SA20 2023: We need some momentum going into the semi-final – Wayne Parnell

Pretoria Capitals captain Wayne Parnell wants to carry the winning impetus into the semi-final of the ongoing SA20 2023. The Capitals won against MI Cape Town in a thrilling fashion by one wicket at the SuperSport Park, Centurion on Saturday.

With this win, the Capitals booked their semifinal spot in the inaugural edition of the tournament. Meanwhile, MI Cape Town posted 159 runs on the board after Rassie van der Dussen scored a fifty but the rest of the batters could not contribute much.

On the other hand, Rilee Rossouw scored 19-ball 40 whereas Kusal Mendis scored 39 runs from 23 balls for the Capitals in the run-chase of 160 runs. In fact, the Capitals needed only three runs off the final over but they needed two runs off the final ball and Joshua Little was able to get his team through.

Wayne Parnell said in the post-match presentation, “Winning is first and foremost the goal of the team. When there were 14 runs, there was a bit of discussion: do I go or wait. Arna’s cameo helped. I can’t tell you too much, at the moment it is sore, tomorrow we have a scan and then take it day by day [on his groin]. Our goal from the first day is to win every game, we have lost 2 games, we have qualified but we still have 2 crucial games left and that’s where the mindset comes in.”

He added, “We need some momentum going into the semi-final. I think we have done well throughout. We have had good starts with the bat and with the ball. When we have been put under pressure, we have responded which is pleasing as a captain. The main character of this team is always believing and having that never say die attitude.”

On the other hand, Rilee Rossouw was awarded the Player of the Match for his quickfire knock in the run-chase.

He said after the game, “No. I can’t say anything about that. He is a very experienced umpire and I do apologize if things went out of hand there [on his displeasure about a non-wide with Marais Erasmus]. There were a bit of crack, and lots of inconsistent bounce and we all know what happened at the end, pretty chuffed about that. I haven’t had the best season, let’s be honest but this game is one step in the right direction. Let’s hope I will perform at the business end.”

Meanwhile, MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan feels it was a great effort but admitted that they were 15-20 runs short of the par score.

He said, “It was a great effort. Great game of cricket, the areas which we were struggling with in the last few games and today it happened again. I feel we were 15-20 runs short. 180 was a good total on this and a good chasing wicket as well. Credit goes to the bowlers who took it to the last ball. It was going to take a little bit of time with the new guys. I know we had the best team in the competition, things don’t go your way sometimes. Cannot do anything about it, got to work hard and keep believing. It will take a year or two and then we will go from strength to strength. Got to wait for the right time and keep working hard and come back stronger for next year.”