Pretorius’ Unbeaten 98 Seals Dramatic One-Run Win for Paarl Royals
Lhuan-dre Pretorius scored a sensational unbeaten 98 to power Paarl Royals to a thrilling one-run victory over MI Cape Town in the Betway SA20 Western Cape derby at Boland Park on Friday.
Defending 15 runs in the final over, Royals seamer Ottniel Baartman held his nerve despite Kagiso Rabada scoring a six, dismissing him off the next ball and restricting MI Cape Town from falling behind. Needing six in the last over, George Linde’s shot fell inches inside the boundary rope, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
Back in form after a quiet start to the season, Pretorius hit 10 boundaries and two sixes in his 65-ball innings. First T20 as Rabada bowled a dot ball to end the Royals’ innings. He narrowly missed the century mark.
MI Cape Town’s chase was led by Rassie van der Dussen (59) and Ryan Rickelton (36), but Sikandar Raza (3/27) and Baartman (4/51) turned the match in the Royals’ favor with significant breakthroughs. Pretorius was named Player of the Match after coming first in the fans’ votes.
