It all comes down to the final double-header of SA20 Season 2 on Saturday to decide who will join Durban's Super Giants, Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Paarl Royals in the playoffs starting on February 6
The Sunrisers will now face Durban's Super Giants in Qualifier 1 at Newlands on Tuesday, February regardless of the rematch against the Royals at St George's Park in the final round-robin match on Sunday
The defending champions adapted to the slow track and showed great tactical awareness with the promotion of all-rounder Marco Jansen up to number four in the batting lineup.
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers, believes the race to the SA20 finish line will be determined by the team that peaks at the right time. As the League enters into the crucial second half, all six teams have it all to play for to cement their places in the Playoffs taking place at N
Paarl Royals withstood the absence of their injured captain, David Miller, to entrench their position at the top of the SA20 table at the Wanderers. Miller was ruled out with a calf strain ahead of the game
Sunrisers Eastern Cape dismissed last season's runners-up Pretoria Capitals for a record-low 52 all out before romping to a nine-wicket bonus point victory
The Royals had previously been defeated on three occasions by the neighbours from Cape Town, with the latest reversal having been Friday evening at Newlands.
Announcing the national squad on Sunday, the DCCI named all-rounder Vikrant Keni as the captain, while Jammu and Kashmir batsman Wasim Iqbal was named his deputy
The Newlands faithful had arrived in their numbers for the first derby of season two and spurred the home side (MI Cape Town) on to their third consecutive win after last season's double.
The Royals maintained their 100 per cent record with their third consecutive victory, while the Super Kings remain winless after four matches. Unlike in previous matches at Boland Park where the spinners have dominated, it was the Royals seamers that set up this win.