In a thrilling encounter at Centurion, the Pretoria Capitals secured their first victory of SA20 Season 2, thanks to Will Jacks' stellar all-round performance against the Durban Super Giants. Jacks' remarkable century, a scintillating 101 off just 42 balls, comprising 8 boundaries and 9 sixes, set the stage for the Capitals' total of 204/9.
Pretoria's decision to hand Jacks the new ball during the Super Giants' innings proved pivotal, as the England international claimed two crucial wickets, including the prized scalp of Heinrich Klaasen. Supported by Hardus Viljoen and Wayne Parnell, the Jacks restricted Durban to 187/7, securing a 17-run victory for the home side.
The Super Giants' run chase faced early setbacks, with Jacks dismissing Kyle Mayers and Klaasen. Despite efforts from Matthew Breetzke and Quinton de Kock, the Capitals' bowlers, including Viljoen and Parnell, maintained control. Marcus Stoinis showed promise with consecutive sixes but fell victim to a boundary catch by Corbin Bosch.
Keshav Maharaj fought a one-way war against Pretoria Capitals
Captain Keshav Maharaj fought valiantly with an unbeaten 25, but the mounting run-rate proved insurmountable. Meanwhile, Reece Topley's exceptional performance, delivering a double-wicket maiden in the penultimate over, momentarily slowed the Capitals' momentum, but the Super Giants ultimately succumbed to their first defeat in Season 2.
As Pretoria Capitals celebrate their first win of the season, the spotlight remains on Will Jacks, who seems poised to play a crucial role in their future matches, and perhaps, as suggested, Centurion may soon be referred to as "Jacks' home ground." In the next game of the tournament, MI Cape Town will host table-toppers Paar Royals at Newlands Cricket Stadium in Cape Town. MI will be keen to continue their winning run as 1/3 of the league stage has finished. On the other hand, the Paarl Royals will look to continue their dominance in the ongoing tournament.
Here is how fans react to the Pretoria Capitals’ victory:
WoooooHoooo!!!! Remember this name - Will Jacks century 🔥
— Dilbag Koundal ਦਿਲਬਾਗ ਕੌਂਡਲ 🇮🇳 (@dilbag_koundal) January 18, 2024
He is part of @RCBTweets @imVkohli @faf1307 Gang 👊👏🤗🏆❤️
He could've gone on to get 150+#SA20League
— Read Scoops (@ReadScoops) January 18, 2024
With this show the losers face also Kock and JJ coz of their slow performance In middle they lost the game
— Sumed Tare (@tare_sumed) January 18, 2024
It's really disheartening to see Jsk struggle with their overseas players. Hoping for better days ahead for the team.
— Avnish Tiwari (@avnishtiwari26) January 18, 2024
@vikas04_06 I am telling you. You need to fit this guy in 11
— ishan (@Ishanpareek15) January 18, 2024
@HamzaIdrees95 First 2 sixes!!
— CricFan (@CricFan_69) January 18, 2024
Powerful hitting 🥵
— Mᴀɴᴏᴊ_ Bʜᴀɪ_ 🏏 (@luvforcricket11) January 18, 2024
These two are the best opening partnership in SA20
— Jon Kent (@JonKent23) January 18, 2024
My favourite 💟
— X Cricketer (@1Just_Live) January 18, 2024