A spell of 3-0-10-5 doesn’t come around every day. A 12-ball 25-run knock doesn’t come about every day either. For Delano Potgieter, who managed both feats in a single day, this season three opener against Sunrisers Eastern Cape is something he’s going to remember for a long time to come. He was at the post-match press conference sharing his thoughts. Excerpts.. 

On beating SEC for the first time in the SA20

I had a look at that stat, it was the first time we beat the Sunrisers. It’s only the first game of the tournament and happy to start off with a win. Very happy about it. 

On his plans while bowling

It happened so quickly. I was standing at the top of my mark and I just thought to myself that I would bowl at the top of the stumps. It worked out perfectly. Extremely happy about it. It is the first time I have bowled for MI Cape Town in three seasons. I am just happy that I got the opportunity today and used it to the best of my ability. We have a very strong bowling lineup of international and local bowlers as well. I would give it my best if I get a chance again. 

Whether his batting performance helped his bowling tonight

For me, I always like whatever I do. If one skill comes out nicely, I have a lot of confidence going in with the other skill as well. 

On the experience for local players in the SA20

The professional environment that we are in and the players we rub shoulders with in a tournament like this, and at the Lions as well, if you do what you need to do, you will get better. At the end of the day, we just look to look at the ball when we bat and hit the ball in the right area when we bowl. 

On his discussion while batting with George Linde in the middle 

I came in the 17^th over. We said we were going to give ourselves a couple of balls. It wasn’t the easiest wicket to attack from the start. It worked for us. We ran hard between the wickets and won comfortably in the end. Happy to contribute in that manner. 

On Rashid Khan, the captain

Rashid is phenomenal. Phenomenal captain, phenomenal player. I am extremely happy to share the change room with him. He has got plenty of wickets and plenty of wickets. You can only learn from a player like that. 

Possible reasons behind him not getting to bowl in the past

I am not too sure. Everyone has different plans and every venue has different plans. We have an amazing bowling lineup with KG Rabada, Trent Boult and there is no need for me to bowl. The captain threw me the ball and it turned out perfectly. 

Whether he reckons this is MI Cape Town’s best performance yet

I think Cape Town has put out a lot of amazing performances. I can’t pinpoint which one was the best but tonight was special because it was the first match of season three. We played phenomenal cricket.