we can give them back one final time.&nbsp;

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“Rashid very motivating, he trusts me to do things the way I want to”: Corbin Bosch

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It just doesn’t get any better. Talk about setting the record right! The defending champs, a team we hadn’t beaten for the first two seasons, have been totally bossed tonight! And as skipper Rashid Khan put it at the end of the game, “To be honest, we had a tough couple of years but this time we gelled as a team and spoke about doing the basics right. We wanted to forget the last two years and focus on our results for this year. Everyone is taking responsibility this year, everyone is contributing. The crowd support also has been fantastic, they give us that extra energy.”The bowling does the jobKagiso Rabada and Trent Boult set the tone right at the start: no loose balls, regular wickets, constant pressure. And the SEC batters just didn’t get away in the powerplay. And then of course, it was time for the show, for a new bowler to put his hand up and win a match for us. It’s been the story of the season, and there’s nothing more heartwarming!&nbsp;Corbin Bosch, the Hero20 balls, 19 runs, 4 wickets. It doesn’t get any more comprehensive. He just blew away the tail, ensuring the Sunrisers finished with a paltry 107.&nbsp;Brevis, and THAT stunnerDewald Brevis was fielding at deep square leg. Abell pulled the ball fiercely towards him, and Brevis seemed to have lost it against the sun. It was going beyond him. But then suddenly, out of nowhere, he just stuck out his right palm, and the ball stuck to snaffle an absolute stunner. Oh, the mother of blinders!&nbsp;Done and dusted in a hurryThe story of them opening the innings and putting on big scores is nothing new. Tonight though, it wasn’t just big, it was fully done. Bringing home yet another bonus point, they went on a boundary spree, and took just 11 overs to chase down the total. Rassie van der Dussen finished with a 30-ball 48. Ryan Rickelton ended with a 36-ball 59.&nbsp;Kaapstad, we’ve strengthened a top two finish. The sell-out crowd in the stands was a treat to watch, singing and cheering on the boys in Blue and Gold. With two more league games to go, we are peaking at the right time. Onwards, upwards, stronger!&nbsp;

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MICTvSEC report: WOAHHHH!!! Sealed with ten wickets and 54 balls to spare

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This was how the SA20 started. This was how our 2025 campaign began. This was our first W. It was the first time in three seasons that we beat the Sunrisers Eastern Cape. We’ve been on some sort of a roll ever since. Our batters have clicked, a new one standing up in every game and taking us over the line. The bowlers have been exceptional as a group.&nbsp;SEC, on the other hand, have bounced back strongly with four wins in a row after starting this year’s SA20 with three losses in a row. We are in Newlands this time around, with the Kaapstad backing us to the hilt. We are second on the points table and a win here will take us one step closer to cementing our top two spot and booking a place in the first qualifier. Let’s keep rolling with Ws..&nbsp;What: MI Cape Town vs Sunrisers Eastern Cape&nbsp;When: January 29, 2025 | 17:30 local time, 21:00 ISTWhere: Newlands, Cape Town&nbsp;What to expect: A fair surface with a bit in it for everyone. And a cracker of a game!

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Match 8 | MICTvSEC preview: The one where it all began, take 2! 

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Heathfield Primary School came alive with excitement on Monday as MI Cape Town players Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, and Dane Piedt visited for a memorable meet-and-greet session. The event offered students a chance to interact with their cricketing idols, engage in friendly games, and learn life lessons through cricket.The players shared their personal journeys, highlighting the importance of discipline, teamwork, and hard work both on and off the field. The day’s highlight was an interactive cricket session, where students got hands-on tips and demonstrated their skills under the guidance of the professionals.Reeza Hendricks expressed his delight at the event, saying: "It was fantastic to spend time with the kids, share some cricketing tips, and play a few games with them. At this age, it’s so important to inspire and motivate them in the right way. Days like these are not just about cricket but about helping them dream big and understand the values that come with the game.”This initiative is part of MI Cape Town’s commitment to engaging with the local community and inspiring the next generation of cricketers.

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MI Cape Town Players Inspire Young Minds at Heathfield Primary School

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A tidy spell with the ball, a clean hitting demo with the bat. George Linde got MI Cape Town home with a bonus point, and soon after, walked out for a chat with the media in the post-match press conference. Excerpts..&nbsp;On the season so farIt’s been a pretty good season so far for me. The key to this is that I took a long break from cricket because mentally I wasn’t there for cricket anymore. I needed that hunger back again. Spent some time with my family and friends because I missed out on a lot of things in my life. Now I’m just enjoying cricket with a smile on my face because you never know when it’s your last.&nbsp;On the mood in the camp this yearI’m not sure what it is. Feels like a different vive in the camp. Everyone knows each other and Rashid (Khan) being back in the camp is like a big boost for us. He knows most of the players now. The guys are hungry to be successful for the fans and the franchise. The last two years haven’t been great for us and we owe it to ourselves and the fans.&nbsp;On going for the bonus point&nbsp;It's always massive in a T20 game. When you get off to a good start, you just put your foot down and keep going. I know how important a bonus point can be in this competition. I wasn’t sure if we were going for it, but then I decided, ‘okay, might as well go for it’. You know you are winning the game in a way, it gives you the clarity. The backing from the coaches and the confidence they give you, you feel that as a player and then try your best.&nbsp;His preparations to bowl in the powerplay&nbsp;I reckon it comes down to how the wicket might play. If you look at our team, we’ve got three seamers. You steal an over in the powerplay as a spinner, it gives the seamers more depth. I am pretty used to Newlands and it is my home ground for many years. You always get something off the wicket as a spinner. Sometimes you come off, sometimes you don’t. It’s down to how the captain feels at the time. I didn’t expect to bowl that second over and thought KG (Rabada) might bowl that. Luckily I got them out. I am always willing to do what the team needs me to do. I planned to bowl in the powerplay. I always believe I can contribute to the team, maybe pick up a wicket or two.&nbsp;On his bowling plans&nbsp;Trying to read the game. The game tells you what to do. I am a very calm person, so I don’t take stress too quickly and tell myself what the team needs from me. Sometimes I have to go from ball one, sometimes I have to give myself time. For Western Province, I’ve done it a lot for them as well. I am 33 years old. I am experienced enough and I know more or less what to do. Sometimes it is going to work for you, sometimes it’s not. That’s how the game works.&nbsp;Thoughts on his current form&nbsp;It's the best I’ve played my cricket. The last two years was a huge mental block for me. It made me strong. In the winter, I worked really hard with Western Province. I didn’t make it easy for myself in the training. I always try and make it hard for myself and it gets the best out of me. It wasn’t easy. Basically, the first season, I said I was playing for myself. I know I deserve the best because I train very hard. In the season, I try and keep it more mental. I visualize a lot. I try to understand what would happen in the next game, what I need, and what would happen from there.&nbsp;On the need to switch off after games&nbsp;It’s very important. It’s stress every day when you play. When I’m not playing, I play a lot of golf, spend time with the family. I play a lot of FIFA. On game day, I play a lot of games before. It keeps my mind away from things. An hour before the game, I try and visualize. I close my eyes and think how I’m going to play my game, how I’m going to bowl and bat. I try and not think a lot about cricket. On the field you can feel like a robot, which is why I like to relax.&nbsp;On gaining momentum ahead of the playoffs&nbsp;We’ve not been in a situation where we’ve gotten into the knockouts before. Because we’ve got so many world class players and international players in the team, you try not to try too hard. You try and stay relaxed, in your game plan to compete. It gets the best out of me. It is the first time we won back to back, so I think it is good momentum for the coming games. We know how important it is getting into the top two because it gives us two cracks.&nbsp;On working with Robbie Peterson&nbsp;It’s pretty cool. When I started my professional career, I started with him. He knows my game pretty well. Just to get the backing from him is pretty cool. He couldn’t strike it like me (laughs). No, I’m joking. He was someone I looked up to. I wanted to be like him, if not better. He’s pretty street-smart.&nbsp;

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“I wanted to be like him growing up”: George Linde on Robbie Peterson 

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As complete a performance as it gets. Superb economical bowling, and then the batters going bonkers to seal off another bonus point victory. Let’s quickly relive proceedings..&nbsp;Step 1: Inflict an early collapse6-1 (Brandon King, 1.2)10-2 (de Kock, 2.6)22-3 (Breetzke, 6.1)22-4 (Stoinis, 6.2)George Linde started it. Trent Boult piled on, like he typically does in the powerplay. Rashid Khan was the icing on the cake, cleaning up Matthew Breetzke and Marcus Stoinis off consecutive deliveries.&nbsp;Williamson, Klaasen kept on a leash&nbsp;Kane Williamson and Heinrich Klaasen rebuilt the DSG innings, but our bowlers just didn’t allow them to get away with their super-accurate bowling. In the end, the 149/6 that the Super Giants managed, was something we’d have happily taken at the start.&nbsp;Another day, another RR showRyan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen wasted no time in settling in, smashing 75 runs inside eight overs. Dewald Brevis, coming up at number three, then smashed a 16-ball 26, before George Linde tonked four sixes in his eight-ball stay, and took us home with yet-another bonus point in our kitty.&nbsp;

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MICTvDSG report: Rickelton’s blitz makes it a walk in the park 

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We’re back after a three day break, refreshed, rejuvenated, more motivated. With our last game washed out midway, it does feel like a while since we’ve had any action, oh, and we are itching to get going. MI Cape Town – after six games, three wins, two losses and a no result – are sitting comfortably second on the points table. With the business end of the tournament approaching, it’s time to gather all the momentum possible.&nbsp;It’s a repeat clash against Durban’s Super Giants, this time at home, at our Newlands. After our last game against them that went abandoned, they lost to the Paarl Royals, and are set to look at this game as a must-win encounter for them. They are last on the table, and would be desperate to get going. All in all, it promises to be a proper thriller.&nbsp;What: MI Cape Town vs Durban’s Super Giants&nbsp;When: January 25, 2025 | 17:30 local time, 21:00 IST Where: Newlands, Cape TownWhat to expect: When the rain came down the last time these two sides met, the game was tantalizingly poised. Let’s bring it home!&nbsp;

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Match 7 | MICTvDSG preview: Back after a break, refreshed, rejuvenated!

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A damp end to what could have been a fascinating game. It really was shaping up to be one if the eleven overs of play we had were anything to go by. But the rain came down, refused to relent, and what that now means is that MI Cape Town, thanks to the two points attained owing to the sharing of points, have jumped to the top of the table, tied on points with the Paarl Royals, but trumping them on net run-rate.&nbsp;Having been put in to bat first, Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen got us off to a quick start, with RR being the aggressor, smashing four boundaries in his nine-ball stay for 18. Rassie took his time to get in, but then made up and was looking to go big, staying unbeaten when the rain came down, at 35 off 32. Skipper Rashid Khan promoted himself up the order as a pinch-hitter, but just when it was looking fun, the heavens opened up.&nbsp;Don’t worry, the reverse match in this rivalry is up next, with the Super Giants travelling down to our den, the Newlands on a Super Saturday evening.&nbsp;

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DSGvMICT report: Match abandoned, points shared, and we move to the top of the table

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It’s been quite the tournament. Hard-fought, intense, fun roller-coaster. W L W L W, that’s how our five games so far have gone. While the losses have been close, two of the three wins have come with bonus points. So, we are here in Durban now for the first of two back-to-back games against the Super Giants. Let’s make two Ws in a row!&nbsp;DSG, after getting their campaign off to a winning start, have lost three in a row and have a game washed out. They currently at sixth in the points table and would be hungry to get going. The conditions at the Kingsmead Oval too have been quite challenging. That’s what should make it fun. Two desperate teams, two star-studded outfits, one battle for supremacy.&nbsp;What: Durban’s Super Giants vs MI Cape Town&nbsp;When: 21 Jan 2025 | 17:30 local time, 21:00 IST&nbsp;Where: Kingsmead, Durban&nbsp;What to expect: 150 is a good score at the Kingsmead this year with the ball seaming around big. It also hasn’t been one of those chasing grounds like a few others in the tournament so far, making it quite tricky at the toss for the skippers. Nevertheless, it should be a cracker.&nbsp;

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Match 6 | DSGvMICT preview: Time to break the one win, one loss streak!

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After blazing through the chase with a knock of 89 off just 39 balls, Ryan Rickelton, South Africa’s latest batting sensation, was out at the press-conference on the back of MI Cape Town’s massive win over the Joburg Super Kings. Excerpts…On missing out on the last gameI got Covid, so I was man down for about 4-5 days and then had my hamstring after the Test match. So I needed those extra days to recover. But I feel a lot better and am fir to play.&nbsp;On thinking of winning with a &nbsp;bonus pointWe were just trying to win the game. We knew the spinners were going to be quite tough so we just looked to put pressure on them. When I managed to get a big over off Jones, I thought we got closer. But I still didn’t think of it until those two sixes off (Matheesha) Pathirana. Every point is valuable. Hopefully it holds us in good stead.&nbsp;On his current formI don’t think you ever have complete control. The first part of the game, I was a bit nervous and edgy. I had a long hit yesterday for about two hours to find my groove. I felt comfortable so that I could be confident. I wouldn’t have expected to go as hard as I did today, but luckily Rassie (van der Dussen) takes that early risk, giving me time to get going. I look to play the ball as best as I see it. I am a lot more calmer in my T20 game now and have a bit of a blueprint. Just enjoying batting to be honest.&nbsp;On what would have been a par score&nbsp;The conditions are changing. South Africa is always changing. The weather up north is not great. In T20 cricket you just want good wickets. Only in Pretoria, maybe, you get 200+ all the time. Maybe 180 would have looked a very different chase out there. It looked like we got the bonus point and it went easily, but it is the intent you have to play with to put yourself in that situation. South Africa is one place where you can get 150 in Paarl and win comfortably. As batters when those days come when the wicket is good, you have to try and cash in as much as you can, because you know the tougher, harder wickets like we saw in Durban last night are around the corner too.&nbsp;Thoughts on him playing all three formats nowI have always felt I can be an all format player. It’s not the easiest thing to do. But I am learning different formats can require different techniques, different mentalities. That was the learning for me coming from the last Test match into my first game against Paarl. I was found wanting there. But having watched footage of what worked well and what alignments looked like, I had to make one or two adjustments. I just want to be consistent. It is hard to be a three format player nowadays, but if you look at the guys who are doing well, like Travis Head or the (Rishabh) Pants, they play pretty much the same way in all three formats. So you try and be consistent in how you want to play the game and the conditions and situations make you adjust just slightly from format to format.&nbsp;On MI Cape Town gaining momentumI heard today, our physio said that this time last year we were two from two and then the downward spiral happened. So a bit of emphasis today from guys who’ve been here all three seasons, when Faf got going, we thought ‘here we go again’. We really need to win two on the bounce just to give us proper momentum. We missed that opportunity in Paarl the other day to kick us ahead and give us that momentum. But you aren’t going to win everything. Durban is a massive impetus for us. They are a really good team and they are looking to bounce back. If we can get two on the bounce, just create that winning habit and culture, we are up for that. The team is gelling well, the guys are clicking really nicely. From the inside it feels different this year and there is a good thing next.&nbsp;On Reeza Hendricks’ bowlingHe was nervous as hell to bowl (laughs). He knows he could come up especially when there are a lot of left handers in the opposition. He is not a massive turner of the ball but even while playing at the Lions, he’s got that golden arm. We looked to give him a soft over and to pick up those wickets is a massive bonus. He’s a lot better than we give him credit for (laughs).Thoughts on South Africa’s Champions Trophy squad&nbsp;Even though we lost of Pakistan recently, the guys are phenomenal players. It is the team that has been backed. Obviously I would love to play but right now, I got this to focus on. If I do well here I get the best shot. Not looking too far ahead, but the focus is this month.&nbsp;

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