Openers help MICT post big score

THE third edition of the SA20 has not been a tournament for opening batters. Or, to put it more precisely, opening partnerships. With spin playing a big role, including in the powerplay, and pacers getting the ball to move, batting in the powerplay has proved to be a fool's errand.

- SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN @Gqeberha

The exception that satisfies the rule? MI Cape Town, whose opening partnership has lit up grounds up and down the country over the last month. The pair of Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen did the same against Paarl Royals on a sun-kissed Tuesday afternoon at St. George's Park. They put on a rapid 87-run partnership and it set them up for a 199/4 in their 20 overs before the lights took full effect in front of an expectant crowd. It's comfortably the biggest ground at this venue in 2025.