Capitals erupt to 85‑run win as Rabada returns with a bang

Cape Town hosted a dramatic SA20 clash as the Pretoria Capitals topped MI Cape Town by 85 runs, securing their frist win of the campaign. The Capitals posted 220 for 5, built on big scores from Wihan Lubbe and sherfane Rutherford, and roads were blocked for MI Cape Town by Kagiso Rabada’s timely return with a two‑wicket burst.

Lubbe led Capitals with a polished 60, while Rutherford finished unbeaten on 47 as Dewald Brevis added a 24‑run cameo. The late assault, including 72 runs from 27 balls in the final overs, pushed Capitals to a challenging total and left MI cape Town needing a perfect chase that never came.

brevis opened with a signature no‑look boundary off a Trent Boult slower ball and followed with two more sixes, lifting the momentum for the home side. Rutherford then supplied the late fireworks, sending several balls out of the midwicket region to accelerate the innings.

MI Cape Town’s reply began with promise but unraveled under Capitals’ tightening. Thay slipped to 38 for 3 inside the fifth over, and although they reached 100 for 2 in the ninth, a collapse of seven wickets for 35 runs left them well short at 135 all out. Rutherford’s 4 for 24 with the ball turned the match decisively in Capitals’ favour.

Rabada’s return steals the show

Kagiso Rabada marked his comeback after almost ten weeks away with a high‑class spell. He dismissed Bryce parsons with a back‑of‑length delivery, then maintained pressure with varied lengths and pace. Rabada finished with 2 for 48 from four overs, providing the spell that helped deflate the MI Cape Town chase.

Key passages and turning points

Brevis’s explosive start and Rutherford’s late power defined capitals’ innings, while Rickelton’s luck at Newlands finally gave way to a smart catch by Parson as Capitals’ fielding tightened. MI Cape Town began well but could not sustain the required tempo, with Maharaj’s leg‑spin playing a pivotal role for the Capitals’ bowling unit.

Notably, Keshav Maharaj was impactful for Capitals, delivering a measured spell after the powerplay and removing key opposition batters as MI Cape Town collapsed from 63 for 1 to 113 for 5. The chase ended in the 15th over, with Capitals celebrating their first win of the year.

Capitals’ win reshapes the SA20 table, signaling a turning point as they gain momentum ahead of the new year. MI Cape Town, still searching for consistency, now faces the challenge of converting early promise into a sustained push.

What did you think of Rabada’s comeback performance and Capitals’ late‑game hitting? Which moment defined the result for you?

How do MI Cape town regroup after this setback, and can Brevis translate raw potential into a consistent run of big scores?

Share your thoughts below and join the discussion as SA20 continues to deliver tight finishes and dramatic twists.