Rising star Lhuan-dre Pretorius is fast making himself an instant Betway SA20 hero, scoring a second blazing half-century
Rising star Lhuan-dre Pretorius is fast making himself an instant Betway SA20 hero, scoring a second blazing half-century in Paarl Royals’ Cape derby win over neighbours MI Cape Town at Boland Park on Wednesday evening.
Pretorius smashed three sixes and eight boundaries in 52-ball 83 to follow up his 97 on debut at the same ground.
The 18-year-old has certainly become a fan favourite of the Royals in quick time.
Chasing down MI Cape Town’s 158/4, Pretorius benefitted from two dropped catches to power the home team to victory by six wickets to avenge Monday night’s defeat at Newlands.
The powerful left-hander struck the ball sweetly all around Boland Park but was particularly severe on left-arm spinner George Linde with a couple of sixes over the leg-side boundary.
Pretorius’ innings was only ended through a magnificent piece of fielding from MI Cape Town captain Rashid Khan, who threw the stumps down with a direct hit.
But Pretorius had already done the major damage which allowed Royals skipper David Miller to comfortably take his team over the line with an undefeated 22.
MI Cape Town had earlier battled towards a competitive total due to Rassie van der Dussen’s 91 not out off 64 balls (5×4, 5×6).
Reeza Hendricks provided support with a solid 30, but once he was clean bowled for the second time by Royals mystery spinner Mujeeb-ur-Rahman the home team took control.
Mujeeb (2/27) along with Sri Lankan debutant Dunith Wellalage (0/17) and Joe Root (1/24) utilised the spin friendly conditions to their advantage as they tightened the noose around the MI Cape Town middle-order.
It proved to be the difference on the night as the Royals moved into joint second place with the Joburg Super Kings on eight points. MI Cape Town remains top of the table with nine points, but have played one game more than their two closest rivals.
Innocent Ghost
Sport Trivia: Which South African soccer (football) player was appointed captain of Leeds United in 1998? Answer: Lucas Radebe. Lucas Radebe grew up in a family of 11 children in Soweto, Johannesburg. He played soccer to keep himself occupied and in 1989 he was signed up to play for Kaizer Chiefs. He jumped at the chance to move to England when offered an opportunity to play for Leeds in 1994.
High Deck
South Africa’s domestic rugby competition, called the Currie Cup, dates back to 1891 and is one of the oldest rugby competitions in the world. The competition features South African provincial teams and is named after the British colonial administrator Sir Donald Currie, who donated the trophy.