(Image Source: X -SA20)
[Saba Sports News] Tabraiz Shamsi delivered a spellbinding performance in spin bowling against MI Cape Town at the SA20 game at Boland Park on January 21. The left-arm wrist-spinner’s highlight was a double wicket maiden in the 14th over, leaving the opposition in a bind.
Shamsi first dismissed Sam Curran with a delivery aimed at the leg stump, leading to a top-edge catch by Fabian Allen. His famous celebratory antics were on full display. He then masterfully took out MI Cape Town’s captain, Kieron Pollard, with a length ball that spun into him, resulting in an lbw for a golden duck.
Ending with a commendable 2/11 in four overs, Shamsi raised his wicket total to six in five games, maintaining an economy rate of 6.94. Paarl Royals set a strong batting foundation, with Jason Roy’s 68 off 46 balls and Jos Buttler’s 54 off 42 contributing to a 163-run target. Their 116-run partnership for the first wicket was key in establishing the team’s strong position.
MI Cape Town struggled in their chase, collapsing to 103 all out in 18.2 overs. The Royals’ bowling, led by Bjorn Fortuin’s 3/15 and aided by Lungi Ngidi, Obed McCoy, and Shamsi with two wickets each, and Andile Phehlukwayo’s contribution, sealed their dominance.
With this win, the Paarl Royals moved to the top of the SA20 points table with four victories in five matches. MI Cape Town, despite the loss, holds the fourth spot with two wins from five games. The focus now turns to MI Cape Town’s potential comeback in the upcoming matches.