Paarl Royals captain David Miller admitted MI Cape Town played really well and put his team under pressure after losing the SA20’s opener at Newlands, Cape Town on Tuesday by eight wickets. MI Cape Town skipper Rashid Khan decided to put the home team into bat after winning the toss.
However, the hosts could only manage an under-par score of 142 runs after Jos Buttler scored 51 runs whereas skipper David Miller contributed 42 at the end. Miller admitted the conditions weren’t easy to bat in the first innings.
David Miller said in the post-match presentation, “Conditions were a bit tough as we batted up front. Got a bit easier. But can’t take anything away from them, they played well and put us under pressure. Two dropped catches is never good in a T20 competition. Fielding will be a massive push from us in this tournament.”
Meanwhile, Jofra Archer made a return to action after 18 months and he was able to hit the straps, taking three wickets for MI Cape Town and conceding only 27 runs in his quota of four overs. Miller also showered praise on the opposition’s bowler.
Miller added, “Morgs and I were chatting and he was saying it is nice to see him back in world cricket. Bowling 150 at ease. (On the next game) Two days off now, we need to go back to the drawing board and improve.”
On the other hand, MI Cape Town swashbuckling batter Dewald Brevis scored a magnificent unbeaten knock of 70 runs off just 41 balls to power his team to the target of 143.
Miller was full of praise for the talented youngster as he said, “At the back end, it was really good to watch. Really big talent, wish him all the best.”
It wasn’t an ideal start for Paarl Royals but the team would want to bounce back stronger in the upcoming matches.
Paarl Royals will play their second match of SA20 against Joburg Super Kings on Friday at Boland Park, Paarl.
