For a neutral, this was probably the best game of the season thus far. It had everything, big runs, some clinical bowling, smart change-ups, sharp fielding, umpteen twists and turns, but alas, we’ve ended up on the wrong side of the result. All our batters chipped in with good contributions, refusing to let the asking rate creep up beyond control, and the equation at the end was brought down to nine runs off five balls too. Sadly, it wasn’t to be. We aren’t those neutrals .. 

Rickelton and Rassie set the scene again

Chasing a record 203 to win, we needed a good start. And well, the duo of Rassie van der Dussen and Ryan Rickelton were on point, again. 108 runs in just 58 balls, and the platform was laid for the final assault. Rickelton, this time around, was the aggressor, going nuts right from the start, while Rassie was happy to be doing senior-pro-things. 

A mini collapse, and the resurrection

Three overs, 16 runs, four wickets. Once Rickelton fell, there was a bit of a wobble with Rassie, Dewald Brevis and Liam Livingstone departing soon after. But in walked skipper Polly, and with Sam Curran at the other end looking in neat touch, began the counter-attack. We were right back in!

Curran mania!

22 balls, 3 sixes, 2 fours, 37 runs. In the penultimate over, he took the onus upon himself, denied a single off the fifth ball, and then in true Curran style, tonked a six off the last ball to bring the equation down to 15 runs being needed off the final over. Sadly, for us, Ottniel Baartman nailed a couple of yorkers, and it would’ve been a little too good for anyone to put away. 

Polly, the brake-master!

Jordan Hermann, the SEC opener, was blazing along. Dawid Malan kept him good company, and the Sunrisers were 138 for no loss after 13 overs. The skipper threw the ball to himself, and with a cutter – something we’ve seen a zillion times over the years – foxed Malan. And a couple of overs later, got rid of his counterpart, Aiden Markram, the only other wicket to fall in their innings. 

You were truly brilliant, Newlands Faithful. You lit up our home, and despite the result not being in our favour, we know you’ll be right behind us to turn it around.