Top-order batsman Rilee Rossouw was relieved to find his best gear when it counted most, leading Pretoria Capitals to victory over Paarl Royals in the first semi-final of the inaugural SA20 series at Wanderers.
Rossouw laid the groundwork for the Capitals with his 44th career T20 half-century on Wednesday night, contributing 56 runs off 41 balls at a strike rate of 136.58 as he led the Capitals to a 29-run win in the playoff match.
The part-time spinner also took a rare wicket, dismissing Eoin Morgan and giving away just three runs in his single with the ball.
Read more: Pretoria Capitals defeat Royals, qualify for SA20 final
After scoring just 127 runs from 10 innings in the opening innings, Rossouw was delighted to lead his team into the final.
“The form is temporary but the class is permanent, so that’s just what I’m thinking now, knowing that I’m good and that I can play in this format,” said Rossouw, who was named Player of the Match.
“I have also played at a higher level, so I just stopped, supported my abilities and played with a positive goal.”
Amazing shape
The Capitals won seven out of 10 games in the round robin, finishing at the top of the table, and they are confident they can lift the trophy in the final on Saturday at the Wanderers (against Joburg super Kings or Sunrisers Eastern Cape) after gelling well together. as a unit.
“When the tournament started, we talked about building a family, and they really bought into it and they believed in the process of supporting each other through good and difficult times,” Rossouw said.
“We have a balanced side and everyone looks after each other in all departments.”
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In the final of the new popular T20 league, Rossouw felt it would be important to adjust to the conditions in Johannesburg rain.
“I think the important thing from the beginning is to sum up the situation as quickly as possible,” he said.
“We can only assume that the wicket will be the same as it was (in the semi-final) but we have to assess the situation and just play basic cricket with a fearless brand.”