Batting first, Joburg Super Kings posted 123 for 7 in their allotted 12 overs, a total anchored by captain Faf du Plessis. In reply, MI Cape Town chased down the revised target of 124, reaching it in 11.2 overs with four balls to spare, despite losing six wickets.
The Super Kings made a brisk start after being sent in. Du Plessis and new opening partner James Vince put on 32 runs in just 2.4 overs, setting an aggressive tone. Vince was dismissed for 15 off nine balls, caught at cover off George Linde, but du Plessis continued to attack. The former South Africa captain struck four successive boundaries off Kagiso Rabada in the second over and went on to score a fluent 44 from 21 deliveries. His innings accounted for more than a third of the team’s total, with no other batter crossing the 25-run mark.
MI Cape Town’s bowlers pulled things back in the middle overs. Corbin Bosch led the effort with figures of 3 for 24 from three overs, applying pressure through disciplined variations. Rashid Khan provided control and breakthroughs, finishing with 2 for 23, as Joburg lost momentum in the closing stages.
The chase began steadily, with Rassie van der Dussen providing stability at the top. He scored 35 off 24 balls, including three sixes, ensuring MI Cape Town remained in touch with the required rate. The decisive shift came through Nicholas Pooran, who produced a blistering cameo that turned the contest.
The West Indies left-hander smashed 33 runs off just 15 balls, clearing the boundary six times in a display of raw power. His innings neutralised the rising asking rate and placed MI Cape Town firmly in control. Jason Smith then finished the job with a rapid 22 off six deliveries, pushing the home side to the brink of victory before the target was reached.
The win marks MI Cape Town’s first of the season and provides a timely boost after earlier setbacks. For Joburg Super Kings, the defeat highlighted missed opportunities with the bat, despite a strong start from their captain. Both teams will look to build consistency as the tournament progresses.
