Pretoria Capitals captain Wayne Parnell feels the team can improve on a lot of things despite winning their opening match of SA20 2023 against Sunrisers Eastern Cape by 23 runs at St. George’s Park, Gqebehra on Thursday.
The Capitals posted a par score of 193 runs on the board after SEC captain Aiden Markram won the toss and decided to bowl first. Phillip Salt played a fine knock at the top of the order for the Pretoria Capitals as he scored 77 runs from 47 balls.
Furthermore, James Neesham and Wayne Parnell added the finishing touches as they scored 37 and 29 runs respectively.
On the other hand, JJ Smuts scored a brilliant knock of 66 runs for Sunrisers Eastern Cape but their middle order could not make any substantial contribution. Anrich Nortje was the pick of the bowlers for the Capitals as he scalped two wickets and conceded only 18 runs in his quota of four overs.
Wayne Parnell said after the match, “Winning here is really crucial. Obviously, we had some good hitters down the order. I think confidence plays a massive part, still feel we can improve on a lot of things. Once we let the guys be free we will see the best of them.”
Phillip Salt was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine knock. He said after the game, “We got our lengths right in the second innings with a couple of X-factor bowlers in our side. I had to do what the conditions dictated with the bat. The atmosphere was tremendous. Was a bit nervous, but good to be back and playing cricket again.”
Meanwhile, Sunrisers Eastern Cape skipper Aiden Markram admitted his team was rusty and they will need to quickly bounce back in the Saturday game.
He said in the post-match presentation, “We were a bit off the boil in all aspects of the game, a bit of rustiness, and look forward to the Saturday game. We will have to take the learnings and pretty frustrating but it is what it is. Quick turnaround. We need to stay positive and come back strong. Still, early days and lot to look forward to.”
Both of these teams will once again take on each other on Saturday at SuperSport Park, Centurion.
