Alas, we end up on the wrong side of the nail-biter against SEC

MI Cape Town lost to Sunrisers Eastern Cape by 4 wickets in SA20 league match that went down till the last over on Monday (January 16) at St George's Park, Gqeberha.

Defending 158, the MI CT bowling, playing their first game away from home, attack put up a disciplined show and took the game to the last over and ensured pressure on the hosts through the innings in the run chase.

Batting first, MI CT scored 158-8, anchored by George Linde's unbeaten knock of 63 off 28 balls, his highest score in T20 cricket. Continuing to increase his stocks in the league, the South Africa all-rounder's strike rate of 225 at St George's Park and consistency with the ball, sees his stock rise. 

England all-rounder Sam Curran started proceedings brilliantly for MI CT as the left-arm quick picked up a couple of wickets upfront and pushed the hosts on the back foot. 

Proving his all-round credentials, Odean Smith emerged as the pick of the bowlers for MI CT as he grabbed a three-for to return with 3/23. The right-arm medium pacer's wicket-taking knack in the middle overs has shone in the last two games.

Reflecting on his team's performance in Gqeberha, captain Rashid Khan said they did a decent job despite scoring 15-20 runs less on this surface and the team will bounce back in their next game.

“It was a close game, we were 15-20 short. But we fought well and overall it was a good performance, especially the way we fought back with the ball. Still a few things to think about and next game we will come back strong. Focus on what's coming next and everyone knows their role in the side. In the next game, we have a home game and we will continue to give our hundred per cent,” the Afghanistan cricketer said.

Lauding Linde's batting exploits, MI CT bowling coach Jacob Oram said, “It was great to see George Linde continue some good form with the bat in two games in a row. He was really keen to continue that positivity and that aggression.”

Oram agreed with the skipper's observation about scoring 15-20 runs short and claimed the team will learn from the mistakes and will look to change the result when it faces the same opponents at home in 48 hours' time. 

“We tried really well I thought we had half a chance, but it was not to be our day. We were 10-20 runs short with the bat and we had a lot of dot balls. We have a good squad, we are not taking things for granted and make sure we play well.  In 48 hours' time, we are going to face the same opposition. We need to dig up the information on where they did well and failed. We obviously need to focus on ourselves and do better the next time against these guys,” Oram signed off.