The Paarl Rocks played some beautiful cricket in the inaugural edition of the MSL and ensured a Knockout spot was sealed. Luck was not in their favor, however. Due to rain, the Eliminator match was abandoned against the Jozi Stars. As a result, as they were third on the board and couldn’t make it to the final.
But this time, they ensured that such blunders would not happen by winning their last league game. It was a high-intensity battle with both teams fighting for a final spot against the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants. It was the Rocks who kept their composure under high-pressure situations.
In this vital fixture, the 12-run win helped them push the Giants from the top spot. Although both teams have 12 points each, there is a slightly better NRR for the Paarl Rocks.
Now, they are going to host the final. The Nelson Mandela Giants are now going to have to take the longer path and fight at home in the Eliminator. It was a complete Paarl Rocks team effort.
After being asked to bat first, the way they pulled things back, ensuring they had control over the match, was commendable.
Paarl Rocks pull off a heist with their spinners
Faf du Plessis felt they needed to go for the bonus point in their last game after the defeat in the previous game against Durban Heat. But luckily that wasn’t needed. Before being dismissed in their 30s, both openers supported the Rocks with a successful stand.
The Giants of the Nelson Mandela Bay had a good start in their chase. They initially seemed to be in a good position, but the spinners pulled them back. In his four overs, Bjorn Fortuin conceded just 19 runs.
On the other side, Tabraiz Shamsi picked up two wickets and gave away 25 runs. With his 58, Heino Kuhn tried hard but had no support from others.
